Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

I would have told myself to have a job. The reason in applying for any scholarship is due to the financial need so by having a job during my high school career, I would of saved enough money for the books I need in college, the expenses needed for my class materials and dorm room, (i.e. covers, pillows, food, hygiene supplies and especially school supplies!) Even if you are planning to attend an Out-of-State-School, expenses becomes increasingly expensive. Not to scare future incoming college freshmen, but you have to remember plane ticket expenses, transportation expenses and wardrobe for changing environments. Personally speaking, being born in Florida I never seen snow then moving to Ohio where it snows for months is a great transition. Advice I would have given myself: Apply for an abundant amount of scholarships to avoid loans; Do very well in high school, because what you do your freshman year sticks to you when you get to your senior year; Get involved in extracurricular activities- take on leadership roles, because majority of the time, in future applications that is mainly what they ask; Volunteer for different organizations; and Build lasting bonds with teachers

Dear High School Senior, Considerer carefully your options for college. Don't be overwhelmed narrow the search with easy questions. Ask yourself, what can I afford? Which schools offer my desired major? How close do I want to be to home? What kind of campus do I want? If possible tour different campuses to help you get an idea of what you are looking for in a college. Remember you are paying to go to college so do what's right for you and make sure you like what you are getting for your money! Don't worry, you'll make friends and succeed anywhere as long as you go for it! that's right be outgoing, know what you want and find a way to get it. Afterall, this is your life and college isn't just a preparation for you life but a major part of it. Live it up - this can be the time of your life if you take advantage of all the opportunities! Goodluck!

The transition to college wasn't really what got me...but I changed majors several times and dropped out for a number of years. Now as a wife and mother I've gone back to school 28 years after I graduated high school - and for the very first major I chose as a high school senior. I stressed out a lot about my options, and I would tell myself not to worry - even though I didn't graduate college in 1987 I still have a wonderful life, 2 beautiful children, and a supportive husband. Things usually work out in the end.

I would have told myself to stay focused, no matter what you are going through. I know that some children have it hard at home and they may not receive the support that is most important, but I would explain that it is extremely important to do your best while in High School because it definitely prepares you for college and years beyond. I would also say that not only taking High School courses seriously but to network with all of your teachers, guidance counselors and sports coaches. Every student should have a mentor and this is the best way of obtaining a mentor, someone who is at the school and who can be there for you when you need it the most. Don't party, stay in your books. Don't cheat on homework, test, quizzes, nothing. It is only hindering you from succeeding in the future. Always ask for help and never feel ashamed when you receive a bad grade. If there are tutors available or study groups, always take advantage of the help that you can receive. Stay confident and understand that school isn't meant to be easy, life is a learning process and school helps.

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships and to be more vigilant about taking classes.

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self I would tell her to open up and not be shy. College is fun and a place where you not only learn about educational things such as math, sciences, etc. , but you also learn about yourself and others. College teaches you that it is perfectly ok to be different, and that there is absolutely no reason to alter yourself to try to blend in with others. During college be friendly, talk to people, attend activities, volunteer, join different organizations, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Professors are not out to fail you, they are there to help you and they want to see you progress and do well. The library is not a place for nerds! The library is a great place to study, network, attend events, and just relax. Have fun, achieve your goals, and never second guess yourself.

I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year because college is where the work begins, but not to fear college because it's a wonderful time full of new experiences. I would tell myself to fill out scholarships now before it's too late. I would also advise myself to take college classes so I can get them out of the way so I dont have to do them next year. I would tell myself to start getting used to doing things on my own because there is nobody here to hold your hand you are fully responsible for yourself. I would advise myself to just better prepare for college. Such as being more organized, getting to know more resources, getting things done on time if not early. Senior year is a laid back year full of little work and just plain excitment to graduate where Freshman year in college is a time to buckle down and get multiple things done and done right. The transition is difficult but the more prepared you are, the more easier it will become.

I would tell myself to be prepared to have an open mind. Students who attend college need to be able to submurse themselves in a diverse culture that may be very different than the one they grew up in. I would tell myself to be prepared to make friends and be prepared to lose friends. People change and you will too, but in a good way, more than likely. I would also tell myself to spend as much time as I can with my parents and family because being away helps you realize how much they truly mean to you. Be open to new ideas, be open to change, and be open to discovering a whole new you.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to not second guess myself and to follow my dreams. I would like to tell myself that education is the foundation for my life and to stay stern on my choice of career path.

"Jordan, be fearless." That is what I would tell myself if I could speak to that high school senior that was me, six months ago. I know now that I really have to take control of what I want in order to succeed and reach my goals. Nobody is going to live my life but me. I was so afraid to commit to my future that I lived in the day-to-day. And to be frank, the last half of my Senior year, I faltered. I lost my drive; my "mojo." I just wanted to be out of high school. College seemed surreal and distant. I would say to myself as a high school senior: "This is REAL. How are you getting there?" This also encompasses taking my Senior grades more seriously -- I had no idea how much they really meant and how one botched class could make my GPA plummet. If I could do it all again, I would seize the day. I'd take control of my destiny and shout from the mountaintops: "I am finishing my Senior year in a blaze of glory and HERE is what I plan to do with my life!"