George Mason University Top Questions

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

Katherine

I would tell myself to not sweat the small stuff and to get more prepared to go to college. Also to quit my part time job sooner because I would get a job closer to school and not have to commute back home to work on the weekends. I would not want to say too much to change my present because I enjoyed my freshman year of college and even if I could go back and change things; I would not. I learned a lot of things after I graduated from college such as how to manage my time better and better study skills. All and all I would tell myself to do things that make me happy and that the future is looking good.

Jade

If I could go back and tell myself anything about college, it would have been to apply for more scholarships and start saving for it earlier. Before I even started filling out college applications, everyone that had either been in college or was currently in college stressed the importance of being able to afford it. Some representatives from organizations such as Access even came to some of my classes and personally gave ways as to how we could make college affordable. I heard everything I was suppose to so that I could avoid taking out loans in my name or stressing on how I was going to make it to the next semester. Still, I now have student loans in my name. I did not realize that financies played a huge role in my education until I saw it on paper and money started coming out of familly accounts. Grades, clubs, and internships are important, everyone is told that. Not everyone gets how just important the financial aspect is though until it is too late. I personally know people who will not be able to finish college because of it and like myself, struggle to pay. My advice, plan early.

Roland

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to continue to work hard, so you can come out on the top of your class. I would also tell myself to apply for many scholarships so you would not have to take out loans for college. In transitioning to college I would tell myself to make as many friends as possible your first year because they will always look out for you and are going through the same transition as you are. Most importantly to stay focused because there are so many distractions in college, many that will cause you to fail many classes. Distractions are parties, different events held on campus, Greek life and sometimes friends. Make sure your priorities are straight before you allow yourself to fall to these distractions. Make sure your work is done and make sure you don’t have any prior obligations before you do anything. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to have fun. College will be some of the best years of your life so make the best of them.

Catherine

To put it bluntly, "Your parents aren’t always right and they don’t always know what’s best. I just spent the last two years of college chasing a dream designed by our parents. But they are actually destroying everything that makes you extraordinary. You see Catherine, no one knows what’s best for you but yourself. Money is not the sign of happiness, a smile is. If you continue listening to your selfish parents talk about becoming a doctor or a lawyer, you will waste two years studying gibberish and build yourself so far into debt, you could eat stars. Screw what your parents think, this is about you. If you want to be a nurse, you have the damn right to be one. Start taking chances and do what you feel will make you happy. Take classes that will stimulate your senses to live and learn. If I have to sit through another lecture on wavelengths, I will eat my foot. Take a career path that you want, not your parents. In two years, hopefully, you will be chasing a dream you designed for yourself because I forget what it's like to genuinely smile."

Javene

Not much. I was well prepared and researched behind a lot of community colleges before I chose one. I piched a CC because they were cheaper and would allow me to develope my degree more as I explored myself and several courses. If I had to say something, it would be "good luck, missy. And take it easy."

Yadira

If I had to go back 2 years ago and see me as a High School Senior, I would strongly advise myself to pursue higher than my expectations. Because back then I really wanted to attend a 4 year school in San Anonio, but due to the fact that I wasn't Top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class or had high grades, for me the Idea of College wasn't so Important as it is now. I would have told myself to challenge myself and take college credit classes in high school that way when I get to college I'm already advanced. I would point out to apply to more scholarships and to schools I really wanted to go to such as UTSA, OLLU, or even University of Pan American. One of the other advises I would tell myself is to really study hard for my SAT and ACT tests. Being that in High School I had to take it more than 5 times just to make it to the nearest Universty, Now that I am older and wiser I would have loved for someone to advise me how fun but, it is to be a college student and adult.

Sarah

Always go to your classes. I know it seems like it isn’t necessary because the classes are so huge and it is extremely cold out, but you need to go! This will definitely help you get those amazing grades. Definitely make those appointments during office hours with professors so they can get to know you and definitely make these connections for future recommendation letters! Make sure you make appointments with your advisor regularly, because George Mason will not encourage you to pursue this, even though it is incredibly important. Live off campus after the first year. Campus housing is extremely stringent and there is no extra sense of community when you live on campus. Find some great friends to live with and move into a house nearby where you can have a bigger sense of freedom. Make sure you take advantage of the study abroad programs. Finally, George Mason is what you make of it. Because it is so big, you get lost in the crowd. Make sure you join lots of clubs, volunteer, and make an effort to go to D.C. It seems like far away, but it is definitely worth it!

Morgan

I would go back and tell myself to stand up for what I believed in more, and not let what other people think bother me. I spent so much time stressing because I felt like I didn't fit in, and trying to change myself, that I was making things worse for myself. I have made many more friends by just being who I am, and not struggling to fit into a mold I'm not comfortable in. Doing what is right for me has been my biggest challenge, but is also my biggest strength at this point now that I have stopped trying to fit in, and stopped trying to change myself for people who won't matter in the long run, anyway.

Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth, I am now a senior in college, as you are now a senior in high school. You've had a wild, tough ride up until now, believe me. I know you're itching away at the seams to run as far away as you can. I thought it was a good idea at the time, I really did. But it hasn't been easy or all that fun. Trust me we've had our moments but maybe it could have been better in the beginning. Make sure you thoroughly research schools that would be in your best interest, no one elses, and dabble in a little bit of everything. Don't settle for one thing you MIGHT want to do later on. Make sure you work, tutor, volunteer and be a part of clubs while you're in school, to make everlasting friends and learn from life's little lessons. Right now, we're trying to save up money from work and filling out thousands of scholarships that we don't get chosen from so that we can go BACK to school. That one whole year broke our hearts but we're back in it now. Sincerely, Elizabeth

Quin

If I could go back in time and give myself any advice it would be to make sure that I take an internship before I get to college. Work experience is incredibly important now that I'm in college and the earlier I can start networking and procuring experience, the better position I will be in when you get to college. I will be looked on with favor and maturity when looking for jobs or future internships if I have had any type of experience working before. The networks can be invaluable for the rest of my career so don't be lazy and work hard to make someone gives me a glowing reference for the future.

Kimberly

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do research on university clubs and get involved. In high school, I was a member of a co-curricular club known as DECA; I ate, slept, and breathed DECA during my high school career. I knew DECA had a collegiate sector but I had no clue that George Mason actually participated with Collegiate DECA. After getting settled in to my first semester of college, I happened to take a look at the university's club and activities page and I discovered that there was a George Mason DECA chapter and that I had just missed the deadline for becoming a member. Since the career path I am taking is to become a DECA Advisor, continuing my participation with DECA is necessary. Also, being a member of George Mason DECA would have helped me meet new people easier and I would not have the lack of on campus involvement that I do now as a second semester freshman. In summary, I would tell myself to look in to Mason's participation with DECA so I could still be involved with my passion.

gabrielle

If I were able to go back in time to give advice to my high school self, it would probably be a futile waste of time travel, since I was so hard-headed and prideful at that age. When I was 18, I moved across the country to study at the University of San Diego. After my freshman year, I decided to drop out of college to work full time, rather than take out student loans. I worked full time until the next year, when I enrolled in community college, and continued to work and live paycheck to paycheck. A year and a half later, I was accepted to the University of California- Davis, but I declined admission due to financial reasons yet again. At 18, I had no idea what I wanted to study, or where I wanted to end up career-wise. If I could speak with my high school self, I would tell her that it's OK to take some time to figure out what motivates you. But once you have found your driving passion, to dedicate yourself fully to education, as you will have many more opportunities with a college degree. No more waitressing!

Shane

To: Shane From: Your Future Self Subject: Advice to My High School Self 1. Take CLEP tests and Dual Enrollment and AP classes NOW to prepare for college level work, reduce college course load, and avoid thousands in tuition costs. 2. Keep your college freshman year course load down to 12-14 hours a semester. 3. If your college offers a Freshman Transition course, take it. You’ll have a better appreciation of the college resources available. 4. If your college offers you the opportunity to live in a dorm with students of similar interest, do so. It facilitates the development of friendships and your integration into the college community. 5. Keep a calendar to manage all your assignments and due dates. It’s the best way to manage your time and ensure your work is completed, and turned in, when due. 6. Organization is integral to success. Therefore, organize your paper, as well as your computer files. 7. Problems in a course? Don’t hesitate to seek help from a study group, teacher’s assistant, professor, or tutor before a problem becomes a failure. 8. Remember, help is only a phone call away when the inevitable laundry question arises.

Zainab

Never Giveup.

Brianna

It's okay to make mistakes and it's okay to not have all the answers right now. You don't need to live for anyone but yourself, so at least treat yourself with the level of respect that demands. There is absolutely no reason you should feel the need to starve yourself for the sake of having extra money for school expenses -- what good is any of that if you're not even well enough to use them? You shouldn't feel guilty about having less than the others around you, and you should remember that by no means are you inferior to them. You are a brilliant young student overflowing with possibilities, and you are capable of taking action even when the entire world seems to have crumbled down on top of you. Follow your passions, for they are your path. Keep working hard with that bright smile and never give up.

Raquel

Looking back at the decisions I made in high school I feel like I really was prepared for college. I was highly involved in my campus and very independent. I also did a great deal of research to ensure I was going to the right university for me. If I could tell myself one thing it would be not to worry or stress over college transition. I was worried about being an out of state student from across the country at the time I was making my decision. I know realize I had nothing to worry about. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to have taken a campus tour before I decided. I think it would have been nice to know more about the university before I got here instead of learning as I go.

Michael

Be prepared to study hard. College isn't like high school. Get used to 10 page essays, formal research, and a lot of studying. Be ready to face teachers who may never even learn your name, and won't baby you through the class to make sure that you pass. On top of it all, your parents are going to end up thousands of dollars in debt, so you better make them proud. However, at the same time, you are in for an incredibly interesting and rewarding experience that will shape the rest of your life. These classes aren't simply about memorizing elementary material, they are about learning about and connecting to the world you live in. You will be exposed to a number of professions and life paths, and it will be up to you to decide on one. Your biggest task is choosing the one you know will be right.

precious

The advice I would give myself is to take a deep breathe don't panic take everything one day at a time. Make sure to keep a calendar book handy to keep track assignments and do due dates. Also set aside certain days to do certain subjects to keep everything organized. Don't write everything down listen to the professor when he repeats stuff or raises his/her voice during certain phrase means it will be important and on the test. Don't wait until the last minute when it time to get things for your room if your staying on campus because things do quickly, and make sure you know what you want to study before you go into college.

Dominique

Going to college is something that I believe everyone should experience. Every person, man or female, has the opportunity to make this decision to move on to achieve that dream that you've always had. I can honestly say that I am ready to make that transition and move on with my life and be more independent and make your own decisions based on what your parents taught you. I know that college is not going to be easy, its going to take a lot of hard work and dedication if you really want to achieve that goal or dream what ever it may be. Just remember to manage your time and don't overwork yourself. Don't get caught up in the parties and lose focus on what is the right path.

Faris

I would tell myself to take advantage of all the opportunities you get in high school because they may never come again. And to make as many friends as possible as they can be very helpful to you in the future.

Laura

Dear High School Senior Me, Tighten up! Just because it's your senior year doesn't mean slacking off should be your first period class. You are a good person! Keep up the good work, stay involved, but don't slack off on homework assignments. Senioritis is a psychological thing, so don't give in to it. Keep your head clear and remember how badly you want to go to a good school and become somebody great. The way you set up your work habits now will influence your first year in college greatly. Trust me. Keep those Oprah Winfrey work ethics on the forefront of your mind. Remember it is okay to play hard, but it is important to work harder. It will pay off. You are gifted and have a lot of support from your teachers, friends, and family so don't let them down by playing around with your future. You are a future Patriot and they have strong work ethic and you will fit right in. Don't give up on your dream too early because you are on your way to a great future. Hang in there, your close to the finish! Sincerely, Future You

Andrei

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to take the SAT test two times instead of once. I would do this because the first time my score wasn't that good. I now regret my decision and am finding it hard to pay for college. My parents have eight children to put through college and I am currently one of three attending college. I wish that I did better on my SAT test because then I would have been offered more. But because I can't do that I am looking in a forward direction. I want to become a doctor one day and hope that I can do so. I know the work will be hard but the outcome will be well worth it. If I win this scholarship I'll be able to pay for my community college bills without having to work all year next year. This will give me more of a chance to focus on my studies, which are very important to me. I am thankful for the chances this country has given me that I would otherwise not have in Romania.

sarah

I've done this suvey before, and the disappointing part is I really wanted to get chosen and I didn't get a reply so, to be honest, I'm not going to bother answering the same question again. I really need this scholarship because I'm paying out-of-state tuition rates + the expensive housing fees. I have taken one too many loans, and the sad part is that I have burdened my parents as well with loans that have really high interest rates. Please, I'm in desperate need of this money. I just wish someday that life is not as complicated for getting rewarded a scholarship. I'm always under stress because I work so hard to get good grades, and I've always put so much time and effort into scholarship applications, which never seem to work out. Getting this scholarship would make me happy for a very long time. It would be a huge deal, and I just wish that you grant me this one huge favor! Please contact me at 703-870-9343 if you want to verify any of this information Best Regards, Sarah Obaidi

Anna

If I could go back in time, I would see myself as a high school senior that was fearful about the future. I think one of the most important things that I would tell myself then is to put aside my fears about the future and jump into my college career wholeheartedly. I was afraid of the changes that college would bring and overwhelmed by all that I was required to do. However, while the transition from high school to college seemed like a big jump, I now know that it was really just composed of little steps. Looking back on my past and looking forward to my future, I can see that the most important part of making a transition successfully is that I am willing to take the next tiny step. While each step may seem small and inconsequential, I know that every step I take adds up to a big jump. So, what would be my advice to my 18-year-old self? Boldy take the next available step without looking back and, before long, you will not believe how far you have come.

Cheryl

The advice I would give to myself would be to believe in all of life's possibilities. Education is available for everyone to enjoy. I would say, don't be afraid or negative but to set lifelong goals and do it right out of high school, don't wail thirty-five years. I would tell myself that college is the most important thing, other than being a mother, that a visually impaired or not person can do to prosper and have opportunities in life. I didn't believe that it would be possible for me to go to college because of my disability. I would tell myself that I will excell and earn my degree, because of my determination and positivism. I would tell myself that college is not as difficult as it might seem and that all the people involved in education would do everything possible for me to accomplish my dreams. I have finished my first semester and am beginning my second semester. I have a 4.0 gpa so far and intend to do the best ever in college. Thank you for allowing me to apply for this scholarship. Best wishes to all! Believe and you can.

Anastasia

If I could talk to my senior self I would tell myself to relax and enjoy my life. Whatever institution you attend after high school will be an incredible experience. Getting rejected from your top choice and settling for something else, is not the end of the world! Wherever you attend, you will meet new people who will stay your friends for the rest of your life. I would argue that it is better to get rejected from your top choice because then you don't know what the future holds and you get to go on an adventure! Enjoy your youth, and make sure to do well in college!

Olivia

Advice about College for my High School Self, This is going to be a big change for you but that's okay. Don't expect to understand everything right away-there's a learning curve but you'll get it soon. Make sure you keep up with the homework but don't let it take over your life. Hang out with your roommates; they might end up being your best friends. But if not, that 's okay too. You're about to meet some amazing people; each one of them will be completely different from the last. Open up to the people you meet because once you do they will too. You'll find your life long friends here. Don't worry about Mom and Dad, they'll be okay. Mom will cry and Dad will be brave. They will both miss you more than they can ever tell you. Call them a lot, especially at first. Make sure to text every day becaue then they will know you are okay. But most of all be sure to enjoy your time as a new college student. There is nothing like it and it only comes once. Sincerely, Your College Self

Zaeema

Transferring from high school to a college/university can be a tricky and complicated process. Being a first generation American, it was even more confusing for me due to the lack of parental guidance. For high school students who are currently in the same position I was, my advice would be to stay organized and ask a lot of questions. After high school, I attended a community college in which the transition process wasn’t too difficult for I simply filled out an application and sent my transcript. It was the transition to a four year university which was the challenging part. My advice is summed up in the words map, notice, and ask. Map out the courses you will need for the desired degree, if you are planning to transfer as I did, then make sure you take the courses that transfer. Notice the deadlines, it is very easy to miss application and scholarship deadlines, the mistake of missing a deadline is one you want to avoid. Finally, my last piece of advice is ask, instead of fretting away in ignorance, it is best to ask for guidance or advice from counselors/advisers for they are there to help.

Shavonne

I would have advised myself to go straight to college out of High School. I took a break after High School before going to college so I could work and make money. It took me a while to get back into school after my break. I believe if I would have continued my education after High School, I would already be working in the medical field; which has always been my goal in life. Although, I do have the motivation to continue my education, I prolonged my journey.

MICHELLE

If I could give advice to high school senior self, I would say so many things! The following is a list of things I wish I knew: college goes by fast, so enjoy every minute of it, get involved right away, work hard-play hard, don't let those fraternity boys fool you, friends come and go, don't take morning classes/Friday classes, check ratemyprofessor for information about professors, rent books, go to professors for help, go to campus events, and just be yourself. I have so many more things I could say, but don't regret anything.

Amy

Picking a college that is the right fit for you is important, but no matter where you go, you will find your niche and a group of friends that is perfect for you. Don't be afraid to expolore things you've never done in high school, because after graduation, you won't be in high school anymore. College is a new experience, and though it is intimidating and daunting, some of the best experiences of your life await you. Most of all, stop stressing! Though the school you pick is important, the effort you put into your education is worth more than what the college you choose to attend is "rated." No matter where you go, you can make the decision to be successful. It is up to you, not the office of admissions!

Whitney

Dear Whitney,

Ushna

After attending just one semester of college, I have gained enough experience and understanding to begin regretting some of my past decisions. To begin with, I would advise myself to get a job. This is extremely important for your future, and it is best to start practicing while still in high school. Find a job that you can work at during the weekends and even some weekdays because it is essential to learn to balance school, homework, a job, and leisure time. Plus, you earn some extra money which you can save up for college. Furthermore, pass those AP exams! I was fortunate enough to earn 16 credits that transferred to college, but had I passed a few more, I could have taken summer school classes and gotten an entire year ahead. The reason why I’m so keen on graduating a year early is because college is pricy, so the less time I spend there, the less money I spend there. Not to mention, there’s graduate school after that, adding another two years to my agenda. Ultimately, I would advise myself to work faster, with more efficiency yet with just as much intellect, but remember to have fun.

Chelsea

Remember to consider all of your choices very carefully and to think about the many ways that life is affected by each thing you do. I married young and had children very quickly after I married. My first baby was born just before my 21st birthday. Starting a family was a conscious choice I made, but I didn't fully think through the implications that those choices held for my education and carreer. Many people do a great job of balancing family and career, but I think that can only be managed with a lot of foresight and planning. When we are really young sometimes we just make choices based on what feels good at the time without fully thinking through all the implications. I dropped out of school when the demands of my family became too difficult to balance (because I hadn't planned well for them) and didn't make it back to school for a decade. I don't know that I would have made different choices if I could go back, but I think I would have been happier for much of that time if I had made those choices more consciously.

Anna

Hey mini-me fom the past! Listen up, okay? High school is almost over, and I know you're dissapointed in yourself. All I can tell you is to forget the past, and move forward. Stop being lazy, and just work hard. If you don't put effort in, don't expect to gain anything - you've learned that the hard way. Ask yourself what you really want, and I am sure that when you realize it, you'll be able to pick yourself up and make life more meaningful. Don't regret high school; I look back and still cherish those people, those memories. Everyone goes at their own pace, and you are no different. But don't waste the time you have now either! Every minute, every second is time that can be well used and less regretted. Remember, the most difficult battle you have is with yourself. "The most effective way to do it, is to do it". You either do it, or you don't. Spare yourself wasted time, and you will find yourself living happily. Stay optimistic as you always have been, and here's a tip to start you off: Go practice violin. Now!

Kati

Dear Kati, You're a high school senior and about to graduate. You finally recieved your acceptance letter to George Mason University. Congrats! You worked very hard for this moment. I know how excited you are to leave home and start a new life for yourself. Before you leave though, I have some advice for you. 1# Don't Forget You're Purpose When making new friends, attending events, and joining clubs, it's easy to get caught up in college's social scene. Although being involved on campus and having a social life is important, academics come first. Gaining knowledge and earning a degree are your ultimate goals. That's why you came to college in the first place! 2# Time Management Make schedules and prioritize your responsibilities. Pay attention to deadllines and never procrastinate. Using your time wisely is the key to success and avoiding stress. 3# Try and Do Everything... Legal! Attending such a diverse campus and living so close to Washington D.C., take advantage of the unquie oppurtunities that the area offers. Experiment with fashion trends, try new foods, and explore D.C.'s nightlife. Have fun, but always be safe! Sincerely, Your College Self

Karla

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior; knowing what I know NOW about college life and making the transition, I'd have some very helpful advise for myself (I believe). I would tell myself instead of wasting time and energy filling my class periods with teacher's assistance hours, etc., I should opt to take more foreign language classes. I would also tell myself to enroll at the local junior college to concurrently enroll in college courses to give myself the exposure early. I would tell myself not to take any time off in between high school and college. I would tell myself that while my high school transcript grades were excellent, I needed to supplement with involvement in community groups, etc., to make my 'portfolio' look even better. I would have given my former, younger self advise on the upcoming harsh realities of the real world and better prepared myself for it soas not to suffer as much, but to brace myself and know that while I am strong and capable...I couldv'e saved so much time and heartache figuring that out about me.

anthony

Be patience,life isnt easy. Working hard and trying is all it takes. when it seems too hard,and you just want to walk away,take a deep breath...and be patience. Its all worth it in the end. Have faith in yourself,you will be alright. I promise.

Bobby

George Mason is a great place to live on campus. It has its own movie theatre where they play movies as soon as they come out on DVD, and its free with you campus ID! The dorms I would advise you to pick are the Student Apartments. It has a kitchen, microwave, stove and oven, and bathroom. The laundromats around them are free with your Mason ID. Plus. Student Apartments is the cheapest on the campus and convenient if you're going to become a music major and taking more than 12 credits per semester. The campus also has small versions of restaurants like Chick-Fil-A and Taco Bell (Or at least it will because it has them there in my time). Did I mention the food is great and the friends you will meet are awesome and they actually like you, unlike some of the folks here in high school. I do hope you consider this, bro. Make sure you sign up for financial aid because Mason isn't cheap, but it's worth the cost! If you don't come here, you don't know what you're missing! Be there in the future, bro!

Courtney

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior I would be sure to tell myself to just take each day one at a time. Never try to do more than you can as far as balancing schoolwork and your social life. Yes, it is good to stay busy but you do not want to find yourself stuck and with such a full schedule that you are overwhelmed. This will just create unecessary stress that does not need to be out on top of the stress that you will already have from college life itself. I would also tell myself to not have any worries when adjusting to college life. Once you walk onto the campus take a deep breath and know that everything will be alright. You worked numbers of years to make it to this point, no time to turn around now. College will be one of the best times if not te best time in your life, so make the most of it.

James

My advice to my younger self would be to take my time and really think about what I want to pursue. College seems to be the natural next step for many high school graduates and they, myself included, often jump into this amazing opportunity without fully deciding on what area of study they wish to focus. College is an tremendous step in life and is financially, socially, and academically challenging. Taking the time to reflect on why it is you are deciding to take this step is crucial to one's success in school and in future career plans. Some students do not know what they want to do but still get As in their classes, pick a major without much thought, get As in those classes and then graduate, only to find themselves in a career that they do not truly enjoy. I think we all need to take a step back and not rush into this decision and take the time to volunteer, intern, and generally explore different career fields as well as ourselves so that we can make a whole-hearted decision before we undertake this incredibly important step in our lives.

Sarah

If I were able to give myself any advice when I was in high school I would have emphasized the importance of confidence and self motivation. I believe that confidence and self motivation, especially in todays evolving society, are key in making educated and healthy decisions. Having learned from experience, and being a returning college student after a six year absence, has shown me that having the condience to believe in yourself and the willingness to follow your own goals, no matter what the world has going on around you, is the key to success and achieving your goals. In high school, I now realize that the assignments came somewhat easy to me, and I lost my motivation to strive for greater things. I allowed myself to believe that it would always be that way, and once out of school I very quickly realized that is not the case. Confidence is neccessary to be able to stand your ground at times when peer pressure and distractions may have gotten the best of me. As I return to school all these years later, I have learned so much and try to instill both traits into my every day life and education.

Celeste

Do not give up track and field and your other extracurricular activities. Those help build more connections and will keep you extremely happy. You will not regret that. Also, stay active! Freshman 15 is real! So take advantage of the gyms and club sports. College is not like highschool. You cannot get away with not studying and going off memory. It is a lot harder and more intense. Stay focused, study, and do not lose sight!

Syed

I would advise myself to banish the creeping fingers of the pesky pestilence called senioritis, to keep my academic drive as enthusiastic as always. I would advise myself to not worry about college life, to reassure myself that the responsibilities are not as scary as they seem, that my goals are achievable no matter the obstacles in front of me. I dream of an apotheosis, I dream to become immortal by leaving behind an envious legacy founded by education and merit.

Joan

Don't put it off. Fight for it and take the chance when you have someone there to help you and get it done. Don't think that just because you did bad in High School that you will do bad in college. You do amazing and you are a fighter. You work your butt off and do what needs to be done to make sure that you and your son have an amazing life. College is always possible.

Casey

Make friends and enjoy the time you have in this exciting new place, but don't ever forget the reason you're there is for an education. There is so much to experience and you'll be given so many opportunities to make friends, to have fun, and to just be a silly college kid. Remember you'll be there for four years. Don't think you have to fit it all into your first semester because that will be your undoing. Going to class is important. Studying is even more important. Most important of all, though, is finding a balance. I hit the extremes on both ends. I spent my first semester playing too much and I earned horrible grades. I spent the next semester working too much and that made me miserable. It took some time for me to find my balance, but after I honed it my college experience was so much better. Realizing that you can be a part of both the parties and shenanigans just as much as the study groups and lectures is the most important lesson you can take in. The earlier you learn that, the better off you will be.

Lazaro

Do not focus on intermediate goals. Determine your ultimate educational goal and seek counseling ASAP. Talk to your counselor, apply for an internship in the field you are considering. Shadow someone in that profession. Ask them the pertinent questions. Ask about how long it takes to get to that goal? Can you work and go to school at the same time? Once you start working in that profession, can you go back to school for a higher degree in that profession? Do employers value that offer a raise for it? If you have the oportunity to start at a Community College while another institution reviews your records, start at the Community College. Otherwise you might end up losing time, knowledge, and motivation. Make sure you talk to your College Counselor and find out which classes are the limiting factors to getting into the program you want. Also, ask when is the application deadline, and further, by when must classes be completed in order for your application to be considered for that semester.

Angela

I would have advised myself to stress out less about grades. Don't get me wrong, high school grades are important to get into college, but once you are in college, no asks you about your high school GPA, thus, I would have recommended myself and others to enjoys their high school years without over stressing on getting the highest possible grades or being a striaght A student. I would have also advised myself to go more to the career center to start exploring possible career fields sooner so that by the time I got to college, I would have had narrowed down my major options. I would have recommended myself to keep going to the career center regularly as a high school senior and continuing to do so during the transition to college and beyond.

Michelae

Aim for straight A's and focus on one extracurricular activity or job and one volunteer opportunity. These will make you competitive in the workforce and in college. Attend a community college and do not take out any student loans. Grants alone will be more than enough to attend Ivy Tech Community College. Apply for every scholarship that you are eligible for. While in school, work a part-time job that either offers tuition reimbursement, free training, is related to your major, or a combination of the three. Have higher standards about the men you date. If they can't respect your whole person and work on their own positive goals, they are not worth your time. Your romantic relationships will impact your education and professional goals. Stay home! Don't be in a rush to be grown. Live with your parents until you graduate and are fully capable of running a household on your own. During this time, save up so you can buy a home upon moving out of your parents' house instead of renting. This will make your college life and transition into adulthood more successful.

lex

If I could go back I would probably go to a school with more people from my high school and in state. It is very expensive to go to a school out of state and it also makes it more difficult to come home and be with family if I wanted to. I also came to school knowing no one and got stuck with a random roommate. We were total opposites and that made the first weeks of college rough. If I had been with someone I knew, it would have been less stressful transitioning into college. I would also go back and try to be less shy. It is hard going to school knowing no one and being shy. I knew I had to make friends but I didnt know how. If I could go back I would tell myself to be more outgoing and try to say hi to everyone.