University of Maryland Eastern Shore Top Questions

Choosing college could be the most stressful thing for an high school senior. If i could have known what i know now about college and making transition, i would have made a better choice, personally. College isnt all about the parties, and having the best college expreince and being far away from home. which i was really worried about. But college should be about who i be able to find a job after i gradaute or how might taking this major at this particular school help me real my life time goals. If i had any advice like this prior to my high school senior year, i believe i would have made better choices for myself.

The advice I would give to my high school self is be patient Become a critical thinker, do not just act off emotions, think before you speak, become compassionate and trusting of others, more importantly yourself. Don’t not let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals, or perform your gifts. Allow every obstacle to become each accomplishment. Obliterate mediocre thinking and PLEASE keep going Protect each dream and motivation, do not allow the influence of other, or their expectations to become you. Take advantage of every opportunity and soar through life

I would tell myself dont expect college would be an easy transition fro high school. When you come , come prepared to be hit with a crazy amount of exceptations from your family and the school.

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior I would have told myself to go on more college fairs or schedule to go to an individual college to get an actual feeling of what it would be like to go there. I would tell myself to ask a lot more questions on the types of programs and clubs they offer. I would have told myself to stop wasting my time getting nervous, thinking that I would fail and not make it in life.

Dear HS Jasmine, You seem to be a well-rounded teenager. You’re more mature than your peers. However, there are some things that you could learn from you older self. I know you hear these things repeatedly when you’re in College Prep meetings or New Horizon College Club, but trust me, soak up all the information. When people tell you that your high school career is vital to your college application process, believe them! It seems as though you are too in-tuned with your social life. You have enormous potential. Please believe me when I tell you. You are not challenging yourself. You could be doing so much better in school. You’ve been an Honor Roll student your whole life. Your social life has gotten in the way of that. It’s not that you are a bad student, you’ve just accepted being average. Get good grades so you won’t have to worry about paying back thousands of dollars worth of student loans ten years from now! The transition won’t be easy. But, trust me, you’ll be fine. You will do GREAT things in college, and maybe even surprise yourself! Older Jasmine

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell my high school senior self that although college is the american dream, it is a privilege not a right. I would explain to my high school self, that making the college transition is not only taking education to the next level, but it is also taking the right step towards really becoming an adult and being more independent. Taking on more responsibility merits reward when one can make it through everything they encounter and come out unscathed. I would tell myself that in order to get ready for the transition from high school to college I have to re-evaluate everything I know and to lower my expectations, because college is such a big difference from high school, that there shouldn't be any expectations.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get more prepared. Look for more scholarships and grants to not only pay for college but to also pay for books and other expenses that follow. I would tell myself to stay more on top of things and not to depend or blame anyone else on whats not done and what needs to be done. I would tell myself that walking a cross that stage to get that diploma does not just mean graduating high school. It also marks the begining of the rest of your life. Play time is over and you are officially becoming an adult women in this cold world and people will treat you as such.

If I could go back and advise myself on transitioning to college, I would advise myself to be more assertive with my class schedule and school decisions. I believe being confident in your school and course choice will allow you to be significantly more prepared for the change. I would explain to myself on how to stay focused and work hard in everything that I do. I would tell myself not to worry about the little things and just enjoy all the time I have left and look forward to the future ahead of me. I do believe you have to go to school for the right reasons, to learn and earn a degree. If you go for the wrong reasons it could put you in a bad position fairly quickly. College is a journey and every decision matters; be yourself, stay determined and be a little ambitious. Knowledge is the key to success.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now, I would tell myself not to worry about fitting in or making friends because they come naturally. In addition, the first year is the easiest to get acquainted with people from your class year because school's tend to have a lot of freshman meetings and things of that nature. I'd also tell myself to join clubs and stay involved in the school community so there won't ever be a moment where I'm bored but to make sure that I stay focused on my schoolwork.

If I could go back and tell myself anything, I do believe I would tell myself to practice more responsibility. I am expected to be more responsible now that I am older and in college. Teachers treat me more like an adult than a teenager, so I have to act more like it. The most responsibility I had during my senior year was my graduation project and earning my Eagle Scout award. Although both required me to show leadership, neither truly prepared me for the realities of the real world and college. So I would say, "Self, get your act together and act more like an adult. College is a big step. You will need to stand on your own two feet and give life your best. Work hard, play hard, and learn all you can because you only get one chance in life. Make it a good one. I love you."

Take advanced placement courses and or do dual enrollment at a community college. Take the VPA program instead of orchestra so you can have a good portfolio and more experience in the traditional arts to get into a art school! SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS LIKE CRAZY AND APPLY ASAP! For God's sake take the SAT/ACT again and study your buns off 2x as hard! Take that precalc class no matter what so you can pass college matht he first time. Get a better sleeping pattern and stop procrastinating. Oh and go get your general studies classes at worwic/another community college. Rent books don't buy unless you'll use them int he future! Art supplies are hella expensive so look for deals!!! And no matter what you do DON'T come home when mom begs you after your first year you'll end up stuck in college for an extra semester cause of tranferring!!! If you do end up at UMES enjoy it the people you meet are worth it, just don't slack off in the SSC and get aggy!

Look at other schools before setting your heart on just this one. There are probably other schools that offer your program.

The advice that I would give to myself is to attend the local community college and start from there. I have put my family into a financial situation and it makes me feel guilty being a full time student. As a freshman in college there will be alot of distractions but, ignore them and proceed to due your best. While your in college make a ton of friends and don't be scared. Alot of the freshman are just like you and they are timid. Be the best that you can be, study hard to earn good grades, and always keep contact with your best friends from high school.

Honestly if I had the choice to go back in time and talk to myself I would not go. From being in college I have learned that regardless of if you want them to or not oppurtunities come and go, and that is beyond anyones control. With that in mind I never look back on missed oppurtunities because that will never help me with my future. I have learned to live life with no regrets because you can not move forward in life if you are constantly looking back. I would rather skip to the future to see myself succeeding because I truly feel that if I continue to live my life with an open mind, a never settle for less attitude , and no regrets there is no telling how far I can go.

Get the best grade as possible

The first thing I will tell myself is to pay attention in Math and Biology classes. I never realized until returning to college just how important those two subject would be to accomplishing my goals.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself enroll as a rehabilitation student from the beginning, rather than a biology major. I would've saved a lot of time and headache, but I' getting myself together and I will be successful.

If I had an opportunity to talk to myself as a highschool senior with the information I now know, I would simply tell myself to have my financial situation squared away. The number one reason for this is as I get closer to graduation, I am beginning to feel the stress of figuring out how I will pay not only the institution back for debts owed but the government as well. While enrolled at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore I have had the opportunity to work in the Financial Aid Office and here I gained much knowledge that would have helped me decide which methods I would use to pay for school. For instance, understanding that unsubsidized loans are the type that accrue interest while I am in school is something that I would have considered heavily--whether it was to stray away from those types or methods to pay while in school. My highschool self would definitely appreciate this knowledge and having financial worries now, in my senior year, would not be an issue.

In this last school year put all of you because your studies are your future and a little sacrifice in the end pays well. Your future is your education and dedication that you give, give your best in the future to get the best results, have a good job and one that you like, and to live at home with your accomplishments and your luxuries. No matter what it takes, studies have no price limit. Focus on what you want the rest comes with time.

Just to keep pushing myself. Never give up, always go for what I want. Dreams do come true, you just have to chase your dreams.