Stacy
The best advice I would give myself would be to go straight to a university to begin my bachelors degree. I believe that going to a community college prior to going to a university helped me save money but it also put me behind almost a year and a half. I would enourage myself to take the step of going straight for my major and not stopping for anything in order to achieve it. And to make the right friends; ones that would support your decision and not try to detour you from what you originally wanted to do.
lindsey
First off, I would think more carefully about my choice of college. It's great to care about what your parents think, but in the end you are the one who is going to have to go to this school for 4 years. Decide which school you want to go to by what you think about it, not what your family or friends think. Along with that, don't go to a school becuase your friends are going there, college is a time to become an individual and learn to live on your own. With that said, if I could talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself not to take any of those high school times for granted. Once you go away, you will realize how easy and carefree high school was. You soon will be leaving your best friends, and will no longer be the star of the basketball team. Remember where you came from, but always be open to new ideas and ways of life once you go to college. It's a whole different world out there.
Ariel
College is a very difficult transition, and I know you may think it will be a piece of cake just like high school has been so far. But the truth is you have to work at it. Especially being a commuter and your history of procrastination. You may have some good teachers that will give you a break, but for the most part, things need to be done by the deadline. When you get an assignment, start it right away and don't let yourself get behind. Make sure you watch how you spend your money, too. There are going to be loans that you have to pay back. Other than schoolwork, however, make sure that you have fun. College is a different place than high school and it's important to get involved and enjoy the time and people you meet there while you can. Don't let the bad experience you had in high school sway your view on how college will be. It's going to be what you make of it. As long as you be the best you know you can be and you put yourself out there to others, you'll be fine.
Charity
If I was a high school senior again I would tell myself that going to community college first is the best idea. It is not a big deal if I don't go away to a big University! It saved me a lot of money and I was able to transfer to a University after. I would also tell myself to apply for many scholarships and grants to help pay for my education. Search the internet for all possible scholarships and grants. Another thing I would tell myself is to look into small Universities for when I transfer because they give the most individualized attention. They are more expensive, but are well worth the price. When you have small classes you really get to know your peers and teachers and form close relationships with them that will last a lifetime! Enjoy college life, but make sure you get your work done. Don't procrastinate either or you will have many sleepless nights!! Finally I would tell myself that if I decided I did not like my major it is better to change it then to persue a career I do not love.
Kristi
I would want to tell students researching colleges to choose the college that fits them best. Don't decide on a college because thats where your best friend is going, or because your parents went there 20 years ago. Pick the college based on you. For parents, I'd tell them to help their child look into all the aspects of a college, such as the housing, the financial aid, as well as the courses but to ultimately let their child choose the college that he/she wants to attend. If the child is close with his/her parents I would recommend a college that isn't too far from home so that a weekend at home isn't too hard to accomplish. Also, the cost of a college and the amount of scholarships that the college is giving you should play an important role in deciding on a college. You don't want to spend the rest of your life having to pay off the loans; pick a college that has a good education program and fits somewhat into your budget!
Shonnice
It is very important to speak with students currently attending the college if possible. Current students are able to answer questions regarding Professors, classes, grading scales, internet access, work load, etc. They are an incredible source of information because they are answering questions from the student point of view and not from a recruiter that is trying to "sell" the school. To make the most of the college experience it is important to stay on top of your studies. College is a stressful and often difficult time. Finals are especially hard and if you've studied hard and done well over the semester, there is much less pressure. Also, it is important to utilize any resource that the college has available to help such as tutors, academic enhancement sessions, extra credit, etc. Mostly just remember that this is just a season of life. Make the most of it, it's absolutely worth it when you're walking down the aisle to receive your college diploma!
Nick
When looking for a college, you must keep an open mind. I would suggest to take more than one visit to most of the colleges that you are considering. The first time that you are at a school it is very hectic with all of the meetings and things that you must attend, so the second time you might be able to focus on things around the campus a little easier. When at college, to make the most of your experience, all I can say is to be involved. Whether its sports, clubs, intramurals, or events, the more that you go to the more chances you have to meet new people and make new friends. If you never go out to any of these things, your experience may not live up to what you wanted it to be.
Victoria
Find a college that is like home to you. Make sure the student is comfprtable there and picks a major they love!
Jennell
Finding the right college for your area of interest from the beginning can save a lot of time and money. Take the time to learn about the pros and cons of different colleges and visit them so that you are able to make an educated decision. Know your financial aid package well in advance if possible. Once you have made your decision and start your first semester, be cautious about over living your new found freedom. College is both expensive and important. Take your education seriously. I also recommend that new students try different cultural experiences as they become available through the college of your choice.
Donna
Finding the right college is important, the right college includes the location and type of education you are going to obtain . Making the most of you college experience is probably the most important factor in finding which college you want to attend.College students are fortunate to be in an instution where they will get more than the knowledge they intended on. As a college student you will develop lifelong relationships with some of the people you meet. You will gain much more in your college experience than you ever dreamed of. Making the most of college at an age is important. Anyone who has the opportunity to attend college is richer than most people just for the experience. Whether you commute or live on campus theco college experience is one that will never be forgotten. You will gain much more than knowledge and hopefully will appreciate the mere fact that you have the ability and fortune to attend college. Many people do not have any idea what a privelage it is to be able to go to college and get a valued education. Make the most of your experience by being aware how fortunate you are.