Capella University Top Questions

I would remind myself to stay focused and finsih school (Undergraduate) in my 20's. It has been a difficult road finishing my Bachelor's degree in my 30's and now almost finished with my masters in my early 40's. You are only young once, so have fun but remember what is important- work hard now to reap the benefts later.

Never ever give up on yourself. Keep that dream and not matter how many times you can't see your dream, it is always there.. never ever give up hope that eventually one day .. you will have what is yours. The work is hard and long and many tears will be spilled, but eventually your goals will be met and that is an amazing feeling!! Be strong!

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to not waste the time available. I would recommend to start aplying to colleges and use my time wisely. Currently I am a single mom of a toddler and it is rough returning to college while trying to take care of my family. I would advise myself to go to college right after highschool, and not wait until my late twenties. I would also advise myself to remember those who I am close to. Sometimes as teenagers, we push those people away, but as an adult we realize time is short. I would make sure to remind myself to always stay positive, because even if life gets hard, you will always make it through. It is best to stay strong, no matter what you're going through, because one day you will have amazing little kids looking up to you to show them how they can be successful too. Most of all, I would stress to myself to stay in school and never give up.

Staring at the reality of high school ending and the real world of responsibility and defining who you will become can be overwhelming. Parents expect you to flip a switch and be a mature adult and teachers expect you to know exactly where and what career you plan to spend the rest of your working adult life. All you hear is how important it is for you to go to college and get a good job. First you have spent all your life confined to parents and teachers rules, now you facing college. Look at college as a way to grow your strengths and passions. Most students run to the freedom of college and struggle since parents and teachers are not micromanaging their time and work. They are taking classes they are expected to take. Start college with a balance. Find a part-time job you love. Realize that college does not need to be completed in four years, but needs to be completed passionately. Use your first year of college to take basics, but use the first year of college to explore opportunities for careers that you see yourself loving. Passion creates the desire to be a scholar.

First: Since you know what you are going for psychology, research the psychology departments of at least your top 10 colleges and universities. Don’t be intimidated by whether they are public or private. Look at the psychology department for reputation, specialization and training opportunities. Look at the professors and the students and what they specialize in and what kind of careers they develop post-graduation. Second: Start applying for scholarships and grants in addition to any loans you may need. All of them. Any federal or other loans you may be awarded, take the minimum necessary. It will be far less stressful to work on the weekends than it will to see the hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt rack up. Also, start paying the interest while you are in school. Third: Be ready to fight for what you believe in. When you see online school and see that they some are accredited and reputable, follow your gut. Advocate for yourself and for your fellow online learners with real world naysayers. Show, don’t tell, what the benefits of individualized online blended models of education has to offer. Don’t let anyone stop you reaching your dreams.

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school self I would say get into college as soon as possible. If you wait years upon years, until you have a family of your own it will be doable but it won't be easy. Also, don't take college lightly, your have to be determined and driven to succeed. You also need to get the upper hand on your time management skills. Thesse skills are a must whether your going to a traditional university or one that is online. Another thing is to take your courses seriously. You also need to make sure that your major is something that you actually want. The one thing you don't want to do is start something that you get quarter of the way through on and decide that you really don't want a degree in that field. Also your degree choice shouldn't be just about the potential income you could make it should be one that will truly make you happy. You shouldn't want just a career, you should want a calling.

Not to wate to go back to school and get your BA not just your AS or ASS.

As I go back in time as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself would be prepared, stay focus, achieve good grades that will enable me to get into a top college. Do not take parents, educators, families or friends for granted. Be appreciative, help someone along the journey, do not be a follower, but be a leader. Maintain your dignity, respect, have character, it is who you are and who you become. Education is the key to freedom, knowledge, enpowerment, independence, it is the tool that allows balance in ones life, integrity, honesty, humility, and the opportunity to share what we learn. Having all these skills will prepare me for formal education. I will have the opportunity to accilmate into a diverse group of students that are multi-cultural, of different views, religion, ethnic background and personallity. My transition would be smoother, and I would be ready for the challenges of college life. Then I can attain the highest goals, the sky is the limit.

Choose your college wsiely. Make sure it is accredited and check all your options first. Access your cost before applying to a college. Compare several colleges at one time and chose the one that will meet your financial needs the most and or has the best scholarships that would pertain to your degree.

Get started in College early, save money, pay attention, and do not waste time and wait until you are 55 like me, but remember though if you did do those things, no regrets, move forward and it is just a number...Better late than never! Good Luck Self.