Illinois Institute of Technology Top Questions

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

heather

Don't waste your time with AP classes, just take the classes you want at community college at night or in the summer. You get more bang for your scholastic buck and you will also gain "college" expereice and learn how to step up the studying. Taking humanity and social science classes at community college also gives you a little more room to be flexible with your college class schedule. The nicest looking dorm is not always the funest dorm. Go ROTC if you need to fund your education.

Ashley

I would suggest that I stay organized and get ahead of the game. It's very hard to find out all the information you need and people don't realize that most of it is found by doing it on your own. I suggest writing down as many questions as possible and taking initiative in finding out the answers.

Dakota

The main thing I would tell myself would be to get involved and stop stressing. Being involved in school is the number one reason I love being here at IIT. It took me a long tim to get involved in high school, so if I would have actually done it, I know I would have had much more fun. The reason I would say to stop stressing is because my senior year was completely full of it. I didn't know how I would like leaving my hometown, I had some hard courses, I was working two jobs, and was vice president of Key Club. Looking back now, I see how much free time I actually had compared to now though. I also notice now that I didn't have many worries back then as I do now (mainly speaking financially). My high school senior self would definitely have had a better time in high school if I told him these two things, but I also loved my senior year, so really I wouldn't change a thing that year.

James

Apply for as many scholarships as possible, because school itself comes fairly simply to me, but the money is a different story.

Edward

It's never too late to prepare for college. I know, traditionally, most start preparing their junior year, but applying earlier will make you so much more aware of the processes and the subtle nuances that actually make a huge difference. Workload doesn't get lighter by senior year. It may seem that way because of the fallacy that is senioritis and the ideas spread by the student body that your last year doesn't matter. It does and it is just as precious as any other school year. Make the most of it by doing the best work and help achieve that by spreading your workload of present and future throughout all your years in high school, not just the last two.

Kaelin

While the idea of giving yourself advice may seem romantic to some I choose not to live my life in the past. The choices I made then are what brought me to where I am today, and they will take me to my future. If I were to say anything to my past-self it would be merely to say, "Keep up the good work and never question the choices you will make."

Max

Stop panicking about what you're going to do, stop worrying about jobs during the summer, stop worrying about the costs of college, or making new friends, or getting a new place to live, or doing more work. Worrying has never gotten you anywhere, it sits as a hinderence to your potential. the only time to think about worrying is when you're looking for a challenge. write that paper, do that project, stop getting scared about the minor details and error margins. Failure is good for you, so stop worrying! See everything as a challenge, not a limit; you are not faced with things you cannot do, but things you simply haven't done yet. Be everything you can be, and don't be afraid to have to dodge a few falling rocks, even be hit by one or two, as you climb to that peak. Everything is worth it in the end, so just stop worrying and start doing.

Dane

Figure out what you want to do and where you want to go while in high school. This may seem like a hard task as there are so many opportunities and so many colleges available, but it is worth the time and effort to invest in your future. Do not be afraid to try new things and enjoy yourself! Put yourself in situations in which you would normally avoid. You can expose yourself to experiences which can benefit your future, make new friends which will help with networking (also helping you in the future), and you might even have fun. Take advantage of everything your school has to offer. You will be paying, a lot, for an education and in addition to classes, schools will host all sorts of events & clubs which most people fail to attend.While it may be tempting to go out and party with your new found freedom, I would encourage you to do it in moderation and instead use what your are already paying for. The most important thing: Go to class! While bigger universities may not have an attendance policy, skipping class will put you at a disadvantage.

Taylor

The advice I would give is to keep up what has been started. I was an extreme try-hard in high school and was focused on the academic structure and what accompanies it. I would tell myself to focus on what I want to be doing, not to impress others. I lost this in college, and would love the opportunity to gain back my stamina of both academics & athletics. I am now focused on pursuing opportunities specific to furthering myself in the professional world, rather than academics. I would tell myself to not to forget people from high school, but to venture to further places rather than a location relatively close to home. To just do what I want to, be open to suggestions, and to never give up on goals.

Haris

I would tell myself that he should continuously put in a better effort and never to let failures bother him and instead to learn from them. I was a slacker back in high school; lost in the system and not knowing where to go. I held myself back constantly and continued to do so even after I left high school and it wasn't until half way through community college did I realize that just by putting in some effort the good grades are right in my reach. I would want to tell him that putting effort into life is not only practical in school but just everywhere he would go. Feeling out of place and constantly discouraged by my past failures always got me down and unmotivated and nothing started going in my best interests until I started motivating myself. The number one thing I would have done is start this process sooner for myself but I cannot instead I wish to try and spread it to my little brother and others because hopefully no one else should have to feel inadequate about themselves to the point they wish they could have done the same sooner.

Larry

Classes have never been just about getting a good score and letting your parents brag about you with other parents. College gives you a shot of reality and problems that want you deal with it. There will be times where you won't know how to solve the problem, but the fact of the matter is, that feeling of nervousness and fear of failure while taking these shots is great to have. It shows that you are ready to take on these problems and solve them. College is where you'll be able to make these mistakes, but actually have the chance to amend them. With prudent and diligent decision making, this is ability to transition into college is possible.

Zachary

I would tell myself to focus on my grades, take less hours at work, and apply for more scholarships. I tell myself about the importance of eductaion and show myself why it is essential to a positive future to take pridein and ownership of my grades and eductaion.

Ariel

Dear High School Senior Ariel, You are making a large step in life, and I believe you are making one the best decisions to attend IIT. But before you prepare you mind for this transition, I want to share two things you could benefit from reading. Throughout your college years, get to know the people around you because you can learn from them and they from you. These are the ones living on your floor, the ones sitting next to you in class, even the ones sitting next to you at dinner. Everyone is from some place different and has unique interests; they can show you something you did not know, but you will find valuable in life or your career. Also, never underestimate the power of kindness! Whether you are talking to a friend, professor, or counselor, being kind in your dealings is best. When you show respect to people that are able to assist you, they will do so to the best of their ability. Ariel, you never know who will do their best in your behalf or who you could help! I think you are ready. Remember, this is more than a degree! Regards, College Junior Ariel

Kashif

If I could travel back in time and advise my high school senior self about college, I would tell him that in order to succeed in college you need to make the effort to reach out to the professors if you have any problems with the class. At universities, the professos will not give you help. Instead, you have to come to the professor and tell them about your issues. The professors want the students to take intiative and ask for assistance. I have actually heard some professors say that they wish more students would come to their office hours more often. I would tell my past self to go meet with professors on the first week of school, and introduce yourself. That way the professor knows you on a personal level and will be more willing to help compared to someone who met with the professor a week before finals.

Carolyn

When I was in high school, I was enrolled in the Magnet Program which meant I had access to AP courses and courses offered at Virginia colleges. Because of this program I thought I was prepared for to attend any university I chose, the reality of my freshman year at Illinois Tech was totally different. The transition from high school senior to college freshman is more of a mental challenge. If I could go back in time and speak with myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to strengthen my time management skills. I would tell myself "The key to doing well is to not be lazy! No matter what, always start assignments and study time early. I know this seems like very simple advice but once you get to college you will be introduced to bigger, better distractions. It is extremely important that you have a strong sense of self-discipline."

Jonathan

I would scream to the past version of myself to stop fraternising with friends and focus on applying and visiting universities and making sure that your finances are in order in the fall, or you'll be scrambling with those same friends in the winter.

Elizabeth

First, I would tell myself to stop being so arrogant. The younger me needed to stop thinking they were so much better than everyone else, because I learned that I'm not the smartest kid around. From this I found out that even though others are in fact smarter and more experienced than I am, that it's okay to ask for help and that it wouldn't damage my pride at all. Secondly, I would prepare myself for a huge smack in the face from reality; college is hard. College is hard on your mind, your body, your relationships with friends and family, and especially your wallet. College is about becoming an adult and learning new things, a lot of those new things will be about yourself. I would make sure to tell myself to take my time, plan things out, make sure I'm happy and not stressed. Things will be hard, but you have to know how to take care of yourself before dedicating so much time to studying. Finally, I would tell myself to make more friends during the semester, that people don't bite, and you'll be happier if you do.

Deidre

If I could go back in time and speak to myself about college, I would say that procrastinating and putting off my future career would be a horrible mistake. Life is constantly throwing curve balls and it is never the right time to be in school. You just have to keep on moving forward and handling what is being dealt. I would tell myself that I have the motivation and positive mind set to make it through as long as I continue to believe in myself. That deep within, I have all the abilities needed to make it successfully through regardless of how hard I am on myself. That in continuing my higher education, I would find out things about myself that I didn't know and that it would reveal the type of hard worker that I am. I would remind myself that every decision counts and that continuing my college education would be the greatest decision I ever made.

Jodi

Don't over do yourself with college classes and take college seriously.........

Michelle

Firstly, I would tell myself to be smarter financially. I was selfish and was not thinking about money or my family when I chose the school I did. I could be paying much less for the same education I am receiving. Now, my family is paying for my choices. Secondly, I would advise myself to keep in touch with my high school friends. Although I do not see them often, it is still great to talk to them when I get the chance. Lastly, I would advise myself to try harder to make friends in college. Without making friends at college, the transition is very difficult. With friends, college is fun and exciting.

Alyxes

If I could go back to give myself advice, I would tell myself to apply to as many scholarships as possible in order to help pay for school. I would say, "do not stress the little things." College can be overwhelming and i would tell myself to just take it one day at a time. There is no need to stress out about everything. I would ultimatly say to myself that i need to have fun and not spend so much time worrying.

Claire

Thinking back on the past few months of my college adventure thus far, my high school self definitely could have used some advice from my older and wiser college self. If it could be done, I would tell myself not to fret. Breathe. Relax. Now is not the time to be a perfectionist anymore; this will only create more stress. Do not belittle yourself because of one bad grade, because honestly, you are tougher on yourself than anyone else is. Move on. College is an experience that not everyone will be able to have. Always be thankful that you have this opportunity. While you must take college seriously, it is absolutely okay, if not necessary to have fun as well. You will only be young once. Embrace this and try not to act like the old woman that you sometimes do. College is what you make of it, so make great memories. While all of this may sound cliché and you would probably roll your eyes, take my advice. Trust me, I've already lived through it and learned from experience.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself that college is much better than high school. I would tell myself that I need to buckle down in school and let myself know that I am not going to have anyone to hold my hand throughout college. I was a poor high school student, so I would tell myself that I need the best of grades in college to be able to transfer into a four year college. The last thing I would tell my younger self is to not give up on myself because college can be stressful, but there is a better outcome waiting for me at the end of it.

Amr

I moved from Egypt to the United States two years ago after the Egyptian Revolution started. As a new student, I was not sure what high school in the US was all about. All I cared about was going to my classes, getting the best grades I can, and just graduate with my high school diploma. After achieving all this and going to college, I found out that there were many steps that I skipped that could have made my college experience not only easier, but also more fun and enjoyable. First advice I would give to myself would be to try and take electives that relate to my major in high school because, essentially, it will be of much benefit to my college career. One thing that I do now in college and I have not done in high school as much is being involved in my community. I am currently a member of four different organizations on campus and I volunteer on weekly basis to help people in need. This is the most thing I would say every high school student should consider engaging in; extracurricular activities because it will defnititely make their transition better.

SHAYNA

First, I would have told myself to fill out scholarship applications!!! I thought that my grades were not good enough to get any. I think now I missed out on a lot of money because of my doubt and my laziness. I also would have told myslef to write my homework down. One of the main reasons I did not turn my homework in on time was because I would not write my home work down. I would turn it in a day or two and get everything right, but I would recieve half credit because it was late, which hurt my grade. At the end of my school year I started going in to ask my teachers for help with rasing my grade and completing assignments. I should have been doing that at the begining of the year so I would have told myself that too. Lastly I would have told myself that hanging out with my friends is not that important. I spent most of my time socializing when I should have been studying or doing homework.

Randall

Given the possibiility stated above, I would strive to inform myself to take the future more seriously. At the time of high school graduation, I had no positive outlook on my future. I spent three years at a community college, where I frequently changed my mind on what career I should pursue. It wasn't until late in the fall semester of my third year that I met a few individuals who changed my outlook on life. Fellow classmates showed me the wonders and endless possibilities of engineering. I was entranced by the theory which they spoke of, as if a spell was cast on me. These conversations shaped my future and I am now entering my final year at an engineering school. Although my future has brightened considerably, there is still a presence of bleakness. I used up all available funding from the government by exceeding the amount of credits students are allowed. This poses quite a conundrum, as I am currently without means of recouping from such a loss. Therefore, if time travel was possible, I would ensure my future self knows has a clear perspective on what field to study before taking all the subsequent courses.

Chima

There are quite a lot of things I would tell my high school self. Most of all, it would be to not procrastinate! I'd tell him, "We entered the college life as ignorant as possible, not knowing what to expect. But now, I realize that when we have questions, we need to get answers. I used to be so quiet, not asking questions even when I didn't understand something; make sure you don't do that, or you'll definitely regret it. I know college life seems like a lot to take in. It may seem scary or complicated, but running away from it isn't the answer. You just have to dive in as fast as you can, and before you know it, the worst will be over." Then I'd pat him on the head and say, "Oh, and don't be afraid to talk to people. You'll make a lot of friends in college, and it's going to be a blast. Just relax, and you're going to be fine. I would know; I'm you from the future, after all."

Cassonia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to obtain a goal and focus. There are alot of things that may advert your focus but stay strong. Life happens and unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it. Just make the best of your situation and keep at it. Use 'that' situation as your motivator to drive you to work even harder of obtaining your goal which is to finish school. Look for the end result, it's very rewarding.

Vincenzo

If I could go back and talk to myself when I wa a senior I would have a lot to say. First off i would tell myself that I really need to develope better studying skills so that i would not have such a difficult time with classes. I would also tell myself about the endless amount of resources that provide me with help with my classes and other things, and to really take advantage of what is being offered and put out there. One of the more important things i would tell myslelf is to spend the time to fill out a lot more scholarships. Money in my family has gotten very tight since I have been in college. Life for my whole family would be a lot easier if i had filled out and recieved more scholarships. To end though, I would tell myself to make the best of my college years and really enjoy them, and grasp the life long lessons that arise and truly utilize them.

Nabil

I would tell myself to not worry, and to not procrasninate. I worked slightly harder in my AP Physics and Literature, I would have been able to get a little bit more ahead. I was lazy as a senior, and I should have worked harder. That way, I would not worry too much about which classes I should take to graduate, and focus on learning. Other then that, I believe that I have no other regrets.

Meaghan

If I could give advice to myself, it would be that single sentence. It is a concise statement that I believe sums up much of the best advice that is available about high school and life beyond. I underestimated the value of learning about people and different cultures as a high school student. However, I learned as an engineering student and maturing adult that knowledge of people is more crucial that one may think. High school, college and life in general can be thought of as a never ending course in sociology, and it is a course that should be pursued as arduously as any other course. Many successful and failed pursuits in international relationships, war, science and engineering, business, etc., can be attributed in part to a lack of knowledge and/or respect for people we know, serve and interact with on a daily basis. To quote a meditation from a prose by English poet John Donne, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” In order to succeed in any endeavor in life, we must understand and work with everyone around us.

Leslie

As a high school student I always did well in classes without ever really being a good student. What I really mean by that is I would not study for a test or quiz in even my hardest classes and still end up with a final grade of an A or a B. My first semester of college proved that I did not gain the study skills needed to survive a tough college curriculum. Unfortunately, my GPA took a huge hit and made me ineligible for a scholarship. If I could tell my high school self one thing it would be learn how to be a student and not just get good grades. Being a student includes studying material even if you think you already understand it. A student wants to be confident in all aspects of a subject and not just what might appear on a test. I had to learn this the hard way but now I am really off to a great college career.

Paul

Going back in time to talk to myself senior year of high school, I would tell him to not procrastinate and manage his time well because those are the two most valuables things in college that got me through the year. During the first half of the school year, I didn't have these valuable skills and so school really hurt me during the first semester. I realized how important school was for getting my future job and so I really implemented these skills into second semester and I succeeded better than first semester.

Benjamin

If there is one thing I could tell my past senior self it would be to not worry about the small things and focus on the important things. Concentrating on schoolwork and keeping your friends close are two big goals. You’re going to go through a lot of hard time with your best friend joining the Air Force but you will overcome. You will even better yourself because of it. Even if school gets tough you’re going to make friends that are going to not only back you up when you’re down but also help you achieve leadership spots, notably becoming Debate Club President. Throughout going to college you are going to make mistakes. This is not a burden; this is going to be the best time to learn from it and to improve yourself. Kindness is going to play a giant part of your life. Having the skills to not only receive kindness but to return it with a smile. These next few years are going to be hard but I know you can overcome any obstacle and grow up to be the man our parents want you to become.

Rebecca

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school self to enjoy my college career more and utilize the resources that were available to further my education and give myself a headstart in the job hunt. I would encourage myself to take more steps out of my comfort zone and take elective courses that could increase my skills, making me a more versatile version of myself. By encourageing my past self to expand on the vast amounts of knowledge available, I would be able to expand my horizons and potentially find a career that was unexpected. Hindsight is always 20/20, looking back I would have provided my past self with a lot of advice about focusing more on my education. I wouldn't have changed the outcome that brought me to where I am now even though there may have been some bumps along the way. The best advice I could give my high school self would be enjoy my time in college, work hard, and always trust my instincts.

Sandra

I learned a lot about myself, my capabilities, and my potential after completing my first year in college. I believe one the greatest pieces of advice that I would tell myself is not to let self-criticisms or the criticisms of other people affect you in a negative way. Rather, learn to take away select parts of their comments that are constructive and beneficial to your development here in school and block all judgments that you may think are negative because you ultimately control how you feel. Learn to think in a positive light and have confidence in yourself because no other person will believe that you will complete school and accomplish things except for yourself. Another piece of advice that I would tell myself is to develop a strong work ethic before you enter college. In college, there is a lot of time given to students and a lot of work can be completed in a day if you learn how to utilize your time wisely. Invest in a planner and calendar and develop a habit of writing in them every day. This will allow you to accomplish many things in a more efficient manner.

John

I would tell myself that school only gets harder and to get good grades while I was still a freshman because having a gpa in the upper 3's will help you land that internship at your dream company and also it will help you attend a graduate school of your choice later on. Remember to study as hard as you play and always remember to work as hard as you can because you only get to do this once.

Donavin

To disturb the space-time continuum is always a delicate endeavor, but a fantastic opportunity. I wouldn’t offer any grandiose insights or magnificent realizations. The single indispensable parcel of knowledge I would impart unto myself is to act. Don’t defeat your chance and extinguish opportunity before it can even be breathed into existence; if you’re waiting for the opportune moment then you’ve already missed it. So act, act boldly, act swiftly, act decisively, be defiant to the childish fears of rejection, be the wave of commotion that overtakes the stillness in the water, be dauntless in the face of perceived future failures. Don’t succumb to the treachery of hesitation nor give life to the betrayal of pause. Rather than extinguishing opportunity you must stoke it by remaining eager and vigilant to act. When the flames have been stoked and the fire is ablaze remember to exercise caution and if you’re insistent on keeping your eyebrows remember, no matter what anyone tells you, “inflammable” actually means flammable.

Charles

The transition from high school to college was a smooth voyage for me. I decided to attend a local community college that offered economical tutition and transferable college credits to a long list of accredited universities. I felt like I had my future college trip completely mapped out and set on cruise control. Which leads me to my crucial advice to my high school senior self. Skip community college and head straight for a four year university! I looked at community college as a financially easy solution to get ahead of my college credits, but boy was I completely wrong. Little did I know that the four year college that I would finally attend would be more financially accomodating then the community college that held me for two years to obtain an Associate's Degree in Science, which doesn't support my architectural major at all. If I would have headed straight for a four year university, I would have been an adept college graduate out in the working field. Instead I'm over a year away from attaining my major goal, a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Alex

Find a job NOW, save ALL the money you're about to make, and then take a year off and travel. Go to the places you see in National Geographic and Planet Earth. If during that time you find yourself missing school, then it is the right time to go College - because you want to! Make sure to do your research, talk to your friends who are completing their first year to see what it's been like for them. Consider financial limitations, look for Colleges with transfer programs that pay you to go to school! Do very well, take your education seriously - you wont regret putting in the extra effort to get above a 3.5 GPA -- it is only a number, but there is no denying it will open more opportunities. Regardless of whether you're in school, traveling or working, make sure to do whatever it is well because it is reflective of who you are. There will undoubtedly be tough times, but remember that the struggles make the summit that much more enjoyable. Be welcoming of friendship, introduce yourself to someone new. Stay humble and stay courageous.

Sabrena

Hey there buddy, don't be alarmed. It's only me...your older wiser, more decisive self. I'm here to help you transition to college. Thank me later. You'll appreciate the importance of having a mentor. Guidance is crucial for new students so be sure to sign up for orientation. College is a very big place full of opportunities to help you be successful. Take advantage of them. There are programs like the honor roll, tutoring, academic clubs, career centers, you name it. You're going to meet people from all walks of life. Be friendly and mature but keep your focus. Now let's talk decisions. You love computers, don't you? Well don't go into that field. You love helping people more. The medical profession is for you. Do a lot of academic research to understand the degree requirement for that field and volunteer at the local hospital. Turn in all assignments promptly including homework and extra credit. Most of all enjoy the experience. One more thing, you like sleeping late on mornings, true? Well shape up. You snooze, you lose friend. Well you're all set. Meet you on campus. Love yourself.

Dakota

I would truly tell myself to enjoy the days of freedom and exuberance to their fullest extent. Life isn't black and white, it's in shades of grey. Go out and make friends. Allocate two hours a day to studying at the same time everyday so you don't slack off. You're the one paying to learn, so go and do it. Exercise a lot too, you don't want to gain weight and feel tired all the time. Try to make lasting connections with your peers. You don't want to be a shut-in so go out and make friends and do stuff.

Kyle

I would tell myself to be more open to people and social events, and to stay away from the Common's food! I would also specifically mention to spend more time at the fraternity houses.

Ramzi

The most important thing to remember is balance. College these days is not just class and school work. College is a mixture of academics, extracurriculars, community service, internships and professional development. If I knew that when I was a senior, I would have better adjusted to all the facets of life as a college student. It is very important to be involved in college, be it Greek Life or Student Government, Internships or Sports. As a freshmen, I could have better balanced myself. Now in my third year, I have experienced the positives and negatives to being unbalanced. It may be fun to only be involved socially, but your school work suffers. On the other hand, you may succeed in school if you only focus on academics, but the professional word is looking for more than grades. Get involved right away but don't spread yourself too thin. It is important to do things that you enjoy but balance that with things that need to get done.

Marvin

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself to take advantage of every academic opportunity that was available to me in high school. I would advise myself to take as many Advanced Placement classes possible. Advanced Placement classes prepare high school students for college courses and curriculum. I would advise myself to take advantage of every community service organization within my high school in order to instill a sense of dedication that would only grow and blossom after my transition to college. I would advise myself to build a vast network of classmates, professors, faculty, staff, and friends, which will also be extremely helpful during/after my transition to college. I would advise myself to research in detail, every college I considered attending. I would most definitely advise myself to research and pursue every scholarship and financial opportunity available in order to defer as much college tuition as possible. Finally yet importantly, I would advise my younger self to relax and mentally prepare for a lifetime of memories while in pursuit of academic success. "Marvin, stay focused, set your goals, and achieve them, and have a enjoyable and memorable experience along the way."

Bassil

If I could speak with the "high school" Bassil, I would tell him this: "Universal truth is scarcer than you think. Those economic models and theories look sexy, and seemingly make intuitive sense, but they discount the intensity of natural chaos and randomness that you will inevitably witness. If you wish to study economics, realize that you may never stumble upon an economic theory that works consistently. Most of your class instructors have taught 'intuitive' lessons and principles; not much of your academic career has been spent with long, disappointing, grinding, or confusing sets of empirical data. As you grow and study economics, you might be very disappointed to find out that the 'money supply model' seldomly produce reliable results. In fact, you may be disappointed to learn that accurate models rarely come by. If 'truth' interests you, the following areas of academic focus will add valuable insight: logic, mathematics, physics (usually), or philosophy. These areas of study will help you embrace and benefit from all the chaos nature provides, rather than to study HOW to eliminate randomness from your world, a very laugable task. You will be much less disappointed in school, and much more accomplished in your field.

Casey

The most important thing to remember as a high school senior is that even if you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it is super important to stick it through, working as hard as you can the entire year. The final leg of high school will be where you get your scholarships, colleges make the final decision on wether your accepted or not, and it gets you your final credits to make sure you graduate from high school on time. Understand that even though you still have those 4 more years of school to finish, they are much more enjoyable as the classes are focused on what YOU find fun, and you really get to enjoy them. At college you make new friends, find new things to do, join clubs that are fun, and run your life the way you want to run it. The freedom you get in college gives you enough of the taste of the real world but at the same time, still shelters you enough to learn how to deal with the freedom.

Cecilia

Past self, even though you are free and away from your parents while attending school, you must not abuse that freedom and become more responsible for your actions, because they can greatly impact you later on during your university years as well as after you graduate.

John

Study hard, often and a week before a test. Take good notes, and attend everyclass. Establish a routine that is healthly and works for you.

Deion

If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to take every opportunity I have regardless of how I feel about the opportunity. Try as hard as possible to finish many scholarships and make contacts with people who are doing their absolute best to help. I would continue by explaing to myself to be very proactive and to not expect things to come to me. Go after what you want to get and do not give up regarless of how impossible it may seem. You must have confidence and continue to strive to have the best success. I would advise to find what your are good at and demonstrate your prowess to many others that want to see what exactly you bring that can help improve the lives of others.