Daniel
I know that you are worried about making friends and finding a new group to hang out with once you start, but do not lose sleep over it, you will be fine. Most schools will offer many opportunities for incoming freshmen to get together and meet new people. The first opportunity comes before school even starts, orientation. You are forced into a small group with people just as nervous as you, and are bound to connect with someone. Also, once you start school there are often several school-run activities for the first few weekends aimed at the freshmen, to encourage meeting new people. Though these activities can often seem uncool or boring, they are actually quite fun.
Also I would suggest enjoying the home cooked meals while you still can. Although every college claims that their food is amazing and delicious, nothing compares to a nice dinner cooked by mom. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, buy your books online before school starts. Any books sold by the college will be at least fifty dollars more expensive than what you can find online. Try to get the ISBN numbers ahead of time and save yourself some money.
Angela
I would tell myself to research the resources that are available for AHANA students, then to branch off and find major specific resources. These two avenues offer a wide array of resources from scholarships to networking opportunities with alumni. I would also suggest that I get an on-campus job where there is the opportunity for student faculty interaction, be it in the faculty dining hall or in a particular department. This increases your networks and although you may not have a personal interaction with all the faculty members they have an opportunity to see how you interact with others and in the event that they find an opportunity and do not know other students, you may be the first person who comes to mind! And last but not least, remember that impressions matter. From the impression that you give the cleaning lady to the impression you give peers and professors. It is reflective of who you are and you never know who's watching so always put your best foot forward!
Serafina
If I had the ability to go back to senior year and talk to myself while I was considering colleges I would have told myself to do more research. And by that I mean research the social life at the schools more, research the major requirements further, research more of the area the schools are located in. Doing all of that would help ensure picking out the right college to go to. I would tell myself to also tour more campuses, talk to current students about their experience at the schools, and I would tell myself to talk to my friends more about what they are looking at in a school to see if they could give some guidance. Furthermore, I would tell myself to let my parents and my high school guidance counselor be more involved in choosing which schools to apply to. The last thing I would tell myself is that once you get to college make sure you keep in touch with friends and family from back home and to also be the outgoing person who goes around the dorm building introducing herself to other people so to make new friends.
Margaret
As a high school senior student, I was very anxious to begin my college experience. My high school did not prepare students much for what lied ahead of them. Additionally, I had few older friends who could give me advice about the years to come. If I could go back in time, there is much I would tell myself about college life.
Firstly, I would tell myself to relax. You do not need to know exactly what you want to do with your life- you have time to figure it out. The rumor is true- you will have much more free time in college than you did in high school. Do your best to make the most of this time. Take advantage of the opportunities at school to get involve . At times your school work will be overwhelming. While it may be tempting to lock yourself away in the library for days- resist. Life is about more than getting a 4.0. You will meet lifelong friends here and make memories that you will carry with you always. Stop and appreciate what is around you- these are the best years of your life so far.
Lauren
College life gives the student a crash course in independence. High school is over, the parents are gone, and one is forced to try to make many new friends in the span of the first few weeks of college. This part of the transition is probably the toughest. Do not pretend to be someone you are not when making friends; these friendships will not survive the semester. Also, students are increasingly trying to fit into the "hook-up" culture that now pervades most campuses. I urge seniors to think twice before partying and drinking; the consequences of these actions can either be relatively benign, such as an embarrasing moment, to more severe penalties, such as loss of friendships and even an arrest if caught drinking under the age requirement. Colleges usually have a myriad of other activities that one can enjoy on campus besides the typical college party.
Academically, college courses are definitely more challenging. Time management is the key here; keep up with your work. Set up regular times each weekend in which to do homework. Use the libraries, tutoring services, and office hours your college and professors offer. The only way to perfect this strategy is to practice.
Daniel
Take responsibility for yourself, initiative is important. No one will make you go to class or do the work, the services you need to succeed will not come find you, internships and career options will not fall in your lap. Everything you need to be successful is there but you have to go get it yourself.
Katie
Don't worry. It will all work out in the end.
Susan
Time is so important at this point in your life. Your life and future are at stake. Relationships change. Friends will leave you and betray you. Education will become a part of you. You'll be able to have something of value that will never leave or change. It will enable your success. And not just financially. You'll be able to do what interests you. You won't wake up every morning dreading going to that dead-end job. You'll have a career before marriage and children. You'll meet people from many cultures and races. Your view of the world will broaden. No longer will you be stiffled in your own private space. You'll understand other people and their point of view. And learn to respect the opinions that differ from your own. Four or more years go by quickly. It's the most exciting time of your life. Learning should be your reason for getting a college degree. People change careers in their lifetime. You will always have a foundation to change your life. You are an intelligent person. Don't waste these precious years. Do this now. You'll find a way.
Nidia
Work harder- Take ap tests seriously--look for more scholarships---get SAT Turtoring--Shoot for ivy league
Chelsea
I would tell myself to just be myself and not be worried about what other people think. You will find people that you really like and who really like you for the person you are. Don't be shy and put yourself out there, go outside your comfort zone. The most important thing is finding a balance between extra curriculars, school and friends.