Allegheny College Top Questions

Pick a school on the value of the name not what seems best suited for you

Although mom means well and tries to direct you in a path that may seem best for you at that moment, choose your strengths and your interests when looking at prospective colleges. Nervousness is a driving force during your applications. Don't let it control you. You've made it this far and you have exactly what it takes to go further. College is a challenge in so many ways and I want you to enjoy it, you'll only experience it once. You will enjoy it. Thank mom again, make this easier for her. You're doing just fine.

Apply yourself and work hard in class, but even more importantly discover who you are. Take the time to learn what you are passionate about so that you can apply that to your career choice. As you are preparing and completing college, make a specific plan for what you will do next and how the degree will help you get there. Some sample questions to ask would be as follows. What do you want to do for the rest of your life? Will you need further schooling to do that? Are you financially prepared for the amount of school you need? What are your long and short-term goals, and how will you get there? Will you still feel the same in 10-15 years? How will your current decisions effect your future family? Think hard before choosing your major and subsequent career path. Know what you are going to do with your degree before you graduate.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would advise him to begin studying more and not be afraid to ask questions. In high school I was academically gifted and didn't have to study very hard for good grades. In college I thought it would be the same way, but it wasn't and my pride sometimes holds me back from asking questions. I would also tell myself to be ready to start from square one. Going from a senior back to a freshman is a difficult transition in itself. You go from being established to being back at the bottom of the food chain. It's a difficult transition, but manageable if you are prepared to encounter it.

Dear high school Sachika, I know that you are more than excited to move out of Albany and to start a new life in college, but do not neglect the beautiful Bay Area scenery, awesome restaurants, the diverse culture, and the priviledge to have a car to drive. You may not realize this now, but once you move all the way across the country, you will miss them greatly throughout the school year. The first year, especially the first semester, will be stressful and you may experience some difficulties transitioning into the new culture away from friends and family, but do not fret. You will eventually develop a close group of friends, and you should look forward to many random adventures around town. Meadville may seem too small and boring at first glance, but give it a chance and you will come to appreciate its little perks over time. I can assure you that college is a whole new chapter in your life filled with amazing individuals, fresh experiences, and unexpected fortunes; make the most of it. Sincerely, Sachika

In his famous hit, "Against the Wind," the great Bob Segar says, "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then," in regards to one of his lovers from his past. However, in regards to my senior year of highschool and the anxiety of the inevitable transition from boy to man, I do wish I knew then what I know now. If I could go back and advise myself during the waning days of my senior year, my message would be swift and sure: "Patience my friend, patience." I see it everyday, seniors on the verge of their first year of college. What they all seem to do is get in this big rush and hurry to get to college and all they say is, "Man I need to get out of here," and "Can't wait for college already." I too was guilty. But I've learned that I must be patient. I must take in each day, and with it each breath. For too simply can I overlook the emotions, the miracles, and the tragedies that make each day. Yep, that's what I would tell the senior Romulus Marino.

If I was able to go back in time, I would sit myself down with a pen and sheet of paper and say "Pay attention and take notes!” Don’t be scared about going to a college away from home. All of your family and friends are just a 2 hour drive, a phone call away and you will meet so many new people at college. School is your first priority, so do not get overwhelmed with the parties, working or joining clubs. Believe me; you will have time to have fun later when all your school work is done. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT wait until the last minute to do any type of homework. This includes essays, reading packets, group projects and even studying. High school is completely different from college. Sometimes your efforts do not always equal your success, therefore you have to work extra hard to ensure that you will receive a good grade. Also, remember to always go to class and be on time. Being lazy is only going to make things 10 times harder for yourself. Lastly, build connections with all of your professors and advisors; they are there to help you!

"Self", I would say. "Study hard now while you are young, time for fun will always be ahead." "Stay away from the drugs and the parties for they have ruined your life, now is your time to become what you have never been." "Work hard, play hard, but study even harder, life is yours for the taking, be aware and do not let it take you."

Coming from a city full of Mexicans like Santa Ana to a small town in Meadville full of Caucasians, was somewhat daunting. At the moment, I was glad that four other people came with me from California. But now looking back at it, I wish I had gone through it alone. I stuck to my old friends and it wasn’t until the end of first year when I broke out and talked to other people. It was nice to move somewhere that has different customs and attitudes. Many were extremely nice. You wouldn’t know a student walking in front of you, but they would wave at you and say hi! If I were to do this experience all over again, I would be more free. Make friends with people who you get along with, talk to strangers in class, be happy with what you have. Allegheny is a school where everyone is on the same page; you curse the day you chose Allegheny. We get stuck in this pessimism circle instead of appreciating the fact that we are getting an education and that this school goes to great lengths to keep us happy and keep us entertained.

I would tell my high school self that college is both easier and harder than you think. To start with the good news, my high school education did a good job of preparing me academically for college. I found, for instance, that I came to college prepared to write a decent essay on a short night's rest, a skill which has served me well. I would tell my younger self to trust in my abilities, which have gotten me far already -- no minor accomplishment -- and which can be relied upon in the years to come. On the other hand, I could not have guessed at the time that college would be so much more intense than high school. I didn't expect to be writing those late-night essays with such frequency! When going back in time, I would advise myself to maintain my focus when the going gets tough and remember why I enrolled in college in the first place. I am here to learn, and I am here thanks to countless teachers, friends, and family members who have nurtured my intelligence. I owe it to them and to myself to make the most of my college experience.

Think of the decisions you make during your freshmen year!

If I could go back in time and tell myself then what I know now about going to college, I would say, "Kelli, go to school now while you are still young and don't have as many commitments and financial obligations." If I could have done that, my life would be a lot different right now and probably a lot easier. I don't hold it against myself for not seeking an education when I was younger, only because as an adult now I have a better idea of what interests me and what I would like to do for a lifetime career. I am very excited to go back to school and look forward to what my education will do for me.

Hi. I know that you're scared about college next year, but don't worry because I have an idea. Who says you have to go straight to college from highschool? I know that it's what everyone expects of you, but your life should never planned by other people's expectations. At 17, you have all the time in the world so I'll tell you what, go abroad for a year. Live in another country. Take some classes, volunteer, learn the language, and get to know who you really are. I promise, this experience will be one that you will treasure forever. Not only will you make life-long friendships, but it will give you direction, confidence, and independence. You will enter college with a passion for life and learning that was buried deep before. Just be true to yourself, love who you are, and remember that life has more than one road. Promise me that you'll make your own path even if it means that sometimes you might get a little lost because why would you want to be like other people when you can be yourself?

Dear High School Me, Here is the biggest advice I can give you about transitioning into social life: Quoting Shakesheare, "To thine own self be true." Allegheny is such a small school that you can easily make friends since everyone knows each other already. You don't need to be someone that you aren't because you can find people who will love you for who you truly are. Don't change to fit in. This isn't high school anymore; you're moving past it. College people don't like fakes so don't be one. Be yourself. Here is the biggest advice I can give you about academics: If you're struggling, GO TO YOUR PROFESSORS. If you're having trouble, don't convince yourself that you can figure it out on your own. The professors are extremely helpful; all you have to do is ask them for aid and they will help. Don't rely on them, but don't ignore them either.

Don't stress out about being uncertain so much! Your decision may have taken awhile, but in the end you will make the right one. It may seem like everyone has their entire life figured out once you arrive at Allegheny College, but you are not alone. Plenty of other people are in the same boat as well. Move in day with all of those unfamiliar faces may seem scary at first, but by the end of the year your entire hall will be bonded like a family. Balancing both academics and athletics can be very difficult at times, but perservere; your teammates will be there to encourage you every step of the way and will become some of your best friends. Try not too procrastinate too much when packing and buying everything necessary. Also, be nicer to mom; the unexpected cancer diagonsis in the fall truly takes a toll on her and the rest of the family. But don't worry, she'll be fine, just as you will be, too. Your year will be filled with highs and lows, but at the end of spring semester you won't want to leave!

With my first year of college under my belt, it became clearer of what field I wanted to pursue and that I chose the right college. Although the academic year went well, there are some events that I do want to change. If I could turn back time and find myself as a high school senior, the advice would consist of making time to study, always ask for help, and major in a field that makes you happy. In high school I rarely studied and seldom asked for help. There wasn't a need to do so; my memory was all I needed. College however was a whole different story. After my first exam in chemistry, I quickly realized that my memory wasn't enough. From then on, I made time to study and ask my professors for help when I needed it. During my first year, my heart was set on Neuroscience. By the second semester I switched back to Geology. The reason being was that I wasn't happy pursuing my previous major. My advice to my high school self is this, major in what makes you happy, not what society wants you to be.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is to explore everything and not be afraid of the unknown. Making the transition to college can be intimidating as I found out firsthand. However, as I explored the unknown and met new people I found my fear disappearing. Getting out of your confort zone can be scary at first, but in the end it will allow you to experience things that you could never imagine before. More specifically, I would tell myself to sign up for more clubs and activities. Meeting people that share even a single common interest can help to build the new circle of friends that you'll want to have in college. In addition, any form of motivation to leave the comfort of your dorm room for mysteries of the unknown is always positive. College is a time of exploration, it's best to take full advantage of this while you're here and not let your fears hold you back. You have nothing to fear but your finals, and even those aren't too bad.

Try hard until the end. Do not quit trying once you get accepted into college. That break will cause more difficulties adjusting to the workload in college. Even if it is hard to give it your best effort until graduation you need to do it so that you keep up the momentum you had that got you into such a great school. That great school will have no sympathy for that fact that you have not done any type of school work in six months and when you get there they will pile on the work to you just as they will to a student who prepared for college all summer. Keep up with your work, the topics that can be related to other things may be unknown until you get into a situation where if you knew them you would be one step ahead. Give it your best efforty because starting one step ahead can get you along much easier that trying to start three steps behind and having to relearn topics. Give all of your work the best effort you have, it will pay off in the end.

It wasn't easy dropping out of high school, was it Younger Self? Struggling with getting a job and making ends meet, moving half way across the country, all while trying to get a GED. You worked hard, though, and you acheived your dream of six years. It made you learn one of the most important things: Perserverance. You may have felt down when people criticized you or looked down upon you, discouraged you even. I wish you would have learned to scoff at them sooner, because you ended up proving yourself right. You're now onto the next step of your goal. College is going to be strenuous, especially with all of the activities and classes you'll like to take. Remember how you proved yourself, dropping out and getting a GED, making your own way in this world, and saying "Yes, I can and will." You'll need that same perserverance that got you through the time you had in high school to get you through college. I know you can do it though. You're acheiving great things now, Younger Self. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can only do otherwise.

College is not what you think it is anymore. Therefore, make sure to keep all grades up and pay attention in class, consequently, you won't know how hard it is until it's too late. Just be wise and understand that it's your future and nothing should stop you from what you want to become. Nevertheless, choose what you want as a career that you would be happy with until you retire and listen your heart rather than other people. Finally, just keep your head up and keep trucking through school because, you don't know how college is anymore.

Highschool Daisy you are part of Arista Honor Society 21th in your class, you have the brightest future in your family. College is not all about the social life and games, take classes seriously and work hard and when you believe you can't anymore try harder. The medical field is not the end all and be all of life. If you know you are not doing well in the class just drop it, don't be a shame and do not fear the unknown. After highschool life is different your actions and choices have consequences. Money is going to be an issues and contact financial aid, scholarship programs as soon as possible. Complete all of the scholarship forms you have filled out, you will need it. You will over pack and buy more stuff write your name on everything. Remember not everyone in new York is going to remain your friend, not everyone you meet in college will be your friend, people come and go, that is jsut a part of life. Do not fear Allegheny will be the home away from home you think it will be. Work hard not your family, but for yourself.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to go for what I want, not what's expected of me. I would tell myself to try harder and to do better. And I would tell myself to get more involved.

"You're going to wish these years haven't gone by so fast... these are some good times... take a good look around... you may not know it now but you're goint to miss this". Trace Adkins sings ever true lyrics, for here I am a senior in college, while I still feel like I just graduated from high school. Do not take any moment for granted, because when you put off studying for a day and sometimes even an hour it will affect your life. Friends and family will go away, and some will stay, but it is up to you how your future turns out. Please call home more often then necessary, for it will help you navigate your new life. Your parents will help you always, even if it is 200 miles away. Don't give in to peer pressure, be a strong woman, and stand up for yourself. Do not talk yourself out of your ideas or goals, like when you want to run for student government or don't understand why you recieved a grade. Put in the extra effort because so many opportunites await for you to grow, discover, love, and have fun.

In my view, the most important advice for myself would have been to take a foreign language for more than 2 years. I took Spanish for 2 years in high school and after seeing how many people were already well prepared to continue on with it in college makes me regret not taking more years of it. The beginner classes at Allegheny focus on speaking the language fluently, which is why I feel that I would be at a disadvantage if I started taking a Spanish class now. High school prepared the students for what to expect in a foreign language class and I wish I could have been a part of that. There are college owned dorms (for example the Spanish house and French house) with allow students to connect with one another on a deeper level aside from having the their own foreign language club on campus. The foreign language programs offered are extremely beneficial if a student is interested in going to a foreign country to study abroad. If only I would have taken a foreign language more seriously in high school, many more opportunities could have come my way in college like the ones listed above.

As I reflect on my freshman year of college, I realize what I have learned about myself and how I interact with others. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a few words of wisdom to share. I would emphasize the importance of being friendly and social while maintaining perspective on my studies. I now know that time management is a completely different skill in college than it is in high school. When it comes to schoolwork, it is necessary to establish a routine and to find a place to study that is free of distractions. My biggest regret of first semester is not making efficient use of my time, especially when it came to studying. I have since realized how important it is to manage my schoolwork, and how to set goals in order to measure my progress. I would also remind myself to keep an open mind. I made friends with people last year who are very different from me, and it taught me volumes about accepting others. Prior to these experiences, I may have been judgmental of people who could have ended up being great friends.

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I have a lot of advice that I would give myself. Mainly, I would tell myself, or any other senior for that matter, to go into college with an open mind. Everyone is different in college, people have different backgrounds and cultures and will simply be altogether different from you; take this opportunity and get to know these people and broaden your horizons. I would also keep an open mind about my academic goals. The transition to college is hard and it is important to know that. It is also important to note that the level of difficulty may force you to change your major and this may be a harsh reality to face, but you will be much happier in the end and you will exceed to your highest potential if you simply take the leap and follow your heart. Lastly, keep an open mind about opportunities that may arise for you. Take every single one of them; not only will they build your resume, they will build your character.

The transition from high school to college is not an easy one. If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have made sure I was aware of how to prioritize my time and be more open about what I wanted to study. In high school, I never had to study a lot, most of the material came easy to me. When I got to college and learned that I had to study every night, it came as sa bit of a shock. Along with the workload, adjusting to being away from home did take it's toll. I think the best advice to give any high school student about college is that it is a change from what you are used to. You have to keep an open mind, work hard but still remember to have fun. After all, that is what life is truly all about, not just college.

Before come to study in college, I need to learn to manage my own time so that I can start more freely and efficiently in college.

I would definitely tell myself to take more AP classes (and receive better grades on the ones I take). I would make sure I apply a bit earlier to be supplied with more financial aid. I would also remind myself to take an SAT course in order to get a higher grade on the actual test. Really things to make the financial responsibilities a bit less stressful, I think I did everything else right.

I would say to follow my heart, and not let others (even my family) influence my decision. I listened to my parents' desires and chose a school I liked, but most definitely do not love. I would also tell myself that anything is possible, and to keep dreaming. Although choosing a college narrows your options, that doesn't mean dreaming has to end. Additionally, I would tell myself to be less shy, and open up more during orientation.

Graduation. Prom. Senior trip. There are so many exhilarating memories associated with my senior year. I can’t think of a single experience that I would have changed. Almost all of my classes were Advanced Placement classes and I worked hard to get good grades so that I would be able to get into the college of my choice. I also spent time with friends and loved ones and enjoyed my free time. If I had to go back into the past and help myself change an aspect of my senior year, I would tell myself to get more information about the financial aspects of college. I would have asked more questions and gathered more facts about all of the different loans and scholarships that were available. Working with numbers has never been a strong suit of mine, but I wish I could have worked harder to educate myself about finances that are associated with college.

I would tell myself that it's not as hard as I thought. I would also tell myself to look at a wider vartiety of schools and check out some urban setting schools.

I have learned that my success is umlimited and that if i want to achieve i must reach out and accomplish it. I has taught me to work hard and to understand that nothing is impossible. Seeing that there is always a way to be better and to help others in their lives inspires me to push forward. My expectations for myself has increased 10 fold. So I now see that even though nothing was ever handed to me, I can still make it in America and be a upstanding citizen. I have seen people who's education take them to new things and they come back to thier schools and inspire students to advance themselves. Coming to college has given me the motivation to face the world and be a better person. The college experience is very valuable because it showed me how to be diverse and understand the differences in being a child grown into an adult. Now I feel as if i have the tools i need to face the tribulations of life and always come out with my head held high and enough strength to face the next day. College has been a true great inspiration.

So far, my college experience has been an exciting, innovating, eye-opening, and suprising one. In my first semester here at Allegheny College, I have learned how to be on my own, set my own rules, take care of myself, and basically live my own life. It has taught me to manage my own time in both an academic and personal sense; something that I had a problem with in high school. However, college is not just about books and papers and studying. It is about living. Of course it is important to do your best in and out of class, after all, that is the whole reason that I came to college, to learn neuroscience / pre-med in order to prepare for medical school and my career as a neurologist. Still, that is not what it is all about. This is the reason that my undergraduate college experience has been so valuable, it has taught me to appreciate the little things in life; the things that I took for granted in high school. After all, it is the moments among friends and family that make life worth living. And, for this lesson, I am truly grateful.

Although I am only a single semester into my freshman year, I have gotten so much out of Allegheny College. I have taken advantage of many opportunities that the school offers and that is not even the half of it. My advisor, as well as other professors I have gtten to know, have taught me much more than the required course materials. They have taught me to get involved and do not be afraid to let my voice be heard. I have taken classes that I absolutely loved and that have swayed me towards various majrs and minors. There is an immense amount of opportunities that Allegheny College offers and I will continue to take advantage of them throughout the rest of my educational career.

What have I gotten from my college experience? An identity. Studying at Allegheny College has defined who I am as an individual, a scholar, and a global citizen of the world. Before attending college I thought I knew what I wanted from life –I had a career plan. Studying at Allegheny College, however, has taught me that having passion for what I do, not just a plan, will provide me with the life I want to live. I cannot even begin to describe the growth I have experienced at Allegheny. In my first year of college I successfully broke free of the chains that held me down during high school. I blossomed into a student leader, an advocate for social change, and a committed community member. I do not like to think about my life without Allegheny College. Doing so makes me think of the person I would have failed to become. So yes, I have gained an identity, a better understanding for who I am as a human being and what I want from life. Never before would I have imagined that I would be as prepared as I am to step into the “real world”.

The college experience has taught me about freedom to d what you want while keeping up with the bills and time managment. You do not have your parents reminding you about projects or appointments. It is all on your shoulders now and you need to work out a system that works for you so that you can stay organized and punctual. College is a great way to meet new people and of course follow your dreams of a higher education.

At Allegheny College, I have become part of a tolerant community which has allowed me to experiment socially with whom I want to be - I have been able to participate in student theatre groups, a sorority, and choral groups and have been able to maintain friendships with everyone - no one has judged me at all. I have found people who enjoy classes as much as I do - my best friends and I talk about Shakespeare and Jane Austen all the time, and we have Costume Drama Film parties every two weeks. I have learned to juggle academics and a social life by being vice president of my sorority while taking three upper division seminars, but all my professors were so supportive that the extra workload was not a stretch. Allegheny has been a place where I have been able to grow up and mature and I am so proud to be a student there.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience, even though a lot of it has been from bad experiences. I have learned that you really have to fight to get what you want, and to have people behind what you're fighting for no matter what. You always have to work really hard to get what you want, and that you have to learn to change yourself now to be prepared for the workplace before you graduate.

I only decided to attend college because it seemed as if I was expected to, like I would be a failure if I didn't. All of friends were going to college and I did not want to be left out, I guess you could say I was a follower. After starting and experiencing college, I realized just how important it was. I strive to achieve my best, and turned into a leader. I joined SGA and that organization made a impact on my outlook. Before, I had just been attending college. After I joined, I was attending college and being apart of the whole experience. I wish to graduate from Gadsden State, and then transfer to further my degree and follow my dreams of becoming a first grade teacher. Attending college is the only way I can reach that dream, so attending is very important.

Allegheny College is a school where a person can sit in a class and learn without worrieing about what others think about them. It is a school where teachers are always avalible and willing to help you with materials or even life problems that you may be struggling with. Attending a small College has been the best experiance ever. You are constantly surrounded by a circle of friends that is constantly growing as the year goes bye. Allegheny teaches their students that life is hard enough as it is, people don't need to deal with the additions of unkind faces constantly degrading them. Instead Allegheny College promotes smiling and saying high to strangers. What I have learned is that when you make someones day you end up feeling better about your own

Changing anything about the transition to college would mean changing the very experience necessary to go on with life. College teaches you the value of a dollar. By instantly throwing students into a mound of debt with loans, students have to quickly adapt and start saving money. Suddenly a world of wants is transformed into a world of needs and every person learns how to save and spend carefully. The limited size of dorm rooms forces students to pack necessities; not everything in their room is going to fit, especially since its being shared. Students will have to be nit-picky about what they take. Large televisions and oversized beds are going to have to stay home, while laptops, books, and some pictures can be taken. Going to college is a re-birthing of sorts. It is the modern day coming of age. Instead of having to hunt like the Native Americans, students have to survive in an urban wilderness. By changing any facet of this experience students are limited in their potential to grow and thus their ability to survive as an adult.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the transition to college is a struggle. It is not the way movies, books, and college advertisements make it seem. Classes will be difficult, finding real friends takes time, and parties are not the way they are portrayed on tv. There will be lonely nights and stress filled nights, but by the end of your transition to college you will have built your character tremendously. Mistakes are ok, and even necessary in the transition process. Realizing there are consequences to every action is an important part of growing up, and a crucial part in the transition to college. Without parents around to monitor you, waking up on time, studying, being careful at parties, and balancing a social life with school work is your own responsibility. This is really a life changing experience and although its difficult in the beginning, it prepares you for life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Manage my time wisely!

In high school, I believed that I was liberal, but really I was conservative and narrow-minded. I have my own way of accomplishing tasks, and strongly believed everyone else should follow my lead. When I went to Allegheny, many of my friends thrived by working under pressure. For them, writing an entire paper hours before its due date produces their best work. At first, this was hard for me to accept, and I attempted to change their personal style. But as my first semester progressed, I realized that I cannot control those around me, nor can I ask them to conform to my wishes. Every person must deal with their own decisions and work ethic, and I cannot decree to them how I feel they should work and act. By accepting this truth, I realized how much I had distanced myself while I was in high school. No one wants to be friends with someone who attempts to change them. So my advice to my senior self would be, " Relax, and accept others for who they are." I lost time attempting to change my friends, insteading of learning to tolerate and learn from them.

Being a high school senior is an important time in your life, much more important that most seniors realize because they are so focused with getting done. Being that I'm only 17, living on my own with rent and bills and already attending college full time for dentistry and have a full time job at a dentists office as well as a part time job at a grocery store, I believe that if I went back to speak to myself maybe I would listen. Hearing how important school is and how much adult life isn't as great as it seems from someone 40 years old seems hard to realate to but hearing yourself just a month out of high school may hit a little harder. I would tell myself to spend the extra 10 minutes checking those answers on the homework and work harder at finding financial aid because working to pay bills and going to school at the same time is much harder then I think. I would remind myself to always look to the future because regardless of where I've been, its where and who I push myself to be in the future that matters.

Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. You have been told many things, about who you should be, what you should do, what you should believe. I'm not saying to throw all of that out; instead, take it in perspective. These people give you advice from what they have experienced and what they have seen, but no one can tell you what is truly in your head or your heart except yourself. Manipulating your choices according to someone else's plan may seem simple at first, but ultimately you will not be satisfied with what your life has become. It may cause tension and strained or even broken relationships; not everything will work out the way you thought or hoped, but you can and will get through. There will be people who will support you no matter what road you eventually choose, or the paths you take to get there. And the result will be a life that surpasses what you ever thought was possible.

I would give myself a lot of advice. First, high school is very important and you need to stay on track. Having good grades and doing things for the school come in handy. Colleges look at your GPA. Good grades allow for a high GPA. Second, All those honors classes you took throughout high school are great. They really prepare you for whats ahead. Teachers push you to get a feeling for the college life. College is great and you will love it. You will make plenty of friends and have a lot of on-campus activities to join. Just make sure to be prepared for essays! Its professors number one assignment to give to their students.

The college process was one of the most terrifying and stressfull periods of my life thus far. I personally made a lot of mistakes and would love to go back to that time with the knowledge I have to re-do everything. My first mistake as an applicant was believing all the hype of college applications, becoming obsessed with the process, and giving into the uneccesary stress. I should have stuck to the mantra, you will get into a college and you will be happy. Also, I should have eliminated some of the excess extracarriculars I packed into my first semester which were incredibly distracting and forced my focus on entrance essays to come in second. I should have also made sure that I would be happy at each school that I applied to. I didn't. Instead, I just chose a few random safties that I hated "just in case." I would have forced myself to start the process at the beginning of my Junior year rather than mid-way through it. Lastly, I would have told myself to be a bit more open-minded, becuase even very unattractive schools can have hidden pleasant surprises.

My advice that I would give myself would be to study as much as you possibly could for chemistry and math because those are very difficult classes. Continuing on the school subject, I would tell myself to get a tutor before classes start even if you dont need one, just in case. I would also tell myself to try to get connected with volunteering and christian organizations. These are some programs that you could put on medical school applications, and you could be giving to the community, meeting great poeple as a result of a giving attitude. Speaking of attitudes, keep a positive one. Tell yourself you can even when others around you say the opposite. Believe that you can overcome anything as long as you are doing it to better yourself. In addition to those few things, knowing myself the way I do, do not get more involved in a social life than in your studies. You are there for and education, and you can not get your Ph.D. in popularity even though you would if it was a major. Study hard and keep your eye on the prize!