Colorado State University-Fort Collins Top Questions

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

ashley

If I could go back in time I would encourrage myself to look into every degree, not just engineering because that is what my father wanted. He was so proud that I got into engineering that I didnt want to say no. I wish I would have considered all my options and not just went along with what sounded good at the time. I would tell my introvert high school self to branch out and get as many lie experiences as possible, after all, how can you be expected to make a life determining decision such as what degree to pick with no experiece? I would tell myself to work harder in college, its not for partyinh, its for learning. The last thing I would tell myself is to not tak things for granted. In high school I fought a lot with my parents, no they live out of state and I barely get to see them. I wish I would have spent more time cherishing them than rebelling and chosing my temporary friends over my permament family. If I could go back, I know I would have an easier life now than I do.

Erin

DO: -find hole in the wall restaurants near campus -get a planner/organizer/calendar and fill it out with dates on the syllabi as soon as you get them - invest in a quality alarm clock -keep an open door if you live in the dorms -take advantage of all the "free" stuff on campus -let people help you (homesickness, homework, friend drama, etc) -explore the library, the best study spots are hidden - keep in touch with friends the old fashioned way (snail mail) -keep an extra set of batteries in your backpack (for calculator, iclicker etc) -start finding/talking to people about being roommates for the next school year in November -go to office hours, no matter how uneasy it makes you feel DON'T: -sweat the little things -buy all your textbooks from the bookstore (Amazon, Chegg, etc are typically much cheaper) -stay inside your comfort zone -be so focused on studying that you don't make friends -be afraid to ask random students for directions/where a building or room is

Donovan

Dear Donovan, You probably won't believe me but this is your future self telling you what to do. To prove it to you, you have a signed, or what seemed to be signed picture of Olympian Shawn Johnson under magazines on your bookcase. Now that I have tried to prove it to you here is some advice. When you register for senior classes try and take some more difficult courses that will prepare you for college. You'll do decent your first semester, but you could prepare better. When baseball comes around do whatver you can so your team doesn't get upset at home by a thirty-two seed to end your baseball career. Whenever you see Garrett Middleton try and talk with him because as tough as it sounds he'll be involved in a farming accident and you'll never get the chance again. Also, when it's basketball season make sure to let Cait Haynes, your trainer, know that you care for her because in college you'll recieve news that she had committed suicide because of a bully. Please keep all of this in mind. Your Future Self, Donovan Kattner

Ella

I would not tell myself to do anything differently. By going to school out of state, I realized how important my home, my family, and my life in Oregon is to me. That is why I have decided to transfer back home. Without going away for school, I may have realized the priority these things have in my life, but I do not think to the same extent. It isn't without trying new things that progress can be made within yourself, and I strongly belive that everything you experience makes you who you are and a better person. Therefore, I think that it is important for students to have an idea of what they want, but not be afraid if it doesn't work out or if your priorities change. Live every experience to the fullest and you will grow as a person while learning more about yourself. Giving advice to my high school self is essencially the same as giving me advice now because I will be starting over next year. But, I still would not do anything differently and I hope that I can use my experiences to grow even more in the following year.

Madison

Figure out a way to cope with stress. Figure out how to effectively study for every subject. Get used to not having time for a nap. Or any sleep, really. Embrace and savor homemade meals. Take every chance you get to let someone know how much you care about them.

Ashley

College seems like another world;it feels like a continuos hotel visit, but not for a vacation. Homework will feel overwhelming and you'll probably get frustrated with your choice of classes, but remember your passion for science and biology. Making new friends has never been more complicated and you're going to meet a lot of new people every day. The friends you make in your dorm are going to be friends you'll have for the next 4 years, if not longer, so treat them kindly. You'll miss your dogs, but never as much as you miss home cooking. Mom is going to call every day, she just misses you. Give her a break and try not to give her such a hard time. Life is going to be different now, but you're ready for it and all you have to do is take a deep breath and prepare for the amazing life you have ahead of you.

Kayleigh

I would advise myself to visit more schools and push to talk to students in my application major. I am the oldest child in my family and a first-generation student, so I didn't realize that that was something I should have done. Doing this allows you to get a better feel for the campus and what you will encounter as a student there and also allows you to get a sense for the types of classes you would take and the kinds of professors you will encounter. For example, my school has a notoriously challenging chemistry department, and since I had to take two years of chemistry for my major this was important for me to know. Having this information may have changed my final decision. As a first-generation student, I was also so overwhelmed by the number of schools I could apply to that hearing about the way curriculum progressed and the way professors taught would probably have helped me hone in on the absolute best school for me. To that point, I also would probably tell myself to go and sit in on a few classes to observe the professor and the class's culture.

Hadassah

Assuming that I could go back and talk to myself in high school is something that I wish that I could do often as it would have helped me to realize that school can be an enriching experience. I would tell myself that school does not have to continue to be as it is in highschool. This is in regards to their being less judgment in college from your peers, because a sense of community is developed. I would give the advice that living on your own or with friends brings a liberation that needs care. You will need to surround yourself with a suppotive environment consisting of friends and family or it will be hard to keep up with your studies with the social pressures of drinking or drugs. I would tell myself that the transition will be better if you get involved in a school activity or an organization because it will be easier to make friends. Also I would say that college is an enriching experience were you will learn about what interests you in this world. Lastly putting in the effort from the beginning will bring you down a road with more opportunites to acheive.

Eden

I would definitely tell myself to talk to new people more. I came into college with my best friend so that sort of closed me off from meeting new people because I already had someone to hang out with. If I could go back in time and start college again, I would put myself out there more and make an effort to make a lot of new friends. It is scary for me to do that but the people at my school are so friendly and open to making friends that it would not be a big deal like I would make it out to be. I am happy that I joined a sorority though so I would tell myself that going through recruitment was a good idea!

Felicity

The advice I would give myself is dont just jump into a major explore your options and find what fits you best.

Alice

College is a time to be selfish. It sounds horrible when put in such a context but it is true. It will be the first time you get to choose where to go and do whatever you desire with that time. The money will figure itself out in the future, and for now it should not be your number one worry, your number one worry should be to find a place you will thrive, achieve your goals, be happy, and make memories you will remember for the rest of your life. Do not need to fret about this decision day and night and worry you might make the wrong decision, because you can always change your mind. Apply to schools you may not see yourself attending but then visit it, you may surprise yourself and fall in love with a school you never expected. Last but not least, enjoy every second of your senior year throughout this process. It may not seem like it, but one day during your freshman year of college, you will miss the simplicity of this time and wish for it back. Don’t solely focus on your future; remember to live in the present.

Madison

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Jeffrey

My advice would be not to rush for graduation. I would tell myself to concetrate more on mathematics. I would also tell myself to move away from home and find some place more academically friendly. I would also to advice myself to prepare my physical attributes as well my mind.

Tyler

There are many things to look forward to and by telling you what they are might ruin them. However, go into college with a plan and be willing to change that plan at any point. Time flies, and when you see the right opportunity, don't waste time in taking it. Also, come out of your shell. There will be hundreds of people that you meet and will never see again, therefore be brave, friendly, and be yourself. Don't worry about having to impress people. I have found that the most important people in your life are family, loved ones, and the friends that will be your friends no matter how flattering you seem. No matter what happens, go to church right off the bat so that seniors will reach out to you. Even though you want to only live the classic college life, church will keep you on the path you want to be on. Finally, free time will become a thing of the past. Start looking at everything Colorado State University has to offer, ahead of time, so that you know that you are not missing out on any of the hidden resources, sports, or secrets.

sierra

The transition from high school to college is huge. We think we are prepared however it is a change larger than you will expect, while exciting it is scary too. Living with someone who is not your family is a big change, find ways to make it work out compromise is something you must learn in order to make it work, as well as letting things roll off your back. You will have more free time than you have in high school use it wisely. It is lonely your first semester while trying to make new friends and figure things out but do not despair it does get better. Anything new will take time to adjust but stick with it you will find your niche and start to really enjoy the experience college life and the independence brings. When youn go into your second semester things will start to even out and you will really start to fit in and find who you are, you begin to mature and if you are smart you will take full advantage of the opportunity being able to attend college offers. Stay away from the drugs an alcohol there is a lot of it.

Andrea

Before entering college really think about what you'd like to do for the rest of your life. For example, if you thing you'd like to work with animals try volunteering at a veterinary clinic or at an animal shelter. If you think you'd like to be a doctor ask your physician some questions about the lifestyle and career path of a doctor. I think it's very important to know what you'd like to do and what that really means. This allows you to go into college and pick a major that will help you on the path to your dreams. You don't want to be that person that switches their major 5 times, because each time it will take you longer and longer to graduate. You should try to pick one major carefully and then stick to it because each extra semester in college is many more loans that you have to take out to pay for your education and these build up quite quickly. My advice is to take a summer and figure out what you like to do and then when you go to college study hard and pick your major carefully.

Ethan

RELAX! Yes, college is a terrifying thing at first. Questions like "Will I fit in?" and "Am I going to succeed?" will linger, but stick with it and everything will turn out just fine! Adjusting, for anyone, will take some time, so don't feel left out! Academically, just stay the course and be prepared for the semester-long mental grind. Yes, you will only have a few hours of class a day, but a good portion of the rest NEEDS to be used to study, that is the biggest factor for success in college. Lastly, use those teacher office hours! They will love to meet with you and discuss things about class with you one on one! Don't be afraid! And again, RELAX!

Nate

Do something. Do anything. Find something that you love and make that your academic and career goal. Don't be overwhelmed by self doubt or the scale of your dreams. Take a small piece at a time, do it to your fullest ability, and those small victories will end up being an amazingly large accomplishment. The only thing standing between you right now and the person that you want to be is yourself. The only thing you have to do is try.

Megan

To my high school self: In college, you will face and overcome things that you never thought were possible. Learn to embrace resillience. You are stronger than you think. Take what you learn in college and spread it around. Don't miss out on opportunities to better yourself. Always be kind. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Learn to be a good judge of people. Immerse yourself in different cultures. Stay out of drama. Apply yourself. Keep the friendships you make. Don't ever take this opportunity for granted. Participate in class. Share your opinion. Ask for help or reach out to someone who needs it. Explore your passions. Use everything that the campus has to offer. Be grateful. Don't underestimate yourself. Build relationships with your professors. Consider other's viewpoints. Always be respectful. And most importantly, if you ever think you made a mistake by coming to this university, stop yourself in your tracks. It's the best decision you will ever make. Love, A new and improved you.

Kelly

It gets better! Senior year seems impossible to handle, with the stress piling on, the applications due, and the expectation to succeed as though the pressure is not eating you alive. It feels as though sometimes it is not even worth is to continue to fight for your dreams, and continue to further your education. However, it is most definitely worth it! Yes, the transition is very stressful and different, at first. But once you realize how hard you worked to get where you are, the transition becomes easier. College is full of new people and new opportunities, so power through your senior year, and succeed at the level you have always been capable of. Do not give up! Keep fighting for acceptance into your dream school, and stay motivated. It does not seem like it now, but in the end all the stress will be worth it. In the end, college life is worth every last tear, and all the frustration. The knowledge you gain from new classes, and the adventure of your new experiences allows you to forget the stress of the journey. Trust me, it gets better!

Nicola

It is valuable to take time off after high school to experiment with a variety of jobs to explore your interests. Returning to school after growing up and gaining some life experience is so beneficial when it comes to selecting a valuable degree for a sustainable career.

Crystal

It really wasn't long ago that I was a high school senior, but I think that I would tell myself to keep struggling and fighting to get into school and stay in school because there are ups and downs, but the path is absolutely worth it. You'll feel so incredibly lost and alone sometimes, but that is nothing compared to the joy of finaly understanding sp orbitals in chemistry or meeting your new best friends. You never feel any different either, until you look back at hownfar you've come. Every day feels like a battle of it's own, but all of the small victories add up, and one day you can look up and be proud of it. Lost or not, you'll find yourself, and you'll find your friends. You'll finally understand just how small you really are, but how loud you can speak when you need to be heard. Honestly, I have never felt this lost, but at home before. It's something that I wouldn't trade for the world, and going along for the ride is the best choice to make.

Deeann

If I could go back in time and discuss college with myself as a high school senior, I would assure myself it would all be ok. As a senior I was very stressed, and concerned that I wouldn't find a school that fit me well. Having attended CSU for a semester I now know that yes, there is a place for me. The people in the theatre program are accepting and friendly, and all of them have a deep abiding love for theatre and the arts. The school body is diverse in race, sexuality, and gender, and many of them are also LGBTQA people. My high school self would have been reassured to know how easy it is for me to form friendships with the people here, and how accepting they are.

Rebecca

Sadly, you don't know anything you need to know and you need to become better prepared before you move away. College is exactly what you expected and not at all what you thought it would be, so you need to be ready to accept the following. Moving away is everything you always wanted including the freedom and independence however, you need to be prepared to miss your family and friends all the time. You will inevitably have at least one mental breakdown where you are cramming for a test or hurriedly finishing an assignment that you forgot was due in half an hour and it's acceptable to cry before gritting your teeth and finshing the homework with great flair. Procrastination is a terrible habit and you need to get rid of it now. There will be a day where you will be so exhausted that nobody will judge you when you procrastinate homework to get a nap. In short, you are in no way as prepared as you think you are and the truth is, that's okay. You'll do just fine.

Teagan

Dear high school Teagan, I know you're very stressed right now, but I just want to let you know that everything is going to be okay. You're tentative about attending a state university, but trust me, it's the best decision you'll ever make. You're eager to get away from home, but you'll be grateful that you're only two hours away from mom's cooking when you've been eating dorm food for three months. You're going to make some incredible new friends, so don't cry too much when the old high school gang breaks apart for college. Your freshman year alone is going to hold some fantastic experiences; don't be afraid to try new things. I know that you have no idea what you want to do with your life, but you'll figure it out. There will be several people who want to help you in your transition in to college. Let them. No one ever said you had to do everything by yourself. Just take a step back and breathe. You're gonna be great, kid.

David

I would begin by telling myself that everything happens for a reason, even if it may sound extremely cliché. I know I would dissagree, but I would describe my current situation here at the university I am attending, and how I adjusted through the programs I am involved in. Although there are times that I might struggle here, I would tell myself that there is nothing to fear, because I can do so much more than I think. I would tell myself that; yes this isn't the ideal situation, and that I understand how I wanted to serve in the armed forces rather than attend college, but I the "future me" is here and he is doing great. Even though I would change my position towards college, I would tell myself to keep the same values. Because those values are the are substantial differences seperating me from the rest of the students attending; making me unique and extremely determined to make a change in this world that other students simply lack.

taral

First off I would say to ignore your fears and doubts and allow yourself to break free from the expaectations that held you bound as a youth. Take the opportunity to explore new avenues and to truly develop into your own self. College is a great time learn about your passions, and what drives you. It is time to develop talents you have neglected. Be smart and find friends who are the type of person you want to be, who have drive, enthusiasm and a zest for life. Stay away form negative people who try to bring you down. Finally, take care of yourself. Don't get a job in the middle of the night at the expense of your needed sleep. Eat good food, and remain active. This first year of college can be very stressful, but it can also be one of the greatestgrowth opportunities that you will ever experience. Have fun, try not to stress too much, and you will do great.

Colin

Being a college junior this year I have a fair amount of experience as a college student. If I could go back in time and meet myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot of advice to give. The most important thing I would say to myself is, "Listen to your mom, she has great advice". If I would listen to advice given to me by myself why not listen to some given by my mom who has already been in my shoes before, and has been farther along then I am right now. Honestly, I feel like in today's society the advice of the parent(s) is not taken seriously, but think about this. We like to say that experience is the key. For me, my parents represent that experience. I wish I had known that earlier, and that is why if I could go back in time I would tell myself "Listen to your mom, she has great advice".

Brenna

To high school me, College is tough and, despite what everyone says about classes being easy, you have to work hard or you'll find yourself playing catch-up and struggling later. So take that extra hour to read your book and review your notes before you watch Netflix. You'll thank yourself. I know you feel smothered by her now, but mom is going to become your best friend and confidant and her advice could've helped you through a lot freshman and sophomore year. She's seen so much more than you and you're a lot more like her than you think. So talk to her, I guarantee she can help you and sympathize with whatever you're going through. And lastly, the biggest piece of advice I can give is that its OK to make mistakes, because every mistake makes you stronger and is an opportunity to learn something new and better yourself. Some mistakes will make you feel more lost than others and when you find yourself feeling lost, remember "to find who you are, reflect on who you were."

Giovanna

When I left home in Ohio to go to school at Colorado State University, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't know it would be so hard. If I could give my senior-year-self advice, it would be to be patient with changes. I came to CSU without knowing anyone, with an unkown learning disability, and with the drive to pursue veterinary school after I earned my undergraduate degree. But, life, as we all know, has a way of not going as planned. Last year, my drive took a hard left when I realized that veterinary school wasn't for me and I had been struggling from a learning disability called Irlen my entire life. When these realizations surfaced, it was difficult for me to accept, but once I did my life changed for the better. Now, I am majoring in Equine Science, Agricultural Business, and Interior Design with the hopes of one day designing sustainable equine centers, I have made life-long friends, and I am accommodated for my learning disability, which has allowed my GPA to rise from a 2.45 to a 2.75 in one semester. Patience is virtue.

Allison

If I could go back, I would tell myself to have courage, be brave, and don't be afraid to put myself out there. It can be so easy to settle into the routine of staying with one group of people and doing the same activities, but growth comes from pushing yourself and taking yourself out of your comfort zone. I would tell myself to do that as often as possible. I would also tell myself to not be afraid to fail. What I really should say to my younger self is that you are going to fail and that it will happen many times. However, if you can take the failure and not make yourself at home in your self- pity, you have yet another opportunity to grow and learn. Finally, I would tell myself not to worry. At the end of the day, it is all going to work out. Whether it happens in the time that you want or exactly how you want, it still works out and you will come out on the other side a stronger and wiser person.

Teny

Struggles in life are never-ending. Pain will come in waves so strong at times, you won't think you will survive. You will. Let go of your expectations of moving through life glamorously, without emotion, and without a need for connection. You will need people who will believe in, push, challenge, love and support you. Let them. Stop using food as punishment because the starving and purging will cause you to lose concentration, become physically ill, drop out of college, and regret not using your younger years to build a meaningful life for yourself. Learn to speak, even if what you say doesn't come out "pretty" at times. The people who care about you will not care about how articulate you sound in times of need. Don't give the traumas from your past the power to destroy your present. Learn to appreciate the beautiful things in life. Those small moments that can knock the breath out of you are the memories you will return to during trying times. When a person crosses your path and notices the beauty within you that you can't see yourself, they'll stop, so don't try so hard. Enjoy life.

Tara

Tara, you do not have to be an engineer. Your family loves you, and will accept you no matter what you choose to be. They want you to be successful, yes. And they will worry about how much money you make because if you don't make a lot, life will be harder for you. But making a lot of money isn't as important as being happy. Yes, you're good at math, so of course people are telling you to be an engineer. It's a great job, and you'll be financially stable. But you know what? YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN ENGINEER! You can be whatever you want! And your family will love you regardless of whether you're an engineer or not. You've always wanted to help people, and you can do that by being an engineer. But you can also help others with psychology, with medicine, with nutrition. The possibilities are endless, and they aren't limited to one. Don't be afriad, you will be successful no matter what you choose. Good luck Tara, and remember, you can be anything you want to be.

Crystal

Dear Self, Don't wait. Don't second guess yourself and don't wait. That's the advice I give you, as a fourth year college student. If you wait, you won't get to do the things you want to do, like join a club, or get back into singing in a club. If you wait, you won't have the time to be the person you want to be. If you second guess yourself, you will end up in a state you don't like, at a school you can't stand, and feeling lost and alone. Trust in your abilities to get through things: you'll make it. And even if you think you won't, you will. Just... don't wait. Don't miss the chances you have ahead of you. Love you, Your College Self

Christopher

I would advise myself to manage my time better. My first semester I was excited and overwhelmed by all the activities and free time that college has to offer, and it took me away from the focus of college; school. I would tell my younger self to not forget why I am going to school. I finally got my time management in place, it just would have been nice to have it managed first semester.

Dominique

I would advise myself to take my time and to live in the present instead of the future. Enjoy your time in high school and cherish the moments where responsibility is not completely a part of your life. I would advise myself to save as much money as i can for a rainy day. I would advise myself to really think about how I would like to spend the rest of my life, activities i like to do, identify my strengths and weaknesses, and evaulate my goals and values. Going into colge is a life changing experience. Even though society tell us that we need to choose a path to go down right away when we enter college, I would advise myself to be undecided and test the waters. There is no rush to know what you should major in right away. Take your first year and get to know yourself and then decide on a career path. The best advice i would give myself is to do something that makes me happy and pursue it. I would tell myself always be good to myself and make time to relax and recuperate. To take care of myself.

Chad

If I were to go back to my senior year and give advice to myself then, one major piece of advice is make sure you are positive on where you want to go to college because transferring is a hassel you truly don't want to deal with. Also when you are signing up for your first semester of classes and you don't have a desired major chosen, sign up for general education classes, because if you don't and you change majors from undecided some of those hours could go to electives. The major piece of advice I would give though is to not be stressed out, everything will eventually work itself out whether you know it or not. Remember to keep all of the true friendships you made in high school because life-long friends are hard to find and even harder to keep.

Sam

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and offer advice to a pre-college version of myself I would have one pieces of guidance. I would strongly advise myself to dedicate myself to my high school academics more in order to obtain a scholarship to help with the financial burden that is college. I can admit that in high school I was more focused on my sports performance than my grades. I also did not understand the amount of financial strain going to college would put on me and my family. After three years of college I have accrued quite the level of debt due to student loans. While my family always have supported me as much as they can, after my freshman year my mother was diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer which not only took a huge emotional strain on my family but also shifted our financial focus to paying for her medical bills. If I had been able to foresee this happening in high school I would have done anything I could to reduce my financial dependence on my parents and a scholarship would greatly help in that aspect.

Megan

Do not make any of your decisions based off of what Damien wants. You will meet so many wonderful people at CSU and he won't even matter in your life anymore. Don't let him or mom get you down. They are not worth it and really don't affect your life that much once you're at college. Try to breathe and stay calm once in a while. I know that there is a lot going on, but you will get through it. Stay strong. Fort Collins is one of the best places ever and everything that you are stressing about now won't matter once you get there. Relax and know that better days are ahead of you. Don't worry about the hardships you're facing now, they will go away. Don't worry about losing friends or losing Damien. The "friends" you have now aren't going to be there 8 months from now and you will make some of the best friends in the world at CSU anyway. Stay calm, breathe, and believe in yourself. You got this!

Taylor

Taylor, the first year will be the hardest. The dorms are awful, the food is almost unbearable, and unfortunately you may be forced to shack up with some strange individuals and spend a lot of time lonely; but, don't let these things compromise your outlook. You will meet some of the best people you will ever have the privilege of knowing and be exposed to a plethora of new things. You will thrive in the independent setting and once you get your own kitchen, transportation, and a job off campus the package will be complete. Just a little more waiting, one year to be exact, and your patience will pay off. Good luck, work hard, and remember chin up, always.

Hannah

I was one of those students who never really studied in high school, and it made college a little bit difficult, particularly in my chemistry class. I would tell myself that I'd have to learn how to study, because college and high school are two very different learning environments. There are a ton of study groups on campus, but I didn't find any until halfway through the semester, so I would definitely want to give my senior-self a heads-up on that. Something else I'd want to say is that "It's going to be okay". When I headed off to college, I was so scared because I'm going out of state and didn't know anyone except my roommate, whom I'd only met once. I'd tell myself all about the awesome people I'd meet and friends I'd make, not to mention that the zumba classes in our rec center are really fun! Most of all, I'd tell myself to get involved. I joined a couple of clubs on campus and met a lot of friends there. Getting involved is the most important thing of all!

Melissa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would encourage myself to have practiced and learned as many study skills as I could have in high school to find out what works best for me, as well as what are the most efficient types for when you're in a time crunch. I would have been more easy-going and not let things bother me so much in high school. Being in college has allowed me to realize that a lot of the things I got upset about last year didn't really matter and it was wasted efforts getting myself involved in drama when I could have spent that time more effectively and enjoyed my last year in high school. I also would have liked to have participated in more community service and volunteer opportunities, so that I would know how to get involved in them in college, which is going to be a very important part of the higher educational experience.

Tessa

Love your pets very well because you are going to miss them once you are in college. Know how to multitask and organize really well. Cherish your friends.

Connor

Make a decision with what will make you happy and what seems to be best fit your personality. If you pick somewhere that doesn't seem like who you are you aren't going to be happy. Also when you get to school for the first time you need to get out of your shell and talk to as many people as you can. The more people you can network with the better off you'll be in the long run. Last but not least, participate in school events, intermurals, and join clubs to get to know people who are in your same major.

Karalee

HIgh School will end. Your future is ahead of you, it does not consist of the past. You need to think about things; what you want to do, to be, to study, to work at. Don't avoid these thinks and expect them to just come, because that will only lead to setbacks. Try not to worry so much, even if you don't have it all figured out, you'll get there eventually. Don't waste the time ahead, it'll go by too fast. You may have regrets, setbacks, challenges, but that doesn't mean you weren't supposed to experience these things. Have fun, enjoy the now, even if you think you are wasting your life at some point, you aren't, you're living, just a little differently than you thought you would be. Most of all, don't be afraid. Things may be hard, you may not see much light, but it is there, it'll get better, you'll figure it out. It will be okay. I promise. Do the best you can. That's all you can do. I belive in you, other people do to.

Bailey

If going back in time to my senior year of high school were an option, I know exactly what I would tell myself. Even though it has been less than a year since I graduated, I would adamently encourage my past self to apply for scholarships. At the time I was rather busy, and that seemed to me to be low down on my list of things to do, but knowing what I know now, I wish I would have made it a higher priority.

Ember

If I were to go back in time to talk to myself in highschool I would tells my self to worry less. I would have told myself to really embrace life rather than just go through it. I do not regret anything I have done, but I would love to be more open to people and life. I would also tell myself that I will do well in the things that I set out for, that things are going to work out regardless of the moment of changes seeming impossible. Just Breathe and Enjoy. I would also tell myslef that things change and that they will affect my life in a huge way, but that does not mean that I can not make it though. I am a strong person with a great intuition. Stay with it! I rock!

Steven

i will tell myself to pay attention in class so you can be better prepared for college. high school is meant to prepare you for college. i would also tell my self to get out of the habbit of putting things to the last minute.

Jessie Mae

If I could go back in time and talk to my former self as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life here is the advice I would give myself: I would tell myself to get extra help to help me pass my classes. If I wasn't so worried about failing I would have stayed in school and graduated. Instead I dropped out and got my GED a few years later. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I could for when I enrolled in college and take as less student loans out as possible. I would tell myself to ask for help sooner rather than later.

Hannah

The course work in college is not only more difficult, but it requires more time to complete. Making effecient use of your time is critical to staying current in you r classes. Make sure your study habits are well thought out and give you more than enough time to complete the task. Don't cut corners or fool yourself into thinking you can cram for it, because you can't. Also, take more Advance Placement courses for college credit. This will free up time for other more interesting courses.