University of Central Florida Top Questions

As a high school senior, I found one of the most difficult tasks while transitioning to college was choosing a major. Feeling like this is a sudden big decision that involves one's career interest at a young age can be daunting. Personally, I thought, "I'm not even in college yet, how am I supposed to know what I want to do 4+ years from now?" However, once you get into the groove of things at a college/university, you realize that declaring a major is a temporary decision and it is okay to change your mind, even multiple times if needed. You can start off with one interest and transition into another if you realize the first option was not the best option. Although, yes, you should take college and your career choices seriously, real advice would be to relax. The pressure of completing the transition into college the "right" way is a subjective concept that varies for each person. It may be the beginning of life getting real, but it involves a series of trail-and-error to get through it.

There are two bits of advice I would give myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. The first bit of advice that I would have given myself is to budget. Budgeting in college in a crucial skill, as there are tons of things to pay for. Besides just education costs (tuition, books, lab supplies), there is also the cost of living (rent, food, electric, etc). My first year in college was especially difficult because I never had to account for the cost of living on my own. There were times when I spent all my money for the month in the first week, and ended up eating ramen noodles for the next couple weeks to get by. The second bit is to learn to prioritize. I struggled my first year of college with balancing work, friends, and school work. It would have been much easier for me if I had learned to prioritize my time and put school work above all others. Having a personal life is certainly important, but ultimately you are in college to learn and I should have made that my top priority in my first year.

Begin to start saving money, begin to develop time management skills , and begin to acquire study skills that works best for you. All of these pieces of advice are very vital when it comes to being a college student. Some days you're going to have good days and some days you're going to have bad days, just never give up no matter how difficult it gets because it is definitely worth it in the end. Get ready to meet new people, get ready to take on tough and rewarding challenges, get ready to experience new experiences, and get ready to have the best four years of your life. Learn to be open minded and understand that you will be working hard and long. Most importanly, have fun, college dosen't have to be stressful. At the University of Central Florida in a school with 60,000 students, stand out, get invloved, and become noticed.

The most important advice I could give myself is learn how to time manage yourself and set budgets when it comes to spending money. There's so many chances to waste your time and falling into distractions will only distract you from focusing the primary reason you attended this school. As far as money goes, you'll be spending it on almost every and anything you want, but if you seperate the amount of money you need to spend on certain things, you'll have the ability to use it for something that'll be good for your health, both mentally and physically.

I would advise myself to, first of all, apply for more scholarships so that I would not have to take out loans that I would have to pay back later. Second, I would tell myself to practice developing time management skills because it was difficult to get used to the concept of managing my time since school did not begin and end at the same time every day like high school. Third, I would say meet as many people as I possibly could because the transition from high school to school of over 60,000 students can be overwhelming and intimidating. If I were used to meeting lots of people on a regular basis, I would have joined more organizations and I would’ve socialized more during my freshman year of college. Next, I would tell myself to learn techniques to effectively study. During my freshman year, I did not study effectively and I ended up coasting through classes with mostly B’s. I would say take every class seriously and strive to get all A’s. Last, I would tell myself to start learning how to cook because it is cheaper than eating out and I could save money.

Two words resonate in my mind when I look back on my senior year of high school: time management. Yet despite the plethora of instances in which an elder in my life offered these words of advice and encouragement, I failed to truly acknowledge the importance of what would soon allow me to successfully maneuver my way through my first year of college. During my first two weeks of college, the biggest hurdle I faced was figuring out what to do when I wasn't in class. I had plenty of time on my hands, so at that point, getting around to my homework was not as big of a concern as trying to fill up my schedule was, which was an issue that troubled me for the first two weeks, and an issue I look back now with painful laughter. Second semester has proved a dramatic difference. Now that I am enrolled in five classes, work a part time job, am part of a team working to produce a film by summer and am focusing on building my portfolio, I wish I had fully grasped the crucial importance of time management while I was still in high school.

If I had the opportunity to go back and speak to myself, there would be many changes to my life today. My duration at high school was not spent wisely, to say the least. I ignored my school responsibilities and relied on my charisma and sheer luck to pass my classes. Instead of preparing myself for college, I decided to have fun and spend all my time playing sports. My dream school has always been to attend the University of Florida, yet I was confident that high school did not matter. Fully confident that I had no problem of getting accepted, I continued my neglectful behavior until I was denied from UF. Devastated I realized that if I had put more effort into high school, there would not be any repercussions that I am dealing with now. With this in mind, I am now making up for it by being the great student I am, staying on top of all my work and getting good grades. With my goal of going to medical school to continue my education, I will ensure this does not happen again.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell him not to overcomplicate college and to always keep a schedule. With this knowledge I may have saved myself from stressing over classes that I could have gotten A's in. I would emphasize the schedule because time management is very important for both sanity and academics. If I had the schedule I have now freshman year I believe I would have been much further along in both educational and social aspects.

There are many things that I would love to tell myself, as a college freshman now, I have learned so many different things, however, if I wasn't who I was in high school, I would not be the person that I am today. However, one practical thing I would tell myself is to be consistent. Many times in my life, I have started something and have never finished it. Either because of fear of failure or "boredom". That definitely hasn't helped me be the person I am today. I would tell myself to actually finish a program or academy in school and be consistent with it. Be consistent with your studies yet also with your beliefs. Be consistent in friendships and not flip-flop to the next. Be consistent with a sport, and learn to work in a team because that will help you so much in college and your life after that. Being consistent was one of my biggest problems in high school, but if I could go back and tell myself something, it would have to be, to be consistent and continually go forward.

Dear 16 year old Kathryn, You’ve made it to graduation. You’re in the top 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, involved in choir, drama, FCA, NHS, etc. You’re above average but you don’t feel you can be the best. The two years between you and classmates has you down. You’ve got opportunities in the fall, but Mom and Dad aren’t going to let you go because you’re “too young.” Don’t grow up too fast to compensate for your age. You don’t have to prove you’re a mature, independent adult right now. That comes with time and experience. No other way. Instead of dropping out of community college because you feel “better than the mediocrity” and just working, be rational. Talk to Mom and Dad about the fragility of your future; show them you’re willing to do whatever it takes to be the first in the family with a Bachelors Degree. But respect their intuition. Because when you are 24, you will be the only one you know without $80,000 in college debt. Plus, you’ll make better grades because of how hard you’ve had to work to be there. Love, Yourself. (Literally).

I would definitely begin by telling myself to calm down and head into college life with an open mind and a positive attitude. Like any other senior, I was both excited and scared of college, not quite knowing what to expect aside from what I had seen in movies and read in books. All of this pop-culture college propaganda proved to be very false. I know it sounds generic but college is what you make of it. In its most basic form its a down to earth experience. A campus filled with great, intellectual people, breathtaking experiences, and rare opportunities lies in wait. However, only you can choose whether to seek them out and use them to unlock your full potential, or become an observer. Heading into the college experience without an adventurous attitude can severely cripple your experience. Go out and explore, scour the campus in search of anything and everything that can be helpful to your studies. And remember to have fun every once in awhile, because everyone needs a break from that tough coursework every now and then. Good luck and have fun at your new home.

Dorothy, I know that things look difficult at the moment. I want to remind you that you have worked hard for the position you are in today. You never talk about your immigration issues with your friends and you try not to bring it up at home. For the most part you have kept your worries to yourself. Do not be ashamed of your fears. During this precious time in your life, you will learn a lot about yourself. Intelligence is marked by hard work and dedication. Despite the numerous obstacles that come your way, the hard work that you have put forth now and in the future will continue to define you. Everything else will fade and pale in comparison. Not only will you love college because of the academic challenge it provides but also its impact on who you are. Take a deep breath. In the end, everything will fall into place for you.

Make this count! Have no hesitation when picking UCF as your future school. Do not be disappointed when you do not get the housing you initially wanted. Your room ended up being bigger, and closer to all the classroom buildings – and you make some life long friends living in Libra. I know the last four years were hard, but do not give up. You have a bright future in a place where you grow, mature and succeed. Do not be afraid to say “yes” and never sell yourself short. Buy an old fashioned alarm clock and set it away from your bed so you don’t snooze your phone and oversleep for class – it is after all why you’re there! Don’t let the older philosophy students or your ethics professor intimidate you or make you believe you are not good enough and cannot be one of the top students in your major – you’re about to have your own thesis published! Ultimately, take advantage of the many opportunities you have at UCF. Appreciate and nurture your friendships, and take in every moment you have – the good and the bad. Three years finishes before you know it.

Assuming I went back in time to talk to my high school senior self I'd bring the list of requirements he'd need to transition into the college life im in now. Had someone compiled this very same list and showed it to me as a senior I would have made different choices and would have been better off and more successful then I am now. First and foremost, the list would start with the word RESEARCH! Researching the colleges that interest you and how much they cost, and what major you are interested are the most important factor that decides how you will perform in college. The second requirement on the list is applying for scholarships at an early time. Don't slack bro because you aren't doing much on the weekends anway. Pull up internet explorer and apply for scholarships like the campus discovery scholarship. Doing this will insure that you have a chance to better prepare yourself for the cost of college. The last requirement is be yourself. Don't let anyones ideas or opinion change how you want to live your life and what goals you want to pursue. Do you bro.

You come from a very small town where no one goes to college and the advice they are giving you is wrong. Dead wrong. Please forget their words "it doesn't matter just get any degree". For a short time you will live in world where you can study any career that you want so the question for you is - What is worth wanting? When you answer that question then you have placed yourself way ahead of the other freshman who are wandering from class to class. When you find a passion worth wanting you have also found something that is worth suffering for. There are some classes that are going to cause you suffering. You will be pushed hard. Things worth wanting always push you. This applies to the friendships you will form in college as well. Deep life long friendships will be formed. These people will become your family. Your middle of the night calls with questions or study partner in a class that seems all consuming. The same concept applies find the ones that push you forward. With these friendships and passionate field of study I see college years spent in the very best way.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry. High school is stressful, but everything works out in the end. "You'll cry at graduation," I'd say. "You'll miss this, so enjoy it." Although high school can seem really hard, it's also some of the most fun you'll have. You'll make friends, lose friends, disappoint your parents and also make them really proud. High school is a perfect example of what it means when people say "life is all ups and downs". But if you haven't realized it yet, the ups can far outweigh the downs if you live in the moment and don't stress out so much about your future. You'll be just fine.

Look high and low for what you are passionate about. Don't listen to your parents, don't break under social pressure to become a doctore or a lawyer or any of the "practical" fields. Be sensible. If you want to major in music, have a plan for how you will make yourself valuable in the job market after you graduate. Do not give up when you start doing badly in a class you initially were doing well in. The final exam is worth a large chunk of your grade, but once you have learned everything together, it'll start making sense. You can get your Associates degree at a community college and transfer to 4-yr university. Classes are smaller and you are saving a ton of money. Apply for scholarships about underwater basketweaving and above water basketweaving. Just apply. You will meet guys that are charming and good looking. Look for MEN of character. Character is more important than superficial charm and looks. Don't look for friends who just make you look good, cool, or fun. Surround yourself with positive people. Get to know the valedictorian and the kid who wants to on the US Olympics team.

Hey, me. You're going to be going into college next year, and I know you're really stressed out and think you'll never get accepted anywhere. That's okay! You'll make it just fine. You're going to struggle a lot, I'm telling you right now. It's going to be really hard, and you'll want to give up, but you never will. That's what makes you strong, you perservere. The only advice you need is this: work hard. Don't keep procrastinating. College is NOT the same as high school, you can't get away with the bare minimum, and you actually have to study. But you'll make it. You think you're not good enough now, but you are. You're great, and you're gonna do great things.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the best advice I could give myself would be to start forming better study habits. In high school, they don't prepare you for college, at least in my case. They teach you material throughout the year based on standardized tests instead of how to form study habits. Students in high school tend to cram and do only what is expected of them in order to get the grade they want. In high school, I never "learned" the material for tests, I only "memorized." It is impossible to make it in college if you are only memorizing the test material. You have to know the material inside and out and this type of studying required is completely different from high school. I experienced this first hand during my freshman year of college when I had to withdraw from biology and chemisty because I wasn't studying the way I needed to in order to pass. It was a rude awakening and at the time, I wished I could go back and better prepare myself for what was to come.

College can be the hardest and most stressful things one could go through is one is not fully prepared. As a college students now, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would make sure that I understood the hard work that college expects from a person. I would tell myself that I should have studied harder for my Advaced Placement tests for Enviromental Science and Psychology, this would of saved me time, stress, and money in college because I wouldn't have to take them in again if I had passed my initial tests. I would also make sure to tell myself to take a math class my senior year, that way numbers would be fresh in my mind for the college entry exams and again I would not waste time and money on extra classes. I would stress to myself that deadlines are crucial and that having a good balance between school work and a social life will help everything run much more smoothly thoughout college and save me some stress breakdowns.

If I had the chance to go back in time, I would advice my 17-year-old me to become more involved in the community. Something that I have learned in my time at UCF is that the one always should give back to the community. I would also tell my 17 year-old to become involved with the programs offered at the university for high school students. That way once my 17 year-old me made the transition to UCF, it would not be such a dramatic change.

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself about the transistion from High school to college I would inform myself on various of things to do and to look out for. I would first tell myself to start applying junior year for scholarships to attend college so that I will not half to pay take out as much loans or take money from out of my pocket. I would also tell myself to do some dual enrollment classes at the local college so I will have college credit and be ahead of the game when I transfer to college as a full time student. Laslty I would tell myself to get the highest grades as possible in my classes from freshmen year all the way up until it is time for graduation, so that I could receive even more financial assistance help throughout my college years.

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to always go with the gut, under any circumstances. Your loved ones will always tell you what is practical and where you will make more money, but you just simply have to love what you do to be happy in life. It is your life and it is your choice; it would be great if you were sure of it. The only way to find out what you like is to let go of fear. We all have fears: fear of judgment, fea rof failure, or fear of not conforming to majority- be different if you want to be. High school is a great time to explore yourself without paying a lot of money for all the quests you have to make before selecting your major. Your explorations will build the confidence to trust yourself. It is necessary to ask for help and guidance, but the only right thing to do is listen to your inner calling. It is ok to change your preferences. The more you learn about the world the closer you get to the destination which is right for your true self.

College is an opportunity to learn new things you didn't know existed. Keep an open mind, but at the same time be opinionated. You'll be engaged in controversial conversations and debates that push you out of your comfort zone, but they will only make you stronger in the end. Do not shrug anything off because you think you know the way, instead stop and listen even if you don't agree. By listening, your voice will grow and by reciprocating that action, you will be cultivating the voices of others until it becomes a cycle. This small action can have a huge impact on our generation and can start to be the positive change we need. Not only will it help society, but it'll help you. Don't waste your first semester by concentrating on the life you left back home. Get out there and get involved with anything that interests you. Don't worry about making new friends because by listening to different perspectives and getting involved, friends will be made. This is your time. Make this experience so that it truly lasts a lifetime. Follow your heart and chase your dreams and never stop believing.

If I could go back to my 18 year old self that is about to jump, head first, into college, I would tell her not to wear a helmet. I would tell her that college is one of those experiences that you don't want to be overly precautious about. I would tell her to keep her mind open to the experiences. I would tell her to find herself then be herself. I would be cliché and tell her that college years will truly be her best years. I would tell her not to drown herself in stress but surf on opportunities. I would tell her to smile at strangers. I would tell her that a GPA won’t define her. I would tell her to travel as much as she can. I would tell her to start a savings account because life happens. I would remind her that not all teachers are the same. I would tell her not to forget where she came from. And if I could tell her to remember one last thing, I would tell her to document her entire college experience, because it will be one she won’t want to forget.

Knowing what I know now, having been going to college since Fall of 2009, if I could go back in time to give my high school self some pointers, I would tell myself three important things. The first and most important thing that I would tell myself would be to apply for every scholarship offered in my senior year, no matter if it was for $100 or $5,000. Every penny counts! The second thing I would tell myself would be to get more involved in leadership classes that were offered so that I could have been more involved in school, made more memories, boosted my confidence, and learned more about taking and having responsibilities. Finally I would tell myself to get a part time job because that would give me more job experience, which would have made it easier for me to get a job now in the present day! Also having a job would have built up my work ethic and confidence. I gypped myself out of a lot of adult life experiences that could have bettered my time in High School and prepared me more for the college life I was moving toward and hoping for.

If given the opportunity to speak to my former self, I would be quite frank. "You," I'd start, "need to get your head on straight seeing as though you have our heart set on going to an out-of-state college. Florida? Are you crazy? Nonetheless, I have returned from the beyond to express to you the future you shall certainly arrive at unless you change your loner ways. First, Algebra 1 is the devil and if you slack off you will fail like I did the first time. Second, jogging pants and t-shirts are not considered a wardrobe and 'Freshman 15?' Try Freshman 25, okay? Pace yourself. Thirdly, tumblr is not your friend and don't let him coax you into spending six hours giggling at love quotes and stalking celebrities from around the world the night before a Chemistry exam. Lastly, and probably most importantly, don't decide what to get into and what not to get into. Do everything, try everything, and experience everything. Remember I said everything and not everyone, don't be 'that' girl. But in all seriousness, don't worry about spreading yourself thin as long as you enjoy every last minute."

If I was given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I know exactly what advice I would give myslef about college life and transitioning into it. I would tell myself to get into good study habits now, so that when I get to college, I'd already have a good routine for when studying. In highschool I barely had to study to get As and now I've learned that college is nothing like that. If I had already figured out how I best study by my first year in college, it would have gone much smoother. In summary if I could give my high school self any advice, it would to be to learn how to study before going to college so as not be overwhelmed in the first semester.

If I could sit down and explain the college transition to high school Jessie the first thing I would offer is a piece of advice I received that first semester; to treat college like a 9-5 job. Even if your classes end by three, it is best to get ahead on your homework and studying so that you can have your evenings and weekends free for extra-curriculars and relaxation. I would remind high school Jessie that UCF is an incredibly large school and thus it is important to get involved as soon as possible to make friends. I would advise her to always have one involvement that acts as a resume builder but to more importantly, join one club that is "just for fun" and allows for an outlet to relieve stress of everyday life. I would emphasize to high school Jessie to enjoy every precious second of the experience. There would be difficult moments- the relationship ending with her hometown boyfriend, moments spent missing her family, and trying to avoid the freshman fifteen. However, the joy and growth she will experience that year will greatly outweigh those brief sorrows.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure I stress the importance of college and that you should not give up and drop out. I would tell myself that you will have greater regret if you try to go back to college when you are older verses just going now. It will be much harder to go back later. I would tell myself that having a college degree is very important for your future life and without one, you will struggle and most likely be unhappy with your job. Most importantly, I would say to think about your future children, and be the example you want them to see, so that when they are graduating high school one day, they will not think of college as an option, but as the next step in their future. A successful future!

The number one piece of advice I would give myself before college is that mom is, in fact, always right. I left high school as an all-knowing adult. I knew what I was doing in life, what my major was, and how to pay for it. My first semester I hated my degree and I had no idea what I was passionate in-a problem my mom warned me would happen. Prior to moving out she had given me the advice: 1. Do not declare your major until you have to. 2. Things have a way of working out. 3. The fastest way to make God laugh is to make plans. What I wish I would’ve realized is that my mom had been through college; she has been through 2 ½ times more life than I have. Mom does know everything and for me to take on the arrogant all-knowing teen persona was the biggest mistake of my life and it definitely gave me a small set back. If I had ultimately come to that realization the mother knows best, I would’ve been more prepared for college than I was a few years ago.

AsI've grown as an individual and professional throughout my college years , I've learned to take pride in myself, my accomplishments, and the decisons I've made in the past that led me to where I stand today. I currently find myself holding a 3.57GPA, on the Dean's List, employed at the university's Recreation and Wellness Center as a certified Group exercise Instructor, and interning with the Human Resources Department at an astonishing non-profit organization. All this takes place while I perform my duties as a full-time college student. Considering my present standing, if I were to give my High School self "advice", I'd actually "encourage" myself to be sure of the decision I was making to pursue my goals and dream career at the University of Central Florida. As a senior, muddled by my various college choices, I was inlcined to go for the "big name school" like most of my peers. This meant neglecting my career intersts and financial standing. However, today I'm honored to be Sophia Fernandez, a University of Central Florida student, because of the choice I made in High School and perseverance I've had since then.

Assuming I could go back in time to offer myself advice as a high school senior, I would first and foremost assure myself that relocating myself to a different city is a fantastic idea. I would let myself know that, despite my somewhat dismal high school experience, that I would have the time of my life in college. Everything from the classes filled with students that are excited about studying Psychology to the Philosophy Society populated with outstanding thinkers to walking around campus and enjoying seeing the scenery and the people is worth all the planning and stress. I would tell myself to take a step back, take a deep breath, and continue working hard to get everything sorted out before leaving for school. I would commend myself on working 30-40 hours a week because the money that I earned ending up saving my skin when I was searching for a job. Most importantly though, I would tell myself not to be afraid to be exactly the person I want to be because, unlike the judgmental people that populate my hometown, the individuals that I will end up meeting will absolutely love me for exactly the person I am.

If I could go back in time as a high school student I definitely would. The things that I know now about college if I really understood the importance of it then I think i would be really succesful. I would of made sure I applied for any scholarships that they had availble for me. I would of did many more community service hours. i also would of been more organized. I would stress to myself the importance of deadlines. I think if I would of did that stuff back then everything would run more smooth now.

Hey Delaine, don't get a meal plan. The food isn't good and it's a total waste of money. Just remember that with college there is a lot of freedom but there is also a lot of responsibility. Don't be lazy and strive for success.

To the Chris of 4 years ago, I would say - Get ready to get it together. There's a lot heading your way, more than you could ever expect. If you're going to do the graphic design program, you've gotta go full blast. No holding back. Any idea you have, use it. Any method of learning, make use of it. Any professor you need to talk to, TALK TO THEM. A lot of things are going to be tested. Your desires. Your faith. Your integrity. Even your sanity. Believe me, the time is coming when you will do things you never thought you would do, fail in ways you never thought you would fail, and lose people you hoped you would never lose. You need to be ready for all of this. Not just in word, but in action as well. Talk gets very cheap, very quickly at this point. Have the heart to go through with what you say you will do, and don't allow yourself to merely procrastinate and let it slide. Lastly, value the relationships that got you this far, and the ones that will take you further. And SAVE SOME MONEY, PLEASE. Peace.

I would tell myself not to worry so much, but make sure to aply myself. It's not as hard as everyone makes it out to be, but it's still important. I would also tell myself not to worry about becoming a studio art major. It's makign me happy, and nothing is more important in life.

Be more outgoing and learn to make friends easier. It is a tough adjustment but hang in there. It does get easier and it is so worth it.

As a college student now, if I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior; the advice I'd give is always do your homework, because without homework the concepts or things you've learned doesn't stop in the classrooms. Homework helps broaden and expand minds, helping you remember everything that you've just learned hours before. It is always great to offer more than what is given when working on projects and such, to be what is known as an "over-achiever". Teachers are here to help you and you have the opportunity to be successful; though what you do with the help given is entirely up to you, for you are your own person. They are there to teach you, so that you may go out into the world with the knowledge you have gained, and with that, land you a successful career. You have achieved this successful path by becoming educated with the homework and skills you have learned by your teacher. Without these resources given, we are fish thrown into a big pond, not knowing what we want to accomplish in life. Remember, “Never, never, never give up” ~Churchill.

I have several things to tell myself as a high school senior, but one of them is not school-related. I would tell myself about the new diet I discovered that helped me manage my mood-swings and to remain focused. I found out that what I have been eating severely affected my academic performance and social status throughout my life. I would also tell myself to stop doing everything at the last minute because something bad always happens to prevent me from doing my work at that moment. Above all, I would tell myself that-regardless of what goes on in the world- I am only responsible for myself. The world can never be how anyone wants it to be because it is bigger than all of us, and because-if we are constantly complaining- we still won't satisfied even if it is how we want it to be.

You have been created for something bigger than yourself. Look outside of your current circumstances and dream of a future with an education. You have the capability to make straight A's in college. You are smart enough and brilliant enough that anything you set your mind to do you can achieve it beyond excellence. Do not let life distract you from your dreams, hold onto them and you can change your destiny by furthering your studies. Life is too short to stay within your comfort zone. Go out to the colleges and see how you can make a huge impact on this world for the good. If you can dream it you can achieve it. There is a destiny out there for you that you must grab onto now to help others to learn how to dream. Ignore the naysayers in your life and reach for the stars because you have the strength, the intelligence, and the stamina to make it through whatever the future holds for you. Seek knowledge and that knowledge will help you have a more positive experience for not only your future but for those that surround you.

If I could go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and the transition, I would tell myself to buckle down. I would concentrate on passing and understanding because college life throughs harder balls. There is no bell or teacher making you attend class. You do not need permission to leave class early but if you do, whatever you miss is on you. Teachers give out the homework, assignments, and tests, which is sometimes very different than what was discussed in class. Some teachers do not even tell you what will occur on a test, some would say read the book and just give you the exam date. It is up to you to make college count because once you slip off track, it is very hard to get back on the road you were once headed. Many consider college as a second high school, when in fact, the major difference is the freedom. So you need to choose what you will truly do with that freedom. Which should be to get an education so that you can go onto the next part of your life and prosper greatly with this education.

Knowing what I know now about college life my advice to myself would be is start planning early. I would have taken more foreign language. That will give you the most flexibility. I would have taken the hardest classes that I could manage. If you have the option of taking advanced classes, do it. Also, I would have read a lot more rigorius books. It’s the activity which will have the greatest impact on your future. If you read, your SAT and ACT scores will be higher. If you read, your grades in English and Social Studies will be higher. Also I would have worked on improving my writing skills. The best way to improve your writing skills is to write frequently, writing with intent and determination. Also, I would have taken as many classes that I could of handled. Even if that meant no lunch. Get your requirements out of the way as early as you can so you can take more interesting electives that may only be open to juniors and seniors. Never have a free period if you can manage. Get to know your guidance counselor. They will have to write a college recommendation for you.

The question is rather what I might have changed about my first year in University. Well, knowing my desire to pursue a career in the arts but not how to achieve this goal, forced my hand as it were to indulge in disparate disciplines my first year. Knowing how isolated each college has become within the University, I would like to have chosen more wisely which programs I became involved in. Rather than experimenting with a major in the sciences, for instance, I would have rather continued my music education. I cannot regret, however, the choices I made, which is what this question is attempting to force me to do. So my real answer is that I would not change anything. I would not give myself any advice. Above is what I might have done with the mindset I now have, but my past self did exactly what he needed to do to become my present self. Therefore, the knowledge that I have is only useful in the present. It is impossible for me to claim that I would rather have been someone else, as I would not now possess the knowledge to become that person.

I would tell myself to better prepare for college.

Keep on presevering and never give up on your dreams! Believe in yourself and reach for the stars. You can make positive changes in this world, for you were born with a special purpose to do so. Do the very best you can and you will experience endless possibilities. When life takes a turn and you experience failure and defeat, don't give up. Instead, learn to turn those moments inside out into learning opportunities for success. Don't lose focus and never quit, for your shining moment is around the corner.

During high school, my family encouraged educational growth as a personal journey. There were a few paths I would have chosen differently. First, an Associate's in Business Administration would be priority. This foundation would open many opportunities within the professional world. Encouragement to pursue a desired career path would follow. After enrollment into a Bachelor's program, a certification/focus in professional writing would be strongly recommended. Obtaining tools to successfully read and write within a professional atmosphere is essential to the growht process. Secondly, establishing an immediate internship would be fundamental to successfully obtaining a long-term, post-graduate position. Strengthening skills throughout coursework will enable understanding of core concepts as well as gain expertise toward future positions. Maintaining a strong network will also benefit future opportunities whether it corresponds to increasing knowledge or available positions. The following recommendations to my past self would enable a greater success in obtaining future goals. Start with a business oriented Associate's, encourage individual growth toward a Bachelor's accompanied by a focus in professional writing, obtain an internship during the first year, and establish networking opportunities. Maintaining given resources is essential to the successful implementation of future goals.

You are a strong and beautiful women who has the entire world of possibilities ahead of her, don't let the words of others bring you down to their level. Keep your head up; never forget who you are, what you are made of and what you can be destined for.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to stress about anything. I would tell myself to keep trying my best and if I did not get into the college I wanted to keep calm. Everything will be all right and everything will be taken care of no matter what because I have amazing friends and a extremely supportive family that will be there. I would advise myself to go to a community college to get my basics out of the way and help cut the costs of incoming debt from tuitions. I am an extremely religious person so I would end with saying that God ultimately knows what is going to happen and he will not lead me astray. He will lead me down the path that he wants for me and it will be better than what i have or wanted for myself anyway. Everything will work out in the end, so overall just keep calm.

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships so that I wouldn't have to take out so many loans.