Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Being a senior in high school is very stressful with the pressure of getting into a good school and then choosing what you think is a fit for you. I wish that even with all that stress put on my shoulders, I wouldn't have gotten as worried and frantic as I did. In high school you also don't have much free time during the week, college on the other hand gives you more free time then you could imagine in high school. I wish that going into college I would have known that. There are so many distractions that can eat up the free time, but you should always get your class work done before doing anything fun, because once you give into those distractions it is hard to break the habit.

As I am always a very hard work student, I would advise myself to be prepare and work extra hard when I go to college. I would also advise myself to be always independent and not always dependent on the teacher as I did when I was in high school.

When I was a high school senior I wasn't sure what I was going to do with my life and I was so nervous about starting college and wondered what It would be like. Now that I have sucessfully completed my first semester of my freshman year I have learned certain things that I wish I had known before starting college. I would tell myself to keep my mind in constant focus on what I would like to accomplish . In college students tend to get distracted with their social life as I did in the beggining, and that can throw them off track. I have had to sacrifice my social life in some instances to instead study that extra hour. I would also tell myself to keep in touch with the important people in my life because they are your support system. Talking to my friends and family helps me through my tough times especially when I first left for college. The last thing I would tell myself would be to learn how to cope with stress better and to know that putting too much pressure on yourself isn't always the best thing to do.

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to not stress about how college will be. I would also say to not get to wraped up in the social aspects that can distract from the academic part of school. But, I would make sure I let loose sometimes so that studying would not weigh me down. All in all, just to learn time management and balance social and academic life.

I've never lived in a dorm; never had a meal plan, never participated in any of the stereotypical "college" experiences. I graduated when I was seventeen and threw myself into the real world with the zeal and naivete only a teenager could muster. I spent a year in Boston--working full-time, taking classes on the side, learning how to budget, how to feed myself and pay my bills, what it's like to have rent due at the beginning of the month--andthose lessons were invaluable. After that year, to save money on tuition, I moved back south and enrolled at VCU. I feel that my year in Boston helped me get ahead of some of my contemporaries, in terms of real-world experience; however, I would say that I missed out on some other, equally important experiences. I know that people make lifelong friends in dorm rooms or dining halls, and I know now that I missed out on that, to my detriment. Those experiences shape who we are, and I regret being so dismissive of them when I was younger. If I could go back and change my mind, I'm sure I would.

If I could go back as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would make changes. First thing I would do would be to apply to all the colleges I wanted to attend. As a senior I let money discourage me from applying to colleges because I thought I would never be able to afford them. Money should not have been the first thing on my mind, instead my future career goals and dreams should have came first. Second, I would have filled out more scholarships. I didn't realize how much college costs. Neither of my parents went to college and I'm the first child to go to college from my family so known of us were prepared. Grades weren't an issue in highschool. I graduated with an advanced diploma and worked very hard in my classes. But after being in college I would have taken more AP classes in highschool in order to place out of general requirement classes in order to focus more on my major and minors. Overall I would perepare myself better than what I did because I realize now how many opportunities I passed up.

Don't lose your guard. Remember that your senior year really counts. Give yourself more options by applying and researching different majors or careers, and maybe different college credit classes, extra curricular activities, or even activities outside of school. Even though you have years ahead of you it's definitely easier on your wallet and your mind to have an idea of what you want to do and accomplish after highschool . And while we're on the topic of wallets: Save, save, save! You will need all you can get. And if you don't, it's a nice perk to have spending money after you're finished with your school work and all-night study parties. Take good advantage of the help and support you're recieving and if you don't have any don't be discourage because you'll only regret that you let it get you down. Refrain from saying that you cannot stand school! Because it is truly just all in your mind.

Having the chance to talk to my senior self I would most likely tell myself two things. The first being that now, if you haven't already, would be a great time to get into the habit of doing all work well in advance. The college work load is much more than high school, but is manageable when organized effectivly and your time is used wisely. The second thing being college is wonderful place to make friends. Prepare to become more outgoing and realize that everyone else is there for the same reason you are. College is said to be the place where people make their life long friendships.

Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult for some. Be yourself and you will find your path in life. Always remember why you are going to college and keep your goals and dreams in your heart and mind. Even if money is a factor, pursue your career goals and don't let it stand in your way. If you are troubled and far away from home, remember to pick up the phone and call the ones who are closest . I will always call on my mom who is my inspiration and role model. No matter what the issue , call someone you can talk to and rely on to get you through the tough times. Don't be afraid to go the extra mile and see what the world has to offer in life when you are young. I appreciate the opportunity to attend college and learn all I can. I hope my choice of Criminal Justice and Forensics lands me a career with the government. If not, I hope when I graduate , I will be self -supportive and independent. Most of all , I hope I am happy in whatever job I take on in my lifetime!

The first thing I would change, or advise myself to do, would be to focus!! My grades weren't perfect and my attitude toward school was horrible. I never really thought about entering college right out of high school, I already had my mind made up that I would join the Marine Corps in 11th grade. But knowing that I would without a doubt want to go to college after my four years of service was always in my head. I knew I couldn't go anywhere in life and obtain a financially stable job without a degree. I would have definitely listened more closely and paid better attention to what my teachers had to say in high school. The leader ship they had was what it was going to take for me to do well in college. Now that I have finally made it to my senior year, I have a feeling of self satisfaction and accomplishment. It feels great! Looking back during my high school years not only brings fond memories to my thoughts, but a sense of regret for not doing as well as I should have.