Columbia College Chicago Top Questions

I would only want to tell myself on thing: get a job! College is extremely expensive but I never realized just how expensive it was until I got here. I wouldn't want to tell myself too much, though. That's part of the fun of college. You get to try new things and meet new people. It's exciting! College is all new territory and when you get here, it's your time to explore it. If I told my past self too much, it would spoil the fun, the surprise! Yes, college is difficult and already I've made many mistakes but I've learned from them and they have shaped my college experience. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Knowing what I know now about college, I would present to my high school senior self a list of 9 simple pieces of advice: 1) Keep in touch with your friends! You will get homesick... a lot. 2) PLEASE get a job! Understand that even though you go to an art school, you don't actually have to be a starving artist. 3) ...But for those times that you ARE starving, have a huge stash of Ramen Noodles and frozen dinners handy. 4) Be "roommate friendly." You know that "Roommate From Hell" everyone worries about? Well, you were it. 5) "Open Admission" is not code name for, "I can slack off because this school must be easy." You didn't spend four years in prep school to flunk all of your classes. 6) Stay focused. Drama doesn't end after high school, but don't let it get to you. 7) Breathe. You will be overwhelmed at first, but things get easier. 8) Break out of your shell! Get involved in your surroundings. Meet new people. Volunteer. Network like crazy. And lastly? 9) Log off of Facebook. Farmville and Cafe World will be there when your homework is done.

My senior year in high school brings back a flood of memories of severe turbulence. My father succumbed to his battle with cancer, and with a suddenly new shaky foundation, the family he left behind seemed to be missing its glue. Personally, I hit a new low; grades went south, a once loving and supportive family began fighting, and I began drinking as an escape route. I just didn't care anymore, basically throwing in the towel on life. If I knew then what I know now, I would have told myself that life is filled with bumps in the road, and it is how we deal with those bumps that turn us into who we are. If a door were to never shut, how would we know how to open another? If I could change things, of course I would prefer to have my father back but that wasn?t the hand I was dealt. Having to pull myself up by the bootstraps and pursue my dreams has made me a stronger person, and the realization that we never truly lose a loved one because they live on through us, is what the cycle of life is truly about.

Dear Abbey, DONT PROCRASTINATE! Whether its going to college tours or doing final projects make sure you take the initiative to do them early and do your best. You think you work and perform better under stress and whether its the truth or not, when you get stressed you stress out others. Stop it. TAKE CRITICISM! Every audition you go to will not always accept you, because you are too short or look too young. You should always take positive criticism and learn from mistakes and do better next time. YOU CAN"T CHANGE WHO YOU ARE! You have to accept that you are five foot three inches, and a half. you have brown hair and brown eyes and it doesn?t matter if you fry it, dye it, or hide it, that?s what you?ve got. You are still Abbey Rose Cochran. BE OPTIMISTIC! If you make one person smile everyday, you will be a better person for it. Is your glass half empty of half full? Do you make other?s glasses half empty or half full? The show is about to begin on the rest of your life. Take advantage of everything life throws at you.

I would tell myself to work hard, and to continue working toward our dream.

If I could travel back in time with the knowledge that I have now I would have told myself to not worry, college is better than you expect. Innitally it is somewhat intimidating to transition from high school to college. I was the first child in my family to further my education. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, all I knew was that I had a dream and I very much wanted to exceed at accomplishing my goals I had set out for myself. I would have told myself to have confidence because believing in yourself is the ultimate form of power. I know when I was in high school, I worried about what others thought of me which in a way prohibited me from taking risks. I know the reason that I did not try as hard in the past was because I was afraid of what it would feel like to fail or face rejection. Having confidence and a sense of who you are is a key to success. I know now that everything takes time and effort and looking back at challenges that were granted I was able to overcome a common teenage obsacle: fear.

I would just simply advise to learn as much as you can. Learning is a never ending experience and it will help you in every way in your life. Learning experience is a great potential for an individual. Listen to wise advises and be always open minded. Learn from your bad and good experiences. In fact, people learn more from bad experiences because they learn not to fall for the same mistake again. Pick your friends very wisely, but always help somebody every chance you get.

I would tell myself to work harder and to not get discouraged so easily, things come around in circles and even if you're having troubles now everything will look up. Stop being so afraid of showing the world what you know, stop being afraid of events because no one you know will be there. Don't be afraid to enter a conversation, join in and see what comes from it. It's not a bad thing to spend hours working on one assignment, even at the library, it's perfectly normal, also don't be afraid to tell the teacher that you need help or that something is going on. Chances are they want to help you, no one wants you to repeat the class. If you're not happy with something be ready to change it, life is too short to be unhappy.

If I could go back to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school I would give myself some good advise. I would explain that the earlier you start college means the younger you can make above average income. I would tell myself to pick up my grades, and not miss anymore school. Never get credit cards, it just causes problems. Never quit when the homework becomes overwhelming. I would also tell myself not to worry; in the future you are going to be doing just fine.

When I was a senior I was scared to do anything with out my mother because of my learning disability; I thought I would need her for everything. If I could go back to the year 2008, I would tell my senior self, Chloe foucus, do not be scared to explore, there is a huge world out there, ready to find out who you are. Branch off our mom you can do this. Make our family happy. This is your time to growup and show the world who we are. Do not, I repeat do not, let your learning disability get in the way its just a minor road block. Dont let your social life get in the way of your education. The only peson that can get in your way of not accomplishing something is you. Dont let nobody tell you what you can do or what your not going to be able to do. You can do anthing you set your mind to.

If I could tell myself anything it would be to be careful, cautious and responsible. Make sure financial aid is completely together before begining college so that you will not run the risk of having to leave a school you love because of the lack of funding.

Candace, Do noy get caught up in what you can't do but focus on what you can do and what you can learn to do. Life isn't about failing but learning how to recover from your failures. Keep your head up.

DO NOT GIVE UP!

If I could go back to my self in highschool, I would say don't just scrap by with the minimum and hope everything will work out. In highschool i always made good grades and did my work, but when it came time to apply to colleges i picked one and hope for the best. I got lucky and fortunately love my school but be sure to go and check out campuses and amke sure you want to spend money and be at this place for 4 years. Then I tried for a scholarships or two and decided I can always just get a student loan. Then it was almost time for me to go to school and I was still struggling to find the money because it turns out student loans are very hard to get. So my advice to present highschoool seniors is to apply to as many scholarships and grants as you can and when you think you have done enough keep applying. Do not just settle for a school and dont take student loans as a way out of work because they are hard to get because the economy and a hassel to pay off.

What I think high school seniors should know about college life is that they have to try their best and work hard in order to succeed at college. Listening effectively in class and studying hard really pays off when you get good grades. There is a lot of course work in college, but it's all for a reason that will benefit the learning experience as a whole. Stay positive and keep your chin up during the rough times, because in the end you'll feel great! College is a very fun time, and I also encourage seniors to participate in groups and reach out to new people because that will enhance the college experience. Take advantage of the programs your college has to offer because once you're out of college the facilities and student organizations may not be available. Attending college is a very important time in everyone's life, and the harder you work, the more you'll gain in the end! Don't be afraid, and always ask for help if you need it.

If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I do not think I would say much. What I would say is, "always look to God when you need strength and help. He is always there." I would say this to myself because there are times when I might get worried about certain situations but when i call on God and talk to Him I know there is nothing to worry about. Because everything will be taken care of if you believe and have faith in Him.

Everyone tells you that it is perfectly normal for you to not have decided on a major and people change majors all the time once in college. Well, they were right. You only had four years of select classes in which you have to decide on a career. The rest of your life is a long time. Take your time and make sure you pick a career that you can be happy with. Why rush the decision, college can be a fun time if you let it be. Enjoy the ride because life is too short not to enjoy every second of it.

As a high school senior, i was young, naive and in anticipation of a twenty-four/seven party school where I could learn a few new things about myself. As it turns out, I have learned a great deal more about myself by experiencing a very short party that ended when my first college final exams came. Things for me were not as easy as they were in high school, and I began being treated as an adult with responsibilities and consequences, which also meant working a part-time job. I was not sure what to expect; not knowing anyone who was a college graduate. However, as it turns out, I am pleased to have entered and continued my college career with an open mind and will to learn, change, and be suprised. If there were a way to go back in time and give myself advice for my college future, it would be to expect the unexpected, come to class prepared to learn and discuss, and to save my pennies.

I would tell myself to never give up on what I believe in. To always be aware of the other types of people, and to always have confidence in myself, because I am my hardest critique. Patience is a virtue, and will be very important with Interior Architecture and design.

I would of applied for scholarships then while i was in highschool. instead of just waiting around for something to come up. I should have looked into more colleges and check there intution out as well. the colleges that i was intended to apply for I didnt apply to and I had references and everything I really feel like I messd up. If I could go back to my senior year i would of also not hold anything back and did everything as soon as possible. I wish I can go back to when i was applying for highschool maybe i would of choosen a better school as well. It seems as if it is easy to get into College but its extremely hard to stay in because of money. pay attention to the deadlines and if you need help just ask.

I would stat by telling myself that i need to look for financial aid NOW rather that put it off with all of my other college stuff, so that i could go straight into my dream college without having to take a year off and hopefully get enough help to go back. And remind myself that im going into a profession with a rather high unemployment rate (theatre acting) and altho i am very passionate and driven about it, passion wont pay off those loans! i need to look for and get as much as i could then when it would be easier because of my steller high school grades! And to live an example through my sister-in law's death. Not throw my future away with my depression. Serena wouldnt have wanted that, and i know that now. I need to keep my head up and my eye on the future. I'm ment for so much more and i can, and will, acheive my dreams.

Listen to my parents! I should have went to a Community College for 2 years and transfer over to a Tradional 4 year University. Also to get a better job than I already had and SAVE UP ALL OF MY MONEY! Also I should have invest in some kind of program to help me go to the college that I want to go to now.

I would tell myself not to worry so much about getting accepted. As it turns out, my school has an open acceptance policy, something that I was not informed about (guess I didn't have to apply to any safety schools after all!). I would also tell myself to attend more of the campus events, and to not worry so much about not knowing anyone. I'd advise myself to pack some wall decorations, because an interesting poster can be a great conversation point for people who are passing by my room, thus introducing me to new people.

I would tell myself to focus on my school. Make sure to work hard and get everything done one time. Don't skip class because it is very hard to catch back up. I would also tell myself to live on campus because it is easier to make friends!

I would first off tell myself to not listen to my parents in the college decision making process. In order for that to work, I would tell myself to seek out professional help from career counselors. Also, from those who have been in a similar situation, as in not knowing what they wanted to pursue in the future, but eventually reached their goals. With that said, being financially smart, not only by understanding the real value of money, but pushing myself to apply for more scholarships and other financial aid opportunities. Then again, college is a learning experience and coming right out of high school, I was still a teen. I just wish I had someone who would have given me a little better advice based on what I wanted to do with my life, rather than what was right for them. In the end, I am where I wanted to be, but even after only two and a half years, it?s been one bumpy road.

Jessica, you know you?re a writer. Don't assume you can't make a living on your passion. Embrace it. Pursue it. Don?t fight it in the vain attempt of securing another position in this society, the time it takes for you to discover you were already on the path, you will have wasted YEARS. You?ve always felt if it wasn?t complicated you didn?t exert enough effort. Have you ever considered how effortless those things that are MEANT for you are supposed to be? Reveal in the fact that you?re seventeen and know your career? don?t settle for a job.

The best advice that I would give younger self, is to change your mentality and never loose your focus. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that having a lazy high school mentality will not do you any good in college. Going to college is your way of starting your career, becoming an adult, and formatting you life. It is not something that you can just toss to the side and take for granted. It is a blessing and an opportunity for you to make something of yourself. Not only will you be bettering yourself, but you will be bettering the life for your future family. That is something that you have to keep in mind. If you keep worrying about partying and having fun, then you will be missing out on what is important. Waiting for a young man whom you are dearly in love with , is just wasting time. Especially when he is not sure if he loves you back. Focus on what God has for you. Do what you need to do, so that you can be able to do what you want to do. Change your mind set and just focus.

the advise i would give my self if i can go back to when i was a senior, i would stay focus and be persistant and make sure i do everything in my power to maintain good grades, and pay attention. in to put forth a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort to succeed in all my classes, i will study more, write more, attend extra classes so i can better understand my work. but must of all i would attend class everyday and talk to my teachers about different subjects i need help with. theese are the advise i would give myself.

I would tell myself to ecpect the unexpected. College is nothing like highschool, NOTHING. I would tell myself to prepare for a fun time, but also a rough time. Going to school in the city is not as easy as you may think, especially if you don't live on campus. So I would make sure I tell myself to prepare to face some challenges, and to not give up with school even though it may be tough.

Concentrate on WHAT matters, and never worry about HOW things will manifest. Belief will make things real, and this is the most important lesson I've learnded throughout my journey since high school. Everything in your life starts in your mind and don't forget it. This, along with the shock of seeing myself from the future, will exponentially make me move through life with more light.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior - I would tell myself not to waste anytime and to continue in school. Just because I didn't have any money or financial support - there's nothing wrong with taking out a loan and repaying it later. Don't procrastinate, time is not on your side, and the sooner you get your education towards your career - the better. I had a major and everything but still sat around. So I would have motivated myself more.

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself advice about college life, then there is nothing that I could say. I like to learn as I go along. If I don't make mistakes and stumble sometimes, then how will I ever find success in life? Mistakes make us who we are. They make us stronger and prepare us for the future. You have to fail before you can win.

I would ask myself, "Are you nervous?" Although nerves are showing signs that we're alive, it is a sign of uncertainty. Thus, my great words of wisdom are to be sure. Be sure that going to college is the right decision for you. If you are not sure about what you are going to school for, then be sure that the college you are going to has options in your line of interest for you to tackle once you are ready. Also, be sure to have your priorities straight. So many times you will be faced to make a decision. You won't always make the right one. As long as you are sure of what you want long term and not just at that moment, then you will learn from your mistakes, grow in the process, and be in the right direction of being a great student.

I would tell myself to get on the computer and fill out every scholarship i can.

The one thing that I would have done differently as a High School Student ,would probably have been to look at scholarships and apply to as many as I could. As a high school student I wasn?t taught how to research scholarships and there for missed out on many great opportunities. If I was shown how to research and apply to the many scholarships out there, I probably would have gotten the money that I need to fund my education after transferring to a four year college from a two year college. I feel another thing that probably stopped me from looking at scholarships and asking for that help early on was the fact that I was going to Community College first and didn?t think I would need much external aid. That concept was also my mistake. But now I know that I have to apply to all that I can and hope to receive some aid. Now that I am at a four year university I know what I have done and I have learend how to look for opportunities to fund my education.

?Work your butt off, and find the best of yourself!? Those would be the words I would tell myself. I should learn to concentrate more on my work and getting a better idea of all the things available to me at Columbia. I would tell myself to work hard. Columbia is defiantly not like other schools, so a majority of the work I would do wasn?t book work but art projects. I would have to give more than my all on these projects and try to be as creative as possible. I would try to make me understand the importance of working as hard as I can to create my best work. This isn?t a school where I could simply find the answers in a book and get an A. It?s the type of school where I had to look into myself and use my own creativity to create things that are unique and my own. That would be the most important thing, to help me understand that it wasn?t about the books anymore but it was something deeper. Its about looking at myself , finding the best of myself and transferring that into all my work.

If i could somehow talk to my highschool senior self about the college life, i would not abbreviate the fact that making the transition from highschool to college, with no academic or self training, will be extremely complicated. A couple of the most important trainings that i would need to posess would include, maintaining a reasonable G.P.A., and the ability to push myself above and beyond standards. Considering that most "good" colleges only accept students with higher levels of excellence, i would express to my past self, that maintaining an exceptional, but realistic G.P.A. is significantly important. by applying myself in this way, i would leave a great impression on many colleges by showing my intentions to manifesting the certainty of having my objective in demand. A very valuable step to successfully completing college, is always challenging yourself to push foward and farther. I would tell my past senior self, that pushing foward and farther is all about training the mind to cooperate with the body in reaching for your set goals. Realizing your objective, overcoming any obstacles faced and then grasping at your goal will only lead to the conquer of your success.

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would say, "Be prepared to take control of your own life. Going to college is a privilege that not everyone can enjoy, so use that privilage you have been granted to make yourself successful and satisfied with your own life so that you can help those who can't. There are many people in the world who sit and complain about work and drift through life like it's all a dull, boring dream. As Agnes Repplier said, 'It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. ' College gives you the oppurtunity to find that happiness in yourself by giving you the chance to do whatever you want in order to become successful. Self-satisfaction is what distinguishes a person who settles with their own banality from someone who becomes a clear face in a crowd of billions. "

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to always do the best that you can and take things in one at a time. There will be a lot of work thrown at you when you are in college, and try not to become overwhelmed with all of it. Appreciate what Columbia has to offer and take those opportunities with unpaid internships while in school, so you have a lot more experience after you graduate. Don't be afraid to go out and experience events that happen in the Columbia community. It is a great way to experience different cultures and styles. Also, get some more sleep, so you don't fall asleep on the train in the your morning commute. Just keep working hard and stay passionate about your career. It will pay off in the end.

If I could travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would be very straightforward. Since I am a commuting student at an art school my words of wisdom would be different from many others. I would tell myself to take time out to make a game plan, meaning map out what your goals are while you are attending that institution. Always be open, have a friendly attitude towards everyone. Everyone that you meet, you will more than likely see them again. They might be the person you will need to help you on a film/video. Always humble yourself; you are not the best film producer yet. In order to maximize your college experience, join clubs and organizations to meet new people and build bonds. Last but certainly not least just have fun, but be responsible. Four years go past really fast. Always remember to "Create Change" that is the Columbia College Moto.

The corse work is a lot of work compaired to high school. It would probibly be best to start off your freshman year with a light load. Once you attend the classes then you can make re-arangments to your schedual and add or drop classes. Since this school is located in the middle of downtown, my suggestion would be to live on campus as a freshman. Dont bring a car because you wont need one. Another thing is that if you plan on going out that weekend take out enough money to cover the entire weekend because atm fees downtown are extremely expensive. Try to get involved and meet lots of people. You will be living down town chicago, so there will be plenty of opprotunities. There are no sports activities because this is an art school so make sure you are ok with that. There is also no school spirit or anything like that because it is an urban campus and artistic school. The people here are very diverse so you need to be extremely comfortable with yourself to interact with others. I have never witnessed any discriminations so be yourself and have fun!

I would give myself the advice that their are SO many colleges out there. You need to look at all of them and not settle for the one where all your friends are going, or where your parents want you to go. This is YOUR life decision. YOU have to ultimately live with YOUR choices. In high school you are guarded by many teachers, friends, parents etc. But, going/getting to college is your first step at independence. Take the high road and make this experience a very positive one. I myself think I have choosen a very good path. I am very happy with everything that has happened so far up to this point, And ultimately, that it what you should be looking for, happiness. When moving on in your life you need to make sure that you embark on things that make YOU happy and no one else.

Being a senior in highschool might mean taking on a lot of anxiety and uncertainty but if you have gone through any life experience you know that beginning anything is always the toughest obstacle to overcome. Relax and be mindful in the transition from high school to college. College means greater opportunities for a career, knowledge, change, socializing and progress! Understand the preparation that is necessary to succeed, follow through and be mindful of any situation that you are in. When you take on these actions and thought processes you are more than likely going to succeed.

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior I would tell myself it is all going to be okay. It does not matter that I do not know what I want to be. I would emphasize not to put so much pressure on myself to get through school in four years and to take the time to figure out what I really want from life. I would tell myself to enjoy every opportunity and not rush through it. I would let my younger self know that there are plenty peole out there in the world who do not know what they want from life and I should not stick to something because I think it will get me through college faster and make life easier. I would also tell my high school self that I am going to mess up and that I will make mistakes and I better get used to it. If I want to live a happy and adventurous life I better not be embarrassed to be myself and speak what is on my mind. I should never hold back from anything.

The college years are some of the best years one will experience in life. It's a time when you have the freedom to explore your own interests, meet diverse people, and learn exciting and new things as you work toward building your future. Some advice I would give myself as a highschool senior: 1. Take time to learn which program/s is right for you - Before declaring a major, do research and ask questions to determine which program fits your goals. I believe if you do what you are passionate about you can't go wrong. Start with your end in mind! 2. Get involved - Interact with others. Take the opportunities to learn not only in class, but also in your environment, from peers, and professors. 3. Be yourself - Each one of us is unique and special in our own way. Don't feel like you need to change who you are to fit in. And try not to be too hard on yourself. If at first you don't succeed keep trying. 4. Show appreciation - Always thank those who support you. 5. Finally, make your education a priority. In all you do strive to do your personal best!

Choose to pursue exactly what you love and are passionate about. And don't doubt it. Don't be afraid of failing, because you will do that a lot. Stare dissapointment in the face and get excited, because you are growing and learning. Life would be trite if nothing was hard. Surround yourself with people that will lift you up. Don't do what you think sounds the most "practical". Will you be passionate about "practical" in 5, 10, 20 years?? Live in the PRESENT. Cling to your beliefs. Be joyful. Your college experience is what YOU make of it. It doesn't matter if you don't like your proffessor or your classmates; you can take what you want from the experience. So push yourself. Try things. Stay encouraged. Approach everything with great panache.

I would tell myself to get better grades and apply for scholarships the beginning of my senior year so I don't have to worry about paying back the student loans that I have now. I would also consider my options to the last minute so then I know where I want to go and what I want to do when I reach the school campus.

"The world that lies ahead is full of love and promise," if I was given a chance to talk to myself as a high school senior, those are the exact words I would tell myself. As I entered college, I immediately fell victim to the stereotypical lifestyle associated with being in college: partying. Today, I have come to acknowledge that college is not about partying, but about finding the love that is within and spreading that love in order to envoke the personal revolutions within everyone. If I were to go back, I would tell myself not to submit to the casualness of partying and hooking up. I would encourage myself to take more initiative in high school clubs, so that I could be successful in college. I believe that student organizations help promote self-awareness and a positive self-esteem. These qualities are necessary when entering college, and if I were to go back and give advice, I would inform myself of the importance of student organizations.

You cannot depend on anyone else to help you with school from this point on. As an adult, you are responsible for getting everything together as far as preparing to go to college. Take all the time you need to figure out what it is you really want to pursue career wise. Don't let anyone discourage you or push you to go down the wrong career path becasue this is your life . You'll know when you're ready for college and be prepared for the obsticles that you'll run into.

Save money and stay focused. i wish someone would have told me to save more money for college. depending on where you go it can get kind of expensive.