Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be open with everyone. In the beginning of the year I had trouble making friends because I never went up to anyone in my hall and introduced myself like the other people did. Instead I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone for just a few weeks so I could show people my interest in becoming friends with them. I would also tell myself to set your priorities straight in the beginning of the year. Instead of doing classwork in the beginning of first semester I spent a lot of my time at my boyfriends dorm, which got me off track for a little bit but thankfully I worked my way back up. Also, make a strong effort to workout everyday, you can always fit in a short workout. Finally, I would tell myself that it's not about the quantity of friends you make but the quality. I was really stressing out about not making friends but then I realized I do have a few close, great friends and that's just as good.

I would tell my senior self that it'll be alright. My former self will already know this, because I wasn't afraid to leave home. I was aware of how lonely it could get, but I left determined to make the time at college awesome. So I guess I don't really need to give myself any advice...well, besides preparing for the smell of burnt popcorn and Ramen every night in the dorms. But you can't really prepare yourself for that one.

I would tell myself that just because this is your senior year, there is no room for slacking. You need to keep your head on straight even through college, and be prepared for anything on the first day of classes. I would also say that having fun is also apart of college but do not forget the reason why your are going, and that is to become a nurse.

Just do your work. Find a hobby. You've got these years in high school to explore what you want to do, but you're limiting yourself by not working to your full potential. By the end of senior year you're going to be looking at college selections and wanting to pick all these cool places, but without having done what you need to do now you're not going to be able to take them. Even if you do all your work you could still end up doing something simple and fun that doens't need it you'll still be able to use what you learned and show what you have earned in order to go well beyond high school and explore the world. So go for it, find a place get into the habit and show people what're your skills are instead of keeping them a secret. Also, please visit the campus ahead of time.

I am a senior in high school and I do not quite understand how important studying and being organized is. So I lay out a set of rules to follow. If I follow these rules, I am guaranteed success in school. Rule #1- Read over the new material the day before class, that way you can get ahead and understand what the teacher plans to cover. Rule #2- Do not write out everything the teacher says, only the main points. Rule #3- Read/ Study at least two hours every day for each class. Rule #4- Stay away from procrastination, it will slow you down and cause stress. Rule #5- Take breaks while studying to clear your mind. Rule #6- NEVER start studying the day before the test; give yourself time to take in the material. Rule #7- Attend every class, because some teachers may add something to the notes and you do not want to miss it. Rule #8 Take responsibilities for your own actions. This is the time to mature and be able to take care of yourself because your parents will not be there to do it for you.

The advice that I would give myself is to always stay focused on my classes and study as hard and as possible as I can. Also, always strive to maintain a 4.0 grade point average, and whenever I am struggling with a particular subject/class, always attend tutoring sessions at least 3 or more times a week to stay on top of my classes.

I would tell myself to attend a university full time instead of going to a communitiy college. Working and going to school is much more difficult than dedicating all of your time to a four year plan, even if it is more expensive.

If I could go back and do something different when I was a senior I would definately of taken more classes that would of prepared me better for college. I should of taken more math and science instead of just sliding by with classes that don't mean anything now. I also should of applied for more more scholarships, and met with my counselor a little bit more to discuss what colleges would be right for me. I definately know better now, and if I could I would tell all upcoming college students to take their senior year a little bit more seriously than I did. College is a huge deal it determines the rest of your life, so do all that you can do to prepare for it!

Knowing what I know there are a few tips that I would give to my high school self. I would tell myself to not judge people so harshly at first it turns people away and you lose friends that way. My senior self would need to know that putting money aside early is important to help you plan for the future. I would also tell myself that it is important to never turn down any advice and listen to all different options.

The college experience can be what ever you make it to be. The best way to think about college is that it is your path to a bright future. In college, you are responsible for yourself; ignore the people who are wasting their time and not taking classes seriously. If you stick to it and push your way through, you find your passion and career path. A bright future is ahead; open doors for yourself and take every bit of knowledge you can find.