University of South Alabama Top Questions

High school is commonly known for all the drama it has in it. Advice towards that would be to just forget about it all, when you start college everything changes. I have always been worried about my appearance and social standings. All of that is forgotten once you go to a university. There's too many people to keep up with that nobody cares and it is not stressed so much on as in high school. Finally, stressing the importance of effective study habits. People go to college to get a good education and more. The only thing that matters when one leaves college, is what you learned and how you used it. Without effective study habits, one can not get the most out of what is being taught. By far, stressing that is the most important of all!

The very first thing I would tell myself is go to a community college! I attended Calhoun Community College in Huntsville and Decatur, AL and that transition was much easier than going to a big 4 year university. The second thing would be don't be overwhelmed by the beaureauacracy. Just get out there and go to the financial aid office and apply and ask for help. Stay organized and keep up with your paperwork. Grants and scholarships aren't just for people below the poverty line, they are available to everyone. The third thing I would tell myself is go to fastweb.com. Complete a scholarship profile, you are eligible for more than you think! Going to college for the first time is very intimidating. Kids need to understand that it's simply a step by step process that is easily accomplished when you ask for help.

If i could go back in time to high school and tell myself what i know now, I would tell myself to calm down. I would have told myself to go ahead and join the army, your gonna have many experiences. I would have gave myself a warning about the tour in Iraq. But i would have said not to worry so much, it will get better. I would have said not to wait so long after getting out the Army to start school. Not to worry about if college was going to be to much. I have just recently started school so I'm still learning myself but i would have told myself to let loose, dont worry so much about the small stuff, we can do this, I promise. But keep a tight mind on the future, you know what you want, so go get it.

The advice I would give myself is to be prepare, it is not easy as i thought it would be, try to find your purpose in life, and how you and others will benefit from your career choice. That's what matters the most.

If I had the chance to travel back in time to give myself advice about the upcoming college experience, I would tell myself to just be myself, be outgoing, and be friendly. There are many others who are new to the transition, and just as in need of friends. Try to get to know as many people as you can and become good friends, for friends are the ones who are with you and who will help you get through, especially in the tough times, which are sure to come.

First, No more parties. Stay home and study and take the ACT/ SAT until you get a score that will get you into top universities. Do more research on career choices. Figure out what it is that you want to do( and don't look at the money part). Wait to get a boyfriend and just concentrate on making your life better. Spend more time reading books. Get involved more in your community and extra- urricular activites. Learn to swim, it is a life skill that everyone needs to know how to do. Spend more time with family. Save more money for tuition,book, and any other fees. Take more time seaching and putting in for scholarships. And most importantly love yourself and take good care of yourself. P.S. Don't wear that purple dress the first day of class you will get the worst stares of your life.

I would tell myself to participate more in the school i.e. clubs and teams and also more in the community. These things would help me out when it came to applying for college and scholarships. Seconldy I would tell myself to be more diligent in my work and not to procrastinate as much. Things like these would not only improve my grades but also my work ethic when it came to a job and essentially a career. College life is fun but the studies need to be the focus. Lastly I would tell myself that if I wanted to do something I just needed to set my mind to do it and not let what others say I can and can't do affect my decision, because overall it's my future not theirs.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to prepare better for tests. Also to study harder and take school more seriously because when i was younger i didnt know how much education makes a major difference in your quality of life. I actually teach that to my son and he is off to college soon. My daughter is in her second year in college. So in a way im able to kind of tell my advice not to my imagined self but to my children. And that advice is working wonders for them, now im trying to see if its too late for me to use it on myself. Thank you.

The advice I would give myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior would be to pay as much attention as I can and to study the most I can because in college every thing I will learn will help me a lot. Another advice I would give myself is to stay away from friends that are not in the right path. I would tell myself to stay away from friends that are involved in gangs because most of gangbangers are not likely to go on to college and may not even get their High School diploma, to choose or get involved in programs that will help me prepare more for the career I want . Even though High School seems so far from having a family I think that college is the main reason for getting a good career and to have a secure future for my family. I would tell my self to think on my future.

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior-self, I would have a mouthful to say. I would most definitely tell myself about the differences between high school and college classes. I was a straight A student, and I never had to study for tests in high school. I learned very quickly that it is very different in college. Also, I would make my 12th-grade self enter all those essay-writing scholarships, because even though I received some amount of scholarship from my school, however it is still very difficult to cover the left over amount of tuition. Lastly, I would tell my senior self that I should have saved up much more money than I had. Starting college is ver yexpensive because there are so many fees you have to pay for, and you also have to buy your textbooks as opposed to borrowing them like I had in high school. Overall, I had a good transition from high school to college, but these things are the main things I would love to be able to change about the process.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself I would advise myself to take high school seriously and practice for the ACT. I would have to tell myself that even though I was doing ok in school I needed to step it up; because in college I have to put all my effort into my classes. The second advice would be to practice for the ACT more than I did. After being in school and trying to get scholarships, the ACT is the biggest factor in not being able to apply for the scholarships. I would make sure that I not only practice for the test but get tutoring in order to make the highest score possible.

Dear Kaitlyn, We need to talk. Trust yourself, the choice of UCMO is a great one, you are going to love it. Don't be afraid or worried, you can do it. You actually will get better grades, feel more challenged and learn more than you can imagine. You will meet some great people, friends that will last a lifetime, and discover yourself as a pretty well adjusted young girl. The campus is easy to get around in and find your classes. Quit worrying, you will get to class on time and do your own laundry! This year study more, but stay involved in all the clubs and activities you are in. Enjoy the time you have as captain of the Laker Dance team and quit stressing, the team loves you. Be thankfull of the teachers that are hard on you, they really do care. You are trying too hard to fit in socially. All of the drama will seem silly to you next year. Focus on the future. One other thing, mom and dad are right. Yes, you said it. They know you will love college and your choice to be an Elementary Teacher. Sincerely, Me/You - Kaitlyn

I would try and make sure to stress good study habits early in order to not be so overwhelmed once I got to college. For the first semester, I was shocked at the amount of study that is required in order to succeed in the Radiology program that I chose to pursue as my career. It has taken trial and error and much time in order to successfully navigate the time allotted to me in order to conquer the tasks that are needed to be successful in this program. I would attempt to make known to my earlier self to use the time you are given wisely and with hard work and determination I can be successful at anything I put my mind to.

College is a lot different than high school in terms of studying. Studying for college tests require alternative ways of studying such as making flash cards, reading chapters, going over slides, and attending every class and even joining study groups. The teachers are there to help but they have more than just 35 students a day. You have to study hard to succeed and to achieve a high GPA.

I would have began seeking out funding and enrolled prior to my high school graduation, college is great and I wished I would have attended years ago

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to do what is best for me and follow my own dream. I would tell myself that I have the rest of my life ahead of me and that I should not choose to do something or to go to a certain college just to make someone else happy. I would also encourage my high school self to explore different fields that I have interest in to have a better understand about which major I want to choose. I would also recommend taking more AP classes for my high school self to participate in to help better prepare myself for college level classes and to, hopefully, receive college credits. By going back in time to talk to my high school self, I would give myself the tools and guidelines to succeed in the next level of my education.

I will work or do community service during the summer because it would mentally prepare me for the work load, how to manage my time, learn how to be organized and stay organized. I will contact different web sites for college scholarships and apply to see what scholarships I qualify for. I will visit a college to get a feel for college life, like check out the dorms, roommates, the layout of the campus, and to get a feel for the surrounding community. I will network with other college students on face book, church and other organizations that college students participated in. I will make sure I have a laptop/computer and all the tools and school supplies I need for class so that I will be very successful. Thanks so much!

I should study more and focus on my dream career. I need to work hard for what I want because my life depends on the education that I will receive. Focusing on my dream is key and do not ever give up no matter how hard it becomes keep going. Think about the future and what becoming a dentist will do for me. Think about how I can help people and make their lives better. I will have a family someday and I will want what is best for my family. I will want to give them a shelter, a place to stay, and a great life. If i can become a dentist I will make my parents very proud and make myself feel like I am someone, I can help someone live a better and healthier life. I would keep telling myself to keep my head up high and keep going for what I want. I would tell myself keep trying and try harder. Tell myself "I will become a dentist one day and helping people will make me a better person." I would tell myself to look a head at all times and do not worry about mistakes.

Hello, High School Me, Congratulations on your pending graduation! You've done well so far, but I have some advice to help you get the most from your college experience: Have a strong support system. It helps to have someone to get through the rough times with. It's also nice to be able to share our successes with others. Stay focused. You'll be introduced to many new experiences during college. Remember why you're there and what you want to accomplish. Talk to your teachers. You'll be surprised to find that they're human, too! Most teachers will be more than happy to help if you're having trouble in class. Some will even become your friend. Look for ways to save. "Broke College Student" doesn't have to be your moniker. Buy your own groceries, look for student discounts and avoid the university bookstore like the plague. Most importantly, don't doubt yourself. Have faith and persevere. You'll make it, just wait and see. I see great things in your future. Love, Collge You

If I could go back in time and lecture myself about college life I'd tell myself how it's much more exciting, how it's much more difficult, and how it's diversified than high school. Though I do not live on campus, campus involvement is not limited to just the preps and jocks. Various groups are formed for a diversity of students who want to become more involved. Their activities range from local card games to intermural sports to community service. There's just about a club for each individual attending college. Club activities, however, do not count towards your final grade. In high school I never really had to study to make good grades. That all changed after my first exam in college. I'd tell myself countless hours of study sessions wil be necessary! Group sessions are helpful! Finally, I would tell myself about the diversity of the school. There were only an finite amounts of clicks you could observe. In college, the amount surpasses my ability to count! So it's impossible to be lonely in college! The more friends you have in the upcoming years will reflect your (my) academic performance!