Melia
Knowing what I do now, I would have a lot to tell my high school self. In high school, I had a tough time making friends and fitting in, so I think I would start by giving myself a much needed pep talk. After a big hug and maybe a few tears, I'd then get down to business. I would stress the importance of filling out scholarship applications, even though at that point, I was dead set on attending a local cosmetology program. Depending on time during my senior year that I could talk to my younger self, I would also advise taking challenging classes during high school to prepare for the workload college students typically have. Last but not least, I would mention to myself to refuse living with roommates my first year out of my parent's house- nothing good will come of it. Before leaving, I would also remind myself that sometimes people are mean, and most of the time, it's for no specific reason, so don't take it personally and keep your chin up.
angel
I would tell myself not to take a break and go staright to college. Try going to a community college first so you can get the feel of the college life and how things work. Make sure you understand the financial side of going to college especially if you need financial aide. Try your best and study hard to make sure you pass your classes, because this is money that you will have to pay back. You want to go to school to get your education and not play around. The sooner you get done, the sooner you can start your career.
Dalton
If I was able to go back in time to when I was a high school senior and give advice to myself I would tell myself that the first year is the most difficult and that it requires more effort to make the next three years easier. Following up with an account of what will happen in the future if I do not work harder and smarter will present me with two options. First would be to let it happen and the second would be to fix it. I know I would not choose the first and my future self would explain what actions were not wise and how they can be avoided. I would tell myself to work smarter by breaking things down into steps and taking those seps one at a time until the whole project or task is completed because it will create a less stressful environment and help clearly define my goal and purpose. The last piece of advice would be to ask for help with my projects more often. By engaging other people in my work I can keep focus on where I want to go because I will be leading them to its end.
brooke
The common perception of a high school student is "oh, I'll do that later" or "I'll do better next time". In high school I was able to hang out with my friends and dink around whenever I wanted to. Transitioning into college, I realized there is no more busy work. If you procrastinate and have even one bad exam score, your overall grade will be effected. There is no more cushion. I would tell my high school self to begin practicing better studying habits so I not only know the material for a test, but I will keep it in my brain long term. Also, I think it is even more important in college to surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you do and care enough about you to keep you on track instead of distracting you. I have met so many people in college that I will be friends with for the rest of my life and have pushed me to stay on track and not only be a better student, but a better person. I wish I had a better grasp of my priorities in high school than I did.
KC
Since I began college I have learned and am experiencing a lot . I have leaned that life is not as easy as I thought it was, With that in mind. I would tell myself that college is not like High School and you have to be more independent and everything you do in school do it like it is urgent and not procrastinate because you will get lost in the shuffle .
Julie
I am twenty-four years old, and I am much wiser than I was as a high school senior. There is a copious amount of advice I would love to tell that high school senior who had so many decisions to make, however there is one piece of advice which would be indispensable in making college life and life in general much easier. My only piece of advice to myself is to not worry about how long it may take to reach the goals I set for myself. If you’re in a rush you may not take the proper time to think things through, and make the right choices regarding your future. Also, if you rush through life you will never have time to really live life. What are your educational and professional goals worth if reaching them doesn’t enable you to enjoy your life? I would not change the time it took me to reach my goals, but if I had a chance I would use that time more wisely. I am twenty-four and hoping that by the time I’m thirty my goals will be complete and along the way I will have some fun.
Rachel
Now is the time to begin figuring out your best study habits. You may have been able to breeze through high school without needing to study, but that is only going to hurt you down the line in college. If you start off your college career trying to learn what works best for you every time a test is flung your way, you will start off miserable with a miserable GPA to match. Spending thirty minutes studying the way that works best for you is so much more valuable than two hours studying the wrong way. That being said, there isn't one correct way for everybody; I like to study in a public place, but my friend seeks solitude when she studies. If you find it difficult to figure out your best study habits, use your college's resources! They want to see you succeed, and are guaranteed to have plenty of helpful programs or resources to help you find your way. Your counselors' jobs are to see that you succeed, and you will benefit tremendously if you take advantage of that.
Jason
Dear Jay,
College is one of many journeys you will have in your life time. However it is one of the most important journeys. A college education is the foundation of the skill set and tools that you will need in order to be successful in your carrier path. So here are a few tips to help you transition and navigate through college.
1.If you need financial aid, learn about your options. There is state and federal aid, scholarships, grants, and college loans. Choose the best one that works for you and apply.
2.Know the rescores your college offers, such as tutorial labs, academic groups, study groups, and workshops; use them they’re there to help you succeed.
3.Get to know your professors, there may come a time when you might need one of them to write you a recommendation letter.
4.College course loads are very demanding and college life outside of the class room can be very tempting. So balance your college experience. Schoolwork should always stay priority one and social time comes after. Have fun but have boundaries. Don’t be that student who over indulges or you may not succeed.
Jerry
There are many times that I just wish that I could go back in time to give myself advice for the major life transition from high school to college; however, that is just impossible. What is possible though, is that I can help other students that were in the same place that I was in not to long ago. So that is what I am here to do. So close to about two years ago when I was starting my high school senior year, It would have been such a blessing to be able to hear about the transition to college. I would have told myself that college is somthing that is completly unique, somthing that you really do not expect. It is a way to continue your education and life experiences ,while at the same time, you are getting a fresh start. College will stretch your capabilities in a way you could never imagine. It not only enriches and stretches your intellectual capabilites, but also the way you handle finances, the way you cooperate with new people, and even just the way you think. I would encourage myself to step up and make the most out of the oppertunity.
William
Going off to college is a great way to meet new people, explore new things, and learn more about yourself. While you are guaranteed to do these things, it is important to never forget why you are going to college in the first place; grades. Focus on your academics and keeping good grades and everything else will come to you in good time. It may seem cliche, but it is the most overlooked and underestimated piece of advice you will ever receive. Stay persistent and better yourself. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are people everywhere who would not hesitate to help you, if you just ask. There are several things in college you can accomplish by yourself, and that is okay. Finally, get involved around campus. Getting involved helps give back to the community, build your skill set, add to your transcript, and make the most of your college career.