Laura
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to slow down. That the best way to make this transition would not be to rush into college but rather to figure out what I truly want to do in life. The best way to do this would be to stay close to home and go to the community college that was in district. I would tell myself to make a list of possible careers and go shadow someone in that career. This would be the best way to figure out what I truly wanted to do. Also to fill out as many scholarships as possible, take the time to do this. I might also tell myself to just go to a four year university and live in the dorm. That this experience is important and that I should have it in my life. This is the advice that I would give myself if I could go back to my senior year.
Emily
Do better at studying, get more help from your teachers, do not text in your classes, do not let boys get in the way of getting done what ou need to get done, and listen to your older siblings more about studying habbits and friend habbits.
Daniel
If you take advantage of all the resources available to you during the senior year of high school, you will encounter a smooth transition into college. Applying for as many scholarships is very vital because college is very expense and the less money you have to pay is less stress added to you or your parents. Aside from the cost of school, grades are very important, not only to maintain a good GPA for graduate school, but also to keep scholarships and financial aid. Study hard and constantly to give yourself the opportunity to make an A in every test you take. In the end, if you stay focused on school and your grades things will be in great shape and you will have the time of your life.
Kristin
I would tell myself to become more organized as a senior, and to start actually studying. College is defenitly NOT like highschool, and no matter what your teachers told you, you are not really prepared. Don't pack as much as possible when you move in, and get to know the city. Buy and study your books ahead of time. Eat healthy, and excersise.
Kevin
Visit a wide variety of college campuses during your senior year of high school. You need to get a feel for all types of campuses and their campus life. Every campus is different and appeals to a different kind of student. Make sure you visit classroom situations, visit several dorms, and speak with current students to get a true picture of each campus. Do your financial aid paperwork ASAP (the FASFA on line) and respond to the financial aid award letters you will receive from campuses you applied to. Enjoy high school and get involved in all you can because everything you do in high school is looked at by college recruiters during the application process.
Nicole
I would definately tell myself that the teachers will not give you all of the answers.. they are here to help guide you. I would also tell myself to make friends quickly and set up study groups - to prepare for tests and to help encourage you to stay ahead. Not to worry about driving to each class - it's a waste of time trying to find parking then having to rush to class.. Never procrastinate. A schedule is usually given at the beginning of the semester, review it, and get working on the papers and projects as soon as possible. Waiting around means earning a poor grade. Sit somewhere wher you know you will have to pay attention and will get caught if you slack or goof around. Buy a digital recorded to help fill in your notes on your own time. Always strive to do your best and you will succeed.
shawn
if given the opportunity to go to college and get a degree do it. I am 37 with 2 kids still trying to finish my degree. I had the opportunity and blew it because I was to worried about love and became unfocucsed on what was really important to me. I tell you and my children everyday, don't give up your dreams, fulfill them and lead the life that you want not what someone else wants for you. Be true to yourself and make yourself happy first then life will come alot simpler for you.
Brandi
Take advantages of all opportunities offered in high school, like dual credit.
Aerin
Aerin high school was easy compared to college. You should not have exempted out of final exams even though you qualified. You needed the practice because in college you cannot exempt out of exams no matter how good your grades and attendance. It was a good thing you learned how to manage your time Aerin. College success is about managing your time wisely.
Courtney
Honestly my college experience has been awesome. If I could go back to being a high school senior I would probably take dual credit courses so that I could be ahead a little in college. I go to a very small Christian school and I fit in very well. My high school experience was not as good as it could have been. I was not the "party" girl so had a hard time in that area. I also have committed to saving myself for marriage so dating was always a challenge. I fit in at UMHB because the majority of the students have Christian beliefs and high morals. I am at my home away from home.
Ely
Get a goddamn license, find a car, and go to where you (we? I?) know you would have liked to go. If the school I actually did go to is any indicator, you'll do just fine if you rely on yourself and don't expect anyone else to pick up the slack. You come from a long line of hard workers, the blood in your heart knows what to do. Remember to make time to read and sleep and write, don't let your greatest talent rust over. Be strong and courageous, never falter in support of your friends, always comfort them, never be a burden. Your greatest challenge will be the people around you. Visit the family more; you mean the world to them. Things are about to go to shit, you can already tell. Be like a rock, solid and firm. Your brothers and mother depend on it. Also, waste no time in losing weight and growing a beard, once you do that you'll finally be able to look in the mirror and smile. That helps.
Khristian
If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that it is okay to be a little different. Do not let your shyness keep you from making new friends. It is going to hurt a little when you have to let your high school friends go, but it will be okay. You are going to make new friends with some of the same quirks and loves as you.
Try not to worry so much about boys. They will either like you or not, but if you want one of them to like you, make sure that it is you that he likes, and not some facade that you have put on. Do not settle on the first boy who says he likes you; let God lead you to your right one. I know he is cute and sweet, but just hang on, there is a better one coming.
The last thing I would tell myself is to remember what is important to me. New experiences and new people are great, but they are not worth sacrificing my values and personality for. Smile at the camera, love all people, and go Crusaders!
Sarah
I would tell myself that it isn't as bad as people say it is. Even though you do have to work hard you can still have fun and suceed. Work hard and you can be anything you want to be!
Brandi
Make sure your college town is pretty close to the norm that you are use to. If the campus is a lot bigger than your high school you will get overwhelmed and turning to drinking/drugs to calm you down and then youre whole life will be ruined.
Marcus
Go where you feel your heart is calling you to. If your heart skips a beat the first time you step on that campus, that is most likely where you should go. follow your intuition.
jessica
My advice to parents and students is to check out all your options. If you go and visit several campuses that draw your attention you will find what you like and dont like about each one and then it will help you find a school that has all that you like! Also, talk to students that currently attend the schools you are interested in. It is good to talk to alumni also, but things can change over a few years so it is best to talk to someone who is currently attending a school you are interested in. Find out wheter you want to go a long way from home, or only a short distance. This can really have an impact on what school you will attend. So, do your research and talk to different people about the schools that you are interested in. First hand knowledge is the best when finding out information about colleges! Whatever college you choose, I hope you love it as much as I love mine!
Matthew
Take your time researching the schools you are interested in. Apply early. Apply for financial aid early.
Cari
While it's great to base your choice off of where your friends are going, it's best to look at the academic side as well as the social. Chances are, you're going to have a social life at any school and it's always possible to make friends outside of class, but it's another thing to change the academics. Look for a school that has what you're interested in. A large number of high school students now days are under the impression that college is all about the party scene, but it's more than that, if not at all like that. School is school--you're here to learn. Go out and have fun, be a little crazy; you're only this age once. But always be aware that you are spending your money to get an education. Therefore, why not get the best one possible? The parties will go on after college, but you only have once change to do well academically. Make the choice that will benefit you in the long run.
Terrynce
Make sure you visit the campus before you completely sign up for classes. If all possible, stay the night with a friend or spend a considerable amount of time observing the school through a student preview program. Once in college, once you've found the one that fits you, don't go home every weekend. Sorry, parents, but your son or daughter needs to make new friends, and embark on a 4 year journey on their own. And it can be difficult if they don't have any friends. Students, don't be afraid to say no. Overloading yourself can be stressful and detrimental to your social and academic life. However, don't be afraid to say yes. Be open to campus organizations, fraternities, sororities, etc.