Columbus State Community College Top Questions

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

Justin

You know your plan. College isn't for you and your high school transcript reflects that. You have some maturing to do before you should approach school. Go head and take that year off. Go to that two month audio production workshop. It'll help you to be able to live on your own and possibly assist you in redefining those average study skills. Get your drivers lisence, you're behind on that one. Move out into your own apartment. That action seems really appealing, but although rent will eat away at your money, you might be reshapped by some responsibility. Although a social life is important, you will be there for school work. Don't forget that much; take care of your responsibilities first.

Samuel

I would tell my past self that I need to be a lot more organized. I would also say that I would get to know every person that I could because the more people you know the more help you can get. One more thing that I would say is start being responsible as soon as possible so you get a taste of what the college life is like.

Madeleine

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice as a high school senior I would tell myself to give future a deep thought. Try to figure out a few things that I'm interested and curious about, so that I don't end up wasting time and money trying to explore various options at a costly college level. This is a point in my life when I have plenty of time, be ambitious and ask around and also explore various options that could interest me. Stop thinking that everything is in the future and that I don't have to worry about such choices for an extended amount of time, because years fly by and before I know it I will be married with two kids and a dog living across the Atlantic Ocean where I actually have to pay for college. Do not take anything for granted, plan ahead and be ambitious.

lee

I would have told myself that it is really important to finish highschool. Dropping out makes going to collage much more difficult. I would have also told myself the importance of getting good scores on the SAT were almost more important than my actual grades.

Taylor

I would tell myself to take the plunge and go straight to school; to enjoy the college experience that I've heard so much about but unfortunately missed. I would also tell myself, though, to make sure it is exactly what I want to do; I see so many of my high school classmates and new friends who went the high school straight to college route assuming that was what they were supposed to do, and ended up stuck with a major and a degree that they had no interest in. 27 year old me would be sure that 18 year old me took the time to think about what it is I think I could do for the rest of my life, and to look at it from every side possible: time, family, success, money, but most of all, happiness! Then...I would say Taylor, life only gets better!

Christa

I would tell myself to first take time to really think about what career I may want to enter. It is okay to take time off after college to decide on a career and to give myself time to also mature so I can be more focused in college. Once I was ready to attend college I would tell myself to become educated on student loans and scholarships and to take the time to utilize the help and activities that are available on campus. I would also tell myself to become disciplined and focused, because not spending time on studying and doing homework can set you back and delay the processing of the main goal which is graduation.

Kendra

If I could go back I would tell myself 'don't sweat it'. College is a smooth transition. The twelve years you spend in school actually pay off. All of the times you worried about the little projects and tests was worth it. College is by no means easier, but if you keep the determination and focus that you have always had you will be successful. College is not a place to procrastinate or slack off but it is a place to be organized and prosper. You grow up fast when you go to college because you are your own motivator. You do not have people cheering you on all the time so being focused and determined is key. Overall, there is not need to worry, you'll be fine if you take what you have learned previously with you.

Brittany

I would tell myself a lot of things about college if I could go back in time. I would tell myself to not procrastinate about scholarships and get as much information as I can about them and just keep applying. I really needed more scholarship money since my dad lost his job. I would also tell myself to get as much information about entering college as I can and do not worry as much about the school work of high school. I would tell myself to talk to counselors at high school and college about how to get prepared and about the placement test. I feel that would have helped me to not feel so overwhelmed. I would also tell myself how different life at college will be. I would say that the workload will be high and it will be lonely at times, but I would tell myself to not get stressed about it because it will help me to be more independent. Most of all, I would tell myself that I am making the right decision about college and my major. I would say that I will like my major and see that it is right for me.

Jeremy

During senior year of high school, do not take the laid back classes, as they make the transition to much more advanced classes difficult. Also begin to budget your money as soon as possible, as college is very financially difficult, and can be quite disastrous if you aren't prepared. I know this sounds like a lot of responsibility to own up to during high school, but once you graduate, you are off in the real world, where no one is there to hold your hand through your hardships. The best way to prepare for life after high school is to not only arm yourself with knowledge early on in life, but to actually apply that knowledge to help you grow accustomed to life not only during college but after as well.

janeen

The first thing I would tell myself is that put your education first, second and third that all the other things you felt you had to do now will be there after your education

Muata

This a good question, one that I have thought about before, and this is what I concluded. Life's experiences are worth their weight in gold. Precious are the lessons we learn from good and bad decisions, good times and trials. Those who learn not to repeat the mistakes of others, or better still, their own, is most wise and a gem to society. I personally would not change a thing that I have experienced, for it has taught me a lot(how to love,what I want out of life ,and what I don't), however; if I could change anything, it would be the speed in which I finally learned from it. I believe test and trials will come, to show what we know, for life is a classroom, and God, the professor. Everything He allows us to go through is to show where we lack, and where we are strong, and all of His exams are to make us greater, and better help to someone else.

Jason

I would tell myself that no matter how tough it may seem, stick to school. Don't stop in the middle of a semester because you just can't take it anymore. I would tell myself that I have wonderful friends and family who support me, and who will be there for me when times get tough. That no matter what happens, stick to your work and don't stop. Life is much harder out of school, and you can make a better living by getting a degree the first time around, rather than quitting school and returning later on.

Tyler

I would tell myself first and foremost to study. I would tell myself to stop fooling afround as much and start making better grades. I maintained a 3.0 in high school but looking back i could have worked harder to get higher grades. This would have opened up more scholarships and opportunities to me. Its amazing how when your in high school you dont look as much to te future and are more worried about the here and now. It;s like that with alot of things though. You dont notice them or realize what you should have done until after the time has passed you by. Of course hind sight is 20/20 but the importance of seizing the moment has never seemed so imoprtant than when your looking back on what you could of done or should of done and knowing that it directly affected where your at now in your life.

Alicia

If if could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would have advised myself to jump right into fall quarter after high school, instead of waiting for the next quarter. If i had done that not only would i have more college credit, but i would be much closer at achieving my goal to jumping into my selected career out of college. I would also advise myself to put great detail, and effort into more of my assignments, especially in english, because although i did a great job, i think i would have done much better, and succeeded even more at my writing. I would also advise myself as a senior to try and get into clubs, to be more active, make more friends, and gain even more input on others ideas about any subject, life in their eyes, and even opinions or suggestions of what i can do.

Julie

Don't wait or expect your parents to help you pay for college; find ways on your own to do it. Also find places of interest to volunteer at in order to help you make a better decision for what to major in when you get to college. If your school counselor doesn't call you into his/her office continue to bug them until they effectively help you.

Kristin

There are so many things that I would love to go back in time to tell myself throughout my highschool years. If I had the opportunity to do so I would start off by telling myself to ask for help. The staff is there to help the students succeed. Don't get so defeted, just pick yourself back up and try again. It isn't easy, but it'll only be harder later. I would try to explain to myself that the opportunities after high school are so much greater if you put forth a genuine effort and try. Overall I would tell myself not to give up.

Kyle

Understand that high school teachers and administrators have your best interest at heart and know what they are talking about. They are there to help with the transition and help answer any questions you have about college. Everything teachers do, from the homework to the tests to the discipline, serves a purpose no matter how redundant the task may be. In the end you'll be more grateful for having been put through it.

Kimberley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to use all resources available to me. That you have to study as hard during your senior year as the rest of your high school career. Setting of priorities and limiting of parties is needed. There will be boughts of homesickness but if you keep yourself busy and join clubs you will see, you hardly miss home at all. I would tell my self to use all tutors, and study halls to better prepare myself for the heavy workload. Most of all I would tell myself to always be prepared.

Bethany

Stick with it! No matter how much you don't want to go it is worth it! Better it get it all done early then go back later and regret the decisions you've made. Look into everything and review it all.

Latasha

I remember not so long ago my outlook on education wasn?t so enthusiastic. I used to get very frustrated and feel I was always a couple paces behind the rest of the class. Since I was unable to decide what the best major for me was, I had convinced myself into thinking I wasn?t cut out for college. I continued concentrating on my job in hopes of one day receiving a promotion. I work as an account clerk in a Business Office. I have felt stuck or boxed in my current position. I could not see beyond my current position and the promotions never came. I have found a major that is suited for me which is Business Management and Civil Engineering. I plan on transferring to Ohio University and enrolling in the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies Dec., 2011. I have a lot of family support that is cheering me on and my outlook for the future is very positve now. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself never give up. Always believe in yourself and anything is possible. Thank you for your time and have a nice day!

Amanda

I would go back and tell the "me" of the past not to be stupid and go to school as soon as you graduate, and do not let anyone or anything stand in your way!!!

Frankie

Frankie Guglielmi, determine what kind of career fields you could see yourself in before you graduate from high school. Since you are undecided for a college major my best advice would be for you to go online and research all college majors. Write down the ones that most interest you and head in that direction, furthering research on each. You should choose the major that you feel will bring the most contentment to your life. When choosing a college you must determine whether or not you want a "college experience" or an education. They both can be combined but a community college will provide you with more of an education rather than a "college experience". Even though you may feel you will not go pro in a sport, joining college athletics could bring you scholarships, friends, and encouragement along with your education. It is also a great idea to find a good part-time job that you can keep through your education. Practice the use of a personal schedule to keep yourself well organized with the new congestion of college life. Understand that when you graduate high school self-commitment and motivation are crucial to your succes in college.

Michelle

Michelle, everything will really be alright. You don't need to be so nervous about going to college. Yes, there will be an overwhelming amount of new people - at first. Soon, you will love the diversity. You will love to see how different people learn and live their lives. Secondly, stop freaking out about the schoolwork. Yes, it will be challenging. I promise you, though, you can do it. Keep chugging along. Do your homework and read your assignments. Ask questions when you need to. Just because you're not in high school anymore, doesn't mean you can't ask questions when you don't understand something. Lastly, expect the unexpected. Learning is the priority; don't forget that learning doesn't always come from your textbooks and lectures. Go have an adventure when you need a break from the same flashcards you just flipped through 3,432,817 times. Embrace the change.

Kristen

You did great in highschool, but you should have spent more time filling out scholarship applications and focused on getting federal aid. Also instead of working 40+hours a week, you should have focused more on school work instead of being tired all the time. Take time to figure out what you want to do, friends are important to have, but your future and career matter more. I also would have recommended to take the ACT more than one time instead of settling for just one score.

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior to discuss college life and making the transition, I would tell myself not to be so proud and go anywhere that I can afford to obtain a four year degree. I would tell myself in detail that "brand named" colleges are not everything, but having a education from anywhere is the most important thing to accomplish. The best college education is one that is not listed as the best in U.S.A. reports, however the best college education is the one where myself makes the best out of my education; meaning I make my education. I would explain to myself how much more difficult of a time I will have finding the financial aid I need for college and must "weed" out the corporate practices of a college, and attend the school that offers the best education for the money. I would also tell myself above all, to be happy. Find my happy place and work towards my goals. For with out happiness, no education is worth gaining unless one personally grows.