Sinclair Community College Top Questions

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

Brook

The piece of advice I would give myself is not to give up so easily. Hard work always pays off in the end. I began my college career as an engineering major. I had dreams of being an electrical engiener and working for NASA. I struggled with a few classes and switched to liberal arts. I regret that decision every day. I enjoyed my English classes, but I have always been fascinated with math and science. Math and science take more work and discipline, but the future is so much brighter in these disciplines. I would also like to tell my younger self that it is easier to get your education while you're young as opposed to being in your mid-40s.

Jennifer

For starters, don't set your mind on a specific college. Some are expensive, some are cheap, and some are in the middle. Don't set your mind on the expensive ones because their classes may not be any better than the mid-price schools. Don't pick cheap junior colleges because transferring is a terrible pain in the butt. It's okay to get a small loan and pay a higher price than struggle to pay out of pocket for a cheap school. Don't procrastonate. Don't. It will only drag you down and your grades will suffer. In the art field, search for a second major or minor that interests you in one of STEM fields so you can find a job easier. Never give up and always believe in yourself. A little extra time and money now will save you so much more in the future.

Maria

I should have gone to school and actually put effort into it while my parents were paying for it and I had no responsibilities.

I'Jaiah

College. You never even begin to believe you’d even get to that point in your life any sooner, and now you are finally there. It’s a whole different ball game then you expect it to be. These are supposed to be the new beginnings of the best years of your life. Make memories, gain friendships, join sports and clubs, and make your mark. I want you to be able to look back on the day of graduation and be proud of the things you did, accomplishments you achieved, and life lessons you learned as each year came towards that anticipated final farewell into the big world. You can have fun, but be mindful of your grades, and keep away from anything and anyone that you know will get you in trouble and push you ten steps further away from receiving your degree you deserve.

I'Jaiah

I would tell myself to start applying for applications early and do anything you can so you can afford going to school. Take a bit more time studying for your SAT's and take them seriously even though it is a very long test, and continue to do the best if not better then you know you can do.

tori

I would tell myself to enjoy highschool. Participate in everything that I was able to and to not work my whole senior year away. I would even tell myself to learn how to study and to take notes either by asking a teacher to help show me or see about taking lessons from a college that may offer the help or find something online that may help me. Another thing that would be helpful advice is to learn to manage my time, not waiting last minute to get my work done, learn to prioritize my schedule. I would tell myself to try different things that would be outside my norm, college has much to offer and has a wide diveristy of things to see and to learn. Most importanlty for myself, I would say to not be in a hurry to grow up, being an adult isnt all that it is cracked up to be.

Taylor

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self I would say that it's ok not to know what you want to do with your life right away, collegewise. It's ok to take your time and work on getting your Gen Ed classes done first, but I would also tell myself to not be afraid of trying something that you never pictured yourself doing. You may find a interest or passion for something which could lead you on a different path in college. Also, don't be afraid to fail or ask for help. If you do just pick yourself back up and ask for someone else's point of view, that way you can see and do an experience another way. College isn't easy, figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life isn't easy but as long as you do your best and stay true to you, your college experience will be great.

Colleen

I would give my high school senior self a glimpse into her future by telling her my story and hoping she would learn fro my mistakes: I went to college as an honor student with an almost full scholarship to a very expensive, private university. When I moved onto campus a whole new world opened up for me: new friends, new places to go, no rules, and no one telling me to do my homework, go to bed on time, or go to class. This new environment made it easy for me to make the wrong choices about what I did with my time. I also took many things for granted: the benefits of ‘showing up’, the work it takes to earn good grades, and the efforts my mother made to help me succeed in school. By the end of my freshman year I was ‘academically dismissed’ from the university. I lost my housing, my scholarships, my good GPA, and many of my new friends. Eventually I paid my way through community college and earned my Associate’s degree. Ironically I am now almost 40 and still trying to get the education I wasted so many years ago.

Brittany

Starting out as a college freshman I was not certain of what I wanted to accomplish or receive from my education. It did not take very long until the strong and challenge loving part of me took a dive into this new world and discovered many different and exciting opportunities. I believe the best way to summarize what I have learned is through this: -I really can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. -Listen to what others have to say, you can learn a lot. -The opportunities are endless! -My education does not end with my degree, I will always be learning. -I have proven to myself that I can do it, that I am doing it, and no matter how big the challenges may be, I will keep doing it. I am proud to say that I am a full-time working college student that has a 3.8 GPA and has been on the Dean's List ever since my first quarter and am on my way to being the first in my family to receive a college education.

Megann

So far, I have learned so much from my college experience. Over the past two years I have gained so much independence and college has made me a complete different person. I feel that I am much more well rounded and see things differently then before, I also feel like it has pushed me to work harder towards my major because I cannot wait to teach. Overall, I have had and am still having a wonderful college experience, and am learnign new things every day.

Caroline

"So how will I be in college?" 2009, the past me, looked at the current me in confusion. "I'd say alright. Although in the second quarter your procrastination really kicks in for the first couple of weeks," I replied. 2009 nodded, "How did you get here again?" I shrugged, "I took this survey about talking to my past self for a scholarship and here I am." 2009 nodded again and studied the floor for a moment. I was never a big talker. ?Want to know about some college stuff?? I offered. ?Alright,? 2009 said. ?First there's textbooks. If you can, buy them on Amazon or something. You?re paying way too much for them through the college bookstore.? ?Registering for classes?? 2009 asked. ?You?ll be going down there in June and the counselor will give you a schedule that fits your needs. I have one piece of future advice: Don?t go to a counselor for Winter Quarter registration. I waited for over an hour,? I looked at 2009, ?That?s about it. It?s not a big transition at all.? ?I think I can handle that,? 2009 said. ?Good, because I know you can.?

Alee

I graduated from highschool early to go to college. If I could go back to when I decided to do this, I would not change a thing. I love being at college. I will transfer after the end of this year, but the money saved by going to a community college instead of paying for the same classes at my high school is significant. I was amazed when my friend told me how expensive her classes are adding up to be. I definatly have learned how to work hard at my grades. I would tell anyone who has their credits done for high school to do what I have done. It has been on of the best decisions of my life.

Seth

I can?t look at myself in the mirror, and say ?I regret my choices.? That?s not how I operate. This fact coupled with how unhealthy it is to talk to oneself, makes me leery of the opinions I formulate. There is no one on this planet I value more than myself, but to think of all the things I could have done should I be able to go back in time boggles my mind. I would tell myself that college is about bowing to the greater world and letting it work for you. I believe there was an image in my head that college was about progress and that it was a way to inspire people to be better citizens. I know now that things are different, and I would convince myself of this fact so that the six years I?ve lived since, could have been spent entirely in school, succeeding and being the best at everything. Self-sacrifice would be the major topic of conversation between me and past me, and I would profit from what I know now. It?s quite simple really.

Jennifer

The first thing I would tell myself would be to take scholarships more seriously; I'd probably specifically suggest using FastWeb.com, as my main excuse back then for not looking up scholarships was that I didn't know a good website for finding them. Money is tight, and scholarships would be very helpful in my being able to take more of the classes I desire to take. The other thing I would tell myself would be to not stress out so much about what my major should be. I worried a lot back then about what to make my major, but I've since discovered that in this first year of college, it's not necessary to worry yourself about it if you aren't sure. There are plenty of general education classes one must take no matter what your major will be. Once I realized that, a lot of the post-college stress I was feeling went away, and I was able to approach the issue in a calmer, more rational manner. In present-day college life, it's good to have as little extra stress as possible.

Jonathan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in high school I would have told my self to try harder and do better than I already was. I would of told myself to push myself to strive for a 4.0 grade point average and to try new and more difficult and honors classes. Studying longer, reviewing more ofter and taking more time overall would have made the transition between high school and college. I would say to take the SATs and ACTs to show my ability to people at different schools and colleges.

Meggan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about the above mentioned, I would tell myself that I was making the right choice by planning to attend Sinclair Community College. I used to be down on myself because I was not going to a 4-year university right away, like most of my friends, but I did not yet know for sure which field I wanted to enter. Had I gone to a 4-year right away, I would have wasted thousands of dollars my single mom and I both had worked hard for. Because I was upset with myself for not going to a university immediately after high school, I would tell myself not to worry because I am going far and achieving dreams of mine...without wasting money, which makes it that much sweeter!

Ricardo

The first thing i would tell myself is to do a lot of research on the field of education that i was considering. Then I would explain why this is important, telling myself that alot of people i know and or have met dont even get into thier career. And then there are alot of individuals that dont enjoy thier jobs. College is an excellent experience because you have the chance to meet people from all different backgrounds. The only thing is, for some it's to much freedom so if you aren't use to responsabilities then it's the perfect opportunity. Find positive groups and organizations, and get involved. And always remember to keep focus on whats primary, your education and future.

Kelsey

I would give myself the advice to make sure to study a lot and constantly read the text book for my classes. Reading before going to class is such a huge part of college life. Having a little bit of knowledge on the topic before a professor teaches is a huge advantage and it helps during classroom discussions. Not studying isn't an option when striving for success. When there is no studying involved then there usually isn't a good grade involved. Taking the easy way out in college is not a wise choice, taking on a challenge helps out a lot more in the long run. So study hard, read ahead, and never give up!

Natalie

If I were able to go back in time and give myself advice about transitioning to college, the most important thing I would stress would be starting early. In high school there were a lot of great opportunities that I missed simply because I knew nothing about college or getting the most out of my time in high school. Get started early researching subjects you are interested in. Take the PSEO classes if they are available; job shadow or volunteer to try out careers. Do a lot of sorting out of possible majors or careers ahead of time so that when it comes time to apply to colleges you make your chosen school's early deadlines for financial aid, scholarships, honors programs or priority scheduling deadlines. Find out what the requirements to get into college are early so that your time in high school can be used to your advantage later by building a portfolio, and gaining experience in your field or getting college credits from PSEO or AP classes. Do everything possible to reduce the amount of work you have left to do in your last year or last few months of high school.

Catherine

Although I am quite adept at talking with myself already, if I could go back in time and have a conversation with myself, I would stress that I should PREPARE for college life and the challenges it brings. PREPARE for the academic climate; apply myself to my studies and get as much out of school as I can. PREPARE for the financial challenge; apply early as possible for financial aid and student loans. Budget my expenses and be ready when bills come due. PREPARE to make myself a well-rounded individual that makes a positive influence on my school; serve my community through volunteering and giving of time. This preparation will enhance my transition into college life.

John

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to be nervous about the life of being in college. College is, certainly, another step outside of high school, but college can open you up to the many opportunities that can be pursued in life. College is the stepping stool towards actually finding out what career or degree that you would like to pursue. College is a bit harder but it's not like having to do a 25 page paper and have in done within 3 days. College is a higher learning experience that is there to help you learn to be a more highly developed and professional individual. This is the path that you now have to pursue. Your parents will have your back but they are not the ones that will be doing all the work for you. You want to earn this degree, well you have to show that you want it. No one's here to hold your hand anymore. This is how you can show that you are growing up and being able to live your life on your own.

Alexander

Figure things out like finacial aid, schedule, and budget of money instead of waiting and just making deadlines.

Saskia

Knowing what I know about being a college student, and about college life, I would offer the following tips to myself if given the chance to travel back in time to my high school senior year. Make good use of your resources at college; the student counseling services, financial aid office, career services, the teachers, deans or chairs of the departments that you are studying, (or interested in studying). Visit these offices and seek out members that can serve as mentors for you as you work and study your way through school. I've found that they can help custom tailor your experience and may even save you time and money; for example, a counselor could suggest a CLEP test to get credit for a variety of classes which would save you time and money from having to take the class; a deparment chair could suggest, or approve, elective courses to count towards your degree. Get involved in student activities or organizations; attend the free seminars, presentations, workshops and socialize and make friends. You never know who you might meet. Most important, learn to budget your time and stick to a schedule.

Khalfan

If I would to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what i know now about college life and making a transition, I would advice myself to make studies my highest priority.

Alexis

College work requires more time. Practice time management in high school and don't assume that you will be able to maintain a heavy course load and employment. Get involved and meet people, network and use the instructors to get help. Also, don't be afraid to seek tutoring-it is free and can only help.

Samantha

Looking back i would have told my self to apply for scholorships and grants. Now i find myself having regrets not doing so and its difficult at times. I feel like my senior year i just let things coast by. I didn't really try to apply to any colleges because i already new i could get into Sinclair Community College. I had a scholorship from being in the allied health tech prep program for two years at fairmont highschool. It was a great experience for me, but i should have opened my horizens to different opportunities. When i started college i would find out i would not get my scholorship because i don't have any one really to claim me under my FAFSA. So i've had to pay my own way. It hasn't been to bad though, with school not being to pricy. Overall i've done alright. I'm a pharmacy tech going to school to be registered nurse, then plan to further pursue my career.

Ashley

To start sooner so I can get a head start on the programs

Kristin

Forget about everything that high school teachers have "taught " you, because it hasn't been preparation for "the real" world, it has only been preparation to help you pass the state test. Don't be fooled that you'll be "big man" on campus again, because once you start your first year in college, you become the small fish in a big pond again. Whatever you do, don't fall for the "oh, I can skip class" thing, because it doesn't work like that. If you miss class, you miss lecture notes, and that puts you behind. Just do your best, and don't be a slacker.

Amanda

If the Carroll graduate of 2008 were to come talk to me, I would tell her she's doing great. The responsibility it takes to be successful in college can be overwhelming, but prioritizing and time management are the keys. I would tell her to never be afraid to ask for help, because there are people all over Sinclair just waiting for her to seek it. I would especially emphasize that going to college isn?t ONLY about making friends, knowing the social butterfly she is, but doing what you need to do to attain that degree, picking some good one?s up along the way. Packing lunch would also be advisable and not to go into the cafeteria too often, or it will burn a hole through her pocket.