Annie
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself many things. First, I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems, that I'll make new friends and have a great time. Second, I would really push myself to apply for many scholarships and job opportunities and even though it may not be a problem now, something could happen in the future that it may be. Third, I would reassure myself that all the decisions I made in choosing a college were the right choices and the best for me. Lastly, I would remind myself to be myself when meeting new people in college; I shouldn't pretend to be somebody I'm not.
Atinuke
Knowing what I know now as a college student, I would have definatley continued my education after high school. I say that only because I'm much older and wiser now, and life's challenges are very different when you are 28 years old compared to when I was only 18 and all I had was a cell phone bill and boyfriend issues to worry about. Though I took a few classes here and there at the community college, one of the main reasons I decided not to pursue college was because I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. This was extra difficult because my mother (a single mother of three) insisted I attended college no matter what, weather it be by choice or by force, and being the eldest of three I felt very obligated to be the first to complete college. Nevertheless, if I would have known then what I know now, (especially with the economy right now) I would have advised myself to focus on finding what it is I was good at,what my passions were and how it would positvely impact me and my family in the future.
Jill
Papers and assignments come easy for some people in high school, and therefore they can manage to still get good grades without putting much effort into studying for tests. If I could have given myself advice in high school I would suggest spending more time studying. College is different than high school in that grades are not based on how much effort is put into it, but rather on how much is known. Many grades are based solely on the scores from several tests and exams. Doing badly on just one exam can have drastic effects on the final grade in that class. Therefore, it is crucial that much time and effort is put into effectively studying for every test. I would also advise myself to start studying early. Reviewing material a few days after initially learning it can save a lot of time later on. Cramming in a review just a few days before an exam does not allow anyone to perform to their full potential. Therefore, my advice to anybody wanting to get good grades in college would be to put much effort into studying so that taking those important exams can go as soothly as possible.
Mike
To start off, I would tell myself to focus more on academics and get involved with extra curicular activities once I have established a daily routine that I am comfortable with. Starting off being heavily involved with outside only creates stress and makes your college experience less memorable than it should be. I should have waited a bit longer to get involved, that way I could manage my days much easier than I could right now.
Ana
I'm not currently in college, i'm enrolling for spring semester at Marylhurst University. But what I would tell myself about applying for college in general is it's never too early to start filling out for scholarships and do lots of college visits to make sure the college you chose it the closest to perfection.
Ellis
College is going to be different. You can do it, with out a doubt, but keep your priorities straight. Do not be afraid to be by yourself, sometimes you find what you are really looking for after you take a step back. Do not forget about you old friends, they can help you through a lot but don't be afraid to make new ones. These friends are going to be there through your experiences on campus. Don't rush to grow up, you are only going to long to be a kid again.
Melvin
If I could go back in time as a high school senior and talk to myself the advice I would give myself is the rest of your life begins here Melvin. I have come to far to stop and there is a whole big world out here waiting for high school seniors to become college graduates. There are so many opportunities out here and I could become whatever I want to become. I could allow when I graduate high school this transition to make me or break me. I have alot of friends but I need to get my schoolwork and take it very serious especially when I make the transition. I want to join Alpha Phi Beta but how could I do that if my grades didn't look how they are suppose to look? I need to respect myself as well as my instuctors and professors and I can do this by coming to class on time and studying. I could make my books my friend and learn them and respect them. College life would be a great and joyful experience. I will expand my horizon and become involved and dedicated to different clubs and social gatherings/groups.
Cathy
The advice I would give myself would be very beneficial for my past self. It was a hard time because I had lost my father just the year before.
It's going to be rough going through college but dad would be very proud from up above, as will the rest of the family from right beside you. Remember to keep up your motivation and continue to work hard. This will pay off by the time you reach your senior year and are applying for graduate school. When beginning, please do not go out so much but remember what is really important. You are attending college to gain a degree with great grades to make your family proud and help you to get somewhere in life; please think about that before you choose to drink / go out too much. Also, there is a time and a place for everything along with priorities; get them straight while you still have that control and motivation. Lastly, no matter what you run into, there is a solution and a reason for it happening so don't panic. Everything will turn out right; keep faith, family, and friends close to heart. Enjoy life!
Stephanie
Some of the best advice I could ever give to myself, or to anyone for that matter, is to get involved around campus. There are so many different organizations and opportunities, some you may never get the chance to be apart of again. The best decision I've made in my three years at college have been getting involved. I am a member of a laboratory research project, section leader in the symphony orchestra, an officer in a sorority, an executive board member to a Greek council, and am applying to become a member in a biological honor society. All that on top of working and school can be a lot, but I've met so many diverse people and have been able to give back to the community that I wouldn't trade any moment for anything else. Getting involved around campus, in whatever way, helps students grow, better see the world around them, and gives them opportunities and experiences that last a lifetime.
Sarah
College is the best years of your life! the hard times and the good times occur while you're in college. you'll have late cram sessions, peer pressure to go out and drink, professors that sometimes you don't get along with, sporting events, personal life and the opportunities to advance in your field. each aspect help you figure out who you are. going through college not only help you to get an advance degree in your field of interest but also figuring out who you are as and individual. it's a stepping stone from leaving the nest of your parents, but it's an opening door to limiltless possbilities that are ahead in the future.
Gail
If I could go back in time to give myself advice, I would say that money because it doesn't grow on trees and I should save what I can because college isn't cheap. I would say not to worry about being close to home, because being close to home doesn't have to mean living at home. I spent a year at a school that I didn't like because I thought it would be a better choice. But it wasn't until a friend jokingly asked me to be her roommate that I made the decision to transfer. And I couldn't be happier with that decision. I would also say to trust myself to know who I am and what I want in life. I made that mistake and spent 2 years in a major that I didn't like. In the end I realized that the major I had wanted all throughout middle and high school was the one for me. And I would tell myself to join everything I can because college only happens once; when else in life will you be able to be a student ambassador and the president of an organization ?
Tricia
Knowing what I know now the advise I would give myself is make sure you are open to new experiences. Coming to college we have the ability to meet new people and even make lifelong friends out of those people. College, however, isn?t a joke. We are here to make a future for ourselves and not slack off. We need to work hard to receive a good grade and perform to the best of our abilities. College is here to prepare us for our future, so do not take it lightly. It is said to be the best years of our lives, so enjoy it, but work hard to be as successful in life that we are capable of becoming.
Sara
All four years were dedicated to the special needs population in a form of equine therapy; this combination of a love for people and appreciation of horses created some of the most memorible experiences ever. A strong work ethic and sense of responsibility was derived from the two to three jobs held year-long throughout high school. Though many hours outside of the classroom were spent volunteering or working, these experiences are well worth the commitment. With the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would be sure to emphasize the need for activities such as these to apply to my college resume. Because I held two to three jobs throughout my entire high school career, I was prepared for many hours studying and knew the hard work it would take to succeed academically. Also, with the therapeutic riding experience, I was very accepting to individuals with dissabilities, different races, and religions because many of my great friends through high school were diverse. I was also a youth leader in several 4H projects for 11 years. With all of these combined experiences, I learned the importance of balancing a schedule to incorporate activities and school work.
Brian
It is so important to do your best in high school. Sometimes students do not do their best while in high school. I do not think they realize how important their grades in high school are. It can make a big impact on the colleges that will except them.
Aisha
Do not room with a friend or else it will likely end in disaster. Do not live with someone you are unsure about just because you are unsure about other options. Random roommates work best or living alone.
Kelli
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would definitely tell myself that what I had achieved in high school is not what I'm going to be doing in college. There are more strict policies to follow and homework faced in college is a lot more intense than what high school was. With this being said, prepare yourself for a lot of studying, writing a lot of papers (more than three pages), but also remeber to have fun. Studying is important, but also having a social life is important to; this will keep you organized and well rounded. Take part in social activities on and off campus, this will allow you to build more social connections with people that have similar interests. I would tell myself to live in the dorms my first year, not commute, because living in the dorm is great, it gives you opportunities to meet diverse people that you may not meet just through classes or walking around on campus; commuting takes away meeting people and establishing friendships. Your college career sets you up for your future. Most importantly, do the absolute best that you can!!
Kaitlyn
I would tell myself to study. In high school I was lucky enough to achieve good grades without studying for hours; however, college is not like high school. College requires studying and working hard to achieve your dreams and goals. No one else can make your goals come to life; it takes hard work and dedication from you, and only you. Studying may not seem like the fun thing to do now, but in the long run it will definitely help. Life isn't always going to be easy, but good times will always be around the corner, so don't give up. Sleep is also important; if you are not getting enough sleep, your academic life will be affected. Studying won't do you any good if you are too tired to concentrate. Have fun, but be wise.
Britt
If I could go back and give myself advice for my future college career I would have told myself that just going to class doesn't cut it. In order to thrive in a university setting you have to balance your priorities, friends, and other obligations. Time management is immensely helpful when you incorporate it into your daily schedule. Never be afaraid to talk in class or ask for help. I wish I had known that earlier on because you can't learn when your only hearing directly from the professor. Student input is essential. Don't be afraid to take your learning to the next level and use your teachers to network into your desired career field. After all your paying for the knowledge and instruction you recieve here.
faith
Hey, you. Yeah, you sitting there on your butt playing those video games. What do you think you're doing? You know you're supposed to be studying that math. Oh, yeah, it seems easy enough now to play through level 3 again, but trust me... when you're sitting there in that math 141 class, you are going to wish you could remember what you should be learning now. You might be great at English and science, but if you don't learn those study skills now, your freshman year of college is going to be a lot harder than you ever expected when you find yourself trying to learn all those study skills they are trying to teach you now on your own. Either way, videogames are never going to be an important part of your life and you won't even be thinking about leveling up your character in that game because you are going to be more focused on leveling yourself up with your education. Whatever kid, play now if you want, just be ready to push yourself when college comes.
Jordan
Finding the right college is a difficult task. We want to attend a school that we feel best suits our personalities, interests, and identities. These qualities may span so vast a range that we agonize over the little things, like what coffee shops are on campus or how much smaller the dorms are compared to other schools'. It is essential that we take a step back and focus on broader aspects. I always encourage prospective students to take on-campus tours so they may get a feel for what campus life is like. This way, students behold the buildings, the students, and the faculty. Keep a focused eye on the faces of both the students and faculty members; appearances convey feelings and emotions with respect to the campus itself. Ask, "Does everyone seem generally happy or satisfied?" And if you can see yourself in those around you, then that is all you need to know.