Central College Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to relax. Coming in as a fresmen it is important to keep an open mind about the people you meet. I would also tell myself that I am not alone. Other incoming fresmen are going through the same thing and it is okay to talk to them about it. Also, the high school and college counselors are the to give advice and are very helpful. In the end it will be most important to lisent to my own heart and go in the direction that it leads me. True friends will stay your friend no matter what school you go to or how many miles you are apart. New friends will come and should be treated with the same respect and equality you wish to receive. Stay on top of your assignments and have time each day for yourself.

I would advise myself to go the extra mile and study more becasue things will be as easy in college. I would tell myself to pay attention in class because it being able to remember what you've already learned will help tremendously.

If I could go back in time and advise myself as a senior in high school I would mainly reassure myself. As I was trying to prepare for college, I was nervous about the whole aspect of living on my own and starting a whole new life at college. I would want to tell my past self that college is different from highschool but that doesn't make it bad. Adjusting to college life is not as hard as it may seem and you still can stay connected to your friends at other colleges. Another thing that i wish I could tell myself in highschool is that multiple colleges offer the same things so overnight college visits are what really help you decide if a certain college is for you. Telling my past self these things would have helped me to feel more confident in choosing a college and preparing mentally for it. As long as you choose a college for your own reasons and are confident in yourself, you have nothing to worry about.

I would go back and tell myself to become a stronger student, I was involved in so many activities and I never learned to care about coursework because it came easy to me. As a senior I had plenty of free time to work on class items and learn extra things outside of class, I would make sure I took advantage of that opportunity. Classes still do not make me fully engage myself here even though they are hard, I would make sure that studying and reading would become more of a habit to be formed around running, acting, and singing. I would also encourage myself to gain more technical skills while I am not having to worry about money and other life problems. Things were easier then and I would like to just take advantage of not having any worries and having the time to learn on my own and accomplish things on the side. I wish I would have developed more of a life-long learner attitude instead of working to develop that now.

I would say to keep your options open, but in the end go with your gut feeling. Anywhere you choose you can make your own experience.

I feel that I transitioned quite well. The only thing I would say is, Make the most of the time left with the people you love. Take chances - don't hesitate, or you may never "really" see them again. Maybe you'll run into them over break, or some time. But things probably won't be the same. So, make it a point to keep in touch with them, consistently. The summer after senior year is a rough one, but I promise, it will be the best summer of your life. It's funny - you'll make friends with people you've been in school with for six years and hardly said two words to, only to leave them, come August. So make it last. Make it worth it. Don't let yourself lose those friendships after just three months, when you know they're worthy of a lifetime. Hold on to the friendships, because believe it or not, it will make it EASIER to say goodbye. Because if you don't, you'll merely hold onto a memory. And nothing hurts more than that - holding onto the memory of something you can never get back.

Knowing what I know now, I would go back to myself as a senior in high school and say, "Buckle down on those scholarships," or, "Get doing your homework and don't stop! College is a different place and it takes much more drive, but with new friends, you will always have more than enough support to get through the tough times."

I would tell myself to be more open minded to things, and don't hold onto the past. I would say to always be true to yourself.

The advice I would give myself would be to make sure that my college level classes would transfer and to get out of my room and make a ton of friends my freshman year. I would also tell myself to work hard for a good GPA my freshman year of college and make sure the classes I am taking are ones I need and are going to benefit me in the future.

Dear High School Megan, Plan on going to Central College. You love it there. However, it is expensive. Start saving up money and applying for scholarships. Dont let the cost discourage you because you will be getting a great education. At Central you will grow so much and meet people you never knew you couldnt live without. Have fun with them and make memories. Also make sure you go on the missions trips to Reynosa, it will change your life. Get involved too. The Central Voluneer Center will offer a Co-President position, take it! It is worth all the time and effort because you will be helping many people grow and help others. Take the time to fill out scholarship surveys even though they are long. Who knows, they could be worth it. One last thing, make the most of your college years because they will go by fast! Sincerely, College Megan

College is expensive! Do not buy all those clothes, buy cups, forks, spoons! Save for books! Books are something that you never thought about before you got your schedule! Also, relax! The first few weeks are the only shaky ones. College life is so easy to adapt to, you'll forget you have a home in another city. Friends are easy to make, it's such a close-knit campus, and you'll have plenty to do all the time! Do not procrastinate. You push one assignment to the last minute, and you have to push others back to make time for that one. It's a never-ending chain! Do not sign up for free stuff online. Those people will rip you off and steal your card number. Those sites are not secure. Protect your identity. Don't panic when something bad happens. Breathe. Calm down. Relax. Think. You can't fix problems if you're huddling in the corner in the fetal position.

I would have made myself spend more time on homework and actually reading the textbooks in high school. Often times in high school, students don't think they need to read, and I was one of those students. Now in college, I have a hard time sitting down to read a text book. It is hard for me to read to much at one time and to know exactly what I should be taking away from the reading. I would have definitely taken the college prep class offered in high school, so that I could have learned more about what to focus on when reading large amounts, the best highlighting and note taking strategies, and many other things that would be very beneficial to me. To go along with never reading, I wish I would have been more structured in high school when doing my homework. It is hard for me now to set aside a specific time to do a certain assingment because I've never done that. All around, I would have spent more time on homework, planning ahead, and actually reading the assignments given.

If only I could bend time and space, then I would be able to talk to myself just a few years ago, before I graduated from high school. I would have benefited greatly knowing then what I know now. I would definitely tell my past self, were I able, that even though I am I highly organized person, I will get more out of my college experience if I plan less and just let myself go wherever life leads me. Some of the best experiences I have had in college have occurred by whims, and I have found that it is very difficult to plan my day out and not feel stressed. Doing so means I end up being less open to other options, which could lead to some of the most rewarding experiences here at college. I would tell myself not to plan everything out, for whatever happens, will happen, and everything that happens will be more enjoyable if I allow myself some time to experience life.

In life, you will make mistakes. Mistakes help you to grow and learn. Mistakes have created the person you are now and continue to mold you. College can be a rough transition depending on your attitude. It's okay to be scared. In the end you will be a stronger person because of the steps of faith you take. I know you are hesitant about whether you are going to the "right" college and majoring in the "right" major. But don't worry about all of that. You might be wrong, but you have so much time to learn and start over and try again. You will be a better person and learn more about yourself by simply trying new things. So don't be afraid of messing up. Embrace the idea of making mistakes. God is bigger than your weaknesses and he can use all of your short-comings for something so great you can't even imagine. As for right now, find your passion and run with it, there's always time to try again. I wouldn't change a thing; just hold firm to your faith and put your very best into all that you do.

I think if I could go back in time and talk to myself before starting college I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did. I know before coming to Central I was so worked up and nervous about living on my own with lots of people that I do not know. I would tell myself that everyone is in the same situation and if you are nice and friendly to people that they will act the same towards you. I would also tell myself to be open to different classes to take, as I arrived here with a set mind about what I wanted to end up doing and I have changed it numerous times already. I would also tell myself to just be who I am because once you get to college those are the people that everyone is drawn to--the ones who know how to be themselves and accept it and embrace it. The last thing I would tell myself would be to get ready for the start of a whole new world.

I would have emphasised to myself in high school was acctually sitting down more often and work on my scholarship applications. This would have saved me maybe a lot of time of working to make up the difference that I have to pay. It is not the fact that I have to work, but the idea of having loans and monthly payments that are sitting at the back of my mind do no help much when it is on your worry list. By filling out more applications I might have had more financial help now , but that was my mistake that I get to pay for with work and money. I know that I can fix this this year, but I would have helped me a lot my first year in college and would have made the financial transition easier.

If I went back in time to give myself advice I would tell myself one thing: 'Don't stress.' I would tell myself not to question my options & to go with my gut instinct; that Central college is the best choice. Central will instantly become home & it will be the best choice I could make. I would tell myself to live a little more & that I'm buying too many not very essential "essentials." All my problems will melt away when I take that first step on campus. Take that chance to re-invent yourself & make who you seem to be a little more true to who you are. You're not the geek you think you are. Your roomate will prove that you don't touch the word 'geek' with her StarTrek obsession. Yes, StarTrek. She'll never stop talking if you ask, so it's best that you don't. Even when you think it'll be a nice distraction from homework, DON'T. You'll never finish your essay. But if you do anything starting graduation day until the first day of college, don't stress, live a little, & 'To thine own self be true.'

Go to class. Once you miss one its easier to skip others. The things you learn in class help alot on homework/tests/projects. Plus lots of things are discussed in class that you miss otherwise. Not just notes but also changes to deadlines, test dates and project outlines. Keep track of homework and tests as well as extracurriculars and social events. Make an outline of project deadlines and test dates. Use an assignment book and a bigger calendar that you can look at everyday to keep track of homework, projects, tests and other commitments. Keep your door open and go to different events on campus. Try to get to know someone in each class they are a great resource if you miss class or if you're confused about something, they are someone to study with, and they can become a close friend.

If i knew everythings that i know about college now, i would definalty apply for more scholarships, i would take a Spanish class, i would participate in more extracuriculum activities.

I would say that one of the most important things in the transition is to meet your roommate before you move in so that you both know what to expect and just to make sure that you mesh well. Also, email your professors so that on the first day of class they recognize your name and then you will stick out right away and they will be more likely to talk to you.

I would advise myself to look at all different types of options both big and small schools and focus on what each school is well known for. It is not necessary to know exactly what you want to do what your life right away but you should have a good idea of what opportunities each school will give you to excel beyond the academic classroom.

As a high school senior, I did very little work to achieve my grades. I did not know how to study because I never needed to. This caused problems for me as I entered college because I did not know how to prepare for exams. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to start taking an active interest in my education. Instead of just memorizing and cramming for tests, I would want to actually learn the material so that it would not be so hard to do so when I entered college. I would also tell myself to become more involved and meet new people. I always thought I was fine with just the friends I already had. While I do enjoy the company of my old high school friends, I love all the new friends I have made. I wish I had branched out more as a freshman to enjoy more time with these new friends and others.

Don't fret too much as a senior. Everything will fall into place better than you could have ever imagined. The transition to college life is easy. Most new freshman is in the same boat as you. Everyone is looking for new friends and trying to fit in. Don't bring as much "stuff" as you are tempted to. You just don't need it all. Make sure you are open to meeting more people and always have your door open. People will stop by and you'll make friends in a heartbeat. College is hard, but if you work hard you'll make it through. Don't be afraid to go to the tutors when you need them or ask a friend to study with you. Many times it is nice to talk about things to better understand them. As much as you are tempted to go home on the weekend, stay here. Many of the friendships you have will be made on the weekends when you aren't stressed about school. Being at college is one of the best experiences ever. Make the most of it.

When I first came to school I was nervous because I didn't know many people that attended my school. I was never a shy person in high school but the thought of meeting new people all over again made me nervouse but excited at the same time. My advice about this is don't be nervous, come to school with an open mind of meeting new people and not being afraid to step out of your comfort zone. If you haven't shared a room with someone else, living in the dorms with another person might be a difficult transition but I have really learned to talk about concerns and issues that I have. Being open and honest with yourself and others makes transitions a lot easier. Don't stress about the little things, and have fun!

I think I would advise myself to not hold on so tightly to the past. When I came to college I had my mind set that I was going to keep in contact with all my friends and hold on to all of my relationships from high school. I think that keeping up with your friends from high school is a very important thing, don't get me wrong, but not all of your relationships. It's good to know who you are and where you are coming from but at the same time, in order to fully embrace this new phase of your life you have to loosen the grip on some things that might be holding you back. If I would have had that mindset coming into college, I believe the transition would have been a lot smoother.

I would advise myself to try harder to meet people and be active. Not all the groups on campus seem very interesting or like something I would like, but they are a great way to meet new people. Its alot easier when you have many good friends than just a few good friends. Its also easier to make friends at the beginning of your first year than later in your college career because by then people already have their main group of friends. College is alot easier if you have a lare support system than a small one.

My advice to myself would be to not worry about a thing. Although transitioning into college life (becoming independent, living away from home, and in a different surrounding) can be scary, there is nothing to worry about! There are people who have dedicated themselves to make college life, and transitioning to the extreme changes that come with it, there main objective. It is only natural to fear the unknown, especially when it comes at a pivotal moment in our lives, for what we learn, who we meet, and what we do in college will shape us and our futures. College is really the best time our a person's life; you are your own boss, but with that comes the weight of increased responsibility. By balancing personal life and time with friends with studying and classes, time at college will be a breeze and you will find yourself having the greatest time you could possibly have!

As a high school senior, I imagined college to be much like high school. I wouldn't have much homework or studying to do. I was completely off base. I would tell myself to be prepared to do A LOT of reading every night. Professors expect more of their students, and many classes are based solely on the reading done outside of class. Granted, freshman year was easier than sophomore is now, because there was much less reading required. Classes taken freshman year are based more on lectures and notes taken in class. But as the years progress, professors will expect more of their students. Secondly, I would tell myself to be prepared to feel homesick, and feeling homesick is normal. When I was a freshman last year, I felt homesick throughout my first semester! I honestly thought I was the only one who felt this way, but I found out that they felt the same way. I gradually accepted the fact that it was okay to cry at night, that it's an emotion many college freshman experience. Transitioning from high school to college life gets easier as you meet new people and set a routine.

If I were to go back and talk to myself in high school I would just say relax and everything is going to be alright! I was like most high school seniors, I was worried about college classes, making friends, and being away from home, but college has turned out to be one of the best times of my life! I really would not change much about my transition from high school to college, I feel like it went as smooth as it possibly could. A big part of that was coming from a big high school, coming somewhere as friendly and welcoming as Central College, and also having a great support system of friends and family. The biggest piece of advice that I can give someone who is about to enter college is to get involved. Leave your room and go out and meet people! Have fun and most importantly remember that college only comes once in life so you might as well enjoy it while you're there!

Take advantage of everything that you can. The school wants you to succeed and they will do whatever it takes to get you where you want to go. Don't be scared and relax. You are going to have the time of your life meeting new people who will change your life forever. Also, don't forget to call mom every weekend, she is going to miss you.

Please, for the love of God, study more. Learn how to study. Learn how to focus on homework for longer than 20 minutes. You're doing fine, but your freshman and early sophomore years are going to be not fun. Your junior year is going to go well, but that's cause you're fully into things. Save up some money because you'll be going on a trip to Costa Rica for a class and it would be nice to have more money in the savings than you will. Take more online classes offered at the high school--don't worry about them transferring in as anything, just think about the hours. Other than that, keep hanging out with your friends because they're fantastic and will help you keep your sanity even though none of them are going to Central. It's all worth it.

Listen up, you know all those times your teachers have told you that you won't be able to get away with that massive case of procrastination you have? Guess what, they were right. You really need to start working out those terrible habits you have of cramming the moment before a test and starting those six-page papers at 11 at night. Yeah, you might be able to squeak by with it once or twice at first but it wears on you. As a human, you need sleep and at college you'll begin to realize just how true that really is. Balancing your life between tennis, schoolwork, and a social life takes a lot of energy and there's no better way to recharge your batteries than with a solid night's sleep. So as you get ready to go wherever your college search takes you, keep this in mind- space out your studying, don't put off your papers, and sleep when you can, your body and college experience will thank you.

Be patient and open to new experiences. The future is full of opportunities that you need to see.

Don't focus so much on the money issue, and don't base everything on the idea of playing a sport. Almost every college student is going to have debt, so matter where you go, it's the people, school, and your making of your own self identity that will mold you into the person you will be. Focusing on money is worthless when you're ignoring the fundamental facts about the college yourself. Opportunites will arise later on for you to get different scholarships or find a way to pay of your debt. Also, remember that football isn't everything. That's why playing Division III football is unique. Don't go for the Division I walk on position when there is a group of awesome guys playing the sport, with no scholarships, and doing very well record wise. Finally, remember to keep in touch with your parents more. They were the ones who raised you and helped you get into college, just remember to keeping loving them and let them into your life and all that you are doing at the college you choose!

If I could go back in time and give myself a few pointers as a high school senior, I would make sure to stress the importance of turning in quality homework. Procrastination is a terrible habit to get into and never pays off--even though you may get your work done. If you want to truly learn, not just be indoctrinated, you have to be willing to put forth your best effort, even concerning small assignments. Rushing through homework to receive a good grade may not sound horrible, but in college, the learning that takes place, and not solely the grades you receive, is most important. Make sure to speak up in class, ask questions, and truly think about what you are reading and writing about, even if it does not interest you. If you go the extra mile, you will see success.

I would tell myself to take as many dual credit classes as I could. Not only would I save money and time in College, but also I would have been better prepared. Though I did come in with a good amount, I would like to have taken so more. Also I would tell myself not to worry about making friends. It will come in time, just enjoy the experience while it is here.

Time management is critical. Get involved, but don't overwhelm youself. You need to find that balance between school and a social life. Enjoy college - get to know people, step outside of your comfort zone, try something completely new. These are the best years of your life!

It isn't all about the grades, the major, or the classes. It's about the experience and the things you learn along the way.

Stop and breathe. Everything will work out and you can get through this confusing time in your life. Enjoy the time that is stress free after deciding what school to go to in the fall. College life is full of choices, get used to it. Being on your own without family is hard, but better for you in the long run. It gives you the chance to be yourself and to find who you are as a person. Change is good, being at home for eighteen years has lessened your ability to expand horizons, college helps you to see the whole world with a new perspective. It's enjoyable and it's one of the best things you will do with your life. Find your identity and follow your deams.

Choose the hard classes, they will prepare you for college courses.

To apply to more places sooner, and to apply for more scholarships. Central is a very good school but there are other schools where I think I would have fit in better. Religion is a big part of Central and being an atheist I don't participate in many of the more involved campus activities.

I would tell myself to pick the school that felt most comfortable to me; the school that felt like it could be my new home. I would tell myself not to worry about what other people thought, that it was my decision and I need to do whats best for myself. I would tell myself to look at more options and start looking early. I would tell myself to be prepared to be uncomfortable sometimes, but being uncomfortable is the only way you grow and become a better, stronger person. I would tell myself to be prepared to be busy and start learning how to manage your time now. I would tell myself to prepare to be tired and stressed a lot, but know that in the end, its almost always worth it. I would tell myself that sometimes playing a sport makes everything more difficult, but the joy that comes from playing makes it all that much more rewarding. Most importantly, I would tell myself to prepare for some of the best memories i'll ever make and some of the best friends you will ever meet.

Do not be afraid to step outside of yourself. Learn to reach out to people and talk to them, instead of waiting for them to reach out and talk to you. Do not be afraid to talk to others about the challenges and difficulties that you are facing; chances are, others are facing them too. Do not attempt to take a full course load in your first semester. Take fewer courses and give yourself time to adjust; you can always take more credits the next semester. Most of all, do not be afraid of anything. This time of your life will be an amazing adventure-make the most of it!

I would tell myself to always stay open to any possibility. I know that it is important to keep an open mind when meeting people and when making some of the very important decisions that I have made so far in my college carreer. Also, I would tell myself that I need to take time for myself during these very important years of my life as well. School work is a main focus, but it is important not to let my school work overwhelm me. I need to live life for all it is worth and I have learned that this year. Also, take advantage of the opportunities that your college has to offer. Go to campus sponsered events, and cheer for your college teams. These experiences will only enhance your college experience.

Hey Tricia, I know your senior year is pretty tough, and you're having a hard time with all of your classes but stick with it. By taking those rigorous AP classes, you will be preparing yourself for your future college career by disciplining yourself with study time and making the extra effort to understand the material. Don't let the subjects or teachers get in the way of creating a fantastic education for yourself. Challenge yourself and you'll receive the benefits of it in college when you're faced with problems and the answers are no longer simple. However, also let yourself have a little fun. Find a balance between school, friends, and family and you'll be happier and less stressed. Your friends and family will provide the outlet for you when school gets difficult. Most importantly, though, is to know your strengths and weaknesses and how to adjust yourself when new situations occur. In college, you will be faced with unknowns and hardships, and by learning how to use your strengths you can make up for your weaknesses and have an awesome college career. Sincerely, Yourself One Year From Now

Time management is something that I wished I would have known to handle. My freshman year, I just didn't know how to mange my time wisely. Another thing that I wish I would have know were all the different resources out that there that could helped. Like the tutors that they offer and also the professors with there open door policy. Which means you can go to their office at anytime they are there and they will be more than welcome to answer any of your questions.

If I could go back in time I wouldn't change too much because the experiences I have had have been great and I wouldn't be who I am now without them. I would have liked to be a little more prepared with taking tests. Some of the study guides for tests that I have used have been very frustraiting and I didn't do as well as I would have liked early on but as a freshman sometimes you have to learn the hard way. I now know what I need to do to do well and have picked up some great study skills along the way. I am more confident after being in colllege for about 3 months and know that I can do it as long as I apply the skills that I have acquired thus far. I have my goals for the future and am ready to go after it. Speaking of going after it, I better cut this essay short, I need to study!

If i had the chance to go back and talk to myself about college I would go and tell myself to work harder. Try and work harder to get better scholarships so you would not have to go and work your way through college like I am doing now. Everything that you did in high school you should do your best. Keep notes stay awake in class. It wil pay off big in the end. Learn to study better, knowing that tests are going to be a big part of your grade. I think I would also tell myself to listen to your parents. Even though they did not go to college themselves they know what they are talking about.

If I can turn back time, I wish I were more involved in school activities. Even though I was selected as part of National Council on Youth Leadership , I felt that I could of done more community service to make my society a safer and healthier place.

I would tell myself to be prepared for a life changeing experience. College is where I have found myself, and althought it has not always been easy, it has always been worth it. I would tell myself to stick it out no matter how badly I ever just want to quit and give up. The sense of self and accomplishment are well worth the effort it takes to find them.