Oakland University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay focused and to never lose motivation. I would emphasize that staying on track is important and that just because you get accepted to a school doesnt mean you're going to be permitted to stay. I would tell myself that studying is very important and to never think you can slide by just by reviewing because you can do that in high school. Keep your grades up because unlike highschool you're paying for these classes and they are NOT cheap. Have a good time, get a little wild but at the end of the day remember what you're there for.

If I could go back to being a senior in high school, I would've pushed myself harder to make my ap tests count for college credit and I would have obtained the best grades possible for scholarships. My grades were not bad but I would've chosen to stay up another hour and prepare for a test rather than sleep or watch television. I ,also, would have pushed myself harder to go after scholarships that had less money. I went after many big scholarships as if the little ones didn't matter. I learned that alot of them go unclaimed because no one claims them, which would make it easier to go after after the smaller amount. I worked as a volunteer for Henry Ford but, soon, found myself working two jobs. I just wish I could have stuck with it. I, also, saved my $600 enrollment fee and paid for a trip to visit the college I wanted to attend but I did not go and I wish I had've because, now being at home, I am missing the college experience.

Speaking as a student of a commuter university, the transition from high school to college was still difficult, although probably not as difficult as it would be for a student that chooses to go away to school. The challenges that I personally faced with the trasition from high school to college, was the academics and competition. Your livelihood depends on every homework assignment, lab, and exam you will ever take in college. A student always needs to be on top of daily tasks to stay ahead of the competition. Unknowingly, college competition for me began in high school classes, in which the final grades would help determine my placement in nursing school. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to begin focusing now. Depending on programs, competition begins in high school and it?s very important to be on top of the ball. Also starting now with a habit of focusing and being academically-oriented is important to gain success.

If i were able to back in time, I would do some things differently. First, I would always try to make it to class on time because sleeping is isn't always a good idea. Second, I would do more independent reading and get assignments done on time. In college, they dont accpet any late work at all and also don't accept excuses. Reading and extra studying needs to be done outside of class in order for the student to be better prepared to learn and make sense of what is going on in the class. I would also be more open to people and communicate easier, because in college, there really isn't alot of bullying going on. Many students start conversations with each other about thier classes and become really good friends. I also recommend talking to your teacher outside of class to maintain a better relationship with him/her throughout the year.

The first thing I would suggest is to take your first semester seriously, by keeping up with the workload. Its not hard to learn if you take part in outside work, and keep up. Its when you get behind and can't catch up that you have problems understanding the material. The second, and most important thing would be that you aren't just spending money to get a piece of paper with your name on it. College is a life changing experience, and you might as well jump in head first. Make friends, get involved and have fun. One day it'll be time to really grow up, get a job, and take responsibility to pay bills and go to a full time job that has an impact on something. It might seem trivial now, but when you look back at your college years its going to be where you really become yourself, and figure out who you are and what matters most, so don't just go to class and get through those 4 years begrudgingly. Really live, and enjoy the experience that you're about to embark on. You never know what'll happen unless you try.

I would tell myself to go after exactly what you want, don't let money stand in the way. I feel like I would be so much happier if I would have just gone away where I wanted too. I had the grades just not the money. So just to go after what you want, in the end you will know. It may not work out, but atleast you tried it!

I would love to be able to tell myself that I made the right choice. There's no point in worrying about it so much, and although you're going to be leaving many of your old friends behind, you will make new ones and they'll be keepers. I would like to have told myself that my grades were just FINE and to not worry about the "insanely" difficult homework. I would tell myself that I did in fact settle on a major, and although it's going to be hard work, it'll be worth it.

I would tell myself not to worry about the little things. Small concerns in high school don't translate to the real world. I would tell myself that I need to live in the moment and appreciate it, rather than worrying about trivial things that in the long run do not matter. I would remind myself to strive for my goals; big goals that I really want to accomplish. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of you as long as you know you're doing the right thing. If you want something enough and take the right steps in achieving them, you will. I would tell myself that I hold my destiny in my own hands. It comes with hard work, diligence, and the belief that I can do anything.

Advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior about college life is to never procrastinate. If you do your work on time and always keep up with the teacher, you are sure to succeed. If you procrastinate then you fall behind and struggle to get good grades. If you want a successful future then you must assure that you do everything possible and take the correct measures to get good grades and a high GPA. Also, when you fall behind it is EXTREMELY difficult to catch up and you are usually forced to cram for tests when you should be spacing out the information you need to study for tests. This is not good for any class or subject. I procrastinated my first two weeks in college and spent the rest of my semester catching up and cramming things in. It was extremely stressful and if i would have done things on time my life would not have been as hectic but i learned my lesson. Never procrastinate.

Do not be too busy for community involvement. It matters the most out of all the different ways possible to spend time. Grades are important, but a resume matters, also. Pursue, above all, what you are passionate about, and find ways to use that passion and help others around you. Name-brand schools do not matter for your undergraduate degree, so save some money and stay local.