University of North Texas Top Questions

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

Jared

Hey 18 year old Jared Fontenot this is your much older and wiser self speaking to you a decade from now and I must give you some advice. Yes that's correct you are still in college 10 years from now and no you aren't in law school or med school you are actually about to be a junior in college. This is because you went to a school completely out of your financial means and as a result you went to work full time to pay off loans you had accumulated. However not to worry you're back on track and you are real-world savy as a result of your work experience and it has made you a better student. Nonetheless if I could offer you some advice it would be to not be too prideful to go to community college out of high school and take your time and follow your heart. Don't be afraid to leave and go by yourself to a new place where you don't know anyone. Now I don't have any regrets by any means but don't expect any help you have to earn it!

Sara

I am grateful for my education and I trust God will use this experience only to benefit me and his work here on Earth. However, if I did have the opportunity to speak to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to settle. I chose the University of North Texas because it was near home and comforting. I would tell myself there is nothing to fear and to reach further to experience more of what this nation has to offer. I would try to guide my younger self to put more research into which major to choose rather than choosing one and sticking to it to the end without any observation as to whether or not it suited my personality. UNT's advising was seriously lacking when I began attending, they have since built a wonderful Career Center that will hopefully help future students who would otherwise have repeated my mistakes.

Keith

I would tell myself that making better grades in school will help with financial assistance that is necessary to pay for college. Had I made better grades as a senior in high school, I would most likely have received more financial assistance and I would not have had to borrow so much to cover my educational expenses. Also, considering some classes are more difficult than I had imagined, I would tell myself to pay better attention in class, ask more questions concerning things I did not understand, and I would tell myself that life can wait until I get a better education. I'd make every concerted effort to convince myself that running around and partying, as well as skipping classes, would only lead to me denying myself an opportunity to improve myself, my life, and my future.

Samantha

I would tell myself that I needed to start forming study habits now because even if someone says that a class is a blow off class and is easy that you still have to study. You can't study the same way for every class. Also, start learning how to manage my time more appropriately along with finances.

Deanna

It is important to attend class, although you might not feel like it. Going to class aids you in passing all of those tests you have to study for. Second, I would encourage you to join clubs. This is an easy way to meet others, and is also fun. Last but not least is the most important thing. Although in high school you would usually do everything your friends would do, in college do not let your friends influence your decisions. You must not let others tell you what choices to make, where to go, and what to do. You are growing up and are now an adult and cannot let other people bring you down. Remember do not waste your parents? money, because you know mommy will kill you. The whole point of college is to get an education and to better yourself and better your future. Keep this main point in mind, and you will do fine. Try as hard as you can, and you should have no problem.

Cynthia

I can honestly say that I have no regrets. I came to college with an open mind and ready to have a fresh start. In high school, my grades weren't my best and certainly did not reflect me as an individual. College was my opportunity to start over and devote more time and effort into my studies. College is not as hard as some may make it out to be. It's all about time management and balance. It's the next step before real life happens. You'll have to grow up a little, but you can handle it.

Corey

I definately should have saved more money because college is expensive. I also should have taken college accredited cources in high school which would have saved me more money. I also should have gone to college straight out of high school, and not have waited a year like I did. Other than that, I think that I made good choices in how I did things, and I wouldn't have changed anything.

Lauren

Apply for scholarships sooner. Other than that I feel well equipped for college. I was enrolled in a dual credit high school where I graduated with my accosiates degree at the same time I graduated high school. All the classes were college classes however it still wasn't quite the same as a University, but it definitely helped prepare me for college.

stanlee

I'd tell my self about the constant scares of university life and how to stay ahead of everything. How you should double check everything, maybe tiple check to be safe, and never just think anything is completley solved unless you'rer 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of it. I'd tell myself never procrastinate, always network and make friends, and contiually encouage yourself throughout this process. I'd say to myself "College is rough kid, but you'll only get out of it what you put in. So give your all, have faith and you'll come out victorious."

Katherine

Dear High School Senior Katie, You?re finally doing something that you are excited about?you?re taking the initiative to follow the path on your own and the reward of achieving every small goal along the way is a feeling of satisfaction and elevated self worth. In other words, your smarts and skills are finally on their way to meeting their potential?and so are you! Please believe me when I say that as scary as it is being far away from your family, you will create your own family out of your peers and the people you choose to be your closest friends. You?re a smart cookie, and you will have so much fun! A word of caution: do NOT eat the cafeteria chili, under any circumstances. Since you?re still a senior in high school I don?t expect you to understand everything I?m telling you right now...but do know that if you just take it one day at a time and never once stop believing you?re good enough, you?ll figure all of this out on your own soon enough. All the luck and love in the world, College Sophomore Katie

LaDaysha

The advice I would give myself is to always put school first. Do not procrastinate. Always stay a step ahead of the game so that you won't get behind. Something else I would tell myself is to try to figure out my learning style so I could figure out a way to take notes and study to the best of my ability. The last thing I would tell myself is to know when to say "no" to your friends. There will always be time for socializing and hanging out later but don't drop everything for your friends. Who you hung out with in college won't get you anywhere. It's your performance while you were there.

Nathan

If I can go back to when I just started my senior year, it would be "get off your butt and get your grades up. You are throwing away an amazing opptortunity. You'll have to go through two years of Georgia Perimeter College. It's not what you want. Music Business is what you want. GPC does not have music business. Lots of great colleges do. But you'll need much better grades to get in to any of them. So stop being a slacker. Stop being lazy. Please. Stop rebelling against education. Education is extremely important. It will be the foundation of the rest of your life, I guarantee it. At 21 years old you will go through a very big life change. At 22 that change will begin to be cemented. Education will be important in this change. Use it. Starting now."

Kimberly

Kimberly!! When you enter college remember these are the times to enjoy the freedom and creative freedom that is offered! On the other hand, be cautious of who you assiociate with because you never know if that person is there to help or hurt you. Never be afraid to talk to teachers because they are willing to help and for you to succeed even if they come off kind of scary! Do not get caught up on boys because trust me there are a ton of good-looking guys here and get caught up one especially if they break your heart. You are a smart and pretty girl and college is your canvas, paint it any color! Remember to take more risk that you know it is benefical and new no matter how embrassing because it is all about the experience! There are diverse people with different ideas and opinions, just be confident in yourself and hold your head strong!! I know you are going to exceel at colllege because you are you and no one else is! GOOD LUCK!

Lauren

I would tell myself to try harder. I'm so smarter than I thought I was back then and I really procrastinated my way into college. I could have easily graduated in the top ten percent of my class, but instead I graduated in the top fifteen. I could have done so much better and accomplished some really great things back then. If I could go back, I would kick my own butt into gear and really apply myself one hundred and ten percent.

Lindy

I would tell my high school self that those AP classes will come in handy and that I should have studied harder to pass the AP exams. Now in college, as I look over my textbooks for the upcoming semester, I realize the material is the same from high school. At least this will improve my GPA. The other thing I would tell myself is that I don't have to be an average student if I don't want to be. I was making mostly Bs on my classes senior year but in my first semester of college I made the honor roll because I put some effort into studying and preparing for tests. I knew that I would not realize my dreams of medical school if I don't try my hardest to succeed.

Brittany

I would absolutely tell myself that organization is key. As a college student it is essential that you know what you need to get done and when. Prioritize things and learn to take control of your life. One more thing, STUDY!

Rachel

Remember to enjoy and love learning, and don't be afraid to explore new ideas and discover new knowledge. Sometimes it will be hard, but just remember that once you're done, and you have completed all that you needed to get done, you will have a wonderful sense of accomplishment and you will find yourself with much more self-confidence. Have fun with friends, but always remember to do what you need to get done first, and don't push your responsibilities aside. Find something that you love and then pursue that. Learn what inspires you, and you will never find yourself bored in class. Find out how you study best. Alone at home, with a group, in a coffee shop, at a restaurant? Do you do better if you take notes or highlight? Try different study methods out so you can find the one that is easiest and most productive for you. Be sure and ask people about which classes they liked and which professors they recommend. Also be sure to listen to advice from classmates, teachers, and advisors. Don?t overload yourself, and remember to enjoy college! It is a wonderful experience.

itercia

to start off i would tell myself to be prepard! you can not be too prepard. focus on your grades senior year, and apply for as many scholarships as possible. i would also say get your financial aid and paper work in early so you wont have any thing to worry about. go on college visits, get to know your teachers, and college is not a game at all. last but not least study study study!

Shayla

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life I would tell myself a lot of different things. First i would tell myself that its going to be hard to move away from your family and even leave your friends and if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend them to. I would tell myself to prepare to study way more than I ever could imagine because its easy to fail a class because your teachers aren't supposed to know what you need help with study all the material they give because its going to be on a test. I would also tell myself to be prepared to have a lot of responsibilites and learn to priorities between what you need and don't need. All in all just know that college is nothing like high school you have to find for yourself and do what its best for you.

Heather

If I could go back to when I was a high-school senior, I would definitely tell myself to take more extra-curricular activities, more foreign languages, taken some AP and college credit classes, and bacsically just worked harder on my academics. I also would have told myself to study harder for the SAT's and to take the ACT. And if I did badly the first time, I would tell myself to work harder and take it again. I would have also told myself to research scholarships and financial aid and also to look into several different school and compare them and not just decide on one. That's basically what I'd say to myself.

Amber

I would tell myself to choose my university based not on the financial aspect or what my parents wanted, but on what I wanted and what might be best for me. I understand that maybe I would've enjoyed a smaller campus or one with a lot less emphasis on the arts and more on sports. It might've been easier for me surrounded by people who think like me. And I would've preferred a more challenging academic atmosphere in my particular major.

Kristin

If I could go back to my not so "prime" senior year of high school, I would only give myself the advice to push harder. As a senior in high school I did throughly try to get my grades to their upmost being, but I do believe I could have tried harder. My naive and adolesent attitude to the real world and college did not help in preperation either. As any average student, high school was all about having fun and living it up with your friends. The only thing I would have changed is it stick my head in the books more often than I did. Also I would tell myself to save save save, money is hard to come by when your lacking in time and balancing a job with school. I would give myself a steardy foot to stand on, and an open heart to everyone.

Maria

the best advice i would give my self, going back on time is " you want to get your college degree from a university that is widely respected. Apply for all the scholarships you can find. Get started on your future apply for many schools you can so that at the end you will have were to chooes from and NEVER GIVE UP . If you cant find financial aid, theres allways a way to pay for school. And Stay in God's pat. Ask many questions there are friendly faculty to guide you. You'll be glad to learn that most classes are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. You are not in High school anymore so pay alot of attention, do your best, make alot of a+ so you can graduate. And that there is allway the military to help you in the area to get the best out of you. Scholarships, grants and other financial aid programs are available for you.if you want to graduate faster and start erning sooner, take advantafe of UNT'S timely graduation tuition program, you can graduate earlier without paying much more. And Join the Air Force as Soon you can.

Kathryn

As a high school student, I was worried about so much - the roommate, being away from home, the classes. I would definitely tell myself not to worry. I would tell myself that I was prepared for the transition and that college was going to be a lot of fun, a lot of work, and a whole lot of new experiences that are going to change me. I would also tell myself that change is okay and that the first year of college will be the year that I find a whole new side of myself, and it's going to be great.

Malaka

If i were able to go back into time and give myself some advice, I would tell myself to make sure that you give your senior year everything you have. Growing up, my older siblings have always told me that senior year is your year off. Sadly, I actually listened to them, placing my academic career at risk. I would say, Malaka, senior year is where you should give it 100 percent. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and take out loans if you must. Also, start out with a private room beacuse you know that you like to be alone and have your own space. In order to avoid future confontations, register for a private room. Stay on top of your school work and don't let senioritis catch up to you. Malaka you know that procrastinate at times, so do everything that you need to do a week before they're due. Work hard and strive for the best. If i could go back in time, I would assure myself that everything is fine and that God is always with me and work hard and don't slack off. Thanks for this opportunity. Thanks for reading.

Wren

If I were to go back to see myself as a senior and talk, I would first say to go and unpack half the clothes in the boxes because I had two roomates living with me in one dorm room. There wasnt much space and it would have been a thousand times easier if all three of us had not brought so much stuff to the room! Also I would tell myself to invest in a better pair of tennis shoes and running shorts for the gym. There is a rock climbing wall and you want tight fitting shorts and shoes to climb it! Lastly I would tell myself to be free. To not worry what other people think. Its college! Not some drama filled high school. You will be accepted it doesnt matter who or what you want to be.

Stefanie

If I could go back and talk to my graduating high school self as I went through the process of starting college, I would remind myself that while building relationships is an important part of college, academics were equally important. I would tell myself that you should be open to new experiences and never jusge a person because "that's not the type of person you would hang out with in high school." I would also tell myself that it's okay to start at a community college instead of starting out at a 4-year university. Most of all, I would remind myself that I'm good enough and I should be myself in order to fit in best.

Autumn

When applying to a public university in Texas during my senior year of high school I was ready to transition into the adult life. I was ready to take on the responsiblities of loan repayment after graduation and scholarship applications throughout college. I was also ready for my checking account to decrease due to allotted time for studying and not for working. As the first month of college moved by I was notified of an over due housing payment. Then a loan that had been cancelled due to wrong information from the financial aid department. Finally as the second semester began I had a loan that had been re-applied for that didn't enter my account in time for my next housing payment. The stress overwhelmed me and I began to think of the regrets I had. When I think back to my dream of a college experience I start to change my plans. A realisitic dream should of been community college with a payment of only four hundred dollars and living free at home. I would tell myself that you make the college experience not the college and to think about what is better in the end.

Lauren

While I was scrambling to find money for school, get all of the applications in, and just make sure I was academically ready for college, I stressed myself out so much that I had a mental breakdown. It is obvious that I survived my first semester of college, so I would basically tell myself that everything turns out greatly. Also I would tell my high school senior self that I need to make sure everything is done on time and to save up as much money as possible to pay for college expenses. not covered by the FAFSA money.

Courtney

I would say this as if I was talking to the young me: Transitioning from high school to college isn't easy. It sure isn't easy when you move away from everything and everyone you've ever known. That will be your biggest obstacle to overcome because you'll no longer be the almighty senior in all your high school glory. Remember that just because Mom said you'd have to go to community college because of financial situations doesn't mean your educational career is over. You must always strive. Just because everyone around you is moving onto universities doesn't mean that your path isn't less meaningful or significant. Sure, it's not the ideal situation, but you'll find your way and come to realize that there could be worse things in life. You may develop insecurities that won't dissipate over night, but keep that chin up. Most importantly, be yourself. Be the friendly, goofy person you've always been and you'll find people gravitating towards your positive energy. Have fun and take advantage of moving on from a small pond to the great ocean. You're your biggest critic. Remember that.

Chase

If I were able to go back in time about a year ago when I was a high school senior, I would honestly tell myself, "Hey me, keep up the exceptional work. I know you're dreading the end of your high school career. I know you know that you could've done better your freshman and sophomore year, but finish strong and make the most of your time left here. Don't be scared of all the challenges and obstacles you've heard about college. The majority of people who tell you college is a frightening monster are exaggerating the truth. I know me... and I know you're me from a year ago and I know that you are a very driven and goal-oriented person. Keep striving for everything you wish to achieve because you can do it. The most common misconception about your freshman year in college is that it's a nightmare. It is a bumpy transition, but in the end, your grades will reflect your effort and determination. Keep doing you, so you can still be me a year from now. Like everythin in life, it is what you make it. Stay driven.

Cristin

Late papers don't exist in college; unless u were on your death bed. If only I would have known that as a senior in high school; maybe then I would have been better prepared for the transition. If I could go back and speak to myself as a senior then i would definitely tell my self that Time management is key. Organization skills are a must, I would definitely have to hint to myself about that one. Clutter does exactly that, it clutters your focus, and also ties into time management. If it takes longer to find something because you don?t know where it is then that will definitely throw your schedule off. I would tell myself to definitely be on the professors good side; when in a jam they are the only ones who can be of any kind of assistance and it is all voluntary. If you get on a professors bad side by maybe showing up late on the first day, you had better be prepared to trench through that class. These are some really important things I wish I knew, if i could go back and tell my self this important information I would

Amber

When I was a senior in high school I was dedicated to making high grades and staying at the top of my class. Behind me though, was the motivation of my parents and teachers. In college, there is no one there to keep pushing and persuading you to do your homework or study for a test. " Learn how to motivate yourself to keep your grades up because the teachers in college do not care that you felt sick so you couldn't finish your homework or you didn't understand the concept. It will be your own responsibility to producing quality work with no excuses," is what I would tell myself. Also, we are not at home anymore. The college life gives a person freedom to do whatever they desire. This freedom is what distinguishes you as a drop out student or someone that cares for a good eduacation. I would warn myself to "stay ontop of my game. You have to organize your time wisely and realize what's really important. It's okay to have a little fun on the weekends if you have finished with everything but when it's time to buckle down, then do so."

Christopher

If I could go back into time and give myself advice about my future it would be to work harder and have a focus in life. I slacked off alot in high school because it seems cool to do just to fit in. Now after realizing that I barely made it through that, I could be doing so much more with my life. I proudly serve in the United States Army and worked my way to become a Non commisoned Officer and work in a leadership position now. If I knew I would be in the Army when I was in high school, I would have worked harder to better myself prior to joining the service. I could be a much higher rank and have more respect for myself and from others. So my advice would be to stay focus, work through the hard times and strive to be the best person that you could become.

Anna

If there's any advice I could give to high school seniors it would be not to give up. The application process for scholarships and admission to college can be quite overwhelming but it is very worth it. I would advise myself to plan ahead to meet deadlines more readily and to go after more scholarships. I would also remind myself that the next four years of my life is going to be all about ME and what I want to do for the rest of my life. I would advise myself to look into the future and choose a career not only based on the life style it may help me create but the amount of happiness it will bring. I truely believe that happiness is worth much more than money. I would tell myself to keep pushing through senior year, to battle through the SAT, and keep my GPA up, so that I will have the opportunity to pursue a college education and live a life that I love.

Bredric

If i could go back in time and talk to myself when i was a high school senior i would tell myself alot of things.I feel that i was more than ready for the transition from high school to college in every aspect except financial. Therefore, the things i would advise myself are financially based. I would advise myself to apply for more scholarships because college is very expensive. I would tell myself to work harder in the summer that way i would have more money for the fall. These are the things i would tell myself.

Ashley

Dear Ashley, You have finally made it! You?re a big senior in high school at the top of your class. Everyone around you is rooting for you, what are you planning to do after this? Helen Keller once said, ?College isn?t the place to go for ideas,? you have to strive and remember the importance of the outcome. Your peers will try to bring you down with them. ?Why you want to study now, come to this party tonight,? they might say. Keep holding your head up high and stick to what you know will benefit you. There will be plenty of times where you want to give up, but believe and surround yourself with positive people. This will ultimately get you through college and lead you to a successful life. So this is your time to shine! Don?t let all that smartness go to waist. Have fun, but stay focus. Love, Ashley

Elizabeth

Study, study, STUDY!!! I can not emphasize the importance of studying. I have failed several classes due to lack of studying and being unprepared. I would go back to myself as a high school senior and tell myself to learn to study in high school. I didn't have to study in high school and unfortunately translated that to college. I have learned the hard way to study, study, STUDY! Academics may not seem important in college, but they translate to success later in life. I will always pass this piece of golden wisdom on to younger students, family members, and even my own children. I do not wish for anyone to go through what I have gone through.

Jodi

If i could go back in time, i wouldn't really tell myself to do anything different than i'm doing now, but instead i would just reassure myself that i can do it. That i shouldn't phych myself out just because i will be a freshman again. I would also tell myself not to worry about picking a school that is three hours away, because no matter what my family will support me and love me, and will always be with me just like they are now.

Elizabeth

I know a lot of teachers, counselors and family often 'push' the tougher classes in high school; the sciences, advanced mathematics, some 'AP' classes; but they could be worth the extra time and struggle once you get into college. I see now that enjoying my senior year and not taking Physics because my friends didn't - may make succeeding in the college version tougher than necessary! Also, quitting my part-time job before my senior year may have kept me from starting college with a small or medium bank account which would be helpful now. And buying that old 'cool' car, because most of my friends had one is costing mom and I plenty on repairs. I am paying a little more of my own expenses than I had imagined, so my new work-study job is hard-pressed to keep me in 'spending money'. Many times mom said I should have.......

Zoya

Dear Self, DONT WORRY ABOUT TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING! Stick to what you love to do best. You've know since you were little what you love to do, and thats all you need. Don't worry about being too well-rounded, worry more about trying to pass the AP tests and doing dual credit, it will save you a lot of time and money when you get here. Also make sure that the college you choose to go to has everything that you need to get the best out of your major. Your going to love college, so don't stress. And if you don't know how to do something or you have any question, DON'T be afraid to ask. There are NO stupid questions. P.S. DO YOUR FAFSA EARLY.....a lot of people need money just as much as you do!

Allison

There are so many little things that I would tell myself If I could go back in time. Slow down; enjoy every moment you have; dont worry so much about your gpa, it is not the most important thing in the world; spend time with your family because before you know it, all this time that you are taking for granted will be gone. The main thing that I would tell myself is to not quit, but give everything that you pursue, your all. There are so many things that I quit simply because they "were not cool" that looking back would have greatly enhanced my life. And while all of these things may seem minute, it is incredibly frusterating to know how different my life could have been if I only had a little more experience.

Kimberly

When I was in high school, I was very good at doing the absolute minimum amount of work necessary to make A's and B's. This made me cocky, and I assumed that I was above public education. I also assumed that I would not have to make any more effort in college to make good grades than I had in high school. Toward the end of my freshman year of college, I learned (the hard way) that this was not the case. If I could talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that many of the college classes I would eventually take would be infinitely more stimulating than high school had been. However, I would warn myself that while several of my core classes would feel insultingly elementary, laziness would get me nowhere in college. I would tell myself that I would later decide to go to graduate school, and that I should be keeping up my grades and working for as many scholarships as possible.

Sara

When I was in high school I had a few jobs. My senior year I was working at TCBY, a frozen yogurt place. It was a fun job and I was making pretty good money. Some how I had it in my head that saving wasn't important. I made lots of money, and spent lots of money. If I could say anything to myself then; it would be to save my money and not spend it on foolish things I don't need. I need more money then I can count on my hands and toes and I spent a whole boat load. I would tell myself to save it all because we need it. If I had saved more then, i wouldn't have needed the loans I took out and might deter my education. I would also tell myself to have more fun and not stress out so much. Life is an advanture and I need to enjoy it, not hide from it.

Olivia

BE PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT WORLDVIEWS AND BELIEFS! Learn to develop a poker face and be respectful of others' points of view. Nobody really cares what you wear to class, as long as you have something on. Don't be so freaked out about being on your own; you'll love it, even if you think you're going to miss your hometown friends too much. It's easier to make friends if you get plugged into an organization. You'll learn to function on 3 hours of sleep, seeing as how you're going to stay out late having fun and hanging out with friends who are going to change your life. Studying is actually necessary in college. It's harder to stay focused on God in college, but it is definitely possible; just stay strong and don't lose sight of what is important.

Sarah

Do not be afraid. You are well prepared for this. Always pay attention, go to class, and try your hardest. There is nothing to be afraid of. The most important thing you can do is stay calm, take it all one day at a time, and remember to have fun. Try to find time to relax but do not let schoolwork slip. College can be difficult, but you are ready for it. Fear will freeze you in your place. You have to fight that fear and take every step necessary to get to your goal of graduation and graduate school. Jump into college with everything you have. Do the reading, finish the assignments, and get some sleep when you can. There are always people around to support you, so do not feel overwhelmed. Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit that you do not understand something. Above all, have confidence that you know what you are doing and that you can accomplish anything you attempt as long as you try as hard as possible.

Bryan

Remember these words throughout college: Do what is best for you and be happy. This requires you to know your needs, your desires, and your responsibilities. Learn your strengths and your weaknesses, and then develop ways to make them benefit you. Colleges and universities allow you to create your own schedule, so you want to make sure that you engage yourself not overloading yourself. When I say ?know your needs?, I mean that you must pay attention to your personal, academic, and professional development. This includes your health, your technical abilities, and your lifestyle. With these in mind, you will be able to develop study habits that include exercise for your mind, your body, and your spirit. This includes taking breaks. When I say ?know your desires?, I mean that you must know what you want out of life and keep that in mind when you make life-changing decisions. Choose classes, internships, and jobs that line up with the desires of your heart. When I say ?know your responsibilities?, I mean that you should prioritize your duties by importance. You must take care of yourself, your academics, your professional development, and your networks, in that order.

Shamber

I would tell myself to prepare better for the AP courses and tests.

Alexandra

The advice i would give to my younger self would be to Relax, and SAVE! Save your money, focus on working the hardest you can in highschool, take advantege of what everyone has to offer, the harder you work now, the bigger pay off in the end! Ask all that your brain can think of, quench the thirst of curiousity. Take advantage of all that interests you in highschool, think of it as a test run to understanding who you are inside. Even though it seems useless, these are the hoops you must go through to become a well rounded person. A literate person cannot be fooled! This transistion will be awkward but exciting, someones been in your shoes before so keep your head held high!

Shannon

College is not a time to relax and take it easy. Especially as a music major it is time to work as hard as ever. Don't procrastinate and when you know you need to do something do it whether or not you want to do it. Go out and get involved thats the best way of making friends, or more important go to study sessions they help you do better in your classes and also meet people who are in your class. College life will be a whole different ball park, your not going to know people and you are going to be out of your comfort zone, but college is the place to do what you want so the best way to transition is meet people and just try hard because the only people you are trying hard for is yourself, so just try to be the best you can be.