College of DuPage Top Questions

Back in high school as a senior, I didn't really have much motivation. With all the things that came with being a senior I remember feeling overloaded and I didn't want to work hard for anything except cheerleading. On top of school and cheerleading, I had a part-time job working at an icecream parlor, a job that I had since the eighth grade. I felt the pressure from everywhere to get into college and still do well in school. In the end I chose to take a year off of school after graduation to save up money, at least that was my excuse. My advise to my senior self would probably be to not take advantage of high school and work harder. If I had put more effort into scholarships and my grades I would've been able to afford college. I completely regret not going to college for the last year so thats why i'm so determined to get there this year.

Take as many AP test as you qualify for so that when you do start college you have a head start of everyone in your graduating class. I personally graduated early and I feel that was one of the best decisions I made in high school.

Going into college may mean less time spent in school, however it means a lot more outside work. In college, professorrs expect you to do many assignments without guidance. They also expect you to do most of the learning on your own. In college you will ultimately be in charge of your own learning. If you miss a school day or forget to do an assignment, then it is your job to make up the missed work and you may not get credit for missed work depending on the teacher. You will be fine as long as you follow the syllabi that the teachers give you and as long as you keep up on all assigned work.

I would tell myself that college is a completely different academic environment. You have to take responsibility for yourself and actually go out and seek help if you need it. No one is going to hold your hand through college. Also you have to make sure you completely understand the financial aspect and that you can afford the college of your choice. College is very competitive and you have to be willing to put in extra time and effort into studying for the grade you want. It's all about give and take. How much you put in will equal how much you get out of it. Lastly I would say that there has to be a balance between your social life and your academics. The main purpose is to get a degree so that test tomorrow takes priority over that party or whatever tonight.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would probably tell myself that it is ok to not have a fully formed plan. Life, no matter how much you try to change it, will move in its own way of its own accord because of so many factors that are out of your control, and that is ok. Accept that change and uncertainty are all part of, not just college, but life; isn't that what college is about, after all? One day you may think you are going to a university, and then the next you are backpacking across Europe alone and loving yourself all the more because of it. Stay positive, and even the wildest rides can be the most enjoyable!

Be outgoing! I grew up going to the same high school as almost all the kids I went to elementary school with. We all knew each other since age 5. Going to College is a whole new world; there are thousands of students who don't know each other. I was quiet all through high school; going to college was like a fresh start, a chance to not be an introvert. Sit beside someone you don’t know and stick out your hand and introduce yourself. Chances are, that person does not have someone to sit beside in that class and could use a study buddy in 4 months for exams, the same as you! It’s daunting to be the one outgoing, and to make those first introductions. But it is so worth it in the long run! Friends are your help in classes, they can assist you with studying and you can share notes and information. It will truly make you a more successful student!

First go to comunity college, then go to a 4 year college. Dont let anyone tell you that you should get an associate because it's a waste of time and money. Just go for a bachelors then a masters, if you want to be the best that you can be. Also don't be too concerned about making friends, just stay focused on getting the career you want, it will all pay off in the end.

The very first thing I would tell myself is that comparing high school and college is night and day. Another advice I would give is to tell myself to cherish each day of my senior year. It is a bittersweet experience and the activities that come along with being a senior in high school are unforgettable. Being more open minded will definitely make the transition much smoother. If I came into college with a judgemental attitude, I would certainly feel like an outsider. Academically speaking, I would emphasize on reading the required material in a timely matter. Another thing I would mention is the pace of the classes. If one doesn't keep up with the reading and lectures, that will spell trouble. Furthermore, I would say that making decisions is crutial for success in college. When deciding whether or not to skip class or even a test, one should consider the outcome of what will happen. This could mean getting a zero and not being able to re-take the test. To sum things up, I would tell myself to go out and be involved. Making new friends and trying new things will make challenge yourself and become different.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay in the books and worry about my GPA and find my focus make a plan and stick to it, because if I had of made a plan I dont think I would still be trying to get into school but insted I would be in a university somewhere enjoying the college experiance insted of trying to get into a 2 year community college and then thinking about going to a university later on in life. I would tell my self to try as hard as i kan so we dont go down the same road of being homeless a few times and now relying on my mother to help me.

High school is one of the most important times of your life, it truely prepares you for college. Don't take it as a joke and dont take it lightly. NEVER stop strving for the A's. Friends can wait, school should come first. Never get discouraged, the hard work will pay off in the long run. Some of the best scholarships that will really help you get through college require the high GPA's. You will want to kick yourself in the butt if you miss out on such opportunities. The only one or only thing that holds you back from this all is you and yourself only. You may wish to blame it on events and people, but you're just deflecting the truth. Take this seriously, and you will be happier than ever imagined.