DePaul University Top Questions

Although I had good grades I could have done better. I would advise myself to getter better grades and take the ACT earlier. I would also have started looking for scholarships in the beginning of my junior year.l

High School is a structured and controlled way of life. It is kind of like working for a large scale business which has been around for years and the entire original entrepreneurial spirit on which the company was built on is gone. The school has an established hierarchy. Those who conform to it are rewarded while those who try to be original are met with opposition. College has a lot more of an entrepreneurial spirit. If I could go back and give advice to my high school self, I would let myself know that from the day I get on campus I must start to develop proper lifelong habits. I would tell myself to pick one good habit and practice doing it for one month. The next month I would add another new habit to work on. This slow and gradual change would allow myself to not be overwhelmed with the drastic change in life style that happens when going from high school to college. Over my college career I would have then develop 48 new life long habits which would help me in living a more meaningful and holistic lifestyle.

While not thinking of college yet, you might find yourself staring at your life soon, asking: “This is my life? How did I let this happen to me?” Don’t panic. Life rarely gives us anything that can’t be outlived. Even the worst, in most cases, can be fixed. The trick is not giving up. First, don’t ever let the crying lead to depression. Analyze everything thoroughly: why did this happen? If the reason is determined – learn this lesson for future. Although, not all happens because of our acts, still, accept it and find a way to move on. One of the possible direction for you is going for a higher education. That's your flag-post, toward which you’ll be moving through all the difficulties that you’ll face. Resist looking back at those easy relaxing days when all seemed perfect in your life. Keep the vision of your new flag. A lot will be unknown, and therefore, intimidating. Don’t be scared. Fear causes procrastination and in your position, you don’t have a luxury to lose opportunities. Take each chance and remember: it will be difficult, but everything will work out for the best.

I would go back to when I was just entering high school so I could tell myself that it doesn’t matter which high school I graduate from. I would tell myself to go to HAIS instead of DeBakey, but no matter what, study. I would tell myself to get the class list that is required to graduate with a Debakey diploma and ask to take those classes at HAIS. It would be so much less stress for the same material and most likely my GPA would be higher. I would beg myself to go to HAIS and take as many community college classes as possible so that I can graduate with my associates in Science and have 2-3 years of college out of the way at graduation. I would tell myself that, even though DeBakey is an amazing and rigorous school, HAIS has more opportunities for me and I should take what I can for free because after that it’s all gone. Everything costs money and education is priceless. I would also want to tell myself that it’s my education, therefore it’s my major and that means I get to choose what it is.

If I could go back in time to my freshmen year in high school I would tell her, the shy Jasmine, that I love her. I love her for being so dedicated and open minded, but I also would tell her “No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer oye” (dont leave things for tomorrow when you can do it today). This is a saying that my grandmother would always tell me and I never completely understood the importance until I entered college. In high school everything is easy to just wait for the next day to do because I did not have anything else to do but once I entered college I realized that everymin is important and I could use that time wisely. Moreover, I would tell myself that joining a club at Deapul can help greatly in getting to know the school, working hard will bewarded, get to know everyone because you never know who can help, and when I get stressed about anything working out and painting to music can go along way, dorm at Depaul will help so much with transportation, be interesting, nothing is impossible, and most important be independent.

Since gaining knowledge about college life, I would tell my old high school senior self to take everything with a grain of salt. Yes the transition is going to be difficult and maybe even scary, but in the end everything works out. You may not fit in right away and stick out like a sore thumb, or you might gain a great new circle of friends. Whatever happens, I would like to remind my old self that its not that serious. School should be your main focus and priority, not what other peers think of you or what they say about you. Remember when you thought high school was real life and that all these popular groups would still rule your school, well same thing can be said for college. After high school and even college, a blank slate is open for you to achieve all your dreams and goals.

I feel like my advice to my younger self is the complete opposite of what most people would say. I would tell my younger self to cut back and not take life so seriously. I spent a good amount of time in high school building up my resume, only to realize that what I did in high school does not matter beyond the first month of college. I would tell myself that getting a B in class is by no means the end of the world and it's perfectly acceptable to only have one job as a 17 year old.

If I were to talk to my high school self, I would tell me to choose a less expensive university. Although I wanted more than anything in the world to move to the big city, I coul d have chosen a school with a smaller bill. The amount of student debt I will have once I leave DePaul University is daunting. I would tell myself that I would be just as happy at UW Milwaukee where many of my high school friends attend. The cost of attending a private university is too high and I wish I would have known how stressful paying for it would be. I would also tell myself to focus on school over my social life. Having great friends and an exciting life outside of school is important but to make sure I keep them in check while away from home.

Don't go to school just for mom, do it for yourself. Graduation in nearing and you failed to apply to any colleges. I know you're telling yourself that you're going to community college as a way to keep mom happy but stop thinking that. I'm 24 years old and I keep telling myself I wasted the last 4 years of my life but I'm going to sum of the last 6 years up for you. I did a lot of self-exploring and the biggest lesson I learned was that not having a college degree and the financial benefits that come with it closes a lot of door for you. You will wish you had finished your bachelor’s degree and got that good paying job that would have allowed you to go to Mexico to say bye to a special someone. Ask for help, talk to any advisor available. Information technology is the major we will go with. Believe it or not you will go to DePaul University and everyone will tell you how proud they are of you. Do this for yourself now and you'll make mom happy not even trying.

I would tell my high school self to not worry about anyone else and to do what works best for me. Instead of feeling in a competition all the time, embrace the fact that everyone is different. I felt I was so caught up with what everyone else was doing in high school, I forgot to focus solely on myself. Now in college, I realize how important it is to find yourself so you will be able to pick a major that you truly are passionate about and be able to succeed. I loved my high school experience but I would definitely tell myself to focus strictly on myself and prepare myself for the future.

I will advice myself to get all the help I can get. College is not easy or cheap. I will look for any financial help available and do anything to make the transition easier.

If I could go back to and give myself advice as a highschool senior, my most precious advice would be to be more involved. When people here the idea of being involved they solely think of joining clubs, but for me it also reflects in the classroom. In highschool, classes run year round so we have no other choice but to get to know the person sitting next to us, whereas in college it runs for 10 weeks. Many of us sit next to people for 10 weeks and never interact with those we share the same space with everyday. Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to reach out to more people, make more random friends. It makes your college experience more fun and easier. We think they will only be in our class for one quarter when in actuality we will see them for four years. Branch out and be more involved with those around you.

June 13th marked the last day of my freshmen year which I graduated with good grades. Thinking back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself three important things: AP classes are worth it, savor your time, and losing friends is inevitable. AP classes not only save time but also money! General education classes are the worst but mandatory so if there is a way to avoid them, take those opportunities. Less classes = less time in college therefore saving you the burden of unnecessary loans! Besides having to pay my own phone bill, I was recently informed that I would have to purchase my own health insurance. Honestly, I don’t even know how to go about getting insurance. Who knew 19 year olds weren’t covered under Medicaid. A year ago, I couldn’t wait to grow but now I wish I could go back. Lastly, losing friends isn’t something to take personal, it’s just a part of growing up. Not everyone is meant to make it into your future and there’s always a reason why they’re left in the past. Plus, it allows new opportunities and people to enter your life.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would say is, '"You don't know everything -- in fact, there is so much more that you don't know than that you do know. That's okay. -- in fact , that's good." Upon graduation we think we know everything, and that we are as smart as we can be. But the truth is, we haven't even begun to understand our own lives nevermind those of others. I would tell myself to keep my mind open. What I think I might know might be wrong, and that's okay. What I might want to do might change. That's okay too. Then I would tell myself that I am going to push myself to reach outside my comfort zone . Journalism will force me outside my shell, and I'll branch out and apply for positions that might initially make me nervous. Although this will be bring nerves and slight anxiety at first, in the end it will bring deeper understanding and accomplishment than I had previously known. I would end with "Work hard, branch out, and have fun."

One thing I wish that I could tell myself is to not stress myself out so much. Working hard is a good thing but over doing it is not. There are a lot more resources out there if you look for it and people are willing to help. College is a wonderful experiences. It is a time to continue your education, make connections and prepare for your future....as well as have fun and try new things

I would tell myself, "Whatever you do, don't allow the color of your skin to keep you from exceling. Yes you will be in a predominately White institution; yes you will become more aware of your Blackness, but don't let that seperate you from your true potential. The color of your skin is not indicative of who you are. You are going to have moments where you are going to want to give up. There will be moments where you will be placed on academic probation, but that does not mean that you aren't smart, it simply means you have to try harder. When you make it through the challenges of DePaul University you will be equipped to help others to do the same. When you reach out to others for assistance and to be of assistance you will build lasting friendships. And remender to be prepared in your heart to build with your hands that which you pray for. You are going to face many challenges but they are preparing you for greater. Don't give up because many depend on you."

You're going to do great and amazing thing that you never imagined. Don’t ever give up on your goals, obstacles are there for a reason and it’s to make you grow. Take every opportunity you can get. Take risks sometimes they have a rewarding payoff. Don’t be afraid of change, that's what college is about. Don’t ever think you’re not good enough for that dream internship sometimes you are what they're looking for. Strive for good grades, but keep a healthy balance. Also time management is the key to your success. Enjoy your time in college since it will be over in a blink of an eye.

I have learned a lot in the time I have been in college. The best advice I can give from the experience is to educate and inspire yourself as much as possible. As long as you know what is possible and what your goals are, you will find success as if it were looking for you. The reality of it is that you have to put forth time and effort to find that success. Motivation and knowledge are the key components to that success. Keep yourself motivated regardless of your environment and know all of your options before you make a decision. Reevaluate yourself; who do you spend time with? Who do you know? What can you handle? If you are spending time with bad influences, your journey to success might be delayed or discontinued. Acquaint yourself with experienced people who have gone through college and ask them for advice regularly. This played a great role in my journey. My advisors weren't so much an influence as they were just advisors who introduced me to different ideas and opportunities. I've always thought as myself as my own influence. Be yours; don't dream your future, make your future.

If I could give my senior-self advice, I would say that when you hear that college is hard its's no joke and that there're going to be times when you question yourself and your goals. I would tell myself that this is going to be a hard transition and you will want to run back home and never go back to college, but remeber that you're not alone in college even though it will feel that way. Also I will tell myself to be prepare to grow as a person and that this will be the best feeling. There will be days when you don't feel worthy enough to be attending such a prestigious university, but remember that you got in for a reason. I will tell myself that the first couple of months will be hardest and to be prepared to cry yourslef to sleep and fake a smile everyday like if nothing is wrong, but that it will get better and believe it or not, I will love college. I would tell myself to not ever feel depressed in college becasue our family back home is proud of ourselves and we should too.

Well after being in college for a quarter at DePaul University I would say that I learned a lot especially since I am the first in my family to go to college. One of the first things that I learned was that now that I have to pay out of pocket and take out loans I have to put even more effort into school to get the most for my money. I would say that I should not take so long to accept my spot at DePaul because I waited to long, I did not apply for enough scholarships nor did I apply for housing in time so now I have to commute to school. Commuting can be very tiring especially during the winter months. That being said I would tell my high school senior self to not procrastinate with my work nor to wait to long to apply for housing because by late July it is already full. Finally apply for scholarships instead of loans that way you do not have to pay for school yourself and you are not in debt!

The last two years of high school, I attended classes at the local community college, so I only went to the high school a couple of times. However, something I would tell myself is to slow down. I was working and going to school full time and I missed out on so many things because I grew up too fast. I would tell my senior self to spend more time with family, especially, my parents because they are growing older, too. I would tell myself that getting A's is not more important than listening to my younger brother tell me about his day. I would tell myself to say "I love you" and "thank you" more to my parents and actually mean it. I would tell myself to slow down because now that I am away from home, those opportunities don't happen as often.

Given the opportunity to speak to the naive and often arrogant version of myself from 4 years ago, I would simply tell him to relax. So much of my senior year of high school was spent worrying. Worrying about college. Worrying about money. Worrying about how well I would adjust to a new school and new friends and new opportunities. These things are all part of life. Whether you're going off to higher education, joining the military, or becoming part of the work force, there will always be new challenges to tackle and new people to become acquainted with. I would tell myself (and anyone else in my position) to not be anxious about the future, but to embrace it. Every college freshman is nervous. You're not alone! Take this chance to become comfortable with yourself. Be open to trying new things and looking at life in new and interesting ways. Life beyond high school is about far more than studying and finding a job. It's about experiencing the world first hand and finding yourself. This is among the most exciting times in your entire life. Relax and enjoy it.

if i was back in high school i would definatly tell myself to join in a college right out of high school. although i jumped right into the work force and really enjoy working with the special needs kids in the high school. i'm finding it more difficult to make a living without a better education. i will tell myself to do better in school to give myself the best possiblities in achieving my high education goals. i will thrive for perfection instead of cruising through, doing just enough to get by and apply myself to all the activity i particapated in during high school. so i would be better prepared for the world today.

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, I would definitely tell myself to not get caught in the social scene at college. Knowing myself and knowing how college works now, I would tell myself that being cool was only cool in high school. Cliques don't exist in college because everyone is trying to do the same thing you do without being distracted. Also, since you're the only paying for it by yourself, don't spend money to go out and eat. ITs not worth being broke!

The transition from high school to college is one that entails many lifestyle changes. As I began college, the lack of an easily accessible support system caused me large amounts of stress. Unlike high school, I did not have my family or friends to confide in if I were feeling out of sorts. Although they were only a phone call away, the lack of tangibility was still something that was emotionally draining. If I were to give my high school senior self advice, it would be to not be so stuck on my past relationships when starting my college journey. As I continued my college experience, I realized that all freshman were in the same situation as I, and it would take patience to build brand new friendships. I could not compare the people I met at DePaul to my friends of many years back at home. College is a time for students to embrace a new sense of independence and meet an entirely new network of people. If I were to go back in time, I would tell my former self to appreciate the unfamiliar experience because it is one that can never be repeated.

"You're doing great, keep up your good grades and continue working hard because it is only going to get better and more focused on what you love to do: art! I would recommend that you try to focus more on what you want to do for a major and ultimately as a career. Meet with professionals in the areas you are interested in such as advertising, graphic design, and industrial design. Look at what their daily schedule and activities are and if you can see yourself in that role. Will choosing this path lead you to a happy, successful, and fulfilling career? That's the main question. It's hard to answer but you have to work as hard as you can to figure it out as soon as you can so you can begin your successful life. Meet with people, ask questions, and get involved. You'll never know where these things will lead you but you might find what you're looking for. It's a big step but you can do it. Just keep working hard and applying yourself and you'll be rewarded with your dreams. There is no limit"

Nicole, you need to calm down. I know how hard it was for you to receive all those rejection letters from the huge, prestigious universities that you heard about when you were a little kid. I remember how difficult the news was, and it wasn’t a fun time. But you know, after everything was said and done, you ended up in the place you were meant to be at from the very beginning. Sure, it might not be one of those head-turning, eye-popping names that all high school students fear and awe, but a name is just a name. In the end, you get to be surrounded by people you’re comfortable with, make a bunch of amazing friends, and ultimately find a home: something you haven’t had in your life. So Nicole: don’t worry so much about the rejections and focus on the acceptances that you’ve had. Because everything will work out in the end. It always does. Oh, and make sure to focus on that Calculus homework. It only gets harder as you go on.

I would tell myself that an education is one of the most important things I can get for myself. I didn’t realize how important an education was until I started working in retail. I can’t get away from low paying jobs like that without a degree. I would also tell myself that Heald will really help with everything. from financial aid to class schedule. They are there to work with me every step of the way! College may be stressful but when I got my foot in the door it wasn’t so bad. The sooner I start the better off I am! I would also tell myself that living with my parents may be tough, but its worth it in the long run. I can worry about school and homework not bills and where my next meal will be comming from.

Focus on school. Don't slack off because it matters. Make sure you research any college you're interested in taking into consideration the school size and costs and if its well known in the field you want to pursue. And most importantly don't stress out too much. Take breaks when needed

Dear Charlotte, You can stop freaking out, DePaul was a good choice. I can't think of anything better that we could've chosen. You're going to be really homesick for a bit, but just get out there and be around people until you find your feet, that'll happen soon enough. I can't emphasize more: get on the ball searching for more scholarships and job opportunities, woman! They won't fall in your lap! You have great intentions, but are lousy at starting things like this, so just DO it. You won't regret it. I regret NOT doing it. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I've gone through, you have to make those discoveries yourself, BUT... I will tell you to make all attempts to understand the class structure of DePaul. I still don't, but I wish I'd focused on fulfilling some more gen-ed requirements; I've ended up with one or two too many in the humanities (which you will eventually come to realize that you were meant in life for. Don't fight it.) Just keep moving forward. We do fine. Charlotte

Growing up, I experienced feelings of demoralization and utter hopelessness in response to an adult authority's treatment of me -- my stepmother. No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to merity her approval or acceptance. The resulting resentement, anger, and hurt I experienced because of this intolerable situation affected my self-concept, my relationships, my schoolwork, and my perspective about the future. I was not until college that I realized that myt stepmother represented the sum of her limitations and fears. I began to see that her views were not accurate, and that how she pictured me was inaccurate and skewed as well. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senionr, I would tell assure my high school self that while I may be the sum of my experiences, they need not victimize me. In time, I will find the inner-strength and educational gifts that will enable me to rise about the early influences that would have otherwise destroyed my hope and cost me my future.

Jeffrey: You come from a very small town. Moving to Chicago (or any other city) is going to be massively different. You will have to transition to life without your friends and family, life in a big city, and college life all at once; this is not easy. The best thing you can do is throw yourself at any opportunity possible. This does not mean you should sacrifice your principles and beliefs, no true friend you'll make at college is worth that, but explore yourself and what you want because this small town only gave you a glimpse of what the real world is like. Speaking of glimpses, go out and see something other than your dormroom. It doesn't matter if your school is in the middle of a cornfield or in the city. There is something to see, whether it be a museum, a sunrise, or the world's tallest building. You have chosen to go on an adventure... so leave your comfort zone at least once!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to seriously relax and calm down. Enjoy senior year as much as you can before it ends. Go to prom, even if no one asked you. Buy a class ring because you are so going to regret not buying it. Don't worry so much about preparing youself for college because there will be so much people that will help you once you get there. I remember one thing you were really scared of before going to DePaul was if you were going to make friends or not. Let me tell you, you are going to do just fine! You are going to meet some really awesome people that help you so much so don't be afraid to talk to them. Let your thoughts be known and don't care so much about what other people think because the once thing I really regret is not being more open. So follow my advice. Enjoy senior year, don't worry about college so much, and speak up. College is a new start so let your new self out!

Looking back, I would tell my high school senior self to chill out; it's just school. That is not to say that working hard in school is not important, but I worked so hard that I was constantly exhauste and did not have time to enjoy life. While I got good grades in high school and benefitted quite a bit from my participation in various diverse extra-curricular activities, I ran myself ragged. What is more, the experience did not even translate very well to college. I was not great at making friends in college. If I could go back and tell my younger self how to go about it differently, I would tell myself to be more aggressive about joining student organizations that interest me. I did not really join any student organizations during my first couple of years in college, but when I finally did I discovered that it was a great way to meet an inclusive group of people who share some of my interests and who are also looking for friends.

Don't stress about it. Everyone talks about college like its written in stone. Teachers and counselors make it seem as if you don't jump into to college right away, its the end of the world. I've found that it isn't. Go slow with what you want to learn and really appericiate what you are experiencing. Enjoy the time you spend in school, instead of rushing and worrying. It will be a more pleasant memory for the future.

I would tell myself to explore my options more about what degree and careers there are out there. I would also tell myself to prepare myself as much as possible by taking more college level classes available at my school. I think I would also tell myself to get more involved in volunteering at places that related to career interests I had. To inform myself about the transition I would tell myself to get actively involved in college life. Being involved in groups, clubs, organizations helps your social life and makes it easier to make friends and adjust to life in a new environment. I would overall tell myself to prepare and use the tools my high school provides me with and to go into the college setting with and open mind!

If I could advise my younger self, I would tell her to be fearless. I would tell her how important it is to share her voice, because she is more intelligent than she knows and what she has to say matters. Being a shy new college student prevented me from experiencing many things and left my thoughts and feelings unheard. Fear of judgement, discrimination, and criticism held me back. Luckily, I learned this lesson - but I still learned it too late. Fear of the unknown is unnecessary. Be fearless. Allow your voice to be heard and be confident. College is the most beautiful and opportune time to do so.

Growing up, you are told that college is your ultimate goal in your academic career, it is the Promised Land. It seems that all the work you put into school is all a lead up to the big time: college. And perhaps that is true, but college is not the big bad monster that each person has to tackle into entering adulthood, bringing back the blood drenched diploma you had to wrestle for with your life. Turns out, getting into college is the easy part; staying in, that’s another matter. I remember being a senior going into college, I had similar fears that I had when I was going into high school. How naïve I was. If I could go back in time and talk to newly graduated self, I would tell myself that it's really important to be on top of things. Know your options, your opportunities and research what you don’t know. I would tell myself to stop worrying about school itself, I’m a hard working kid and have an outstanding work ethic, I would be fine as long as I stuck to those ideals. Never stop grabbing for opportunity!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior there are many things which I would have changed. Some of the advice that I would have given to myself is to focus on my academics. I would have studied more, and also I would have become more involved in either sports, and in clubs. I would have also would have told myself to be more outgoing and be less shy. I would have also have given it my all my senior year and not have procastinated. Once I entered college I realize that hard work does pay off and If i set my mind to it I can acomplish everything. Through my hard work at a community college I was able to raise my G.P.A. to a 3.0 and got accepted to Depaul University. Looking back at my senior year in highschool I would have concentrated in school and have strived for better.

Dear Alex, I am you in four years. Right now you are a senior in high school and you are having several doubts about the direction you are planning to move in. Be excited! You are going to make several new friends along the way and you will learn alot. College is a good time. However, there are some things I need to tell you now before it is too late. 1) Take school seriously, you are there for academics and to open the door to your future, do not forget that. 2) Do not Procrastinate, seriously it is the worst idea, just get it out of the way, pushing it off will only create unneccesary anxiety and frustration on your end. 3) Sincerely thank Mom and Dad, they only want good things for you and they only push you because they want to see you succeed. And last but not least, 4) Push yourself. Learn a different language. Attend the school play. Sing karaoke. These experiences are just as vital to your education as anything learned inside classroom. Believe in yourself and never give up.

I will definately tell myself to take time studying. Also that college is really not that hard when i have done well while in high school. I will tell myself to get a job while in high school because it is hard and a struggle to affaord college. But as long as i stay focus and stay open to learn while i am still in high school i can do it and just have faith in God, knowing that i can succeed. I will tell myself to not get distracted, stay on that track, avoid smoking, drinking and partying. Do my work, and do it smart, apply for scholarships, even when it's very competetive at least try because it is always worth it to dedicate time for learning. It will all be worth to get a higher education. I will let myself know that her parents are not rich, and that I am from A small part of HAiti, in order to succeed i should thrive, and also do my absolute best at everything life has to offer.

Take it one day at a time. As a senior, knowing myself, I could have easily guessed that in my departure to college I would be a bundle of nerves even in my sleep-- making mental notes, checklists, to-do lists-- all of which adding up to nothing greater than stress and a desperate need for a massage. The wise advice that saved my sanity was printed on a "motivational canvas" my aunt had given to me for my high school graduation. I had hung it on my wall out of love for my aunt, but realized much later the wisdom it truly possessed. "God Grant me the sanity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference." In a society conditioned to prepare for the future like squirrels before winter, we rarely slow down enough to breathe and see the clarity in the worry-crowded dark tunnel. The first weeks of college are hectic, but patience trumps organizing office supplies, folding laundry, and making zumba class every time. Allow yourself time to adjust. Zumba-- and the rest of your schedule-- will come with time.

Dear Tati, I know you are in your senior year, and that it is going by super fast! Although right now you probably do not think so. Enjoy it while you can because you are definitely going to miss it. Even though being a team manager helps out a lot. Also, keep doing well in your classes because those college credits are going to help you out. Do not worry too much about the transition to college. DePaul has these great Discover and Explore classes that help you get immersed into the college life and help you get to know your new city. Chicago is an awesome place and it is fun to go and explore by yourself and with friends. Try to get involved a little bit, even though as a basketball manager you will be really busy. There are always things going on on campus! Last but not least make sure you find true friends. You are not going to get along with everyone, and you can not depend on everyone. Get a few close friends and stick with them. You will definitely need them, and they help make this rollercoaster life better :)

Search for the college that will help you with your needs, financially and educationally. Don't be afraid to check out the college's services that will be better for you in case you run into academic or financial trouble. Study hard, get those assignments in on time, participation is a must and do well on exams. In order to succeed effectively and efficiently, one must multitask in college to be leveled and balanced.

I would give myself to take more AP classes and take the AP exams also. Even though I did take honors and AP classes and recieve Psychology credit for getting a four on my exam, I would reccommend taking more. It may have seemed as if the AP exam were expensive, which they were. The money you will save in the long run by doing well on the exam makes it all worth while. Looking back at how much money I save my parents for my minor in Psychology by getting a four on that exam I skipped two introductory course. By skipping those two inductory courses I saved my parents thousand all for fifty dollars for a exam, which is amazing!

Be you, always. Don't focus so much on having a lot of friends, instead find the people who are real and stick with them. Follow your gut and work hard but dont over stress. Have fun!

If I knew what I know now in high school, I would have been more involved with my school, joined more clubs/after school programs, joined NHS. I would have went to college straight from high school, I would not have been afraid to change my life. There are so many things I would have done, could have done, should have done different; but I have also learned I cannot live in the past. Although there are regrets on what I "coulda, shoulda, woulda" did, I have been brought down this path for a reason, and I just have to keep on going--just like I did in high school.

A lot of people will be talking about it being okay to change your major, and that most college students do. My advice to you is, pick a school (liberal arts, business, or something else) and stay there. Take one year to decide what your major is. Once you pick one, stick with it! I've seen too many friends and even relatives waste so much time by switching their major too many times. However, this means that you need to know yourself. In college, you will learn about yourself, and at times you will be surprised. Learn to accept what you learn. I had a roommate that thought she was really open minded and gung ho about having new experiences. She slowly started to learn that she was miserable in all these new settings, but it was a struggle because she kept rejecting it. Learn to accept yourself!

The advice that I would give myself as if I was in high school now is to study as much as you can. Learn not t put your job before your school work no matter what. The professors will work with you one on one you just have to ask. Just have confident in your school work and that will shine through your work that you do. Study, study, study every single day take you books with you every single day because you never know when you will have that opportunity to study. Just stay focused; its hard work now but just push through it till the end because it will pay off. It’s not going to be easy but there are a lot of resources out there that will help you along the way. Theirs different labs for about every subject you can think of to help you along the way. Just study and focus and you will be outstanding.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to take care of all preparations for college as quick as possible. If your college situation is taken care of early, there is less stress. You'll have time to relax and enjoy your senior year without extra pressure. You can apply for scholarships with ease, enjoy yourself, and focus on graduating. I would also tell myself to take you sport and education seriously, but not so serious that you forget what you're doing it for and why you enjoy it. Learn and gain experience while enjoying the ups and downs of the journey you're taking to get you there. Where you're going is not as important as the route you take to get there. Enjoy what you're doing and learn from it as well.