Eastern Florida State College Top Questions

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

James

Hello me, the most important thing I can tell you is to get your work done early. The longer you wait to begin working hard, the more difficult it will be to get ahead. While it is absolutely possible to slack off in high school and still be successful, it will be more than worth it in the long run to put the effort in early. Spending an hour a night polishing up knowledge accumulated in classes directly correlates to better grades; exceptional high school grades provide a broad spectrum of possibilities. Being a model high school student demonstrates a level of maturity that others revere; colleges, future employers, and organizations providing scholarships will all favor you more highly the better your scores are. I am spending a lot of money trying to receive our accounting degree; please make it easier on me by fooling around less and focusing on academic progress more. Thanks, and enjoy your last year of high school - we will never get to go back.

Dylan

Keep on applying for scholarships. Continue staying on top of things, keep working hard, keep educating yourself. The more you work on learning more and becoming a better student, the better off you will be not only in college, but for the rest of your life.

Matthew

If I could talk to my high school self, I would tell him that all the stress and fear he had about college is unnecessary. I would direct him to talk to the faculty with the assurance that they would lend an ear to his concerns. He was very concerned that the professors would be unapproachable, but I scarcely met a professor I did not adore. Likewise, the administration themselves are more than happy to lend you a hand. Even the Provost of the campus I was on was willing to stop his day just to help an inquisitive student. Next, I would advise him to engage himself in the school through the clubs as soon as possible. He was shy and had doubts about his ability to be a part of any club or student government activity. But the people in the clubs are often exceedingly friendly and as passionate about school as you are. As a result, they are often more than willing to help you study or work on a project with you. I hesitated my first semester to get involved, but I found it an exciting, building, and downright fun experience when I finally did!

Rachel

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school self, the best advice I would have to give is to take school and yourself more seriously. Throughout my entire high school experience teachers, parents and guidance counselours spent countless lectures preaching to us about the importance of college, and I like many students my age, kind of blew it off as no big deal. I mean how hard could it possibly be? Well the reality is I was living in a fantasy thinking things would just fall into place for me like they always have. I shouldv'e paid more attention when annoucements were being made about scholarship opprotunities and I should have actually made more of an effort to do better in school, instead of relying on just skating by. The truth is I had no confidence in myself. I always thought "Oh well I'm not smart enough for that" "Or I'm not a good enough writer to have any chance of winning." Now that I'm in college I know how hard it is money-wise. If I had just given myself a chance, things could be a little easier now.

shalina

The advice I would give myself is do all you can to achieve better in life. Take any extra classes, apply for scholarships that you going to need the money in the future in order to help pay for your classes in college especially when you are financially unable. Enjoy your senior year the positive way. Don't let anyone peer pressure you to do something you would later regret doing in the future and look back and have that on your record because its not worth it. Make sure all your grades is in order and don't let them slip for anything because that is what is going to get you accepted in the college of your choice and not what your stuck with. Having friends is nice but not as important as your school work and graduating. Check out colleges and make sure you making the right decisions in anything you decided to do or go with because its your life and no one should tell you how to live it.

Carrie

Jumping in the delorean and revving to 80mph! I would land in the summer of 2008 and tell myself to get my bottom in gear. It might sound something like this, were I talking to myself? ?Top priority is applying for every scholarship that you possibly can get your hands on. Accumulating enough money early in the year would make for a very happy home life as well as more colleges to consider later. Mom and Dad will be thrilled; believe me. Now, applying for your top choice schools EARLY is next in line.? I would be hesitant to admit my mistakes, but would fess up eventually. ?The distinct lack of money and not paying attention to detail was our downfall into community college, so you better make yourself pay attention to opportunities for free money and the deadlines for Universities as well as your high school assignments.? I also would throw in other important tidbits. ?Trust me, you do NOT want to spend the next year and a half living at home! Find the money to go to your dream college; because if you don?t, you will end up settling for a state school.? Back to 2010, Doc!

Chelsea

If I encountered my younger self, I wouldn?t hesitate to verbalize the accrued wisdom of this demanding reality. ?Your potential is being wasted by your reluctance to apply yourself. Entry into college isn?t like winning the lottery. You cannot rely on sheer luck to lead you towards that degree. If you want the moon, don?t settle for the stars. Don?t sit idle as you allow your course to be crafted by the hands of fortune. Write your own destiny. Forget the thrill of living as an adult; Relish your youth! Cast aside the fantasies of making it on your own, and savor the awkward stage between adolescence and adulthood. Take your college placement test and achieve that high score. Don?t study at a local community college for the sake of convenience when your potential for achievement soars beyond the confines of that educationally limited institute. You will fall short of your academic ability and the path before you, which was paved, will be buried under the debris of your mistakes and disregard. Go to a state university, and immerse yourself in an education that even I, four years wiser, perceived as just beyond my reach.?

Casey

I would tell myself to follow my dreams. So many people go off to a 4 year college without knowing what they want to do with their lives and end up taking multiple electives trying to find out what it is they are passionate about. I would tell myself to find what I am passionate about, and it will come eventually, and then decide what I want to do. I would not give myself any type of advice that would dramatically change my path since high school because I like what I?ve gone through and how I turned out. Ok, well maybe I don?t like what I?ve gone through but it still has made me the person I am today and I wouldn?t change that for the world.

Leanne

Assuming I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to make more of an effort to finish a foriegn language class, so that I could have the Bright Futures Scholarship. Working your way through college is difficult. It is hard to find study time and it's stressful. Being tired all the time makes you feel less motivated, and it makes it difficult to pay attention in your classes. If I had just made that extra effort to finish up a second year of spanish, I wouldn't have been in that situation. I would have recieved Bright Futures and having that scholarship would have made my transition to college a whole lot easier.

Charles

Well my high school senior self is basically what my current self is. But being logical and rational the first thing I would do, after explaining to past me how I came back in time, is tell my past self about what a pain the application process is going to be consider that all the offices that I talk to don't seem to talk to each other. That would be all I would tell, as I wouldn't want to disrupt the space and time. My mentality hasn't changed since then, I have always been very mature for my age so its not like I was wild a year ago but I have changed today.

Stephen

Persevere, there is good and bad in the future, but peresevere and continue to pray, you already know what to do.

Eric

I would say, "take chances". Don't be afraid to launch into new types of learning. Have faith in your ability to acheive specific standards. Make a plan for where this new road will lead you. Never say, "I can't ". Develop good time managment skills and enhance your "self-starter" skills...Don't wait to be part of the crowd...be in the lead and focus toward the future.

Kayla

Procrastination is the biggest enemy of starting college life. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to get started and work harder. The transition to college life will be easier and go smoother if everything is prepared ahead of time. Last year I was enjoying the life and freedom of a high school senior. Even though I did all the necessary things to get ready for college, doing them earlier would have saved me from unnecessary stress at the last minute. Knowing what I know now, I would have applied earlier, gotten financial aid earlier, and written my essays earlier. All of these things done earlier would have helped the transition to college life go smoother. Looking back, procrastination would have to be the one thing that I would change, given the chance. The chance to talk to myself as a senior would be great. I would say how much not procrastinating would help the transition to college and college life. Getting the work done now, in high school will make life easier in college.

Jacqueline

If I were to go back in time to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself advice on making friends and still staying ahead in academics. I would tell myself to be open to ideas from other students, be able to communicate with other students and the professor about my own ideas, and how to pay attention and take notes better than I already have been. This advice will help me grow relationships and connections with other people and help me stay ahead in my academics for the future.

Siiri

I graduated from high school in a small baltic state, in 2000. I was accepted to a university right after high school, and in fall 2000 I became a full time university student. As a freshman I was probably a little more serious than some other students, but I was not as serious as I am now. Life has taught me many things, and I have realized that if you are given the opportunity to go to college or university, please make sure you study your hardest. Yes, I agree that every once in a while it is good to have fun, but please put your schoolwork first. Nothing is more important in life than an education. Make sure you learn how to plan your days; make daily/weekly/monthly schedules. Be always prepared! As Benjamin Franklin once said "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." If you work and go to school, learn to manage both successfully, and you will be more prepared for life than some other people in your age. Time goes by very fast, so enjoy your time in college or university! Do your best! Be your best! Learn for yourself!

Brandon

College is not like high school at all. The teachers in college are less strict on students about due dates on assignment, coming to class, doing homework. When you get to college try to aim for the top in everything you do. Complete all you homework and classroom assignments, come to every class and try to be on time, and try to take notes and much as you can because you might need them to study from. It is also imprtant to study for every quiz, test or exam you may have because they are worth the most points towards you grade. And you may not need to but joining study groups with other students and friends can be helpful towards your success in college ( two brains are always better than one ). And communicate with your teachers as much as you can for assistence. I promise if you stick to these rules, you will become a successful student in your college career.

Shannon

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would want to be more determined. When I entered college I wasn't that determined at first. I would like to go back and be more focused on school and my future career. I would have achieved better grades.

Amy

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to try as hard as I possibly could to find scholarships. College is so expensive, even when you have Bright Futures scholarships, and foundation scholarships. Books are also killers. I'd tell myself to always look on Half.com for textbooks, or ask friends, before I even think of going to the bookstore to look for them. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to get into the habit of forcing myself to read my textbooks. That was one challege I met in my first semester of college. In high school I was always able to get by without reading all of the textbook, but in college, it's a lot harder to get away with. I'd basically tell myself to just be prepared to work hard to get where I want to go in life.

Kayla

The first piece of advice that I would give myself is to apply wherever you can. My junior ans senior year in high school I did duel enrollment. I went to Brevard Community College as well as attending West Shore Jr/Sr High. When it came to my senior year, all of my friends were applying for colleges. I figured I could just keep attending Brevard Community College until I recieved my A.A. degree (general). At the moment I am trying to transfer to the University of Florida. I have high hopes of being accepted there. If I am not able to go there I am trying to apply at Sante Fe in one of their dental programs (either assisting or hygiene). I am completly stressing myself out. I would hve encouraged myself to do more and get more involved in my high school. I knew colleges liked seeing that king of stuff, but I didn't really take it seriously. A word of advise to high school students: "Apply wherever you can! You don't know how much it will help you!" (It also relives a lot of stress too! Good luck!)

Nadine

Plan classes wisely, keep checking and make sure to be signing up for all the classes you need. Talk to all advisors and then stick with your favorite as he/she will help you with making the right choices, and will also help with recommending you to others. Load yourself up with 18 credits each term, you will manage just fine, you will actually excell. Find out which courses are offered as honors classes so you don't take them before entering the honors program. Check for scholarships towards the end of each term, or you might be too late! Don't only look for scholarships on search-sites, each college usually has a page full of possible applications on it's own website...you just have to look for that page as sometimes it's a little bit hard to find. Explore all buildings in the campus for tips, brochures, information that will help you become an active and devoted student....attend club meetings and student related events. Speak and connect with each teacher, as one day you will need their reccomendation letters and they will help you when least expected as well as give good advice!!!

Billy

Dual enroll as much as possible, get a job, and save money.

Tiffany

Instead of paying attention during my senior year of high school I focused on hanging out with my friends and having fun. Because I wasn't focused on my studies my senior year GPA dropped, I did horrible on my SAT's and I didn't get into the college I wanted to. Since then I have worked so hard just to do well in college to make up for the mistakes I made years before. Had I known that all I had to do was pay attention during my last year of high school, I could have already had my major completed by now. If I could tell my old self what I know now I would say "Senioritis may have lasted a few months, but the juvenile descisions I made during those months will carry on for the rest of my life."

Austen

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would suggest to myself that I should take dual enrollment classes. School is very expensive but also I could save time and money by doing dual enrollment.

Dianna

If I went back to my senior self I wouldn't say much. I think it would go something like this: "Hey Dianna, you haven't met me yet but you will in 2 years. You're doing a great job in high school but college is a little different. Now is a good time to start developing good study habits, because those will help a lot. Don't worry about going straight to a four year University because it's not all its cracked up to be. BCC is an awesome place to go with very helpful teachers and really good classes to take. I've gotten many compliments from the high school teachers you have now about our choice to go to BCC. It's worth it. Also don't forget about all of your friends or ignore them because they moved away to go to Universities. You'll need them sooner or later" I would've liked to hear that when I was a senior. It would've been helpful because I was really down about going to a community college.

Rachel

I am only eighteen years old and I was a high school senior eight months ago. Still, I realize the one thing I should have done differently in high school. "Do not be afraid former self!" The only reason I am attending BCC is because I am afraid of things I do not know. At BCC I know people and what the campus looks like, basically I am taking the easy way out. I regret this because my friends that went off to a university have had nothing bad to say about college. I wish I could have joined them because the college freshman year is when everybody makes new friends. Perhaps right now, I could have met great new friends. I wish I could have told myself to get out there! To not be afraid of what life really has in store for me! Honestly, how can I go through life, if I am afraid of what it might bring? I needed to tell myself that I have to grow up sometime and starting this journey of life may not be easy, but if the journey is easy, it isn't a journey is it?

Rico

If I could got back in time to when I was a senior in high school, I would first kick myself in the butt. This is how I'd go about it: That phrase, "If I only knew then what I know now," haunts me everyday. Here I am, 29-years-old, a single full-time dad, and I'm currently laid off from work. It sure would have been great for that high school senior to have gotten his act together and gone to college. The transition to college is difficult at first, but you get used to it once a routine forms. Setting a schedule for studying is important. Ignoring all distractions, such as going out with friends, is one of those most important things you can do. Remember that you are going to school to better yourself, not to have fun. You want those good grades and you do not want to repeat classes because you slacked off last semester. The sooner you get through the classes, the sooner you can enjoy the rest of your life and have fun with less worries! Or you could be 29 with no job.

Ryan

I would tell myself to not take high school so lightly. You may want to seem cool now, but you will probably never see half of those people again. Stay focused on your grades so you can get proper funding for a great education. After all, college is not cheap!

Bryant

If I, as a college student, could go back in time & talk to myself as a high school with the knowledge now I would tell myself two things; The 1st is that you are allowed to take online classes, even with an already full schedule, whether it is through the college or school itself, and get a jumpstart on college; The 2nd would be, is that summer classes are not as hard as everyone makes it out to be & that they can be fun plus you might retain more knowledge from those classes. The reason for that is the scheduling of the classes (example, a three credit hour class will meet Monday- Friday for around an hour each day with homework assigned each day). If I had known that back then I would have used this information & definitely get a head start on my college career & taken those some of those classes so that I would not have to stress myself out over taking so many at once cramming all my classes into one semester. Since the information I have is now useless to me I now recommend this to my younger family members who want to go to college.

Stormie

The best advice I could give myself is to not get demoralized. Don't think that you can't do what other people can. I would tell myself that you shouldn't underestimate your potential because if you work hard enough you can accomplish anything. People who've done great things tend to seem as if they were a race apart. I f I were back in high school I'd remind myself that my first priority is to learn what the options are. So many people pressure you to know what you want to do with your life that you think you're suppost to have an answer. I learned that people ask this mainly as a conversation starter. They want to know what sort of person you are so don't become intimidated and make rash decisions. I would remind myself that I don't need to be in a rush to choose my life's work. What I need to do is discover what I like and build a foundation off that.

Christina

I would go back in time and talk to myself about SAT and ACT testing. I know back in high school as a senior I could have made more of an effort to take any or each of those tests at an earlier date. Giving myself more time to take those tests I could of had a better chance of getting better scores on each test. The perfect advice would be to buckle down, get serious, and sign up for each test at an early time in the year. By doing that I would have been able to re-take each test to receive a higher score. I would perform self-talk by informing myself that these tests are stressful, but I can and will get through each of them. Those would be the best advice strategies I would have for myself if I could go back in time.

Emily

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition from high school, I would tell my high school self some steps and rules to follow by to ensure improvement of my grades. Back in Driver's Education, I would tell myself to pay attention more during the teacher's lectures, and to study from the take home book every night. I would tell myself not to spend my nights watching television and staying on the phone for hours and hours with friends and boys. I would tell myself to rather open up those textbooks laying on my floor, review my notes from that day, and make sure that all my homework was completed to the highest degree that I could possibly do, before I turned on the TV or hung out with my friends. Knowing now that school is not all about making friends and trendsetting outfits, I would tell myself what school really was about. It's about getting an education, actually learning valuable information that one can use in the real world, and setting oneself up for an excellent career in the near future. This is what I wish I could have told myself then.

Marlana

There are things that you, as a senior in high school, will never get told, but wish someone had told you. The first thing you need to know is that you need to go online, to "ratemyprofessors.com" and literally pick your teachers based on the information that is provided. The better the teacher matches your expectations, the more you will learn. Secondly, choose your schedule in ways that you're not overwhelming yourself. For example, it might not be wise to schedule only your required courses, because many of those are golden rule classes, meaning that there is a set writing requirement that induces time management skills. Additionally, even required courses have options, such as taking biology or chemistry, so take at least two electives; taking electives gets you closer to discovering your interests and working towards your major. Finally, just because you have a scholarship does not mean that you should not seek financial aid from other sources. Don't get excited that college is covered now-think about your future. Make sure that the reason that you do not know what to do is not because of bad financial planning earlier, but that you have options.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not quit my job to save as much money as I can, and to have the paperwork needed to apply for college on hand. I quit my job because at the end of my senior year, I was focusing on graduating and would have had to request too many days off to warrant having a job. I should have taken a leave of absence for the two months I needed off and not have to start anew at the same job I worked at when I was at high school. Also, I should have had all the paper work needed to enter college on hand. Having all the documents when I applied to Brevard Community College the summer after I graduated would have saved the time to dig out the information needed like my SAT scores and my diploma. Also it would have saved me the numerous trips I made to submit my information.

Tara

If I was somehow able to acheive time travel and decided to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, the message I would deliver would be, "Start early." I do not regret most of what I have done and, frankly, I am quite proud of myself. The only thing I have slacked on has been trying to attain grants and scholarships, because for a little while I was relying on my Florida Medallion Scholarship. I did dual-enrollment as a senior, so I would be sure to reassure myself that it was for the best. I would tell myself to look into doing Biology prerequisites early, so I would not have to be worrying about them later on. Although, I would focus on informing myself of the many programs that are out there for students like myself, and how if I put in even a bit of effort, I could be very surprised.

Bunny

If I could give any advice to myself as a high school senior it would be this: Do not wait to go to school, go just after school ane get your education. I know you think you will have forever to get this done, but trust me you do not stay 17 forever. College is challenging, but trust me when I tell you, you can do this. Stayfocused on what is important and you will have the rest of your life to do all the things you think are important right now.

Melissa

Dear Sweet Melissa, Do not run away. College will take some extra effort but hang in there. Find some classes that you will enjoy and stick with them. If you leave college you will fall down a dark path that leads to drugs, pain and confusion. No boy is worth what you will go through if you leave. Your parents love you. I love you. If you choose to leave now you will only find out how hard college can be, financially and mentally in the future. Being uncomfortable in a classroom is normal. People are not judging you. Find a way to get comfortable and relax. You fit in. Please stay focused and remember that you are loved and that you are very smart. College is very important to you and in the future you work very hard to prove this to yourself and to your family. No one can take your education from you. It will always be yours. I encourage you to keep learing for your days to come until you take your last breath. Being teachable is something you value. Enjoy your college days, I know I am! With much love, peace and respect, Missy Aikins

BIANCA

Keep up the good work. Try to do dual enrollment because you can get ahead in your education. Don't focus on boys because they lead you into trouble. work a part time job because college doesn't come cheap. also becareful who you trust and the desicions that you make. think about them wisely because that can determind where your next road take you in life. Can't Change what has already happened but if I could go back these are the things I would tell myself.

Alexandra

go straight to UCF and get a dorm !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael

I would tell myself to take some time and really think about what I would like to do with my career. Don't be in a hurry to get out of school and waste time on a degree that doesn't mean anything. Find a passion and set a goal to become the very best at that passion whatever it is. I would also tell myself to make sure to set up for sucess. Make sure that the classes and class times take precidence over a part time job schedule. Part time jos are always available but you don't want to risk wasting time for your education and failing classes because you are trying to burn the candle at both ends.

BIanca

given the fact of how hard i work on a regular basis, id tell myself to stay on track and keep up the good work. also to go ahead and start dual enrolment so i could get an earlier jump start on things, and not to date, because it would be a distraction to my educational enviroment

laura

The best advice that i could give myself is to not waste any time after high school and start with the college life and education as soon as possible. it is so easy to just say that "i'll do it next semester", but it is so hard to do it. The best thing to do is just to start early so i can finish my education early. If i would have started right after high school , I could of be done with college already.

Altora

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would tell myself to regularly visit my counselor in order to keep up with my progress/grades. I would also tell myself to participate in community events as a volunteer to get credit hours. Most of all though, I would tell myself to have more focus on school and have a detailed plan to succeed in college as opposed to putting my job as my top priority.

Holly

Go away to college and marry rich!! Just kidding but times are tough and you need to have a college education. Dont underestimate yourself you are just as good as the next. Set your goals high and go for it!

Ashley

Ashley, do not feel the pressure to go directly to a four year university! It is alright that you go to brevard community college first and make an easier transition for yourself into college. No one will think any less of your academic abilites as long as you maintain your GPA. You need to do what is best for YOU, not anyone else. This includes your parents and friends Ashley! If you give in to the pressure and force yourself to go to USF, you will only end up at BCC because you are not cut out for the university campus life, at least not yet. Please give BCC a try for two years and let yourself become adapted to the college classrooms and workload. Theres nothing to be scared about because everyone loves you and will be behind you every step of the way, no matter what! As mom always said "Dreams Do Come True" and yours will eventually, but don't try to rush it just so you can "fit it." Taking it slowly will only benefit you more in your future girly! Oh and don't stress because every little thing is going to be alright! :)

Christine

I graduated from high school early, I was pregnant. Although I enrolled in college the next semester I had no Idea what I was doing. Being as I was the first in my family to graduate from high school and go to college and have a kid, there were a lot of firsts. So if I could go back I would tell myself to enjoy high school and college life, then have kids :-) none the less my boys have been my inspiration to keep going and defy the odds!

Desiree

I would tell myself to take more time enjoy being a senior. Don't be afraid to try other extra curricular activities. Pick more honors classes. Venture out a talk to more students. Look for other colleges or universities in the area.

william

I would tell myself to prepare better in a sense of financially. This is public schooling, it costs money to be here and learn. You need to try hard to recieve grants and scholarships and really think about where this is money is coming from and to put it to good use.