Emily
Do not be intimidated by college. It is an adventure and an amazing opportunity to push limits towards your full potential . Be prepared for a challenge. College is not easier, but is ten times better. You will work harder, study more, and have to develop better time managment skills to keep the same GPA you did in highschool. The payoff, uncomparable satisfaction in a successful days work and the reckless abandonment associated with the belief you can achieve your dreams.
Do not become intoxicate with the newfound level of independence you will gain. When you feel you are becoming desensitized and losing your small town innocence, remember the standard you used to live by. Choose the high road, do nothing impulsively. Do not base decisions on what is most pleasing in the moment but look to the future and the consequences your actions will have on your goals. Have your resolution set before you come to the crossroad.
It is the small decisions that eventually define a life. Your everyday habits will determine how far you reach. Do everything in moderation, but do not fail to recognize you are what you are now becoming. Keep your dreams in sight always.
khurshed
I like college life friends beautiful girls you learn profession. College is useful
Leonard
Work harder in High School to line up scholarships and grants. Spend more time studying and take more accelerated courses.
Jessica
The first and most important advice I would give is to tell myself to be less nervous and shy. Everyone there is in the same situation as you are. You have nothing to fear. I would also advise myself to get to know the professors as best as you can, they are a huge help to your success. Be smart and study, but still have time to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Christina
The best way to do good in college is to prepare yourself in everyway. Take all the math you can, as it applies to your science major. Get to know your high school counselor really well, talk with her about college applications and financial aid. Visit the University campus about financial aid and apply for every scholarship that you're eligible for. Don't be so critical of yourself; take things more lightly and don't stress so much, because it'll be tough, but with some focus and prioritizing (less tv, internet, video games, and partying) it can be done and you'll do great in anything you set your mind to!
Deva
I would tell myself not to worry so much about money. I would do that because now I realize that you can't really put a price on education. Learning what you want to learn and what you are most passionate about is what is really important. You are going to go through so much money in your life that in a decade the few thousands of dollars that it costs for you to go to that college you really want to go to isn't going to matter.
Hosanna
To hang in there, and to try a bit harder in the classes I didn't care for quite as much. College is really a different, but good experience. There are so many different things to experience, just be as open as you can. Also, don't procrastinate so much.
Lisa
A girl lies in her bed waiting for sleep to come because the next day she will begin her last year in high school. So many questions and uncertainties run through her mind as she considers her future. She finally drifts off, but her sleep is accompanied by a strange dream.
A woman approaches. ?Who are you?? the girl asks. ? I am your future self attending college? the woman replies. The girl is astonished and starts rattling off questions. ?What is it like? What school should I go to? How do I choose a degree? How will I pay for it?? ? Whoa, slow down? the woman says. ?These are questions that I can not answer. All I can say is to find your passion and let that guide you on your road through college. It won't be without difficulty, but you will find that the pieces will start to fall into place.? ?Beep, Beep, Beep.? The girl suddenly awakens and lets out a sigh. The questions and uncertainties are still with her, but she feels ready to embrace the road ahead.
Julia
Balance your life. Don't slack on your studies, but remember to have fun. When in doubt, talk to your professors. Chances are, they will be more than willing to help you. Besides, you pay their salary.
Kelsey
My advice for parents and students would be to compile a list of things that you are looking for in a college. Assign each one a number of priority at which to evaluate it. Then compare each college by writing which ones have certain aspects that you were looking for. The universities that do not have the aspects that were in the top 3 priorities can be counted out from the start. It will help when making decisions between schools that you like equally, but one may not have things that are of a high priority.
Shanice
I honestly think that parents need to encourage their students early on in high school because without anyone pushing them students will procrastinate choosing their school, which consequently leads to procrastination when choosing a career path. I think that finding the right college is something that a student should spend time on; explore the website, visit the campus, ask any and all questions that you may have, because without the right college, the student's college experience is bound to be a bad one. When it comes to making the most out of the college experience, parents should be reminded to let your student go. They can't fully experience their new setting if they think that you are always watching. For students, your college experience is what you make it. If you want a good one, be open to new ideas, new people, and new ways of looking at things. That way, you won't be opposed to getting out there and making the most of your college experience. Also, don't be too worried about finding the right major as soon as you apply, it's all part of the experience, and the right major will come along.
Lynn
I would highly recommend visiting each campus you are thinking of attending. Not only does this give you a feel of the college you may be attending, but if helps you see the town you'll be living in as well. Also, I recommend touring each place during the weekdays, that way, the activity level will be high and more accurately portray the university.
When starting college, I would also suggest living in the dorms for your first year. Many of my closest friends at the University are girls on my floor in the dorms. Living in such a small space with someone else is a true part of the college experience for me.
Samantha
When I looked for a college, I first chose my geographic location. I needed to be relatively close to my family and in an area where nature was easily accessible. You'll need an escape valve, something that makes you happy and relieves the pressures of academia and a new social world. If that's a trek through the desert, a shopping stint downtown, your grandma's kitchen or just a few trees, make sure you can get there. If you're in a landscape totally antithetical to your inner well-being, you probably won't be happy no matter how great the program or financial aid package. That said, the school must have good teachers in your areas of interest. Find a balance between place and educational opportunities, then throw yourself in wholeheartedly. In the end, you are responsible for your own education. Seek out opportunites to learn, interact and contribute to a better, healthier world. You will get out what you put in, or as John Lennon says, "The love you take is equal to the love you make." Attending college is a choice. It will take a lot of work and enthusiasm, but also returns invaluable rewards.
Kaci
Dont just apply to one school, shop around and vist colleges. Once you have a seen a few colleges sit down and figure out wich college is the best fit for you. You need somewhere where you are comfortatble and happy dont just pick on price, this is your college experience so choose what makes you happy and will further you education in the direction that you want. When its all over and done you want to be a well rounded individual. Go for what will make you a better person and go with it.
Veronica
Follow your heart. If you know you need a change, make one. College is up to the student, not the parent or institution. It really is what you make it. Visit the schools you apply to and notice the vibe around campus. Talk to students. Explore the town. Find a place that makes you want to stick around and explore. Don't apply somewhere just because your friends are, look for somewhere you truly want to go. I picked my school because it was the exact opposite of my high school and hometown. I came here not knowing a soul. I would never, ever trade it for anything. I LOVE it here. Again, follow your heart and your instincts.
Mariah
I would advise students to visit as many different schools as possible when they're beginning to apply to schools. It's really important to find what's right for you, and to realize that it's ok if a particular school doesn't feel right. Make sure you get a feel for the town the school is in, because that will be your home for the majority of the year. Also, look into housing options. If you're unsure what you want to study, choose a school with a lot of options and flexibility. Make a list of the things that are important to you from your college experience, and try to find a school with as many of those things as possible. Don't go somewhere just because you have friends that are going there; this is the beginning of the rest of your life. On the other hand, don't put too much pressure on yourself. When you graduate high school, you reach the point where you can begin to make your own personal decisions about what you want out of life, so make sure you're doing it for YOU.
Jayann
Actually take the time to explore and make sure you are finding the right school and major for yourself. It's okay if you feel lost to step back, sometimes the best way to find if you're going the right way is to try another direction, time off, or a study abroad. Take advantage of educational offerings, study abroad programs, minors, and any class that sounds interesting to you, when will you get another chance? Don't push yourself to rush through it or you may find what you got was not what you really wanted. Then you may have to start over (like me!). Take your time and enjoy it. Make room for studying and for friends and fun. This is one of the best times of your life.
Shawnae
Advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is that even though each school is different and offers different classes; the experiences you learn about life, friendships, and study skills can prevail no matter where you venture. I would tell parents and students that they only live once and if they can help it, never regret any decision they make with school and the whole learning experience. The whole college experience is unlike any other time in life and I would tell them to enjoy every second to the fullest!
Andrea
There are many approaches to finding the right campus for a student. What I did was apply to as many colleges that I was interested in, and then visited all the campuses that I was accepted to. I took tours, explored buildings, and even dropped in on a few classes. In the end, I chose the campus that just felt like home to me. Of course, financial aid and distance will factor into what college one will choose, so trying to find a college within one's means is a good idea.
To make the most of a college experience, I recommend going to as many school- sponsored events as possible. The chance to meet new, interesting people is immense, as well as finding activities that can be enjoyed throughout life. Also, procrastination may seem like a good idea at the time, but the college experience is so much better without it!
Amanda
The best advice I can give is to go wherever you want to go. Don't ever think there are limitations or that you don't have options. Go to school where you want to go, no matter where it is. I also recommend going away from home. Be your own person and follow your own path. Make the most of your college experience by getting as involved as possible. Pick a college that is in a location you would enjoy. Don't be afraid to join a club or try a new sport. Probably the best thing a new college student can do is be open to new experiences, but don't forget who you are and your values.