Clayton State University Top Questions

Education is a valuable resource that when used appropriately can propel a person to reach his or her dream or goal. My college exprience at Calyton State has enable me to understand what makes our society tick. Specifically in my field of study I've aspired to the knowledge of the role computers play in this society. Understanding the key fundamentals of computing has helped me to envision developing new software and computer systems that work more efficiently. A technical writing class last semester has tought me how to reach my audience by knowing the audience's background, the goals needing to achieve and the purpose for getting the message across. There is not a doubt that attending Clayton State University is a benefit for achieving my goals. I enjoy attending and can't wait to start a new challenging but rewarding class next semester.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to put all the money that I made in the bank. I used to work during high school and the thought of opening up a savings account always crossed my mind, but I never did it. I always wanted to buy what I wanted right then. Now I owe Sallie Mae a ridiculously amount of money that was accumulated only while I was a college freshman. I would tell myself to study harder so that I could get higher grades in class and a higher SAT score so that I could have a chance at getting a full academic ride at ANY school. I would tell myself that I did not have to attend an HBCU because Valdosta State University is just as good(if not better because the tuition is lower). I would tell myself not to take that year off after freshman year to get a job because it will be extremely difficult to get back into school for many different reasons.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college life and making the transition, I would urge me to concentrate more on studies and less on social activities. I started college back in 1972, four months after graduating high school; it was the first time I had ever had freedom to come and go as I pleased and I took full advantage of the opportunites. My studies suffered and I didn't take very good care of myself. I would definately stay in school and finish my degree instead of dropping out for 30 years. I respect the education more ; I just could have been making a lot more money earlier in my life. It's true...hindsight is 20/20. Thank you.

Knowing what i know now about college I would tell my old high school self to buckle up because she is about to go through the most tedious 4 years of her life as a college student. As proud and excited as i was to start college i didnt know it would be like high school with 10 times the worries and 20 times the work. I would also encourage my old self that once you start you cant stop because things will get expensive and out of hand and you will feel like there is no end to this madness and why everything you need seems to come just in the nick of time. Stay with it and stick though the hard times. It is all worth the wait and you will meet people that will stay with you and help you for the rest of your life rather it be with school or any other lifes problems. Just take the road not taken my old self.

I think the biggest advice I would give myself is to pay attention to student loans. There was virtually no financial education for high school seniors which is a vital part of college. When you intially start college, they just told you where to sign to cover your balance and not really explaining what was going on. Also, to really examine the cost of college to see if it's really worth the money. Another piece of advice is to really work on being independent. Alot of students go off on their own and don't know how to take care of themselves because their parents have been doing everything for them. These two things I believe are vital to a sucessful college career.

I would tell myself to develop good study habits now beacuse as soon as you get to college you are going to need them. I would also tell myself that organization and using your time wisely will come in handy in college. Always try your best and never GIVE UP!! Make your plans now about what you hope to obtain by going to Clayton State University. Don't be afraid to ask questions, LOTS OF QUESTIONS!! College isn't all about books and studying, have fun also. Make sure you to allow yourself time to get to enjoy the campus activities.

I would tell my self that I need to manage my time wisely, use every single resource given to me, work hard and do not slack behind. Also you need to make sure that if you truely do not understand ask questions until you do and even if you think you do make sure you do. Study everyday even when you do not feel like or even if you think you have free time you must know all of you material. It is ok to have fun but remember what you are here for and stay focused.

The only advice I would give myself is that I should focus more in school so I could have good financial aid for college.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to hurry and apply to colleges. I couldn;t decide what school I wanted to attend which led me to apply for the schools late. I was accepted but as far as finanical aid was concerned none of the loans could come through in time. I ended up not attending the school in the fall and I had to apply to CSU for spring. You can not do things at the last minute if you have the time while in high school then the applications need to go in as soon as possible. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships and not be as lazy as I was when it came to writing essays. I thought I could easily recieve a scholarship without writing but that was not the case. Now the money I'm using for school is coming out of loans and my parents. College is to expensive not to be prepared. As far as making the transition I just had to jump in and get use to things.

Apply for things in advance because what you do in the present alternates your past and forms your future.

I would ask myself to get involed in school more and to be disciplined in my studies and faith.

Go to college directly out of highschool. That is my biggest regret with regards to college. I waited until I was 26 to enroll. You will miss all of the social aspects when you are close to 10 years older than the majority of your classmates and also a single mom with 3 kids. Even if you are not sure what you want to do, most student are unsure anyway. You can change your major, try different classes, it's not a big deal to feel unsure. But you will miss out on so much more if you continuously put off your education. College is a fun experience with endless oppurtunies.

I would have studied more and applied myself better. Also I would have took school a little more serious.