Emily
Be prepared to study hard. Go to class with an attitude to learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even the ones that seem dumb. Be humble in your position as a freshman and in what you know and don't know.
Even though there is a lot of food offered in the cafeteria don't overindulge yourself! Make time for getting out and exercising because it is worth it. Remember to have fun and spend time with people and friends. Even if at first you feel lonely and don't know anyone, it's just a phrase and will pass. It doesn't take long before you find that you know several people.
James
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is going to be awesome. I would tell myself not to worry about the transition and to relax. I would let myself know that I will be able to do well and succeed if I put the effort into it. The last thing I would tell myself is to simply be myself and not be anxious about college or my future but to simply enjoy it while it lasts.
Kyle
Work Hard. Focus on your schoolwork.
mercie
College is more academic focused. There is more work than in high school and being organized and focused is a recipe for success. Time management is a big thing in college.
Sarah
I would advise myself not to worry about meeting friends, because it is really easy at my school. I would also advise myself not to worry about how I would do with the school load here, because they make it easy to adjust to the classes. The teachers are very friendly, and nobody feels out of place.
Cortni
Try harder your first semester and make sure you play a sport; that's where you will meet your life long friends!
Gabrielle
If I was able to magically appear to myself and tell myself what i know now about college life. I would first tell myself to find a roommate before I got to college. Then I would tell myself to save the pain and heart ache of being a music major and skip right on over to psychology. Then I would remind myself, that is it not all about me, and there are others out there who are in need. As a freshman I was over zealous for my opinions and I scorched some bridges because of it. I would remind myself that no matter what you think you should always objectively listen to the other side. I also would also tell myself is that my health is going to drastically decline and not to worry about it, but to be healthy and eat well and exercise so as to minimize the problems coming. I would also tell myself that not everyone is going to like me and thats okay. I think I would lastly tell myself to take more AP classes and study really hard to get scholarships so my parents don't have a huge burden on their shoulders.
Joanna
While you are still in high school, it is very important to fill out scholarships. This is especially important when you receive your first bill to the college you are enrolled. College is expensive and the only way to get around that is through taking the initiative through filling out scholarships. Once you have enrolled, the transition to college life will be made so much easier if you learn to be confident and put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to talk to people you don't know. Introduce yourself and share a couple things about yourself. That way, people will feel comfortable around you and are more likely to share things about themselves. Always smile! Also, keep in mind that while you may miss your friends from high school, it will do you no good sitting in your room moping about it. Shake off the sadness by starting new and exciting friendships!
Emily
Choosing a college is, ideally, a once in a lifetime experience. Students tend to look for colleges based on their academic program preference. Whether it's a nationally acclaimed engineering program, a state certified nursing program or just the option of an 'undecided' major, the degrees offered by a particular school are too often the deciding factor.
The right college will inspire you--to pursue your dreams, align your lifestyle with your goals and interact with the community around you. While academic offerings are an important factor, many students and parents would be advised to put far more energy into experiencing a campus and understanding its learning atmosphere, community support and open-mindedness.
Your college experience will influence the rest of your life. Your degree, friends from school and practical experiences will influence your career, relationships and lifestyle. Take advantage of this opportunity to influence your life for the better. Pick a school where your uniqueness will be appreciated and your mind will be inspired to continue learning for years to come.
Erin
If I were to give advice to parents and students about finding the best college, I would definitely say that you need to find a school that fits you best. Change is scary, I know that first hand, and going away to school is a big change so it is very scary. But it's a good change, and eventually being away will be a little less scary. The school you choose that fits the best will begin to feel like your home away from home, and you'll never want to leave. In order to make the most of your college experience I would encourage you to get involved in a variety of different activities - join a choir, an organization, a community service group, so you can meet as many different kinds of people as you can. Then from there you will get to decide which group you fit best with and form lasting friendships. While it's important to get involved, it is also important to be serious about your studies and get your work done as well though. College is all about learning how to balance everything . Once you learn that balance, you're set for life.