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Firstly, I would tell myself that although there were great times and friendships made in my high school years, college is a great time to continue the journey onward. There is no need to dwell in the high school years; rather, to merely look back on them with fond memories. I would remind myself that even though money is crucial in paying for college, just because a full-ride is available, doesn't mean it will always be the best choice in the long run. I would tell myself to still get involved; whether that is in music programs, student organizations, going to concerts with friends, etc. I would remind myself to continue my work ethic and make it stronger so I can have more free-time and less time worrying about studying. And lastly, I would encourage myself to be patient because my future husband was just months away!

I would make certain that my high school self applied for more scholarships and grants. To have to pay for college in full without scholarships leaves too much anxiety that isn't helpful when concentrating on getting good grades. It would also save me from having to already apply for loans and to avoid debt as much as possible before I graduate. Another piece of advice that I would give is to go on campus before school actually starts to find your classes. Otherwise you will end up on one side of campus when you need to be on the other side, or end up in the wrong classroom because you did not read the building's name correctly (even when they have the same classroom numbers). Also, have a good support system when going into college. Many college students suffer from depression because of stress and work overload, and it is not beneficial to be fighting depression while studying for exams. That also goes for having a job. Work seasonal and during the summer, but never during school. My senior self will quickly regret ever making that decision, especially when you switched from English to pre-med!

If I could go back and advise myself as a future college student, I would focus on what ultimately would serve as the foundation of my future, such as information obtained, the service provided to my community, and the professional relationships established. When making the transition to college, I would advise myself to relax and realize there will be things that are beyond one's control. There is no sense in stressing over situations one cannot influence, so take some deep breathes and focus on issues you can impact. Now aimed at the academic aspect of college, remember to read. You are now viewed as an adult with more responsibilities, and this includes your education. The information you obtain will not be spoon-fed to you; you are expected to prepare yourself for class. This includes reading the material before class, writing questions you have, and budgeting your time to complete assignments on time. Lastly, I would say to have a social life. College is also a time of networking and building social skills. I have met some of the most influential individuals in college, and is important that you do not burn any bridges as you make this journey.

I would give the advice of expect the unexpected. When I was a senior I thought all I wanted to do was be an architect, but now after my first semester I realize that I would rather do engineering. It is more math and science based, which is one thing I expected to be in architecture which wasn't. Architecture was more based on looks than stability. I also never expected the classes to be how they are. Some are huge and some are about the same size as high school classes. I also expected there to be more to do at the college but there wasn't much to do till after hours at Kent State. I also never thought school and work could be so stressful, my second semester I tried to do both and I was so stressed. I wish I would have known how to time manage better. So the best advice I would be able to give is to expect the unexpected and try my best.

The differences between college and the blissful life before are choices and deadlines. You now have the privilege of making your schedule fit your classes, deciding to do homework, study, or just drop the class, and remembering dates to register for classes, financial aid, and counselor appointments. Once you finish your last day of senior year, you are on your own and no one will help you unless you push and shove and demand for answers. You will hear many times that the key to success in college is asking questions; you need to make counselor appointments at least once a semester and go to your professor’s office hours for extra help. However, you will dismiss this and slack off because it’s frustrating when teachers answer with a question and counselors will not tell you what to do and say, “It is your decision,” but in your darkest hours, a light bulb will go off in your head and you will remember, “This is my life.”

Do not give in to "senioritis". It may be tough, especially in the last semester as a senior, to work as hard as you have all through high school, but it is worth it in the end. Also, apply for as many scholarships as you can to get more aid for college. When I started as a freshman in college, I was nervous about making friends and getting involved. However, just be friendly and do as much as you can to make friends, because these are the people who you will make life-long memories with. Also, dorms are not as bad as they seem! It is fun to live in semi-cramped rooms with people you do not really know because it forces you, in a sense, to be your true self and really open up. The last piece of advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to just have fun and stay on campus during the weekends, instead of going home, because there are fun events planned by your dorm and you do not just have to party like most people think.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to make sure I follow my passions. When deciding what college to go to and what profession to major in alot of people will be trying to give you advice. You need to remember to do something that you are passionate about. By taking this direction you will be more likley to enjoy your classes and get better grades. Many people will tell you to choose a major because of the income potential you will have when you graduate. However, just because a career path pays well it may not be the best opprotunity for you. If you choose something you enjoy the money will follow and so will your happiness. College is a big step in life and it is important to not take this decision lightly. Your college career will help shape the path of your life.

Tatiana, don't give up. Work hard because in the end, you end up choosing a college education, and paying attention and staying commited will help you. Pay less attention to your boyfriend and your own insignifigant problems and start paying attention to your future. Give it some more thought. You're not thinking straight right now because you're so wrapped up in what's going on right now. Just hang in there, you'll pull through. I know it's hard, but don't let yourself give up.

always keep focuse on your studies and do not have to muuch fun

If I could go back in time, I believe I would take more classes at my local branch university during my junior and senior years of high school. Ohio's post secondary program gave me great insight into college academic expectations. It also allowed me to start college just one credit shy of sophomore status, which means I've saved a great deal of time and money. The time I spent on my art AP coursework in high school would have been better spent in post secondary classes. The advantages are quite clear from my perspective now. AP courses require a costly and time-consuming test to determine if credit can be awarded. And then it is entirely up to the college whether they will accept the credits or not. There are no guarantees they will. As a post secondary student, however, your credits are treated quite like a transfer student's.