Hijrah
If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say to spend more time with friends. The last year of high school is supposed to be the most memorable, and looking back, that is the one thing I regret. I only focused on my future and did not pay attention to the present, so most of my friends disappeared. Friends are the ones who will carry me through the tough semesters of late night studying and stressful exams. I would also tell myself that high school really is nothing like college; it simply does not compare. All the worrying I had in high school was minuscule. There is so much information to learn, and everything builds. Cramming will not cut it. I must be consistent with studying and develop a time efficient schedule. But I would also be encouraging to my senior self. I would say that the classes I was taking in high school will prepare me well for the courses I am taking now in college. Going away for college is overrated, and I will actually thank myself for staying home and becoming closer with my family.
Robyn
As a senior, you live as a princess who has dreams and aspirations for what the future is holding in the palm of its hand. You are dreaming of college life and a future filled with a career, travel and family. Although you are working a small part-time job, your parents are making sure there is a need for nothing. Soon after high school, your dreams will quickly become reality as you are shuffled into a dorm room and into a new life. Unfortunately, with your new found freedom also comes an abundance of bad choices. These choices will lead you into being a single mother, 200 miles from home, without that desired college education. Although the pilgrimage through being a single mother was hard, it is not one you would want to choose. Please remember that you can offer your children and family so much more if your quest for that college education becomes fulfilled. I read a quote once that said, "may the dreams of your past be the reality of your future." The dreams of that princess in the past can and will be the reality of your future if you just hang on.
Kyle
I would tell myself to be more involved with campus life, for example, clubs and volunteer activities. You make great connections that way. Involvement in campus activities can help with your career goals as well. I would also tell myself to be more organized. With that in mind, college, in essence, is a job that requires great organizational and critical thinking skills.
SeCora
Begin application process as soon as you can apply to multiple schools and think about cost & location.
Ashley
Apply, apply, apply for scholarships - you will be thankful. Also, make sure you study for the ACT. Most schools award scholarships based on this. I know it's hard work now, but study and it will pay off big time. Research where you want to go and ask specific questions. Do they offer an early acceptance program, what's the student/teacher ratio, is a meal plan required, etc? What is the school you are looking at good at? Health-related, agriculture, etc. Do they have people who will get you in contact with companies when you graduate? Set boundaries with your roommate(s). If you don't do so in the beginning, it will not work out well in the end. Ask students and people in the field about your major. This will help you more than any Adviser could. Most importantly, what do they offer that you can participate in outside of class. Whether it is swing dancing lessons, a sorority, or a medical honor society. What does this school have that can benefit you and your interests.
Kevin
Stay motivated and don't get overwhelmed.
Timothy
If the chance was given to me to go back and converse with myself as a high school senior I would reassure myself that going on to a university is the right choice. There is nothing wrong with going to a junior college, but i feel to have a successful career in the future a degree from a university is key. Going to junior college was a good experience for me to realize what i really want in life and for me, i would like to have a competitive and high paying career.
Yan
I have to study more hard in my high school and during my A level so that my result could be better. And by doing so, I could compete in those scholarships in order not to burden my parents who are working so hard for the tuition fees. So, study hard now and relax in the later life. I know I could do it, do not give up when encountering obstacles. Be determined and patient , I will succeed one day.
Lindsey
If I could go back in time to be a high school senior there would lots of advice to give. The first thing would be to not let myself fall behind in school work. Knowing that I am the type of course to crash and falll under pressure, I would make sure that I would keep up with all the things I need to do school wise to stay on top of my game. Secondly, I would remind myself to have a career set in mind before entering. That way I can go begin taking classes that I need to graduate on time, and to not tkae any classes that I do not need. Finally, I would advice myslef to not be judgmental of the people surrounding me. You never know who can end up being an important person in your life. Plus everyone has the same mind-set as you, they all want to have as many friends as possible just to have someone there for then in a time of need or for a career opportunity. Being here a year and a half, I would now know what to say to prepare myself.
Edward
Try every possiblities out there for chances to go to school. Take the ACT many times as you can. Apply like crazy to achieve high scores and everything in school. Also apply like crazy to scholarships and grants to pay for it now rather than later.
Meagan
College is one of the most important transitions in a student's life; however not many parents or students have a clue of what to expect and how to make the best of it. First thing is first, find a campus that is oriented around the students and not just academics, community, social life, ect. because having a school that cares about how you individually do, in the end reflects on your final grades and how you respond in class.
To make the most of your college experience, don't just sit in your room by yourself and study all the time; Get out there and get involved! Weither you want to go greek, join an intramural team, or a community oriented group, go for it! Meeting new people and getting to know those who have the same interest as yourself is an amazing experience. College is not just meant for you to sit in class, take notes and becoming a hermit in your room; it is about finding yourself and realizing what all life has to offer for you beyond the classroom.
Robert
Find a college that have extra curricular activites and that will make your college expierment fun. Also make sure you find a college that has a friendly outgoing staff that makes you feel comfortable and thats helpful!
Aleah
I would recommend any upcoming student to stay focused. Do not let the parties and drinking take over the most important thing which is your grades. That does not mean do not have fun. Meet new people and make the best of your college experience, but make sure your grades are the best at all times. I would tell parents of the students to always encourange their kids and to never put them down, even if they mess up. Parents should constantly tell their kids they are pround of them and should them plenty of love.
Jaclyn
When choosing a school and academic program, make sure to visit on campus during a school semester. Ask questions regarding your program, requirements, and what listed classes are actively taught. Speak with students about the school.
During your college career, meet with advisors at least once a semester whether you "need" to or not. Speak to your professors often and keep in contact with ones in your program. Speak up during classes when you have questions. Professors take note of who is showing they are trying. Make sure as soon as you sense a problem to speak to your professor. Visit them during thier office hours.
Visit your campus library. It will be useful to be able to navigate the stacks. Use all student services available to you - tutoring, computer labs and counseling services.
Keep track of your schedule and homework. Plan time in your schedule for homework - more than one session for large projects you are likely to get them done without conflicts between classes. Make sure to plan time for fun. Make the most of your experience - take classes with variety, join clubs or groups that spark interest. Broaden your horizons. give yourself opportunity to spread your wings.
Emilia
parents and students need to spend some time together in campus, be aware of the enviroment and the different people attending the institution. While attending college, studetents need to make sure they avoid drugs and narcotics, because that kind of things are not healthy neither good for people who is trying to graduate and suceed in life.
Amy
When searching for the 'right' institution, students need to have thoroughly thought about their interests and what they want to acheive or experience while at college. Students need to be aware of campus involvement, job and intern opportunities offered through the school, and what kind of students attend the institution. The best ways to obtain this information is to visit various campuses, research the information offered by the institutions, and talk to students who attend or have recently attened the school. Parents should consult with their children and help them organize their information and opinions without pressuring them into making a decision too quickly. If the student is competent enough to have a good idea of what is best for them, the parents should respect his/her opinions and decisions.
To get the most out of their college experience, students have to get involved in some extracurricular activity, whether it be sports-, greek-, honor society-, organization-, or volunteer-related. They also need to be able to recognize their limits in studying, socializing, and committing. All-in-all, student should be responsible but enjoy their experience with everything they do.
Wendy
Make sure you research and visit the campus before making any definate decisions. Research and experimentation is the key to seeing what is the best decision.
natasha
Do your research! Make sure to contact your school for all the available scholarships because so many go unrewarded due to the fact that most students having no clue about them.
Krista
Talk to current students about the level of difficulty in classes, Go Greek - it is an instant support system, know all the ins and outs of the financial aid office, never be afraid to ask a "dumb" question, keep in touch-sometimes we just need to know our family misses us, speak with as many professors as you can before you decide on a school, make sure you like the campus-you will be spending alot of time there, explore all housing options-some are less expensive some are more but you have to find the right fit for you or you will be miserable!!
Dane
Do your homework! Find out exactly how much it will cost and what financial help you can get before you attend or you may get a surprise.