John
When you get to college remember 6 things:
1) Forget everything that you heard about college being "so hard". That's garbage. It's only school. It's as difficult as you make it.
2) Talk to staff members. This is wisest thing you could do.
3) You will eventually be an Education major.
4) Take care of business early. I know that's easier said than done but you have to do your work first and not be distratcted.
5) Don't be so worried and stressed. It never helped anyone before and it's not going to help you to be upset and worried all the time.
6) Enjoy yourself.
Rachel
Developing good study habits and good time management are the two pieces of advice that I would give myself if I could go back in time to my senior year. One of the hardest adjustments to college is being able to study and understand the material on your own time, while also being able to manage other coursework. If I would of known how much studying there is in college as a high school senior, I feel like the transition would be a lot easier because I would be better equipped for the amount of studying required. When you are at college you are on your own. There isn't going to be anyone there telling you what to do and when to do it. What you get out of college is based on what "you" put in to it. Knowing and being able to have good study habits in high school will make your college experience less stressful and more enjoyable. I wish going back in time was possible because knowing how to study and mange my time would have made the transition an easier path to being a successful student.
Haleigh
Haleigh,
Besides the obvious advice of working hard and studying a lot, there are some other things I want you to know as you begin your college adventure. First off, get over your picky eating habits now. Cafeteria food is nothing like Dad's cooking as far as flavor, texture, or freshness goes. Get used to choking it down or turning to Ramen every night. Next, you will survive community bathrooms, I promise. Yes, it can be a little weird when someone can hear you doing your business, but having to share a vanity mirror with 40 other girls is a great bonding experience. Third, keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. A bad grade on your first exam will motivate you to work harder the rest of the semester. Any fights between you and your roommate might end up with you moving in with your new best friend. Shattering something in the lab could result in having a cute boy helping you to clean it up. Stay positive, something good will come out of any situation. College is a roller coaster, but I know you will get through it. Lastly, have fun!
Good Luck
Haleigh
yousof
In the past generation or two, education wasn't the first priority in order for a person to succeed in life. People had no idea how complicated and sophisticated the world they lived in. The more we invest time and money in education, the more we become more educated and successful in life. It’s true that to get a college education is insanely expensive, but take a second and compare what we know now starting from the basic cell in the human body to complex solar system that we associate. Education is an imperative thing life. Look at your role modle and ask your self why can't i become better than him?
Idamis
As we jump-start to our first year of college it can bring forth a variation of mixed emotions. It can be exciting for most but on the other hand terrifying because you will not have parents around as much as before or if you are not coming straight from high school, being out of school for a long period of time may be difficult as well. If I was to go back in to and talk to myself, as a high school senior and knowing what I know now in making that transition is to be open and positive minded to encounter difficult classes. Also to try and read over the summer and practice my study habits. In college you will need it. It is also a good idea to make sure you do scholarships to help you pay for expenses like books. Lastly, not to be afraid to make new friends and join organizations and participate in community service.
Kayla
If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would change my mindset. I would look into more majors available in college, and truly research them with an open mind. I wouldn't settle for others opinions influencing mine in such a great effect. I would take the time to consider other options, and realize that it was alright that I didn't know what I wanted to study in college. I would take time to relax and not stress about finances and college debt. My mindset would be more open and understanding. I wouldn't rely on my past to make important decisions, but take chances and try new things and experiences. Making new friends orliving in a new city, I would be open to trying them all. I would advise myself to have more fun and not be so uptight. Most of all, I would tell myself to not be afraid to be me.
desiree
I would make sure that I had a job and save money to attend and pay for my first year of college therefore, make sure that I worked harder on improving my writing skills so I could place in the highest level english class. Therefore made sure to attend summer school so i can complete my studies in 3to 4years
Annie
In high school, for three years I ran as class president. It was a game; I had to be chill and famous enough to promote familiarity with the populace. Senior year, I did not campaign and was left from student newspapers, without close friends or comfortable lunch mates. I started to spend time with my next door neighbor and her acquaintances. It was definitely awkward; I felt I was making myself too available, too needy. But spending time with the same people countless times makes us grow close and gradually more comfortable. College is the same, only with a smart variety of people. They recognize time is valuable and if it is spent with them, they appreciate. The first time I met my roommate, she seemed unapproachable. First time Lisa and I went for lunch at B-Dubs, we talked about the weather for twenty minutes. Even silence brought us common ground. Now we share blankets, eye shadow palettes, everything. Be available and welcome new experiences. Do not convulse or shrink at self-conscious moments, plow forward. Cumbersome and troubling situations are positive conditions; they either cultivate appreciation or chances for positive change. Be clumsy and awkwardly grow, modify traditions.
Carrie
First of all I would say, “Your parents are smarter than you, and you should listen to them!" Education is the most important choice you will EVER make in your life. You have to know that you can take care of you and NEVER be totally dependent upon anyone else. Life can bring about so many unexpected changes. You need to be prepared for these changes and the best way to do that is to have an education. Always have a backup plan. Surround yourself with as many positive people with the similar goals and aspirations as you. The company that you keep really does make a difference on your decisions. College is an amazing experience both socially and intellectually. All of those classes that you feel are unnecessary to get your degree, really will make you a more rounded person overall. You will make some your closest friendships here which will last a lifetime. Take a deep breathe and relax, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Most importantly, don't forget to smile, be happy, and have fun. Life is too short to take things so seriously. You are smart! You can do this!
Marisa
I had a really hard time fitting in throughout my time in high school and I was most worried about not fitting in when I started college. I would tell myself not to worry, that you'll find your place within the first few days. That you will meet a couple of really close friends and find one particular person who will help you through it all. Although there are ups and downs and many tears throughout your four years in college, you wont regret anything and it will still be the best four years of your life so far. Your going to run into some of the hardest and most hurtful times that you'll ever experience but your stronger than you think. You'll experience your first broken heart and PA school isn't going to work out for you but trust in God because it works out in the end. Take things day by day because when you look too far ahead, you'll get way too overwhelmed. And most important, don't forget your family. They'll be there for you through everything.
Ashley
Stop procrastinating! The hardest part about college is balancing your time. You have to stay focused and use the time that you have wisely. Sure the classes get hard but it's nothing you can't handle. And just remember, the more time you spend studying, the easier the material becomes. Also, start saving now. Books are very expensive on top of paying for tuition, so you need all the money you can get. Don't spend your money on going out to eat when you know you have a two hundred dollar book to buy that week. Another thing to keep in mind is to keep your head up, because the sun will always come again. Don't get overwhelmed by all the work and all the change, just make the best of every situation. Believe me, you won't get along with everyone you meet or every one of your professors, but you will still have to deal with them, so don't let that get you down. When you feel too overwhelmed, find some time for yourself and relax, it will all be worth it in the end.
Brandon
I would advise myself to be more prepared for the college experience. It is not like high school and you need to grow up quickly, be responsible, and work hard. II would tell myself that my education leads into your lifetime career, and in order to succeed you must work hard and be prepared for what you are entering into. I would remind myself that the harder I work now, the better I will be in the future. Having high goals and expectations should be set and remember to continue to evaluate and to set higher goals for myself continually . I would still choose my current college, but I would have started off more involved in the college and getting to know the professors better. I would recommend getting more involved in the opportunities college offers looking to make life-long friendships. I would tell recommend this college to others, the better quality students, the better my educational experience.
Angelina
In order to transition into college smoothly and achieve the greatest success, I would offer these words of advice: surround yourself with people/friends that have similar goals as you do; bring a recorder to classes that have the old-fashioned "chalk-talk" lectures; sit within the first three rows of the lecture hall or classroom; try your very best during your first semester to cusion your GPA for lower grades in harder classes; don't be afraid to ask professors questions after class or during office hours, but KNOW the exact questions you plan to ask so you don't waste the professor's time; recopy your notes from fast-paced classes for clarity and a quick review; check your online homework databases (ex: Blackboard, Pipeline) at least every other day so you don't miss an announcement or assignment from your professor; and lastly, do NOT be afraid to tell a professor or administrator if you know of someone cheating. If they actually graduate, their poor work ethic will have a negative reflection on YOUR college or university.
Ethan
Thus far in my college experience I have been able to reach and understanding of self worth. When first entering college I understood the goal as just merely obtaining a piece of paper after four years. However, now I have come the realization that it is so much more. College is an incredible investment in ones self. It is how the individual prepares to enter the world to truly leave their mark. My college experience has helped me come to the understanding that it is not something that I just “have to do,” but something that I do to enable me to be that best I can possibly be. College is just simply the key opening the doorway my life to greater possibilities. College has been valuable to attend because it has made me valuable. I can sincerely affirm that because of college I can feel the increase of my worth. I now know that in the end it isn’t the paper that holds the value but rather it is within myself.
Diem
I am a person working hard and love learning, on my first semester, i gotten alot of lesson and got 3.0 GPA.
Michael
Out of college so far, I have received valuable education and learning experience that will be part of my being for the rest of my life. The courses are challenging and the academic integrity is held to a very high standard, but the love for my school overall is unmatched. The small classes, caring professors, and comradery really makes this school stand out from others that I have had the privelage of visiting. My program in Mechanical Engineering has really prepared me for the job experiences that I have had on co-op and for the career that I will embark on after I graduate. From this school, I have received more than just an academic education. It has been a value to me in the life long friends that I have made and the school pride. If I had an opportunity to do it all over again, I would attend UDM again and not have a single regret about it.
Hung
College has been amazing, the number of transfer students to the new faces of people. People here are willing to learn and it motivates me to try hard. This is really important to me because, I am usally a slacker. But with the atmoshpere and diversity I can't help but try my best.
Jack
I have learned that just, because you dont understand somthing that you should raise your hand.
Colleen
Out of my college experience, I have learned that time management is a VERY important factor. I have also learned that although adults make it seem easy to live, managing my money is not as easy as it seems. You must be on top of things at all times and you cannot let your want for things override your actual NEED. Things do not get easy as you grow up, but if done the right way everything is managable.
Brittany
I have gotten the biggest challenge of my life out of my college experience. This is the hardest, most challenging, and most rigorous thing I have ever done in my life. In highschool I never had to try. I was the kind of student that got by with studying the night before and passing with a hundred percent. However I can't do this at the University of Detroit Mercy because if you study the night before you are lucky if you pass the test at all. In my first year at UDM I have failed my first class. I know this probally isn't something I should be putting in an application for a scholarship, but I am being compeltely honest. This was a big wake up call for me and I realzied I wasn't going to be able to get by without trying anymore. I had to retake the class over my summer which was very upsetting but it was important to me that I didn't fall behind in my program. Now, this next year I plan to try a lot harder, study more, and focus on my studies before anything else.