Citadel Military College of South Carolina Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in highschool, I would tell myself to take school more seriously and focus more on learning how to correctly study for major exams. I also would tell myself that I should place more focus on my physical appearance, because in the long run it would have made my first year here at The Citadel easier and thus less stressful.

I would have told myself that no matter what happens, tomorrow will come and there will be second chances.

IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND TALK TO MY SELF AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR I WOULD GIVE MYSELF A LOT OF ADVICE. I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO BE MORE FOCUSED ON WHAT I WANT OUT OF LIFE. I WOULD PROVIDE MYSELF WITH ALL OF THE RESOURCES THERE ARE OUT THERE. I THINK THAT IF I KNEW HOW IMPORTANT MY GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL WOULD BE IN MY FUTURE THEN I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT MORE SERIOUSLY. I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO ALWAYS KEEP MY EYES ON THE PRIZE, BECAUSE THAT GIFT AT THE END IS WELL WORTH IT. I MADE SOME MISTAKES IN HIGH SCHOOL SO I THINK GOING BACK IN TIME WOULD BE A POSITIVE ACTION. GOING BACK I WOULD HAVE BEEN A CHANGED GIRL. MY GRADES WOULD HAVE BEEN SKY HIGH AND I WOULD HAVE TAKEN TIME OUT TO JUST RESEARCH. I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN I FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL BUT IF I KNEW WHAT MY OUTCOMES WOULD BE FROM MY LAZYNESS I WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY CHANGED MY CHOICES. I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO JUST HAVE FUN LEARNING AND TO TAKE EVERYTHING IN. I WOULD TELL SAMONE TO BE A SPONGE INSTEAD OF A ROCK.

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself, I would congratulate myself for doing so well so far. The future that you have planned out IS possible in every way. Take time over the summer to go train with your father who is a Marine so he can help prepare you for the worst to come, so that the nights you get homesick won't last as long because what you are doing is for a good cause. I would tell myself to be my own person and to look out for people that may seem friendly and like they want to help you, not all people are honest like you are. Stick close to your classmate because it will be them that will bring you up when things get dark. Be confident in your studies and in you competitions, you are going to do great things at The Citadel. Don't look back, move forward.

The most important parts of choosing a college are your interests, location, and to always keep your future in mind. I would not advise an artist to go to a military school or a champion athlete to go to a school that does not offer that particular sports team. If you want to study in a certain field, make sure the school has it. If you cannot stand the idea of being more than a few hours away from home then stay close and if you cannot stand the cold then do not go too far north. Most of all do not forget that sometimes it is the reputation of a school that could play a large part of getting you your dream job. Making the most of your college experience is all about balancing and time management. You have to balance you social life and your academics. You cannot stay out all night with your friends and expect to do well on your test the next day when you have not studied. College is the time to learn real life responsibility without your parents and set goals to work your way into a successful adulthood.

First off, try to avoid picking the most prestigious school for your undergraduate work. There's no reason to go to a school that is way too hard which makes it hard to get good grades. Second, pick a school which provides a campus that enables you to academically succeed. My academic success came from not having parties and other distractions on the campus. Even though i went to a military college, there are other schools which have this same feature.

There are many things to consider when deciding upon which college is right for you. I would say that the most important thing to consider when deciding upon which college to attend would be if the college has a strong program in whatever field the student is considering studying. Also, racial and ethnic diversity are important because it is key to be exposed to a wide range of people before entering the work force. On top of that, finding a college with a wide range of extra-curricular activities is important because the more things you do during your college experience, the more things you have to put on a resume. The most important advice I can offer about making the most of your college experience is to be open to new things. Make new friends, don't waste time watching television, and just get out there and experience life. This is your last time before having to be a full blown grown up and getting a real job, so just make the most of it.

Look at all the options colleges offer. Study the courses and student/teacher ratio. Do you want a large campus or smaller one? Do the professors have advanced degrees? Once you're there...take advantage of all the college offers. Study hard, but have fun. You can do both.

Remember that you only have one time to do this so enjoy it while you are still young.

To the parents: never force your child to go where they don't want to. For the students: never be afraid of a challenge. College as I have experienced it is about a lot more than going to class or partying. It's about discovering exactly who and what you are, and preparing yourself for the world that is right outside of campus. Choose the college that you know will prepare you for the life you want to live, because it's your opportunity to start on the path of making a name or life for yourself. Making it this far, to looking at colleges, is an accomplishment, but the real challenge is leaving college with the tools for the world that doesn't wait on you. After your education you're on your own. No one is there to hold your hand or let you cheat off their paper. No coach is your teacher to see you get an A instead of an F. So ask yourself... Do I want to go to accomplish something with my life, or do I want to go to a frat party. Ultimately, the choice is in your hands, and is your responsibility.