Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Top Questions

I don't really miss my high school days, yes they were fun, but college is definatly the place to be. Back in high school I was playing varsity soccer, basketball, and travel soccer. I was going off to competitions for my vocational school. I definately would have tried to have been more involved with my schools. I already was secretary for FCCLA and did hospitality competitions but there is so much more I might have been able to do. I could have volunteered more like I do now, I could have worked more and saved more money. My advice would have been that i could be doing more with myself.

Go somewhere else

Ha, this would be easy. Going back to myself in High School would be fun because I would easily be able to warn myself of what is ahead. I would tell myself that college life is NOT what everyone makes it out to be. I am a very self-controlled individual so I would tell my "High School" self that it would be easy to stay focused on school work and things that are more important. I would also mention that the transition from HS to College isn't so bad either. Also, I would be sure to prepare myself for having to go to school full-time and work 40-45 hours a week because of the biggest financial bind that I would now be in because of HUGE HUGE ENORMOUS student loans that will more than double a typical annual salary. I would make sure that I tell myself to stick it out though, because in the end, it will have all been worth it. (At least, I sure do hope it will be). Other than that, I would tell myself to take nothing that I learn for granted and learn how to make the most of it.

if i could go back i would push myself to work harder, even though i was faced with alot of challenges, i would have overcome and perservered through it all

I would tell them that the primary focus should be finding a school that is reputable and will help you to get a job when you graduate. An education is great, but it means nothing without a real-world, practical application. It is also improtant to consider whether or not you would feel comfortable at the school; ask yourself if it is a place where you feel you would be able to suceed. If grades or finances are holding you back from the school of your dreams, don't despair--take advantage of the colleges that are available to you and don't rule out a school transfer. You can save a lot of money by taking your general education classes at a community college. Having goals to work toward is vital, but you can also waste time and money by forcing yourself into a workload that you're not ready to handle, so make your goals realistic. Most importantly, always remember that as significant as your college career is, it does not define who you are and no matter what school you choose, your education will only ever be as good as the effort you put into it.

Just find something you love or take a risk. Thats what college is about getting out there and being on your own and trying new things. Our parents made the foundation as there children, but it is up tp us to become adults. My dad is the only person helping me with school and I thank him dearly and one day when I get out of college I plan on repaying him. So it is not about going out and finding the most expensive or high dollar school, it is about how you are going to feel and did you really sign up for something you can see yourself doing in the future..

You have to visit the campus and see what type of community exists there and think if you can live in that type of community

Students, pick a your top three majors and tob five schools and apply to all. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and try your hardest to stray away from student loans. If you feel financial strapped there are many community service opportunities to help you pay for college (ex: Americorps or the Peace Corps). Not only will it help you pay for college but it will also change many peoples lives and change you as a person for the better. Also, as much as you may want to do not get caught up in the peer pressure you will come in contact with. Stay focused on school and your studies and graduate with honors or a great GPA to help you get a great job right out of college. The partying isn't worth loss of money, knowledge, and focus. Parents, I just say stay in touch OFTEN and offer as much support as you can. It sometimes can be very hard to adjust in a new environment. You may feel like you are bugging them but they will thank you in the end.

The advice that I would give would be to start off early, don't wait until senior year of high school to try to figure out where you want to go and what you want to do. Research different schools. Most school websites have tons of information, and you can always contact the admissions office and they can send you information packets in the mail. Also, if you know someone that has attended a college that you are interessted in, ask them their opinion of the school, and learn information from their personal experience, but don't base your opinion on the school souly on the opinions of others. The best way for you to get a feel of a school, is to go visit. SIgn up for a campus tour, or an orientation. To make the most out of your experience you have to be open minded, and not feel shy about talking to new people or trying new things. Join a club, play a sport, get involved! Go to class, and learn as much as you can, and ask all the questions that you need to. And keep in touch with your parents, and your friends back home :)

The advice I would give parents or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to do a lot of research, complete and submit FASFA as soon as they can so that they can get as much financial aid as they possibily can. I would tell them to pick five schools that they are really interested in and take campus tours, review possible scholarships, and look at how much tuition will be yearly, talk to as many people as they can. Attend informative sessions about the schools of their choice and once they have narrowed down their choice choose and submit the college applications and wait for the college acceptance letter to roll in. Once the student and parent make the final choice its on the student to do his or her best at what they are chasing after. The student must know that college and high is different and that its all work and no play, some play but not all play. They have to stay focus,manage their time, study and make good grades and it will all pay off in the end. Enjoy college and all it offers.