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I would tell myself to take a lot of AP classes and do well in all my classes. Apply for more scholarships and accept more loans so that I can have extra money to buy books and not run out. You should always check if your professors give good notes and how well they teach at ratemyprofessor.com. Talk to other upperclassmen in your major about which classes to take and which professors are the best. Always stay organized and make sure to always stay on top of your assignments becasue you're expected to do your own work. You need to take responsibility for yourself, in college you have to propel yourself to study a lot more than you do in high school. Take extensive notes and study a lot before test. Due to large lecture halls you don't always have the opportunity to talk to professors so you should go and talk to them and don't wait too long to get help when you're having trouble. Join a club so that you can make new friends. Always stay optimistic, a good attitude and knowing how to handle stress is very important for your success.

Keep doing what you are doing. Next year, you are about to go through a transformation that you cannot plan for. Look for ways to become a better leader, encourage others to strengthen their leadership abilities, and give it all you've got. When you look back on your freshman year of college, I want you to know that you tried your best and made an incredible impact on the school. Look to other people if you ever need help and do not try to do everything by yourself because it is not possible. Your parents are not with you and they will not be helping you pay for college, but don't get discouraged because they support your every step. Apply for as many scholarships as you can so that you don't need to focus on money as much. The most important thing is your education. Things will go wrong, and family members will be sent to prison. Keep a level head and be the best that you can be, and there is no doubt that you will persevere. Stay strong and look to the future. There are better days ahead.

The transition from high school student to college student proved to be difficult for me. I was one of those students that didn't try in school but regardless managed to received a mix of good and great grades without effort in challenging courses. In college I tried to continue these habits because it worked well for me. I immediately found out that this was not the way to approach my college courses. College though it's a continuation of your education is its vastly different. The professors treat you like the type of person you are: an adult. They aren't going to remind you of homework assigments. Some profesors don't even assignment homework, which sounds nice right? Well, if there's no homework then your grade is solely based on tests, if you fail the tests you fail the class. I've never had a test curved since I started college, and no help is given to you. You are an adult now, and if you need something get it yourself. If I could I would have told myself to read accordingly to the schedule, and to ask for help the instant I seemed to be struggling.

I would explain how college is, and tell myself to continue on the academic path, not to let any feelings hold me back. College is very different than high school, both socially and academically. The classes are strict with deadlines and expect the best from all of us. They are easy to manage at first, however, the later terms become more and more challenging. It may seem overwhelming at first, but in time you will get used to the concept. Another factor is work, class schedules need to work out with the work schedule if income were to meet above expenses. Lastly, there is more to life after graduation, if you feel you didn't do well in your adolescent years, there will be time in your adult life to make it up. College gives people keys to opportunities, and those opportunities open gates to what one really wants to fulfill in their life.

Not to be afraid of change, and push yourself to full potiental. Dont be afriad to ask questions, everybody is there to learn. Dont be worried about what everybody else gets on their test, only achieve better then you did the last time. Your in a race of your own, and only you can make yourself better if you want to. Dont be scared to meet new people, go out more and push out of your bubble, and be open to new cultures. Volunteer lots and more doors will open in the future. Its a big stepping stone, and looks scary but push hard and know who you are and be open to the world, its yours to explore and learn from. Enjoy the little things they go by much faster then we realize!

If I could go back, I would tell myself to get better time management skills, because for me that was the hardest thing to do making the transition between high school and college. I would also have told myself to take more PSEO classes than I did as well as become involved right away on campus. One last thing would be to enjoy the little things about college and to go out and spend time with your friends even if it's just for a little bit.

When thinking back to my high school self, I notice many different changes. The first thing I would tell myself is your research. By that I mean when selecting which college to attend, where you want to live, and what major you want to persue make sure to get all the information. Making these decisions is alot easier when you are fully informed. I would also tell myself to keep an open and accepting mind. When going from living at home with your parents for 18 years to moving out into a big unfirmiliar world with a lot of new things and people, its easy to get a sour taste in your mouth when things do not always go in your favor. Each person you encounter on your journey has a story, so it is important to remember that before forming an opinion about them. Lastly I would say, even though this period might be scary and nerve racking, enjoy it. Times seems to go by faster with every passing year and these moments that seem daunting or uncomfortable right now will be the ones you look back on as "the good ol' days'".

I would tell myself to not be afraid to take chances and experience new things. The shift from high school to college can be stressful, but it is manageable. The important thing is to take college seriously and work hard. Working hard for what you want in life and particularly in school is an important thing to learn. Being hard-working and determined are both great qualities to have, and I would have told myself to work on strengthening both those qualities before coming to college. I would also tell myself not to fret over the little things. College is a great, new, and exciting experience that every student should enjoy. Worrying over minor things is not worth it and distracts you from your goals and dreams in life.

Dear High School Senior, The transition from high school to college will be a big change in your life. You will be responsible for everything you do and must discipline yourself through your decisions between your social and academic life. You might encounter situations when it will be difficult to say "no", but always remember to stay true to yourself and make the best choice. Try to find a balance between both sides: social and academics. You will also need to work your best to avoid procrastination, because at the end of the semester, you do not want to be a student who is struggling to get your grade up in that certain course because you procrastinated on studying or doing the work for it. Stay efficient, productive, and give yourself a break from time to time. College is very different from high school, but if you are able to balance things out, you will do great. Yours truly, Sayuri Yang, your college freshman-self

Take advantage of local community colleges. They offer just as high of quality education as a large institution at a fraction of the cost. During my highschool years I worked many hours to get a head start on college payments. By first attending a community college I could have paid of my first two years of school and continued to work to save money for a four year institution. I could have worked less in high school and enjoyed more opprotunities I was given and I would still be able to walk away with a degree with significantly less debt. The education at a four year institution is not better than that of a community college. I overlooked the possibility of staying home a couple more years to get the best education for my dollar, but I have found out that I am at a large university where most of my general classes are not even taught by teachers. Nearly all of my homework is online, undergraduate students teach most of my general courses and I sit in crowded auditoriums with hundreds of students. Do not overlook community college. You will get a high quality education at a reasonable price.