Florida International University Top Questions

If I could go back, I would tell my highschool senior self that applying for the FAFSA is SO important, even more important then we were told. I would tell myself to get my butt ready, and start saving money so that I could live a more stress-free life. I would tell myself to spend more time with my family, and to thank them while I had the chance. You'll never understand how much you can miss your mom, until you cant see her for months on end. I would also tell myself to get out there and really try to make friends, because it won't be as easy as in highschool. Friends can make a horrible day seem sunny again :) Most importantly though, I would tell myself that the first semester is the easiest, and that I need to apply myself to my studies. I would make myself aware that even though I'll be spending thouands on housing, most of my time will be spent in the library and that thats the best place to study. Lastly I would tell myself to make sure I'm not sensitive to others, theyre fighting their own battles.

If I could go back in time to give my past-self advice, one of the things I would recomend to myself would be to stay most focused in my school work and not get caught up in the insignificant. Coming into college I did not expect to experience such a drastic change. In other words, I was not prepared or mature enough to face college head on. Thus, I would recommend that when coming into college, to not focus on the lack of maturity and instead focus on moving forward; staying focused on what you're doing wrong does not help you move forward instead one should keep trying to better themeselves and everything will fall into place.

The transition from high school to college can be a challenge. In college, there is an academic freedom in choosing courses, scheduling and a major field of study. Although there is surely academic advising, it is best to carefully pursue one's true goals and indulge in the many opportunities available through research, proctoring or mentoring, and internships. Going to college is my job now and getting the best and most challenging courses are a top priority. Although college is fun and satisfying in a life modeling way, it is not party time. I want my college career to be the primary goal setting time, as well as a chance to get a broad based education with the opportunity to meet and interact with the diverse community that is available here. The scope of possibilities of interaction with faculty and other students, culturally diverse, can only help me to be a better person and citizen. As a college student moving on from the more structured and guarded high school setting it is best to be careful, take life at a reasonable and interesting pace, and do not short change yourself. You can do it, if you try hard enough!

Being at such a pivotal point in your education, you are not sure what to expect next. High school gradation ends up being a little less climactic than you think it will be. I could give you boy advice and save us some trouble, but this futuristic letter is solely intended for college advice. You will get into several schools, but you know that Florida International University is the most affordable. It is close to home which will make for a smooth transition. You will be completely lost in terms of what you want to study, but it will be okay. You will participate in internships, including one for the Miami International FIlm Festival. You will become their Social Media Intern and realize you have a nack for it. You end up studying marketing, but ultimately, your heart belongs with film. The FIU adivising department will give you a headache, but you will survive.You begin to excel at school and you will get to study abroad with FIU's Honors College to Italy! It will be all worthwhile. Also, that kid Justin Beiber from YouTube ends up being internationally famous. I didn't see that coming either. Sincerely, You.

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to follow my gut. At the time, all of the adults in my life placed so much importance on my career that I ended up declaring a major I was not truly dedicated to but that had the potential to be lucrative, which turned out to be a waste of several years of my life once I decided I was going to study something completely different. I would probably also advise myself to steer clear of the campus Subway, which is notorious for giving people food poisoning.

Those first years of college are going to be when you get your worst grades, please make sure you do well in those classes even if they don't seem important to your major. Also, don't buy books from the bookstore! You can save a whole bunch of money by buying them digitally, or sharing from a friend. Parking is going to be a nightmare during those first few weeks every semester, so make sure you get there early to find a space. Tropical Smoothie at the gym is going to be your go to place to grab a meal. There are a ton of extra curricular activities on campus, you should try to go to some of them because they will pay off later in applying to graduate school. Also, use ratemyproffessor.com from the beginning and enroll in classes early. This will ensure you get the right classes and the best schedule. Look up some scholarships! You could have a lot more money for school if you look up scholarships during your undergrad. Finally, relax and enjoy college! FIU is a great school and you're going to miss your time there when you graduate

The advice I would give myself if I could go back in time is that college is very demanding and that I am going to need to work hard to succeed.

I am a post-bachelors student, which is a unique situation. I not only have experience looking back at my high school experience, but my first undergraduate experience as well. The great part about college is that it is the ultimate forum to find yourself and grow through mistakes, feel supported as you develop your independence, and discover what an opportunity education can be. I would look back at myself in high school and tell myself to take pride in my education rather than suffer through it. When thinking about my future education, I would tell myself to consider what impact I would like to make on the future, and how I would like to go about makingthat impact heard soundly. It is easy to get caught up in small insignificant stereotypes of highschool but I would ask myself who the real role models were in my life and ask myself to work hard to emulate positive female figures like them throughout my education. I would tell myself to give back, to be courageous, and to care about others above all else.

You're entering an entirely different world in college. You need to stay on top of things and know who you are and what your goals are. Work on your organization skills and time management skills. You need to know how to live a balanced life of school, fun, work, and family. Don't get so caught up with you're social life and try to fit in. Stay true to who you are and your friends will come to you. Keep in touch with your classmates and take good notes, you never know when someone may ask to borrow them. You are considered and treated as an adult , don't think that you can get away with things in college, the consequences are much more severe. Become friends with your professors , they enjoy conversation. NEVER EVER be afraid to ask a question when you don't understand something. Love yourself and be confident. Everyone is different.

The stress you think you are experiencing now is incomparable with that of college. Don't be scared to take a few extra classes or put your all into other things besides school. Despite popular belief, school is just a minor part in the resume of your life. What matters is what you do outside of school, getting involved in projects rather than just school activities, and cherishing each moment. You have so many ideas to improve the school, put it to work. As powerful as words are, they mean little to nothing without action. Push yourself pass the boundary. Understand the importance of balance. You schould enjoy yourself but you also need to do what needs to get done, when it needs to get done. Most importantly, take time to dedicate to scholarships. College acceptances mean nothing without money to get you there. Trust me, if more time was spent applying endlessly for scholarships, life would be a lot easier. Not just for yourself, but also for your parents and a lot of those around you. College is stressful enough, having financial issues just makes it worse. Finally, set no limit for yourself. There's no box, just you.

If I had the oppurtunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would absolutley tell myself to apply for all the possible scholarships available. I was naive when older students and teachers informed us how important and valuable scholarships would be during college. Now that I have taking out expensive private student loans, I realize how important scholarships are. Other advice I would tell myself is to be sure of what school I would want to attend. To look at alternatives in-state or public out-of-state schools only. I would also tell myself there is nothing wrong with attending a community college for the first 2 years of college as it i much more affordable and you recieve the same amount of credits as you would in a 4-year college. Basically I would tell not just myself but all high school seniors to really think about your future not just 1 year down the line, but 10-20 years as well to graduate and live with the least amount of debt as possible.

First, you are capable, and should fear nothing- God has your back. Forget the fraternities and focus on where you really want to go, what you really want to do. Stay in the military as you are studying, and don't let the loneliness distract you. Get involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, take the exams for certifications in anything you know to do, so you can have the job necessary to pay for school. Hunt down an adisor who will help you navigate financial aide well, so you can get more than just student loans. Finally, don't listen to the recruiter and explore all the different jobs the Army has to offer. But stick with the reserves-- your studies will carry you farthest. Don't be afraid to make new friends or to buy a scooter. Lastly, Join the engineering unit in North Miami, instead of the Medical Unit. Oh, one more thing, remember to love your parents everyday.

I would tell myself to be myself and try your best. I would also tell myself to jump at new opportunities even if they seem scary. I would also tell myself to get involved and give back to my school and community. My school has shaped the leader I am today and that I will be proud of the person that I have become. I would also tell myself that no one cares about popularity or coolness in college so I should not be afraid to be myself because in the end, I will have so many people who love me and have pushed me to personally grow into the woman I am today. Break out of your shell because in the end, becoming a leader and your true self is the most rewarding experience that college has given me. Do not take any of college for granted becasue it goes by so fast and is the best, most life-changing thing you have done so far. College will open up many doors for you so do not be afraid to accept new challenges and push yourself to become the best person you can be.

I would tell myself to concentrate on my grades first semester so that I do not need to spend the rest of my college time fixing my GPA.

Having just attended my 20 year high school reunion, I had the opportunity to rekindle old friendships. In doing so, we revisited our high school days and relived some of the most memorable moments. I was an average student, with average grades, popular and came from a good family in rural Illinois. When thinking about what I would say to high school self, I thought I would tell myself to go right into the army reserves, instead of waiting until I was 24 and I thought I would tell myself to go right into nursing school instead of waiting until I was 29. But, I decided that I wouldn’t give myself any advice that would alter my future. I’m happy with the choices I made in my life and if I would have strayed from the path I took, I wouldn’t have met the amazing people I met along the way. However, to help myself transition to college life, I would tell myself to not take the independence given to you by college professors as an invitation to not do your coursework. It will only harm your GPA and it’s difficult to bring it back up.

Work harder than ever. Don't take college for granted. You'll have the best time learing in college and meet a wide variety of people. But never give up on your education and keep working hard to avoid debts and loans.

If I could go back in time and give my high school self advice, I would tell myself to be focused and to take my time deciding on my major. I changed majors and still was not happy with my degree, as result I went back to school to get a second Bachelors degree, and currently working on my Masters, and I love it. I would just tell myself that no matter how long it would take, get my degree and to be sure that it is something I really want to do and that I am happy doing it. I would also tell myself to stay focused on my goals prior to entering college and not to get caught up in the party scene because they will always be there after college.

Think before you react. Think about how your actions will affect your future.. you only get one chance for an opportunity. Once it's gone, it's gone.

I would tell myself to not get caught up in the bad crowd and try harder. I would tell myself the right professor to take math with and I would tell myself to not take all of the financial aid awarded because of the debt I am stuck in right now. I would work even harder to graduate in 4 years and I would tell myself to make as many friends as possible. I would go to the gym sooner and make myself a better person.

If I could go back and give my high school self advice I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. As a 17 year old applying for colleges, FAFSA, and scholarships, it’s extremely overwhelming and frightening. So much has to be done at one time while still trying to focus on classes and graduation. My advice would be to take everything one step at a time. Work hard, but don’t forget that you’re still a kid; stay focused, but give time to yourself to relax and have fun. Don’t feel pressure to apply to certain schools, or get into certain schools, just because that’s where others are going. Go to the school that is best for you and no one else. College is going to be a great experience whether you go to an in state, out of state, public, or private. Life is 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} what happens and 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} how you take it. So wherever you chose to go, whatever you chose to do, just be confident, and do it with a smile. College is going to be great, and it’s going to fly by, so enjoy it.

Hey, I'm you from the future! As you can see our looks haven't changed much in the past year and a half, but we have taken a lot more risks since high school. I know right now your worried about your future. I just want to tell you that life gets better but it also gets harder. I'm not saying this to scare you but to prepare you for the experiences your about to face. I need you to believe in the amazing people you will encounter, but mostly yourself. There will be days when you doubt yourself, question yourself, and sometimes even hate yourself. Don't. Make sure you don't let Mom question your judgment, make sure you talk to that girl sitting one row in front of you in Intro. to East Asia (she'll help you out a lot during class), and make sure you keep in contact with Daniela and Elizabeth (you'll have some crazy times together). My last piece of advice is don't be afraid. You've always been afraid of taking risks. Don't. Take those chances, trust me, they're worth it.

Absolutely everything you have done, no matter how much people reject you now, will give you the strength and knowledge to conquer all the obstacles you will face. You made the right decisions, you did not fail, and all the consequences of the choices you took have led you to the place you want to be. It doesn't get easier to say no, and it doesn't get easier to let go of what holds you back. However, you will manage to get to a place where the choices are no longer between the "right" and the "wrong," but rather between equally grand possibilities that will simply lead you down vastly different paths. Don't be afraid to take on the role of the person you will become, and don't use time as a crutch to accept a state of being you are not okay with. You will find yourself surrounded by circumstances that you have taken years to sculpt, and what you reap was not achieved by luck or chance, but through the good fortune you have finally learned to accept.

SAVE! As a high school underclassman I was notified that college was "expensive" however, I wasn't notified just how expensive "expensive" was. When I became an upperclassman I started looking into colleges and was blown away at how expensive attending a good college to get a great education and become something in life is. If I would've known this I definitely would have been saving up since I was first born (that goes to show how expensive "expensive" is. I would need 18 years worth of saving to afford college.... WOW). With this being said, my advice to myself would be to save every penny I could.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to be prepared for a lot of hard work and late study nights. Highschool was a walk in the park compared to college. When you are young, you feel that you know it all and that you are invincible. I would tell myself to relax, excel in all course work and get involved with the FIU community. My only regret was not being more involved in my university. I would tell myself to not be as scared as I was when I left highschool. That college is a time to enjoy, meet new people and gain new skills and knowledge for the business world. College was a phenomenal time in my life and I would tell my high school self to take advantage of everything college has to offer.

If I could go back in time just to talk to my senior self in high school, that conversation would be very brief. The first thing I would tell myself would be to take advantage of the ridiculous amount of free time that was coming my way. Also to spend that free time learning skills that would benefit me a lot now like drawing, animating or even designing clothes. The second and final thing that I would forewarn myself was to always keep the bigger picture of life in mind. I would then go on to explain that college is a very important time in our life where we shape who we become in the future. We gain friends as well as lose them, but it will all be worth it when we could wake up one day and say without a doubt "I am proud of who I am today".

When I was a senior in high school, I was slapped in the face with reality. I had dreams of attending a prestigious art school. However, money was not fruitful, scholarships were not coming through, and my parents were giving me advice to just stay local. I was strong-minded at the time, so the news was not too rough on me. But I was worried that I would not succeed in a standard public intsitution as opposed to a prestgious art school. I am writing letter now, as a Junior, to my self-minded high school self: "Dear Senior, Success is not based on where you come from, but from the actions you take in your community. I am working hard at my current job to save for your school funding. I am working hard to receive less than a B average in my studies. I am living my life as an adult, and following my dreams as an artist. And guess what? I am not attending an art school. You will learn later in life that you need to inspire others whevever you are with your hard work. This will be the way you will improve your world."

I irefully approached a young free-spirited girl who just spent half the school day lollygagging in a secluded corner of her school’s courtyard. It was there where the stoners, the delinquents, and the kids that were “too cool for school” passed their time. She wore the trendiest clothes, the heaviest foundation, and straightened her tresses so much that it left them with a permanent burning stench. She focused on the evanescent now and possessed an unfruitful yearning for beauty and recognition. Then, in a forceful flare of anger and love, I delivered an impromptu, seemingly jumbled fit of advice to this lost teenager. “Your popularity no one will remember. Your current indifference will hinder your college success. Take courses at your community college next semester. It will lighten your academic load freshman year and save money on tuition. Strive for an academic scholarship. Wouldn’t you like to be a full-time student and not have to divide your time between rigorous coursework and a dead-end job? After my heartfelt admonition, she sneered and redirected her attention to her dawdling comrades. I wondered if she heeded my advice. Probably not. I was always so stubborn back then….

I would tell myself: BRACE FOR IT! You are in for a bumpy ride with many ups and down. many dreams will be shattered like a raisin in the sun, but many more dreams will materialize. You will work hard and do well with your first and second degrees, but you will find that making a living in your home country Jamaica a little more difficult thatn you thought, At 30, when you are ready to buy your own home, you will be told you needed to have a good $2 million jamaican dollars down payment. You will give up this dream. However, unexpectedly, you will be successful with your greencard, and new hope will spring in your heart. You will then get into your dream school FIU to pursue your doctorate in education, and when you thought all hope was gone, the universe will reward you with a campus discovery scholarship of $5,000. The call will come to your phone out of the blue. You will be elated and will make the most of the opportunity and make yourself and your family proud as you brace for the next phase of the ride!

I would tell my self to save every sinlge dollar I possibly could. I did not forsee our econimic decline and rising tuitions. The value of education is something that I have understood since a very young age. Neither of my parents had an opportunity to attend college; we migrated from South America in 1989 to have a better life. Since I can remember, my parents faced many struggles in their lives. In 2003, my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away 9 months later. I was a junior in high school and was left with the burden of helping my family survive day by day. All that was left of my family was my mother, my younger brother and me. My mother was undocumented, so she was unable to work. I was 16 years old when I began to work full time to support my family. I didn’t have any resources or help while I was in high school for my college education. To reduce family burden, I took out student loans to pay for my tuition, books and supplies. However, with the increasing tuitions, I am now facing more challenges on financial need.

As a high school senior I think that the advice I would have given to myself is to stay focused and not me initmidating. The college workload compared to the high school can be daunting and cause you to re-think what you wish to do as your career because it seems like too much work. DO NOT second guess your abilities, get help, ask for questions! Nothing is too hard, nothing is impossible to acheieve. I know personally that I second guessed and now that I am a senior my studies and experiences has led me right back to what I originally wanted to do even after 3 years of testing out different majors. So I guess I would tell myself to be fearless, confident and ambitious and not to allow anything or anyone to deter me from what I set out to do when I came to the best university for me, Florida International University.

Pay attention, absorb everything, be open-minded, and focus on yourself. These are all the advice I would give myself because these simple steps are a way to truly get everything from college. Usually we hear our elders tell us it is the "best four years of your life" and halfway through I can tell that this is true. However, the college experience can usually be overwhelming and full of distractions. Ultimately, in college, one is preparing to face the real word and contribute to society in a positive way. The best way to thrive in this hormone filled, crazy atmosphere or college is to stay focused on your goals and schoolwork. Truly pay attention to the knowledgable professors whos lectures usually teach lessons far beyond the classroom and coursework. Absorb different cultures, people, practices, languages, foods, everything. College is usually a place full of diversity; however, in order to tak it all in, one must be open minded, which only leads to a better learning experience.

Get things done on time, appreciate the times you have with your friends, and don't be so afraid all of the time.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say "go for it" and do it now...don't wait. There is nothing to fear but fear itself! Just take a deep breath and do it. I had to wait until my 30's to go back to college and work full time and raise kids all while attending college. Now my youngest child is about ready to graduate high school and I would like to get my Bachelor's degree. It's never too late, but sooner is beter than later. Get a head start on what you want out of life so you have more years of enjoying what you love doing instead of wasted time trying to figure it out, or trying to play catch up because you realized how much time you wasted. Education is a gift, and not everyone in this world is priviliged enough to get the opportunity to learn. Learning is worth it's weight in gold.

I have always had a difficult time applying myself when the courses aren't challenging enough for me. This was most evident during high school, but continued throughout my freshman year of college. As a result of the undemanding classes, I frequently skipped periods and neglected to turn in assignments. While I have been able to work past this habit and pursue my educational passions, I have always regretted my lackadaisical attitude. The combination of my attitude and frequent absences meant that my grades were nowhere near where they should have been. I have always felt this has held me back when applying to academic institutions. If I were able to go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would urge myself to put more effort into my studies. Additionally, I would tell myself to take up an extracurricular activity in order to counteract any boredom that may occur from unchallenging courses. I would also encourage myself to transfer to a university outside of my hometown, as it was an unhealthy environment for me. This advice would, I hope, encourage me to better myself, and would ultimately result in a more successful academic life.

Being a college freshman, knowing what I currently know about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give to my younger self is that saving money for university is extremely important as protecting myself financially can cover any unforeseeable circumstance. Due to my experiences, I would advice myself to take the advice of parents, financial planners, get in touch with scholarship opportunities, and make sure to know every financial term possible so when entering any finances you know what you are doing. You will have to know much about FAFSA and other government or private choices avilable to you. Expect it to happen as one might feel like they have everything covered, until you find yourself needing money to get out of any situation. Other advice I would include is to know about contractual obligations. With signing any legal document, things are bound to happen that you might regret in the future. Know what you are getting yourself into as anything you want to cancel or change can turn pretty nasty quickly.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to pay more attention in class, try to do well in the AP Exams so you can go a little more ahead in FIU. I would also tell myself to focus on working on my Japanese skills as to be more ahead in learning Japanese.

I would tell myself to get tutoring to prepare myself. University is nothing like high school and I felt like I wasnt prepared at all. I stumbled in some places. I felt infinitley smaller when I started University. So thats what I would tell myself. To be prepared to face a different world.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I probably would have slapped myself first of all. I then would have told myself to get it together and focus only on school and do the best I know I was capable of. I would tell myself to always follow my heart and despite what I go through in college, I will get through it. I would also tell myself I need to grow up and know that I am a very independent young women that needs to give her 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} percent in everything she does. I would tell myself that a social life is not going to get me where I need to be in life and help me achieve my dreams. To not take my family for granted because one I leave, I am going to get homesick for a couple of weeks. I would stress the importance of focusing on my education and not let any individual get in the way of that because one day I am going to look back and wished I would have done it differently. I would finally wish myself good luck!

Hello high school Tikiera it’s me college Tikiera, let’s get some things straight before you graduate and make the transition into college. First of all, don’t be so eager to grow up and move out of the house it does not get easier. Enjoy the stress free life under mommy’s and daddy’s roof with very little responsibilities because this is the calm before the storm. Second, you are young so don’t take life too seriously right now. Enjoy everything about high school especially your friends because you will not see 98{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of them after you graduate. Next, put more effort into the easy classes you are taking now because college classes are more difficult. You actually have to work for every percentage point in each class and one failed test can jeopardize your passing grade if you don’t score high enough on the other two; sadly these three test grades might be the only grades you will have all semester. Finally, once you come to college be open to everything, you will see it all and meet so many people from around the world; don’t be afraid these are your golden years!

Senior year is here and you’re expecting it to be a blast. All the hard work has brought you to this final year of fun and the end of waking up early for school. You are anxiously waiting to become an adult and receive your high school diploma. While you are thinking and picking out the fun courses for senior year make sure you are also selecting and focusing on the expectations beyond senior year. Yes you’ve set your goals to go and graduate college, have a house, and a great car by a set year but you should focus on the courses and extracurricular activities which could put you at a better advantage walking into college. Amanda, take advantage of many of the scholarship opportunities that are available for high school graduates which would help you with college expenses. If you make wiser decisions throughout your senior year and take advantage of all the prep for college information such as college visitations, scholarships & grants, degree programs, clubs, sports, and interest which will help me select the college which is best for me. Last Amanda, remember guys will be there but be wise and safe to prevent pregnancy.

As a high school senior, I wouldn't listen to the negative thoughst that people often have about college life. Most likely, some people tend to discourage others by telling them that college is hard, and it is not guaranteed. If i were to go back in times, I would tell those people to keep their negative comments to themselves because college is totally different than what they think. I would not listen to them. Instead, I would focus more on my college papers, transcrips, and admissions process to be admitted to as mamy colleges and universities as possible. The advice that I would give to myself is not to let anyone turn my dreams away. I would follow my heart and my goals. I would engagge myself in at least three or more clubs organizations in order for me to learn how to interact with people from diverse groups such as enthnicities and cultures. I would be more career oriented, and I wouold take as many advantages as I could from my school to contribute to my college. College is nothing like high school. I have to be responsible for all the choices that I made for my future.

Looking into the past can sometimes be bittersweet. On one hand, you say to yourself-- "I'm glad that things turned out the way they did." On the other hand, you wonder--"what could I have done differently that might have changed my current situation for the better?" If I could go back in time, I would have made my past self aware of the need for planning for the future. In high school, your classes are all laid out neatly in front of you, with little need to worry about the order in which you take them. In college, however, order can mean everything, as prerequisites are often required to take certain classes. While I don't regret taking any of my classes, I sometimes wish that I had taken them in a different order to get the general requirements out of the way first. That way, I might have been able to take classes more applicable to my major earlier on in my college career. I know (with some regret) that the past cannot be changed, but at the same time I'm confident that I have all of the tools to plan for a successful academic future.

Advice I would give myself back in high school is to take those AP classes and get a tutor. Yes, AP classes requires alot of work and it can be bit stressful but trust me it will be worth it in the end. Team up with someone in class to help you understand the homework. Do not be afraid to email and talk to your teacher if you need help. Remember to always talk, it will get you through in life. Take the ACT and SAT serious. These are not just tests to take to prove that you took them. Those scores will determine your first year in college. You don't want to be in remidial classes with students that only enrolled so they can move out their parents home. College is not hard, you just have to apply yourself and want to get an education. College is actually fun. Most schools rewards their students with activities for everyone to participate in. You get to meet so many people. You will grow and change so much. It is important that you enroll into a school that you feel comfortable at. Never enroll into school because of your friends.

Money isn't everything. Forget the salary, forget the financial climb. Focus on what you like to do. What are your interests? What intrigues you? How can you turn that into a career? As you choose your courses, ask yourself these questions. This will help you--as you work your way through the semesters and put all of your stamina (mental and emotional) into each course--it will help you stay focused. It will remind you of why you wake up so early every morning and get to bed so late at night, why you type up so many research papers, and why you put in such long hours of studying. No paycheck could ever trump the satisfaction of having a career you absolutely love.

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would take advantage of my time wisely. First of all, I would enroll in more AP courses in order to be prepared for college’s class style. Additionally, during winter and spring break, I recommend taking time to apply for scholarships to alleviate college expenses. In that way, I would not have to be under the pressure of school work in addition to the tedious application process. Additionally, during the summer of the senior year, it is a good idea to start researching about selected college and career paths. Therefore, once a freshman in college, I would have a clear idea of what I want to accomplish while on college and all the opportunities that the college offers which definitely would enrich my knowledge and academic experience. Most important of all, I would have applied to internships related to my field; as a result, I would have a clearer idea of what I want to do in the future. Overall, If I could go back in time to my high school years, I would take advantage of all the resources available such as internships and scholarships.

Michelle, you're way stronger than you think. Life seems too hard to handle now, but you'll get through it and your life will change drastically. Don't worry about the friendships you've lost because you've got way better friendships coming your way. Your love for yourself is more important than trying to prove a point to everyone around you. You're going to do great, just wait until you see how well your life goes after this. Keep pushing, keep thinking positively.

Please postpone going to college for one year. Just one year. Take better care of your body and your health because without a strong body the mind cannot learn. A sound body and a sound mind make a good student. Unfortuantely you are neither and are wasting your time and money on classes you will not pass. Stay home, go to the doctor, eat healthy, and exercise. Do these things and college will come easy. There is no shame in taking a year off.

If I was to go back in time as a high school senior, I would advise myself to get the best possible grades in order to have a more competitive college transcript. I would notify my high school self of the career path that I ended up choosing in my Junior year of college in order to give myself a reality check and improve my chances of getting into a top ten law school. I wish I would have discovered my passion earlier or had some sort of guidance as to what my future options might be, but everything happens for a reason. I would advise myself to move on-campus and get more involved in activities from an earlier stage in order to discover the life-long friends I would have been able to make earlier on. "Extra-curricular activities are important, that job at the recording studio that you had, not so much! It will ruin your freshman GPA and get you nowhere!"

If I could go back to senior year and talk to myself, I'd tell myself to make decisions sooner rather than later. I'd tell myself to not waste my time and money applying for ISU and going to the orientation, because DMACC is the best choice for me. I'd also tell myself to start looking and filling out applications for scholarships now. College isn't cheap, so scholarships would have helped me financially. Last, I'd tell myself to learn studying skills. My high school didn't teach my very good study skills and college is all about studying and time management. Knowing how to study properly would have made my first semester a lot easier, but I adjusted.

If I could go back to my senior year in highschool I would tell myself to plan ahead, not to take time off and finish school within that four year period. College is a great experiance, however in hindsight I would have liked to have graduated this past spring, yet I still have 48 creadits to go. I would tell myself to push forward and never hold back for any reason.