Florida Atlantic University Top Questions

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

Allison

If I could give advice to my younger self it would be financial advice. By attending Florida Atlantic University, I was able to receive enough financial aid to graduate without debt. I was able to work and put money into savings instead of towards my undergraduate degree. Now planning to attend graduate school in the fall, I wish I had known that I should be investing this money to save for graduate school.

Emma

I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. College is such an important part in furthering your future. You have to enter college with a determined mindset. Take as many classes as you mentally can. Just because you have the option of taking one or two classes a semester doesn't mean you should. The more you study the better it will be. Do not try cramming the night before. Get as many A's as you can. And sign up for as many scholarships as you can, it will make a huge difference. Graduating without any debt will make graduation day so much better. Its okay to change your major but understand that now some of those hard courses you take won't count towards your degree. As much as that sucks you will be closer to making a difference in the world.

Kayla

If I could go back in time and inform myself as a high school senior and give myself advice I would say do not wait to apply to scholarships. In college, you pay for everything and it adds up. Do not procrasinate and think you can wait till the last minute to apply; scholarships take a lot of focus and time to complete.

Nareg

The absolute best advice I can give myself: get your college books early and start to go over the notes/chapter BEFORE the class starts. This will enhance your understanding and get your GPA higher. College is a differnt animal compared to High School, You need to put in more time and effort in preperation for the next class. Also, If you choose to participate in early classes, get your cloths and backpack ready the night before--incase you wake up late for class, you'll have a headstart to making it on time.

angela

If I could go back in time I would be more involved in high school programs such as clubs and organizations. I was an ESOL student which made a big diffirence for me. Now that I am in college I see things very different, it does not matter your race or what language you speak, what matters is what you want to accomplish in your life.

Christopher

I would go back and tell myself which major I would be the happiest in pursuing. I changed my major so often throughout my first few years of college and that set me back in graduation. I would tell myself of all the best studying habits that I adapted over the years so that I would be at an advantage going into college as a freshman.

Thomas

You need to buckle down. Stop joking around and trying to just get by. That's not going to help you at all because high school is nothing like college. Getting by in college will get you nowhere. It's very true that some teachers in college don't care if you're in class or not, but if you miss a certain number of classes then you'll fail that class and have to take it all over again. Apply yourself. Use your brain and do what you do best. Studying is a necessity in college. You're going to be up late in the night, but it will be well worth it when you're prepared for the tests that come. Be wise when it comes to money. Scholarships are your best friend so apply for as many as you can. And manage your time wisely. Don't think that just because you wake up at 5:45 every morning for high school you can easily take 8 o'clock classes everyday in college. Make sure that you get your sleep, that you get to know your proffessors, and that you do what you've got to do.

lora

Always dream the impossible and that will be the future. Ask lots and lots of questions. There was not enough information in my school about going to college. What I should have done was to self educate more. Never think that you know it all and never assume people are going to give you all the anwers. Research a lot more then I did and I should not have been afraid to step outside of the box in all aspects of my life. I went to college 22 years after I graduated HS. I know now that college is key and it has to be done straight after HS becuase life has a funny way of making you do detours.

Fabienne

We're always in a rush. We rush to work. We rush to get home. We ultimately rush through life. My senior year in high school was especially difficult. My high school boyfriend had recently passed away that summer, so when I returned for my senior year I was understandably different. My mother had lost her job and I started working full time to help take some of the stress off of her. As an adult, I feel as if I rushed through high school and especially my senior year. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to take it in. Everything is going to be okay. You don't have to rush through this. Enjoy the moment. Go to football games and school dances. But most importantly I would tell my younger self to slow down. Don't grow up before your time, because in the end everything will work out the way that it should.

Captain

Talk, it's so easy to have friend when your around the same kids for four years in a row, but you have to break out of your shell even if you think the friends you have right now are adequate. In college you only get a semester to make a friend.

Carmelle

The advice that I would give myself is to just take it easy and go with the flow. I have realized that even though college is a little bit harder than high school, I succeed just fine in college just like I did in high school. I would tell myself to get excited because you are going to meet some very nice people and make new friends but overall to just enjoy the journey and be happy and stay strong and think positive!

cali

Pay attention more in classes. What you learn now will follow you to college. Don't worry about not knowing what you're going to do or be scared about going off to school. Everything falls in place once you get to college and its really an amazing thing. Good things are coming your way.

Deanna

Deanna, I just want you to know that life only improves from this point onward. Having your independence is everything you thought it would be and then some. Freedom comes with a catch, though. Know that you can't blame anyone else for your mistakes, and only you are responsible for the outcome of your life. Your appetite for adventure is admirable, and you should encourage that aspect of yourself. Try new things, meet new people; it’s all a part of finding yourself. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew! With all the new options available, you will experience temptation like never before. Stay away from trouble and trust your inner wisdom. If you don’t think something is a good idea, don’t let anyone or anything convince you otherwise. Be humble. Arrogance is dangerous. Know your limits and accept them. You’re not super-human, and that’s OK. Throughout your college experience, you will feel an intense pressure to succeed. As long as you try your best, you WILL succeed.

Keeli

If I could go back and give my naive self some valuable advice I would begin by strongly encouraging taking a break from school to live in and explore the real world at least until the age of twenty four. I stress this age for two very different, but wise reasons. The first reason to wait until twenty four to begin college is based on the fact that I learned the hard way all about financial aid and the ridiculus rule that your parents income is considered until you are 24. This rule is true even if you are living independently and your parents contribute nothing. Private loans are a slippery slope. The second reason to wait to begin college until twenty four is it gives you time to experience life. When I was eighteen all I knew were child-like ideas of perfection and a feeling of being invinsable. How can a child with no life experience decide what major they will love and best utilize to impact the world. A decision like that takes time to rise-up and fall down in order to form an interest of passion to pursue that comes from personal pain and suffering.

Kimberly

Really make an effort to get involved in college life. Don't go to a club meeting once or twice and then just stop, don't hide in your room. During that first week, go out and really force yourself to talk to and meet people, don't let your anxiety run your life. Trust me, college will be a far more enjoyable experience for you if you go out and hang with people who you really like instead of staying in your room.

Laura

College isn't scary and bad as everyone says it is. It takes a while to know your way around, but don't be afraid to ask help. Also Homework and extra credit will be your best friend. It wasn't in high school, but in college it can be a grade or two changer. I would also tell my younger self to read the syllabus, it was not in high school, but because I didn’t my first semester of college I lost my A to a C+. I also would tell myself not to take a full semester in the summer if I want a life. Unfortunately, that mistake cost me my GPA because of the two C’s I got. Last but not least I would tell myself not to worry about talking to people. People in college are so much nicer than high school people. They don’t care whether you are popular, skinny, fat, black, white etc… They will respect you as long as you respect them.

Valerie

If I can go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to try as hard as I can to get good grades in order to get a scholarship. I would tell myself to not procrastinate so much with college stuff and get financial aid out of the way as soon as possible. I would tell myself to learn to be more outgoing and less shy and to quit stressing so much because everything will be just fine. Lastly, I would tell myself to believe in myself because although I may not think so yet, I have great potential in me.

Stephanie

Stephanie, This is your future self. You’re typically known as Nancy now. Long story, you’ll know in time. Right now, you probably think I’m living it up at college, and that it’s coming for you soon. But it’s not coming as soon as you think. You plan on graduating high school and going straight into Grand Valley State, but that’s not going to happen the way you’re planning. You’re not going to be able to pay for school. You’ll think you’ll have it covered, but the grants you get and your FAFSA won’t cover everything. You didn’t try hard enough for scholarships during your senior year, and that’s why I’m here today. 15 minutes ago I was filling out an application for McDonald’s. That’s where you’re trying to get a job because you aren’t going to college until next fall and have to pay rent. We both know that everything will be okay. It’s just that sometimes plans change and you need to be ready to embrace the challenges that come your way. Our way. Good luck. Sincerely, Nancy

Amber

If I was able to talk to my high school self the first thing I would say is to leave the boys alone. Now that I’m older I realize that the boys are still there. I messed up in the IB program because I was distracted by wanting a boyfriend, only to realize that boys are a waste of time. If I would have succeeded in the IB program I probably could've paid for school. The next thing I would tell myself is to remain focused. In college it is always about focus. There is no second chances and no one to tell you to turn in your homework. It one person taking care of themselves.

John

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus on school. I'd tell myself to not waste my time trying to make it in a band. I would tell myself to buckle down and go to class. I would tell myself to face reality and to understand the value of education. I would make an emphasis on my experiences in the service industry and try to get myself to avoid the hassle that it brought me. I would tell myself to be a student first and foremost, and put everything else after that until I had a career.

Sasha

Dear me, you are taking everything too hard. You are going through a hard time, but it won't last forever. High school is a short, albeit miserable, time in your life. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Have fun! Make more friends! Stop faking sick all the time. Seriously, missing school is one of the worst things you can do. Try to get good grades, but don't drive yourself crazy doing it. Relax and take a breath, because college is coming, and that's a different ballpark. Love, yourself.

Jenna

When I graduated highschool, I was already enrolled in two online college courses. I did this because I was leaving home to start my modeling career and I felt the need to be in college even with a very hectic schedule. Some students want to take time off because they do not know which major to choose or what they want do/be. I took a few courses here and there, never really taking the time to learn because I was 18 years old working full time, traveling the world, who would be able to focus doing that? I don't regret my travels at all, I learned things that college couldn't teach me, but I wish I could go back and focus more on school. I am still in school now because for so long I only took one or two classes a semester, so I never learned how to manage my time with my studies. I would tell myself to buckle down and take more than two, you can do it.

Andres

Take harder, if possible AP classes or dual enrollment during high school. Tuition for classes are very expensive in College/University and if you can take any class that is going to give you credit for your postsecondary school, then you should take advantage of that and you will be saving money in tuition, books and transportation. Take harder classes, don't be lazy and take hard/meaningful classes such as calculus, biology, chemistry, etc; instead of being taking easy classes such as gym or health classes, which although they are somehow useful to you, in reality they won't really help you when you are at the university and you will be somehow lost in some of your hard classes because you chose to take a gym class instead of calculus during high school. So, my advice would be to take college/university level classes and save money while in high school.

Lisa

I would tell myself that collge life is not easy. So study, study once you get there. I also would tell myself that keep on the path that your on. Why? Because the determination that you have to excell will pay off if you apply it to collge life. I would tell myself that you can overcome anything that well be set in your way while you attend collge. No discourgement from teachers can stop you if you keep your goal in mind. I would also said that you can do it regardless of what life may brings just keep moving on and never give up. YOU CAN DO IT. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.

Carlee

If I could advise my high school senior self, I would tell me to focus on maintaining my integrity as a student, friend, athlete and person. I would caution myself not to disregard so quickly my parents' advice to me and perhaps put it in a journal for later use. I would also constantly remind myself that I really am a smart and talented person and anyone who will connect with me at college will be upgrading their lives and mine. Finally, I would tell myself to have fun and be brave. You can do it!

Sherron

Get your education first, Be serious about life and later after you become educated you will have a lot better choices, finacially, spiritually, emotionially and socially.

Lucy

I would tell myself that you can get anywhere in life if you are willing to do whatever it takes. While in high school I thought you could only be sucessful in life if you went to an ivy league university. I was wrong. I now see that I have every oppurtunity that a student at brown does, and that sucess only comes to those you will put in the time an effort. I would encourage myself to take risks, work my hardest, and take an hour out of everyday to do something that I enjoy.

Jessica

Coming into college, you need to be ready to work. High school was a breeze for you and you could get by in many cases without even studying. Well even the easiest of classes now are not going to be all that easy. Every class requires ample amounts of study time and a positive head on your shoulders. One failed class or one bad test sucks, but life goes on. You either keep fighting for your dreams or you could quit now, which we all know you're no quitter. Also, do not spend all your money and get a job. You know you work better with lots of things going on and a hefty schedule. Therefore, get a job, save your money, and get the grades you know you can recieve. Last but not least, have fun. College is of course about preparing yourself for the future but it is also about having the best years of your life and meeting your potential bridesmaids and maybe even husband, so embrace it.

Carlee

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would start off my telling myself good job. I would say this because I was well prepared for the college experience. I'd instruct my high school self to thank my parents for everything they did and will do to help my college experience to be a success. I would tell myself to not freak out about the status of my social life because if I keep acting like myself I will make a lot of good friends. However, I would warn myself about the social situations and challenges I would come to face in my first year of college. "Keep your eyes and heart open to make the right decisions," is something I would say. I'd tell myself that even though as a high school senior I'd never really had any boys or guy friends, just wait until college because that will all change! Overall, I'd tell myself to relax and get excited for college because it will be the best experience of my life!

Dominic

I would tell myself to go to a state college and live with my parents. Going to a university is great, but the only real problem that it is very expensive. A persons education may not be the best at a state college but at least a you can save money for the next few years of your life. I have learned a lot going to FAU but I would give it all back if I could save myself from going into debt. I am running out of money to pay for my semester and soon I am going to need loans. This university has given me so many opportunities but I will not be able to take advantage of them if I cannot afford to go here.

Adam

I would tell myself don't just stroll through highschool it goes by way to fast like any adult would say, but cherish each and ever moment you have over there, because college they expect you to be independent and treated like an adult . Push yourself to be a better student no matter how hard things get, do not procrastinate, because that would be the downfall to all the hard work you put in. Always make time for studies at a young age, because it teaches you to learn to manage time at a younger age. Be more involved with the school such as joining clubs, doing community service around the city, because colleges look at and love kids who interact with the community. Sports, you should always tryout if you have a passion for it, who cares what people say or think about you. If you truely love it, do it. Make yourself a better student by being a disciplined athlete who knows how far and well you go if you actually learned to endure the struggles and see the bigger picture at the end of the journey. This would be the advice I would give myself.

Michael

I would actually tell my past self to enroll in Palm beach State College (previously Palm Beach Community College) so I could finish my AA at a more affordable postsecondary institution. It's taking an awful long time to finish even this basic degree due to the ridiculously high rates of tuition, in addition to the fact that I'm not elligible for any financial aid, according to the FAFSA. There's a million other things I can tell my past self, like how staff advisors can be unhelpful or poorly trained, how difficult it is to find the correct college department for specific questions or problem resolution, and how some professors will bend over backwards for you, while others won't bat and eyelash if you need help. The main issue has and always has been not knowing what you need to know.

Megan

Don't be afraid to change your plans! You're about to meet some of the most influential people in your life, explore topics you've never experienced before, and consider perspectives that are completely new. Take advantage of that, and dabble in things that you aren't experienced in. Don't get locked into a plan for your life until you've opened yourself up to lots of new experiences. Don't spend time alone; open yourself up to new relationships with people you wouldn't normally interact with. Don't stay in your dorm room when there are activities to attend; some of them could change your life. Have random conversations late at night. Talk to professors with whom you've never had a class. Try to be an insatiable learner. Don't stop reading for fun. Take every challenges as it comes and appreciate what you learn from them. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Spread joy. Be positive. Savor every minute; it goes by quickly.

Brittany

For most of my life, I have been overly focused on academic achievement. Education is the most the important part of my life, but if given the chance, I would choose to teach my past self to follow my heart before my head. Due to my focus on achievement, I landed myself in a PhD program that was completely wrong for me and my goal to help people in the future. I wanted to be a doctor in order to feel accomplished, not realizing until much later that research and teaching were not my passions. I am now going into social work instead with the plan to work in the court systems in the future. With this experience, I would educate my past self that there is always more than one way to follow a passion. Want to help people? Being a doctor is not the only way. Want a laid-back job? There are hundreds. Be happy first, plan second.

Brianna

If I could give any advice to my high school self it would be to work hard, work smart and have fun! It is important to work hard to do your very best in school because then your chances of scholarship go up (college is expensive, who doesn't want to have school paid for?) and also prepares you to continue to work hard in college. Working smart means that you understand you need a plan. It's one thing to work hard, but when you put that hard work into a plan than your success increases. This means its important to apply for scholarships early. There are scholarships even high school sophomores can apply for! With all this work, I would also remind my high school self to have fun. By having fun I mean to find activities you enjoy. These can be sports, music, art etc. These activities are what make us unique and also help us build friendships. These activities also prepare students for college. College life has many opportunities to be involved, which makes college fun and helps you build friendships during those years.

Matthew

Become more self-driven.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to enjoy my life as a college student more. It sounds so simplistic, yet so many college students take their education for granted. I would tell myself to enjoy this season of life, and to not stress so much. School is meant to challenge, but it is also meant for us to enjoy and expand our way of thinking. Not everyone gets the opportunity to pursue what they love. I would tell myself to not panic about the small day-to-day things, but to focus on the big picture. It goes by so quickly, and it's best to enjoy the ride.

Larissa

If I were granted the opportunity to go back in time and share with myself the knowledge I have now about college life, I would tell myself to be well informed. When you're starting a new chapter in your life and your on the path of pursing your dream, you need to have the right direction. Which means research needs to be done. Go out talk to advisors, teachers, friends whom you know that attend college already and get information from them. These people are reliable sources and will aid in your success as a first time college student. I would also make an effort to go to the university and plan to stay a day or two. This would allow me to get a better feel of the environment and the school setting. In addition, I would also prepare myself mentally for the amount of course work and hours that will be invested into school. Being aware that college isn't a breeze way will allow my mind to be set and focused for accomplishment. Lastly, I would encourage myself to enjoy the college life by taking it a day at a time.

Alexander

If i were to go back to being a high school senior and knowing now what i know about college life i definitely would give myself advice on how to prepare myself better financially. I would give myself advice on how to manage your money in college and what financial needs need to come first and what financal needs need to come after. I would also give myself on how to have complete balance in your life. Even though life can become hective it's important to try your best to balance your life and your everyday procedures. Committing time to certain activities can help you prioritize your lifestyle to achieve success and balance. Lastly, i would give myself advice on how to take notes in class and write down everything the teacher says no matter how small it may seem. In college it definitely is important to become more resposible for your education, you're there to be independent unlike highschool and lower grade levels.

Deneille

Aside from going back and telling myself to save every last penny I come into contact with, I would tell myself to be more confident in who I was. I believe the away experience was the push I needed to transition from a teenager to an adult, and it allowed me to get my first glimpse of the "real world." I noticed changes in what was important to me, and learned that I love the person that I am. I wish I could tell my self-conscious high-school self to save myself the drama of being accepted or "popular" because it is all irrelevant in the scheme of things. Knowing who you are at an earlier age gives you a headstart in achieving all that you wish to achieve, and I would like to go back and tell myself as a senior that life is too short to not be confident in who you are and love yourself.

Sophonie

If I could go back and advise myself as asenior in high school, I would tell myself to focus very hard on the science courses in high school. I would advise myself to start taking classe at a broward college ( dual enrollment) while in high school. That would have save me money for prerequisites classes. I wouldn't have to pay for my prerequisite classes. By the time I graduate I could have had my associate degree, then I would start working for my bachelor degree. That would have save me some money, and some time. I would also advise myself to get involve in more sports and clubs at school. That would be agreat chance for me to win some scholarship. In adition I would apply for many scholarship in my senior year.

Amy

I would tell myself not to be so shy. Open up and show myself so I wouldn’t feel like an outsider and have friends. At least I would have known then that if people didn’t like me wasn’t because I didn’t try .Also I would tell myself not to let people think they could just say nice thing’s to you and that they would get what they wanted from you. I’d have a mind of my own and say no but everyone likes to hear nice thing’s about them self and sometimes it just makes your day cause at least someone is saying it you rather they mean it or not is a different story. Life is harder then they make it in high school it seems like getting a job isn’t so hard having a family everyone can do that. I never realized now hard it would be I would have appreciated my mom a whole lot more in High School for all she did for me being there for me. Appreciate all I have being able to just go to school and not have anything else to worry about.

Michelle

I would tell myself that college life is a whole new ball game. There is a lot of freedom associated with it, but there's also more stress. I would tell myself to take everyday and always be organized and make sure to make school your number one priority. My advice would be to enjoy this time of your life because after college, real life sets in and college is suppose to be a great time in one's life. I would also tell myself to not try and rush to graduation and to move onto the next phrase of my life. Enjoy the now and look forward to the future because it is a bright one.

Melissa

Don't declare a major right away! Try different classes and don't assume that there's a pressure to choose a major and get settled in the beggining of your freshman year. Look at all your options first. Also, community college is a great start! Why did I choose the expensive private school when I had no idea what I wanted to do and could get the same credits for 1/3 of the cost.

Alessandra

If I was able to go back to my senior year of high school adn talk to myself about the future I would tell myself to not be so afraid to get out there and meet new peope. I would also tell myself that not going home every weekend is a not as bad as it seems. Those two simple things would have changed my transition experience compeletly and it would have most likely made things a whole lot easier.

Rusty

If I had a time machine to go back in time, I would go back and tell myself to fill out the FAFSA once my dad filled my taxes. College is so expensive without federal aid, and it can be so stressful just trying to set up your classes. I would also show myself how to apply at Trident Technical College. I would have most likely graduated by now, but instead I am stuck in retail. Don't get me wrong I do make more than what I started, but I would like a different career path. I know that I can't help my past self as much as I would have liked too. I would have saved so much money if I knew then what I know now, but at least I can pay it forward to someone else.

Kevin

I would let myself know very clearly about the importance of having an awesome education and about how important it is to study and work hard. I would make obvious the fact that there is a time and place for everything; there is a time for parties and there is a time for studying. One of the most important pieces of information to know when entering college is time management. I would also emphasize the no matter how easy a course may look, take every class and everymoment like if it was the most important class of your life. This is the time that will make you who you are, take it seriously.

Julie

If I could go back and talk to my high school self I would definitely tell myself to get everything out of high school possible. I would encourage myself to take more college prep classes and prepare myself to stay focused. I would let my younger self know not to get discouraged when things get rough and to keep trying.

Leah

Work on your academics, because when you have universities and scholarship organizations interested in your grades, attendance, and career objective, it makes things so much easier. Also, do not wait to go to college later in life. Start when you are young, so that by the time that you are in your 30's, you won't need to finish school. This will already be done for you and you can start your career and family life off to a right start.

Matthew

I would go back and tell myself to be more organized. I was always very disciplined in high school, but in college its a whole different ball game. I decided to go away from my hometown for college and have a new start somewhere else. When I moved here, i came to the realization that I have ultimate control of my life now. No parents, no curfew; the options are limitless. I would go back and tell myself that I'm doing a good job in high school, but the classes in college are not in sequential order; there could be could be hours in between classes. I'd tell my self to use that time very wisely and use it to study for the next class. The first few weeks are always the most difficult when adjusting to college life and I think I would have liked to have known about how important time managent and personal responsibility actually is. I was always very disciplined, but I did'nt quite know how important those kinds of personal attributes are.