Florida State University Top Questions

No one finds the perfect dream school. Even if their Instagram tells you otherwise, everyone struggles their freshman year. Stick with it. Surround yourself with people you want to grow into, and explore new things. Prepare for occasional lonely nights and feelings of failure- and then be pleasantly surprised when you arrive on campus and realize you're ready for this.

The most important thing that I would tell myself would be to learn how to manage my time efficiently from the beginning. It took me a few months to really understand the importance of time management in college and planning really saves a whole lot of stress. Another thing that I would say would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there. College is a time for new experiences and is most definitely not high school anymore. There are no obvious cliques in class and everyone respects each others differences. It is easy to feel comfortable being yourself at my school and not being afraid to out yourself out there makes for many more opportunities to make lifelong friendships.

Honestly, I would tell my high school self not to freak out about grades as much as I did. Not knowing that your GPA completely restarts my senior year of high school would have been a lot less stressful. I would also tell my high school self how important it is to take AP tests and PASS them. I took AP classes because I thought it looked good on applications but I didn't realize it could help me get rid of the easy prerequisites that I would have to take unless I passed an AP test. I would definitely tell my high school self that I need to start saving money NOW and to not spend it as I please. I also would say that clothes are not as important to bring to college as you think, especially because the freshmen fifteen is real. I would tell myself to have better study habits and to never have 'all-nighters' because getting the right amount of sleep is just as important as knowing the material that will be on the test.

If i could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would probably tell myself that every single day counts. All of the days where i felt like not going to school or not studying are important. Those days could have made a huge difference in my grades and possibly have gotten me more scholarship money so that i could attend The Florida State University without having to worry about how i am going to get by financially.

As you journey through this very difficult decision- making process, you need to remember that college will change you in more ways than just academically. While your education is the most important thing (and it should be) at this time, college is your first real taste of autonomy. You will learn so much about the person you have come to believe you are, as well as develop the person you hope to become. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Allow yourself to change your mind; you have every right. Allow yourself to take chances that you might not at this moment. Do not think your academic life has to overtake the crucial lessons about adulthood that you will have to learn. It will be difficult, and never forget to ask for the help you need. College is the guide that will help you become self-sufficient, and no one expects you to do that alone. Choose the school that will not only provide the best academic option for you, but the best place to foster the personal growth you now know you will undergo.

There is a couple of things I would tell myself as a high school senior. For one, be grateful for your parents, they do everything and will do anything for you. Also, pay attention in math, this is your foundation! Another thing, don't get caught up in your friendships, they're nice to have but probably won't be there in the long run. But please, if you're going to take anything from this it's save your money! Don't guilt your parents into unecessary expenses because every penny counts.

Don't be afraid to be yourself. Once you get out of your shell, you will make the friends you are truly supposed to have

If I could give advice to my high school self, I would tell her not to put so much pressure on herself; it is good to be driven, but I was still very young and should have given myself more time to be just that. Between dance and cheer practices, work, school, and organizations I was involved in, I focused so much on having the perfect resume for college that I never made my actual happiness and sanity a priority.

To my younger self, Always be willing to break the ice first, get involved in all the activities your university has to offer, and never say no to any opportunity to get to know others. There will be one week of fun activities to do, and a lot of people to meet. Talk to your Resident Assistant to know what's happening on campus, they'll point you in the right direction. Don't just sit in your dorm and do nothing. And take a chance with your coursework; pick classes that sound challenging or interesting even if it seems hard, you won't regret it. Times of hardship are often the most rewarding - remember that. Additionally, take this time to get settled into the new swing of things. Don't wait until the last minute to find out where your classes are, and be prepared to cook for yourself. I know breaking out of your shell is tough, but please try to engage with others - you'll thank me in the long run. Lastly I want to say that college is going to be one of the best times of your life, so enjoy it, but work hard.

Looking back at my high school self as a senior, I would stress first and foremost: everything happens for a reason. Whether I saw it then or even now, everything that has happened in my life has shaped who I am, what I believe in, and where I am today in my career. Follow your ambitions and dreams, don't let other persuade you where you should go and where you feel most comfortable. BREAK OUT and explore new things! Don't be afraid to apply to college out of state, don't be afraid to go where none of your friends are going. Doing that has given me the best opportunity to grow both in ways I never would have imagine. Surround yourself with like-minded people who are driven and in turn drive you to better yourself. There are alot of organizations once you become aquainted with you university. Pick an organization that resonates with you and take a leadership position. Make an impact, maybe even start one of your own. Last but not least, look in financial aid and scholarships. There are a plethora of them all for your taking. It will make life alot easier!