Towson University Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I could really help myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I was always the type of person that needed to learn things on my own. Before going to college, my parents kept informing me that I would have alot of free time and be on my own to handle my schoolwork obligations. I didn't feel that this would be any kind of a problem. When I started my Freshman semester this year, I took advantage of this free time, and my grades began to suffer as a result of my misuse of time. When I reached mid-semester, I finally realized what I was doing to myself and I decided that from that point foward I needed to become very serious about my time management and priorities. I had a successful semester and finished working very hard for it. I learned that I could have made things much easier for myself had I listened in my high school senior year. One good result was that I have learned my lesson for going foward with college.

Dear High School Marissa, You're probably listening to all of you high school counselors tell you how important it is to get good grades and be active in extracurricular activities in high school. I also know that you're not listening to them. If anything you should study very hard for your SAT's to be placed in good classes your first year of college. Believe me, because when you get to be a sophmore and junior in college your going to regret having to take placement tests and getting into review classes as a freshman for no credits. It's bad when you're in those classes not because thats what academic level you're at but you didn't do well on one test. So the main advice I give to you is to not take college lightly. It's a serious matter and is very challenging. But with some effort I know you can do it. Sincerly, College Marissa

I would tell myself that college is hard work and i dont think even high school can prepare you for it. The emotional and physical transition is something that everyone will react to differently, yet the same. Going away to school or staying home, we're all growing up and need to make decisions for ourselves. The effort you put into work at college, is exactly what you will get out of it. No one will be there chasing you to get assignments in on time or a school bell to make sure your at class on time. College life gives you a sense of adulthood and what the real world is like. Maturity and responsibility aren't neccesarily taught at college, but attained. High school is only a stepping stone to a greater future.

I would love to go back and talk to Charleen while she was a senior in High School. There are many things I would emphasize. These are the most important ones: first, and most importantly concentrate on obtaining the highest grades possible so it could directly affect raising her GPA. Secondly, prepare like if there was no tomorrow for the SAT/ACT. This serves as a measurement for so many things post- high schoool and will affect placement and colleges she would like to attend. other crucial factors include getting to know your advisors/ counselors in high school as they have a wealth of information on so many subjects. They also may serve as references for applications to schools or even employment opportunities. Last but not least, I'd advise Charleen to help her parents as much as she can economically while attending college. I'd make her take a close look at the cost of education and the sacrifices her parents have been making to ensure all three of their children attend college. Grants, scholarships and oter means to help. All in all, Charleen and I would have a long and serious talk!

College is not a destination, its a launching pad. It is a place we go to make the crucial decision of which direction we want to launch ourselves toward in the persuit of a fullfilling life. How we choose to contribute to the world we live in is a very important decision and a sacrifice, however can be a sacrifice that we enjoy giving. Choose a path which excites you, which you are driven toward and which gives you a sense of purpose. Make a conscious decision to succeed in all that you do in college, because it is truly a significant investment. Financially it is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, why waste all that time, effort and money? You are the consumer. You pay for the service of education. Take full advantage and get your money's worth. Make your investment worth-while. I once read that often times the great people we look up to, often had opportunities that put in front of them. What set them apart, is that they siezed it and ran with it. This is an opportunity placed in your hands. Do somthing!

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself numerous tips on how to better prepare for the college experience. I would first and foremost encourage myself to do as many scholarships and try to obtain as much free money as I possibly could. I would also tell myself to apply to more schools so that when it came time to choose which one to attend I would have more options. I would also warn myself not to get too wrapped up in the freedoms of being in college so much so that I neglect any of my work. I would also remind myself the main purpose of college an any other higher institute of leaning is to increase my knowledge so any obstacles in college that do not promote increasing education are irrelevant. Lastly I would remind myself to always work hard and keep my long term goals in sight whenever I felt that I could not achieve. The most important advice I could ultimately give myself would be to work hard and try my absolute best not matter what.

Take school more seriously. Open your mind to learning, and classes will be easier. Limit the complaints about school. Take it for what it is and it won't be so bad. Be interested in learning about things, you may not agree with it but it will make you a smarter person. Also, do not give into peer presure. Be true to yourself. Do not let anyone make you feel bad or uncomfortable about your lifestyle choices. Get involved more on campus. Make lots of friends, be true to those friends. Just have fun and do want you came here to do.

It is important to socialize get to know people outside your comfort zone, but also remember that you are in schoo to learn. Learn time management now, there is a time to have fun and also a time to study. Also getting to know your professors will help if you ever need extra help or for future references. Most important do not procrastinate it ight seem like that paper can wait until after the part but doing it the night beore will not help.

Dont be so nervous and I would have gone to a community college first. I am in a lot of student loan debt and had a really difficult time finding a job post graduation.

If I could go back in time and give myself adivce there would be a lot I would say. I definately starting off at a community college is a great way to get started. By going to a community college you are saving yourself a lot of money on general study classes that you would have to take at any school. Also, it's a really big step to come out of high school and go right off to college when you are used to living at home. This is a nice middle ground. College is a lot of hard work. I think the most beneficial thing you need to know before diving in to college is how to manage your time. It makes a life a lot easier and you won't procrastinate as much if you plan ahead. Also, don't miss class. It's not like high school. Mainly, the best advice I could give is to put your best foot forward and try your hardest, put all of your efforts in to school because it will benefit you in the long run.

I would tell myself to start studying in the summer :-). Actually, I would tell myself to stay grounded and try hard for scholarships. I would also tell myself to know what major I wanted right off the bat. I know they say you have time to figure it out, but that isn't necessarily true, because the classes that you need fill up fast and the classes from one major may not count towards another major. Last, I would tell myself just be prepared to have fun, you will make some bad decisions, but it is all a learning process.

If I was to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself not to freak out about college. I will make awesome friends, and excel in classes. As scary as it is to go to a new place, especially with no one else from your graduating class going to the same school, the school you chose was perfect for you, and you will make friends that you will wonder how you ever lived without them. All in all, I would just say cherish the last moments you have in high school, and get excited for the future.

knowing what i know about my school , i would still choose towson if i were to go back in time. It is highly populated by whites, but that does not intermedate me at all. it has made me so competitive. if i cannot survive a school with 15000 whites, how will i survive the real world with millions of white? i would tell my self to be focused, diligent and hardworking. i will tell myself to study and be excellent in all you do, because it is profitable to work smart and not hard

Don't take out any student loans! Go to Community College first and then pick ONE four-year institution to attend! When it comes to transferring classes from one school to another for degree credit, check with more than one counselor to make sure the rejected classes really can't be transferred!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to pay close attention to what you learned in high school because it does effect how much you know in your college years. Also, I would tell myself not too sweat the small stuff and stay calm and focused on whats important. Times get hard when you are in college. It is a lot of work and should be treated like a full time job. What's important is that you just calm down and do what needs to be done. Everything works out fine in the end and the more you stress over something the harder it is to stay focused and come out successful. Finally, it is important to always apply yourself and reach your full potential. Slacking off and putting your schoolwork last on the list of things to do won't make your school experience very enjoyable. In order to have the smoothest ride possible it requires hardwork and dedication. In the end you will come out victorious.

I would tell myself that COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS OK! I went to community college my first two years and hated every minute of it because I saw all of my other friends going to these expensive four year colleges. I didn't realize that there isn't a difference between the two except that I won't be thousands of dollars in debt like they will be upon graduation. Another piece of advice I would give is something that is bascially beaten over students heads in high school...JOIN A CLUB. Find something you want to take part in and just do it. Don't think about it being embarassing. Don't be shy. Just do it. It'll open up new windows of opportunity for friends, internships, FRIENDS, something to do on a thursday night, and it'll look good on a resume. I spent the first six semesters of my college career in solitude becuase I didn't put myself out there and join a club. College will be so much better if you have someone to live it with. Lastly, enjoy. You'll miss this when it's gone. Trust me.

I would have developed better study habits because I managed to get by in high school with A's and B's without really studying, and I wrongfully assumed that college was the same. Now I realize that most of my grades are based on exams, which requires A LOT of studying, and I have learned through trial and error that studying really goes a long way. Also, I would have been more involved in school activities and more active in applying for scholarships. Maybe I would have more financial assistance to be able to live on campus if I was more determined and not so intimidated about applying for scholarships. Although I did make these mistakes in the past, I have learned in my year and half being at Towson that I can push myself to do better and work harder and that I have a lot more in me than I ever realized I had before.

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would definitely tell a high school senior that the key to transition in college is learning how to balance your social life and your academic life. While it is important to have fun, and everyonce an awhile go crazy, you are there to learn and get a higher education. Those students that are able to balance academia and friends are the ones, I feel, have the most fulfilling experiences during their undergraduate career. I would also tell them that not knowing your direction when you are a freshman is okay. Sometimes it takes a year to figure out what subject area you want to pursue, and when it comes down to it, follow your dreams. I graduated in film production, and while the market is highly competitive, I wouldn't have changed my decision for the world. You are paying for your education, so get the one that you, and don't let external pressures push you in a direction that you don't want to go in. Don't be scared to take a risk with your studies, as long as your heart is in it, it is worth it.

Have fun in undergrad! Choose a major you enjoy or find interesting, but don't work yourself to hard. You can grow up later. Cherish your friends and family, because they will be the ones to pick you up when you fall. Make decisions based on what you want to do. Do NOT factor in anyone elses opinion, but your own (no boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, family, etc) these decisions effect you life. If those people do mean a lot to you and vice versa they will always be there for you no matter what. Graduate school is no joke so make sure you are ready for that comitment. Be careful who you choose for a roomate, just because you are good friends doesn't mean you can live together. Stop and smell the roses :)

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advice I would definitely take the opportunity! I think the most important thing that I would want myself to know would be to make sure to get out and meet new people. It is very important when transitioning from High School to College to step out of your comfort zone and do things you never thought you would do. College is a very special time in your life where you get to meet new people from different places, experience new things, and learn a lot about yourself. I somewhat let my first year of college pass me by, and I would want to tell myself not to let that happen. When someone asks you to go do something, do it. Even if you have reservations about not knowing anyone or being nervous, just do it. College is a great place to meet new people and you can't do that unless you make yourself available.