Cuyahoga Community College District Top Questions

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

Kylie

My dad still tells the story of how when he dropped me off my freshman year of college, I was a walking contradiction: eager and timid, wide-eyed with wonder and fear, reverted back to a little kid who was told to run free on the playground when they weren't quite ready to let go of their parent's hand. Here's my words of advice to innocent high school senior me: 1. IT'S OKAY TO NOT HAVE AN ANSWER TO THE MOST ANNOYING QUESTION EVER. It's normal to not know what you want to go to school for or be when you grow up. I'm now 25 and I only just now figured it out. 2. YOUR COLLEGE ROOMMATE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. Treat others the way you'd like to be treated, and your dormroom doesn't have to go into full Darwin mode. Simple as that. 3. TIME PASSES NO MATTER WHAT. IT'S WHAT YOU DO WITH THAT TIME THAT MATTERS. College (and life) goes so quickly that it's important to not idly sit while it passes you by. Do something meaningful that will better yourself.

Nechama

I would advise everyone to start applying for scholarship as soon as possible. I did not, and have come to regret this. I would also encourage everyone to apply to a few places. One college should be above your standards, and one below. This gives you a better chance of acceptance. My next tip would be to try to hook up with a professor in college that knows his stuff. This way if you had any questions you have someone to talk to. Not all advisors know what they're talking about. I would also suggest you sign up for all newsletters and information classes that are in the field that you are interested in. If you dream of becoming an accountant like I am, join the club and become a member of accounting societies. Most of all DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK. Make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Know how your financial aid works. Research colleges before you apply. Be prepared. Know what books you'll need far enough in advance, so you'll be able to order them online for less. Make your college goal- "MAXIMUM EDUCATION AT THE LOWEST COST". Good luck!

Thana'e

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self to aim for As and Bs in all of your classes because a C can seriously bring down your GPA and colleges pay very close attention to your GPA; especially when it comes to academic scholarships. Colleges also pay attention to being involved with community service and extracurricular activities, so do as much as you can! I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as I possibly can because they can help A LOT and you do not have to pay those back. Knowing that I would be away from home and I would be granted a lot of FREEDOM, I would tell myself to get my priorities straight, to study, and to practice time management. And I would also stress how important it is to keep a good GPA up in college just like high school. Your cumulative is very important and if you fall short you will be put on academic probation and if you still fail to improve, you will be dismissed and your financial aid will be taken away. Moral of the story: Be smart, ask questions and make wise decisions!

Claire

I would have used the resources on campus more and get my grades up earlier. I would plan out my semesters and classes more knowing the schools I am interested in transfering to.

moira

If I could give adivce to my high school self, I would tell her that she should take advantage of what high school has to offer her. To be more aggersive when trying to find a job and getting the homework done. I would say to have more courage in herself and to trust her gut when it comes to making descisons. Take the time to decide what I really want to do with my life. I would tell her to work harder than i did and really focus on looking at scholarships. I would tell myself all these things so I would be ready for the real world. So that I truly know where i'm going in life and certainaly have the money and experince for college life and the real world.

Mya

I would tell myself, to get more invovled with school. Become more active in sports and in school orginizations. also be more concerned with my grades and school work instead of "social life". Your high school friends being around after Highschool is rare, you part ways, dont get caught up in the present but yourf utrue

Caitlin

In my senior year of high school, I was preparing to make the transition to college. But little did I know that the financial hardships would be so distracting. Though I am doing well in college, the financial stress is a huge distraction; how will I pay my rent? Can I afford to turn the heat on this week? Will I have gas to drive to class today? If I could give my former high school self some advice, it would be this: be resourceful. Apply for every single scholarship you are eligible for. Take the time, and make the effort; it will pay off (literally) in the long run. Sometimes, the minimum wage pay just doesn't stretch far enough. Work hard and form a cushion for yourself to use in the hard times. I believe I did a good job of preparing for college, but I do wish I'd done just a little extra work in searching for scholarships. I am paying for it now, and I try to help younger kids in my community with their scholarship search so they don't make the same mistakes I did.

Kyoko

I would tell myself to stop trying to impress other people. Stop being somebody that other people will like, but somebody that you don't know anymore. Don't hang out with popular kids just because you think they're cool and maybe you'll be cool too if you hang out with them. Don't worry about them because after highschool, after you go your separate ways and might barely know them afterwards, you're going to wonder where you went after all those years. Where were you when your real best friend needed you? What did you think was going to happen? You'd be popular forever? This is the advice I would give myself. College is so different and it's even more tempting to be somebody you're not just to go hang with the more popular crowds, but in the end the only person who can make you feel happy and accomplished is YOU.

Christina

Looking back on my high school years, I realize there are a few changes I could have made that would have eased the transition into college. I participated in cheerleading all four years of high school; however, if I would have joined in additional activities it could have been a benefit to my social interactions and competitiveness with others. I feel volleyball is a sport I should have pursued. Participation in volleyball and cheerleading throughout my high school years would have enabled me to be more involved in extracurriculars In addition, being active in more clubs and volunteer work would have made me more involved with my community. I should have really pushed myself to take part in these great opportunities so I could have enhanced my education and gained more leadership qualities. Lastly, taking advantage of the post secondary option would have helped in my preparation for college. This option of taking college courses while in high school would have helped me get ahead. I would have entered my first year of college with many classes already completed. Having this head start would have made me feel more prepared while I made my transition from high school to college.

Noelle

Thinking about my high school career, I find myself very content with my choices. Sure there are things that I would do differently, but I am very happy with how my future has turned out so far. I was always the student who worked really hard and concentrated way too much on school. In spite of all of this, I was quite a procrastinator. As junior year quickly flew by and senior year was all about prom and graduation, I found myself at a loss. Of course I knew that I wanted to work with animals, but I did not know what sort of jobs were available in that career path. Looking back at my high school self, I would say that the best thing to do is to start the college search before junior year. I would tell myself to start searching for animal related careers, look at different college majors, narrow down choices so not to be overwhelmed, and talk to adults with interesting careers involving animals. I think with this advice, I would have been less stressed and better prepared.

Kelsey

Looking back on my senior year in high school, and knowing what I know now, there are many things I would tell myself. I would say to get involved; in your school, community, or church. I would suggest concentrating on being a well-rounded person, and not as much on straight A?s. I would also tell myself to look for scholarship money early and often. It can save you money and reduce stress. I would also tell myself to stay true to myself. While further developing yourself as a person, you need to stick to your morals and values.

Cara

Although the transition from high school to college was exciting, it was also challenging. I was leaving the familiarity of high school and entering a world of independence and new experiences in college. Now that I have successfully made the transition, there are a few things I would have done differently. In high school, I struggled with not knowing what my future career goals would be. Therefore, I took electives that were irrelevant to the nursing major I eventually chose. If given the opportunity to go back in time, I would have filled my schedule with more core courses such as math and science. Additional core classes would have been beneficial to me and better prepared me for college. Furthermore, I feel that I missed out on opportunities that would have greatly benefited me. Post-secondary education was one such opportunity where a student is able to earn college credits while still in high school. This program would have enabled me to obtain my college degree quicker. Also, I would have been able to experience college classes while in high school, therefore allowing myself to make a smoother transition into college.

Jeanetta

Start college immediatly after high school and take as many classes as you can while you can still handle it.

Regina

I would stress how important education is and how I should never take it for granted. A solid education can make the difference in so many areas of your life, be it social or economic. Also, being young with no responsibilities makes it easier to focus on your studies versus being an adult and having to work and take care of children as well. The day to day hassles aren't there. I would stress how the sky is the limit when it comes to what can be accomplished through education and to take advantage of all the opportunities available.

Chloe

If I could go back the advice I would give myself is be prepared, because it's definitely nothing like high school and you have to make sure you are completing everything on schedule because you would not be able to make it up.

Tiffany

If I could go back to being a high school senior knowing what I know about college life, i would have went to college right after high school, but it 's never to late. I am ready to make the transition to achieve in lifes long and short term goals that I have set to be a successful person.

Kristine

If I could go back, I would encourage myself to remain more focused on my educational and career goals knowing now how fleeting the moment in high school really is and the importance of college education in attainment of my professional career goals. I would also tell myself to implement the college planning stage sooner than I did as making last minute decisions limited my options.

Nuha

Since I can remember I have always enjoyed school. I was able to find a balance of work, classes, studying, open lab hours and friends in college. In high school I was a bit more reserved. I took on class loads that sometimes prevented me from having lunches or time to relax and live in the moment. I graduated high school in three years and started college at 17. When I got to college I began to unwind and make friends. I was able to be myself, stay focus and yet still have a good time. I learned that college is not just the education you learn inside the classroom, but also the experiences and opportunities you gain on campus. Its about meeting people, getting involved, and networking. It helps build communication skills and ideas to help steer one in the right direction. College is not just about midterms, 20 page papers, and making deadlines, its about finding yourself and learning what kind of person you are. College is a milestone in life that not many achieve. Its hard work, but theres no reason to sit on the sidelines and watch the excitement, it never hurts to have to fun.

Maci

If I could tell my senior year self something it would be two life altering statements ; Life each day to the best as it comes, and to read more. I would tell myself not to worry so much about the future and how every move I make will affect me in the long run. I tell myself to realized that no matter what, the future is still going to be there but I can only control the now. I would tell myself to worry more about the tasks right in front of me rather than the ones a year or two down the road. I would also tell myself to read much more because as an artistic person, reading will serve our mind well by inspiring many different ideas and by being a productive break from school and work. I would tell myself that by doing the best I can in the moment, I will succeed in the future and be happily less stressed.

Jessica

If I was able to go back in time to talk to myself as I high school senior I don't think I would have much to say to myself. As a high school senior I was aware of what I thought college would be like and pushed myself to be prepared. The only difference then and now is that I would've advised myself to take more notes so that I could have references I could refer to. Now as a freshman in college I don't feel a huge transition in high school life to college life. I think that the environment I've placed myself in has helped greatly to be able to function in college. So one conversation to myself back then I would just let myself know that college isn't a bug transition but sit be prepared to take notes and study... the work you put in is what makes the difference in what you will earn.

Courtney

I would tell my self to relax because going to a community college isn't that bad. Im getting a great education for only a fraction of what i would pay going anywhere else.

Christine

I would have definately encouraged myself to go to college and get an education. Because an education is something no one can ever take a way from you. Also college is way different than high school, you meet a wide variety of individuals from all over. College makes you very diverse, more worldly. It's a really great and fun experience.

Sandra

Once the decision has been made about attending college and the forms have been submitted, classes paid and you have official enrolled, continue until graduation and set new goals. If a situation comes up and you have to delay it for awhile set a goal such as a short term goal to continue soon and think of the ending as the beginning to something new, exciting and the goal that you have accomplished and can be proud that you have graduated successfully and you have done this for you. Feel good, happy, satisfied. Keep that picture of graduating in mind and you will succeed.

Alice

The people that work on the campus are there to help you as much as they possibly can along with your professors. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Ask as many questions as possible and follow the advice of those that are older and more experienced. Also, save your money...If possible, pack a lunch and snacks, bring a refillable bottle...do you really need that cup of gourmet coffee? What is going to happen if you didn't work for awhile but still needed to pay for school? Anyone that is in college understands what you are going through because they themselves have been there or are going through the same thing; consider them a support system and a discussion board for issues and topics of study. Remember, No man is an island!

Angela

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that it is wise to wait to go to college until I know exactly what I want to do. I love college, but if I would've went immediatly proceeding high school I don't feel I would've been successful. I would tell myself to research thouroughly all my options, and meditate on what I really enjoy doing daily. I would let myself know the importance of an education, and the self confidence it has brought me. I feel knowledge is power and without it there is no productive future in my life. I also would remind myself that I need to establish short and long term goals to abide. Last, but not least, I would tell myself that college is to be taken serious, and not treated as a party. The rest of my life depends o my success in college.

Claire

Take every general education course first before deciding on a major and changing it multiple times.

Tiffany

I would say that I wish I would went to college when I graduated from high school.

Thomas

I would tell myself to apply for more financial aid and don't take freshman year lightly.

Anthony

I would tell myself to be more prepared to chose a major. I know it's not that big of a deal to be undecided but if you are more prepared than you'll know what you wan't to do and get through school without being confused. I would also tell myself to keep up the good work and succeed at what you do best, which is pay attention and do your best.

Suzanne

Expand your horizons! Don't be afraid of change. Go out into the world, talk to many different people, see how others live, see what opportunities are out there that you have no idea of right now. There are so many different choices for a career, places and ways to live, things to learn and experience. You will find that there are so many more options than you could imagine. Don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. The people you will meet will be kind and generous and helpful. They are happy to share their wisdom and will offer guidance in many ways. You will not get lost. You can accomplish so much more than you ever thought you were capable of. You will grow in so many ways. When you are young, you have a limited view of what is possible. Looking back now, at age 55, I wish I would have looked beyond the limited opportunites I found in my small community. I made choices then based on my limited knowledge and experience and missed out on innumerable opportunities. Open the box and jump out.

kacey

I would tell myself to look for the school where i feel my education would be the best it could be. When i made my college decision is was based off of sports, and in the long run the academics are more important.