University of Phoenix-Phoenix Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself to finish school and stick towards my goal of obtaining a degree. I got off course and started focusing on my career. I'm back in school now, with a solid plan of achieving my goals.

Erika, you are fantastic. College is a different experience. It is wonderful and liberating. Your teachers expect the best from you. They are not going to babysit you. They are there to teach and instruct you. You can ask for help and they will be more than willing. Take advantage of that help whenever you need it. Try to finish before you start your family. Essays become so much harder when you type them with a two year old on your lap and three other children in the backround asking for help! I am not saying college can't be completed this way, just that it is easier to focus if those sweet children are not in the background when your studying. My biggest advice, don't let yourself become overwhelmed. You can do this. College prepares you for life. It will give you the opportunities of better jobs, better security, better income. Trust yourself, your smart, YOU CAN DO THIS!

On my journey back in time to advise my former, high school self with today's knowledge, I would bring a few books for myself to read then, instead of years later. Those books have improved my educational life, as well as my general, daily life. I would deeply explain and encourage the concept of critical thinking. I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and strongly consider attending community college locally before picking up, moving off, and exploring America. I would warn, "If you don't go right to college, you'll wind up attending in your late twenties instead- and it would be much more appealing to travel at that age." I would teach myself meditation, and tell myself to try yoga. I would also agree with my mom and confirm that indeed, your metabolism will slow down (around 26 years old) and you will not always get to eat cheeseburgers and ice-cream sundaes without paying for it later. I'd hug myself goodbye and part with only kind and optimistic words, as I've learned it's best to talk to yourself like you'd talk to someone you love.

The advice I would give myself is to not waste time and get the education you want and need now instead of waiting to pursue your goals and dreams. I would explain that trying to go to school, have a full time job, and take care of a family all at the same time is very hard and that I wished I had gotten my education done early in life so I could just enjoy life with my family while having the education to financially support them.

College is not easy, sometimes you will doubt yourself, and possibly give up a couple of times during the process; social living, interacting with the wrong crowd, being careless in class, and not focusing, can all be factors of being another statistic as a college dropout. Professors may give you a grade that you think you do not deserve, and mutilpte students, and different classes may bring you down as if you are worthless and not an "A" student. However, those are just milestones that are common in and outside of college coming from not only peers of your class but also family and friends unforunately. The worthiness of yourself is what makes a difference and through all the obstacles that will present itself before you will help you to succeed in college and outside into your profession. Never give up and remember that you are only living for yourself.

If I could go back and have a conversation with myself as a senior I would tell myself that time management is key in every situation. I would tell myself to not take out as many loans and to apply for as many scholarships while still in high school as possbile. Lastly, I would tell myself to follow my gut and to not take a break after I graduated.

Finding a balance between having fun, studying for your courses and planning for your next life step is a great way to start preparing for college, since you will be called upon to do this during your college years. Make use of teachers they are great resources not only for course help but also for college advice. They’ve seen countless students make the same leap and can help you find a college, choose a major or balance all of your obligations. slacking is making it hard for you to get in to your dream college, look into community college, distance learning programs and online degrees. Not only will a program like this keep you on the right academic track, you can transfer after a year or when you get your associates degree. Be realistic about your current workload , don't overload yourself always organize and stay on track. Keep up on your assignments, even after a tough week. don’t let yourself lose motivation, procrastinate or slack off completely. keep your eyes always focus on the main goals .. ATTEND all classes including the ACT/PSAT practice course , colleges pay great attention to them & last always try to HAVE FUN !!!

Seventeen year old Mary, You are a butterfly; Do not be afraid to be wild and free. Explore the outskirts of your comfort zone. Stay focused and stop skipping classes. Research more than one school. You actually got accepted into your dream school of Drexel. Go with your first instinct and don't second guess. You typically know what you want and with determination and hard work it will always pay off. Apply for scholarships and grants. Work, work, work - try not to take out more loans than you actually need. Above all else, promise to always follow your dreams, you are your own biggest supporter - and thats absolutely okay. Best Regards, Your Twenty-one year old self.

I would have definitely started right after high school. School is the most powerful place one can be in.

Go to college right after graduation because then you would have a better chance of achieving the goals you have set for yourself. Do not wait until you are 45 years old to do it. College is very important and the way technology is changing all the time you need training and knowledge to be able to understand it.