Shawn
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and give advice on making the transition to college life, I would advise myself to look into as much financial aid as possible. I had to make the transition from living at home with my mother, to living by myself at college. All of my financial decisions were now up to me. College can get to be expensive with all of a student's needs; including tuition, housing, books, everyday living supplies, and food.
Food is the most underestimated factor coming into my new college life. In college you have the options of purchasing a high priced meal plan or acquire your own groceries, which have also proven to be dreadfully expensive. Food is an essential necessity to provide energy to focus in class as well as to study. Without this, a student?s life may feel incredibly weary.
Living by yourself takes responsible choices on finances that involve many factors while in college. This is something I wish I had known while I was a senior in high school. Without the proper funds, decisions on how to survive are even harder to make.
Keylan
get the classes picked out now! don't change degrees, get this done! don't let dad get drunk every day.
Philippe
I would have taken the time to be better prepared with my academics and financial situation. I would have compromised more of my free time to utilize it into achieving higher academic scores and researched more ways to finance my higher educational goals. I would have also taken a course in time management to better apply my time towards long-term goals instead of short-term or instant pleasure goals. Furthermore, I would have been more active in the community as leader and a role model and devised more time to the community instead of leaching off it. Finally I would have read more books before my senior year to better develop my language skills to develop a greater vocabulary and be more effective in my communications.
Thank you for taking the time to read my response and God bless you.
Bryant
I would definetly tell myself to GET GOOD GRADES and to only concentrate on that and not all the issues that comes along with high school. For starters I would have told myself to think long term and forget about the dum things that wont help me succede in my future such as girls and the festivities. Basically it will be easier if you start now to do well.
Nicole
Don't think that because you are smart and involved in high school that it's going to be just as easy in college. Learn study techniques now because you will need to actually study in college.
Dexter
I would tell myself to make memories because those are one of the only things you can keep with you throught the many years of your life. Also, I would tell myself to live life to my fullest, never having regrets. And lastly, I would tell myself to serve God with my whole heart because he is the only one that truly matters!
Maeleesa
Advice: Education is key...while college is fun and exciting it is most important to get your education first. Take advantage of free tutors and study groups because they are very helpful when it comes to studying for that big final exam. Always attend on campus job fairs because employers always have their eye out for new up and coming employees fresh out of college. Select classes wisely and apply for all the financial aid that you can. College is one of the greatest experiences a young individual can experience and always make the best of it.
Tara
I would tell myself to take my adcademics more seriously. College is very different from high school. Although I never had to study in high school or work very hard for an A, college will make sure that you are doing the best you can. I would just make sure that I was striving for the best and was better prepared for having to focus on school more than having a social life.
Stephanie
UCF is going to cut your major right after you get there, those bastards!!!!
Michelle
My senior year of high school I was overweight, self-conscious and lacked the motivation to take control of my life and make the change that was so desperately necessary. As a college junior if given the chance to go back and give myself advice I can honestly say that I wouldn?t. The unexpected, the new and unknown are what shocked me into change. I need a constant flux and challenge to keep me engaged and on my toes. The way my life unfolded from senior year up until this point is because of spontaneity and uncertainty. While the option to advise myself in the past would undoubtedly save some heartache, it?s that very heartache and confusion that shaped me into the woman I am today.
Marcus
I would advise myself to plan out everything as much as possible. I would also encourage myself to study hard and do well in all of my high school classes, especially the math because it would be very beneficial to me in the future at the university level. School can be stressful and overwhelming at times so I would also tell myself to make sure that I am involved with an organization or at least have a close group of friends that I can talk to or just hang out with to help relieve stress. Lastly I would say that there is an abundant amount of opportunity in college but you have to go and get it. "Grab life by the horns"....and then ride it!
Jaileen
Life as a senior in highschool seemed so easy and carefree. If I could go back in time I would definitely make sure to plan out my life and fill out as many scholarships as possible. I would research different occupations that I am interested in and make sure to know the requirements needed to accomplish it. As for scholarships, I would try to at least fill out a scholarship a day and I would look into scholarships for the particular college that I plan on attending. While in highschool, I was a lot more interested in my social life than in academics and I would certaintly change that, as academics are very important as well.
Samantha
If I could go back in time I would tell myself to keep my job and continue to work and make money. I found out that college is a lot more expensive than I expected. However I feel that it is worth every penny. The experience one gets at a university is unforgettable and the memories created last a lifetime. Hence, I would also warn myself to never take anything for granted because attending this university is a priviledge. So enjoy life, never loose site of my goals and continue to work for what I want because in the end it will all work out for the better. I would look back at my past and at my family and see the struggle we have been through and always remember that I am not only getting an education for myself but also for my family. I want to be able to set a good example for my sister and show her that when you work hard you can accomplish anything. Getting my degree would be like icing on the cake for the sweet life I plan for myself.
Elizabeth
I would say to myself, to believe in yourself and don't let others manipulate you. No one knows you better than yourself and its only you can trust. The people who you thought you could trust completely will be the first ones to betray you, so be aware of others. Trust your instincts and be confident in yourself.
Koralisse
I would tell myself not to give up, to embrace change and though it all seems overwhelming you will get used to the lifestyle and achieve your goals.
Sinsdy
I would remind myself that without a motivation to get things done they will not get done. If you are not going to happy about the decisions that you make, do not make them. At the end of the day it is you that is going to live your life no one else, so do whatever it is that makes YOU happy. The transition between college and high school is a big change. You will have a lot more freedom and your life is no longer on a set high school schedule. What you do with your time is up to you, but you will receive what it is your put your efforts into. There must be a balance between life and books. If you do not find that balance college will just be a big party or stressful years. The balance between life and books will help you clear your mind, but also focus when it is necessary. College is what you make it. College can be the most amazing learning experience or just another dreadful step in life. Life is your empty canvas; your mind is the painter. What your mind paints can only appear on that canvas.
Amanda
Given the opportunity, I would have told my younger self to "Apply to University of Central Florida"; I would have save my self the time the squandered.
Chelsea
If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student the first thing i would say is college is not as hard as you think it is, so dont get intimadated and distraught because its not what it seems. College isnt easy but if you are determined and focused then you will be sure to do just fine. Enter college with a freash startt, postive attitude, and a brighter outlook on the future.
Lauren
I would encourage myself to get involved from the very first day. I would suggest joining a sorority, going to club meetings, and playing intramural sports. I would also suggest living on campus in a traditional dorm, because I now regret not making that decision my first year. It's an important way for first-year students to meet other people in their same situations and learning to live with others and get to know diverse people. I would suggest enrolling in many different types of classes in order to figure out what I would most likely be interested in. There are so many options: business, marketing, psychology, hospitality. The possibilities are endless and it is much easier to explore in the very beginning than once you have earned most of your credits. Most of all, I would tell myself to venture in to college with open eyes and accept all the new changes as opportunities for growth that I will experience nowhere else in my life.
Devin
Start early and stay early. Many high school graduates see the upcoming Fall term as the beginning of college and the rest of their lives -but it's not! College can easily start the summer before! Why do this? Starting the semester with extra credit hours not only gets you ahead in your coursework, but allows you to start out the academic year with a grade point average.
Having good grades is impressive. Being able to say, as a freshman, that you have high grades in college courses is even more impressive. This looks good to your professors and teaching assistants, advisors, and potential employers (especially on-campus ones!). It's another way to stand out.
And we can't understate the jump-start on coursework. Even if it's only completing the general education requirements, taking a few summer classes can be a great preview to the college course: how it's run, what's expected of you. Plus, now there's extra space for classes you're interested in. Unless you want to graduate early? Or be uber competitive by taking your upper levels earlier?
Let this be a habit. Early coursework, early studying, early preparation. Good luck!