Kent State University at Kent Top Questions

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

Billy

Try to make best grades possible and try to get agood score on the S.A.T.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say that I need to start a study routine. I would say you can no longer get good grades with out putting the minimal amount of work in. At a university you will be in classes with some of the smartest students, so try not to be so hard on yourself when you do not get that grade you were hoping for. Finding a study habit that works for you early on will prevent you from the horrible trial and error experience of your first two years in college.

andre

I would stress the need to work harder in all aspectss of life. I would tell myself to join a variety of different clubs to see what interests me, and I would also try to be a more open individual with all people around me, so that I may be able to get insight from others about where they think I might fit in society, and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I might withold information from myself about not going far away without knowing anyone because looking at my situation now, I have met many people who care about me, more than I had at home.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior there would be three things I would advise. The first piece of advice would be that it takes a lot more dedication and hard work. You have to work hard and find it within yourself to go to class everyday and take notes because your parents are not going to be there to wake you up every morning and make sure you go to school. Some nights and weekends you have to skip hanging out with your friends to study or work on projects. I would also tell myself to try my hardest to get more scholarships for college. The tuition is a lot more than sometimes believed to be and you also have to pay for books (which can get very expensive) as well as gas for commuting and materials for projects. The last thing I would advise is to get excited! College is an amazing experience and really helps you grow as a person. You have a lot of fun, meet great people, and experience new things!

Laura

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would definitely advise myself that good grades still matter even in my senior year. Although sports may help me to attain my goal of a degree, it is not the most important thing. To buckle down and study hard in Algebra II is what counts. Making a D in Algebra II is not going to be a good foundation for building my educational house.

Rashade

The number one piece of advice I would give my high school self would be to take your studies seriously. I can think back to numerous situations where I could have worked harder or studied more in order to set myself up more comfortablely here at Kent State. Better Grades equal more money in terms of scholarships and grants. Money that I need in order to stay in school

Kaitlin

If I could go back in time and meet my high school self, I know i would have a few things to say. I would have to start by telling myself that I need to work harder. Being lazy might work in high school but college is rough, and you need to work as hard as you can so you have to prepare for heavy workload in advance or it will come as a slap in the face. Also, I would tell myself to really plan out the next four years because no one is going to do that for you. No one is going to tell you what college to go to or whta major to choose, and you shouldn't let anyone make that decision for you; go learn to do what you love at a school you love. Last but not least I would tell myself not to stess out about college. It seems scary, and overwhelming, and so far out of reach but once youre there it's a capitavting and amazing experience unlike anything you imagined.

Kelsey

If I could go back as a high school senior, I wouldn't have done much differently. However a few things that I would have known is that there are many scholarships out there for students who are struggling with cost of tuition, books, and living. By the time I went to my guidence counciler, many of the scholarships were past their deadline date and many of the onces that were left I was not elegible for. Another thing I would have known was my major. I came into college as an undecided major because I did not know what I wanted to do yet. Because of this, there was a little waisted money and also I now have to take a few summer classses to catch up with my major.

Elizabeth

My high school career was filled with good grades, participation in extra curriculars and a healthy social life. The end of my senior year felt like the end of everything that was important to me and I saw college as a terrifying unknown where my dreams would go to die. If I could meet my senior self face-to-face, the first thing I would do is smack myself upside the head for being so ignorant. I would tell myself college isn't bad at all; it helps you define yourself more than high school ever could. I would describe the differences in workload between college and high school to alleviate the fears I once had, and describe how classmates are just as afraid of attempting a friendship with myself as I am with them. I would also tell myself finding a major takes time and being an exploratory student for a few semesters will not be detrimental to my future. Knowing the things I know now would have started me on the right track instead of allowing me to flounder in the shallows.

Cara

I know it's hard to focus on school work when graduation is just around the corner but do yourself a favor and take advantage of your high school education. College is a lot more difficult than high school but if you take advantage of the education that is being offered to you then college will not be as hard.

Ashley

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a college senior, I would have so many recommendations in accordance with transitioning into college life. However, my major focus would be on personal growth in college. I would recommend meeting as many people as possible and getting involved. Cullowhee offers so many amazing volunteer and service learning opportunities. There is always some way to get involved on campus or in the nearby town. The best way to figure out who you are in life is to step outside of your comfort zone and push your personal limits. Life is too short to be afraid of what people think of you. Western Carolina University has a laid back atmosphere and the people here are extremely friendly and encourage you to express yourself. It is an extremely accepting and welcoming environment, which is very comforting for students who may be away from home for the first time ever. I would recommend to myself to take it easy and focus on school as well. Academics are a very important part of any students’ life. Overall, I would advise myself to strive to be the best student I could be.

Kristen

I would tell myself to be more outgoing during my first year of college and join in on as many activites you can because that is the easiest way to make friends when you don't know a single person on campus. I would want myself to know that college requires more time an effort than high school did but as long as you tried your hardest you will do fine. It would have been nice to know that college wouldn't be as frightening as I thought i would be and getting lost the first weekend is normal.

Maria

First of all, my parents did not attend college, and for that reason, I was not aware of the hard struggle it would be to make it to college. I would have worked harder to achieve excelent grades to apply for a full scholarship, so that today I wouldnt have to worry about what ways I'd have to pay for school. Not only do I worry about it, but I know its also stressful for my parents. I want to let my senior self know that I have to set a great example for my younger siblings so that they dont have to struggle the way I currently am to fund my future. Education is certainly very important, so get good grades and study! On top of all dont let the struggles keep me from fighting for my future, bacuse one day it will all be worth all the tears and long work hours and I will never let my motivation slip out of my hands, for one day I will be the great news reporter ive always wanted to be.

Lauren

If I could go back in time to my senior self, I would tell myself to not be so nervous, to just breath. I would also tell myself to spend more time on school work, and worry less about having a social life. Honestly at the end of the day, you have to think about the reasons you came to college; to get an education. I would also tell myself to work hard, but allow myself to have some time for friends. I would tell myself to get more involved in educational activites, including research and internship opportunitys.

Heather

As a high school senior, I always got straight A's. Frankly, I was a nerd, and grades defined me. I thought getting good grades was more important than meeting people. Once in college, it was very hard to adjust because I thought that school work should encompass my life. I thought that if I worked hard enough, I would get better grades than my peers, and ultimately have a better career. I did not give much thought to socializing. With this attitude I slowly became lonely, isolated, and overworked. As freshman year of college progressed, I realized that I needed to stop putting so much stress on myself to get a 4.0. I realized that with the college workload, I had to leave time for myself to unwind. I learned that if I just had fun, I could make friends easier, gain support, and I could grow to be a less anxious person and a better me. If I could give myself any advice, it would be: "It is not grades that define and fulfill you. What does define you are the people you meet and experiences you have, which ultimately help you grow and learn the most."

Tinesha

If I could go back to a high school senior. I would of advise myself so much diffrently than I did before. For example, with my fiancle aid. When I was a senior in high school, I had went to my collage adviser for help with my fiancle aid. The reason why I did that was because I didn't know how to fill out the application on my own, and plus I didnt want to fill out anything wrong. I'd asked her if she can help me with it and she said ok. In the mist of her helping me she filled in the part that asked for my parents income wrong. This was in the beginning of March this year. When the biginning of august came around I went to my Collage I was getting ready to enroll, Which was Borough Of Manhattan Community Collage. I went to the fiancle aid office to see if everything was alright with my application. When I got their I went to one of the representers. He asked me to put my social security in the computer, and I did. I learrned to never depend on people for help.

olivia

Given that incredible chance of going back to myself as a high school senior, and giving myself advice I would of killed to have would by far be one of the most rewarding, and appreciated things. Knowing what I know now would of prepared me better as to what to except. Some things I would tell myself is that, everyday you're going to meet someone new. You have to be open to making new friends. Thousands of other kids are in your shoes, and being outgoing instead of shy will really help you the first week, and transitioning to the new enviorment. The other piece of advice, and most important is to distribute your time wisely. You will be in class only for maybe 16 hours a week. The rest you have to learn to spread out through, social time, and studying time. Choose wisely. It will make all the difference.

Devon

The advice i would give myself while i was in highschool knowing what i know about college is that i would tell myself to take free classes at lakeland. i would also tell myself to go on the computer and try to find scholarshipsfor school so i would not have to work two jobs to pay for school.

Hannah

I would try to find scholarships a lot sooner and apply earlier. I have switched my major and schools 3 times already. I believe I have found the place I want to be and the major I would like to work with the rest of my life. Money is an issue when you get to college and I now realize how much scholarships mean to you.

Alani

"During your senior year really get to know yourself interests and explore them. Do opportunities outside of school that interest you. What you think might interest you, might not after you experience it in the field. Remember to have fun during your final year but do not forget how important your grades really are. " "Also, keep up-to-date on college applications and whatever you do, do not forget to talk to your counselor about scholarships! The scholarships tend to sneak up on you and have different deadlines than the universities' application deadlines." "Make sure you know your counselor very well throughout this school year. They will do everything they can to help you succeed. If they do not know you already, make sure during the first week of school you make an appointment to talk to them about your plans." "Evaluate your study habits. Do you study efficiently? Do you study enough? Do you need to study more? Get this taken care of right away. Seek tutoring if necessary. Don't put off tutoring because you are embarassed! You will be more embrassed if your friend gets accepted into an university and you don't." "Remember to dream big".

Nathan

Knowing what i know now, i would have done things differently. i would tell myself one very important piece of advice that would have saved myself a lot of trouble. That is to NEVER procrastinate. There is so much more to preparing for college then what you initially think. Financial aid, finding a suitable major, and especially getting applied on time. These things all have seperate processes that take time. When i was in high school, i thought to myself, "i'll do it eventually. I have time." That time i had quickly disappeared as i kept telling myself the same thing day by day. Looking back, had i done it earlier, i wouldn't have missed the application deadline, and would nearly have a semester of school already finished. On top of being there, getting scholarships and other forms of finacial aid applied for early gives you a better chance of aquiring that extra funding that most people need to afford the education they desire. The sooner you do what needs to be done, the smoother your experience will be. Thats why i would tell myself not to procrastinate.

Devon

Learn to like black coffee. When I was a senior I would go to Caribou every morning. I also had a job at that time. I wish I had not only saved money, but also acquired taste for black, not as flavorful or carb-filled coffee. I never realized how tight money would actually be and that the first thing I would have to cut out of my budget was my beloved peppermint mocha. With the papers, speeches, weekly design projects, sleep is lacking and coffee is necessary to make it to that morning class. But instead of thriving off caffeine I fight to keep my eyes open because it’s hard for me to choke down the less flavorful black abyss that’s in my cup every morning. So, senior self, it would’ve benefited us both if you just stopped being so partial to the designer coffee and gone for the regular cup of Joe.

Ericka

Although you will find yourself bogged down in paper after paper, assignment after assignment, take a few minutes to look up and breathe every once in a while so that you can keep your ultimate goals in place. Do not let the short term burn you out. In just a couple years, you will be able to look around and say, "Hey! I finished college! I survived!" Life is meant to be enjoyed and I hope you will be able to do just that over the next couple years even though they are sure to be filled with an overabundance of stress and deadlines. This is a learning experience for the rest of your life, do not become a drone, but just do your best and the future will take care of itself.

Jessica

Overall, you made some great decisions throughout high school. Choosing to be a part of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option was a great idea, and those 28 credits you graduated with helped a lot in the first year of college. The one thing I could say that would have made a big difference is to STUDY. I know you tried really hard in all of your PSEOP classes and managed to get by with A's and B's (and that one C), but if you would have spent a little more time finishing your work and checking it over instead of being so involved in other school organizations you could have received a higher GPA. You might have even been able to receive a higher score on your ACT making you eligible for more scholarships. As the year comes to an end and you get more and more eager to graduate all I can tell you is to try your best and work hard because those high school grades really do matter and they will help you out in the long run.

Joseph

My advice will be to study, study, study. In preparing for college, I can't say enough about how important it is to study. Also, you will need to make sure that you go to classes. Some of the exams are from things that was mentioned in class that you will not be able to find in the books. Another things is make sure that you are able to separate your studies for pleasure. Even though it may seem like to don't have time for pleasure, you are their to study. Fun and games can come later, once you make sure all of the above is handled first. Lastly, try your hardest to make the best grades that you can. With the high cost of attending college, you will have a chance to apply for scholarships that will hopefully allow you to continue on your journey to your career!

Caitlyn

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to study more. Also to take more challenging classes. You need to take these challenging courses because they are more like college classes. It will really help with the trasition from being a high school student and a college student. Taking classes at the local communtiy college during the summer would have been really beneficial too. Also to become more social. In high school, I had friends, but I never really went out of my way to talk to people or make new friends. The first few weeks of college is all about meeting new people and making new friends. So for someone who was not accustomed to putting themselves out there, it can be kind of awkward.

Jacqueline

Hey there Jacqueline, I just want to tell you that you have to relax during senior year, don't freak out about scholarships or the college you want to go to, take it easy. You will get scholarship that will help you pay for college. Jacqueline I know you really want to go to UAA but instead you will be attending Kodiak College for a year which is so much cheaper! You will just be doing your general requirements and then you will go to UAA. You have to have some fun, and stop stressing out it's bad for you. Go get yourself a manicure and pedicure. Work hard in school and never give up! -Much Love, Your future self :D

michael

i would tell myself to stay away from smoking cigarettes. i would tell myself to study extremly hard because even though you are going into the United states Marine Corps you will decide that you need to go to college and your Gpa Will be held against you. I know that some things may seem very hard right now but even though you come from a Very poor area with Hard work and determination you will accomplish it. I understand that some things you will struggle with but in the long run it will be worth it. Keep your mind strong and your feelings in check and you will succeed.

Stacia

Right now, you think you know what you want to do with your life, and going to college will keep you from following your dreams. For the moment, that might be true, but you will regret it when your dreams change and you don't have a degree. So, now that I have you convinced to stick with college the first time around, here are a few tips. My first bit of advice is to take advantage of every opportunity the school offers, whether it's for extra credit or a chance to study abroad. While you are in college, you have the unique chance to discover who you are and expand your horizons. The university will offer many favorable circumstances to achieve both and it is up to you to recognize those occasions and seize the moment. Additionally, go to class, get to know your professors and open yourself to meeting new people; especially in your major. Networking is key in the working world and for job opportunities. Also, knowing the faculty and your cohorts can make your college experience more interesting, rewarding and fun.

HAO

1. Learn as much knowledge as possible, for example, the maths, physics and chemistry. 2. Have more working experice. 3. Learn how to study by yourself. 4. Learn how to tolerate lonely. 5. Learn how to adjust yourself to a total new environment.

MICHELLE

I would have told myself to have a job. The reason in applying for any scholarship is due to the financial need so by having a job during my high school career, I would of saved enough money for the books I need in college, the expenses needed for my class materials and dorm room, (i.e. covers, pillows, food, hygiene supplies and especially school supplies!) Even if you are planning to attend an Out-of-State-School, expenses becomes increasingly expensive. Not to scare future incoming college freshmen, but you have to remember plane ticket expenses, transportation expenses and wardrobe for changing environments. Personally speaking, being born in Florida I never seen snow then moving to Ohio where it snows for months is a great transition. Advice I would have given myself: Apply for an abundant amount of scholarships to avoid loans; Do very well in high school, because what you do your freshman year sticks to you when you get to your senior year; Get involved in extracurricular activities- take on leadership roles, because majority of the time, in future applications that is mainly what they ask; Volunteer for different organizations; and Build lasting bonds with teachers

Shannon

Dear High School Senior, Considerer carefully your options for college. Don't be overwhelmed narrow the search with easy questions. Ask yourself, what can I afford? Which schools offer my desired major? How close do I want to be to home? What kind of campus do I want? If possible tour different campuses to help you get an idea of what you are looking for in a college. Remember you are paying to go to college so do what's right for you and make sure you like what you are getting for your money! Don't worry, you'll make friends and succeed anywhere as long as you go for it! that's right be outgoing, know what you want and find a way to get it. Afterall, this is your life and college isn't just a preparation for you life but a major part of it. Live it up - this can be the time of your life if you take advantage of all the opportunities! Goodluck!

Lisbeth

The transition to college wasn't really what got me...but I changed majors several times and dropped out for a number of years. Now as a wife and mother I've gone back to school 28 years after I graduated high school - and for the very first major I chose as a high school senior. I stressed out a lot about my options, and I would tell myself not to worry - even though I didn't graduate college in 1987 I still have a wonderful life, 2 beautiful children, and a supportive husband. Things usually work out in the end.

Brittany

I would have told myself to stay focused, no matter what you are going through. I know that some children have it hard at home and they may not receive the support that is most important, but I would explain that it is extremely important to do your best while in High School because it definitely prepares you for college and years beyond. I would also say that not only taking High School courses seriously but to network with all of your teachers, guidance counselors and sports coaches. Every student should have a mentor and this is the best way of obtaining a mentor, someone who is at the school and who can be there for you when you need it the most. Don't party, stay in your books. Don't cheat on homework, test, quizzes, nothing. It is only hindering you from succeeding in the future. Always ask for help and never feel ashamed when you receive a bad grade. If there are tutors available or study groups, always take advantage of the help that you can receive. Stay confident and understand that school isn't meant to be easy, life is a learning process and school helps.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships and to be more vigilant about taking classes.

Ciara

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self I would tell her to open up and not be shy. College is fun and a place where you not only learn about educational things such as math, sciences, etc. , but you also learn about yourself and others. College teaches you that it is perfectly ok to be different, and that there is absolutely no reason to alter yourself to try to blend in with others. During college be friendly, talk to people, attend activities, volunteer, join different organizations, and do not be afraid to ask questions. Professors are not out to fail you, they are there to help you and they want to see you progress and do well. The library is not a place for nerds! The library is a great place to study, network, attend events, and just relax. Have fun, achieve your goals, and never second guess yourself.

ryan

I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year because college is where the work begins, but not to fear college because it's a wonderful time full of new experiences. I would tell myself to fill out scholarships now before it's too late. I would also advise myself to take college classes so I can get them out of the way so I dont have to do them next year. I would tell myself to start getting used to doing things on my own because there is nobody here to hold your hand you are fully responsible for yourself. I would advise myself to just better prepare for college. Such as being more organized, getting to know more resources, getting things done on time if not early. Senior year is a laid back year full of little work and just plain excitment to graduate where Freshman year in college is a time to buckle down and get multiple things done and done right. The transition is difficult but the more prepared you are, the more easier it will become.

Anna

I would tell myself to be prepared to have an open mind. Students who attend college need to be able to submurse themselves in a diverse culture that may be very different than the one they grew up in. I would tell myself to be prepared to make friends and be prepared to lose friends. People change and you will too, but in a good way, more than likely. I would also tell myself to spend as much time as I can with my parents and family because being away helps you realize how much they truly mean to you. Be open to new ideas, be open to change, and be open to discovering a whole new you.

Danielle

If I could go back in time and give myself advice when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to not second guess myself and to follow my dreams. I would like to tell myself that education is the foundation for my life and to stay stern on my choice of career path.

Jordan

"Jordan, be fearless." That is what I would tell myself if I could speak to that high school senior that was me, six months ago. I know now that I really have to take control of what I want in order to succeed and reach my goals. Nobody is going to live my life but me. I was so afraid to commit to my future that I lived in the day-to-day. And to be frank, the last half of my Senior year, I faltered. I lost my drive; my "mojo." I just wanted to be out of high school. College seemed surreal and distant. I would say to myself as a high school senior: "This is REAL. How are you getting there?" This also encompasses taking my Senior grades more seriously -- I had no idea how much they really meant and how one botched class could make my GPA plummet. If I could do it all again, I would seize the day. I'd take control of my destiny and shout from the mountaintops: "I am finishing my Senior year in a blaze of glory and HERE is what I plan to do with my life!"

Brittany

If I had to oppurtunity to go back in time whenever I was a high school senior I would say to take high school more seriously. I would tell myself that I needed to be more driven and successful in the classroom. I would say make sure that I knew procrastinating and slacking off could not be an option. Also, I would tell myself that even though you think you may never use this information you learn again you will because high school prepares you for what is to come in you future and it should not be taken for granted. If I had the chance to give myself advice I would have told myself to make sure I have self- discipline and set goals that I could exceed too.

Aleksandra

To just study as hard as you possibly can and have an idea of what you wanna do with your college carreer becausse I have changed my major which set me back a year because I did not know what ieanted to do with my life. Studying would be the biggest thing I would tell myself because college is a lot harder and different then high school. Your more on your own and your in charge of yourself especally because your parents are not around to hound you to do your homework. You just have to be on top of everythinh and get everything done on time.

India

As a high school senior, I was not focused. I still received good grades, but my heart was not in it. I would tell myself not to concentrate on the negative and focus more on the positive. I would tell myself to continue to be the person that I know I am instead of letting things change my perception. I would give myself a kick in the butt for not preparing myself better financially because I know that I have nobody to help me. I would value my friendships more and spend more time with loved ones because college takes time and effort. I would applaud myself also because all my heavy coursework in high school prepared me for college. Good job, India.

Kassondra

I know I have made the right desicions in my life. My goals are set and I am determined to complete and achieve my dreams just as I planed during my senior year of high school. I told myself I wanted to go to the community college I was courrently enrolled under as a duel-enrolled student and finish my AA Degree. Then I would later move to Orlando for a pastry and baking degree at Le Cordon Bleu. If I went back in time to meet my senior self, I suppose I would give my self a "pep" talk. I would encourage myself to continue to follow my dream, and that my future self is the given proof that I will achieve what it is I set myself up to do. "Past Kassie, continue what you are doing, and I promise, you will achieve everything you ever wanted." --Present Kassie

Erin

I would tell myself to take high school completely serious. When I was in high school, I didn't try hard at all. I still got good grades, but if I had applied myself, then I could have gotten better scholarships and been a lot more prepared for college classes. College is a lot more demanding than high school and requires a tremendous amount of effort. I would also tell myself to let go of any fears and get involved in anything that interested me, even slightly. It is really important to be able to talk to people and get involved in things. College groups are about networking and pushing yourself towards your ultimate goal. One final thing that would be important to tell myself as a high school senior is to not be afraid. I was terrified of going two and a half hours away from home. It really is a great responsibility and priviledge to go away to school. In many ways, I am completely alone, and it is scary. Of course I still have a security net in my dad, but for the most part I'm alone. Even more reason to put myself out there.

chanel

I would most definitely tell myself not to stress as much as I used to. College is way better than high school. You are not forced to do anything; you are treated as an adult, so every choice is yours. I would have also told myself to apply for financial aid and sign up for classes during the summer of the year I graduated. Not only does this save you a lot of time, but it also will help you get your books and supplies right on time. Furthermore, I would advise myself to go speak with a counselor, as well as a financial aid technician. These people have helped me in ways I could never have imagined.

Destinee

Before attending college my freshman year I would have prepared myself for a big culture shock even though I only moved an hour and a half away from my hometown. Many different types of groups that you are able to join will help you make more friends and get to know a vast amount of students who are new just like you, checking the universities website and looking at university run groups are helpful. Also be nice to your first roommate, become friends and share experiences together. If you do not have a good relationship you may be missing out on some great dorm room memories or late night gab fests! You will always remember your first year so never be intimidated to put yourself out there and be heard. It is your school now so make it your own. Make sure you study hard and keep up with all the schoolwork you will be handed but when you get the chance to just relax and have fun. You can only make your freshman year what you want it to be, if it is not fun at first you will have three more years to deal with, good luck!

Rebekah

The advice that I would give myself would be make sure to be organize, chose a major that you want to do, and remember to be yourself. When I first got to college, I was so unorganized. I would forget to do homework, or submit projects online to my professors and it took about a semester for me to figure out to buy a whiteboard and write everything out that was due that week. When it came to chosing my major, my family was the one who wanted me to be something that I didn't want to be. I ended up going to school for Nursing and not liking it at all; I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer, but everyone told me that I wouldn't have the life that I deserved. I wasted my first two years on Nursing and I eventually changed my major to Athletic Training; my parents weren't happy at first but they learned to except my choice. When I came to college, I wanted to be someone completely different, the only problem was no one liked the new me. Evetually, I started being myself, and everyone loved me.

Scott

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy the ride. As a high school student, I was so focused on maintaining my GPA that I hardly had time to step back and enjoy other aspects of my life. With a year of college under my belt, I have gained a better understanding for what is truly important. Undoubtedly, a solid GPA is essential for a pre-med student, but life does not revolve around my grade in organic chemistry. College is not just about intensive studying; it's about making new friends, trying new things, and ultimately, figuring out who you are. I certainly do not have everything figured out, but at this point I have realized that I aspire to be a person of balance. There is a time for academics, and a time for relaxing. There is a time for friends, and a time for family. Making time for all of these things is certainly a never-ending challenge, but putting forth the effort is what matters most. So, high school senior Scott, remember to breathe, and know that satisfaction can be found through many aspects of your life.

Alysha

First, don't be afraid to try new things; you might just find you have a passion for something you never knew about. Don't try to fit in; just be yourself. Don't be shy. Stand up for yourself- your beliefs, your education and anything else that you care about. Make lists for everything, otherwise you'll always forget something. An agenda can become your best friend. Use technology to help your education and don't let it become a distraction. Get to know your professors. They can give great advice and you need their recommendations. Everyone else is new too. Try living with roommate; it can be a really interesting journey. It's okay to have fun, but don't do anything illegal because it just isn't worth ruining your life or someone else's. Lastly, your college experience is what you make of it; in other words, take advantage of all the opportunities your college can offer.