New England College Top Questions

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, the advice I would give to myself is to stop procrastination, take the SAT/ACT one more time and actually sit down and study for them, last but not least, apply to only schools of my major (engineering) and nothing else. The reasons these are my options are because I know that if I didn’t have these limitations three years ago, my future would be entirely different from what it is now. Being a senior in high school and having all my requirements for graduation done, I was lazy and senioritis hit me early. I had a ton of time on my hand but when I was assigned with something, I would wait until last minute to do it. Just like studying for the SAT/ACT and/or applying for colleges early enough so I can get a better financial aid packet. I would tell my high school self to buckle down and begin to think about the future because it is essential and when done correctly, could set me on the path to success.

"It's going to be alright." These are the first words that I would use to assure my younger, worried about choosing the right place (out of 12 applications), self: "It's going to be alright." I would tell her that part of the worries she had, didn't matter, because half of it wasn't the school that I was going to choose, but her, herself: the student. I would tell her with confidence, that SHE would be the one to really make the difference, not the university. Regardless if she chose the right place or not, I would remind her that home was within her, her family and friends - that wrong or right, it was part of her journey, and traveling, she would still succeed wherever she was. So, I'd tell her not to really worry, because there is no wrong choice. As long as she pushed to form connections with her faculty and those she met, she would be alright. I would say lastly, before I go, "You're going to succeed, you're going to make friends, and you're going to make a difference. It's going to be alright."

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myelf not to stress. College is fun and you will make a lots of friends. Filling out collge aplications may seem daunting but once its done and the acceptance letters come in all will be better. While you still have to decide where you want to begin your college education the decision will come easy in the end. Staying calm is the key to success. It important to remember that its okay to ask for help, and there is no shame in not knowing what comes next. Life is one great mystery but the best part of it all is that there are people all around you who only want to see ou succeed and are their to help in every way possible.

Use your time wisely

If I could go back to my senior year and give myself advice I would say four things. Overnight visit, ask to showdown a student in the science department for a day, take a tour (do this for every school), and don’t let money stop you! I chose these tips because when I applied to my colleges I didn’t tour all of them only the one I am currently at because I saw where I would be attending. I also feel now that if I was able to see the other schools and how the professors taught I could make a better decision. Toward the end of deciding what college to attend I let money decide where I was going to go. The school I am attending now offered me a few thousand dollars more than the school I determined as my top school. To this day part of me regrets that choice. If I had to pick just one this to say to my past self that would be it money isn’t everything. Go with your gut and worry about the money later.

Dear 15 year-old self, The day you stepped in your high school was the day you promised yourself that you would do everything in your power to make the best of your high school experience. You vowed to yourself that you would have no regrets as you walked to the podium to accept your diploma. You tried new things, met new people, made many friends and along the way, developed into an intelligent, independent and beautiful person. But, you missed one very important thing. You're worth is not determined by who or how many people are around you but rather it is determined by the quality of person that you are. Never let anyone influence your decisions and never put your self-worth on the back burner for others. I promise one day you'll figure it out. It is said that experience is the best teacher and that as life goes on, clarity will come to what is important and what is not. With much love, Your 20 year-old self

Save your money, kid. College life is fun, and there's tons to do. You should take advantage of this time in your life, but don't go overboard. You can learn a lot in the classrooms of the University, but you can also learn a lot about life during these years. Make friends, explore, GO TO CLASS. Don't get so involved in extracorriculars and fun that you take your eyes off the reason you're there. That slip of paper you'll hopefully earn in four years isn't just proof that you've learned something; it's a testament to your ability to complete something you start. You'll be an asset to a company or organization if you can show that you were an asset to your college. So forget about having the chick-mobile. Forget about having the great party house. Get the things you need to succeed in the classroom, and you'll still be able to have your fun, too.

Dear Stephanie, I am well aware that you’re quite busy with all of your college applications and other important obligations, but please just hear me out. You are about to go to college, one of the major milestones that you’ll encounter in your life that might just change you as a person. I know you’ve Googled plenty to prepare yourself, and, don't get me wrong, Google is a wonderful source of information that will surely help you, but there is one thing that Google will not tell you that I want you to know. Learn how to play the classic table games—I’m talking ping pong, foosball, pool. You don’t have to master it (yet), but at least know the basic rules for each game. The point system, the rules, which ball is the cue ball—these are all essential pieces of information that will allow you to ease into the college experience. Best of luck (No worries, though, I know you can do it. Literally, I’m from the future, remember?) Stephanie

My advice to my past self is to not be so worried. You shouldn't stress so much about college, because you will make friends and you will do well in school and sports. Still work hard, but don't stress out so much and have a little fun!

if i could go back in time to myself as a high school student i would change everything. i would change my work ethic and get myself into the flow of college work. like i would have tried to take college classes while i was still in high school. in high school i had alot of time on my hands i could have started really early. like i thought college was going to be easy as pie. i would have changed my thought process as well. my organizationing and time management would have been improved awhole lot. then once i get here to college i would be on point with everything. see sometimes you cant make people follow your advice even if you are talking to yourself. all you could do is tell them and hope they follow it for the best and change for the better. thats how we as humans learn through life experinces. its like failing and then the next time around you pass with flying colors because you saw where you made misstakes and you will not fall for it again. in a way im glad i made misstakes and know that perfect person isnt me.