Plymouth State University Top Questions

If you ever have any questions, call the college or university that you are applying to. It is their job to help you, because they want you to attend! I would also make sure that you bring everything yourself. Don't share with your room mate if you don't have to, because you don't know what it's like to live with someone until you actually do it. If you live on campus, join as many groups as you can, because you can always opt out of them later if you find that you don't like them!

The best advice I could give myself is to begin to rely on yourself. From the time that you wake up in the morning, by setting your own alarm, deciding who to be friends with, what to eat, how much effort you put into studyies and when to go to bed are your own choices. In high school start to think about taking care of yourself and being responsible for the decisions that you make. The sooner you think about the consequences of your own actions - the more prepared you will be for college life.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice to prepare for the college experience, the biggest thing I'd stress would be to focus on myself and not worry about others. Before coming to college, I worried about fitting in and making friends more than I worried about the school work itself. I now realize that some people choose to party and go out every night rather than to do their homework and go to class. I soon realized that college is nothing like high school. You are there to make a future for yourself, not get caught up in things other people are doing. So whether you have a million friends or none, focus on the real reason you are going to college, which is to make a better life for yourself and not to jeopardize it with bad choices.

When I look back on being in High School, I remember the college decision process was stressful and scary. I would tell myself to not worry so much, because in the end you make the college experience you want to have. I would tell myself to have more confidence because college is do-able and there are so many people there helping to achieve my goals. I will assure myself that Plymouth is a good choice and going in it with a smile is all you really need. I would also remind myself that all the problems that could of happened at that time and the past wont really matter a few monthes later, and that there is alot a good to look foward to. Last, I would tell myself that I will be meeting some of the most amazing people in the world .

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior , knowing what I know now about college life and the transition, I would tell myself to not hold back. Being a college freshman can be scary and intimidating at first, but put your best foot forward. It's natural to feel shy, but do not let that hold you back from meeting new people. Just think about it this way, everyone else is in the same position you are just wanting to make a smooth transition and meet some friends. So muster up some courage and talk to that other freshman in your class, you won't regret it. These friends you make now could be life long friends you carry with you forever.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would tell myself not to worry. I was so nervous about going away to college; I thought I would have a terrible time. I convinced myself that nobody would want to be my friend; I was wrong. I have so many friends because I got involved. That is another thing I would tell myself; is to get involved in as many organizations as possible. The last thing I would tell myself would be to apply for as many scholarships as I can. I am now looking at studying abroad and need as much financial aid as I can get. Going back and telling myself to apply for all the scholarships that I could, would have helped me so much more now in the present. I would have more knowledge about finding scholarships. Those would be the most important things to tell any senior in high school not just myself; don?t worry you?ll have a great experience, get involved in as much as you can, and apply to anything and everything you can so that you don't end up in a huge debt.

If I could travel back in time to my senior year in high school, I would give myself several pieces of advice. First I would tell myself to continue my hard work as I will be rewarded for it in college. I would tell myself that my hard work will set my foundation for sucess in college by providing me with good study habits and time management skills. I would also tell myself to start increase my self-advocacy skills with my teachers. This skill will prove to be beneficial as in college you are on your own to sort things out with your professors. I would tell myself that Increasing this skill will help make the transition to college easier. Lastly, I would tell myself to get in the habit of doing my own laundry. You wouldn't know it, but doing laundry is a hassle and takes up a good deal of time. All of this advice would have made my transition to college much simpler and smoother.

It's been 14 years since I was a high school senior and I've learned a lot in that time. If I could go back I would tell myself 2 things: 1. Get help when you need it and 2. You don't have to be perfect all the time. I grew up with an abusive father and a bipolar mom. After my mom left my father she gave up on parenting and I took over the daily actiivities of making sure we got to school and there was food to eat. Everything was so chaotic I always tried to make myself and my world perfect to compensate. I went to college at 18 I was spent, became depressed and could not handle daily life of being a successful student. When a teacher or counselor tried to talk to me (my college grades were no where near my high school ones) I always told them I was fine and had an excuse. I failed out of college in 1998. I went back in 2008 and will be graduating in 2011. I wish I could have graduated before I got married and had 2 children.

Megan, as you make the transition to college I suggest you go in it with a positive attitude about learning and be less worried about the "partying". When you go to college and assume that a majority of your time will be spent doing nonproductive activities then you are more likely to fall behind and become stressed out with the work load. Prepare yourself mentally for what is to come, and make sure not to slack your senior year. By slacking you will be out of practice for everything that will come within the next year. I also suggest you get the FAFSA done early. The earlier you get it done, the more likely you are to recieve the financial aid you may need. College is expensive and most students need some type of financial aid. Finally, when you are deciding what financial aid to take, research what you are getting yourself into. Some loans are better than others, and you do not want to get mixed up in a loan where you will be incapable to pay either during or after school. Good luck, and be sure to enjoy your time at school, its your time to grow.

As a senior, I allowed so many adults and peers to persuade my decisions on which school /major to choose. I was blinded by "fitting in" with my peers, blinded by my parents pushing me that strict academics were of utmost importance. I have always been the creatie type, taking years of dance, art, acting, photography, writing...you name it. These things were pushed aside for me, as they often are when young people are taught that a "stable" career is the only career they should pursue, even though I excelled at them. I have 5+ years of college completed and no degree to show for it. I take responsibility for this, but have spent years being angry that my decisions were not truly my own. At 27, I am hopeful for a fresh start, and in something I love and am passionate about. Passion proves time and time again to be a poweful motivator in accomplishment and success in this world. I would tell myself to NOT listen to the loud voices, but only to my own. I would say to genuinely, do what makes you happy. Find what you love and pursue it with all of your energy!