Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

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

Petra

I would say, "Well Petra, you are about to embark on a long journey to doctor hood. I know 12 years is a lot and it is easy to just want to get through everything as quickly as possible. It is easy to lose sight of what the full college experience is supposed to bring. While the primary goal of college is to get an education, it is also a time to explore who you and the world at large. You need to go out and meet new people and do things to test yourself. You need to get out of your comfort zone. You are a known introvert and to be successful in social environments you need to learn how to talk to people. It is okay to put yourself out there a little. Just do not lose who you are in the people you meet. Stay strong in what you believe in and surround yourself with people who will respect your beliefs.”

Samantha

Many of us wish we could see in the future and learn lessons before we experience them. As an undergraduate in college now, there's plenty of things I would say to myself as a high school senior. When it comes to making a decision about college, you must always follow your heart. Don't go somewhere because your bestfriend is, or your boyfriend/girlfriend is, go somewhere because it will make you the happiest you that you could ever be, and it's a decision you will feel most comfortable with. College life is very nerve wracking at first, but the best way to get through the first week or so, is it put yourself out there. Try new things, talk to everyone you come across, and be yourself. Everyone is in the same boat you are, trying to adjust to a new place and new people. I promise that they want to meet you and make friends as much as you want to meet them. So don't pass up on the opportunities to experience life and most importantly have the time of your life with people who might possibly be your bestfriends forever.

dylan

I would strongly recomend that I actually studied and tried in highschool. It would have made the transition to college much easier. I would also recomend taking AP cources for the college credit.

Courtney

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would advice her to apply for more scholarships. Since I pay for college completely out of pocket with no assistance from my family I can truly speak of the struggle to afford college. I would advice her to pick up extra night shifts during the week as well, because every cent I have learned counts. Also to pick up extra shifts and doubles during summer so that she would not have to work as hard to balance work and school during college her freshman year. Since I am taking calculus for the first time, I would advice senior me to take AP Calculus her senior year like she is supposed to do instead of playing it safe with an easier math class because although it may have hurt my gpa in high school, I would be better prepared for my heavy workload as an engineer major. And finally, I would advise her to relax. Even though school and life are completely stressful and overwhelming, I would tell her enjoy her time because she will never have these moments back.

Erin

Dearest Porter, as you will come to call yourself. I know you're anxious to find a place in the world that draws your eyes down from the stars. I know you're searching for a home that doesn't make you wish for somewhere else. The world is stressful, it is hard to get out of bed. This is the worst your depression has been in a while, I know that, I was there. You will get out of this, Porter. You will find friends in college who accept you, all of you. They will use your preferred pronouns. They won't call you a faggot or a tranny. They will love you. You wouldn't believe how much better things get. If there's one thing I can tell you, it's to get out of bed. Go and face the day. There will be rain, there will be storms, but you are a child of the universe and you deserve to be here. Smile all you can. Get out of bed. Don't worry about what you think you can or can't achieve, just do what feels right. Look forward to tomorrow. Be safe. Be happy.

JAMES

LISTEN TO MY PARENTS! For the past two years before graduating from high school, my parents gave it their all in attempting to educate me about the importance of obtaining scholarships to avoid student loan debit. Now here I am struggling to afford college and just finished applying for student loan! My parents were right, especially my mom! I truly thought that I'd make enough money in the summer to afford everything and all my savings are now drained and I work part-time on top of a full-time course load. The stress of a loan is uncessary!

Miranda

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to relax and not to worry about leaving home. College life is not as complicated as it seems. Yes, there are more factors at play, like relying on yourself to do your work versus a parent, but managing going to class, homework and a social life is not as hard as one would think. Your daily routine will change, but it is fairly easy to get right back into a new one. Your major doesn't have to be decided before you even move in to your dorm. There's plenty of time to explore different career paths. Keep the friends who support you with your decisions close by and forget the ones who don't. These people will help shape you into who you truly are and push you to your full potential. You will make many more friends and even if your "best friend" isn't going to the same school, you can still keep in touch with visits and talking all the time. It's a big change but don’t be afraid to start the best years of your life.

Kendall

If I could go back in time, I would have listen to my mother more and take the information she provided and use it to my advantage. My mother was a guidance counselor and provided me everything I needed to aid in my college experience, but I decided to listen to only some of the information. I would have applied for more scholarships and be more alert to deadlines. I would have taken some additional courses, such as dual enrollment, more exposure to the college experience. Overall, my senior year was great and memorable, but I could have enhance it in some ways to get me better prepared for my college life.

Dominic

During my senior year, I didn't think ahead very much besides the upcoming weekend. I wish I would have been more proactive in applying to scholarships as I now see how expensive college really is as a freshman. I wasn't lazy, I just didn't put as much effort as I should have. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell him to be proactive and deliberate with doing everything possible to ensure the best future.

brittany

im in middle school

Carissa

Sometimes you won't get your first choice. Sometimes you will get your first choice but life will get in the way. If a class is frustrating, get help! Have friends tutor you, seek out help on campus, don't just give up on the class. Get involved immediately! Spend your first semester trying out as many clubs as possibly so that by the time you are a sophomore you can narrow it down to 1-3 clubs you will fully dedicate yourself to. Enjoy yourself and make new friends. Don't fall back on high school friends for everything. They'll change, you'll change, your situation will change. Especially make friends in the field you plan on entering. Don't stress out if you decide to change your major 3 times. Don't worry about what anyone thinks or has to say about your major. It is YOUR college education and YOUR life. If deep in your heart that is what you want to do, do it! Consider all the options and details, salary, employment rate, but most importantly how much YOU enjoy it. It's not the wrong choice if you are enjoying yourself.

Emily

If I were presented the opportunity to travel back in time and speak with myself while I was a high school senior, I would have many words of encouragement to share. I would advise myself to relish in the school and life events of senior year because those fun times would soon be fond memories. I would encourage my younger self to devote my time whole-heartedly to my passions and pursue a degree in which I would be academically challenged, emotionally driven, and motivated to push through every obstacle I might face. Above all, I would remind myself that college is another stepping stone in the path of life, an opportunity to grow and develop into the person I want my future children to admire.

Alyssa

The main peiece of advice I would give myself is to get involved as possible. At the time, I preferred to stay in the background and got involved with the wrong people and made high school much less enjoyable.

Nichelle

If I were to be able to go back into time to tell my senior self in high school I would change a lot about myself. I would focus better in school and go to all of my classes. Go to all the events at school, since college doesn’t really have that many. I would make my teachers be a little tougher on me, preparing myself for stricter professors. I would be more involved with school and make more friends. I would have applied at a 4 year university instead of going to a 2 year. I also wish I would’ve just enjoyed my time having more fun in school instead of being stressed about my classes now.

Rachael

I took some College courses while in my senior year of high school. I studied hard but if I would have put more emphasis in sciences, it would have helped me a great deal now. I am in the health field, and if I studied Biology or Chemistry then, my understanding of these subjects, would be better now. These classes are difficult, and I would have had a better background and more knowledge of what I need to know now. It would have provided me with a wider base and helped me retain what I need to memorize and learn. It is never too late, but I feel these sciences were lacking in my education while in high school. I wish I would have learnt some of the basics, so that, my understnding of this material, would come easier. I'm afraid that by taking easier subjects in my senior year of high school, just hurt me instead of helped me now. Oh well, I guess everything just happens the way it's supposed to! I'll have to study harder, yet not punish myself for doing things differently. I will get through this subjects reguardless.

Lauren

Dear Lauren of Fall 2009, Congratulations on your hard work so far! You have just decided to pursue the study of medicine; however I would advise you to set small weekly goals so not to lose sight of personal growth opportunities as you pursue your long term dreams. Do not rush through school but rather enjoy the journey! Weigh your decision to set aside music for an accelerated curriculum. Though grades and finances are a priority, strive to find balance in your day and schedule a few minutes to relax! It seems intimidating to adjust to campus and dorm. Step out of your comfort zone and SMILE! The other college freshmen are equally nervous! Lastly Lauren, as you make the transition into college I would advise you to find balance in your schedule. As you transition to more difficult and demanding courses, do not be ashamed to ask for help! As you prepare to embark on a new and exciting chapter in your life, I encourage you to enjoy and make the most of each day. College is a beautiful time of self discovery and growth! Best of luck on college applications! -Lauren of FGCU’s Fall 2013 graduating class

Evelyn

One of the advices that I would give myself as a high school senior is to look and apply for more scholarships. I am currently feeling the downside of not being able to pay for all of my college expenses. I truly believe that no one should have to go into debt to pay for college when there are so many scholarships and grants available. There were many scholarships that I knew about my senior year but I didn't apply for and now I'm stuck with having to take out loans to pay the rest of my college expenses. I would also tell myself to find help if I need it. I used to give up so quickly and this would hurt me mentally and academically but now I know that there is help out there, I just need to be the one to find it. Never be afraid to ask for help. I would say don't procrastinate and never give up because it does get better and things could be much worse. Don't forget to breathe and only take as much as you can handle. Be patient and take care of yourself!

Corey

To say the least, jumping from high school to college is huge milestone in one's life. If I were to be a senior in high school currently, I would advice myself to explore many different options. I would do a great amount of research on the internet involving many different career paths. This would include taking surveys, research majors of interest, and majors that will be in demand down the road. Along with this, I take many notes and ask myself questions such as: "What could I see myself doing for a living?", "Where could I see myself succeeding in college?", and "What are MY aspirations in life?". If I would have followed these important steps while attending high school, transitioning to college would be a lot less stressful and more solely based on my future aspirations in life.

Roshonda

Thinking back to who I used to be when I was a senior in high school, I see a girl looking to be better. If I could go back to that girl and talk to her about college life and the transition I would tell her not to worry about her that test she got a "b" on, and was only one point away from an "A". I would say just keep focusing on school and remember that every moment you are setting the future. I would say make your future bright and let failures become dim and that every day she will become more independent as she faces the challenges in college. I would tell her to set her standards high and her goals higher and be the best she can be; to go all in or not at all. Not to go in with a mind that the transition will be easy, but that it will totally be worth it. That when college life gets her down, to stand back up and remember tomorrow is not only a new day, but a day to learn from your mistakes and to enjoy not only college, but life itself.

marcus

I would tell myself that I need to study more and practice better study habits.

damonique

The advice i would give my high school senior self would be to apply for scholarships and grants. Even if I feel like I couldn't get them, still apply, it won't hurt to try. And also to complete my fafsa on time, not past the deadline, i missed out on some grants I could have recieved. And to come to college with a humble and open mind. And last of all Good Luck!

Elizabeth

I would have told myself to stay at home. I moved away for a while and quit my job in order to concentrate on school. I would tell my younger self to stay at home and keep working. When I was a senior in high school I had like zero social skills. So, I would tell my younger self to be more social. I would tell my younger self to let go of negative emotions like the anger and bitterness that I felt towards my parents. I would tell myself that yeah they are flawed but they are still my parents. I would say that I am just as flawed as they are; that I need to love them unconditionally despite their faults. I would tell myself, that I need to let go of that anger in order to have meaningful realtionships with not pnly my parents but other people as well.

Austin

If i could go back and give my high school self advice the first thing that i would tell myself would be to go and take the ACT test. Taking that test would have possibly helped me alot and possibly could have improved my scholarships and or money situation. Also, i would have told myself to talk to my high school wrestling coach about going off and wrestling at college somewhere out of florida simply because that was always my highschool dream. Another thing i would tell myself would be to preprare to work and study hard in college. i cant get away with not studying like i did in highschool. Lastly, i would tell myself to enjoy it because college is going to be one of the best experiences and times of my life and also not to waste any time while in college.

Doshenae

If I could go back in time I would definitely have told myself to learn how to cook! and also applied for more scholarships. Those are the biggest hardships about being in college. Having finacies to live off of throughout the time you are on campus and also figuring out what you are going to eat on a regular bases. Once you leave home you notice how easy it was to just have mom or dad to give you money and cook for you all the time. I should have prepared for that ahead of time. Also it is harder to work and be in college all at the same time. There is way more homework and studying than in high school and having a job can really take away from that. I wold have told myself to save up more money and apply for as many scholarships as possible to live off us through the time im at school. That would have made my college experince way easier.

Kera

If I could give my high school senior self any advice, I would definitely tell myself that the workload only gets harder. I had heard plenty of that from my teachers during high school but I did not believe that it would my first year.

Noemi

If I could go back, and talk to myself as a senior, i would have to tell myself to really stay focused and not settle for anything but the best. After going to college no one will be there to make us do our work, you have to have your own source of motivation to do the best you can in every class. Unlike high school, education is no longer free, and should definately be taken seriously. Skipping a class, not doing homework, or just not putting in the study time can easily be detrimental to your grade, and all the work that was actually put into the class can go to waste, along with the money you or your parents had put into it. college is something that needs to be taken serious, just like a job, waking up to go to class is work.

Taylor

I would let myself know that education is the most important thing at this point in time and stress heavily on the fact to study, study, study! I would also mention to my highschool senior self, to ensure that I do my best in everything I do, even every single assignment needs to have my best effort. Lastly I would tell myself to relax, and to take time to let my brain recover to be able to remain strong and able for the education that lies ahead of me in the future.

Joseph

I would tell myself to really set my mind to getting all the education I need. I graduated high school in just three years. I would gladly go back and tell myself to stay for the full four years and get all the education I possibly can.

Sherelle

I would have studied more math skills.

Conner

Being in college is a completely different story then high school. When people used to say trust me it is a lot different and you cant just slide by, i didnt trust them nor listen. Now that i have been through a semester in college i know i should've listened. Not only is the work load a lot different but everything is like a new world. Your not really around your good friends and teachers don't care as much as they did in high school. They dont hold your hand and give you make up dates or drop grades, they give a lecture and expect the work to be done. If the work isnt done they dont get worried about it the only person your hurting is yourself. So my advice to myself would be to buckle down and expect a lot of work. Do not brush off work or procrastinate. Establish a name for yourself and dont be another face in the crowd because that degree is everything now and you cannot do much in life without it.

Shannon

Don't stress out about making new friends because every freshman is in the same boat and everyone is eager to meet new people. Take advantage of every free meal you can and dont forget to keep track of your expenses. Crazy college weekends have a way of sneaking up on your bank account and shrinking it without you realizing. Dont wait until the last day of the week to do all your homework because its a huge stressor and on the night you decide to do it all there always ends up being something exciting going on that you wont be able to go to. Use the tutors and form sudy groups. Asking for extra help doesnt make you less smart... it gives you a one up on the rest of your classmates. Dont forget to live it up! Study and work hard during the week so you can kick back and enjoy life on the weekends. College is the hardest but most exciting and fun chapter of your life. Dont let a day pass by that you will regret. Try new things, meet new people and explore who you really are and who you want to become.

Kellie

Take the chance the first time, instead of being afraid. Go away from home, don't stay close because you will regret losing a year of valuable college time. Sometimes changes mean giving up something, but it doesn't have too. You can still do what you love, you will just have to find a new way to do it. If you stay because you are worried about being so far from anyone you know, realize that you will meet new, valuable friends. Also, realize that going far away is actually the best decision because it will force you to put yourself into more clubs, and to get out of your dorm more. Leaving your family behind is hard, and going to a school out of state may be costly, however go to where you want to go and do what you want to do. When you have a job in the future doing what you love, you will be happier that you went where you wanted instead of where was cheaper. Don't let your anxiety get to you, try to keep calm even in stressful situations.

Megan

I would tell myself that studying is a key part in college. I might have a little higher of a GPA if I took the studying a little more seriously. College is a lot different than high school in what you are responsible for. Yeah you get the freedom but with that comes responsiblity. College is a place to have fun but there it is also a place to get serious and start learning about your life. I hope to continue on with my journey in college and have the time of my life!

Melissa

If I could go back to my high school senior self, I would tell her to relax. Yes, the college transition can be hetic at times, but it is nothing that she can't handle. You just have to pace yourself and know that you are more then a test score. I know I got consumed by the thought that I wouldn't be able to attend college if my scores didn't get higher. Colleges look at you as whole, not just a number. Get involved in clubs, church or sports. Colleges want a well rounded person. Other than that, you will do great, just remember to BREATHE!

Nadina

I would say to myself: "You must start applying for more scholarships and grants, as well as looking for a part-time job, it will make it so much less stressful for you and your family and you will not be upset when they worry about money because though it is not easy to get scholarships amd jobs, the more you try the better you will be. Also do not leave your homework to the last minute, staying ahead with your homework and getting it done when it is assigned will create a much less stressful time and allow you to just relax and be happy. Finally, join a sports club (swimming if there is) because it will make you feel better physically and emotionally and it will give you friends, as will joining other clubs. I know you will live at home, but it is still important to get involved even if your schedule does not have you on campus so much, find at least a few things to do."

Davita

I would like to tell myself that I will actually have to study in college, unlike I did in high school. This way I would have proper study skills and not worry the night before an exam. Studying is an essential skill needed in college, and it is needed to pass unlike highschool, where I was able tro get by with almost no studying and keep my B average.

Austin

Make a list of things that are important for college life for you. Then rate these items in importance. It will help you put priorities in order. I would aslo recomment that you walk the campus and radomly ask several students what they like and dislike about the school. Make sure you know your campuses strengths and weaknesses. Also, I would advise myself to stop and meet a few teachers in both the general study areas as well as the intended area of interest. I would recommend to find out about all the extracurricular activities. Is it easy to participate in these activities or are they selective (friends, roommates etc). I would also stress the importance of finding out the schools future plans for developement.

Michelle

If I could go back into time and give myself advice about college before I graduated high school I would suggest that I go straight to Florida Gulf Coast University where I recieved my Bachelors Degree instead of going to a community college first. I really liked the university, because of the quality of education they provided. This is also why I plan to attend this same school for my graduate program. By going straight to the university I could have gotten the advice I needed for my future career from excellent counselors staffed at the school. Transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, but transitioning from high school to community college and then to a university can be difficult to adjust to. If I had gone from high school to the university I would advise myself to just study hard and set goals for myself and the rest would come with the help of the teachers, staff, and other students.

cierra

I would tell myself not to wait another two years to start college and make my mind up on the right program that is for me. I would tell myself to change my attitude about life and to learn from all of my mistakes because I am only human. I would tell myself to pay more attention to my grandmother and make sure she is taking her medicine and not stressing herself out. Because if I keep ignoring her and letting the family ignore her she will stop taking her medicine and end up in the hospital and then later die. I would tell myself to cherish all the good times I have with my family and friends because the next day they might not be there. I would also tell myself that no one can predict the future but that I can predict what may become of me within it. I would also tell myself to stop playing follow the leader and learn how to take the lead and to always follow my dreams.

Emmilie

As a new college freshman, I would advise you to fill out as many scholarships as you can now instead of waiting. It gets it out of the way and you will have more money to spend on books, housing, and tuition. It will save you a lot of stress to get everything for orientation out of the way so you will be ready. Register for classes early so you don't have to wait until new classes open because they are all full. You will also need to get your books ahead of time and print out everything there is to on your class websites. The most important thing I can tell you is to just relax. Don't stress over the little things and be organized. Organization is key to success. Good luck past self, everything will turn out fine.

Vanessa

Upon entering college make sure that you do research about your campus and make sure you understand everything about scholarships and financial aid that you will be getting! As well as have some sort of an idea what you want to be majoring in so you can wisely choose your classes. Another thing you will be living away from home and will be on your own, since your on your own you need to act more mature and make good decisions! The greatest advice I can give you is time management, there are tons of things you will be doing in college but you should always make time for your education and be responsible as well as have fun!

Angela

If I could tell myself anything in the past, it would be to always have someone with you. Do not go to guy(s) places alone, even if you are just going to "chill", because they have other plans.

susan

I would tell Michelle Sarti as a high school senior to apply for University, not to take the community college route. Michelle, you took AP clases, graduated with a 3.8. Going stright to the University it would of been a lot easier and there would be no "what if" in oyur mind. Always aim high no matter what people tell. Do not lower your expectations just because others think it is ridiculous. Just always remeber, "Skys the limit".

Dawn

Knowing what I know now from the years of struggling to pay for my college semester by semester along with working I would have told myself a couple of things. First I would tell myself to start looking into colleges, apply to a few and to at least start my preliminary classes even if I did not know what I wanted to be. I would tell myself to apply, apply, apply for any and all scholarships and grants I could find. Since I am from a working class family where my mother had not graduated from high school and my father was in the military there was not extra money for school. I am the first and only college graduate in my family so far and it means alot to me and my family to accomplish this. I definatly would tell myself to go to college, live in the dorms, be adventurous and enjoy college life. Meet new and lasting fiends and have fun. I really wish I had known these things and gone to college right out of high school instead of waiting 10 years to start.

Alvin

I should have signed up for a summer session to get a feel for the college prior to the start of fall classes.

Paula

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to join more clubs as a freshman. This way I could become more well around instead of just hanging out with the same friends I met. It is always more helpful to join more clubs because you learn more about others and yourself. And this way you meet alot more people that are different and similar to yourself.

Kristina

Since I moved from Russia to America 4 years ago it's been hard for me to make friends not knowing any English. I have gotten better over the years and became more social, but I still haven't made enough effort because I'm shy and for some reason scared of my accent, which some people don't even notice. Making friends doesn't only help your social life, but it also makes you happy. When you're happy and all the worries are gone, that's when the schoolwork comes to mind. It is like some kind of a motivator.... I have always been very good at setting my goals, working towards them and achieving them ( no matter how long it takes ). I have a long term goal of graduating college, getting in to the medical school and becoming good at what I do and of course love it and just be successful.

Sabrina

Always plan ahead your classes. Make an outline of all your college career so that you will not fall behind. Planning ahead will save you so much time and money. It is also very important to have your priorities straight also, sometimes people tend to work more than study because they see money coming in quick. School should be your first priority because it will most certainly bring a lot more money into your pocket when you become a professional than a minimum wage college job. Another advice I would give is, do not make any career decisions or school decisions based on others. Such big decisions should only be based on you only. Do not let anyone have a big influence on you unless if it is something that will benefit you in your career and future goals. Lastly, I would also recommend to always talking to an adviser throughout your college career. There are there to help with any problem or concern, so make use of them. One-hundred percent of the time they will be right, with any academic advice they give you.

Olivia

Now that I have experienced two full years of college I wish I could go back and change some things. If I went back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to make sure you pay attention to deadlines, get enough sleep and save money. I know now that college is more expensive than you think. I thought if I worked enough that I could just pay it off as I go, however, I now know that other things costs money too. So I would tell myself to save money and be prepared for anything . Deadlines and sleep I found are also important things that seemed less important when I was in high school. Deadlines cannot be pushed back in college like they could in high school and when you don’t watch the deadlines you get behind in your work, which leads to less sleep. Sleep didn’t seem important in high school, but now I know that a lack of sleep can be harmful to your school work and your health. These are the important things I learned in college that I wish I knew in high school.

Jennifer

If I could go back in time there is a lot of advice that I would give myself. In high school I thought I knew it all. When I got to college I suddenly learned that I knew nothing. The first piece of advice I would give myself is to be more prepared and to try harder at school. I never tried my hardest in high school. Even though I received good grades I never tried. I think this is the reason that I had such poor work ethic my first year of college. I really had to learn how to take notes and to study once I was in college. I would tell my high school self to learn all that while in high school because it would make the transition much easier. Another peice of advice is to not concentrate so much on the social aspects of school. While yes that is an important part, it is not the main part of college. My first year I think I forgot that I was really at school to take classes, not to make friends. I would remind myself to stay focused more on schoolwork.