College of DuPage Top Questions

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

Mallory

Back in high school as a senior, I didn't really have much motivation. With all the things that came with being a senior I remember feeling overloaded and I didn't want to work hard for anything except cheerleading. On top of school and cheerleading, I had a part-time job working at an icecream parlor, a job that I had since the eighth grade. I felt the pressure from everywhere to get into college and still do well in school. In the end I chose to take a year off of school after graduation to save up money, at least that was my excuse. My advise to my senior self would probably be to not take advantage of high school and work harder. If I had put more effort into scholarships and my grades I would've been able to afford college. I completely regret not going to college for the last year so thats why i'm so determined to get there this year.

Angel

Take as many AP test as you qualify for so that when you do start college you have a head start of everyone in your graduating class. I personally graduated early and I feel that was one of the best decisions I made in high school.

Jessica

Going into college may mean less time spent in school, however it means a lot more outside work. In college, professorrs expect you to do many assignments without guidance. They also expect you to do most of the learning on your own. In college you will ultimately be in charge of your own learning. If you miss a school day or forget to do an assignment, then it is your job to make up the missed work and you may not get credit for missed work depending on the teacher. You will be fine as long as you follow the syllabi that the teachers give you and as long as you keep up on all assigned work.

Kalah

I would tell myself that college is a completely different academic environment. You have to take responsibility for yourself and actually go out and seek help if you need it. No one is going to hold your hand through college. Also you have to make sure you completely understand the financial aspect and that you can afford the college of your choice. College is very competitive and you have to be willing to put in extra time and effort into studying for the grade you want. It's all about give and take. How much you put in will equal how much you get out of it. Lastly I would say that there has to be a balance between your social life and your academics. The main purpose is to get a degree so that test tomorrow takes priority over that party or whatever tonight.

Tim

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would probably tell myself that it is ok to not have a fully formed plan. Life, no matter how much you try to change it, will move in its own way of its own accord because of so many factors that are out of your control, and that is ok. Accept that change and uncertainty are all part of, not just college, but life; isn't that what college is about, after all? One day you may think you are going to a university, and then the next you are backpacking across Europe alone and loving yourself all the more because of it. Stay positive, and even the wildest rides can be the most enjoyable!

KAITLYN

Be outgoing! I grew up going to the same high school as almost all the kids I went to elementary school with. We all knew each other since age 5. Going to College is a whole new world; there are thousands of students who don't know each other. I was quiet all through high school; going to college was like a fresh start, a chance to not be an introvert. Sit beside someone you don’t know and stick out your hand and introduce yourself. Chances are, that person does not have someone to sit beside in that class and could use a study buddy in 4 months for exams, the same as you! It’s daunting to be the one outgoing, and to make those first introductions. But it is so worth it in the long run! Friends are your help in classes, they can assist you with studying and you can share notes and information. It will truly make you a more successful student!

Adam

First go to comunity college, then go to a 4 year college. Dont let anyone tell you that you should get an associate because it's a waste of time and money. Just go for a bachelors then a masters, if you want to be the best that you can be. Also don't be too concerned about making friends, just stay focused on getting the career you want, it will all pay off in the end.

Jim

The very first thing I would tell myself is that comparing high school and college is night and day. Another advice I would give is to tell myself to cherish each day of my senior year. It is a bittersweet experience and the activities that come along with being a senior in high school are unforgettable. Being more open minded will definitely make the transition much smoother. If I came into college with a judgemental attitude, I would certainly feel like an outsider. Academically speaking, I would emphasize on reading the required material in a timely matter. Another thing I would mention is the pace of the classes. If one doesn't keep up with the reading and lectures, that will spell trouble. Furthermore, I would say that making decisions is crutial for success in college. When deciding whether or not to skip class or even a test, one should consider the outcome of what will happen. This could mean getting a zero and not being able to re-take the test. To sum things up, I would tell myself to go out and be involved. Making new friends and trying new things will make challenge yourself and become different.

Atayjia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stay in the books and worry about my GPA and find my focus make a plan and stick to it, because if I had of made a plan I dont think I would still be trying to get into school but insted I would be in a university somewhere enjoying the college experiance insted of trying to get into a 2 year community college and then thinking about going to a university later on in life. I would tell my self to try as hard as i kan so we dont go down the same road of being homeless a few times and now relying on my mother to help me.

Andrew

High school is one of the most important times of your life, it truely prepares you for college. Don't take it as a joke and dont take it lightly. NEVER stop strving for the A's. Friends can wait, school should come first. Never get discouraged, the hard work will pay off in the long run. Some of the best scholarships that will really help you get through college require the high GPA's. You will want to kick yourself in the butt if you miss out on such opportunities. The only one or only thing that holds you back from this all is you and yourself only. You may wish to blame it on events and people, but you're just deflecting the truth. Take this seriously, and you will be happier than ever imagined.

Corin

i would tell myself to really make sure that i stay on top of my work and get help from teachers if you need to. And also to register for classes as early as possible. it wil save you money and a lot of stress.

Lisa

Lisa, Please pick something and stick with it. Trust your instincts, but school comes first no matter what. There are second chances, always, but don't rely on them. Do it right the first time. You know who you are, submerse yourself in school, and let it envelop you. You can do it. Mix your two loves, art, and the computer, into one thing. You can do it. -Future Lisa

A.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably tell myself to not worry so much! Making the transition to college life was not as nearly hard as I thought it was going to be. Making new friends and having new experiences are all a part of life, and I would also tell myself to explore and just have fun with all the classes I could possibly take. College life is fun yet hard work. I'd also tell myself to get ready to study study study like crazy! College is actually hard work, and it's a place where you realize who you are, what matters to you, and how to achieve goals. I guess if I could go back in time and tell myself this, it might have made me worry just a bit less. But I don't regret anything, and I'm proud to be going to college and making my dreams come true. I'm in charge of my future, and it feels wonderful.

Allison

If I were to go back in time to my senior year of high school, I would slap myself across the face to wake myself up for a much needed reality check. During my 4 years of high school I was a complete slacker. From the many disappointments and failures in my life, I chose to do nothing with my life so I wouldn?t be disappointed rather than set up goals to try and succeed and possibly fail. It wasn?t until I started college where I actually began to care about my future and began the road to a successful career. So if I were to go back in time I would tell myself it is better to try something and risk failure, rather than not try at all and forever wonder the potential I could have possessed.

Kimberly

Dear Me, Please do not even think about packing half the shoes you have in the purple bin in your closet. And when mom says pack extra underwear, DO IT. At the very least, please do not leave our closet a hot mess. When you get to ISU, please try to make friends and make sure you go to the freshman orientation on time. (YOU GET A FREE SHIRT!) And yes, senior year will end like High School Musical did. Knowing you, it's hard enough to give advice without you criticizing every single word. So I'm just going to trust that you will listen, do not go to ISU, it's not for you. Don't listen to what mom wants you to do, listen to what your heart says. Right now, you're sitting at home trying to figure out where your life is headed and I want you to know that it's going to be okay. Mitchell still loves you and you still have your friends and family. Yes, you will still be indecisive, yes, you have more questions, but you will have answers, some, not all. Sincerely, Me. PS: Don't forget your deodorant.

Mayra

Take your time on researching colleges you want to attend and what thay have to offer. Begin filling out FAFSA early so you can plan out your financial situatation and what it will cost you to attend college. Make sure you also research your major if your already decided on one and if you havent and are still undecided. Start at a community college where you can take your general education classes till you decide on a mjor. Also make sure to apply to as many scholarships and grants possible, there is free tuition money everywhere. One more thing remember to apply to more than school, always have a backup plan just to be on the save side.

Lauren

There are many things I would say to the high school senior version of myself. Among them would be to listen to your parents more and sit back and enjoy things a little bit better. Even more than that I would tell myself not to worry too much about college life. College is important, but there are so many great people from the advisors, to the professors, to those who work in registration who are willing to help you get the most out of your college experience. Don't worry too much about knowing your major the moment you walk into those doors because in my case, a year into studying, you may realize that major won't be what will make you happy. Take a variety of classes so you can get a better understanding of what you may want and always feel free to ask questions of everyone. You don't need to have the answers to all of your life's questions the minute you walk into college, but you will learn many of them during your time at school. Take college seriously, but make sure you enjoy it as well.

Sasha

I would say give junior college a shot, consider it as a viable alternative to a four-year school and a great transition into college life from high school. The junior college will challenge you to work just as hard, but you will also have the support of family and friends if you stay at home. Attendance is just as important as it is in a four-year university; if you are between grades, your attendance is critical. What you do in high school determines your placement in college- so do your best to advance to the highest level possible.

Jonas

Too often we let our duties slip past our present focus. Girlfriends, sports, and hobbies will always reward us with satisfaction, whether it is deep love, or succesful outcome of a challenge. Yet time moves on duling our sharp sense of achievement, along with our memories, into slight grooves on our timelines. Some grooves however, are so strong, carved in the bone of our heads, writen on our foreheads, its the feeling of knowledge, the lack of confusion. It is the ultimite sharpening stone when a subject well known is brought before one self, leaving one feel like a sharp, solid knife. In school it is more important that anything to start with an over-achieving attitude, and maybe let it drop just a tiny bit, to put you right on the edge of excellence.

Margaret

A year ago you dropped out of high school, walked away from formal education and your own academic potential, and for thirty more years you will not return. And then one far-away day, when you are forty-eight years old, you will experience surprising second-growth. You?ll seek and earn your GED and then walk the halls of your community college, willingly digging into anatomy, English, and anthropology text books, eagerly delving for new knowledge. You will feel secure, supported by advocates, overarching and protective, who believe in you. Safe in their midst you will evolve, at home in your new found forest of learning. You will be a straight-A student confidently facing your studies, reaching upward from within, basking in new experiences and surprising self-development. But for now I'm a forgotten acorn in your pocket, a small, waiting seed of your own courage and potential; I am your future self, dormant but alive and waiting. One far-off day you will reach and find me, realizing I have been here with you all along, just waiting to grow. On that day I will take root and become you, believing in you, in full bloom.

Jessica

If I could go back and talk to my senior self I would remind myself to stay focused. It is very easy to get side tracked in the hustle and bustle of graduation and summer and the excitement of going away to college. As a high school senior I was still very confused at what I wanted and I realize now that that is ok. I chose to stay home for two years because i was unsure of what I wanted to do and my financial situattion did not extend to a university. I would tell myself not to worry. You can't know exactly what you want to do until you take some classes and see what it is like and if you enjoy the field you originally chose. It is ok to be confused, that is what general education classes are for. I would tell myself that staying home is the best choice and not to down grade it, I ended up much better off. Now I can proudly say Northern Illinois University here I come!

Raleigh

First, I would acknowledge myself for being strong and making it thus far considering the statistics of individuals finishing school in the first place. I would tell myself to keep on my toes about education because it is very important to maintain the highest gpa one can achieve. It makes things so much easier if you?re going attempt to earn grants and scholarships and enter organizations that will help you down the road in life or if you want to go to graduate school. Your school records seem to really follow you in life when I comes to a lot of things. I would also tell myself to become a social sponge and soak up the various cultures that surround the campus and areas around the campus. Having an understanding people of different cultures will really help once you?re out in the real world. Just be an honest and open person while doing your absolute best in college will provide good grades, a great college experience, and a good foundation to build a great successful life off of.

Erica

I would be incline to say that the decision you make as a high school senior will ultimately have major cause and effect as a college student. To use everyday to prepare for the next day. As a college student and throughout life with something new be prepared to ask questions. If you do not understand ask questions until you understand. Remember with scholarships and grants the early bird gets the worm. The one of the most important things that you can take away from transition is deadlines. In college and the transition remember to be independent and self sufficent. Always keep in mind to take advantage of all resources that you have access to and help is always just a phone call away. The best advice that I would give is to prepare for change and embrace new things with a open mind. Your college experience is only as good as you make it.

Taylor

I would tell myself that things are going to be okay. I would tell myself that not having any money to pay for college will not hold you back. Not knowing what you want to do right now will not ruin your life. You will be okay. You will do well. I would tell myself to try harder in school because the teachers, the kids, the parents might not be worth it, but you are. Rebeling in high school might seem like a good idea right now, but in the long run it won't do anything for you. I would tell myself to try and be the best I can be. Even though you're parents are divorced, and you feel along and helpless, you're not. There are people out there that believe in you and know that you can succeed. I would tell myslelf to believe in yourself and stop being so angry. You can't keep blaming your mom and dad for all your problems. You need to start planning ahead for the future. The only way you can pay for college is to get scholarship so get to studying!

Kristina

I would tell myself to look into every scholarship out there, because even though they take time and sometimes the amount is not great every scholarship counts. I did not learn that until after I got into five schools with no way of affording them without going into a deep hole of dept! Yes, College of Dupage is a great choice to save money, and I do not regret my decision in attending the institution as a freshman, but if I want to experience the college lifestyle I need to apply for every scholarship available.

Dave

I have learned a few guidelines to be a successful student as well as a happy person. First, make friends with everyone. Smile every time you enter a room, say hello, and try to meet everyone on the first day. Remember everyone's name. Don't talk at people, get them to talk about themselves. Listen to them. This is your community, love them. They will love you. Second, everything you do for the first time will suck. Start new things without fear, and keep doing them until you don't suck. This is how you become good. A good motto I've heard: Fail Harder. Third, never apologize or be ashamed of the things you like. Being strange is how new trends are started. Being the same is how old trends die. Fourth, throw great parties. Invite everyone. Be a good host, since you already know everyone, introduce people. Fifth, people will steal ideas from you. Don't be angry, be flattered. It means you have good ideas. Sixth, get things done. Anyone can start a project, but perfectionists and lazy people can never finish. Nothing is perfect, so finish and move on to the next project.

Brandon

I would tell myself to begin filling out college applications as soon as my junior year of high school. Next, I would schedule campus visits to see what campus life was like and how the students are. I would tell my senior self to fill out as many scholarships as I could, making it a full-time job, to take the pressure off myself in paying a full tuition. Encouraging myself to keep good grades will also help with scholarship aid. More advice I would give myself is to work hard all the way up to graduation. The college transition was the hardest part for me. I would engourage myself to build long, lasting friendships and be around the right people. Keep your head straight and let nothing get in the way of your career goals. Study hard and that will lead to success. People will try to bring you down, but it is your job to shove them aside and focus on education. Life doesn't give handouts, you have to earn your way. In conclusion, I would say to be actively involved in college groups and get a campus job because someone could be a reference.

Kimberly

Get involved in school- it makes all the difference. Even if none of the clubs look appealing, the people in the oasis lounge seem a bit odd, and getting a job in the library caf? seems too daunting, just hope for the best and put yourself out there. You will meet people from every walk of life who will open your eyes to the world more than you ever thought possible from a home-town community college. In short, you will love going to school.

Amir

If I could go back in time and was able to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have definitely told myself to not slack off even a little bit. Most high school seniors go into that year thinking that since they have already been accepted into the university of their choice that they don't have to try as hard for the remainder of that year. What they are not aware of is if their grades slip significantly then the college can choose to not accept them. Another scenario is that the student won't be as eligible for scholarship money as they would have been if they had kept up the hard work an continued to push themselves until the year was completely over with. I would have also told myself to apply for as many scholarships as I could because that's just more chances that an individual has to receive free money.

Corarener

Having a sibling that is in highschool, I find myself telling her the things that I would have told myself. If I could back I would initially say that highschool is important. The grades you make, the sports, and activities you get involved in all play a part in how you interact in college, and sometimes even what school you choose. Most of my issues came around junior year when I became nervous about coming to ''the end''. I would simply tell myself that it is ''the end''of highschool, but the beginning of a new stage of my life, one that will stick with me and really mold me to the person that I want to be. Lastly I would point out that it does not matter whether I decide to go out of state, a junior college first (or only), or a big university. The only thing that matters is if I am happy because I am going to school for me and no one else. I would reiterate that what works for some, may not work for others. I would have set and researched more and mapped out a plan that I was confident with.

Alexis

First I would have told myself to apply earlier than 4 months before the semester began, and see a counselor to help me pick out classes. I would have told myself to only take Gen Ed classes the first year so if I chose my mind about my major (which I did) that I would lose money and credits on unessecary classes.

Catherine

I went to a small, christian high school. I would say that no matter what you decide, prepare yourself for life outside of a christian community. It is difficult to live out your faith outside of the community of christian students and friends. It is important that we prepare for the differences in lifestyles between believers and nonbelievers, or even people of different beliefs. Also, I would tell myself to do exactly what I did. Go to community college first. You get the chance to go to college but still be at home and transition into life after high school. Next year I will be going to a university farther away and I have had the experience of going to college under the safety of my home life. The fact that my first year only cost $5,000 was a bonus for my parents. I got a good education for a very reasonable amount of money, and, because I stayed at home, also had a year of growing into college life and a year of deciding my future without paying a lot of money.

Anthony

If you plan on going to a community college then transferring to a university. Pick your classes wisely and make sure they transfer correctly. Remember even though there are more general classes to choose from, everyone has to take them so they fill up fast. Register for you classes early then work with your schedule. This would allow you to make sure you have the necessary classes in despite some scheduling issues. Also remember certain classes have sequences so you cannot just jump in the middle. If you think you know the subject well in enough, see if the school has a proficiency test, this will save you money and time. Aside from Registering make sure you make your schedule wisely, plan breaks so you can eat, work, and rest. These sessions will be a boon for homework and will allow your grades to rise, while giving you time to relax with friends and keep a social life outside of school. With these tips it will definitely held you have an enjoyable college experience.

Mahjabeen

I would tell myself not to be nervous because everyone is so friendly and the teachers make the class more comfortable for everyone.

Zach

Don't worry about it so much. Enjoy senior year, because it wont be that easy for a while. College is fun and new, but definitely a different experience than high school. Enjoy the final weeks of high school, because despite what you're saying to yourself now, you're gonna be missing these opportunities, schedules, and classes in a few months.

Natalie

I would tell myself that just because you test into a class doesnt mean you are ready for that class. I would also say that even though it seems like a class is easy and you are doing good you may be suprised at what classes you get poor grades in and what classes you get higher grades on. Some of my classes I could totally blow off and get an A and other I worked super hard and got a B or C. I would also tell myself to recognize early if you are not gonna pass the class. There is no sense in continuing a class that you have no chance at passing and eventualy it will be to late to withdraw and you will be stuck with that F on your transcript.

Matthew

I would tell myself to work harder than ever and study harder than ever to perpare myself. I would manage my time better to get used to college life and thank my teachers for a great 4 years.

Brian

Well now, that is a very loaded question. To be able to go back into time, and speak to my younger, dumber self.. That's a hell of an opportunity. Firstly, I think I would punch myself in the face. Two years ago I was a different individual, a more dislikable individual. I would tell myself that school isn't just another thing your parents put you through because of their wishes. Back then, I didn't quite grasp the fact that doing well in school was something I wanted to do for myself, not for my parents. In addition to that tid-bit of advice, I would proceed to tell myself to prepare to be immersed in a setting of complete strangers, each having a cornucopia of ideas ranging from common-ground (between he/she and myself), to utter "alien-ness." I would also have to add that the transition into college, for it to be smooth, and painless, is best faced with an open mind. The varying perspectives of the many individuals I have met have helped me to not only learn about my peers, but about myself as well, by comparing those ideas/views against my own.

Bailey

I would advise myself not to go to such an expensive school. I spent my first year at a 4 year school and the tuition was way high. The classes are exactly the same only the ones I am taking now are cheaper.