Montana State University-Billings Top Questions

As a high school senior I was very naive to the world around me. I graduated from a remote Montana school with a class of 42. We didn't lock our doors, we left our car running during the wintertime, and walk by ourselves at night. My hometown was very safe and secure. College is a different story. Bad, unthinkable things actually do happen. It's not just in the movies. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior persona, I would tell her to protect herself, to be prepared, and to trust but not give it out freely.

If I could go back and to myself in high school, there is a lot of things I would tell myself in order to be better prepared for college. The biggest advice I would give myself is the take the ACT/SAT a little more serious and actually study. Also, to take as many college credited courses in high school, so I would not of had to take them again in college. Another bit of advice I would tell myself is to figure out what degree I want so finishing school would come in a timely manner. Switching majors and schools becomes difficult and not all credits transfer the same. This could add an additional year to your schooling and make it to where you don't graduate on time. My final advice to myself would be go to the college of your choice and work hard but also allow yourself to have fun. As long as you balance your work, school, and fun time it will make college more enjoyable, and less stressful.

I would tell myself that there is so many options out there. Now looking back, I wish that I would have went to a community college first, then transfered to a bigger university. College is so expensive, and it can be hard to struggle grades with financials. As looking back, I would also tell myself that it is important to save your money. That way in the furture you won't have to pay back as much in loans. Also, to start looking for scholarships and any financial aid that it is possible. The earlier, the better.

When looking forward to college and getting prepared, one should explore the option of scholarships, grants, financial aid and try your hardest not to take out a student loan. I believe if the right scholarships are found, a student loan is needed when applying for school.If you decide to continue playing sports, there are more scholarships to apply for that help one who plays siorts. Also, one should learn about how to budget money and time as paying for school and living on your own is a big responsibility and with all the studying, there is barely any time for yourself. If you decide to have children before going to college, make sure you have adequete child care in place that is dependable and reliable so you do not have the stress of worrying about taking your child to class with you as most classes will not allow children to attend. When deciding to get a place of your own, look for something that has an option of low income as being employed full time will not be possible. If all those are accomplished, I believe school will be a great success.

Self, be sure to study for all test ahead of time. Don't wait until dealines to get big assignments done. Always make sure work comes first but also get involved with campus activites. You should have a social life but don't let it get in the way of what's important. Make as many business connections as possible they will help in the future when searching for a job.

The advice I would give my high school senior self would to take things slow and one day at a time. Do your best without trying to rush through everything. Take every opportunity that is given to you and don't take anything for granted. Enjoy it! live it! and understand that this will all be worth it one day. Listen to your teachers and even if you don't agree with what they are having you do...do it, and do it well and without complaining, because they know what they are doing. Apply for schlorships even when your not sure if you will get any. Don't give up because you will find out how much you are worth and you will be proud of yourself for giving it your all!

Being obviously much more learned and matured than I was three years ago, I would have so many things to tell myself as a high school senior. For one, "YOU HAVE TIME"; graduating at 17 was a scary thing for me and I thought I had to make all my decisions right away but in reality I didn't expolde from taking time to figure things out. On a personal note I would definitely tell myself to get some new clothes becuase jeans and a t-shirt everyday was a little on the lame side. I think one of the most important things I would tell myself though would be to appreciate every moment and everyday. Right after senior year I lost a very good friend who I graduated with and the world became very real, and I realized much too late to stop and smell the roses. I was so busy studying and taking every course I could to appreciate the life I had outside of academics; and although very important I think friendship and love to be higher.

If I had a chance to go back in time and able to talk to myself in high school. I would tell myself not to worry about girls because they are going to hold you back. Need to apply for a lot of scholarships before senior year is over. Apply for Art Institute of Washington because you love to cook thats your life. Don't let anybody tell you that you won't make it in the college life. You just have to work a little harder then before.

I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the moments while they last. High school does not last forever and the time should be spent wisely. Spend every minute with your friends possible and think about what college classes you take so the future would be easier. Live life to the fullest and don't hesitate to have fun and live a little because that time will not last forever.

If I were able to go back in time I would tell myself to stay overnight at Orientation. When I was at Orientation, it wasn't a requirement - it was an option. I chose to go home that evening because I wasn't going to live on campus. Now, I wish I would have. It would have given me so many advantages. I would have met more friends and gotten more involved faster. I got there, but it took a lot longer than if I had made that one choice. It's important to put yourself out there, even if you're scared or shy.