Oakland University Top Questions

Clarizza, I know you think high school is easy and you think college is going to be the same, but trust me it is not. You want to wait a year to go to college, but it is a big mistake. Getting back into school is hard especially if you dont talk to your dad or mom. You have to write a bunch of letters for financial aid stating why you don't talk to them. Also, you have to get letters from old teachers that don't even remember you. I say you should go straight to college because it will be the best experience of your life. Just work hard and keep your head held high. No one is going to watch you and keep you on track, it is your responsibility to keep yourself going. Make sure to never give up because if you visualize yourself accomplishing school than anything is possible. You can overcome any obstacle that get's in your way of going to college. Don't let anything stop you, and remember it's not alway's going to be easy, but, if you can push through it than you will make it.

I would tell myself that its okay to not really know what field you want to go into just yet. I would say freshman year do the fun classes and explore but by the end of the sophomore year it is time to really start thinking what you want to do and start taking the classes. You do not want to be in college forever so it is time to start putting some serious thought into what you want to do!

First of all, I would tell my younger self that things would definitely improve later on in life. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Even though at the time I never thought about it, I would tell myself that it was important to become more and more sociable. Though I never had many friends in high school, I would tell my younger self to try being on good terms with everyone. Making friends and joining study groups has vastly aided my college experience, and has on more than one instance improved my grades on exams. Above all, I would tell myself to strive for the best, but to expect hardships to come my way. In that case, I would caution myself on being withdrawn within myself. Confidence is key, and I'd make sure to tell myself to not be afraid of being outgoing and trying new things. More than anything, I would tell myself to take risks and to step outside my comfort zone. You never know until you try.

In high school, students are often in search of their own identity and often don't figure out their calling or purpose until well after high school. Many are left with unanswered questions about themselves, who they are, what are they suppose to become, career choices, and how they see themselves in society. A perpetual search for purpose and meaning to quench the soul is often at the heart of a student as they choose a career path and pursue education. I found myself like this, not know what i really wanted to study and pursue, but knowing i needed a degree in something. So the advice i would give my high school self is this: As you transition into college and make a decision on a career path, don't have the mindset that you have to become established in one particular job for the rest of your life or be good at one job description. Let your area of interest, talents, abilities, and passion for knowledge guide you into a world of discovery where you find yourself growing and adapting to new job challenges. College is about learning how to learn, not trying to become. Enjoy the journey.

I would tell myself that you’re going to make a million mistakes but its ok, no regrets. Just try to learn from them a bit quicker. I would also say, when you find something you enjoy, try to stick with it. Don’t give up on things so easily, but don’t over commit you. Try to find balance and peace in your life. I would warn myself about Facebook and try not to let it consume your time. I would tell myself that you don’t need to validate who you are to a bunch of people that may not be your friend. I would tell myself to not let technology take over your life. Most importantly when you have that dream, GO FOR IT! We are on this Journey together, Trust it! There will be so many things that change but keep an open mind and be patient.

If I had the opportunity to travel back to 2012 and tell the cocky high school senior some advice about college, I would tell the younger version of myself that I shouldn't be dependent on my mother. When I was in high school, I thought life was going to be great in College. You know, the parties, staying up all night, sleeping all day, and not working. Just because I had this imagination that my mother would pay for everything and I don't have to work a single day during college. My arrogance blinded me to the fact that she has to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Saying thank you was the last thing on my mind during the last year of high school, because without her, I wouldn't be able to be here. I just wish I knew what was going on outside my selfish bubble and actually tried to obtain decent grades, then slack off and bomb every single test. Though I made mistakes during high school, I'm now a wiser me, and working towards a better future for myself and my mother.

Look for scholarships a lot earlier. College is insanely expensive and you are going to be there for a long time. The key is getting money and making sure that you do not run into too much debt. Some is okay because you can pay a small amount back but you really do not want that weighing on your sholders the rest of your life.

I would tell myself to start saving money as soon as possible to pay for tuition. I would also say that it's important to choose a major that works best for you and take full advantage of all of the services that are offered to help ease the transition from high school to college. Most importantly, stay focused on school and work hard to maintain good grades!

Dear young and reckless, high school senior self, Times are tough and they will only get tougher (just wait until your first exam week in college). Whatever you do, do not focus on the negative things going on around you, they will only get you down. Keep a smaller circle of friends, because I guarentee that you will not talk to any of them once you move to Rochester Hills in August. Friends should be the LEAST of your problems right now. Focus on getting that 4.0 you have always wanted and make mom proud. Once you experience your first college exam, you will be wishing that you knew better study habits because you never used to study before your senior year (STUDY, STUDY, STUDY). When it comes time for basketball season, please play for your final year, because if you do not play, you will regret it and miss basketball more than anything, plus, it is a great stress reliever! Sydney, try to focus on what really matters and not popularity status. Grades are more important than the party coming up. Trust me, college will prove that. Love, Older and wiser, college freshman self.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be prepared for the college work. It's not hard but it's just a lot of work that needs to be done. You have to stay focus and don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many people that are willing to help. Always remember to keep a look out for scholarships because you can never have too much money to pay for school. Despite what others may say, college is fun. You just have to learn to balance the social life and what you orignally go to college for: to get an education because in the end, you will get your dream job.

For the love of god, don't just fill out the FAFSA and assume you're all set! Actually set up an appointment with a financial aid advisor and everything will be so much simpler and easier to understand. Not having to worry so much about tuition bills makes the transition to college a lot easier. And don't forget that your student adviser is your friend! The more you see them, the quicker you can figure out what trajectory you want your path through college to take. Lastly, don't panic about buying the books before the first day of class. Sometimes you can save money by seeing what the professor has to say about the assigned texts. Good luck and believe in yourself!

Apply to more than three colleges. Look into everything. Do better in school and get scholarships so you're not in debt. Wherever you end up, you'll figure yourself out and accept who you are. You'll make awesome friends who also accept you for you. Keep your head up, kid. Things will get better.

Don't be scared and nervous. Be strong and confident! Laugh when you want! Don't be a chicken!

Dear high school senior self, forget about that boyfriend. In a few years from now he will be nothing and you will no longer even think about him. Apply your self to school. What are you doing? Why are you not applying for colleges? You don't need to follow the crowd, just be yourself, because none of that stuff even matters. Stop tying to be like everyone else! What are you afraid of? Quit worrying about that boy and dry your eyes. All of your friends will be going off to universitys, and you'll be going off to a community college thinking "how did I get here?" You're so much better then this. You are beautiful and don't you let anyone else tell you any different. Remember you use to love reading? Start doing that again, it'll help to take your mind off of things. Prom date? Don't even try to find one, because the date that you are going, take is a major duche bag. Just go by yourself, you'll have more fun, trust me. Heart break isn't the end of the world, school is more important.

If I could take to high school senior me, I would give the advice to not put so much pressure on myself. High school is a time to really discover your interests and talents, and you will never discover them if you are constantly studying. College is different than high school in many ways, so even if you spend hours on end studying, you will still be in for a suprise when you start your college classes. I would also point out that a positive attitude can go a long way. College is going to give you a lot of different experiences, and not all of them are positive. Remembering that freshman year is a transition is important. No freshman is going to have a stress-free, problem-free first semester, or even year, so just enjoy the ride.

Dear Lesa, Congratulations on wrapping up your High School Career!!! Before you place the Bow on your wonderful 12-year package, please allow me the pleasure of giving you some tips for your new adventure... * Knowing that there are no rich Uncles hiding out somewhere to help Fund your Education, Please Apply for Every type of Scholarship you can without having to take out large loans. * Don't Mess up your Credit!!! There is a good chance you need a loan at some point in your college education and have to take one out. * If you get any kind of credit cards, Pay it off Immeditely and begin and build good Credit!! (Charge small amounts only) * Boys/Men are not going anywhere... Please do not let the guys distract, or slow you down from building the Educated Woman you are striving to become... * VERY IMPORTANT!!! I Understand you are a remarkable Daughter to your Mother and have taken care of her since you were 14 years old, but all of your choices regarding her care need to be thought out and well balanced... Make sure you have the time to complete your classes and continue to towards a degree.

The advice I would have gave myself back when I was in high school was go with my first choice for school which was a community college in Michigan to start off with and then go to Virginia State University to get my bachelor degree there. Also I would have told myself to do a lot of scholarships and network with people in the community so that i can get a head start with internships. I would have pushed myself into doing more community service so that I can make a great resume. I would have told myself to look into more schools that has great connections that helps me get a great internship an potential career for my future.

I'd tell myself that college is a lot more stressful than what high school is now. I'd say to stay on top of all your homework because it is easy to get behind. Using any free time that is available for homework is something you should definitely take advantage of. It will pay off in the long run. Also take advantage of the tutoring centers that the college can provide because they are very helpful in helping you out with homework. Learn to balance your time between social life and academic life. Theirs is always time for fun but homework should get done on time. Don’t miss classes because then you have no idea what to do on the homework and you’re lost for the next class. Just be smart on how you spend your time and do not procrastinate because that only adds more unneeded stress to your life. When you do get stressed take a breather, step away from what you’re doing and come back to it when you fell less stressed.

Since there has been ten years since I graduated there would be quite a lot I would try to tell myself. However I'll assume that I'd only have a limited time. The most important thing I'd have to say is to not let what the grade school system did to me ruin my education experience. I'd continue by warning myself; all colleges don't know how to properly teach, at the core they are just a business. Once you know what something truly is you know how to properly approach it. I would stress that last part; 'always properly identify something so you can properly approach it'. My younger self would understand that I would be talking about more then just school. Hopefully that advice might save me from a lot of heartache that I could have avoided. However those trials did make me a stronger person. Then again this is assuming that my younger self would even listen to me. I would be talking to a teenager after all. I'm not even sure my younger self would believe that my future self is talking to him, let alone shut up long enough to listen.

To prepare yourself, although you're going to a community college it wont be easy. Start applying yourself in high school a little bit more. Your priorities and friends will change. All that isn't everything. You're going to fall in love with your studies, don't let your choices now come in the way of becoming someone in the future.

As of now, I am a college sophomore attending a community college, with a semester left before transferring to a four-year university. With these first two years almost done, and an associate's degree on it's way, I now know much more about the time management, hard work, and dedication it takes to earn good grades and recieve scholarships. Throughout high school, I took a few advanced courses as well as AP, but knowing what I know now, the best thing to do is to take as many advanced, AP and college level courses as you can. This will put you ahead possibly in hours, and it will prepare you for the work as well. Time management is the biggest thing I have learned. In college you have mulitple class and dates you are required to remember. By making a calendar, or using a planner you can organized your days and remember dates easier. The most important thing to remember is do NOT procrastinate. You will fall behind and add extra stress to yourself. College is one of the best times of your life, but you have to make it worth it in the end.

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is not to be afraid or intimidated by things that are perceived to be difficult or challenging. I would encourage myself to take on all and as many challenges as possible. Things that may perceived to be hard at first or hard for others may be easier for you or can be made easier if you take on the challenge relentlessly and have a good work ethic. Don't accept any other option that doesn't end with you accomplishing your goal. I have as learned as an adult that my true potential hasn't been reached and if you start on this path now, you'll be amazed at what you will accomplish as you get older. Follow your passion and you will accomplish anything you want.

As I watch myself in my senior year of high school I see myself catching the senior itis. The senior itis is a bad trait to catch. Becoming lazy in my senior year of high school was becoming a pattern of mine. I watch myself as I thought I had all my grades on point. Not knowing I had one obstacle, which was passing one election class. June came and I noticed I didn't pass my election class. The advice I’ll give myself back in my senior year of high school is that slacking off isn’t going to get me anywhere in the real world. In the real world of college there is no such thing of an itis of becoming lazy in your school work. You must complete every task and must be on point with your school studies and classes. This trait in college will lead you to fail your classes which you pay for that comes out of your pocket. The trait of being lazy in college will increase the time spent in getting your degree. College opens your eyes and makes realize you have to take life seriously.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not give up and to stay at the community college a little longer. I could have gotten more bang for my buck, rather than spending thousands in loans. I was very eager to jump into Oakland University-- but I am still very happy that I am here.

I would tell myself to ask for help you when you are confused or lost. Ask HOW to decide which degree to choose, HOW to manage your time, HOW to set clear goals. Being a poor kid with minimal parental involvement meant I didn't really know how use college to create an oppurtunity for the lifestyle I wanted.

I would tell myself to not take as many credit hours my first year in college. I should take it easy and slowly work my way up to the amount I have now. I would also tell myself to take classes in the summer, before starting college. That way I could graduate earlier. I'd tell myself to never give up, and to keep pushing through the hard classes. Sometimes it might seem like I would fail, but with a lot of hard work and long nights studying I could accomplish anything.

Stay on track, Make a plan set a schedual, Keep my grades up my GPA is was matters most in college and in Highschool! The next would be keep my nose to the grind stone study hard and hard work coinside and are hand in hand!! Make different choices better choices such as money keep a sharp hand and eye on spending and money!! Your finaces as an adult are very critical to you and your future! Keep with god and anything you do an pray for will provale!! it is a fun world but tough all in one, so keep your witts about you and stay focused you will do amazing things in your life !!!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work harder to obtain scholarships. In high school, I was not planning for the future. I was living one day at a time. I did minimal preperation for college because I felt my good grades and 27 ACT were enough to get me through college. I would tell my high school self, "your father is going to lose his job and your family won't be able to afford college. your good grades and ACT are only going to get you so far. You need to apply yourself and work very hard toward scholarship, or your family will be financially burdened with your college payment." I wish I could have heard those words, instead, I continued to put off scholarship and missed deadlines that reduced the amount of scholarship I recieved. Looking back, I have nobody to blame but myelf for my procrastination, but If only I could have warned myself to try harder. I may have lost my headstart on scholarship, but it is not too late. I am making up for it now in completing this scholarship.

I would let myself know that college is nothing to be nervous about. Before I came to college I was nervous because I thought classes were going to be hard and I heard that the teachers were strict. So I would let myself know not to be worried or nervous because the classes are only hard if your not serious about it. All you have to do is pay attention in class and study the material. If you do have trouble, the teachers have office hours and are willing to help you so their is nothing to worry about. Also get to school earlier than your class time because parking is hard to find.

I would say to keep your head up even when things get hard. Get a good nights sleep before classes show up on time and show up to every class.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myslef a few things. For one, I would tell myslef to get used to managing time and putting school first. One big thing I would say would be that I need to go into my classes with an open mind, because there are reviews about teachers that are not so good, but just because a review says that, does not mean it is true. I would encouragse myself to give it my all, and to stick through it when times get tough.

The most important thing I could tell myself as a high school senior would be: "Don't try to plan your entire life." When I was a senior, I thought I knew exactly what I was going to be doing. I thought I knew what college I'd be going to and what my career would be. As I got older and progressed through college, constantly changing my major, however, I began to understand that for me, knowing exactly what I wanted to do was impossible. I would try to make my high school senior self comprehend that you don't need to know exactly what you're going to do for the rest of your life. Instead, I would tell her that she should simply pick a major that she loves and see where she can go from there. It took me a long time to figure this out, and I feel as though I wasted a large portion of my time flip-flopping about what my future career should be. As long as you're moving towards something consistently, she shouldn't worry so much about the final destination.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to research every scholarship known to man to eliminate student debt upon graduation. Not worrying about paying back student loans would have made my college journey less stressful. I would also tell myself to complete my college prerequisite classes first, which usually takes about two years. That way, I would have had more time to research the fields I was interested in rather than starting out in one major, then half way done, switching to a new major. I would tell myself to stay clear of all the credit card companies enticing me to open up a credit card account. Knowing now that a large amount of revolving credit can lower my credit rating, I would have limited myself to one credit card thus making it easier to purchase a car and a house. Lastly, I would tell myself to stay at my first job as a registered nurse for at least 2 years to obtain the necessary experience needed to advance in the field of healthcare. I found that bouncing from job to job did more harm than good.

The most important concept for you to learn at this point in your life is the concept of balance. The decisions that you make at this juncture may very well determine the success of your future. Understanding the concept of balance will aid you in making good decisions. Now, you are being faced with things that you want to do and things you need to do. You must find balance between both categories and work just as hard on one as you do on the other. If there comes a time when you must choose between these two categories, choose to do the things that you need to do. This may prove to be difficult, but think of it as an investment into your future. Choosing to do the things you need to do will help you to avoid life's pitfalls. Life is a collection of many moments. Some moments are more critical than others, but each are important. You are living in a critical moment right now. Maximize each moment, in order to get the most out of it. If you do, then you will never have to live your life with regrets.

First off, ratemyprofessor.com is the most important tool you can use when selecting classes. Take the answers with a grain of salt, but who is teaching you is just as important as what you're learning. Remember that you're paying for your education now, so don't let a bad professor ruin your GPA or your college experience. Secondly, loans should always be used sparingly. Be proactive. Search for grants and scholarships, even if you think getting recommendation letters and such are a pain. They're actually not that hard to ask for, and there are so many wonderful professors out there willing to help you if you just know to look them up. Lastly but most importantly, study abroad. I can't stress this one enough. For all the money and work it took to get there, it's hands down the best experience I've ever had in my life. It's the best thing you could do for yourself. You'll grow immensely as a person and see the world in a whole new light. I'd go again if I could, so just do it. Don't hold back. You're only young once.

Given what I know now, if I were to go back in time and talk to my senior self, I'd tell her that everything is going to work out. As a senior, I was very scared about my future. I wanted to go big, but I had no direction or knowledge of what I wanted to do with my life. I was panicked every day as I inched closer to graduation. When my college letters came, I didn't get into a single college. I felt defeated. Two years later, I feel more confident in myself. I feel that I've found my place in life and I'm on the right path to success. I would tell my senior self that life isn't going to go the way you expect. You're going to go places you didn't expect to go, meet people you didn't expect to meet, and you're going to be so happy. Sometimes we expect more out of our lives and we get disappointed, so above all, I want myself to know not to sweat the little things and to embrace her awesomeness and enjoy the path her life is taking.

I would tell myself to take my senior year of high school more serious. College is a very important part of life, and by doing well, more jobs and opportunities become available to you. I would also say to use my teachers and school resources much more than I did when it comes to trips or visiting different universities. All in all, the best advice would be to keep my grades high and always strive for the best!

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school senior self, I would urge myself to put more effort into getting involved. I started college with the assumption that I would meet new people and make friends simply by living on campus. I quickly discovered that this is not the case; although I made a few friends on my dorm floor, I didn't make an effort to get out and meet other people or talk to the other students in my classes. I would encourage my senior self to go out and talk to people as soon as I got to campus, to join a few clubs or organizations, and to simply have fun. I know that my college experience would be vastly different if I had taken these steps right away rather than learning the hard way throughout my first semester.

Knowing what I know about the college life and making the transition to college, the advice I would give a high school senior version of myself would be to dive into college. Do not commute; do not be timid about getting involved on campus. Diving into the college experience and experiencing change so quickly might be a little overwhelming at first, but it is nothing to worry about. Everything will be okay and not only do you grow up by being on your own in some ways, but you also have the opportunity to grow as a person and become who you want to be. When you are on the campus and you get involved with campus activities and when you join groups or organizations through the school, it helps you build your communication and networking skills. You may be timid now, but once you dive in you will love it and you will be having the time of your life. I dived in the second year of my college career and I wish I did it sooner because it has been the best time of my life.

If I were able to go back in time and offer my younger self advice about college life it would be to keep an open mind to all positive people and things. During college the spectrum of possibilities opens wider as you become more involved with things even outside of classes. Do not limit yourself or your abilities. Don't go into things half cocked either. Get an understanding so that you reach the maximum fulfillment of what you do. Think about quality and not quantity. There is only one of you so it is better to produce the best of little than to be overwhelmed trying to do too much and the work never really gets done. Take time for reflection and redirection and always get around the support of others that cheer you strengths and back you up during your weaknesses. Before you know it you will be able to look back and smile about what you have accomplished and look forward smiling at the next phase of your life.

For my first year of college, I went away to school. I put thousands and thousands of dollars into colled and I had no idea what direction I was going in. When I made the decision to go away I didn't think about the future. Now, I am finishing off my degree but I will graduate with no money and still living at home. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to stay home and attend a community college. I would make sure I had a plan going into college as far as which school I would later choose. That way, I would know which classes to take that would transfer and I wouldn't be stuck with a year's worth of electives to take and pay for at Oakland University which is much more expensive. That would be my advice to myself and to any other high school senior peparing for college.

I would tell myself not to take morning classes. When go to at least two class sessions if you think you won't take the class seriously or its not convient for you then drop the class before the 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} date and choose another class. I would also say to not be shy the free tutoring that is offered and to never procrastinate.

Calm down! It's really not as bad as you think it is. Don't eat your roomie's food, and don't get too mad when she moves your stuff around. Enjoy living by yourself, because you'll miss it when you have to move back home. Just remember: things will get better. Even if you have to wait a long time, they will get better. Love yourself.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior with the wisdom I have gained of college life, I would advise myself to first of all create a schedule of a healthy pattern of exercise. Exercise stimulates your brain and encourages blood flow which results in better focus and better functioning. Secondly, I would tell myself to not procrastinate. A cliché piece of advice, but as I learned from a past professor “procrastination is a sign of fear. Putting something off that you fear will make it all the scarier. Just do it!” Procrastination also can leave you awake until 4 in the morning the day a paper is due, taking a toll on your body, your mind, and your grade. Finally, I would tell myself to just breathe and relax. There’s enough stress in DOING the workload not to mention the level of stress if you psych yourself out prior to doing the work. We all know college is hard from the day we know what college is. If we just breathe and tell ourselves we will achieve higher education successfully, the stress we experience in college will diminish substantially.

studyng allot

Work harder. Do not be intiminated by other classmates. Review more for tests and quizzes. Do not give up.

I would tell myself that you need to work harder in highschool with classes. College is hard, and you need to have an very good idea of what you want to do with you're life in order to be done in 4 years.

i have gotten i lot out of my college experience i have been taught so many knew things. i have gtten the opportunity to further my education after high school. i have learn to stay focus and study more. also to be more understanding and cultural. learned the true meaning of a variety of many subjects. college has taught me to appreciate the value of learning something new that will help me in my future. college shows me education is for you to do something with your life instead of just sitting around doing nothing. college gives me tghe motivation to my american dream everyday

As a second-year veteran of the crazed race to find parking at Oakland University, I march to my Monday night class. It’s the last day of class for fall 2010, and I’m on my way to my Media Editing final. As I tread down a staircase, I realize I never expected to find myself in the Journalism department, or that I’d find a knack for public speaking and pursue Communications as a major. My classes at Oakland helped me determine my path: a double-major in Communications and Journalism. I first took a wide scope of classes, exploring my interests, until I narrowed it down to two subjects I love. Never before had I actually looked forward to my classes as I did this semester, but it took a little dabbling and a lot of learning to get to this point. I can sit down at my desk in class tonight, or any other desk at Oakland, and know that I will learn something usedful and important while I sit there. I pull out my final paper, knowing that turning it in brings me one step closer to the next exciting semester at Oakland University.

I have learned that school is no joke. The first time i went to college honestly it was a cake walk. It was for graphics and i didnt have to do much. I thought this was going to be the same way. Boy was i wrong! Marketing is a whole new ball game. And the last couple semesters have taught me that I really have get in gear and really put my all into my school work. I have to not work as much (hence the reason for needing help) and really buckle down on my school work. I know now what it's going to take to do well in my classes and im determined to do well and am excited for a fresh start on the winter semester.