University of Phoenix-Online Campus Top Questions

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

andetrius

College is not as scary as it appears to be, there is not much of a difference between college work and high school work. It is the next level in heightening your education and becoming an all around better person. That being said, I a piece of advice I would give is to give it your all. If you receive any score or grade less than perfect, it will be okay as long as you know you gave it your all. The feeling of knowing you could have done better, is not a great one. One difference that you will notice quickly during the transaction is that learning becomes about 99.9 percent of your responsibility and only about 00.1 percent of the instructors. This means that giving it your all will have to be fueled by a lot of self-motivation.

Sophia

I would tell myself that I should be a better student in high school and not have taken the easy classes. To pay attention in class and have a better attitude. I would tell myself that college is a great learning platform much better than high school. The class load is not like high school with several classes rather a few classes with more concentrated school work. I would tell myself that although I didn't care for high school that I enjoy college. I would admit that I would love to be a professional student. How much I became a sponge in college and relished every minute of it. The course work is challenging but not overwhelming and that I would learn a great deal. My advice to myself would be that not to waste time and be my own best friend. College can be a great ego booster and fulfilling. I can find the self-confidence that I would need because of the sucess that I would have in college. The transition between high school and college can be a lot easier than what it seems and that it is the greatest thing I could do for myself.

Emily

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to first take my ACT seriously. I wasn't completely tuned into my junior year and I wish that I would have studied more and taken my ACT more seriously. I would also tell myself to save the money that I did have for school because school is more expensive than you think. I would strongly encourage my younger self to wait on buying a laptop right after graduation. I could have saved that money for school and bought it at a later date. I would push myself toget in the mind set of get an on campus job my first semester and start saving for school sooner. I know that I did a very smart thing by coming to a community college. I would remind myself that community college is the smart choice and there is still lots of involvement opportunities there. I thought I knew what I wanted to do when I started college. If I could go back I would encourage myself to take time doing basic classes. I wouldn't rush into a major or transfer plan if I wasn't 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure.

Wendy

I would tell myself first off, not to transfer out of the techinal school she was in. I was taking Culinary Arts at the time but was given an opportunity to go to a private school the last year because I was so stressed out going to public school. If I had just stayed for that last year, I could have obtained a certificate and gotten a position at any number of fine dining restaurants or perhaps attended a culinary college. I would also tell my younger self not to worry about college just yet. Get things together in your life then work on attending when you know you can devote a certain block of time to it. I went through so much trouble trying to attend college before I was ready at one point I thought it wasn't meant for me to go. Now I am satisfied and confident that this is the perfect time and I am attending the perfect university.

Tawana

Looking back as a high school student I would have told me self that statistics change and you can make a difference. Stay focused and go for the goal because you are somebody. Becoming a teenage mother doesn't mean that your life is over. Don't give up you can do this for yourself and your baby. So stay strong because the risk is worth the reward.

Audra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would probably tell myself to enter college a little earlier rather than wait as long as I did. By the time I transitioned to school, I was working full time, had just become a first time parent to an adopted toddler, and was out of the loop. However, I wouldn’t take it back for the world. Having those moments of feeling completely overwhelmed made me that much more determined to succeed. I would also remind myself that college is tough at times, and no one is perfect. I would tell myself to “just breathe” because there were times I struggled to do so. I would tell myself that I am only human, and not perfect, and to do the best I can. Even if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing. I worked hard to get where I am, and am very proud of the path I chose. I’ve been accepted into an MSW program, and I wish to better myself even further. As tough as it will be, it will be worth it in the end.

Franklin

Self, make sure you apply yourself in the learning process. Develop some time management skills NOW. Go ahead and start saving for your education. You already have a job, don't waste your money. Put it into a savings account and let it grow. Paying yourself now will payoff in the future. Study, study hard, and study often.

maggie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to look into more scholarship options because the hardest part of college is paying for it. I paid for 3 years of college out of my own pocket which meant working two jobs and going to school at the same time, and my grades reflect it. I spent more time at work than in class and if I could go back and invest more time in my studies I would. I would tell myself that college isn't worth the money if you can't make the grades. I would tell myself to stay focused and not to bite off more than I can chew.

Samantha

Sam, I should be telling you to stay in school or don't do drugs, but I won't. These are two very important lessons to learn but there is even one more important. Trust God. Before making any rash decisions, think about the consequences. Pray before you decide. I'm not talking about what flavor soda to buy, I'm talking about major aspects of your life. The questions involving the bigger picture. Should I stay in school? Trust God for that answer. Should I have children while I'm still young? Trust what God is telling you. Maybe he tells you through a song or puts someone in your life that had kids young so that you can see their struggles, I don't know how He'll do it, but He will. Believe in yourself, Samantha. Believe that you were created for goodness. Never think that you are not good enough for this world, it is this world that is not good enough for you. Stay emotional and do not be afraid to cry. Some of your best work has been completed after a few tears. Be strong but stay feminine. I love you, girl. Samantha Ann

Maya

If I could go back in time to September of 2012 and talk to myself, then I would assure myself that I would succeed and not to give up. At that point, things were going horribly sour at my high school, and I was suffering from rowdy classrooms, irritating classmates, and one student in particular whom chose to constantly bully and antagonize me. It was a terrible experience for me, and I was getting incredibly stressed out and losing focus. I didn't feel like I could make it through the rest of the year like that. I would mention the college experience program that I entered in December 2012 and advise myself to get my father to look up ways for me to get out of that environment sooner. It would have saved me a few months of pain and severals days of conflict had I known there was another option out there for me besides going through that trouble. I would also mention how much better the college campus would be from my high school and how I'll love it and be able to study and focus much better.

sarah

Highschool was very hard for me. My home life was always a mess. My mother was unstable and used physical painful abuse as discipline. Often times she was drinking and drunk. I had to protect my sister against my mother's beatings. I came to the school counselor because a student complained about the bruising on my body. This was caused by a 9 iron golf club from my mother. The counselor wanted to make sure I was safe and called the police. Things got worse at home and I was so scared for my life. My grades suffered because of the intense fear I endured. My mother kicked me out of the house when I was a junior in high school. The one thing I would tell myself in the past would be, don't worry things will get so much better in the future for you. You deserve the best in life still. You are worth something just keep working hard.

brandon

If i could go back in time i would tell my past self to save my money wisely and not to be so foolish financially. Doing so would allow me to enter college in a more timely manner.

Lysa

Take your time, don't rush. School isn't as scary as you think you can do this. Get online at least two times a day to see whats new and respond to people who post on your posts.

Anastasia

Knowing what I know now I would go back and tell the high school me that I can go to college it is not always easy but I can do it. I would also tell my high school self to work harder on my grades in high school. Better grades and more activities means more scholarships I could of gotten. I would just say to my high school self that with the focus and the right mind set anything is capable. Have the determination to follow what my dreams are no matter what anyone else says about me or my dreams.

Deborah

No matter who is mad at you, complete your high school education. There is nothing that can stand in your way. You have the knowledge and the ability to graduate with honors. Life will always throw you curve balls but never give up on your dream. Your dreams are important and some day when you have children, you want them to know that a higher education is the only thing that will allow them success in their life. You do this by setting an example and getting your degree. It does not matter if you have to hold down several jobs to ensure that you complete this task, just never allow anything to keep you from getting the education you so desire. You are a strong woman and will continue to get stronger. Marriage can wait and so can children but your education is going to assist you in making well educated and informed decisions about your life now and in the future. You can do this, Debbie!

Cameo

If I could tell my high school self to keep striving for those high grades. I would push myself to take more honors classes, as they have helped me in college to be ahead of my classmates, since I am already transferring into a Bachelor Sciences in Nursing degree program. I would tell myself to keep believing in myself, because as long as I believe in myself I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I would convince myself to apply to more universities and seek out more scholarship opportunities so I could attend a four year university right out of high school. I would tell myself that no atter what you think of yourself, you can achieve anything if it is truly what you want to do with your life.

Brian

First of all, do not put off college. The earlier you can complete a degree, the faster you can have the job and career you want. Don't let your social life get in the way of your goals and dreams of being a writer one day. Use caution when introducing new people into your life and don't dwell on your failures. These missteps will make you a better person and enable you to grow. Learn as much about computers as you can. This technology will develop at a rapid pace, and those who do not adapt to this new innovation will not survive its impact. Treat others the way you want to be treated and be mindful of others feelings. The world will not resemble the one you live in now. We will pay handsomely for bottled water and the ability to talk on portable phones. The security this nation has in 1989 will not continue much longer and these changes will affect the country collectively for years to come. Focus on your family and provide them the best life you can and most importantly, when you hear about a new company called, Microsoft.....invest, invest invest heavily!

Joshua

The advise i would give myself would be not toget overwellmed with things. also to take my time and not to worry so much about things they will work out.

Mateo

Look, I know that you haven't thought about college in any serious way. But I am here to tell you that it will be one of your proudest moments. I know that the entire idea of college to you is foreign and some what silly, but you will discover that working dead end jobs is frustrating and unfulfilling. The opportunities that you will have as a college student to expand your creative base are near limitless. Instead of complaining that you have no time to be creative, you will be bombarded with nothing but time to explore all the new found methods and materials that have been offered to you. Some of your greatest artistic strengths are things that you never even knew were possible. And even though you aren't doing so well in your non-art related classes, you will learn to apply the same work ethic you have with your art to other aspects of your life. I know that you must think I'm crazy with all this talk of higher education, but it will truly open up infinite possibilities for you! You will understand eventually that you didn't need the feather to fly.

Brittnie

High School is most peoples eyes is about hanging out with friends and partying.. always talking about the next party. Stay out of the drama, respect your teachers. Stay focused and do your best on every quiz-test. Be friendly to fellow students. No question is a stupid question. ASK!!! You will learn more. Dont get caught up in being your teachers friend or a teachers pet. You will get special priveledges and you wont learn a thing -she/he will pass you with flying colors because she/he likes you. High School is meant for a reason to prepare you for the REAL world. Take the guidence from your teachers and remember to always do your BEST!!!

Jessica

To my high school self, please remember the following as you enter into the real world: -Know your worth and the value you add to the world. Whether it is romantic relationships, your future boss, your instructors, or friendships. Know your worth and set appropriate boundaries. -Knowing your worth doesn’t mean you are better than everyone. Be open to learning new things and other people’s views. A shallow mind equals a shallow life. The value you can add to the world increases when you have an open mind. -You will spend the rest of your life learning. Don’t think you know it all. -It is a privilege to have an education, especially a college education. Don’t complain. - Be solution orientated, a true problem solver. If you don’t like something, put your energy into fixing it- not complaining about it. -Your education and knowledge is something no one will ever be able to take away from you. Your education is priceless. -Your actions now, good and bad, can follow you the rest of your life. Act appropriately. -Life is precious and too short sometimes. Please don’t forget to enjoy your youth!

Tina

I would tell myself to take time off for myself and not jump right into college because you never know what life holds for you. I would probably also tell myself that if I do happen to go to college to decide on the right major and not drop out because it is best to keep going and hang in there than to drop out and transfer. I think I would also tell myself that everything is worth waiting for and not to give up faith.

Rachele

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to go to community college. I would tell myself that I attended private school, completed my degree and I have never found a job in that field. After 6 years of looking, I decided to go back to school. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start in a community college, with the field of Respiratory Therapy. If I had started with my current school, I would have a great career and virtually no student loan debt. I wish I had been told that community college was a great option for new students. Beyond my choice in school and degree, I feel like I had made the right choices. I never partied, drank, or did drugs in college my first time around. I worked hard, joined many extracurricular activities and did my best to be a well-rounded student. I would just remind myself how important it is to love what I am doing, and live a good life. I would tell my high school self to feel proud of my accomplishments, to always look forward and to keep moving towards a better life.

Britni

College can either be the best or the worst experience of your entire life depending on how you treat it. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell me a few things. I would definatley be sure to tell myself to get involved! The more things that you are involved in, the more experience and knowledge you gain to only help you. I would also tell myself to enroll in my school's duel credit program to get college credits. It is a way of saving a lot of money. Also, I would say to start saving money as soon as possible. College is not a cheap route and I wish I would have saved so much more money then I did. My final advice to myself would be to stay on task and always ask for help if needed. I do not think college is anything like high school. In high school you got a lot of get out of jail free cards where in college you do not get that. Pay attention, be prepared and never be afraid to ask for help. There is always room for improvement.

Todd

I would have told myself to mature faster and get serious about my education then as opposed to know (25 years later). In addition, I would have showed myself then the plethora of research that shows a positive correlation between income level and educational attainment and the research that shows a negative relationship between education level and unemployment. In essence the higher one’s educational attainment, the less likely one is to be unemployed.

Lisa

Don't wait 15 years to go back to school!!!!

Alfonse

You will find an enjoyment in building your own business. Take the time you have now to apply at University of Phoenix online, because if you wait until you are 31, you will be struggling a lot. Wait to have kids and schedule yourself wisely. The plan that works best is from 9pm until about midnight. That gives you more than enough time for play and study. It will be trying at times, but look at what you will be if you do not start immediately. I am 31 and have no job or enjoyment. My / your daughter keeps me sane, but I am lonely from all the stupid decisions in your future, my past. Lastly, do not give up hope. The ones you love most will hurt you because they do not fully understand and that will hinder college life severely. University of Phoenix is the best school I have ever gone to and is much easier than all the years you spent in high school. I need to get back to my time now, but remember to keep reading people and use the knowledge I have given you along with what we already know and you will succeed.

Zachary

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get more actively involved in the community, to actively try and engage myself into activities that will build and shape a better me for the future. Community involvement is the most crucial aspect in developing the kind of person you become in the future, and by learning how to effectively communicate with others in a community, you build strong leadership and organization skills that can truly benefit in the future.

Tiffany

Reading is everything , taking notes is a close second running neck and neck with asking questions. The most important thing I would tell myself about transitioning would be, dont read ahead to far on your schedule it only makes your time feellike its dragging. Each blockof classes is its on but they all tie together to make one lesson so PAY ATTENTION!

Valencia

I would most likely give myself the advice to strive harder than ever in my senior year of high school. I would study more and get more help in math after school when it was available to better assist me in my college math classes. This would result in me currently having a much higher G.P.A. because I would have ended my college math classes a lot higher than I actually did.

papa malick deme

l just want go to school and get my degree.

Cindie

I would first tell myself that as long as I keep myself motivated that I can achieve anything that I set for myself. In life we have to be patient and work hard for what we want, and to always remain positive.

Brittany

Don't change a thing, keep on trucking even though military and schooling is difficult it's well worth the benefits and the rewards. Maybe if you had the chance, take that softball scholarship and run with it.

Shalonda

Start planning a head for college and apply to schoolarships before finishing high school. Be sure that you understand the cost of education. Understand if college is the right decision for you. Knowing that their is opportunity in the field of your choice. Seeing what type of schools can meet your needs. Go to college right after high school without a delay.

Danielle

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, it would be to apply myself and make the memories count. HighschooI will be the last days of your adolescent years. Also, to take school and it's classes seriously, not to just blow it off like it doesn't matter. This last year in highschool is your opportunity to better yourself, to help you reach your lifetime goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. I'd let her know how cruital the time is for our future and all of our plans. I would most definitely give her some words of encouragement, because I know just how badly she needed it. I would tell her it's time to open up, don't be so closed off to others. You'll meet many new people in college and have so many wonderful experiences. Apply yourself now and it'll be a little easier of a transition into college. It's hard work but in the long run it will pay off, and you'll thank yourself every day for putting in the effort and accomplishing your dreams. Keep your head held high, you've got this.

Sarah

I had a really hard time in high school. My junior year I lost two grandparents and my parents split up. I spent most of my high school years struggling with depression and having very few friends. I didn't care about school because I didn't realize then how much it affects my college now. If I could change anything about high school I would have focused more on my grades and showing my full potential rather then trying to have friends and boyfiends. I now realize that when my teachers, family, and friend were telling me to do the best I can so I can have a better future, they were not kidding. Neither my mom nor dad even made it to high school, now you would think I would have taken their advide. But I let my stubborn high school mind get the best of me. I cannot go back and change the past and my grades so I just try to do my best in college and show my full potential.

Tyler

High school may seem like nothing, but it is everything. Do not rush it. Although it may not seem like it, high school will be the best time of your life. Enjoy it with no regrets. You learn so many lessons from high school. Also, take your academics seriously. If not, it will come back to haunt you. You will see kids pursuing their dreams by going to big time colleges while you'll be there stuck at a community college because that's the only option you really have. College is very independent. You really have to force yourself to get through it. The teachers are no longer going to baby you. They honestly do not care if you pass or not. They are still getting paid. Set your priorities straight and realize responsibility is key. This is your future so it must be taken seriously. As long as 4 years may seem, high school will pass with a blink of an eye. Do everything in your power to make them the best 4 years of your life because as soon as you walk across that stage, life will hit you harder than you would imagine.

Sasha

I would make sure I understand how important education is, and how hard it's been without a degree. I would've told myself not to put school off, it's too important to wait on.

Colette

I am not sure that I can do this in 200 words. Follow your heart but take your brains with you. It may not be popular, some may snicker, but if you want to be in theatre NOW is the time to test those waters. You WILL NOT regret it. Go away to college, you know you should, but mom said she’d pay if you went to nursing school and well, she won’t. So leave, that’s really what you want. Don’t let the initial soul wrenching homesickness get you. It’s hard, even though you wanted this, but it WILL pass. Eat less macaroni and cheese and more salad. Take voice lessons. Remember, not matter how much you love him, you have the rest of your life to be married, embrace this time in your life. Your children will be beautiful and wonderful human beings, but you have the rest of your life to love and worry about them too. Exercise, you won’t be 19 forever. Above all, remember that you are a strong, capable, talented young woman. The world is your oyster if you give yourself a break and embrace it with confidence.

Heather

At one time I was a high school student, a very long time ago, I messed around knowing I was very smart and could do the work without going to class. Now that I know life was going to take its ups'n'downs then I would have paid more attention and went straight into the military and then to college. School is hard at an older age (35) but then again I am glad I learned what I have throughout life. I am so happy for myself that I have finished my associates degree but did not realize it was going to cost so much. I am so afraid that I will not be able to find a great job to pay the bills and to pay my loan back. I have lost a small business, a home, and a vehicle. I have made a lot of money for a few years then lost it all. So here I am starting over..... and I am overly excited to see what the future has to bring.

Brittany

Pay attention more in every single class, and take very good notes. Things you may not think you'll need; you will most certainly need. Don't wait until last minute for where you want to go. Send out applications your junior year, and have a top ten school list so if you don't get into the school you want, you have other options. Apply so a ton of scholarships every week so you have some sort of a chance at getting a scholarship or two.

Jeffrey

Give yourself time to do work for every class and study then reward yourself.

Darlene

Going back to my my high school senior year, I would give the following advice to myself. Work harder on school work and not focus so much on my job. With hard work all dreams can come true. I would tell myself not to listen to the discouraging words from family telling me that my dream job was not a good career and I would never make anything of myself. Instead of going to work full time after high school, I would have told myself to focus on school. The full time job can come later in life once the education is finished.

JAMES

The first advice I would give myself is to be prepared. Many students go into college as it were a graduation from the 11th grade to the 12th. They feel that its something that must be done so they follow protocol. Preparation is a big part of college life. It reminds me of businesses that fail in the first two years of its existence because the preparation wasn't done and the dedication was subduded by distractions of college life. As a result many fail in their first two years as well.

Kassandra

I would tell myself that I should have started college as soon as I got out of high school instead of waiting until I was in my mid 20's and had a child. College life would have been much easier and I could have already had a few degrees if I had chose not to wait.

Ryley

Being able to talk to myself in high school would be a surreal experience. I would go back to the day before my freshman year. I would give myself one warning, "Put all of your efforts into your schooling, we miss so many opportunities and have to take extra classes because we screw around here." My Freshman self would have a puzzled look on his face, not only about the wonders of my time travel, but of how I slipped from where I wanted to be. Valedictorian was my goal, and in his eyes we should have gone the distance.I would also encourage myself to stay with the Honors/AP track it can be very useful in shortening our long trek through our education. Our endgame is politics after gaining our Master's Degree of Business Administration, and to achieve it we must stay vigilant and determined. As I feel the time portal close I look my younger self in the eye and make him promise to keep determined. As I return to my time I wonder if I have influenced the future with the talk I just had with me.

Katarina

If I could go back to my senior year and tell myself advice, it would be to actually attend school, do my work, and graduate,; becasuse going into college is way different then high school. No one is there telling you to go or making you do your work, you have to take responsibilities for your actions and hold yourself accountable. I would tell myself to push harder and learn everything i could while i have the chance. College is different becuase if you mess up and lose your motivation the only person that suffers is you and no one is gonna sit you down and tell you whats going to happen before it actually takes place, college the only person really looking out for you is you, so self accountability is key.

Patricia

How fun it would be to have coffee with the past-self during senior year of high school! I personally remember the feeling of excited uncertainty that I was full of back then. I was ready to tackle the world and had a solid plan of what I was going to do to accomplish that task; a plan that, like most, didn't pan out exactly as intended! I could tell that past-self about the near future: that I would try teaching as an assistant and find out that wasn't for me and change my major from Education as a result. I could tell myself that I would need to quit in school less than two years to take care of my terminally ill grandfather, and wouldn't graduate with AA's until 2008. However, I wouldn't do any of this. My path has led me to Human Resources, something I never knew I'd love! I would not want to do anything to steer myself from all the life lessons I've had. I would just ask Past-Me to tell me all about her life... the chance to reminisce would be priceless.

Nancy

Research your career goals according to the state laws and regulations where you plan to begin the career, and know what requirements are expected toward the educational goals. Make sure the educational goals are realistic and attainable and that the learning institute is accrediated and reputable prior to selecting the college. If you plan to work while attending school, he or she must continue to monitor and adjust academic studies as first priority and make sure that the employer is willing to accommodate the students adademic work because time has to be allocated for reading, learning, testing, and equally important, rest and nutrition. One can't argue that during the adademic years, each student generally receives through his or her grading just how much effort the individual was willing to committ to. What each individual is willing to sacrefice for the sake of learning typically reflects on the gpa.

Joel

It is August of 2002 and I had just been informed that I am the Walton High School Valedictorian. Sitting in the launch room, everyone that knows about my achievement congratulates me. As I eat launch I started reminiscing about Grandmother Sarah and my future goals. Grandmother is my inspiration for everything I do. Born in Tema, Ghana, I am the only boy out of four siblings. I was raised by my Grandmother. I joined my parents in New York because of the failing health of my grandmother. My goal is becoming a doctor and taking care of grandmother. I am a step closer to helping my grandmother… “JOEL, I need you to snap out of your thoughts. My words are limited so please do not ask any questions. Got it?” Yes sir! “In a couple of days from now, Grandmother Sarah will die. You will be very devastated and give up on your college dreams. You will join the US Marines, have lots of fun but eventually you will go back to college. I need you to remember this: Honor God; have the courage to do what is right; commit to your goals and help and serve people.”