Chelsea
If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. When I was a senior I failed to forsee the cost of attending the University I was going to, and I regret not making the deadline for many scholarships. I would also have tried to take an Advanced Placement class in high school to try and get college credits. It would have been great if I had gotten some college credits out of the way, so I could have taken other classes as a minor.
Caleb
I would have told myself to take every available opportunity presented. I would have told myself to read books a lot more - ones that do not just pertain to school- often and play less video games. I would also push myself to study harder and put more time into my school work and grades so I would do better on my SAT scores. Most importantly, I would have worked harder to get scholarships and more money for school earlier on.
Shandra
If I could talk to myself as a senior, I'd have three pieces of advice: Don't worry! Don't be shy! and Challenge yourself. I'd first tell myself not to worry about the classes being too hard, or not liking my roommate, or be fearful of getting lost on the first day of classes. Finish strong academically Senior year, and don't goof off. Liking your new roommate is going to take time, and it's ok if you two don't become joined at the hip because you'll meet so many other friends. Just make sure to help buy groceries and replace the shower curtain every once in awhile to keep the relationship on a good note! Also, everyone gets lost on the first day, especially on a big campus, even if you find all of the rooms ahead of time.
Another thing: Don't be shy! You won't make friends if you shut yourself up in your room and focus entirely on academics! Get out there. Meet people.
Finally, Challenge yourself. Don't be the same person you were in high school. BORING! Try new things. Get out there, grow and explore!
Andrea
You have now reached that point in your life where every single decision that you make will have a serious impact on your future. It is very important to understand, now is not the time to assert your newly acquired "grown up" status. Even though you have reached a level of maturity where you can make your own decisions and be your own boss, it is important that you maintain the same discipline that was required of you throughout your grade school and high school years. We have a tendency to get impatient at this point in our lives. We want to be on the fast track to earning our own money and buying our own place. In time, you will not have a choice about having these responsibilities. Take full advantage of this time and of this place in your life. Dedicate your energy to learning and acquiring as much knowledge as you can. College life can be exciting and fun. You do have more freedom and flexibility than you have ever had concerning class schedules and attendance. Be wise about your use of time and money. Be balanced and you will not have any regrets.
Neema
Take more college preparatory classes. Take more surverys to know yourself and what you would like to do for the rest of your life or for a career. Remember that discipline is very important in order to get anything great done in life. You will not have someone over your shoulder watching everything you do like in high-school, so be self-disciplined, otherwise you will find yourself slipping into doing nothing at all which will lead into failing everything. Friends are fun and social life is important but your education is even more important. Keep your priorities straight!
Jonathon
Apply yourself to all that you do, and work with enthusiasm to study hard and work diligently it will pay off in the end
Justin
College is completely different from anything you are ever going to experience. You will make new friends, be expected to study, and have practically no rules restraining you. While most of this sounds fun it is also a real challenge.
When you first arrive it will be easy to make friends because everyone is in the same situation as you. They want to meet new people too. When it comes to going to class, no one is going to force you to go. You have to realize that it is your responsibility to attend classes regularly and you are actually wasting money if you do not. Sleep is important! It is impossible to function properly when you are in sleep debt. You really need your eight hours.
While I can try and warn you of all the individual problems and difficulties you might face, the most important thing is that you bring an attitude of learning. Not just for the classroom but in terms of everything. You will undoubtedly make mistakes. What you do after them is what is important. Will you learn from them and make correction or, continue making them time and time again?
Kathie
College is a great experience, you are finally on your own but with that comes responsabilty to yourself. You can make the experience whatever you want but it is you who needs to take the time to learn all you can. Make sure the major you pick is the right one if you are not sure check out the ones you are interested in in the first few years you are there while you are gettingh your required classes in . Ask lots of questions, talk to te professors, grad students, other students in that major. It is important to be happy with where you want to go. Get involved don't just hide in your room. Don't stress out, we naturally make things harder then they have to be. One key thing is to stay orgenized, you should be proud of who you are and where you are going. It is a great accomplishment to get this far and with college you really can do anything. SO GO FOR IT. BE PROUD YOU ARE GOING TO FINISH AND GRADUATE. Be excited and stay away from bad influences that can get you off track.
Susan
I would look for more scholarships and pay attention more in class.
Gaye
You are investing in the rest of your life. You are laying a foundation that determines the structure where you will live, work and play. Consider carefully each stone that you lay and enjoy the process. Make good lifetime friends and hold on to all of the wisdom that you can wrest from the experience. You will only pass this way once and this path is worth all of your attention. Pursue until you achieve and keep your achievements like a treasure for use later. With all that you do, invest all of your heart!