University of South Florida-Main Campus Top Questions

Shut and embrace your final year of high school because it will never be the same. Yeah, I know A.P. Chemistry is a huge jump and wrestling is beating you to your knees but it's your last year of what I can call being a kid. Because now, not to say too much and mess up the space-time continuom, you are what people call 'an adult with responsibilities.' Don't get me wrong college isn't impossible, but it all falls on YOU now. The teachers gives the information and it's up to you to do the work. College isn't a huge leap but a it is a major step, and you have to be ready to lose yourself in it. Which is why you have to enjoy the time you have with friends now. Because in college you'll be lucky to walk pass them. You'll see them walking your way and won't be able to hold back those memories of when your back was full of toys and a small folder rather than two inch binders and $200 textbooks.

Definitely visit the campus before making a final decision on what college to go to. And don't let an experience on a college campus before your junior year of high school influence what college you choose. Apply to multiple colleges, not just two or three, just to keep your options open. Also do not settle on a major. Just because you think you want to major in something going into college doesn't mean you'll feel the same at the end of your first year, but also don't continually change your major because you'll never graduate. Accept change, but don't let it negatively affect you.

I would tell myself in high school to spend more time studying and less time hanging out with my friends and boyfriend. This the time would have prepared me and gotten me used to the first semester of college when I should have spent more time studying. Also, if I had studied more in high school, I might have recieved more scholarships which I really needed because of how expensive college really is. I would have told myself to take more AP classes and to have studied more for the AP exams that way I could have had more college credit when I started college and then I wouldn't have had to pay for as many classes because I would have already taken them and recieved credit for them in high school for free. Then I would have saved more money. Also, I shouldn't have spent my money on so many things in high school that didn't more so that I could have saved it for college because now I really need that already spent money.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start saving money early, and really sit down and apply for scholarships. I would also tell myself to live right now and not worry too much about the future. To just enjoy your last year of high school, before reality sets in and you can't enjoy those things.

Be yourself and take time to enjoy life outside of your studies. The next four years will go by faster than you can image. To encourage you, you will thrive in college! You will be exposed to a lot of new and differencing of opinions, be respectful but stand up for what you believe in. You will get homesick, it’s okay. Just get plugged into campus life by getting involved in student organizations. Most importantly, find a church that is going to help you with your walk with the Lord. They will become like a second family to you that will guide you, care for, and help you along the way. Here you will make some long lasting friendships. Do not worry about if you are going to make it or what you are going to do. Stand in faith and God will help you get through college and will show you want career path to chose. College is a time a find out who you are and what you believe in. It’s okay to make mistakes because they will become your greatest lessons. Mostly, have fun because this is a once in a life time opportunity.

I wish I could go back and tell myself all of the things I know now ALL of the time. If I could go back I'd tell myself, "Stop being so lazy! You can't just depend solely on FAFSA and assume the rest will work itself out. Apply to scholarships. Then, apply to MORE scholarships! Be self sufficient." I'd also tell myself, "get a job and SAVE, yes mom and dad pay for everything NOW, but one of these days you'll have to depend on yourself so save now and you'll be better off later for those unexpected expenses." The biggest hurdle in my college experience has been paying the tuition, a part of me even wishes that'd I'd listened when people told me to go to a community college to take my core classes and then transfer to the univerity I really wanted to go to later. Another "biggie" is "PAY ATTENTION TO DUE DATES!" All of your college professors won't baby you and remind you when things are due. In high school when your teacher gave you a syllabus it was a waste, in college it's your life support.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my senior self to work harder to make those A's in high school, join more clubs and do more extracurricular activities. Also more importantly to apply for as many scholarships as you can because I learned the hard way now that college is expensive and you will stress youreslf out everyday worrying abou how you're gonna pay for your education. Another big thing I would tell my past self is too take AP classes, work harder, to challenge and push myself to the limits in my academics. And the biggie is to defintely stop complaining about high school and enjoy it while it lasts, because once you get out college is fun but also scary and nerve wrecking at the same time. New friends, much bigger school and sadly no more free textbooks. College can be fun, but its also about keeping focused and getting an educuation you came for so you can make that differeence in that world.

Dear high school senior, Use your time wisely and plan for your future. Once you make the decision about the school you are attending, research the school's programs, oranizations, and anything else it has to offer. Many people take their first year as a college student to just find their place on campus and go to class, then the following year is when they decide to get involved. Spending your freshman year just observing and focusing on academics is going to take away one whole year of experiences you won't get in high school or anywhere else if you're coming in not knowing what the college/university has to offer. As a high school senior, identify what kinds of things you enjoy doing such as playing instruments, volunteering, or leading and would like to continue or develop as a college student. It is very likely your college/university offers many opportunities to involve yourself in these activities and it is better to go in knowing about them and beginnning your college journey strong than to wait a whole year. Reward yourself with great opportunities/experiences by investing time in doing your research before you get there.

If i can go back to when i first started highschool , my studies would be contrary . I couldve been more successful in high school with more patience as well as motivation. Even though times got difficult during the school year, and also tiring, but the hard work always pays off at the end. When i graduated, i graduate with honors, and was remembered as a diligent school worker. I wouldve been more organized with all my work and projects more in chronological order. Instead of having distractions i wouldve kept to myself more in order to achieve higher averaged grades. Even though i had to maintain good grades, i wouldve joined more curriculum activities , and more involved with school. If i was to get more rest , i wouldve paid attention more in school instead of falling asleep in class. I always doubted how i would fail a classs or a exam , instead of motivating myself as if anything is possible if i stay focused and pray.

To save every penny for college becuase you will need everyone of it. Also i would say to take math and science more seriously because college math is not a joke.