Madison Area Technical College Top Questions

Don't pick a college because of what city it's in or any other trivial, superficial reasons; pick a college that has a good program in the field you want to be in. Apply for all of the financial aid that you possibly can and start applying for it early. Do not underestimate how important financial aid will be once you start college. Most importantly, decide on a major based on what you have a passion for instead of obsessing over what kind of job you'll get once you graduate. It's better to commit yourself to something you enjoy.

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared for the tough work that is ahead, and to buckle down and do it. In college the only thing that matters is getting the work done. I would also tell myself that communication with peers is another necessary step to success. If you miss a class and need notes, or need someone to study with, being able to rely on someone in your class is a great privilege. But the most important thing I would tell myself is that no matter what happens, college is a great experience and definitely the right choice for me.

I would tell myself that I shouldn't have slacked off the past four years. I should have been excited for the future instead of dreading the responsibilities. I would also tell myself to pick up more hours at work while I still had time and less stress because very soon and without any warning I would have to support myself without much help of my unemployed father and his foreclosed house payments. I would tell my high school self that life is fun but it isn't something to waste. Spending spare time without productiveness is a waste. It seems that as I've gotten older the spare time is now fewer and far between. I wish I would have better prepared my self for this life transition instead of diving into it head first. I would have told myself to not apply to art school because it isn't really my niche. However, I would encourage myself for the future . I'd let me know that although things become harder, the feeling of achievement feels so much better. The feeling of being independent and succeeding my goals is a very intense and beautiful feeling.