Northeastern University Top Questions

Be smarter about money. Don't just sign student loan papers without taking time to understand them or how much you're borrowing. That debt will haunt you for many years and prevent you from getting a house, car and being financially independent. Choose a college not just because it's offers a great academic program, but also because it's affordable.

If I were to go back, I would tell myself to push harder and participate in more extra curricular activities. I only took a handful of Honors classes in high school, and now that I look back on that I wish I had pushed myself more and taken more honors classes. I feel as though I would have found the work load more helpful in preparing me for my college workload. I also wish I participated in more extra curricular activities, as they would have helped me experience many more things in life. Due to changing family circumstances during my high school years, I had to increase the amount of hours that I worked at my local grocery store, and while this gave me more work experience I feel as though it limited my academic performance and participation in different activities.

I would tell myself to just go for it! The transition to college would of been so much easier at 17 than in my late twenties. I would tell myself to tough out being broke and go ahead and pursue a bacholer's degree in nursing! I would definitely tell myself to enjoy being a college student and take advantage of everything college has to offer. I just enjoy being young and take the opportunities that were offered to me and apply for scholarships!

If I could go back in time to talk to my senior self, I would give myself several pieces of advice about transitioning into college. First of all, I would encourage myself to branch off from my familiar group of friends, and even from my high school. Being able to make friends quickly and eliminating insecurities with new people is extremely beneficial in college. Another piece of advice would be to learn how to manage your time effectively. This is above all the key to success in college. Finding a balance between socializing, classes, and extracurriculars is quite difficult. As a student, you will have to give up certain things and decide what is more important-- it is impossible to do everything all the time! Lastly, take time to relax. Freshman year classes will be demanding and overwhelming. Just remember to breathe and take your assignments one at a time.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself let my mother buy me the mini cooper, take the SAT's, dont get a boyfriend, stick with the job my father gave me and never goto work for KFC. I would also say, why make your life any harder than it is, if people are willing to help you out then take that help, dont take forgranted what people give you take adcantage and take hold of it. Never give up and always believe in youself, only you really know whats bests for you listen to peoples advice, but that doesnt mean you have to live by it.

Don't worry too much. Try everything and don't leave anything to regret. And don't worry about making friends, all the other freshmen feel the same way you do. Go up and talk to them and break the ice, they could be your new best friend.

To my younger self, You're probably a bit surprised by this encounter, but I want you to hear my words of wisdom. I know you're nervous to embark on this next journey, but believe me, it'll be a blast. It's going to fly by, so try to enjoy every moment. Firstly, form solid study habits now. While the work load in high school might feel like a lot sometimes, it's nothing compared to the intense, time consuming nature of a college course. Knowing how to effectively study is essential to having a successful academic college experience. Also, take the time to find opportunities to explore and shadow careers before you choose a major. It will teach you more about your interests and boost your confidence interacting with professionals. While you might want to stick to your current circle of friends, but try to branch out and make new ones. After all, in a few months, you'll have to start from scratch, so you might as well practice. Lastly, be prepared to grow and change. You'll always be you, but you'll evolve to a new, better you as a result of your experience.

I got good grades in high school, but I breezed through by doing the bare minimum, and I expected it to also be able to carry me through college. I was completely unprepared for the fast pace and had no time management skills whatsoever. I definitely got caught up in the party scene as well, and trying to make new friends. By the time I realized that I needed to step my game up, so to speak, the damage had already been done. I would tell myself to prioritize better, because at the end of the day, your GPA is what speaks for you on a resume, not your friends.

I would tell myself to do more research about what careers are out there, and what would be the best fit for me. It was very stressful to register for classes and complete coursework without knowing exactly where it was going to take me. I would also recommend that I go to the gym more frequently when I start school, because the "freshman 15" is in every way a real thing! Additionally, I might suggest that I try to get more involved right off the bat, rather than waiting until the next year or semester. It is so easy to make friends here, all you need to do is get involved. To encourage myself to become more involved, I would make sure to tell my high school self that everyone here is welcoming and friendly. There are no instances where people feel excluded, and there are tons of opportunities for people of any interests. Mostly, I would tell myself to relax a little, because "future Allison" knows that everything is going to work out!

Be prepared to actually do homework assignments. Reading is not a joke - if you want to do well and get A's in classes, you have to read everything and put your all into everything that you do. Be ready to write! Essays and papers are common and are often longer than high school papers, but they get easier with practice; just keep plugging away. Be outgoing! If you want to make firends, you need to get out of your comfort zone and be as outgoing as possible, while remaining true to yourself. Don't try too hard; but step out of your box. Have fun & try new things! Go on trips with people you don't know; get away from campus for a weekend and wander surrounding cities or states with friends; see the country. Again, get out of your comfort zone and you will learn so much about who you really are and what you truly enjoy.