Florida State University Top Questions

If I could give myelf some words of wisdom regarding college, I would have a couple of things to say. The first thing would be to not get carried away with your new found freedom. When you move away to college, your parents are no longer watching over your shoulder, and this fact can cause you to go a little overboard with parties and other social gatherings. It's more than likely you will get carried away with all that your school can offer, so it's doubly important to keep your focus. The second thing regarding the transition from home life to college life. When you're living at home, most people have their own room, so moving into a 10'x15' room with another person can sometimes be difficult, especially if you don't get along with this person. To overcome something like this, you have to make the space in your room your own by personalizing it to your liking. This will make your room more comfortable and homely. If I had someone to tell me this helpful information before I went away to college, it would have made the transition much smoother.

The advice I would give my high school self would be to learn how to study and use time management in high school. Once your in college trying to learn these habits is so challenging because you are trying to adjust to life on your own, and trying to meet new people that learning study habits becomes a real problem. Also, I would tell myself to go to class. When you go to class the professor sometimes tells you questions that will be on the exam. Get out and meet people. Go to the lounge of your dormitory hall and meet some of the people who are constantly going in and out of there. Communication with your roommate is also very important so the two of you can have a peaceful first year. Study, you are at school to learn, but also have a good time. Kick back and relax every once and a while. Take advantage of the free things, because you will learn how valuable free things are to you.

Give up. Don't even try. The past four years you skim by, succeeding by the skin of your teeth and you assume that college is going to be the same way. You have a rude awakenin coming your way. Studying isn't just an option in college, its a necessity. Hanging out with friends isn't a priority, its a privilege. Many people say that high school is a preparation for high school. If this is the case, than you have failed the prep course. This isn't what you may think high school was. It's not a place your parents put you when they are off to work. Its a place where you shape your future. You dictate you success in college. Facebook shouldn't be your means of communication to others: emails to your teachers should. Start achieving great things here in college while you can. Use it as practice for college because in college there is no room for failure.

Do not be afraid of getting involved in college. It may seem over whelming at first, especially if you're attending a large university, but everyone else is going through the same initial shock along side of you. Take advantage of the clubs and organizations offered by the college. You will find it so much easier to make friends this way. By choosing clubs you enjoy, I can guarantee you will find you have a lot in common with its members. Becoming involved with in the school is the quickest way to making new friends and giving you activities to do. Never let yourself become bored or lonely; The transition into college life seems so much harder that way. But you should always remember that when the going gets tough it is okay to call home to be reminded how proud your decisions have made everyone, and to realize just how loved you are.

My transition from high school to college was definitely a wake call for me in many ways. My words of advice to myself would have been to develop better study habits and management of my finances. When I was in high school I could study the night before a test and do very well on it. Those days are definitively over now that I?m in college. Now it?s all about communicating more with my professors, study groups, and tutoring services if needed. Also looking back I realized how nice I had it at home such as free food/rent, money to buy clothes, and I didn?t have to pay for classes nor books. Again, those days are definitively over now that I?m in college. Now it?s all about managing my own finances and developing a budget each semester. I?ve opened up a checking account to simplify the tracking of my college expenses. It?s amazing how my account can look so big in the beginning of the semester and shrink so quickly by the end of it. It?s like what everyone says it?s all about balancing what is important.

Goodmorning William! Rise and shine buddy. No, this isn't a dream and don't even think about yelling for Mom 'cause I know you were. Turns out that in the future you'll apply for a scholarship which will help pay for your education, but upon hitting the submit button it will instead magically transport you back in time. Yeah, like Michael J. Fox, I suppose. Here's the deal, I can't divulge where you matriculate (it's good for you to sweat it out a bit longer anyway), but you do stay stubborn enough to complete your double-major, English and History like you told everyone you would. Let me cut to the chase, since you have 1st period in 45minutes: when you get to college, stay in touch with our high school friends but be willing to meet new people and invest in their lives, from the dorms to the classroom. Second, continue focusing on community service--you know why it's important, but you may be surprised by personal benefits one day (a nice girl perhaps?). Finally, trust that everything happens for a reason. Ahh, I'm starting to disappear! Kidding. See you soon William!

If I could go back in time I would first and foremost tell myself, "You are going to absolutely love college!" I would proceed with the promise that the random busy work is almost through and the only college homework given is truly meant to help you. I would remind myself to stay positive on surviving through the boring highs chool classes for studying subjects of interest with highly trained professionals is waiting for you just around the corner. I also would tell myself to visit with my family and friends from home a little more because you are going to miss them very dearly. Homesickness is inevitable though your wonderful new friends are there to help you every step of the way! I would assure myself that applying for a random roommate was a wonderful decision and now you have a great lifelong friend. Oh and most importantly, do not be afraid to put yourself out there and join student organizations. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Many people learn by making mistakes. So sometimes, its beneficial to fail, as one can learn much more from their failures. But the biggest piece of advice I would give my high school senior version of myself is to be ambitious, and to not be affraid to challenge myelf. Many people are nervous their first year of college, and often rightfully so. However, I've found that if one is willing to put in the time and effort, they can achieve just about anything. I would assure myself to choose the hardest and most interesting major I could, and to register for the hardest classes. There is no reason to be affraid. As long as you stay focused and on track, nothing can bring you down. I would tell myself to take all the extra-curriculars that I want to take. Don't be affrad of what you do not know. Rise up and be ambitious, or else you will never get anywhere in life.

If only i could go back to my senior year! With what i know today i would've definetly prepared myself for college. College is very expensive.... and i should've listen to my parents when they began saying "SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS". It's not easy finding the funds necessary to pay for my education. Because senior year is the last year of high school i was very focused on the school spirit aspect instead of focusing on the educational aspect. I was dual enrolled and took 2 A.P classes but i wish i would have taken advantage of the A.P program at my school. Not only does it give you a head start in college, it saves SO MUCH MONEY! The cost of classes and books is outrageous, and that could have been a extra thousand dollars in my pocket for school. There's one more piece of advice i would give myself, and that is to VOLUNTEER. Yes i did volunteer, but i only satisfied the minimum amount required for my diploma. I love helping people and wish i was involved more in my community. If only i knew back then what know today!

To get involved immediately, volunteer often, focus more on academics.

My high school was a technicial school that did not have any sports so therefore there was not much school spirit. If I could go back in time I would go to a different school where I could experience a real high school experience. With the parties, and sports games, and more students. Being that the school attended was so enclosed with less than 600 students, that when I got to college I feel sheltered. I did not really know how to socialize and in a big class of 1000+ students it was difficult to adjust to the bigger setting. So if i could go back in time, I would choose a more well rounded school so when I transition to a bigger college I would know what to expect.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would tell mesely to enjoy every moment of high school because they truly are years you'll remember forever. In your last year of high school it is so easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the future, as well as feel the strain of high school holding you back; but I would tell myself to love those last days in those gray halls. To smile when I go to my locker, and laugh in the lunch room because once those times are gone they'll never return. I absolutely love college, but it comes in time, and if I could change anything I would have warned myself to appreciate the moments still in high school, because one day I would have my freedom, in my dorm room, loveing it, but some days I have a glimmer of sadness missing those times I had senior year. Dont waste a single moment!

Study even harder! Your high school GPA and ACT scores are very important when applying for scholarships. College is more expensive than you will anticipate, so you will need all the financial help you can get! Also, apply for more scholarships. Just when you think you have done enough... DO MORE! Another thing thing you should give thought to is living off campus. There are a variety of nice apartments VERY close to campus andthey generally cost about half the price of a dorm (& they're bigger!). PEople will tell you that you wont get the same friendship opportunities as living on campus but I don't find that true so these apartment buildings are so close. Continue with your curiosity in community service organizations! You will enjoy giving back to the community and you will a few good friends in the process. Last but not least, don't be shy!

Most people wish that they could turn back time and fix their past. I believe that what is overcome in your past builds a great deal of your character. However, if I were to go back and tell myself some things, I would have a lot to say. One of the most important things I woud have told myself was to try a little harder. In high school, I could easily keep a low A or high B, therefore I never challenged myself. I would have told myself that high school is a "right-now" deal. After you leave high school, everything that happened there dissappears, excluding the grades I made. If I were to tell myself that high school IS going to go away, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. I would have also told myself that I should be more true to myself. If i were more true to myself in high school, I could have saved myself a few horrible haircuts at the least. Being in college and being completely concerned with acheiving my degree, I understand that the whole process of life is mainly concerned with the betterment of yourself and your success.

The most important advice that I would give myself would be that going to college is about becoming the person that you?ve always wanted to be, the person that you have always looked up to, the person that you are going to be for the rest of your life. The second form of advice would have been to save up more money. I went into college with little to no savings and that was my biggest mistake. I would have told myself that I needed to be more prepared financially for college. I would have also told myself to make sure to keep in touch with family. Since going to college I have not set talking to my parents as a main priority. If I could go back I would without a doubt made sure I talked to my mother, father and little brother more often. Some other advice I would give myself would be to read and study more often. Other than that I wouldn?t have wanted to give myself too much advice because college is about figuring out all those things as you become the self defined ?you.? That?s the fun about going to college.

I would constantly tell myself how important it is to apply for scholarships and to find a job. It's common to be stressed out about your school work, but all I can think about is how I'm going to continue to pay for my schooling. I ignored my parents when they asked me what scholarships I had applied for. I ignored them when they asked me what job applications I'd picked up that day. If I had known that I would be pulled in so many different directions financially, I would have spent every waking minute writing essays and filling out paperwork for scholarships. I would also warn myself about the dangers of laziness and apathy. It is so easy to get caught up in your free time. There is a lot for freedom and a lot less time in class. You can sleep in, or stay up all night watching movies. There are better things to do with your time. When you spend all your time watching TV, you get behind in your classes and end up on a slippery slope to a grade you didn't want. Be brave and wise "high school" Allison.

The college experience has taught me many things, including things I never expected to know. If I could go back to my senior year of high school to tell myself what I know now, there are so many things I would say. Coming from a small community with a small high school, standing out was never truly difficult. I would tell myself to prepare to be a nobody. Universities are massive, and in general, no one cares who you are or where you came from. Facing this knowledge enables you to realize you must work ten times harder to stand out and be noticed. Another thing I would love to go back and tell myself would be that high school "smart" and college "smart" are located no where near each other in the dictionary. I have had the unfourtunate experience of watching high school superstars fail classes and drop out of school. I would love to go back in time and tell myself to try harder at everything and never let one success get to my head. The next challenge is always harder, and for now, college is my next challenge.

The college experience is when you truly begin to grow into your own skin. Given a chance to be a senior in high school again, I would inform myself that the following year to come would be the biggest transition I will have ever endured. As a person who is very involved with family, sports, and volunteering, I would remind myself to continue to strive for these same values through my college career. Challenges that you may face are just stepping stones to the future ahead. There are times when you feel that tasks are too difficult to complete or impossible, but try to understand that "A set-back is a set-up for a come-back." Any goal that you seek is in your reach if you stay determined and disciplined. Surround yourself with people who will push you to be all that you can and believe in your dreams. The reward of making good grades is far more important than a social event you may miss, because that part of your life will always be there and waiting, but academics may not. Take advantage of all you can learn in college and stay focused on just being yourself.

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not worry about going to college. Don?t freak out about being away from home or from not knowing anyone. I have been able to make friends very easily, and everyone is so nice and willing to help someone who is lost. It is a big transfer from high school, but it is such a great one. Classes are harder, but they don?t consume your life. You will still have free time to be with friends and explore your new surroundings. Life is great. I would also tell myself to not worry about roommate situations or not knowing what my major is. Though you might have a horrible roommate, that thought shouldn?t define your life. You barely spend time in your dorm. And with the major situation, take the first semester to enjoy yourself and truly figure out who you are before jumping into a major that classifies you as something. You have time to figure out what you want to do.

Perhaps some college students would tell their former selves to be "free", to experience the world, or to be more relaxed about extra-curricular activities and school. I, on the other hand, have some different advice for myself. First of all, I would have told my high school self to make lasting friendships, to make my faith my own and not my family's, to know what I stand for. Of course, I would reassure my old self that it's good to do well in school. It's important to spend time studying and learning. But more than that, I would tell myself to think about my entire life, not just my time in school. What was I doing in high school to prepare myself for life after college? Was I forming bonds with friends and family that would last my entire life? Was I cultivating leadership, public speaking skills, and character that would be important to me in every aspect of life? Sometimes I did focus on those things. But if I were to go back, I think four words would adequately sum my advice up: "Think about the future."

On the Florida State University campus there is not a need to go back in time. Ever semester i am afforded the opportunity to recreate myself with new clubs, sports, sororities, or even just a new social group. But if I could go back to my first day of freshman year I would try everything i ever wanted with no inhibitions. I would finally audition for a school musical, play rugby, volunteer at the homeless shelter. I failed to realize that noone knew me in Tallahassee. The worst embarassment would pass in minutes because I might never see these people again. This was my last chance to try out my most outlandish dreams. And in the best scenario I could meet people outside of my usual social group and learn new things and experience another view on life. Essentially, my advice to myself would be live without inhibitions and fears, just jump because college is probably the last place where you could land safely and get back up and try something new without any real harm. "This is your last chance to be fearless, and try everything you ever wanted without judgment."

I always thought of myself as being a very mature person for my age. As a high school senior I felt ready for college in every way. Now that I'm in college, however, I can see that I wasn't as prepared as I should have been emotionally. Every other aspect was fine. I had a great education, great scholarships lined up, and I was so excited for a new adventure. I didn't realize, though, that college would be so emotionally draining for me. I moved from Arkansas to Florida for college. When I left, I left my best friends, my boyfriend, and my family behind. I had never felt that much pain from missing people before. I feel like I should have mentally prepared myself for that heartache. Now that the first semester is over, I have figured out how to deal with being away from the people I love. However, if I could go back and warn and prepare myself, I definitely would. I would take that opportunity in a second. Maybe then, I could have saved so many tears.

I would definitely push myself to apply for a scholarship every single day because I am reaping the consequences now. I probably would coach myself to be more social to avoid being a stranger to everyone and thus preventing a major case of nostalgia. Other than that I would not say much because the experience of transition was wonderful, in that, I learned a lot. So I guess I would say "Simone, keep your head up no matter what and look forward to an amazing change in your life".

I would say that take senior in a very special way, it is a time in which one is saying ?goodbye? to a phase and saying ?hello? to another one. In future times one will often remember senior years with nostalgia, remembering phenomenal times. But this closure of a term in life does not mean that one should take it irresponsibly, it is a time to prepare for ones own personal projects, no matter in which area of study one as an individual is interested in. In college life there are many alternatives to get involved in what one is interested in. Social work, clubs, Greek life, sports, magazines, culture, independence, are many great ways to make the college experience fun and permissible to accomplish those personal goals that in post-college will help one take the next step in life.

One of the main things I would tell myself is to not stress my self out by taking Advanced Placement classes, and to take dual-enrollment. Not only did the AP classes stress me out in high school, but in college you sign up for classes based on credit hours. If you come in with more credit hours than other Freshman, then you have a better chance at getting the classes you need and want. Another thing I would tell myself is to enjoy my time in high school and love it up because I miss the easy classes, the friends, the teachers, but now I feel like I let them pass by. But I am throughly enjoying my time in college.

The saying ?If I knew then what I know now? is an accurate statement as to how I feel about my transition into college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself advice on how to transition properly.First I would tell myself to be very open-minded, don?t go into college expecting it to be a certain way. Everybody has a different outlook on college and you will find yours once you are here. Next, I would tell myself to be outgoing. Don't stick to your same old high school friends. While it is great to hangout with them and remain friends with them, try to make new friends as well. The friends you meet in college will be lifelong friends. You can meet friends by getting involved. A good way to get involved is to play intramurals, join clubs and hold study groups. Last, I would tell myself to stay ahead on my schoolwork. Read all your assigned chapters when they are assigned and do not procrastinate. Staying on top of your schoolwork is key to great grades and a great time in college.

I would emphasize how important it is to go out and meet people and make connections. I would tell myself to write out a schedule every day to practice managing time. My two-year-younger self would argue with me, saying that I am already good at managing time, but I would prove him wrong by showing him how I had spent so many days sleeping into three o'clock and spending the rest of the day eating. Of course, I would also tell him how I constructed the time machine. My high school self would sell the time machine design and not have to worry at all about paying for college.

As I look back upon my senior year self, I wondered how difficult the transition would be going to Florida State University, a school that is 1000 miles away from where I had been born and raised my entire life?Chicago. I was worried about staying close with my friends. But, moreover, I was concerned how I would perform academically. I mean, these are college classes we are talking about! Being a pretty personable person, I found that making friends was not a problem for me; however staying in contact with friends from high school was becoming quite a task. I decided halfway through first semester that I had to decide who I really wanted to stay in my life and who I wanted to simply drift away from as I lived so far away from home. As for dealing with the looming objective of performing well academically, I was extremely paranoid about my first essay, exam, and even quiz. But, I learned that if I over prepared for each task and took them one at a time, that I would be fine. And it turned out that most exams were even easier than ones I had in high school.

Really, it's not worth getting worried about. Going into the college experience with an open mind and a happy attitude are key to making it worthwhile. It really isn't about what school you go to, as long as you go somewhere where you can find a place to plug in and be a part of something larger than yourself. On that note, it's also about being involved. Those things you loved in high school will probably show up again, so don't worry about losing them. Your friends, however, are a different story. You may run into some of them from time to time, but there will probably only be a few that you really keep in touch with. Don't worry about it. Making new friends is a good thing. As for home, you may not miss it much, but you sure will appreciate it when you go back. Appreciating it now might make things a little easier during the first few days. Mom and Dad do know what they're talking about. They may not always understand you or your choices, but respect what they have to say anyway. It may be of use someday.

In my high school years, I was one of those students who would study too much and stress about every deadline. Naturally, hearing the term "college life" would evoke many negative images in my head. I would picture myself slaving away in a dark corner of a library, with books and papers piled high beside me. I thought my college life would be an experience much like high school, only harder and less interesting. However, within a semester of my enrollment I quickly discovered that college was so much more than academics. I got involved in the college music program, practicing jazz piano and volunteering to lead a praise band for the Baptist Campus Ministries. I learned to speak Spanish at an advanced competency level, and I met all kinds of diverse and incredible people through intramural sports and other extracurriculars. All in all, I found out that college was much more than academics. Therefore, I would advise my high school self to "slow down" and just enjoy the ride. Studying hard is important, but even academics have their place in this world. The college life has to be just that: a "life," not just one perpetual study session.

Don't burn your bridges, try not to be so rational. It's ok to think with your heart sometimes.

Setting off on the journey of attending college is a nerve-racking experience. To be pulled in so many directions emotionally as well as physically, becomes a complicated feat. As a college freshman looking back on to my last year in high school, I believe I should have spent more time with my family, to make my transition from a small town to a large city a little less painless. While prepping myself for the move from my home to my new apartment I had a checklist: clothes packed, check, bedding, check, school supplies, check, kitchen accessories, check; however, I missed one vital bullet, preparing myself to miss my family. One of the biggest issues I struggled with was not being able to speak with my parents or sibling, as I was able to do before. Therefore the advice I would offer my self a year ago and to the high school seniors now, spend as much time with your family. For every night I spent with my friends, I wish I had spent at least two nights with my family.

Don't by shy or afraid to talk to people you don't know. You should always ask a Prof if you need help, they are always willing to help. Enjoy the good times, but always put school first, and SAVE YOUR MONEY.

Don't stay in your room, go out there and just e yourself and meet new people. Though you are going to miss your old friends, they will always ne there, and the new poeple you meet can't replace those old ones. College isn't only about academics, but a balance between that and new friendship that helps you grow. But even with new freindships, make sure you keep in contact with the old ones to keep them alive.

Having learned so many things within my first year and a half of college, if given the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would jump at the chance. I would say that college is a time to learn but also a time to experience the world in a different way than ever before. Being at a university exercises your mind and leads you to think of issues and concepts in ways that you have never seen before. You don't just become book smart, you become knowledgeable of the world around you and the society that you live in. Friends will be made for a lifetime as you share with them an experience that is unique to Florida State. Don't take your time at FSU for granted for it will go too fast, and remember that friends are everlasting gifts that can't be replaced. Work hard but also have fun because the unique experience of a college student doesn't come from a book but from the world around you, an environment of endless possiblity.

Always follow what you know is right. Stop worrying about what you want to major in! In time, you will figure it out. Keep your head in the game and don't let due dates sneak up on you. Always remeber to take time to have fun and explore the new city you are in; it will be a much needed break, especially during finals week. Risks are the spice of life. Take risks, open up, meet new people, and have fun!

Fill out as many scholarship applications as you can. Get great grades while you are still taking your liberal studies classes to boost your GPA. Don't take many filler classes just to get credits. Stay on track towards your degree. Stay healthy, be yourself, have fun.

I would approach myself on the day that I had to look at three different routes- three universities and take my pick. I would tell myself that the choice to attend Florida State University is the right one, and to have no self doubt in that. I would tell myself about the transition; ?my friend, leaving is hard, but upon arrival one becomes part of the collegiate soul. One starts molding to Florida State University, you start becoming the institution, and the institution molds for you. Go to a football game in the fall, feel the roar of the crowd, the surge that dances with your soul and opens up your spirit. You begin to love the place, and nothing can change that. You?re girlfriend back home, she?ll be okay. Your mom will be proud, remind you everyday how glad she is you?re going to FSU. She?ll worry but now it?s up to you to take care of yourself and as it looks, you?ve done well. Florida State becomes a type of home you?ve never felt before. Walk around the campus and feel its voice lead you to success.?

I would tell my highschool self that when I get to college to really put forth the effort and make sure that I get starit A's.

If I could go back and give my self some advice my senior year I would mainly tell myself to get more involved early on! I wish i would have joined more clubs and organizations within my first year at FSU rather than waiting so long. I would also have made sure to have told myself to get to the career center earlier on and been working on my resume early on.

As a senior, I was very goal-oriented and driven to do my best in school. I suffered none of your typical "senioritis" that seems to hit most high school students around, oh, their freshman year. My goal in life is to become a large animal veterinarian, so this has been the focus for all of my choices in school. Now that I am a college sophomore, I would never go back to high school for anything. For me, the only thing I would tell myself is to quit worrying so much. I was never the most popular student in high school, mostly because I was "weird horsegirl" who always had her nose in a book and did well on most of her exams. Looking back now, I wish I hadn't placed so much importance on the little things. Who cares if I was odd in high school? College is so much freer for me; everyone here is different; we're expected to be unique, and being "normal" is boring. I would tell my younger self to embrace my inner person, to live my life to it's fullest, and not worry about what others think.

RELAX :) I know you're nervous, but once you get there you'll be having so much fun meeting new people and experiencing new things you'll wonder why you couldn't come sooner! Remember how nervous you were to start at a new high school and how fun it turned out to be? Well, you'll get over the college jitters just as quickly, only your time there is going to fly by even QUICKER so enjoy EVERY minute of it. It feels a lot like camp with so much to do, plus you get to pick your classes so they're interesting and exciting too. TRUST ME: - You will keep in touch with your close friends, so don't worry- being at different schools just means more places to visit! - You have a fresh start, so have fun! Don't hesitate to join clubs, meet your neighbors and try something new everyday. - Focus on your studies, especially in the beginning so you can start out with a strong GPA. Lastly, - It's not always going to be easy, but it WILL be worth it... and it will end up being the being the best time of your life.

I would tell myself to get excited. I would say," You're on your own now, but it's not as scary as it looks. Life isn't as bad as everyone may tell you it is. When you get to school party hard, but study harder. Proofread your essays, and pay more attention in Micro-economics ( It actually is different than Macro- economics believe it or not). Don't sell yourself short. You have the resources to accomplish anything you want on that campus. All you have to do is try a little harder." And hopefully I'd listen to myself.

Start making good study habits! This would be the first thing I would tell myself if i had a chance to go back in time. In high school I had poor study habits as well as sleeping habits. I would rarely study for a test and if I did it would be the night before a test. Although I made good grades throughout high school, I realize now that high school and college are completely different. Since then I have adjusted and began studying way more than I used to. Now I spend three to four hours per day on certain subjects to make sure I am comprehending all we do in class. Another thing that I wish I could have told myself is to relax and focus on what I want most in life and start planning on what I needed to do to reach that goal. I knew when I entered high school that it was my goal to become an Athletic Trainer, however, it was not until the end of my senior year that I began working toward that goal. If I could go back, I would tell myself to start working sooner and harder.

With the understanding of college and life as a whole that I have now and an opportunity to travel back in time to speak to my highschool senior self, I would have an earful to talk about. I would explain to myself that college is a different environment, in that the books required for the classes must be read, even if it's an elective. I would detail the situations with scholarships, how there is never too many scholarships to be had and how many of them have requirements that I must meet to keep them. I would also educate myself on the importance of being motivated and to never let anyone get in the way of a dream or passion, whether it be in school or something else in life. These things, I feel, are important to a healthy transition to college life. Even with this information, however, the transition wouldn't be perfect. Though it would be a lot smoother because just having a bit of knowledge can change everything. This understanding that I have now has been of great benefit to my continued education and has helped keep me in school.

As a high school senior I asked every college student I came across dozens of questions regarding their transition into college. The common factor I noticed in every answer I received was that every single person had a different take on it. The transition into college life is a very personal and unique experience to each individual. If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I could only advise myself to enjoy every second of it and cherish each memory as stressful or confusing as it may be. The reality is you only experience this transition into a new life once and starting out on a most positive note will heavily contribute to the rest of your days in your new environment. I would remind myself to be gracious and thankful everyday for the opportunity placed in front of me because so many people around the world never have the opportunity I have been given. I wish I could go back and tell myself to worry less and enjoy all the twists and turns of this experience, which I have been so privileged, to embark on.

Do not work at a place the closes past 9 pm!!!

Do not be afraid of not fitting in or feeling awkward. College is a place where you are suppose to push your self out of your comfort zone, so do it and do it fast. There is no reason that you should wait to pursue your passions! Even if there is something that just randomly hit you as something fun to try, FOLLOW THROUGH with it. If you do that then you will not have any regrets from your four years in college. I know you are a social person and making memories is important to you, but you are also here as a student. So, if you want to succeed and have fun at the same time put together study groups, so you can get to know people and have fun while getting work done at the same time!

Don't choose a college just because your sibling went there. Don't choose a college just because your friends are going there. Consider the school you go to now. Does it have a big, or a small number of people? Are you comfortable there? If you're comfortable, choose a college that is similar in size. Going from a small school, where you know most of the people, to a very large school can be extremely difficult and depressing if you're not very outgoing. When you get to college, read the terms and conditions. Don't simply think you know what they are; "this is a one-year program ? you are signing up for Fall AND Spring." Spend a lot of time studying, but don't spend too much time in your dorm. Go out and meet people, otherwise, it's going to be a lonely year. Discover all that your campus has to offer; a gym, a movie theater, a 24-hour diner, a circus, a convenience store, 8 different libraries; find it all, and be a part of it. There are no perks to being a wallflower in college.

Living in the dorms is the best advice I can give any high school senior. Now, you may think, "Why would I want to share a small room with a person I've never met before?" What you don't realize now is just how many perks there are to living on campus. I can simply wake up 30 minutes before class and walk down the street to my first class in the morning. All of the resources you are going to need will be walking distance from you: the library, restaurants, tutors, help sessions, whatever you may need! Plus, by not driving to campus, you are making a difference environmentally, as well. The people I have met living on my floor have become lifetime friends. We are all in this together; making mistakes and trying new things for the first time. Everyone will be there for you for the good and bad times and, trust me, you are going to want them there during the stressful times (like exam week!), too. If you are considering moving to an apartment your first year, you may be missing out on the opportunities that await by living on campus.