North Georgia College & State University Top Questions

The transition from high school to college life can be overwhelming for anyone. As a high school senior there are some things I realize now that I wish I knew then. Three main things I would tell myself now would be to take advanced placement classes, live at home for the first year, and to get involved.Taking advanced placement classes not only allow for possible credit towards college but also help a student to learn how to study independently. This better prepares a student for how college classes are. I would tell myself to take full advantage of these courses and the tests offered towards college credit. Living at home for the first year allows a student to learn to cope with college curriculum while eliminating some stressful factors that come with moving out. For instance, the student would not have to worry with many expenses. This provides a calm environment for the student during the transition.The last piece of advice I would give myself is to get involved in college. This allows a student to make friends with people who share common interests. This is extremely important when you eventually move out on your own.

If I had my highschool years to do over, I would take my academic subjects more seriously beginning in nineth grade. After just one semester at North Georgia College, I realized how unprepared academically I was. Taking an easy academic load in high school did not prepare me properly for the expectations of my college classes. I would definitely study more, take more honor classes, and choose friends who were equal minded.

I would first show myself pictures of my children, my husband, my new baby brother, and my family members as they are now. I would talk with myself about choices that wouldn't change anything in those pictures except the backgrounds. I would show the financial set-backs I've endured, the hardships, and wondering where my rent is going to come from. I would talk about that boy who will break my heart later that I was sure I'd spend forever with, and how he'll distract me from graduating on time. I'd say to myself that I should go ahead and take that last science, because not taking it will keep me out of every college in the state for the next five years. I would tell myself not to be indecisive or feel like I'm incapable of a career . I would show myself the face my mother made when years of working two jobs and being a single mom finally paid off. It paid off when the first person in our family to go to college got her acceptance letter, and that person was me. That's the advice I'd give.

College is a completely different experience than one can expect it to be, however one cannot understand completely until he or she has began college life. The paradigm shift from high school to college is so magnificent and big, I'm afraid that I would not be able express exactly what college entails.I would tell myself to be prepared to study much more than I did in high school. Also, I would ask that I entered college with an open mind; I would need to be friendly and meet many new people, not imagine that I know everything, and enjoy learning more about the world I live in. Also, a good point to mention is to enjoy the taste of home-cooked meals because the food is not even close to your mother's delicious hot meals. Money is also in the lacking so I would tell myself to work more hours at my job to save up spending money. These are things I would tell myself, however, part of the college experience is learning all of these things.

Heather, there are a few things you should know about University life. First, you should understand that administrative functions can be difficult and frustrating and the first week of any semester it will be hard to get anything done. Try to take it all in stride, and really learn how to fill out forms like a champ. Second, college learning is not like high school learning. You will be responsible for your own work, your own scheduling, attendance, everything. If you fall behind, no one is going to take your hand and ask if everything is alright at home. You have to show up for class, do the work and everything will be fine. Last, start saving your pennies. There will be so many beautiful opportunities and they all cost dearly. If you want to study abroad, play soccer, or take photography classes, be prepared to pay. Remember,any budget you draw up for yourself needs wiggle room because life is not a chart or graph, it keeps coming at you day after day. Heather, you are an unbelievably smart girl, so if you can find the balance between focused and relaxed, you will go far. Best of luck, Heather!

As a college sophomore, I have joined a sorority, become a Resident Assistant, made good grades, and improved myself as a person. In my high school years, I was unsure of how to express myself and work within society to accomplish the things that I want to accomplish. If I could go back, I would have told myself the things that are important in life and the ways that I could go about expressing myself without getting negative attention. I also would tell myself that relationships aren't everything and that focusing on a particular person is not in my best interest. Instead of focusing so much on a person, I should devote my time more to clubs, sports, and academics. I would stress to myself the importance of family because now, I'm so busy that I only see them once or twice a year. The last advice worth giving to myself would be that the transition was easy, even welcomed. But college is very stressful and if you drop the ball for even a minute, everything you have built will come down.

I initially chose I different college that was further away from home, however I quickly learned that choosing a school based on its distance from home is a terrible idea. I was unhappy and quickly became so depressed that I couldn't focus on schoolwork. Once I transferred to North Georgia though I quickly realized how enjoyable college life could be. Once I got here I became so involved in campus life and my enthusiasm for school skyrocketed. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be more thorough in deciding what school to attend and not to base the choice solely on what the campus looks like and how far away it is, but rather on what I can learn from the school both academically and socially. While I don't regret my decisions, if I had been more prepared about what college really entailed I believe that I would have started my life at North Georgia sooner, bypassing the depression of my first semester of college and the transferring process.

I would encourage myself to apply for numerous scholarships and grants because more money, as sad as it is, provides more opportunities. This can determine one's living situation, ability to take desired classes, ability to participate in clubs and Greek life, and also to study abroad. Any of these things can greatly affect one's college experience and enjoyment.

Find a roommate that you are comfortable with and if its not working do not be afraid to get it fixed. My roommate is such a big part of my life because I spend so much time at the dorm sleeping , eating ect... It helps if you have comon interests. Get involved as soon as you feel that you have a good handle on your grades. Knowing people will open you to your social and acidemic life and attract friends that share your common interests and goals. Get to know several people in each class so that you are not stuck wondering what you missed while you were sick. It is always a good idea to have a emotional network of friends for when stuff drives you crazy and your need to complain to someone besides your mother. One person can only take so much. Plan some times to have fun even if your sechedule seems to be full , you will not regret it! It also helps to learn how to cook, unless you love Ramen unconditionaly, its just a thought!

do it all the same and more, without regrets