Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Alison

Listen up, Ruthie. You've got some misconceptions about college that need to be hammered out. Let me make a list for you: 1. Get on that computer right now and start searching for local/national scholarships based on merit/financial aid. If you think that money will magically appear as soon as you get an acceptance letter from a university, then you're dumb. You need to work at finding the right ones in order to graduate college with little to no debt. Trust me, you'll be thankful that you do not have that burden. 2. Visit as many colleges as you can with a variety of population sizes. Try some public schools, then private. Look at in-state colleges, and out-of-state colleges, too. Do not make a list of colleges that have the same characteristics that you think you like, because you may surprise yourself with liking something completely different. 3. This may be common sense, but because I am taking to you from the future, I know that you're going to make this mistake. Take a tour of the dorm rooms. Look especially at the bathrooms. Do not live in Pratt Hall, PLEASE.

Genna

High School was a rough time for me. Being home schooled, I didn't have the typical high school experience. My academic level became synonymous with my parent's/teacher's and most of high school I felt like I was teaching myself. I had a very low view of myself academically and was confused about what I wanted to do after graduation, often wondering if college would even be possible. I knew my academic gpa was not as high as many students entering college, and thought that if I went to college I would struggle to keep up. Now, going into my junior year, I have a different outlook. I wish I could write myself a letter saying "It gets better." I would tell myself that I am stronger and smarter than I know, and that grades really aren't everything. It is heart and effort that determines how well you succeed, and that is something I've always had. I would remind myself that doubt and fear are your biggest enemies, and they can be easily extinguished with confidence and strong friendship. Lastly I would sign it with, "P.S. SAVE YOUR MONEY! COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE!"

Camille

A young girl living in a small town was faced with big decisions that would impact her entire future. That girl was me three years ago as a high school senior. As college applications were approaching, I had to decide where I wanted to further my education and what occupation I wanted to pursue. Time was running out, and I found myself basing my decisions on what my loved ones thought was best. I thought these choices would be fulfilling, but I soon discovered that I was unhappy with the decisions I made. I ended up changing not only my major, but where I attended college as well. Going through these processes has taught me numerous lessons. If I could go back and give myself advice as a senior, I would first tell myself to value personal happiness over desperately trying to impress everyone else with my choices. I would then say that change is an inevitable part of life that should not be dreaded, but embraced. Realizing this, I have grown in character and wisdom. This advice would have helped me build self-confidence and discernment so that I could face the choices of my future with courage.

Megan

When I was a fresh graduate from high school, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Looking back, I was probably a bit idealistic in my outlook on career choices. Part of me thought I could be a granola child and save the world, but live on nothing. In the end, with the advice of my parents, I chose to major in Education believing I could make a difference in the world and make a living at the same time. So off I went to college, bright-eyed and naïve about my future. I had a suspicion when I started working towards the degree teaching was not a good fit for me. But I persevered and graduated in May 2011. I came to the daunting realization my last semester of Student Teaching that I was not meant to teach in a classroom setting. Fast forward a few years and I am not pursuing a masters in Occupational Therapy. I have often thought about the time I wasted by not doing my research as a highschooler. If I could tell my past self one thing I know it would be to do the research!

Summer

I would tell myself to be ready for the pressure. I did not think coming into college that college was going to be as hard as it is. Seeing my older sister succeed and do so well made me a little blind to how much work you actually have to put in in order to get what you need done done. I would also tell myself to make as many friends as you can and have fun. College is awesome and the friends that you make are even more awesome.

Katelyn

Go to Anderson. Even during your first year there, you might get homesick, and miss your friends, and your mom. That's normal. That's completely natural. But Anderson is where you're supposed to be. You might miss your friends back home, but I can promise you that you will meet some of the greatest friends you will ever have, while you're there. It might take a while for that to happen, because you aren't from the area, and for some reason you decided to live off campus first semester (don't do that). But don't be discouraged if you don't make a lot of friends at first. You will, eventually. And I promise you, this whole experience, it will change your life forever. For the better. You're meant to there.

Brenna

I would advise myself to try hard and learn as much as I can. College is awesome because my only responsibility is to learn. And never again in my life will that be my only responsibility. Soaking that up is so important. Learning is so important. Don't goof off and don't waste time and don't lose sight of the most valuable things. Life is precious and you should never take a single moment for granted. Make the most of it all!

Thomas

If I could go back in time and talk with my high-school self. I would give a bunch of little pieces of advice that would add up to a successful year. I would tell myself to read the assignments that teachers assign even if they aren’t graded. Pay attention the syllabus. Manage your time well and spread out the material you need to study at least a week in advance. When you have a test, don’t stay up all night cramming. Get a solid group of friends during the first month of school. Get involved with lots of campus activities and groups until you know what you want to stick with, then pull back and get deeply involved in a few activities and groups. Keep your faith grounded and get involved with a local church and community group. Don’t go out to eat every night; save your money and use your meal plan. Reward yourself when you do well on a test or project to keep yourself motivated. These are things that I would tell my high-school self so that I could begin my college experience with the right foot forward.

Lauren

Don't stress about it! Your parents have your financial situation under control, so don't worry about not getting all of the cutest accessories for your dorm room. Mainly focus on finding friends. Don't be shy because there's a limited time until groups start forming. Don't stick with a group of people that make you feel uncomfortable, or your chances of finding the perfect group will seem unlikely. It's much better to have a few close friends that will help you with your transition instead of a large group of people who barely know you. When it comes to all the immense campus activities and homework that your teachers provide, plan it out everyday. Use your agenda to write down everything that you need to get done. In this way, you will have better time management. Going to these campus activities will lower your stress about classes and help you meet new people. My most important piece of advice is to be yourself. Don't change just because high school is over and you're surrounded by new people. Instead, keep your morals and ethics because they are key to your success.

Nikkola

As a high school senior, my plan was to attend a Canadian University and earn a business degree, however, today I am on a tennis scholarship at Anderson University in South Carolina. I have recently decided to switch my major from Kinesiology to Business Management. I would tell my senior self to stick to my gut and the advice given to me by my peers, family and teachers. I would tell myself to stick with the Business degree but to take some Kinesiology electives to keep my options as wide open as possible to set myself up for the best career possible. This was a very hard to decision to make but through taking Kinesiology courses, I have learned I am more interested in the business aspect of sports instead of working with the biomechanics of the body. Since I am determined to still graduate in four years, I am extremely motivated and content to put in the extra hours and work to fill the requirements because I know this is something I am passionate about, and it will pay off in the end.

Ashley

As a high school senior I just wanted to get out of school. I was tired of doing the work and being in a place that I felt i no longer belonged. I still worked hard, but when it came to certain things I really could have pushed harder. I wish I would have taken college courses at the local community college to not only use my time more beneficially but to help transition me to college life. I also wish I would have been more outgoing and done more things with school rather than feeling bad for myself becuase I felt that I was being excluded. Overall I wish I would have enjoyed the journey more. It went by too quickly. It's at the end of things or when things are gone that you truly start to learn form them or miss them. If I could tell my 12th grade self to relax and enjoy my time at home and at school it would have benefitted me greatly. Because looking back I was probably rarely the perosn I wanted to be or could have been. I would want tell myself it's okay to be yourslef, uniquely Ashley.

Michael

That I should pick my college based on my values and aspirations in life, not on those of other people. To love people unconditionally and don't t just cut them out of your life because you think you are moving far away. To personally invest in people's lives more so maybe it will help change their future for the better. To spend more time with people while they are still there in my life physically. Re-evaluate those I am friends with and show live to, so that I know they will always be there. Get even more scholarship money than I already have. Most importantly; listen to your heart, your gut, and God. Because when you do that it will save you from so much unbeareable hurt it's a miracle. If I would have just done that my life would be ten thousand percent better. So ya listen to God and your heart, because that's what will be the most important things to you for the rest of your life.

Lindsay

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. The majority of my senior year was spent being anxious about all the new experiences of college. For this reason, I did not really take the time to enjoy my senior year in high school. I wish that I would have taken time to enjoy my last days living at home. I would spend time with high school friends, because it is difficult to find time to connect once everyone is at different schools. I wish that I had spent more time with my family because I only see them when I come home for the weekend. Take the time to make memories that will last a lifetime. Life is busy enough in college. Enjoy having time to rest and relax. As soon as I arrived on campus as a freshman, I had numerous friends. Everyone is new and scared. This helps everyone to instantly bond together. Also, professors actually want their students to succeed. They are actually willing to help you reach your full potential. College is stressful, but new friends and helpful professors make it better.

Austin

I could go on and on about what I would tell myself as a high school senior about college. I would begin by telling myself to enjoy how easy the school work is in high school compared to college. The difference in the difficulty of the school work in college is not comparable to high school. I would also tell myself to enjoy the time I have with my friends from high school because I have seen very few of them since high school. I have made new friends but I miss spending time with my old ones. I would tell myself to make sure I spend plenty of time with my parents and family while in high school also. This is the last year I have of living under my parents roof and spending a lot of time with them. Now I live in a dorm room away from home and barely get to spend time with them. The final thing I would tell myself is not to get stressed out about anything. I feel like I spent a lot of my senior year stressed about college. I would tell myself to enjoy it and just live life.

Ryon

Dear High School Ryon, I really wish you would take the decisions you make more seriously. While you're working, save up for college tuition and books instead of blowing your money on junk food. Saving up will definitely help out in the long run when you have too heavy of a workload in school to have a job but still need to pay for tuition. Take your schoolwork more seriously, too. I know you make good grades but it would truly help prepare you for college if you took learning more seriously and found a study technique that really works for you. Also, do whatever it takes to go to your first pick college, even if you need to help your parents with the tuition. You will find the path to a career you will be so passionate about, you will grow in your faith, and you will find the man you will marry. It’s so worth the work to get to where you are going. Other than that, relax! Moving away from home and making new friends will prove to be easier than you think it will be. You’re going to love college! Sincerely, College Ryon

rachel

Dear high school Rachel, First off, when you enter the wide world of college, remember to give yourself credit for what you've already accomplished. You are in a new place with new food, people, buildings, and classes. It is alright to feel afraid or nervous. I would also highly suggest being intentional about building friendships, because your friends are the ones who help you relax and get through the hard times that can come around. Remember that everyone around you is going through exactly what you are.

Lauren

When I was a high school senior, I desperately needed college advice. I was the first in my family to attend, leaving me no idea what to expect or what to do with all these forms and tests thrown my way. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would first tell myself to take a deep breath and calm down - everything will turn out superb. I would then tell myself to stay on top of grades, applications, and standardized tests. Those components are imperative to getting in to a good college, so I would tell myself to apply early, go on tours, and take the standardized tests early on in senior year, and multiple times. My senior self waited until the last semester to really pursue some of these options, leaving me frustrated and on a time crunch, proving it is very important to leave enough time to accurately pursue and choose a college. My high school self really needed to hear that college is fantastic, giving you independence, responsibility, and new options to explore. College is a new journey, but it does not mean that you have to forget where you came from.

Cara Ann

Dear Cara Ann, I know you’re nervous about transitioning to college. Your senior class of 30 is a drop in the bucket at this 3000 student college. Being away from home is incredibly intimidating. But don’t worry! Anderson University will feel like home in no time. Be yourself in college. Don’t change your personality or standards in order to get people to like you. But feel free to try new things and expand your horizons. You will probably only get four years of your life to focus solely on your education and social life. Be intentional with people and schoolwork. Don’t let life pass you by. To avoid homesickness, feel free to call and text and Facetime your family! Technology makes it easy nowadays to communicate with family any hour of the day. When you make mistakes (it happens), apologize, determine to change, and move on. Beating yourself up about it won’t change what happened. True change happens when you recognize your failure but refuse to let it define you. Finally, love people. Be a woman who truly cares about people. Proud of you girl,Cara Ann

Alison

Dear Alison Woodard pre-high school graduation, You are almost there! Almost to a brand new stage of life. Stop worrying so much about grades and future roommates and finances and enjoy this time of transition. Yes, it is really hard, and really scary. You can do it! Honestly, college is not as terrifying as it seems. You are going to make the most wonderful friends, and have a brand new start. After leaving your tiny high school, people will no longer refer to you as "the smart girl" or as a "goody-goody". At Anderson, you are going to find out who you truly are. Prepare yourself to be transformed during this next stage of life. Don't focus simply on your grades, or your graduation speech, or making enough money over the summer. Take time each day to rest in the fact that God loves you, will protect you, and simply wants to have fun with you. Learn to have fun now, and it will make the transition so much easier. Sincerely, Alison Woodard college sophomore.

Leigha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would want to tell myself that no matter what stay true to myself. True to my beliefs and what I had already learned in my life. I would want to know that I was going to have to work hard, to better prepare for what was to come. I wish I could have told myself to believe in myself and be confident in my beliefs.

Katlyn

I would give myself the advice to just take out a loan and go to the school I really wanted to go to. I chose to go to the school I'm at because my parents refused to help me if I got a full ride and didn't go where I got a full scholarship. I should have not listened to my parents and gone where I wanted to go and accepted that the school I wanted to go to was only going to pay my tuition and not my room and board. I feel like my school is not letting me thrive the way I could be somewhere else.

Robert

Robert Parrish 1/31/2014 Wisdom From the Future! If I were allowed to go back in time and see my self in 2003, I would start by saying that he is in control of his own destiny. I have now done many things that I wanted to do then. I have worked out for the past 6 years, I have played guitar for 15 years, and I currently have a 3.48 GPA and I couldn't even afford books last semester! The most important advise would have been to stubbornly follow my dream, and pay no heed to others ambitions for me. My parents all but physically forced me into a tech school after graduation, since that was what they could afford. My past superiors at work always tried to make me a manager where I worked. I want to be a paid musician, and even today nobody seems to want that for me. I am 28 years old now, I would tell myself don't worry about what everybody else wants, they are not you, and what good are their ambitions for you if you are not going to be happy with what they have to offer?

Dondi

I wish I was given the opportunity to travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would give myself extremely beneficial advice about the transition to college life. First, I would say, "Dondi, you will need to become more independent in order to take care of yourself. Even though your parents won't be around, make an effort to always do the right thing. It will pay off in the end and keep you from getting in trouble." "College'will be a lot different than high school. Although you excel on and off the basketball court with minimal effort, don't become frustrated when you stay up late studying or meet other players who are quicker than you are." "Practing good time management skills will be important in your success. Prioritize your work, attend all your classes, and do all your homework and assigments. If you're struggling in a class, join a study session with classmates or ask your professor for help." Finally, I would say, "A social life is important, but not at the expense of your education. "And Dondi, always think positively. There is no room in your life for negativity."

DiNea

The advice I would give myself would be to actually apply for colleges and not be scared that no school will want me because I feel like I'm not to smart or have the money for it. Letting myself know that I deserve it just like anyone else. Being able to let myself understand that I am in charge of my future and being scared about going to college is only going to make things worse. Also that college is a starting point of a whole new beginning and no one else can take that first step but me. I would tell myself to do the best on anything and everything to prove to myself that I AM smart and I DO deserve this. Not to slack off on homework or doze of during long test because I'm bored, but push through because in the end it will be worth it.

Sara

If I could go back and give my high school senior self advice it would take a whole book. I would tell myself to take AP courses. Regular courses in high school don't prepare you for the future that college holds and English classes don't come close. AP classes barely would. I would tell myself to learn how to study. Studying is crucial in college. When teachers tell you that college and high school are completely different, believe them. While these things are vital, I believe learning time management is the most important. There will be so much work piled up that it will seem like there is no way you will ever get it done, but you can. Sit down on Sunday and plan your week. Planning every detail from the time you study to the time you are hanging with friends will help make your life less stressful. Finally, remember nothing is ever perfect. Do your best. Hope for the best. Don't be surprised when problems arise. Roommate issues, failed quizzes, and not enough time in the day are going to come up, but the hard times of college will prepare you for life.

Sarah

Fully embrace life and the opportunites it beholds. This would be my advice to my high school senior self. I spent the duration of my time in high school with one or two people, when there were so many special people surrounding me that could have colored my world with their brilliant minds and spirits. Looking back at where I was then and who I was then, and now looking at how far I've come, I've realized that this advice is so meaningful to anyone, at any point in their life. At Anderson University, God has surrounded me with amazing, compassionate people that have made an impact on my life intellectually, socially, and spiritually. I only wonder who I could have been before if I had fully embraced every opportunity that presented itself to me, instead of facing it with fear and anxiety. This would be my advice to my peers, my old self, and to my future self, as well-embrace life, and embrace it fully.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself, "There's nothing wrong with you!" I have always had a personality which tends to be more like an introvert than an extrovert. I love books, quiet, and limited socialization. When I was in high school, I had a perception that going to college made you an adult instantly. I thought that I would somehow become someone who loves going to parties, dating, and having a lot of friends. But nothing could've been further from the truth! I started my first week of school and was instantly homesick for my own bedroom, my bookshelf, and my pets. Since I thought that all college students wanted to be around others all the time, I assumed that there was something wrong with me. It took a long time for me to realize that all kinds of people go to college. People who play basketball and have friends all around them and people who would prefer to eat lunch alone with a good book both go to college. Guess what? There's nothing wrong with either of those people. Instead of trying to live up to a standard, college is about learning who you truly are.

Rose

If I had the ability to go back in time and give myself a few tips as a High School senior, I'd make them good ones! I'd encourage myself to be proactive in my choices by writing down my priorities and sticking to them. It is so easy to get lost in the mess of figuring out what you want to be and where you want to go, but the scholarship essays, the applications, and academic achievements you make while still in High School is more important than you know. I'd tell myself to take more chances, and not abstain from doing things just because they might not work out. Apply for that one in a million scholarship, make connections with people that might never remember your name, do that extra credit, and apply to fifty schools! If you take enough chances and opportunities, you'll be bound to get something great out of them. And don't stress about it, just keep it up and do as much as you are capable of, nothing less.

Matthew

High school is a tumultuous time for many. We are bombarded by differing expectations of how teenagers should behave, we begin to realize how important academic success is, we try on attitudes and images like they are seasonal outfits. As a college senior I realize my highschool self could have benefited from some wise advice. My first piece of advice is this: Do not be concerned about what others think about me. In highschool I was so concerned about what my friends thought and looking back on that time I realize that what others think of me doesn't matter. I would have benefited by accepting who I am and not trying to fit into a mold that others have made. A second piece of advice I would have told myself is this: Do not be afraid of challenges. we spend so much time affraid to fail but in life their will be both success and failure and we should not crave one too much or fear one too little. A final piece of advice I would give myself is this: Give back to the community. Sharing my gifts and time with others is rewarding and beneficial to all.

James

Never put the cart in front of the horse. Be practical, patient , and set my priority within steps toward an accomplishment. Save for an education,such as twenty dollars each pay period, or 50 to 100 dollars in a saving account on a monthy bases. Give more thought to what major educational goal to acheive and reseach many fields of occupation. Time management is a key issue that should not be taken lightly. Although, the most well thought out plan may have lurking variable abound, knowing this I could make appropiate changes to the elements within my time managemnt. I know it was a mouthful ,but things constantly happen, so we have to pick the appropiate thing to do , which is spending our time wisely. There is not enough time in a day, just as it is never enough money to spend. So, do I want to be a mindless consumer, or a thoughtful consumer. Spend wisely ; my time and mindless consumptions would be just a few variables in my scheme of things.

Lisa

I would advise myself to learn good study habits early on. Preferable before the start of college. I would tell myself to not live at home and commute to school because it makes it more difficult to make friends if you do not live there. I would advise myself to have looked harder at the programs offered at different schools, so that I would have not had to change majors three years into college.

Shelia

Girl, you did it! You have made it to the twelfth grade! This calls for a celebration; but this is NOT the end. It’s time to prepare for your future. Do you know what college you are attending? That’s great; but do you know what SAT score you need to make in order to be considered for their Presidential Scholarship? It’s important to make sure that you apply for every scholarship humanly possible so that you don't worry about dropping out of school because of the cost. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help from your family and community, whether it be for a financial contribution, questions about the college experience, or dorm supplies. Ask and you will receive! Be confident in who you are. The transition will be different and you will have to be self-sufficient. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Make sure you have your alarm clock! The little things make a big difference. Make sure that being punctual, persistent, and playful (sometimes) are at the top of your list! The crowd is never right so don’t follow them! Follow your heart.

ROSA

If I could go back I would defintly tell myself to start college and finish right after I got my diploma. I say this because I have 2 children now and a lot older and I think it would have been easier to accomplish my goals younger and smarter. But because I didn't know then what I know now I am doing it just a little different. I study when my girls go to bed and do what I have to do to accomplish what I want.

Madison

If I were still a high school student, there would be a lot of advice that I would give myself about college life. It is important to understand that college has to be taken seriously. It is important to be on time and present in your classes. Missing a day can cause you to fall behind in class. College classes are much harder than high school classes. As a student, you have to pay attention in class and be on top of your work. Homework will take up much of your time. It is also essential to get involved in clubs or groups. This is a large part of your college experience. You will make a ton of new friends in college and being involved will help you gain new ones. It will also help you gain communication skills and other skills that you will need in the real world. It is essential to remember that college classes need to be taken seriously, but it is also important to remember that college is the time of your life, and you should enjoy your time there and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.

Michele

As a high school student, I was introverted. I had a few good friends, but I never went out of my comfort zone to meet new people for fear of not being accepted. Looking back, a year from my high school graduation, I now realize life is a beautiful, fun, and exciting place. I have learned life should be lived with zeal and without inhibitions. I should have never worried about what anyone thought. I am my own person, and I am special and unique. If someone does not like me or something I do, then they do not deserve my attention. This year, I have discovered that we all deserve the chance to express ourselves and be happy. My self-confidence has grown tremendously in my first year of college, and I wish I could have felt this confident in myself as a senior in high school. Instead of worrying about what others thought of me last year, I should have shared my personality and love for life with everyone I met.

Brittany

Study hard in high school!!! Do not slack off. When you get ready to go to college, you're going to have to hit the ground running. Take more AP classes so you can get college credit for them (if you pass the AP exam). Have a blast your senior year!

Jessica

If I could go back in time to tell my high school self anything, it would be to worry less. I have come to see, over this past year at Anderson University, that worrying can do nothing. I learned that worrying about money, grades, or fitting in, only makes these things more difficult. I know now that instead of worrying about these things, I should spend my time working hard to accomplish what I want in life. For example, in high school I would worry about my grades, having enough money to pay for college, and fitting in. Once I stopped worrying and got a job, started studying, and started being as friendly as possible, everything fell into place. My hard work has gotten me scholarships, several close friends, and straight A's this past semester. What can worrying accomplish? Nothing! All it ever does is give you a feeling of hopelessness and fear about your future, whereas working hard does the opposite. When working for what you want, you feel a sense of pride, and even if the end result isn't quite what you expected, if often ends up better as I've seen in my own life.

Cashandra

If it were possible, I would definitely take advantage of time travel to start the high school process over again. To make the transition easier and less stressful; I would recommend that each student develop time management skills and personal study techniques. One of biggest downfalls of a college student’s career is procrastination. Procrastination can result in absences, late work assignments and failure. Many teachers in high school are much more leant than instructors in college. It is better to be 15 minutes early to class and 2 weeks ahead of schedule than to be 15 minutes late to class and 2 weeks behind on a project. I learned that there is much more to studying than reading over notes and browsing over the assigned text. Students must learn to develop a system of studying to best fit their needs individually. There may even come a time that it is necessary to read pass the assigned text and write more detailed notes to be fully prepared and understand each aspect of the lessons. There is much more to learn during college years but each individual has to capture the key aspects and set ranges of importance.

Haley

As I reminisce about my high school days, I wish that I could go back in time to give myself some advice. I would start by encouraging myself to continue to persevere and work hard for a 4.0 grade average because it truly does pay off in the end. Yet, I would caution myself to not find my identity in the grades that I make. I would congratulate myself on establishing a good work ethic and helpful study habits because both of them will serve me well during my college years and throughout the rest of life. I would be sure to assure myself by saying, "You are ready. You have been well-prepared, and you will continue to do well in this next season of life." Above all else, I would say, "Enjoy the season of life you are in right now because it is quickly coming to a close. Life will never again be the same."

Leslie

If I had the chance to change one thing in my life regarding high school, I would have focused harder on my dream to become a lawyer. I was very strongly involved in orchestra all of my life, and pursued a degree in music education from Anderson University. I had always had a dream to become a lawyer, but did not think that I had the skills necessary to become one. Once I began college, however, I pursued the law path to the greatest of my ability. I changed my major from music education to communications and professional writing, and worked outside of school to study the LSAT and gain factual knowledge of American law. During my senior year, I took the LSAT and applied to several law schools. I will be attending the South Carolina School of Law in the coming fall semester, and couldn't be happier with the success I have earned. If could go back in time, I would have pursued my dream from day one instead of settling for second best.

Emery

In high school everyone by their senior year is just doing whatever they can to get by in classes in order to graduate. I was one of those seniors that did not want to do anything three months before graduation, but that may have been oone of my set backs. I would tell myself to focus more on grades, eventhough my GPA was a 3.6, I still wish that I had focused on grades so that I would be able to apply for more scholarships. Another thing that I would advise my high school self to do is to do more culinary competitions because not only were they good experiences and chances to win scholarships, but they were the perfect opportunity to meet different chefs and different people that I could network with later on in life.

Michelle

Take a breath. There are going to be many changes happening at a rapid pace and it's so easy to get lost in the shuffle. This road will be long, and at times, difficult but the benefits will surpass your greatest expectations. The individuals you meet along the way will change your life if you let them, impermeably and forever. There will be friends who inspire you and professors who will mentor you as you complete this journey. Absorb every bit of knowledge that you can. The lessons learned here will shape the person you're to become. Never lose sight of your end goal and don't compromise yourself for any reason. It's important to maintain your priorities and dedicate yourself to each and every assignment. There will be times when you'll feel overwhelmed, but keep going. Some day, you'll be grateful that you did. These four years are the beginning of the rest of your life - make the most of them.

Joy

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to attend Anderson University. I attended the College of Charleston for the first semester of my freshman year due to the close proximity of MUSC, where I plan to study occupational therapy. While I am studying Kinesiology now and still plan to attend MUSC, my original plan did not pan out. Half way through last semester my father had a heart attack. This was the start of an awful chain of family emergencies. Although College of Charleston would have provided me with valuable shadowing opportunities at MUSC, I chose to move closer to home. I transferred to Anderson University after Christmas break, and am thrilled with that decision. While my financial aid package at Anderson University was initially wonderful, I no longer qualify for many aid opportunities since am a transfer student. With all of the hospital bills, I am now solely responsible for paying my way through college. While I have learned a lot about independence and responsibility over the past semester, I would advise my high school senior self to attend Anderson University.

brittany

If I could go back in time to a high school senior, first thing I would tell myself is that college isn’t something to take advantage of. Study hard and do great no matter how hard it is. My first year in college, I took four courses a semester. I was lucky to have received the Life scholarship when I graduated high school. I had a full ride. I passed everything with A’s and B’s. I was studying every night and wouldn’t do anything but focus on school. My second semester wasn’t as great. I got a big head and thought oh, I am in college now I don’t have to do anything. Boy was I wrong. I stopped studying and was doing badly in my classes. Before I knew it I had lost my full ride. I was devastated. I had disappointed myself and my family. I wasn’t going to let losing my scholarship get me down. I had to start paying out of pocket so I had to cut down to one or two classes a semester. I transferred to a university and I am more motivated than ever to graduate.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would not tell myself to save every penny, or to listen to my own instincts over the advice of people that did not really know what I wanted out of life or what I needed to achieve those goals and desires. Although good advice, that is not what I would say. I would tell myself to do everything the exact same way. Every action and every choice that somebody makes is what gets them to where they are. Those choices, even the bad ones, are what help you to learn from your experiences and shape the person that you will become. I know that I made a lot of mistakes, especially financial ones, but had I not, I would not be who I am today. My favorite prayer is by St. Francis of Assissi: Lord, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I know that I can not change my past, and I have serenity in that knowledge.

Candace

I know this year seems stressful and scary but you will make it through and you will walk across that stage. While it is important to cherish the friends you have now and the things you are involved in they will not define you forever. When you go to college you will make new friends and get involved in new clubs and have new jobs and all of these things are what will really shape you. College is a chace to be a new you. If you could only see how much you will grow and change for the better you would not even believe it. You will be provided with so many more oppurtunities than you have been high school and you should definatly take advantage of every one of them you can. You have not become the best you yet, you will grow and become so much better if you work hard and take advantage of every chance you are given to do so. Take advantage of the help people offer you, you can learn so much from others. Most importantly enjoy the people you have in your life while you still have them.

Madison

There would be a lot of advice that I would give myself about college life. It is important to understand that college has to be taken seriously. In college, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to slide by missed assignments without it hurting your grade. It is important to be on time and present in your classes. Missing a day can cause you to fall behind the class. As a student, you have to pay attention in class and be on top of your work. Homework will take up much of your time, and you will need to set aside time for your studies. It is also essential to get involved in clubs or groups. This is a large part of your college experience. You will make a ton of new friends in college and being involved will help you gain new ones. It will also help you gain communication skills and other skills that you will need in the real world. It is essential to remember that college classes need to be taken seriously, but it is also important to remember that college is the time of your life, and you should enjoy your time there.

LeChelsea

If I could get the opportunity to go back in time to talk to my senior high school self, I would definitely have much to talk about. However, two main concerns that have made my college career very hard would be the center of my conversation. The first of those concerns would be finances. During my senior year in high school, I tended to spend a great deal of money on clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other things not important. Although I saved money for college, I could have really saved more by not spending foolishly. The last of the concerns I have are my study habits. In high school, I rarely needed to study hard, but I still maintain a 4.0 my sophomore year. I was able to graduate my junior year, but I felt like I was not ready, so I decided to stay and take dual credits at a local technical college. Although I had college experience, when I actually came to college it hit me hard. I am still learning better ways to study. In conclusion, I would also tell myself to get my NCAA paperwork done correctly so that I could be playing basketball now.

Loren

Knowing what I know now about my college life and future, I would go back in time and tell my high school self many things. I believe I would start off with friendship. I would tell myself not to worry about fighting for high school friendships because you won't be in contact with them when you finally get to college. Then, I would stress the importance of taking more AP and college credits because that will mean less hours for you to take which will help you a lot because your parents are going to refuse to pay for your school since you won't go to the college of their choice. Lastly, I would say to my high school self: You are going to be terrified and there are going to be days that you feel like giving up on life. Well, don't. Don't give up. Keep that determination and succeed because you are very capable of being successful. Conquer college without the help of your parents. When they leave you at the doorsteps of your dorm, don't look back. Head up, smile on. Keep following God's path girl. He's proud.

Jonathan

College is a period of growth like no other. Your physical, mental, and spiritual health will be tested. This is not meant to be a discouraging remark; growth is a wonderful thing. In college, you encounter situations and trials that you would have never thought possible. In high school, you are given a small essay to compose; in college, a twenty-five page term paper is fifty percent of your final course average. In high school, you live at home; in college, you will most likely live in a dormitory with people you just met. In high school, there are a handful of clubs; in college, there are more than you can count. All of these things should not be thought of as daunting, for that is not why they are there. They exist to mold and shape you into an adult capable of taking on life headfirst. As your years in college continue, you sense God forming you into the person He wants you to be, and you welcome that feeling with open arms. So, if I were to give my high school self advice about college, I would simply say prepare to enjoy the time of your life.