Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Being a senior in high school is very stressful with the pressure of getting into a good school and then choosing what you think is a fit for you. I wish that even with all that stress put on my shoulders, I wouldn't have gotten as worried and frantic as I did. In high school you also don't have much free time during the week, college on the other hand gives you more free time then you could imagine in high school. I wish that going into college I would have known that. There are so many distractions that can eat up the free time, but you should always get your class work done before doing anything fun, because once you give into those distractions it is hard to break the habit.

As I am always a very hard work student, I would advise myself to be prepare and work extra hard when I go to college. I would also advise myself to be always independent and not always dependent on the teacher as I did when I was in high school.

When I was a high school senior I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my life and I was so nervous about starting college and wondered what It would be like. Now that I have sucessfully completed my first semester of my freshman year I have learned certain things that I wish I had known before starting college. I would tell myself to keep my mind in constant focus on what I would like to accomplish . In college students tend to get distracted with their social life as I did in the beggining, and that can throw them off track. I have had to sacrifice my social life in some instances to instead study that extra hour. I would also tell myself to keep in touch with the important people in my life because they are your support system. Talking to my friends and family helps me through my tough times especially when I first left for college. The last thing I would tell myself would be to learn how to cope with stress better and to know that putting too much pressure on yourself isn't always the best thing to do.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to not stress about how college will be. I would also say to not get to wraped up in the social aspects that can distract from the academic part of school. But, I would make sure I let loose sometimes so that studying would not weigh me down. All in all, just to learn time management and balance social and academic life.

I've never lived in a dorm; never had a meal plan, never participated in any of the stereotypical "college" experiences. I graduated when I was seventeen and threw myself into the real world with the zeal and naivete only a teenager could muster. I spent a year in Boston--working full-time, taking classes on the side, learning how to budget, how to feed myself and pay my bills, what it's like to have rent due at the beginning of the month--andthose lessons were invaluable. After that year, to save money on tuition, I moved back south and enrolled at VCU. I feel that my year in Boston helped me get ahead of some of my contemporaries, in terms of real-world experience; however, I would say that I missed out on some other, equally important experiences. I know that people make lifelong friends in dorm rooms or dining halls, and I know now that I missed out on that, to my detriment. Those experiences shape who we are, and I regret being so dismissive of them when I was younger. If I could go back and change my mind, I'm sure I would.

If I could go back as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would make changes. First thing I would do would be to apply to all the colleges I wanted to attend. As a senior I let money discourage me from applying to colleges because I thought I would never be able to afford them. Money should not have been the first thing on my mind, instead my future career goals and dreams should have came first. Second, I would have filled out more scholarships. I didn't realize how much college costs. Neither of my parents went to college and I'm the first child to go to college from my family so known of us were prepared. Grades weren't an issue in highschool. I graduated with an advanced diploma and worked very hard in my classes. But after being in college I would have taken more AP classes in highschool in order to place out of general requirement classes in order to focus more on my major and minors. Overall I would perepare myself better than what I did because I realize now how many opportunities I passed up.

Don't lose your guard. Remember that your senior year really counts. Give yourself more options by applying and researching different majors or careers, and maybe different college credit classes, extra curricular activities, or even activities outside of school. Even though you have years ahead of you it's definitely easier on your wallet and your mind to have an idea of what you want to do and accomplish after highschool . And while we're on the topic of wallets: Save, save, save! You will need all you can get. And if you don't, it's a nice perk to have spending money after you're finished with your school work and all-night study parties. Take good advantage of the help and support you're recieving and if you don't have any don't be discourage because you'll only regret that you let it get you down. Refrain from saying that you cannot stand school! Because it is truly just all in your mind.

Having the chance to talk to my senior self I would most likely tell myself two things. The first being that now, if you haven't already, would be a great time to get into the habit of doing all work well in advance. The college work load is much more than high school, but is manageable when organized effectivly and your time is used wisely. The second thing being college is wonderful place to make friends. Prepare to become more outgoing and realize that everyone else is there for the same reason you are. College is said to be the place where people make their life long friendships.

Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult for some. Be yourself and you will find your path in life. Always remember why you are going to college and keep your goals and dreams in your heart and mind. Even if money is a factor, pursue your career goals and don't let it stand in your way. If you are troubled and far away from home, remember to pick up the phone and call the ones who are closest . I will always call on my mom who is my inspiration and role model. No matter what the issue , call someone you can talk to and rely on to get you through the tough times. Don't be afraid to go the extra mile and see what the world has to offer in life when you are young. I appreciate the opportunity to attend college and learn all I can. I hope my choice of Criminal Justice and Forensics lands me a career with the government. If not, I hope when I graduate , I will be self -supportive and independent. Most of all , I hope I am happy in whatever job I take on in my lifetime!

The first thing I would change, or advise myself to do, would be to focus!! My grades weren't perfect and my attitude toward school was horrible. I never really thought about entering college right out of high school, I already had my mind made up that I would join the Marine Corps in 11th grade. But knowing that I would without a doubt want to go to college after my four years of service was always in my head. I knew I couldn't go anywhere in life and obtain a financially stable job without a degree. I would have definitely listened more closely and paid better attention to what my teachers had to say in high school. The leader ship they had was what it was going to take for me to do well in college. Now that I have finally made it to my senior year, I have a feeling of self satisfaction and accomplishment. It feels great! Looking back during my high school years not only brings fond memories to my thoughts, but a sense of regret for not doing as well as I should have.

Graduating from high school is often considered one of the most difficult transitions for the young-adult. Provided with the opportunity to speak with myself as a high school senior, several fundamental insights of wisdom would be promptly addressed. Most significantly, the mental benefit of creating, and as often as possible, adhering to, a schedule. The absence of structure provided in previous enducation proved notably difficult, especially when faced with a huge workload. A schedule establishes a known rythym of life amidst the numerous unknowns of college. Additionally, a schedule provides a student with with a time guage, directing when a task is a priority, secondary, or not of importance. Secondly, pursuing advice from trusted adults significantly lessons the burden of decision making as a young adult. Adults have the potential to be a wealth of knowledge and are able to advise students with experience when facing tough decisions. Those who know you best can advise you best. The saying "Hindsight is always 20/20" applies even to the college experience. Looking back is far easier than living there.

Where is she? I think to myself as I rush through the hallways of my high school. It is strange being here again...nothing's really changed. The hallways, the lockers, the teachers...they're all the same. The students shuffle past me, trying to make it to class before the bell. I recognize the faces as they pass. Then, I see her. Curly, blonde hair. Large blue eyes. That's her, that's me. She's with him...her boyfriend...well, ex... I rush to catch up with her. "Amanda! Hey, wait up!" She turns to face me, a look of confusion in her eyes. "Yeah?" she asks. "I have something to tell you before I leave," I explain, gesturing for her to follow me. I look back at her, and I can see the dark circles in her tired eyes. My two-year relationship was not easy to end. " When you go to college, don't worry about relationships. You've always been social. Meet people, make friends, and never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Never lose sight of your talents." Her eyes meet mine. "Know who you are, and you'll be fine."

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience. If I could go back to my high school senior year, I would have paid more attention to financing my college education. Back then, the mindset was that my school would have all the bases covered. I assumed things would fall into place and I would not have had to do much. I thought, I would just have to fill out forms and the money I needed would come. After enrolling and getting there, I was hit with a huge bill and no way to pay it. It turns out that the financial aid I thought would pay for my education was very limited because my parent's made too much money. They are actually barely making ends meet. I should have worked and saved money. As a last resort, my mom had to apply to a private bank for more student loans and cosign in order to come up with more money. We are going to have to do this until I am done with college. So my advise is plan ahead for the money. My 4.1 gpa did not help at all. Get a job. Sincerely, Billy Spiller

I would go back and tell myself that I need to prepare to not always be around people who don't have the same religious views and dont act like I do. At VCU there are many differeent religions and everyone doesn't have the same religious values. I went to a Christian school so I wasn't exposed to things that you would see in a public school. For example homosexuality wasn't allowed in our school, so I never saw girls kissing on girls or guys kissing on guys. Since I've been at VCU, I see all types of homosexual acts. Also another thing that I wasn't used to seeing is when a person shares their religious beliefs about God on campus, the students gather around the speaker and mock the person or perform rude acts toward the speaker. When I saw this I felt bad for the person but also for the students who mocked the speaker. Now that I have been in college for a semester I can see how the transition from a Christian high school to a public university is a big difference.

If I am attending a four-year institution, I would allow myself two years to learn the school's policies concerning the campus. The first year alone will be spent learning the best routes to class, learning how to study, etc. I would get to know my roommates and exchange phone numbers in case of emergencies. Also, I would add the campus police phone numbers to my phone contact list. Next, I would seek the advice of my academic counselor and/or professors as often as I need it, not towards the end of the semester if my grades are not good. Keeping track of my due dates is a must, so having a date planner is essential!!! In addition, I need separate notebooks and supplies for each class. I will also use the "Blackboard" application to obtain my assignments and view my grades. I would also keep enough personal items to maintain my assigned living space because our rooms must pass cleaning inspections. Therefore I have to throw away/donate any items I do not use. Finally, I will surround myself with friends who like to have fun but do not overindulge with partying, drinking, etc.

Dear Amber, I am here to give you advice of the next step in your life. College is going to be a major transistion in your life that you are going to expierence with thousands of other people. You are not the only one going through this major transition. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Make sure you get everything in order your senior year, such as all paperwork all transcripts. College is going to be a blast for you! The transition from high school to college will overwhelm you at first but keep your head up and keep moving forward. It wont take long for you to adapt to college life. This is a major step you in your life and make sure you enjoy every moment because it goes by very fast. You will do great with the transition, just rememeber you're not the only one going through it. There is always someone to talk to if needed. Keep your head up and keep on moving and completing your dreams! You will do great!

If I was able to go back in time and talk to my senior self I would tell myself to never quit. I would say these exact words, " Don't let whatever is going in your life to ruin your future for college. You still have no responsibilites. In a year you will find yourself with bills, schoolwork work, car payments, and more! Take advantage of the free education you're receiving. College is fun, but alot harder than high school. Do not walk in your freshman year of college with the stain of "senoiritis" from high school still on your hands. Work hard. Ask for help when you need it. Do not procrastinate. All you have is yourself in college. No one is there to make sure you did your work or woke you up for class. It all comes down to the fact that high school is a Right issued by the government and college is a privlege".

I would tell myself, "Scholarships are better than loans." I would have told myself at the beginning of my senior high school track and field career to take care of his hamstrings. The injury to my hamstrings ruined all hopes of me recieving a track and field scholarship. For making the transition to where my school is and where I am from I would bring a much larger supply of warmer clothing.

As a high school senior, I worked very hard to maintain my grades and extracurricular activities, and I believe I did that very successfully. I managed to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, all the while setting up and running my own solo art exhibition. I did not apply to a vast amount of colleges, and some I did apply to were vastly out of my price range for tuition. VCU, in fact, was the only college I could afford easily, largely leading to my decision to attend there. However, regardless of VCU being my "safety" school, I am very happy with my decision. Transitioning was not a difficult process- I live close enough to my home (two hours) to visit when I need to, but far enough away to be successfully independent. The only thing I would advise to myself is to be as open-minded as possible; there are so many new and interesting people to meet at college and those opportunities are easily missed.

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