Ithaca College Top Questions

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

Nicolette

Don't stress as much as you are about going to school. It will certainly be different, but you will make great lifetime friends. The people who are importnat will stay in your life and the people who are not will move on. Take the next few years to find out who you are and where you want to go in life. It's okay to make mistakes and realize that you are not quite who you thought you were.

Alex

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, the first thing I would say is that life moves on and I need to be strong and learn from my mistakes. My life will not be perfect and I will fail at some points but I will just have to get back up and become stronger for the future. Going away to college for the first time can be very stressful. A huge tip that helped me ease into the transition is to be out going. If you live in an all freshman dorm, you are all in the same boat and that means you need to make the first move and introduce yourself and then people will like you and you will make many more friends. I would also tell myself that schoolwork comes first and that I am not going to college just to party and waste my parents money. College is very expensive and if you want to succeed and get a good job afterwards, you need to complete the schoolwork.

Nicole

Dear High School Senior Nicole, Knock it off. Stop sitting there and pretending that the future isn't coming. You have to prepare for the transition into college. You won't have anybody there to nag at you to get all of your work done. Or to remind you that bedtime should not be at 3 AM. It's going to be up to you. You're going to be on your own. And let's be frank, your time managing skills could use some work. Do not be fooled by your history with AP classes. The work load in those classes combined would not be equivalent to the amount of work required for just one course in college. Good grades get you scholarships. The ones that you don't have to really even apply for which will be good because we both know you're lazy. You have the grades now, but what about when the schock of college gets to you? Lastly, do not be afraid to just be yourself. College is going to be the first time you're really away from home. So do us both a favor and have some fun. Love, College Freshman Nicole

Brittany

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior, the one piece of advice I would give myself is to take advantage of every opportunity that was presented to me. Looking back, I felt that I left a lot of good opportunities behind that may have had a great deal of benefit to my college career. Although I regret nothing, if I had the chance to do it over again I would. I would also advise myself to really consider what career path I was interested in before applying for colleges. I personally feel like I have wasted two years of college to finally figure out what it is I wanted to do. Having a solid plan and sound foundation would have solved that problem.

Katie

I would have told myself to take scholarship much more seriously than I did. College is expensive and simply expecting your parents to pay for it is very unrealistic. If I could talk to myself back then I would have told myself that life isnt as easy as it seems and that without hard work and dedication, I wont be able to go anywhere in life.

danielle

I would advise myself to be more outgoing. Of course it is hard to make the transition and force yourself to go to certain events but it's better to start out your college career this way. I immediately made a close group of friends and after that I never wanted to go to events by myself. I passed up opportunites to join clubs and attend events that I really wanted to do because they didn't want to. It is important to be yourself and be independent.

Danielle

I would tell myself that living on your own isn't as hard as you'd think, you learn to adapt quickly and your parents are only a phone call away. Having the freedom of living on your own is exhilarating. I used to think I'd be clueless on my own, how would I know how to do my own laundry, banking, cooking, cleaning or even making sure I wake up on time for class. Fortunately, I soon found out living on your own is not nearly as terrifying as I made it out to be. Everyone on campus is making the same transition and is willing to help you out if needed. Friends and roommates provide a buddy system to facilitate the transition even further. Also, when I absolutely can't figure something out on my own, my parents are only a phone call away and almost always there to give me advice and the information I need.

Elizabeth

I would say to let go. Let go of all the anger you've built up against your drama teacher - she isn't worth it. Let go of all the anger you've built up against your parents - they do love you. Let go of all the anger you've built up against all the kids in your class calling you stupid - YOU will be the one to get in the college you actually wanted to go to. Just let it go. Because at the end of the year, things will change. You no longer have to see any of the people that put you down. You no longer have to carry the extra weight of all this negativity. I know you don't want to believe me but high school is so incredibly trivial it's almost ridiculous how much time and seemingly wasted effort you spent doing your AP European History until 3 in the morning only to wake up at 6:30 AM and fall asleep in first period. If you just let go and realize how blessed you are, I can assure you, you will be so much happier.

Kelly

I have been in college for three years know. I have had to study and focus harder than I did when I was in high school. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself as a senior in high school to start caring about her grades. In high school, I did not care about grades or studying, but since then I have done a complete 180. I definetly wished I would have tryed harder in high school, so I would be more prepared for all the work that comes with being in college.

Angela

Go to the cheapest school that has your passion.

Christopher

Don't choose Ithaca college and don't pick science as your deternined major! Manage your ressources carefully which includes personal finance, food, and attention towards your academics. Also, learn to use the Amazon website fluently and help your parents out more often by making them spend less money. Apply for a credit card and as you've already know by now is that credit cards are way different from your average debit cards. On a side note. apply for a direct deposit as soon as possible for when you apply for a job, otherwise you may have to wait for when you get home to deposit your checks. One last piece of advice, try to find to most meaningful and clean experience that you can do one you arrived and settled down on campus. Mingle and make new friends if you have to and never hesitate to bring your videogaames with you. The present me is often bored during the weekends and I really need my Nintendo 3DS to alleviate some tension.

LiShaina

Looking back over the previous five years in college I realized that I have wasted a lot of time trying to determine which educational path to take. I’ve always known that I wanted to become a nurse but I never knew how challenging it was. I would advise myself to have a “Plan B”; so that if things didn’t go as planned there would be a second option. I would inform myself of different study methods, because in college I’ve realized that time management is the key to successful studying, and I was not knowledgeable in this department. I would also inform myself to enjoy college because the years fly by. As college students we should enjoy ourselves, just not too much. We shouldn’t forget the reason we are there. I would inform myself of the different programs, clubs, and organizations of college that help prepare us for the professional world. These things are the little pieces of peace and relaxation from the long hours of lecture and studying. These things give us that extra push to make us stay hungry and determined for success. Finally, I would advise myself to never stop believing in myself.

Brittany

From what I know now after experiencing college for a year, I would tell my high school self to enjoy their final year to the most of their ability. College is a completely different scene than high school, with more independence and self-motivation necessary. However I would have to say that the hardest transition was leaving those who I had been used to seeing every day for the past 12 years of my life. I would tell myself to forget the little fights and drama and enjoy the last year with the people who helped shape me into who I have become, because college alters relationships through the distance and need to focus on school and building a new life. I would tell myself to forget being petty or holding grudges, because the time spent with the people I have grown up with is more important than the little issues that were held on to. College creates new friendships, but also breaks some old ones. So my advice would be to cherish the time together, for though I will make new friends and an incredible new life, I should appreciate the poeple who have helped make me.

Kathleen

Knowing what I know now and experiencing the college life for myself, I would tell my high self to not assume that AP classes and college classes are the same--they're not. College professors who teach a class of 100 or more don't care if you show up or not. The majority of them wont' take the time to know you unless you try. I would also tell myself to show up for every class unless of an extremely valid and life-threatening reason--I paid for the class so my butt better be there. There's no such thing as "make-up" work. Another thing to take note, take advantage of the extra credit our teachers gave us in high school because most college professors don't offer any! Also, those high school study habits don't work in college. Moreover, enjoy those 6-8 hours of sleep, once you're a college student that drops down to maybe 4-5 hours (if you're lucky). Lastly, I would tell my past self to get involved because it makes a huge difference on the college experience. Joining clubs and/or organizations make college ten times more fun.

Victoria

If I was alotted the opportunity to return to being a senior, after already experiencing what I have in college, I would be a completely different student. Most kids find high school to be so stressful, especially at the college preparatory school I attended. My high school was definitely the right decision for me and did a stupendous job of preparing me for my first semester in college, but it was not nearly as stressful as this semester has been. My study habits have improved immensely, as well as my work ethic. If I could go back now, I would study a lot differently, and put a whole lot more effort into what I study. Other than those couple of aspects, I would have to say I had a wonderful experience as a senior in high school and would not change much more of it.

Stephanie

Even though I have not attended my first year of college yet, I know that I will learn a lot about the college life and the transitions it involves. I can already tell the work load will be more and time management will be more of an issue. I know I will have to undertsand that I am on my own and I cannot run to my family for all the answers. I am unsure of how well I will transtion to the new lifestyle, but I know it will all be part of the process. All I can tell myself is to take it one day at a time and that I will be fine. I will be very successful no mater how many obstacles I end up facing.

Rebecca

Attend PE class and graduate with a Regents diploma to be able to attend college 20 years earlier and forget about any fears of debt, your earning potential with a degree will make life much easier than it has been.

Lyle

As a senior I was so anxious to graduate and to experience the whole new world that is college life , but unfortunately I feel like I did not stop an appreciate what high school had to offer when I had the chance. My advice would be to enjoy high school while you can, because it comes and goes in an instant. Personally I felt like I missed out on a lot of opportunites my high school had to offer, and if I could go back I would really try to broaden my horizons and try new things. In short I would say leave high school with no what-if's, no woulda/coulda/shoulda moments, and no regrets.

Marvin

Have u ever been in a situation when u felt like everyone was telling you bad information in your life? The most important thing i would have to tell myself as a senior is to pay more attention to my health and other people. Health is most important because without it your life is not the same. My Grandmother Mary Alice Badger who rasied me from since i can remeber always motivated me to associate myself in school. "School is the only way to better youself and it would help you get where you would like to be". By getting the "Advice to your High School Self" Scholorship i could really show her that the hard work she puts in is not a waste of time. Health can make you or break you while in high school i played track, football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. My health made every sport happen. I aim for a scholorship in all those sports but it never happened; so if i could go back in time i would have not waste my time. I would have got a job and worked the whole time in high school; praying would also be the best advice.

Ash

Although I am very happy with the outcome of my educational life and goals, and at this point wouldn't want to change a thing if I had to go back and talk to my former high school self I would tell myself to switch high schools. Because of unfortunate family situations I was forced to drop out of school and immediately earn my GED and begin working full time in order to support myself. Had I gone to a different school, and there is one in particular I know I would have thrived in even given the unfortunate circumstances of my family, I know I would be on a very different path.

Julia

Don't get distracted by the little things in life. Dont get overwhellmed with feeling that your missing out on enjoying the things in life that young college students/people do. You will have plenty of time to do what you want and have fun once your done. Its only a few years that you sacrifice for a lifetime of a better education and many possibilities to follow. Push for the best and focus because when you truly put your mind to it, you can complete the tasks that are dealt to you. When you feel like you are going to give up, dont! You will get through it and you will succeed. Never doubt yourself because you are smarter than you think.

Darielle

Dear self, STOP FREAKING OUT. College is awesome hun. Stop worrying about how you're going to pay for it. Just do what you like and most likely, there will be a scholarship for it. As far as picking a college goes, stop trying to run away from your parents and all those rules! Living on campus is just as wonderful as moving to another state. Besides, you'll have all the benefits of the campus life. Don't forget to study for your ACT by the way. You'll be too lazy to take it again. (You're gonna get a 21.) Anyway, keep your head up. Life in college is a breeze. See ya next year! :-)

Karimi

As a high school senior, I started to procrastinate a bit more than usual and did not attend classes as much as I should have. Since starting my freshman year at Ithaca College, I would want my old self to know that although there are certain people that could be annoying, just to be in a room with students starving for knowledge is a privilege. To be able to share ideas and converse about certain topics are two of the greatest pleasures in life. The interaction with other students could either be exhausting or exhilarating, but overall it will lead to mental satisfaction. In addition, I would tell my old high school self to not be afraid to ask for help, especially from professors. They are there to help, even if their tones don't sound so ethusiastic about it. I have to be proactive if I want to be able to prove not only to my family that I am capable of excelling, but also myself. There is no such thing as a stupid question, except for the ones that aren't asked. I should not be afraid to raise my hand. At the end, it's worth it.

Christina

Never give up, follow your dreams. Even when all seems lost, persevere. Take the time and effort to put your all into the college experience and make it the best. This may all sound cliché but the truth is that the transition to college is such a rough and confusing time that if you do not have the support of loved ones it will be the toughest journey you embark. Know that you have what it takes to succeed, just love and believe in yourself, because when you do there is no limit to what you can achieve. Christina, it's okay to cry but as soon as you are done keep your chin up because when you graduate with honors, all of your dedication and tribulations will be worth it. Open yourself up to new people and experiences, enjoy every second life gives you. Lastly, more than anything else- save your money and keep applying for scholarships, as you will need them!

Matthew

In the next chapter you will face a difficult decision. Dad and Mom can’t afford your education, but don’t mistakenly settle for your safety school. You’ll waste a semester at a school that isn’t your niche. Ithaca is expensive; rely on your drive to carry your financial burden. Though you will have to work several jobs, you’ll appreciate the value of your education. Freshman year you will struggle to choose between biochemistry and music. Music will always be an outlet for expression, but medicine is your calling. Your classes will be fascinating and difficult, but you will love the challenge. Get involved in clinical shadowing and volunteering early on. These experiences will teach you valuable skills and are highly regarded by medical schools. Don’t chicken out of auditioning for the a cappella group, Ithacappella, freshman year. You’ll make it junior year anyway. This ensemble will be your college family. Finally, develop a good work-life balance. It’s okay to have a strong work ethic, but don’t let stress and self-criticism rule your life. Study hard while enjoying your social life and extracurricular activities. These experiences will shape who you are.

Becky

Never spend a day within your first few weeks sitting on your laptop or in your room talking to people back home. You're in a new place now, by yourself, and you need to learn to live there and love it there! The great thing about college is everyone is looking to make new friends and they all have open minds, so get out there and meet them! There is really no reason not to go introduce yourself to someone eating alone. After all who knows: they could be your best friend or your future spouse! Also, enjoy every minute: this is the last time you have nothing tying you down, so take advantage of it! Go explore, travel, do something spontaneous! (Just remember to keep up on your schoolwork.) Overall, just have fun, and do your best.

Karisa

Dear Karisa, You're almost done with high school, and I know you're stressed out, but calm down and enjoy your summer, it's one of your last chances to see some of these friends, and your life will never be the same after this. You may want to think about joining the military, it will probably serve you better in the future, and I know you're dead -set on being a lawyer, but don't be too rigid in that line of thought, life has some surprises in store for you. Remember that your life in college isn't just about the classes, it's about the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn that can never be taught from a text book. Eventually, you'll figure your life out, but that time is not now, and it won't be next year either, but you've just got to perservere, and everything will work out just fine. Trust yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions, and just do what makes you happy. You won't go wrong. No matter how hard it gets, remember to smile and pray. Sincerely, Future You

Winston

I would tell myself that I would need to make more time to relax and just enjoy the experience. I studying habits that I developed in high school more than sufficed me in the transition to college, and I stressed over my grades alot more than needed. I needed to get out into the world and enjoy my first year at college. Also I was worried that the classes would be too difficult for me to handle ,but my rigorous course schedule in high school also prepared me for the college transition as well. In college I should schedule certain days for my studies and certain days for relaxation. Though I did make friends within my classes, I missed out on the situation of experiencing people of different cultures. These interaction would allow me to grow as a person and develop into a more well-rounded adult. Lastly I would need to get out into the community more just for my personal healthy. Though I was devoting my time to my studies I was neglecting my personal fitness and my overall physical health declined. In conclusion that is the advice I would give myself.

Abraham

What would I say to myself about college? First of all, high school and college are completely different, in high school you can slack off & frolic around and all you have to worry about at least getting a decent grade to pass that class. In college you can't do that, First of all you are paying for your classes that you enroll in, you can't slack off and talk to your clique and avoid school work, you can get dropped from a class or get a failing grade which can harm your Grade Point Average or even cause you to have trouble into enrolling in other classes. This is the real world in education, where you have to motivate, sacrifice and finally apply yourself to suceed in achieving your goals in your desired major.

Jamie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to find a summer job and to start saving money. As I transitioned to college, I found that a lot of unexpected expenses came up. My family and I anticipated costs in supplies, dorm room essentials, and other related items, but I did not anticipate the money I would need for social events, clubs and organizations, and food outside of my meal plan. I would tell myself that freshman year was not as bad as I expected it to be, so I could have asked for a campus job when the financial aid package was filled out. In addition, I would tell myself what textbook services I would use to buy books for classes in order to save money, as well as which services to sell back to. Overall, my high school self would be more informed on how to save money and how much should have been saved going into my freshman year of college.

Emily

I would definitely tell myself to develop a better work ethic. In high school, I was one of those kids who never had to study, I just got good grades without necessarily trying. In college, however, classes are obviously harder, even harder than the AP classes that I took in high school. I don't get good grades as easily, and I wish now that I had learned how to study and procrastinate less in high school. Also, I would tell myself to be more careful in the college selection process. My mom did a good portion of the research for colleges, and I didn't really get to put my opinion in sometimes. I would tell myself to research some colleges that I would be interested in as opposed to just what my parents thought. I would tell myself to work harder at sports so that maybe I could get an athletic scholarship and not have to come up with a good portion of the tuition on my own. Most importantly, though, I would tell myself to enjoy every minute of high school, because it is truly one of the greatest times of your life.

Abigayle

In my little experience as a college student, I have learned that in order to be successful, you must work harder than what others expect of you. There are certain standards that people expect from me as an individual, and to fufill those standards, I have had to reach out of my comfort zone. This means that I have had to go out of my way to meet with Professors, and fellow students to ensure that the quality of my work goes above and beyond the set standards. At times this was incredibly difficult, however, these decisions have not only made me a more focused individual, but they have expanded my horizons. Education at its finest is about challenging yourself to become a greater asset to the world, and I believe that my experience at Ithaca College has proven to do just that. I will continue with my education at Ithaca College with an understanding that quality of workd and education is priceless, and I hope future employers will see the valuable assets that I, as an individual have worked so hard to obtain.

Michael

I have learned both in class an out of class more than I ever anticipated. I learn as much form my peers as I do from my professors, I've also made great friends and done valuable networking, while producing media that I am proud of.

Paige

In my little time so far away at college, I have learned so much, whether it was in the classroom or out exploring in the real world. I am now able to live on my own and make my own decisions for myself. That means doing my own laundry, cooking my own meals, and taking care of myself mentally and physically. Aside from that, I have also gained so much knowledge of my major and what will hopefully be my life career already! It's amazing that Ithaca lets you get going with your major courses in your first semester. College cannot be not valuable to attend. You learn so much from everything you do and experience that it changes your life significantly. Experiencing college introduces you to the real world and gives you a first-hand look at life. Without college, one might not have the proper experience, background and knowledge to pursue their careers. Attending college is extremely valuable to me because even though I have only experienced one semester so far, I already have gained immense amounts of knowledge and experience to help me survive in the real world.

Jessica

College was my opportunity to learn who I was in a protected environment. It was a gradual move towards growing up and joining the real world. I was in a place where there were leadership opportunities and resources galore and I could take as little or as much as I pleased. I learned to live with people other than my family, to juggle fun experiences with studying. The popular kids may say that high school was the best part of their life, but everyone else loves their experience in college because you get to choose your own path.

Max

The value of my Ithaca College education goes beyond simply learning the skills to succeed in a certain industry. My experiences, both academic and extracurricular, provided me with the mentality and inspiration to do something truly meaningful with my life. As a high school senior, I chose an academic path founded on the clear-cut goals of becoming rich and happy. In fact, many college graduates choose paths based on similar goals. IC, however, taught me to want to become a global citizen. Its emphasis on sustainability not only allowed me to understand human's environmental impact, but it also fueled my appreciation for systems thinking; I was able to recognize the complex web that connects every individual on Earth simply through the choices we make. This realization was complimented by the academic freedom that IC curriculums afford its students. I took full ownership of my education. As a communications major, I enrolled in completely unrelated courses that eventually lead me to switch career paths and pursue an architectural education. In all, despite the acquisitive mentality that founded it, I am not regretful of my college decision, and I am grateful for the realizations with which it has provided me.

Nicole

My college experience thus far has been incredible. Though I am only going to a community college, I am already learning skills that I will carry with me during the pursuit of my degree and through this amazing journey of life. Most importantly, college has led me to opportunities that I would have never come across otherwise. I've had the pleasure of spending an entire semester working for the Walt Disney Company and I'm about to do this again along with other internships. Each college course is focused on teaching you something, if only one thing, that you can take out of the classroom with you. I have been lucky with instructors that have made sure that I leave with that simple lesson that has continually made me into a better person and I will continue bettering myself until I acquire that coveted diploma in order to become a successful, contributing member of this beautiful society.

Lauren

College so far has allowed me to start over and experience a different part of the country. I haven't really had to make new friends since first grade, and I love that I have a clean slate now and I don't have to worry about mistakes I've made in the past as much. I think that moving across the country like I did allowed me to get to know myself better than if I had gone to school where I had an easy comfort zone of people I've known since elementary school. This big move is also exposing me to different people, beliefs, and attitudes than are readily available closer to home.

Giuseppina

A sense of accomplishment that I haven't felt from anything else that I have done. Confidence. A very good job with good pay. Some admiration from others. Use the skills learned to volunteer and help others. Knowing I can take care of myself and be on my own during college. Friendships. Great memories and more to come. Realizing because of college that there are a lot of things I can accomplish if I want to.

Ana

I have met many great and inspiring professors. THis school as taught me so much about life and accomplishing my dreams. i want to finished college and be able to be a lawyer someday. Even since I enrolled in thsi school i feel like I can make my dreams come true. I wish I can show the world the importance of an education. I think going to college is the bst thing that has ever happen to me.

Emma

A few years ago I made the decision to begin taking classes at a local community college. At first, I was unsure about what I should expect, what kinds of classes would interest me, and what I wanted out of a college education. Luckily, these fears soon subsided when I began broadening my interests by taking a variety of classes. By taking varying courses that genuinely interested me, I was pushed to try harder and found it easier to study more. Most importantly, attending college has led me to my decision to major in art. I began taking art classes last fall, and have never found myself so interested in something before. Therefore, my college experience has been positive as it has led helped broaden my knowledge and interests and has led me to a major I am very excited about. The past few years of my education have been invaluable. I have had many teachers who have pushed me to work hard, I have met classmates who have showed and taught me that an education does not have to be a boring ordeal, and finally I have learned to appreciate the worth of having an education.

Aaron

I feel that I have learned a tremendous amount of information in my chosen field. This exposure has helped me to see a different picture of my world. It has helped me to question and not accept all facts presented as complete. My experience has made me choose to explore and research and search for more information.

Taylor

While I do not think I made a mistake with my choice of school, I do believe there were things I would handle differently if I was given the chance. Allowing my counselor to talk me into applying for Harvard would be first on my list. I really had no intention of going to a school so far away from my home, but I allowed the prestige of the institution and my own hubris to cloud my judgement. Harvard does not offer an early decision option, therefore I applied to three Ivy League schools without giving myself the edge of early decision. A declination letter is one of the most heart wrenching things I have ever received, and I opened three. My only solace as the salutatorian was that the valedictorian was also rejected (though she was accepted by Columbia). With the financial stimulus the Ivy schools provide, combined with the full financial assistance I receive as a low income student, I would not have had to carry any loans. If I had focused on Cornell and applied early decision I probably would have been admitted. As it stands I am in the hole with eight thousand dollars of debt.

Cynthia

It is a privelege to attend college; the four years spent in an institution which foster's ones intellect, creativity and character are not extended to every young adult. These years could be spent in a military force or at a position which requires little training. The time that is allowed for the purchase of philosophy, math, science and literature should not be squandered. Use the years to develop as a well-rounded patron of this world. Become involved with the community and serve its people. Read, and polish strategies and skills which will be used in the real world. Ask. Question the experts about their views and become an independent thinker who can maturely defend one's stance on the issues. Use these years to rise above the average. Attend concert as well as classes. Try out for theater and sports. Stay healthy to achieve the highest position in every endeavor. This is a place for adults, not children. This is a place to decide on a plan for pursuing higher education or specializing in a career. Use the time to study, compose and perfect. These are important years, blessings for the one who is ready to excel.

Cynthia

When I was a senior in high school, I took a trip to Ithaca College to decide if I would attend in the fall. I was really just judging the social life, however. I went during a weekend and did not have any appointments with the school admissions counselors. That is what I recommend. I could see right away that students were happy with their decision to attend the school, and was able to talk to many students during the stay, but I could have stayed longer and discovered more that was available to a freshman. I took placement tests during Orientation, and was well-prepared for the classes I scheduled. Some students were faced with finding classes filled or not knowing what classes to take as a freshman. Attending Orientation was a good move. Not talking with an advisor about student life was a mistake. When I finally found the soccer team, cuts had already been made, and I had missed practices, opportunities to impress the coach. I could have found out more about sorority life and Student Government, which I entered as a Sophomore. Most of all, I was glad to attend college, rather than finding a job.

Meredith

I would have told myself to always talk and smile when meeting new people. There is no need to be shy when you first go to college. No one knows you and first impressions mean everything. Being open and friendly is the best way to make friends. Also, I would have told myself to keep in mind that there is an entire freshman class of people who are in the same situation as you. All of them were just as nervous as me and there was no need to be scared. In regards to classes, I would have told myself to work from day one, every night reviewing what I had learned and to keep on top of my school work and even get things done early. Work comes before play, and playing much more fun when the work is complete.

Talia

A college degree is a symbol of strength of character. Finishing college is physical proof that you can complete something hard, that you don't give up when presented with a challenge. While this looks good to prospective employers, it is far more important to your self assurance. The college experience is a compliation of mini accomplishments that add up to one giant achievement. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life upon entering college. The best thing you can do is get good grades, because high academic standing keeps your opportunities infinite.

Megan

As a high-school senior, I was worried the most about the social transition college would bring, and how I would deal with moving away to a town where I knew no one. Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high-school self to be confident in my approachability, and to realize that when I needed companionship, it would reveal itself. Another important aspect of college-education would be the amount I would have to rely on myself to learn what I needed to learn. I would tell my high-school self to be prepared for a long hard slog through an intellectual marsh, where knowledge is your own responsibility to gain. Finally, I would make sure my high-school self knows just how much fulfillment the quest for knowledge brings, though I think I had some inkling of that to begin with.

Andrew

Nothing - school has progressed optimally, and I am extremely comfortable as I am. I would only tell myself to apply early to Ithaca and get them to get me more aid.

Jacqueline

I would give myself the advice of working harder in high school to maintain a good GPA and I would have taken the SAT and ACT more times. I would have done this so that I could have gone to a 4-year school right away instead of a community college. I would have also kept my grades up so that I could have had more scholarship opportunities. I would have been more active with extra curricular activities.