tess
continue to work as hard as i had in high school.everything you do in high school continues into college, such as study skills, etc.
James
If I could go back and give myself advice on one thing, it would have to be to be as open and accepting as possible when I get to college. When I first arrived to school, I was shy at first and not sure how to make new friends. For the first few weeks I spent a lot of time in my room talking to old friends and thinking about all the fun times we used to have. It wasn?t until I realized how many available opportunities the University of New Hampshire offered to help people like me to get out and make new friends and to create new memories that I began to go out and socialize. Once I got out and got involved with various clubs and realized how accepting everyone else was, I was able to be more open about myself and form new relationships with people.
Carol
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to worry. The transition to college is easy. There are many people in the same situation, being three hours away from home and without a familiar face in sight. Just keep working hard and try not to worry about it. The food is not bad and people do not judge you. People will even hold the doors open for you. Once you attend college you will not have to worry about fighting, drugs, gangs, or getting shot. You will finally be far away from those and you will never have to step out of your dorm scared of being attacked or rapped. You will be able to walk out at night, alone, with no worries. Just keeping working hard and some day you will be able to be that music teach that you have always wanted to be. You will be able in inspire many future musicians and will have life long friends who will always be there for you every step of the way.
Sara
If I could go back, the one thing I'd tell myself is that all incoming freshmen are in the same boat as you! The summer before coming to UNH, I believed I was going to be the only freshmen that didn't know a single soul, wouldn't make friends, and have to walk around campus by myself, which is why I decided to room with a friend from back home. I think that is my biggest regret of my college years. I stayed close to what was "safe" and "comfortable", and I feel as though I missed out on making close bonds with other people in my dorm. It's normal to be scared and nervous as an incoming freshman, but what people should know is you aren't alone. Expand your horizons and step outside your comfort level, because in the end it will be worth it.
Colleen
Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life. You have time and there are a lot of people who want to see you succeed in what ever makes you happy. Don't hold back either. Take any class that looks interesting.
Jed
I was a very rebelious young man in high school, and am very thankful I didn't go to college directly after I graduated. I know that if I had, I would have wasted a lot of money and time. If I could go back, however, I would tell myself that learning is the best thing anyone can do for themselves. I would tell myself how much I've learned, and how confident I feel about my future. I would suggest that I start caring about my grades and building good relationships with my teachers. School is not all about having a good social life, it's about utilizing the tools made available to you and putting them into action. If I could sit down with myself in high school, I would tell myself to start thinking about my long-term goals, and realize that there is nothing I cannot accomplish. It's really as simple as that. Nothing can stop me from attaining my goals except myself. This is something I've come to clearly understand and it is what drives me each and every day. I only wish that I had realized this a little sooner.
Patrick
Just to join some clubs early because it's the easiest way to make friends. Also I would remind myself not to procrastinate and take my school work easily because it's nothing compared to high school. At UNH you need to work hard and study in order to get the grade that you want, you can't just sit back and expect it to all come easily. Finally I would remind myself to pack a broom because I forgot one my freshman year and my dorm room floor got pretty dusty.
Caitlin
Good grades equal increased opportunities! That would be the most important advice that I would give. I would beat that into my head no matter how much pain it inflicted. Had I spent more time on my high school studies, I would have had more choices among colleges and I would have received more scholarship offers. I would also advise myself to enjoy my teen years but find a balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and my social life. All three are important and when all three in are in harmony, life is at its best. I would also tell myself to embrace change and take it as an exciting challenge (easier said than done for me!)
Brittany
I would simply tell myself to relax and don't be afraid to meet people. Also that freshman year is the easiest year of your college career but it is also is the year that it the foundation for the rest of your learning experiences at college. Freshman year I struggled to both have a social life and complete all of my schoolwork, which left me to stay in my dorm most of the time studying. I would tell my freshman self that you need time to just relax and refresh your mind, even if its just for a couple hours a week. Relax, stay calm, but don't forget to plan out your studytime in between then and you will be fine.
Ehryl
If I were to go back in time and talk myself, I would say focus on your studies more. Although I was actively in an activity (especially sports) at all times, I could have focused on my studies more which would have possibly got me into a better school. Although University of New Hampshire is a very good school, my real dream was go to into a big city such as Boston, or New York. The transition between college and high school is different. High school prepares you for academics, but it does not prepare you for life. I live in an apartment with friends, and we pay for rent and bills. At the age of 18 and paying bills a big responsiblity. I just wish I could have prepared myself for that in high school, but my parents were always there to help. Also, it's nice to make friends in college, but studying is more important than anything. It's your future.
tony
i would tell myself to stay on track towards the end of the school year. It was a hard transition because of my lazy ways towards the end of highschool. the last couple months of highschool, i did not take school to seriously. i slacked off a lot and when i got to college i found it really hard to start doing school work again, so i would tell myself just to stay focused and not let senioritis take over too much.
Kara
-It's really not as hard as people make it out to be. Sure, college is different, but it's so much better than high school. Work can be more challenging, but the available resources and free time mean that if you want to do well, you will.
-Find something you love to study, and you will be happy basically wherever you end up.
-If you don't know what you want to study, start by visiting some schools that have majors you might be interested in, or at least a wide variety. Be sure to check out their Career Services (or equivalent department) to gauge what kind of support you will be given as you figure out what you want to do.
-Apply for scholarships early and often.
-You can talk to as many people as you want about college, but the experience is different for everyone, and it's really what you make of it. The transition can be absolutely terrifying, but you will get through it! Just know that it's ok to be scared (and it's ok not to be scared). Talk to someone if you need to, that's what they're there for!
Kaitlin
I would tell myself to have an open-mind. I wasn't thrilled about going to this school, so upon moving in, I think that I tried to just find things wrong with it. Slowly I realized just how great it really was. I was on a beautiful campus, getting a great education, and having a ton of fun along the way. If I had been more open-minded, I think I would've realized that alot sooner
Also, GET INVOLVED. Talk to people, make connections; join a club, a sport, a sorority/fraternity....something. It makes it so much easier to be away from home when you are surrounded by new friends and good times. I cannot stress it enough...GET INVOLVED!!
Richard
First off, the school is not the most important thing. It's quality is secondary. The most important thing for a student who wants to succeed is their own mindset. If they work hard to succeed, they can. Sure, fancy equipment and a prestigious name can help, but it really up to you who attend the school to make the most of whatever is available. Often, you will find that the large price tags that so called "better schools" is really not worth the few extras you can get there. Integrity, a good work ethic and initiative are the main keys to success in college.
Amanda
If you do not like the college you have chosen the first year don't be affraid to transfer! Also, visit each college multiple times and if possible try to spend a night there with a friend.
Ryan
Try not to allow money to be a factor of where you choose your school. Make sure to get as much help as you need with the application process and financial aid.
Jennifer
Parents and students,
The best college for you should be first based on academic credentials, then by first glance. Once narrowed the search this way, then go into size, activities available, location, price, living arrangements. You want to make sure you or your child will be comfortable with the decision as well as making the best of what is offered. In order to make the best of the college experience you cannot slack off. Even though away from home education comes first, this is what you are paying for. But definitely make sure you are getting involved. Find something or many things you are willing to put time and effort into. This will make you experience so much better and you will know it was worth every penny.
Michael
find a college where your child feels the most comfortable, if they don't enjoy their time they won't do as well and they will be miserable
Darci
Choosing an undergraduate education is important but it is also important to keep the future in mind. Financial considerations are necessary especially when considering where the student wants to attend graduate school. Visit the schools and ask a lot of questions. Talk to students who currently attend the university. Get as much information from the top choices to ensure that you are making an educated decision. To make the most of the experience, do not get caught up in the party scene. Obviously have fun, but you're paying a lot of money that is essentially invested in your future. Study hard, ask questions, become involved and be dedicated to your education. You will get everything out of your education that you put into it. Seek out friends that aren't like you -- diversity is crucial at character development. Take advantage of the study abroad programs because they are an amazing opportunity and they will easily be the best time of your life. Bottom line, be who you are and who you want to be the entire time you're in college!
Nathan
Make sure you look into their extracurricular activities as well as their academics. It is really important to make sure you are going to feel at home at your university if you want to enjoy your time their. College isn't all about academics. You need to find a school where you can balance school work, work, and fun. That is how you find the right college for you.