Boise State University Top Questions

If I was somehow given a time machine to go back in time to my senior year of high school, and knowing what I know now about college life I would tell myself a few important things regarding my future schooling. The first thing that I would say is to ?get involved?! Whatever the activity, as long as it?s something I?m interested in, I should go for it because you never know who you?re going to meet or what you?re going learn. Another important snippet of wisdom that I would impart to myself would be to practice up on time management. In college I?ve found out that time is a very scarce resource and learning how to manage it would save a person from overly stressing out. But one of the most important things that I would have to say to myself is to enjoy every single minute of my college career because just like high school, it?ll soon be over.

"Christen do NOT be afraid! Yes it may seem like time is flying by but be bold! Step out of your comfort zone into the unknown to tackle what may seem like overwhelming tasks. Start now and get a little dirty; dig into college classes like a child gleefully digs into sand. BELIEVE me, you will not be disappointed by getting out there and experiencing this new way of life RIGHT now! Your dreams are within sight now after having taken these classes, and you are SO much closer towards being able to apply for a nursing program! SEE, I told you that this decision would make you happy! NEVER let fear of failure or challenge stop you from striving for what you are most passionate for in life! While you are there, get involved! You have always been about focusing all your time and energy on schoolwork, but now I want you to actively participate in what the campus has to offer you, the experience will be SO much richer and memorable that way...each is a snapshot that will create a beautiful collage of your college years that you will always be able to look back on fondly!"

If I could go back in time as a high school senior and tell myself what I know now I would offer myself many suggestions. First of all, I would tell myself to maintain a social life but to take school more serious because your prior education and experience in school is one of the determining factors of what path you will take in the future. I would ask myself what can I do now that will bring prosperity in the future. I would encourage myself to set goals that enable me to continue to fullfill my dreams and to make the world a better place. Contemplating and writing down the benefits of my chosen degree and how my education will affect me in the future is a necessary step to make as a senior in high school. I would tell myself to read an array of books, to experience many cultures by traveling the world to get an aesthetic and knowledgeable view of life. Lastly, I would tell myself to find something to study and experience in college that I love so much that makes people gravitate towards me and creates a flow of inspiration in the human race.

Most things that parents teachers and counselors tell you about needing to prepare for college ahead of time is true. You aren't going to know exactly what you want to do, even a couple years or more into college, its still tough to find your place and decide what you want to learn and focus for a career. These are changing times, so be on top of your game, but don't forget to enjoy the ride there!

If I could go back I would work harder at finding scholarships and I would have started out at an instate school instead of trying for out of state. I could have gotten a great scholarship to the College of Idaho, but I insisted on going out of state. I'm now struggling to pay for Boise State University. I would also tell myself to worry less about figuring things out and being the only one who didn't know what to do - no one knows right away, go to class every day - going is half the battle, and participate in clubs/get active in the university - it's how you make friends. Finally, be yourself. As cheesy as that is, you can't go wrong if you just act like yourself. If people like you then awesome, they like you for you! If they don't, then you don't need them. College is stressful enough, don't deal with people who create drama in your life.

I would tell myself to do 3 main things in order to survive the first semester transition into college: 1) Take no more than 12 credits for the first semester. This is a good number to get the feel for college life and coursework without overloading yourself and feeling too overwhelmed. 2) Attend every class even if it seems easy and pointless at the time. This will help teach you to understand the way different professors teach and what types of courses you want to take later on. It is also a good way to start building relationships with faculty and other students. 3) Talk to the students and your professor often! It is good to build a relationship with as many professors as possible for later on in your coursework when you may need letters of recommendation. It also helps you to decide what professors you want to take for future courses. It is never too early to start meeting other people at the univeristy as well. This allows you the opportunity to build study groups, gain new friendships, and you will feel more comfortable in your surroundings when you know people.

Dear Senior, Make sure to enjoy your last year of high school for it will soon be gone forever. When you get to college next year you will need to be ready for an independent learning lifestyle. The sooner you learn this the better off you will be prepared. As you will only have each class for a few days a week you can not trust the teacher to teach you all that will be on the tests. That means that reading up on the material before class will largely help you to prepare. Be outgoing. By having a good friend in your classes in college, you can have chances to study together and also help remind each other about upcoming assignments/tests. A friendship can also make you feel more at home and less homesick, so as your life transitions into college independency give yourself a healthier time with quality relationships. Talk to your professors! Most often your professors are willing to offer better explanations for the coursework when asked. Despite scary college rumors your professors DO care about your education. Your education is highly important and worth being assertive enough to ask.

Notes to my high-school idealistic self. 10. Dorm life is a right of passage--much like getting your first job flipping burgers at McDonald's. Embrace it, then move on. 9. Mac 'n cheese may be cheap, but variety is the spice of life! 8. In college, most people are smart, but not all are hardworkers. Work hard, and you will earn smart. 7. Facebook is a well-accepted method of putting of homework 6. Ditch the laptop--it'll only get you in trouble! 5. Enter every classroom with an open mind. You will be surprised what interests you, and what you are good at. 4. In college you have the opportunity to disappear. Don't. 3. Cramming before finals is not advisable ever. Think one step at a time. 2. If you get mad, do something about it. 1. Remember that while four years may seem like a long time it will go fast. Don't forget to live it up, you will only have this time in your life once.

Get ready for stress. Working and going to school at the same time is hard but is worth it. Although there is a lot of stress, there will be a lot of good times and you will meet some really great people. So get involved or you will miss many exciting opportunities. Get experience in the field that you intend to go into such as: CNA work or candy striping. It will help give you a higher chance in getting accepted to nursing programs. Speaking of good things, you should start practicing good study habits and note taking skills. Eating healthy and maintaining sufficient exercising habits, will also help you not to be tired as much and keep your mind alert to be able to perform your best. Scholarships and other financial issue need kept on top of in a timely fashion. It is important that you be on time for everything and early if you possibly can. Finding a boss that is willing to work with your school schedule will make life much easier. Also, don't ever let guys get in the way of achieving your career goals. Most importantly be smart, be safe, and have fun.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take advantage of as many AP courses and college level courses at the discounted price for high school students. I would also tell myself to start college right away and to take the opportunity to travel abroad while I had it. Life's too short. Don't jump right into a job and a house and try to settle down just yet!

The advice I would give to myself as a graduating senior whom already knew everything there was to know would be simple: Enroll in college and show them what you've got! Charge full speed ahead and use those proufound and thorough scholoarly ideas of yours to bowl over all those silly people who have spent their entire lives closely studying these topics. Wait till you get to a large lecture hall full of students with that are your seniors by decades and a tenured proffessor and illuminate them with your eighteen years of worldly conclusions! Keep riding on the wings of the idea that because you were at the intellectual forefront of your class of hayseeds and could tell a great bigoted joke over some cheap beer, the scholastic think tank of the world will hold a place for your sagely wisdom. Remember that if you speak first and loudest, your propably right! Then after a few crushing, failing and humbling years, I would say: If you are beginning to understand what you don't know, then you are doing something right. Keep your head up.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life. I should advice to myself to take as much math as I could to be able to survive university calculus becasue university math is very challenging. In addition, I would adivice myself to focus in my studies and putting relationships to the side because relationships take to much of your time. This can lead to students to don't do good in school.

I know now that I didn't know who I really was as a person my perception of myself in high school wasn't fully developed. I know my friends since the sixth grade did mention to some other friends in high school that I was trying to find myself and she was right. If I would have known who I was I wouldn't have chosen a school in Idaho. I made a bad choice now I am paying for it the consequences being that I am letting affect my schoolwork and how well I could be doing in school if I would have chose a school with the right environment and this just wasn't it for me. I didn't want an environment where I would just get the book smarts out of the education I wanted to truely find myself because there wasn't enough time in high school to do it. Now that I found myself and know what I want I wouldn't have chosen Boise State University or any school in Idaho. Also I would have taken out loans instead of working while going to school.

I took high school very seriously. I was strongly encouraged by my parents to participate in sports, clubs and exceed in my classes. I graduated in top 5{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class. I chose Boise State because of the location, the cost and the opportunities. When I came to Boise State, I came with the same outlook as I had in High School; "just another day...". If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take the transition into college life more seriously. I struggled most with having to study, having to attend and actually having to try to get something out of my classes.

The advise I would give myself would be to continue working hard, but never underestimate myself. I would make sure to remind myself that as long as I believe in myself, dedicate myself, and push myself, I will have no problems. I would remind myself to stay on track and not get distracted, to make sure and keep track of what it is that I plan on doing. Always try my best and give everything my all. I'd also take the time to remind myself that there is always help, all I have to do is ask. There are many different resources at a student's disposal and I just need to find out where to look.

I would tell myself to get and gear for four years of hard work. I would remind myself that I am preparing for life as a productive individual, not creating a future as a professional disc golfer. I would insist that I find friends quickly and stick with them throughout my life in and beyond college, that I encourage and help them succeed in their dreams as they would for me. I would finally remind myself that while Cs get degrees, looking back on a semester of hard work and reaping the satisfaction of a job well done is far more powerful than that piece of paper.

"Connie" I would say, "You have a baby who means the world to you and now you are pregnant again and married. You are happy and feel like being a mom is the most important thing you can be right now but, if you go to school now and get your degrees the opportunities that your children could have earlier in life, do to higher income and having a college graduate for a mother would be quadrupled. If you want to be the best mom you can for your childrens sake and your own go ahead, dont be so painfully shy so as not to ask questions and learn, and do something that can open doors for yourself and your family. Set an example that your children can be proud to follow. Do not worry what people think, just go and you will succeed. The standard of higher education for your family begins with YOU." This is what I would tell my young self.

There are two important things to do before attending college: first volunteer and second discover your self. To volunteer take at least one year and be of service to your community or a commuity over seas. Be of service to an area that is of interest to you or is your pain. Often when working with our pain we discover the blessings of our contributions. Second discover your true self: engage in spiritual processes, self-discovery courses, or enlightenment forums. The more diverse and ecclectic you chose to participate in the more your real self will show up. These two things will help you determine which academia field suits you best and how to proceed in your life. Another thing that is important for college is money - start saving now! Even if you don't make it to college you can use the money for other endeavors. If money is short don't be afraid to utilize student loans. There is a way for everyone to financially go to college. Above all enjoy your experience of learning!

Sweetheart, you know that you have the capability with that brain of yours to accomplish anything you so choose. If you want to follow many directions that take you through contrasting subject matter, go for it. There are no limits to where your mind may choose to wander and explore. You love school and the many different pathways that are opened up with a higher education. Do not give up your passion for anyone. Not one person is worth that sacrifice. Be you and who you are is a wonderful, beautiful, intelligent human being. Make your grandfather proud! School is not going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of sacrifice from you, but you're worth it. You will face some high hurdles, yet with strength and determination you can and will succeed. Every dream you've ever dreamt is now at your fingertips, make them happen.

I would tell myself to have fun! Enjoy college and make the best of it. Stay focused but not so focused you dont enjoy yourself. I would also stress involvment on campus. It is a great way to meet new people and learn about oppurtunities both academic nd social!

If I could give myself any advice I would tell myself not to get married and move to a different state within a weeks time. Adjusting to married life is difficult enough on its own without having to adjust to a new state and city where you don't really know anyone. Living in a one-bedroom apartment that is under 800 square feet and having no one to talk to other that your spouse creates a very hostile environment where very little studying can be accomplished. I would tell myself to slow down and look at things more carefully. It's ok if I'm not at the new school for orientation. You've been to college before, you can get someone from the school to give you a tour of the campus. Take your time, slow down, make a more solid plan of attack. All of this will help you stay calm and focused on your goal. And do not take the first apartment you see. Look for something where you can have your own space, you will need it.

College is a place of discovery. Aplace to learn both academically and socially. A place to express my opinion and also listen to other opinion. Ap place to expand my horizon of knowledge. A place that my existance is in my hands and what I do with it is my choice. It is a time where I take responsibility of myself. The path I chose to take in life will be defined by how I live my life through college. It is a place to build relationships and make networks with various people. To say all this in a nut shell, my advice to myself would be; Go build and discover your abilities and capabilities in life and have a good time while at it. All the ups and downs you will face in college are part of learning in life, look at the as challenges and not obstacles. I can make a difference.

If only I'd had the knowledge I have now back in my teen years... As a high school senior, I was light-heartedly looking forward to starting my adult, independent life as a college student. I believed it was going to be an easy and smooth transition. And while I made it successfully through the first year, I wish I had been given some more pieces of advice on how to prepare for secondary education. I would have told myself to plan out my college year carefully in order to make the best out of it. Go ahead if you need to use paper and pencil to write out ideas on how to enter this long anticipated adult life the most effectively. Plan how to pay for college and set up realistic goals. I overestimated my financial capability and now I am having trouble finding the money to pay for my education. If I could go back in time, I would have definitely told myself to make more friends and experience all a campus life has to offer. It is all a part of the experience!

Don't settle on going to school where you grew up. Give yourself options, don't listen to everything mom and dad says. They want you to stay home, but you need to do what is best for YOU! You probably won't be ready to move away right after graduation, but give it a year and you will be ready to be on your own, away at an awesome school. Don't be afraid to meet new people, make new friends, but keep your old friends as well. Remember, college is supposed to be fun, but you have to make it fun, no one else can do that for you. Stick with cheer! Don't give up, even if it gets hard or frustrating. You love cheering and you are great at it, never back down. Remember to continue being you, don't change for anyone. You are unique and are amazing, someday someone will see you for who you are and fall in love with YOU! Be prepared to actually study, college is not as easy as high school, you actually have to read the books! Good luck, take care of yourself, make yourself proud! Get it done!

even though having a social life is very important to some people it also gets in the way. You need to have fun but yet focus on your school work also. education is somethings people can't take away from you. stick with college do not ever give up.

I would have told myself to not give up on the idea to go backpacking in Australia by myself after High School graduation. I think that could have really helped me become more independent, much sooner than I did now. I would have told myself to work hard for things you really want, even though people might discourage you on your way to do so. Perseverance and willpower show in the moments you feel you are alone and unmotivated by your loved ones. I would have told myself to renew your priorities every single day. Every day is different and when people need your help, you need to realize what is more important in life. I would have told myself to always be optimistic even when things look dreary. Because having a brighter outlook on things already makes your day easier. These are all things that I have learned during College, and strive to keep close to my heart every day.

Keep doing what you're doing - the GPA that you've worked for and study habits that you've developed will be huge pluses whenever you go to BSU. Keep applying for scholarships because there can never been too many. You'll be happy to hear that BSU devotes an entire building to the health sciences - and take advantage of the library, it's a perfect place to study! Other than that just stay postive and don't worry, college is just like high school but more in tune with you and your own life.

The advice I would give myself if I were to go back in time is to complete school first, then have a family. Also work to pay for school as you go, because attempting to support a family, work and school is very difficult. Finally, I would tell myself that there is nothing hard about the content of classes. I have completed courses that I once considered "too hard". It's the time spent on the class that is difficult, not the content itself. Some classes are more challenging to learn, but they are all learnable.

I would have a plethora of knowledge about college life. I would tell myself that one of the most important things in order to do well in a class is to go to class. I have learned that attending classes helps you learn the material and it is easier to get a good grade. I would also tell myself that I will need a lot of support from family and friends when I get stressed or overwhelmed with school among other things. So far my friends and family have been there for me whether I'm stressed about my academics or stressed about financial hardships. They have helped motivate me to continue with my studies and give me the confidence that I can meet all of my academic goals. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to just enjoy my college experience and live life to it's fullest because I will never get back this time in my life. I would tell myself that I can have fun and do well in my academics, it's all about how I balance my life and that I put school as my main priority.

The first thing I would tell myself is to be open to new experiences, join as many clubs as you can. Discover who you are and what you want out of life. I would tell myself to save money for school it's expensive but worth the cost. You gain so such from the opportunity to interact with people of diferent ages, cultures, and sexual orientation, the perspectives that you gain are invaluable. I would also tell myself to believe in myself, be willing to take chances and make compromises to make the most of the education opportunity that I have. Don't be afraid to be wrong or be willing to stand up for what you believe in. It is okay to be right and ok to be wrong take chances talk in class express your opinion. Make sure that you take note and learn from your mistakes. Challenge yourself to do better, set goals, and ask questions. Never give up on yourself and if at first you don't succeed try, try, try again.

"Catherine, you won't work in restaurants your whole life." -- I've been taught to work hard for what I want, how will I know when I've worked hard enough? "Trust that intution! You've got talent far beyond a little country bumpkin you've been made out to be." -- I know I've got passion, but it's hard to see anything fabulous coming out of it here in little ol' Idaho. "Don't pretend like you worry about that, you've been trained to think it's hard and that not everyone makes it out there in the so-called 'real world'. You're starting a life-long relationship with your God and he'll support you in your descions. Now stop asking so many questions, you won't learn anything if I just unravel the next few years for you." --You're right, I don't worry. The unknown can just be so daunting, and I want to know now! "You won't be disappointed. Stick with your plan and go to Nantucket. La vida es tuya." : )

Look Dorothy, college is not what you see on the television. It's not all parties, good times, and easy school work. You have to work hard, stay organized, and not get caught up in all the freedom that comes when you go to college. There are going to be deadlines that you have to meet and parties that you are going to have to pass because you have to study for an exam the next day. However, these sacrifices are what is going to make you stronger and show if you really have the responsibility to say"no" when needed. Besides school, you are going to miss your family. All those times that you spend with your family, don't take them for granted because you will miss them when the time comes to leave. Take advantage of the time you have with your family and cherish it. When you are on your own you just have pictures and their voice but never their touch. This you can bear however it will be hard but you must be strong and remember why you are in college.

Going back in time I would advise my younger self to create better study habits. To me this was the hardest transition from high school to college. In high school classes are longer and most teachers give time in class to do assignments, in college, however, class time is shorter and no homework assignments are ever worked on in class. This means that study skills and habits come into effect and if you don't posses those skills you will stuggle doing your homework and achieving good grades. So to you, younger self, I advise doing your homework right after school and not procrastinating. This is the best advise you will get as you transition from a high school senior to a college freshman.

Well this is advice just to myself and probably would not apply too a general crowd. I know that at times I can be TOO focused on school. I would tell myself to relax a bit and have some fun. I would also tell myself to study in groups. I learned the power of studying in groups but it took me 'til my junior year to figure it out. I would also suggest that I look into engineering as a major. When I first went back to school I had no inclination of majoring in engineering and then I fell in love with it. The indecisiveness just added more time before I could graduate. Last I would suggest consistently working out.

I would say become humble as soon as you can, because at college you are no longer the smartest or best in the class. College is competitive and hard so be ready for a ton of pressure. and a few melt downs. I would warn myself that not managing my time well will cost me a lot more in college than it did in high school. I would encourage myself to be more outgoing and to get involved more. I would also mention balancing social with academic responsibilities for a healthy state of mind. I would have taken a few harder courses in high school, especially in science, because it's a lot easier to grasp the concept over a year rather than in a few months. Basically, I would say have fun but be responsible and take school serious, you're paying for an education so don't mess around too much.

I would tell myself to work harder. As a high school senior, sometimes you are just so ready to be done with high school, that you don't plan for the future. You are just preparing to be done with high school, and sometimes you don't seriously look at your future and plan for it until it is too late. I myself thought that I didn't need to go to school, and now I am 24 years old, and realize that I could have been done with my Master's degree, but alas I am only a Sophomore. That is okay, however if I could do it over again, I would go to school right out of high school. Now, trying to pay for school, work full-time, do my studies, and taking care of my family has made college much more difficult than it probably needs to be. However, I know that to have a wonderful future and to be a more rounded person, college is essential. In conclusion, I wish I would have known that the longer you wait to go, the more challenging college will be for you.

That starting college is best experienced right after high school. It opens up and introduces you to the whole world. Here, you can taste everything and develope yourself into exactly what you want to be. Waiting to go to college makes it harder to actually start. By the time you do choose to go back, you will already have a life, and whatever that life is, it doesn't step aside for school. Go to college NOW! Make college your life for a while and have a blast! Don't put college aside to be somebody now, go to college and be a better somebody after!

I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible as soon as possible. The economy is tough, jobs can be hard to get, and school is expensive. Gas money, book money, basically money for anything can be related to school and it runs out fast.

Dear Jamie, College is like a giant pond, and you are just a small guppy lost in the mucky water. As my mother once said, ?Go do something out of your shell.? Just enough to live on the wild side for a moment or two. As for studies, getting to know those around you will allow for great studying opportunities. Break the ice, because after all, ice melts in the long run. Boise is a great town and you shouldn?t miss any opportunities including football games, walks on the green belt, movie nights, or even the sporadic dance in the rain. College is all what you make it. You will have the education and life experiences that will prepare you for anything. College may become overwhelming; take a deep breath and smile, because you are living the dream. As my semester comes closer to an end all of the pieces have come together. This is not a puzzle in the image of a favorite cartoon character, but the landscape of an archway that shows the entrance to a new beginning. As said by many other anonymous authors, ?This is not the end of a chapter, but just the beginning.?

I think the first thing I would tell myself is just not to worry. I didn't have the greatest experience in high school, attending 3 schools, I was always the new kid. I worried a lot about going to school and being on my own and that I would experience the same trouble as in high school, however that was not the case in the least! College is completely different. You can be whoever you want to be, and change your plan as many times as you want (I suppose it is limited for most people) but everything is just different! The only other thing I would have warned myself about would be the money. Although I was receiving loans and had money saved up, I struggled towards the end, because I had no outside help for personal funds. I guess I would also say to just let loose. Stop worrying so much.

If I had to reflect back on my high school years I?d defiantly tell myself that school should be the most important thing in my life and how much college could open opportunities. Transitioning from high school to college maybe a frightening event, but I could have done it. I have been in college for three semesters and I have discovered that I?m more confident, and proud to say I attend a university. I wish I had thought about college straight out of high school. College really isn?t that fighting. If I had attended college after high school I?d have a degree as well as a career. The advice I have for myself is, school maybe a long hard process, stay focus because in the end I would be successful. So going back to high school ,I'd be so hard on myself telling myself I have nothing to worry about . College is where you learn, as well as discovering oneself. I hope to one day to encourge others like myself to continue there education while young. I never had someone in my corner expressing the importance of school.

I am the untraditional student, returning 20 years after graduating high school. I would tell myself to take college seriously, but still find time to have fun. Go to school sports, learn something new at the local Recreation center. Take the time to learn what you would like to do for a living. It will save time from changing degrees several times and also save money in financial aid. Be involved in the area community and volunteer. I tell my daughter that she should go to college and start her career before starting a family. I believe that everyone should take a mix of classes, that not only help them prepare for a career, but also for other challanges in life. Take an accounting class. Even if you are not a business major, it will help you manage your personal finances. Take a biology class to learn more about how your body is one large working machine and how important it is to care for it. Do not just think about a career, think about you.

As a senior in high school I thought I was as prepared for college and as mature as I would be four years later when I had hoped to be walking with my graduating class of 2010. However, I was in for a big surprise. Between the age of 17 and 21, not only has my ability to handle stress and anxiety (especially academicrelated) increase ten-fold, but also my perspective of the importance of education and personal living standards have changed greatly. If I could go back to by 17 year old self and give me some advice, I would say one simple thing: "Life has more surprises than you could ever prepare for, but if you make some challenging goals, keep your priorities in line, and remember not to get your panties in a twist, everything will work out for the best. Read what the professors tell you to read plus more. And, don't cram or write papers the night before."

To give myself a head start with a window into the future I?d tell my past self to enjoy senior year because it evaporates quickly. Hold onto every moment by participating in school functions, reaching out for stronger bonds with those I no longer come in contact with. Do something that will impact future students and teachers in a positive way. Have the courage to look past the awkwardness of social groups and the authority of teachers to gain new insight from others that I may never get to experience. Build others up with encouragement rather than letting them be torn down by cutting comments of the people around them. Make sure that you grab a hold of what you really want and accomplish your goals with no reservations or uncertainty about the future because it will take care of itself. You can only control what you do now not what happened or will happen. Don?t forget to have fun too. Time goes by too quickly for you to allow your attitude to be unthankful. College will be a change from high school, but you have the ability to excel. Don?t doubt yourself.

If I could go back and give myself advice in high school with the knowledge I have today I would tell myself not to wait so long to start fulfilling my dream. I am a firm believer in the phrase its never too late; and I am proving that to myself, my spouse and my children. An advantage however to taking charge of my education later in life is the life experience I bring to the classroom projects and discussions.; I definately have a leg up on others in class fresh out of high school. Also, I am able to show my children how hard you have to work to make it in college; its no easy game. If I could go back and give the advice though, I would tell myself to start at least a little sooner.

Do everything exactly the same as I did.

To begin with I would say take some time and listen to your mother. Although I did not start school until quite a while after my high school graduation, I would tell myself to still wait. During those years between high school and I college, I learned a great deal about myself but also about the way that life works and what my place was in it. It became appart to me that I was responsible for the outcome of my future. Despite much pleading from my mother I did not take her advice to pursue an engineering degree but rather went into fine arts, speciffically photography. Even though I have received my degree for fine arts, I am back again for a second degree and this time I am following my mother's advice. To my suprise I am accelling in the career my mother picked out for me 10 years ago. Despite our desires to break away from the influence of our parents, it is helpfull to listen to them in regards to decisions about your future. Who would know better than the people who have watched you grow, what type of career you would enjoy?

Before you start college, I think it would be a good idea to work in the world around for a year, maybe two, try on some of the fields of employment that are out there and get an idea of what you cannot tolerate, and what you can, because college is going to challenge you and you will have to accomodate your ideals and concepts to the way the school system works, and you will have to assimilate the material into your way of thinking. If you want to press on with classes immediately though, then don't feel you have to push yourself so hard by taking on heavy loads, you can use this time to explore your abilities, do well, get involved and interact with the courses of study that really attract you. This is a learning process about academics, but it is also a learning process about who you really are, and what you can really do. Good luck!!

I would tell myself to go to school and go right into the major I had chose and not to transfer. Transferring added two and half more years of college for me. I would also say take out more loans and enjoy the experience rather that working full-time and going to school full-time. It was tough and I feel that I missed out on some of the college experiences I would have had otherwise.

Don't quit school. Go to college right after high school - otherwise it is harder to start the next part of your life. Without continuing education, it is hard to get anywhere in life.