University of Phoenix-Colorado Campus Top Questions

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

vanessa

I would advise myself to focus, study harder and get better grades. I would tell myself to take my life more serious and focus on math and mastering the skill. Being a high school senior, I didn't plan for my future realistically. Having a plan of action would've helped to save time and money going through college and striving for my dreams. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to wait to have children and get my education first.

Scott

If I could go back in time to my time as a high school senior, I would really encourage my younger self not to waste ANY time in college. I would encourage myself to focus on my studies, as well as my sport. I was a full-time student athlete in college, and I think I missed the opportunity to get the most out of my educational situation. I would remind myself that my time in college is short, and that there will come a time when I would WANT those times back. That learning experience and opportunity back. If I could go back, I would encourage myself that spending four years at school, and earning my Bachelor's degree when I am in the 20's will be much easier than doing it in my 30's and trying to earn my Masters in my 40's. I would tell myself to take ADVANTAGE of the time now, or else I will need to spend it later. Use your time NOW, while you have the energy, drive, and the desire!

Michelle

I would befriend and mentor myslef stating how critical going to college after highschool would be.The changes in the economy and changes in employment without a degree is critical to succeding. I would state that the knowledge base is fresh in my mind and my youth would be best spent on earning a degree in order to set myself up as a independant woman. To be strong, give the best example to my children and be able to provide for them.

Amber

When thinking about talking to myself as a high school senior there are a lot of things that I would say and talk to myself about. First and foremost I would tell myself that college is very important and it is better to go at a younger age. I would explain that after children come along that they take most of your time and that it is very difficult to go to college and have a family. I would also tell myself that it is very important to have fun at a younger age. Go to college, do not grow up too fast, do not start a family so young, and live your life.

Amy

As a high school senior, take the summer to get organized. Get a job or internship in a field that you are interested in. Doing that will help you decide before entering college with either an undeclared major or picking a major that you are unsure about. Talk to as many people as possible in that field to gather important information, such as income, logistics, etc. Look for a college that fits all your needs. You want to be happy in college and not miserable. Make sure that you have been saving money and not spending it on useless junk. Listen to your gut instincts - not peers advice! Apply for every legitiment scholarship you can, because free money is free!

Lindsey

I would tell myself that I need to focus more on school and what I would like to do with the rest of my life. I would also give myself some heads up on what types of things I would experience trying to get into school. Letting myself know what I would end up doing and where I would end up going might help; however, knowing myself I would follow the same path I did and make it to where I am now.

Jennifer

I would tell myself to never stop believing. Life is funny- you never what each day will bring, and its so important to realize how strong, capable, independent, and intelligent you are. Never let others who may be envious of your success drag you into their negativity- if the grass seems greener on someone else's side of the lawn, maybe they should attend to their own lawn instead of focusing on what they do not have. I would remind myself of who I am, where I came from, and what I believe in. Always do your best, and understand that sometimes everyone needs to take a moment and simply breathe; it is not failure to step back and re-group. Most of all, I would tell myself that I can, and will- succeed, as long as I put my best effort into everything I set out to accomplish.

Sidney

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now, I'd have a lot of advice to give myself. First, I'd say to be more open minded about selecting a school to attend instead of having my mind set on a school before even having done any research on my options. It is so important to know what you're getting into in the beginning if you really want to be able to achieve long-term goals. Next, I'd tell myself it's not an obligation or right to attend college, it's an opportunity and privilege. Having a college education can afford one more in life and definitely open up more doors for different careers. Last, I'd tell myself not to take anytime off school and do everything possible to stay in school. It is a lot harder to go back later than to finish the first time. The obstacles that present themselves become bigger and more complicated with each year that goes by. Having known and really understanding these things as a high school senior would have made a huge difference.

Jennifer

The transition into college is easier than I thought. I have let the intimidation of college life keep me from continuing my education for 15 years. If I could go back in time and hold a conversation with myself in regard to the making the transition, my life would be completely different. My advice would be simple. Life happens, whether you are in college, married, working full-time, or all of the above. Nobody ever has enough time for college, nor are they financially ready. Stop making excuses and start making a future. I wish I would have heard those words back in high school. Maybe now, I would not have to juggle as much as I do.

Jessica

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to researh exactally what I want to do before deciding where to attend college. I would also tell myself to research more scholarhips and grants since my parents couldn't afford to put me thorough college .

Stanley

I would not have dropped out of college in 1976.

Joshua

If given the chance to go back and speak with my high school self, I would have said that high school really does go by fast and that I should put the time and effort into completing it with the best of my abilities. I would have said that I woudn't keep any of the same friends after I left and that it was a mistake to invest my time in them and not in my grades. Then I would have told myself to take the time and think about what I really like to do that could also have a good future. I would remind myself that I love working with computers and that there is enormous need for skilled computer technicians. And although i wanted to take a break from school after high school, i would tell myself that I really regretted waiting so long to go back to because I would be almost thirty before I can achieve a masters degree in anything. The best advice I would give, however, would be; stop thinking only about the present and give thought more often to where you want to be.

Megan

The advice I would give myself would be to save more money to prepare for book costs and everything not covered by loans, grants and scholarships. I would tell myself to make sure i had a real desk and a laptop instead of pc to spend more time with my kids in separate parts of the house instead of the back room. Homework is pretty simila, except I would warn myself to get as much done as possible early on and just submit when it is due instead of waiting until the day before or day of.

kathryn

Don't waste time. Don't think if you take a year or two off school to work to do whatever that it will be easy to get back in school. An education is essential today for you to succeed in any field of work. So don't put if off like I did for 30 years because now if I'm lucky, I'll be eaarning my degree and getting my "ideal dream job" just in time to retire. Don't make the mistake I made, and if you do decide to wait for whatever reason, just make sure you do go back. I'm a perfect example that you're never too old to do whatever you need to to make a better life for yourself. I went back to school at age 49 to show my children and my grandchildren that it's never too late to learn.

Samantha

Senior year is not all about the parties, prom and boyfriends. Working hard will pay off in the end, even if it kills you now. College is an essential part of life these days, and being shoved into the real world will quickly prove that. You might not know it now but if you work hard enough, the joy and satisfaction you will feel is unlike anything else. The advice I have to give is stick to what you believe in and your dream can be achieved. Stay determined and focused, and although there may be bumps in the road, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As you complete each class, it means one step closer to your ultimate dream which will make your family and friends proud, and even more importantly, you will make yourself proud. I know everyone says it's a whole new ballgame when you reach college, but don't be afraid because you've seen higher mountains. Stay strong and work hard and it will all be worth it in the end!

Jennifer

When you hit senior year of high school the choice you have to make to graduate and the decision of what college you will attend is a heavy burden. When I was faced with the question of what school, I looked into several different options from community college, 2year programs, 4year programs, and wither or not to take time off in between. The choice to take time off, was a good choice, it gave me time to breath and really thinks about what I wanted to do with my future. I also felt it gave me time to really review school choices and make the best choice for me. I completed my Associate Degree in Accounting in a 2 year program, and then found a job in a job related field. After a few years I decided to go back to school and complete my Bachelor Degree in Accounting and hope in the future to do my Masters. I would say taking time to think about my education and make the right choice for me was what has made my learning experience eventful and a time that I enjoy.