Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

Going back in time I would tell myself to slow down and take better care of myself during high school. A lot of time and energy was spent on preparing for exams, taking challenging courses, stressing out, sleeping late, eating inadequately, and pushing myself to the limit. The symptoms got considerably worse senior year, but some how I managed to make it through and please everyone, except myself. College application piled up, AP exams took up all of your free time, and the year just flew by at a ridiculous pace. At the end of it all, I felt like you forgot the reason why you were pushing yourself so hard to get into college in the first place. Please don't get me wrong. I'm so proud of you for challenging yourself and for setting high goals and for dreaming big. But don't forget to be realistic in your goals. Educate yourself about financial planning and preparation for college. High School is a great time to explore and try new things with fewer financial consequences. Take advantage of all the oppurtunities and scholarships avaliable to you as a high school student. And remember to have fun!

I was definitely not serious about school in high school. I also never pictured myself going to college, let alone a four-year university. If I could go back in time I would encourage myself to look at the big picture in life. I would tell myself to imagine myself 10 years from now with a family. I would then ask myself "how do you want to be living in 10 years? What message would you want to portray to your children? Would you encourage your children to further their education?" Rather than taking easy courses during my senior year, I would encourage myself and instill confidence in myself to take a risk and push myself in the courses that I take. I would definitely try to prepare myself more for college life and being in the real world.

The know how to take good notes. I have had to struggle to create this habbit in college, and I would have been able to start of running, if I had started this in high school.

Take the time now to develop good study habits. Take an interest in what you are learning about and think critically about what you want to do after high school. Take the time now to look into different programs at various colleges and universities and see what's best for you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school student, I would probably tell myself to do more volunteer work. I know a lot of colleges and scholarship applications as about volunteer work, and I also know that volunteer work looks good on any application. Also, I would tell myself to prepare for a lot of reading, and to read so comprehension of text books in college would be easier than it is now. I would tell myself to make habits of being diligent in my studies, even in high school, because habits and character follow you.

I would tell mysel that I needed to focus on my major classes first, and then whenever I needed to fill a block of time or if I needed extra credits to use a GE requirment. Tha way I would be able to graduate faster. Also, keep studying, grades are important, and one must work hard for them. Go to class and do all your homework on time.

Under the assumption that I could deny the laws of physics and science, to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself about the rigors of college curriculum. I would explain the cruciality associated with intense, full-fledged studying each and every day. I would urge myself to absorb all that I could during my senior year in high school, because the basis of knowledge really just continues to grow upon itself. In terms of making the transition, I would advise myself that creating and maintaining an efficient schedule; one associated with waking up early, hitting the books hard, wasting no time, sleeping through popular late-night social events, and making the most of each minute of the day is the best way to ensure success. Most importantly, I would tell myself that to be succesful in the college life, I should simply be me. The things I learned from people and situations throughout my life prepared me to get here, and now I just need to put those things into practice, and trust that I can be the best.

Before deciding what university to attend, make sure that you visit each campus that you are considering and become familiar with the offered majors. Consider the prices of each school and also what scholarships or financial aid would be available to you, if that differs according to which school you decide to attend. Make sure you understand all of the rules that will be enforced and decide whether or not you are willing to obey them because if there are rules that you do not agree with, your college experience could be less than enjoyable. Especially if you have not yet decided on a major, make sure that there are a wide range of options so that you are not stuck deciding between majors you do not like or feeling the need to transfer. If you do transfer though, find out which credits that you have already finished will transfer and get all the requirements done in time.

"Do not expect to know everything. You're going to college to gain more knowledge. It's going to be hard, but do not give up. Try your best and study hard. Have fun with friends, but not too much where you're going to ignore your school work. Always remember that Heavenly Father is there to help you whenever you need it. All you have to do is kneel down and pray and ask for help and guidance"

If I could go back in time to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would have to tell about all of the good things that college has to offer, and explain that the transition isn't much different than transitoning from my junior year to senior year. There will always be doubts, but never allow such presumptions rule out any decisions, especially the important ones such as post-high school education. It is correct to say that these doubts and fears were real in me, but shortly after coming to college I realized that it was not as horrible as I made it out to be. I would also inspire myself to take more initiative to work on the college applications sooner, and to start working on scholarships, too. In high school, I didn't know which major to pick, if I could go back I'd tell myself to focus on what is passionate to me. Lastly, I would assure myself that everything was going to be just fine, because in high school, I was very insecure and afraid of what college life would bring.