East Carolina University Top Questions

If I had the opprotunity to go back into the past and give myself advice one piece of information would be to do more volunteer opprotunities. It was not until I had gotten into my college education when I realized how vital these experiences would be. They not only help the individuals you are working with out but they help you out by giving you experience in a field you may have no knowldge in. For myself, I want to persue a career in the Recreation industry. I had no idea what to expect career wise until I put myself in the situation where I devoted my free time to learning and working with individuals in the field. You can gain so much insight from doing so and also it looks amazing on resumes. Also, I would say to have put forth more effort in understanding time management. In the real world, working force, that is a vital piece of information. Many individuals go into their freshman year just getting by because they do not understand the importance of managing your discretionary time properly. Also, keep your head up and study hard.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to focus more on my math and science skills rather than my social life. I have realized the importance of a good foundation in these two areas, and success would have been somewhat easier if I would have focused more on these subjects. I find myself now having to go back and relearn subjects that I learned in high school and then forgot after the test. I believe that would be the one peice of advice I would give myself to ease my transition from high school work to college level work. This would've helped my efforts to achieve success in college.

If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be to fill out more scholarships then I did and to be ready to study more than i did in high school. Coming to college was a big transition because you actually had to pay for school and you are on your own. There is no one here making you do your work and telling you to study. Now that I am here I wish I would have prepared myself more by getting into college mode. The most important thing that I would tell myself is to do randon roommates instead of rooming with someone I knew. My ex-roommate and I got into a little altercation which all could have been prevented if I would have lived with someone else. I guess it is true that people you know are not always the best people to live with.

College is all about time management. Sure, there are college parties and in the beginning, you'll feel like you have to go to every single one whether it's because you want to be popular, fit in, gain the college experience, etc. As long as you still find time to go to class and do well, college will be a great experience for you. Don't limit yourself. Try to become involved in as many extracurricular activities as you can and you will be surprised at how much you grow and develop throughout the years. The relationships you build with your professors and members of the community can help you get a job in the future, so always be professional and maintain those relationships as best you can. Get a job to help pay for bills and miscellaneous expenses. Ultimately, you get out of college what you put into it so always do your best and you're guaranteed to have the time of your life!

Now that I am currently a college Freshmen, I would definatly tell myself, as a high school student, to always look for opportunites to enrich your life. There are so many ways to further your education as well as your life in general. These might include doing more commuinty service, playing on sports teams in school, joining clubs, getting internships or volunteering your time to maybe tutor after school. Anything that can make your life better as well as help others. The other piece of advice I would have to give myself would be to always plan ahead. Even though exams or projects seem like they are easy in highschool, and may not or do not take much time to complete, train yourself to not procrastonate. Because when you get to college, you have so much more time than you think you do, that it slpis away very easily, and it is so easy to get overwhelmed by papers and tests than it is in highschool. You take less than half the amount of hours than you do in highschool that it is easy to think you have so much time to complete assignments, but thats not always true.

Don't pick which college you want to go to based on where your friends are going because that seemed to always be the focus in my social group in high school. Making new friends in college will give you the opportunity to discover more about yourself. Even if you and your friends all go to separate colleges, your true friends will always be with you. Also, research more on what you think you want to do and look at the longterm plans. If you want to get a Masters in your area, it is better to learn about what classes you want to take because the sooner you know the better. It is also never too early to look into scholarships because college is expensive!

The advice I would give myself if I were to go back in time and talk to me at high school senior age would be as follows. In order to succeed in college you have to instill the best study habits you can now since much of the course work is up to you to learn. Also be prepared to withstand peers that pressure you to go out or do things you believe might jeopardize your time here. I would also reassure myself that starting somewhere new is not a bad thing; it?s an opportunity to meet new and interesting people. College is also a chance to step back from the person you were molded in to by peers and change what ever negative aspects you feel necessary. Most importantly i would say not to stress, college is all part of growing up and don?t be afraid to expand your limits both academically and socially.

Do not underestimate college! It is hard.. physically, emotionally, socially, academically, spiritually, etc. Prepare yourself as much as possible in all those different areas and utilize campus resources to help make the transition a little less rocky.

To know myself back in high school; and to give myself advice about the future would be intriguing. In high school I thought I had figured life out; I knew the answers along with knowing where I wanted to end up. But that fantasy world came to a crashing halt after graduation. I once thought I had all the answers and I didn?t need guidance; the future I will start there with high school me. I would tell myself that I don?t know everything and in three years I still will not know everything. But that I do need to pay attention to what my counselors and family keep trying to tell me in order to be successful. I would advise myself to not plan my future around someone else?s life; there is no guarantee where the world will take either of us. I would tell myself to not be so quick on decision making; it will get me into trouble in the future. I would try to convince myself not to worry so much about every detail today; because in five years none of it will even matter, nor be remembered the same way.

Knowing what I know now, there is so much advice that I would give myself. First of all, college is nothing like high school, not only are you given this unbelievable freedom, but you?re also given a great amount of responsibility. While it?s great to meet new people and have fun, you also need to make time to study, do homework, clean and do laundry. Getting your priorities in order is a big part of growing up. Secondly, know that professors are not like teachers. They expect you to take responsibility for your work, and will hold you accountable. Get to know your professors, and your fellow classmates. While it is very important to put school first, make sure you get yourself involved. Meet new people, and take advantage of the things on and around campus. My last piece of advice would simply be to enjoy high school, because it really is the best years of your life. But also know that college is going to be a wonderful adventure. Sure you'll make miskates along the way but you are going to learn a lot about yourself, and you?re going to have a blast!!

If I was granted the opportunity to go back in time knowing what I know now I would be in such a better place. My first greatest piece of advice I can give myself is to take advantage of my resources. While in high school I did not take full advantage of leadership opportunities in my chosen field. I should have taken advantage of community service and internships where I could practice in the business field to find out if the major was for me. Knowing how much I loved children I should have talked with counselors about the pros and cons and different careers involving children. The most influential advice I could have given myself is to find a major I love. Do not go into a degree just because you are paid a lot of money for it. If you do not love what you do, you will not fully succeed. That is the reason why I entered into the teaching field. I would have also tried to ask teachers for study tips so when I came to college I would understand how to study effectively.

Having been a part of the work force for a few years now, and returning to school this fall I would try to express the importance of motivation. When I first went to school I had not career motivation, I felt like I was in school because that was what was expected of me. Now I see how important having a purpose for my education is, and should have been. Currently I know specifically why I am returning to school and I see what I will do for my career. If I could talk to my younger self I would try to get the point across that college is where you become an adult. That you can not continue acting like a kid any longer and relying on others to carry you in life. Mostly to think about my future and how the decisions I make will affect my future.

I would tell myself to learn how to cook. Cooking is essential in college, and will keep you in good health. I regret not having my mom teach me how to cook when I was at home because now I can only eat fast food or replacement meals (frozen meals). Fast food is very unhealthy and digs a hole in my pocket. Eating healthy can also help your grades.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell my self to learn how to study. I thought that college was going to be easy. I had never really had to study a lot in high school so I thought college would be much of the same. My first semester was a rude awakening to what college was really like. I found out that to make good grades in college, you actually had to spend time with that thing called your text book. Additionally, I wish I could go back and tell myself to pursue my dreams. I would tell myself to get a degree in what I wanted to do not what other people thought was best for me. I would also tell myself to pick the school that is best for me. I remember that as a high school senior, I was listening to what everyone else wanted me to do. If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to do what makes me happy.

If I was to go back in time to when I was a senior, I would tell myself to get my act together and quick. I would tell myself that college is completely different from high school. No one holds your hand anymore, they let you know when something is due and it is up to you to remember. The professors don't remind you about the project until the night before it is due. Also I would tell myself to get better studying skills. I can't just wait the night before to study a test or to do homework like in high school; I will actually need to study a week ahead of time in order to get a decent grade on a test. Also I would tell myself that social life is great but getting school work done and good grades are better. I will have all the time to party and socialize when I get my degree. The last thing I would tell myself is that the first year is the biggest year and I should use it to my full advantage by joining sports, clubs and anything else that will help me in my future.

Knowing what I know now about college life I would tell myself to save as much money as I could, first of all because books are not cheap and they are a definite must have to succeed. Secondly I would tell myself to study as much as I could so that I could pass my classes with excellent grades. And thirdly I would remind myself to have fun since I am embarking on a new experience.

If I were allowed to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would make sure to tell myself to do more scholarships to help out with loans going into a higher education. I would also make sure to tell myself to be prepared for classes that are much harder than classes I've been in previously. I'd tell myself that I need to learn how to study properly and to not be afraid to take help from those who offer it to you. Also, I'd tell myself to not be afraid to admit that I need help; if I need help in a class I need to look for help so that my grades do not slip below average.

I?m back in high school, and I?m about to graduate and move on to college, but this time I know what is in store for me. I know the workload is demanding and trying to balance a social life is going to be very difficult. But by setting my priority straight from the beginning, I should be able to find an even balance between the two. I?m going to gain more freedom did I have before but I will have to be more responsible in caring of myself and making such my time in college was time well spent. I know college is a chance for me to further my education into a world with many possibilities to succeed and make something out of myself but it is also a place were great memories will be made.

I would encourage myself to first explore studies of interest because whatever I study in college is what I will be doing the rest of my life. I enjoy the classes I have chosen because they are interesting to me and I feel I am learning about my future job. Secondly, I would tell myself to visit campuses and even stay a couple of days. I can get a feeling of what the town or city atmosphere is by visiting and actually walking around a campus. I believe if I feel comfortable in an area, that I will enjoy where I decide to go. Being happy with my surroundings will make a difference in my attitude and the way I express myself during classes, studying and social life. The final bit of advice I would give is to make sure the university has other points of interest that I am interested in, outside of the classroom. Getting involved either in sports, clubs, or other activities is very important when meeting new people and adjusting to a new life away from home.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself as a high school senior not to be afraid to try new things. I did not do a lot things that were outside of my comfort zone. I did not not take any advanced placement classes because I did not think that I would do well in them. I now know that I was looking at taking those classes the wrong way. I should have signed up for those classes and tried the best I could to do welI. I also saw myself more as a follower than a leader. There were many times when I was interested in running for an officer position in the organizations that I was a part of. I never ran because I was afraid of having too much responsiblity. Being a good leader is about having the courage to take on major responsibilities, which is very helpful in college. Now that I am about halfway done with college, I have learned that I need to take risks every now and then. These experiences will help me become a more well-rounded person, which is beneficial for me and the people I interact with.

If I could go back in time and tell my senior high school self about college, I would tell myself not to slack off because college is serious business. If I want to make it as a art major, I should listen to my professors and try to practice more on drawing. I would also tell myself to make sure that I get a high GPA so that I can get into my area of animation in the art major. I would tell myself that things that I need to buy as far as art supplies for every semester I take art classes to save on money. Another piece of advice would be to tell myself to save as much money as I can because college can get expensive and those expenses keep going on the further I get in college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy the life I'm living right then, because once you get to college you do not have all the luxeries right there at your fingertips. The major transition for me was going from living at home with my parents to living on my own. I had to provide everything for myself. During high school I was just so busy trying to spend time with friends that I took my parents for granted. If I could changed anything I would definitely spend more time with my family because you realize just how much you miss them when they are gone. It was very different not seeing them every day or having them around, but I've learned to adjust and I absolutly love going home every once in a while to see my family and spend some time with them since I don't get to see them as often as I used to.

First I would tell myself to not stress out so much. Your SAT scores are important, but they do not mean everything. I should have taken more Advanced Placement classes because the credits transfer to college, so then I would not have to take those classes in college. I would have also told myself to have more fun and play travel softball. I wish I would have pursued more scholarships because going to college out of state is very expensive.

If I could go back to high school as a senior, I would says to take as many dual enrollment classes as possible. That would get you ahead of the college game. It would leave room to get more done with less stress. I would also say that college is even harder than you think, so use your time wisely. Time management is even more important. Develop your skills so that you will have minimal problems. in adjusting to the college. College offers much more freedom. Be ever conscious of what your parents have taught you. It will come in handy when you are confronted with certain social situations such as underage drinking. All of this advice is something that has definitely benefited me. This advice came from my siblings who have since graduated from college.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, my first word of advice would be to take as many courses as possible through dual enrollment with community colleges while I am still in school. I would encourage myself to be more structured in study in high school and more scheduled in my daily life as college is filled with complex schedules in a free environment. I would push very hard to complete many scholarship applications as I have learned that college is an expensive undertaking and financial stresses inhibit a strong focus on academic studies. I would also force myself to live on a budget and learn how to prioritize for financial needs and wants. Finally, I would encourage myself to spend more time with family and friends as it does leave a void when you leave home.

I chose the college I attend now for all the wrong reasons. If I could go back in time then I would advise myself to take a more thorough look at my choices. I should have applied to more schools, attended open houses, and visited campuses before I made the decision of where to spend the next four years of my academic career. Adjusting to college life is hard. It is even more difficult when you are unhappy with the actual institution you are attending. If I had realized this a year ago it is possible I may have decided to attend a different university.

When you finally chose a major. Make sure it is one that can support you in the future and you won't mind waking up to do.

Prepare myself for a mental challenge. Coursework is a challenge and you should always do your best. There is help out there so if you need it, research the resources available and go there with an open heart and an open mind. People want to help you succeed and better yourself. Lots of people suffer from depression and anxiety and it can be helped through on-campus group sessions and therapy. Everyone is different, so even if you are raised in a community that is majority one race open your mind and experience other cultures because it is a great experience. There is a big world out there and you should enjoy it because living today like there is no tomorrow is the best way to live, no matter your circumstances. Money should not justify who you are and where want to go in life. Have confidence in yourself because no one else will if you do not. As a senior in college these are the most important lessons that I have learned from transitioning from a rural, majority African American community to a majority Caucasian university with more than twenty-thousand on-campus and on-line students.

As you pack up your belongings and finish last minute shopping for your dorm room, I know a million things are running through your head. Will you make friends? Did you choose the right school? Don't worry -- the answer to both of those questions is yes. However, something that will change during your transition to college is you. During the hustle and bustle of going to class, meeting new people, and simply enjoying your newfound freedom, it is easy to lose yourself. Think about what is important to you. Though there are some things you may want to change about yourself, there are plenty of other qualities that are perfect just the way they are. Hold on to those qualities, stick to your core values, and no matter what happens over the next few years, you will be just fine.

If I could go back to my senior year of high school and give myself advice I would simply tell myself to not give up. During senior year I could have put a lot more effort into school than I did, and I could have tried a lot harder. I gave up, and had the mind set that it was almost over, constantly telling myself that I was almost done.When really it was just the begining. This was a completly wrong way of looking at things. I should have given school my all. If I had done this the transition to the amount of work in college would not have been as difficult for me. I would also tell myself that mom has a tendancy to be right. I would say that I know that at times it can be difficult, but mom is right most of the time, and even though what she says may not be what I want in the moment, I will beneifit greatly for it in the end. I wish that in high school I had known what I know now. If I did, I would be a lot better off.

When I first started college, I was very eager to get involved on campus and get my name into the community. I signed up for every event and club I could dig my hands into. However, if I could go back in time I would adjust the way I approached things. Getting involved on campus is wonderful. Yet, I would go back and remind myself that studies are more important. There needs to be a nice balance between extracurriculars and school work. Always remember that you are a human being, which means you have to eat, sleep, and carry a social life. The advice I would give myself is; mangae time accordingly. Do not get ahead of yourself and remember whay you are in college. That is to get an education and succeed in life. After all, would you not rather graduate with a 3.50 GPA with a healthy amount of extracurriculars? Or do you prefer that 2.89 GPA with one too many extra things? Time management is the key.

Since I started out at a two year college instead of going directly to a four year university, I do not believe that I would need to tell my past self too much. The transition from high school to a relatively small college was a simple one, although it did consist of more studying and knowing fewer people. I would probably have to tell myself to get out and talk to others that I might not know so that I could make more friends before going to ECU. I also would have stressed the importance of making better studying habits and planning skills so that I did not procrastinate quite as much as I did for some things. In addition to these, I would tell my past self to spend less time stressing and worrying about the smaller things so that I could expend more energy on the larger problems when the came up instead.

Have fun, relax a little more, but remember to manage your time. Learn more. There is a library that is huge, use it more to study and have time to yourself. Read more into the things that interest you! Be outgoing there are so many wonderfully nice and interesting people out there that would love to teach and get to know you!

My advice would be to just get involved early. Surround yourself with a large variety of people, but also people that are goal oriented and will motivate you to do your best. Don't think that it's all work and no play because there is definitly enough time to have an eqaul balance and still be successful in college. Also have a plan going in but don't think that your plan can't be altered because most people don't stick with what they initially went to school for. It may take longer than expected but in the end its all worth it.

Stay focused, continue to work hard, and have a good time. You only get one college experience, so make it memorable.

I would tell myself to learn how to study and know that I am really going to have to work in college unlike high school. I would also tell myself it really is necessary to apply for many scholarships because it is going to be hard to pay for college otherwise, especially because I am self supporting. I would also tell myself to really think about what I want to do for a living. Knowing now that I changed my major halfway through and that it has put me behind really makes me wish I had known for sure before what I wanted to do with my life.

To my Self in her last year of high school, I would say, "Begin now! Many times we put off the improvements we want to make in ourselves until we reach the next stage of our lives because we think it will be easier later. The truth is, beginning to better yourself will never get any easier than it is right now. Think of your goals to be a successful student; completing assignments with excellence, developing good relationships with peers and educators, and honestly committing the information and skills you learn to long-term memory and not just studying facts and formulas to pass a test. These things are developed through self-discipline. Envision who you want to be and take steps toward that beginning today, because the hardest part is starting. "Also, Self, there will be times when getting an A is not the top priority. Acheiving a personal goal is not always the greatest way to better yourself. For, people are more important than grades, than papers, than presentations and awards. People, and positive relationships with them, are what create a cohesive and balanced world. "Be a part of something bigger. Begin now."

I would tell myself to know what I want and go for it. The problem with students today is they cannot find the right major and get stuck in college.

Erika, As a high school senior, you should take on an AP course that can later be used as credits toward your graduation in college. Having credits entering into college will help you in the long run. It will speed up your registration process and lighten the load of classes you might have to take in college. Remeber to continue to surround yourself with positive people because they will always be there for you when you need them. They will be the ones to keep you grounded and support you in all that you do in life. Your support system is what will help you through the first few weeks of college life, which seem to be the hardest. The transition into college will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Never change, and stay true to who you are. Most importantly keep up good study habits because your first year in college is your foundation. A good start will equal a great finish. Get ready for a great freshmen year, Erika

Work harder on school, get involved in things, study better for sat/act

Really ask yourself where you want to spend the next for years or more? What will be more of a convience then a hassle later down the line? Don't repeat the same mistakes you made in High School. Explore and experience everything your heart desires, this will most likely be the last time where you can really do it care-free. SAVE SAVE SAVE, and only get one credit card for your emergencies!!!!

Start learning about and visiting campuses early in high school. Work hard in high school and send out applications by the beginning of senior year. Don't leave it up to the last minute! Go with your gut feeling! Don't pack too many shoes if you are living in a small dorm. Have fun and be smart!

Visit prospective campuses often. Don't just visit just on open house days, but unexpectedly as well. Visit during all the seasons so you can get a feel of the campus you'll be living at for 9 months out of the year. Live on-campus for the first year. You'll meet a lot of people you wouldn't otherwise get a chance to meet.

Choose a college that would best fit your personal interests and and the major you want to perform. Also check for the colleges campus enviroment like classrooms, campus, as well as teacher rattings. And don't forget to make sure the school you plan on attending has a high employment ratting that way you have a garanteed career after graduation.

I believe when deciding on the right school for you it should be a very thoughtout decison. Weigh all of your options. Decide if your looking for a school close to home or further away. Look at a school that you can exceed in. Dont just attend somewhere beacuse al of your friends are going there. choose a school that fits you and one that has a program that your intrested in studyin and starting a career with. Last but bot least, look for a school that is in your range finanically. colleges can be very expensive so save all you can now. Look for as many grants, scholorships and loans as possible. But remember loans you must pay back so dont get yourself knee deep with loans you must pay back. Good Luck with your future endevours and with college of choice!

Visit your college of choice and try to get a feel of the campus and the people who attend there.

I think that you should put alot of time into finding a college that is right for YOU. Not the college that all you'r friends are going to, or a college that you'r parents want you to attend because it is close to home... but a college that has a well designed program dealing with what you want to get a degree in. For once, you can be selfish and get away with it, and you should feel like this is all about ME, what I want, and whats best for ME! If money is an issue, apply for financial aid. To make the most out of your college experience, I would live in the dorms freshman year. This is when you meet the most people and make great friendships. I would also say to join some on campus clubs and volunteer locally as much as possible. These are both fun ways to meet new people, have fun, and not to mention, it looks really good on you'r resume.

Don't go to a college because it's where your friends are going, go to the college that is best for your aspirations. When you go to college, get involved and meet new people. It's amazing how easy it is to find a new group of friends so fast. College will be the best time of your life only if you want it to be so don't waste your chance. Try new things but keep your morals because they will be tested. Remember where you came but strive to get where you're going. Have fun!

When your child is looking for a college, help them and make sure there on the right path, cause its so east to get lost if you don't have someone helping you, because no one can do it alone.

The best advice I can give to parents and to students is to visit the schools/campuses that you are applying to. You need to know the atmosphere and temperature of the school to know if you will be comfortable living, working, and studying there. As a resident advisor I saw students who fell in love with campus during an open house visit and knew that they would be comfortable and I saw others who may have a better fit at another school. Tour the the housing, dining, and classroom facilities. Take in to account the labs, computer rooms, library, and the gym! Make a check list as you visit different schools and even take pictures so when you get home you can review your pros and cons. It really may make a difference in your choice (and happiness!)