Northern Illinois University Top Questions

The advice I would give my high school self about college is that, this will not be a walk in the park. I must remain focused on my studies and don't think I'm just going to breeze through this. College life isn't easy although it seems like it but you have no one to make sure you get up and go to class or telling you what to do. You have to make your own decisions and make sure they are smart ones. Remember everything mom has taught and use it.

Have patients, right now your thinking of attending a four year university with no understanding on how you will afford it. Take your time and start small there will come a time where you can afford to attend one, but for now you should wieght your option. You should focus more on what college will suit you best at this time so you can get a fill on what to expect when you do decide your ready to transfer to a 4 year university. Seek finacal help, and please look into scholarship early. There's something out there for everyone, but you have to work hard at it. Don't get stuck thinking its easy, it's harder then what you think. Academically and finacally.

I would tell myself to start putting money aside for school, and get ready to start studying more.

If I could go back to my senior year I would tell myself to learn about the online part of school better. I would also tell myself to talk to an acedimic counselor at the beginning of each school year. I would also tell myself to take classes during the summer even if it is only one class. I would tell myself to live in an apartment verses the dorms because its less expensive. I would also tell myself to get involved earlier. Finally I would tell myself not to get too distracted with all the activities and partying. Most of all to not study in or around my bed, and to not work on the same days I have classes.

I would tell myself to dedicate more time and effort towards my studies, because a GPA is so important in life. I would tell myself not to goof off and not complete assignments or blow off tests because once you get a low grade on a test, you can not make it up. I would tell myself to join organizations and get involved because being involved on campus helps you to meet great people and learn new things you never knew about the world. And most importantly, I would tell myself to never let anyone take away your dreams!

I would definitely have encouraged myself to join the military, which I did anyway. The money I get through federal and state veterans benefits have been invaluable when it comes to paying for college. The time I spent living away from my parents in the service would prepare me to live away from them in college. Apply for scholarships and fill out a fafsa, with both college is paid for. I would have money left over for rent on a room and money for other expenses, including savings. Join clubs that go with your major, and create a profile on Linkedin.com. It's never too early to start networking. Do an internship and study abroad. Experience will help when writing a resume.

I think that I would have tried to do more social activities. When I first began college, I did not participate in many of these activities because I did not know anyone. Once I got more comfortable and joined a few groups, I then made friends very quickly. I was disappointed that I had not done this earlier because I feel that it affected my college experience for that first semester or so.

My high school senior self wanted to go to Northern Illinois University from the beginning. Unfortunately due to my financial situation I had to attend a community college where I received my associates degree. Once I started attending NIU I found myself in a completely different world where I have grown as a person. I would tell my high school senior self to at least try to attend NIU earlier than what I did.

If I could go back I would have focused more on my study habits and went to ACU as a walk-on to play softball. I chose not to go because they could not give me a scholarship until the following year because the coach had already given hers out to returning players. I would have played softball throughout college and would be well into a career instead of starting later and graduating college at 30 years old. It is true what they say If you don't keep going to school it becomes harder and harder to return and finish. All in all I have no regrets because I have two beautiful children that provide me the drive to become everything they need me to be.

Talk to people that were recently in college about transfer classes and how to handle taking the correct classes first.