Towson University Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I could really help myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I was always the type of person that needed to learn things on my own. Before going to college, my parents kept informing me that I would have alot of free time and be on my own to handle my schoolwork obligations. I didn't feel that this would be any kind of a problem. When I started my Freshman semester this year, I took advantage of this free time, and my grades began to suffer as a result of my misuse of time. When I reached mid-semester, I finally realized what I was doing to myself and I decided that from that point foward I needed to become very serious about my time management and priorities. I had a successful semester and finished working very hard for it. I learned that I could have made things much easier for myself had I listened in my high school senior year. One good result was that I have learned my lesson for going foward with college.

Dear High School Marissa, You're probably listening to all of you high school counselors tell you how important it is to get good grades and be active in extracurricular activities in high school. I also know that you're not listening to them. If anything you should study very hard for your SAT's to be placed in good classes your first year of college. Believe me, because when you get to be a sophmore and junior in college your going to regret having to take placement tests and getting into review classes as a freshman for no credits. It's bad when you're in those classes not because thats what academic level you're at but you didn't do well on one test. So the main advice I give to you is to not take college lightly. It's a serious matter and is very challenging. But with some effort I know you can do it. Sincerly, College Marissa

I would tell myself that college is hard work and i dont think even high school can prepare you for it. The emotional and physical transition is something that everyone will react to differently, yet the same. Going away to school or staying home, we're all growing up and need to make decisions for ourselves. The effort you put into work at college, is exactly what you will get out of it. No one will be there chasing you to get assignments in on time or a school bell to make sure your at class on time. College life gives you a sense of adulthood and what the real world is like. Maturity and responsibility aren't neccesarily taught at college, but attained. High school is only a stepping stone to a greater future.

I would love to go back and talk to Charleen while she was a senior in High School. There are many things I would emphasize. These are the most important ones: first, and most importantly concentrate on obtaining the highest grades possible so it could directly affect raising her GPA. Secondly, prepare like if there was no tomorrow for the SAT/ACT. This serves as a measurement for so many things post- high schoool and will affect placement and colleges she would like to attend. other crucial factors include getting to know your advisors/ counselors in high school as they have a wealth of information on so many subjects. They also may serve as references for applications to schools or even employment opportunities. Last but not least, I'd advise Charleen to help her parents as much as she can economically while attending college. I'd make her take a close look at the cost of education and the sacrifices her parents have been making to ensure all three of their children attend college. Grants, scholarships and oter means to help. All in all, Charleen and I would have a long and serious talk!

College is not a destination, its a launching pad. It is a place we go to make the crucial decision of which direction we want to launch ourselves toward in the persuit of a fullfilling life. How we choose to contribute to the world we live in is a very important decision and a sacrifice, however can be a sacrifice that we enjoy giving. Choose a path which excites you, which you are driven toward and which gives you a sense of purpose. Make a conscious decision to succeed in all that you do in college, because it is truly a significant investment. Financially it is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, why waste all that time, effort and money? You are the consumer. You pay for the service of education. Take full advantage and get your money's worth. Make your investment worth-while. I once read that often times the great people we look up to, often had opportunities that put in front of them. What set them apart, is that they siezed it and ran with it. This is an opportunity placed in your hands. Do somthing!

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself numerous tips on how to better prepare for the college experience. I would first and foremost encourage myself to do as many scholarships and try to obtain as much free money as I possibly could. I would also tell myself to apply to more schools so that when it came time to choose which one to attend I would have more options. I would also warn myself not to get too wrapped up in the freedoms of being in college so much so that I neglect any of my work. I would also remind myself the main purpose of college an any other higher institute of leaning is to increase my knowledge so any obstacles in college that do not promote increasing education are irrelevant. Lastly I would remind myself to always work hard and keep my long term goals in sight whenever I felt that I could not achieve. The most important advice I could ultimately give myself would be to work hard and try my absolute best not matter what.

Take school more seriously. Open your mind to learning, and classes will be easier. Limit the complaints about school. Take it for what it is and it won't be so bad. Be interested in learning about things, you may not agree with it but it will make you a smarter person. Also, do not give into peer presure. Be true to yourself. Do not let anyone make you feel bad or uncomfortable about your lifestyle choices. Get involved more on campus. Make lots of friends, be true to those friends. Just have fun and do want you came here to do.

It is important to socialize get to know people outside your comfort zone, but also remember that you are in schoo to learn. Learn time management now, there is a time to have fun and also a time to study. Also getting to know your professors will help if you ever need extra help or for future references. Most important do not procrastinate it ight seem like that paper can wait until after the part but doing it the night beore will not help.

Dont be so nervous and I would have gone to a community college first. I am in a lot of student loan debt and had a really difficult time finding a job post graduation.

If I could go back in time and give myself adivce there would be a lot I would say. I definately starting off at a community college is a great way to get started. By going to a community college you are saving yourself a lot of money on general study classes that you would have to take at any school. Also, it's a really big step to come out of high school and go right off to college when you are used to living at home. This is a nice middle ground. College is a lot of hard work. I think the most beneficial thing you need to know before diving in to college is how to manage your time. It makes a life a lot easier and you won't procrastinate as much if you plan ahead. Also, don't miss class. It's not like high school. Mainly, the best advice I could give is to put your best foot forward and try your hardest, put all of your efforts in to school because it will benefit you in the long run.