University of Phoenix-Online Campus Top Questions

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

Michelle

The biggest piece of advice I would give myself would be to not get pregnant. I was never able to finish high school because I got pregnant and decided to drop out after my freshman year. Granted things have worked out and I have a good life now. Things would have been easier had I decided to wait to have a child. Actually strike all that... everything has worked out and I wouldn't want to tell myself anything that might alter my future. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children and even though for most of my life I have felt like I was given lemons, the lemonade sure is refreshing.

Erica

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and the transition, I would advise myself to possibly take the one year off of school as planned but not to take anymore time than that off. One year turned into ten and even though I am doing well in classes and am more responsible now than I would have been then, I could be much further in a career I love instead of just working a job that does not bring me very much pleasure or fulfillment in life. My advise to any high school senior is not to wait on their education if they ever plan on continuing it, but to take advantage of a college education as soon as possible.

Deborah

I would tell myself focus on finishing high school and attend a community college by taking math courses. In addition, I would advise myself to seek counseling from community colleges regarding my future interest in life. I would also visit different colleges outer state along with major hands -on job opportunities in a part time job. I would apply myself in understanding financial aid information for saving and investing my income for my future education. I main objective would be to try to focus on what exactly I would like to spend four to eight years in college in completing a masters degree. In accomplighing my goals, I would write down three seperate career goals for my futrue. I would educate myself on the requirements and amount of time it would take me to get there. In addition, I would speak with a progessional career counselor to seek advise in the steps I should take in order to stay on track. Knowing what I know today, I would implement a four year strategy plan to succeed in reaching my goals. Getting married early in life is something I would not get involved in at a young age.

Denise

My high school senior year was far from being a rewarding experience. I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I attended a school where there was much violence. Unfortunately, I did not complete my senior year. I was working two jobs to support myself. Three years later, I obtained my GED. As soon as I received my diploma, I enrolled in a community college. I always knew there was something better out there. I obtained my associate's degree in nursing in 2003. I hit a bump in 2008, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was also six months pregnant at the time. Despite going through a horrible experience, I knew there was much more in life that I needed to accomplish. I am currently enrolled at University of Phoenix Online BSN program. Looking back at my childhood and high school years, I wish I had someone (a counselor, or role model) that could have guided me in making wise choices. Things are much different now, my oldest daughter will be attending college in the Fall. She is a great student. Thankfully, her transition will be a lot easier than mine. Sincerely, Denise Miranda

Amy

Responsibilities come sooner than you want. Responsibilities aren't just a part of the future, they're a part of your past and your present. Choices you've already made have impacted your future, choices you're making now cannot be covered over by hiding from them in the future. The future is not the time to start planning for your life's path. That time has come and gone, spend every present moment making up for wasted time. Parents and authority figures have told you you're not an adult, you're young and wisdome only comes with age. What they don't know, is adulthood comes with responsibilities and the responsibility of your future started long ago. Act wise young, educate yourself no matter the sacrifice and plan for your future as if it starts today.

Jessica

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to start college right away. After school I told myself that I needed a year off. In that year I met a boy and got pregnant. Because of this I put school off for years. Finally, I met my husband. I got pregnant with my second child and was put off of work because of a pregnancy related illness. That is when me and him sat down and decided that it was finally time for me to go back to school. I wish that I could go back and tell myself to go to school and get my education sooner than later. If I would have done this I would be more financially stable and able to provide better for my family. That is the best advice that I could ever tell myself.

tameeka

I will tell myself not to wait so long. Getting back into school is a lot more difficult than going straight through to college. Keep focused and head for the dream. Be understanding and don't stop. Every dream you make will come true, just strive for the best and don't stop until you get it.

wendy

I would tell myself to work hard so that I could get scholarships lined up early. I was unsure about college then and I did not know what I wanted to do so I did not go to college. I would say work hard and get into college because it is worth it. It is really hard to find a job in this economy without a degree.

Ricky

Think seriously about what you want. Talk to the advisors about what you want and get a plan in place for what you need to do, what classes you need to take, and what colleges offer the best program and educational support for you to reach your goal. Start now applying for scholerships and grants, keep looking, there is more avalable than you suspect. Ask for help when you need it, now is not the time for pride to block your way. I'd advise you to not let others discourage you, you learn differently than others but you still learn and you retain what you learn far longer than anyone I know, not only that but you can teach others effectively. Equally important to look for the best inyour education and keep your spirits up, you can do it, I know you can.

Inez

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would advise my self to not give up. In my senior year of high school I stopped looking at different colleges to attend because I did not think that there way a school that would accept me. I had recieved three different letters from colleges declining acceptance. At the time, I was not happy and did not want to fail again. I stopped looking for a college to attend. I then turned to doing drugs and alcohol which led me no where. If I would not have given up I would have been finished with college and on my way into my career.

Dawn

I have asked myself this many times. If I could go back in time and talk to myself, the first thing I would say is do not throw away your future. Get your college education and do not wait. Take the opportunities that lie before you and enjoy the excitement of living life on a college campus and all that goes along with that. Study hard, make friends, take advantage of all the new adventures that open up to you. If you don't, you will regret it because as an adult, you will have to go back to school to earn your degree if you want to help take care of your family. Give yourself a running start, earn your degree now.

Deanna

Knowing what I know now as a sophomore, if I could go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior about college and the transitional process that I will undergo. I would tell myself to go for it with all your heart but pace yourself mentally and physically, I would tell myself this because in college you have to be mentally prepared and physically as well. Mentally you should always be prepared to giving your best, never give what you came up with in ten minutes. As soon as you get your assignments do them do not wait, your best work is what you took your time on and paced yourself. You should prepare yourself physically by being energized and awake when you do your work if you are being lazy and are half-awake it will show in your work. Therefore, I would tell myself to enjoy college, but take it serious this is your future and all the work in college is contributing towards it.

Stephanie

I would go back and let myself know that I need to take the time for my education. I was in such a hurry to grow up and experience life, that I didn't realize that part of the experience was college. I thought that I just need to get out there get a job and start a family. I figured that I would then make the time for college. It didn't work out that way. I needed to take the time to raise my children which was a joyful experience that I chose, but was full of hard times due to money. If I could go back I would go to college first, earn that degree and then find that great job. Having all that in place first and then having my family. I could have given them so much more with a college education.

Kevin

keep your eye one the prize

Bonnie

The advice I would give myself is do not wait to go to college; choose a field of interest and a local school if you are not ready to decide your entire future now but do not put it off. If you are not ready for a full college schedule, take one course a semester until you are ready to pursue a degree full-time. I am 52 years old and working on my college degree for the simple satisfaction of accomplishment; I have a good job but a college degree 30 years ago would have given me more opportunities.

Anthony

The advice I would give to myself if I were able to see myself as a High School senior would be to work hard and learn as much as your can. The college experience is a great way to develop your skills that will be use in your everyday life. These skills will be important to helping to get a good job and apply your education. The transition from high school to college is not always easy. In order to be successful in college it will take patience and dedication to adjust to the learning experience. Once you become familiar with your classes you can begin to focus your attention on learning and developing your skills.

Jed

I actually joined the Navy right out of high school instead of going to college first and that was a great experience. I would tell myself that the Navy taught me a lot about how strong I can be and that I am a leader. My advice would be to join the Navy and gain that experience, but go to college immediately after your service is over instead of waiting 15 years like I did. I always wanted to go to college, but didn't think it was possible. I would tell myself that it IS possible and to just go for it! Enjoy your college experience and let yourself out of your comfort zone. It is amazing what you can learn from others! The last thing I would tell myself, is that I BELEIVE IN YOU. Go get 'em!

Cynthia

As a high school senior in 1983, I was idealistic, and of course I knew everything about everything! Of course, I really knew nothing. I was immature, inexperienced, and I did not know anything about myself. The first thing I would say to myself is don't stop! Don't let anything get in your way! I am 45 years old, and just returning to school because I quit, thinking that I would return within a year or two. I was not counting on falling in love, becoming an army wife, and having a child. I did not know that I would be moving every three years; making it difficult to get a job much less a degree. I would tell myself that despite all of the wonderful things in my life, I always had frustration and regret about finishing my education. Finally, I would tell myself that the time it takes to get an education is important to grow into a relationship with yourself. When you do not know yourself, you tend to loose time and effort in ventures you thought you wanted. Give yourself this gift! This is your only opportunity to concentrate on no one but yourself!

Amanda

If I could go back in time and give my seventeen-year-old self advice about my education, I would say to keep at it and give it my best, no matter how difficult things get. I made a lot of mistakes in my first couple years of college, and it has affected me in ways I never thought possible. I would tell myself that nothing lasts forever, and you have to create something to fall back on. Also, in this day and age, a degree is the only way to guarantee that you will be able to find employment.

Christina

I would advise myself to inquire more about financial aid and available scholarships, so that I wouldn't have to wait so long to complete my education. Also, I would advise myself to keep a good credit rating, since this affects my ability to get a private student loan, as opposed to government loans, which are limited in their amounts and more restrictive.

Clara

I would tell myself to work on getting scholarships and making plan to go to college. I would tell myself that college is not as hard as high school and going to college would be the best thing for us. Going to college after high school would be easier then later, because I would tell myself that if I put it off we would keep putting it off with one excuse after excuse. I would be 39 by the time we went to college, so putting college off would be real bad. The transition from high school to college is not as bad as I thought college life was. That getting married and having kid could of wait tell after colleges.

Judy

Judy, There is all kinds of financial help for you to go to college. Don't wait a year or talk yourself out of going to school. Today you need a college education because there are no good paying jobs unless you hold at least a Bacheolor's degree. College life is the start of a new era in your life and a great experience as a young adult. Going to college will broaden all avenues of your life. You will be doing this for yourself to secure your future. An open mind can turn your education in any direction. The direction you go is only obscured by you. Look into your interest to see where your goals lead you. This will be the best decision you ever make and you will not regret this choice. College in a choice that you could regret not going or college could be a choice you don't regret.

Maria

Going back in time to talk to ones past self is something everyone wants to do. And for so many reasons. But for one reason, pertaining to college, I would encourage myself to look into online schools. I wasted a lot of years due to where I lived. A small town with only a Community College, which I attended. But that was the stopping point. I would encourage myself to look deeper and see what I really wanted to do with my life, not at the amount of years it would take to complete. And then go for it. I have never enjoyed being bored and not in a learning environment, and believe I would have been able to convince myself to go all out, and really dive into the task.

Carrie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be many things I would say to myself. I would be very blunt and tell myself how important it is to always do my best no matter what the situation is. If there is anything that I do not understand, I would tell myself to speak up and ask for help. Not asking something and not asking for help gets you nowhere. If you ask for help, you are learning and will go further. Be organized and do not procrastinate. It is extremely important to get all assignments turned in late. Do not settle for average; always strive for better. Pay attention more in class and take notes. Stay focused and enjoy school, have fun, but do not let it get in the way of your education.

Morgan

At age 17 i was legally emancipated and i decided, in all my wisdom, to work instead of finish school ( senior year). Though i gained my GED It took another year to do it, i would slap myself on that one because nothing but partying ruled my life then, i was young and i could have really done something with state scholarships and the like. I would also give a word on certain love life mishaps wich moved my life all over the place to much until i met my wife and settled into a real life with meaning to me. Maturity was the biggest barrrier to college and I didnt actually go forth until I was 20, though i should have gone earlier i rather enjoy this type of teaching. I would finish bye explaining were to go and what to study because once i decided later on things really made sense, i enjoy learning about new technology and college isn't terrible. As i walked away i would warn to never start smoking cigarettes, its really hard to stop =(, and if i think college sounds hard try raising a two year old little girl!

Crystal

Stop rushing through to try to graduate. Take your time and enjoy were you are. Make plans for the future and take some college courses. interact more with those around you and break away from being shy. Do your math. I know you think you wont need it but you actually will. Stay focused on whats important to you now and refuse to compromise. You know you like school so dont be a slacker!

Nick

As a 31 year old college student, I would tell myself to take school more seriously, and get my degree out of the way right away. I would be very adimate about convincing myself there is no future in labor jobs, and even if it seems like there can be much money made without a degree, there is much more money and less strenous work to be made with a degree. I would have to smack myself for thinking I know everything, and make sure I know there is a long hard life in front of me if I do not start taking my education seriously. I graduated high school with a 2.8 GPA, but I am finishing up my associates degree in a couple of months with a 3.94 GPA. I would use this information to let myself know that I am capable of doing the work and that is how important it is to me at the age of 31. I do not think it would matter what I would have said to myself though, because like I already said, I knew everything back then and no one could tell me any differently.

Rachel

I have had many years to think if this very question and I always see to come back to the same answer. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, becuase you never know if it will come around again. When I was in high school, I made the mistake of assuming that college was always going to be in my future, and in four years I was going to set the world on fire. Imagine my surprise when at the end my first semester, my parents told me that they had to spend my college fund, and that I was going to have to quit school and come back home to work. Almost twenty years later, I am picking up where I left off. I will take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, because I don't have another twenty years to waste.

Megan

Take something that you love and are passionate about and make it your career, and you'll be happy. Jump in with your whole heart, goal in mind, and strive always for success. Even so, don't take on too much and think that you have to do it all by yourself. Take at least one class each semester that is just for fun to ease the stress and make the experience fun. Take advantage of every resource available to you. Make friends, build social skills and relationships, get involved in the world around you, don't just let it pass you by. College and your education is the beggining of the rest of your life and the last stages of creating who you are as a person, and who you will be in the years to come. Don't just sit and watch the world idly, only accepting what chance gives you, take hold of it and mold your own future in the image of your dreams. You are the only one who truly knows what you want, and the only one with the real power to make it happen, so do it, and enjoy the journey.

Elisa

I wouldn't have changed anything or given myself some advice. I like the way I went about college after high school. Everything I've done in the past has made me who I am today and I am sure if I would have changed something, be it small or large, it would nonetheless have a butterfly effect and I wouldn't be where I'm at right now. I was previously enrolled in college and I had to stop for a time due to my life taking a dramatic turn in events and now I am back on track and continuing where I left off.

Jessica

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to pursue my college degree as soon as I graduated from high school. I would tell myself to value my education more than other's opinions and pursuing other personal desires. My personal desires were important but could have waited till I accomplished my college degree. I would encourage myself to think about the future instead of the present and pursue my desired college degree. I would give myself the advice to pursue scholarships that woud allow me to be more financially stable and have more support for school funding. I would also advise myself that school provides many opportunities for my future career and family even if at the current moment I did not know where my future would be like. My future would be more promising with a college degree and being prepared would make the difference and more beneficial for my college experience , academically and financially.

Robyn

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to stay in high school. No matter how bad things may seem it will be over shortly and well worth the wait. No one benefits in the long run by dropping out. Life may not seem quite so tough as a teenager and you may think you can persevere through whatever life throws your way, that is until the real taste of adulthood rears its ugly head. Finishing high school then attending college is a much simpler transition when you are young and single without any dependents. If you wait ten even twelve years when you are a mother of three and divorced it becomes much more challenging as you are not the only one dependent on yourself. If I would have finished high school and not dropped out I would possibly already have a college degree with several years devoted not only to an amazing career but to my wonderful children. Though it is never to late to become a role model for young children even if they are your own.

Richard

College is important and necessary for your career success.. Take it serious

Nikki

I would have been more focused on my studies, tried harder and taken more college prep classes.

charine

If I could go back in time and tell myself what I know now. It would be to make sure I do well my senior year. Pass my SAT exam. Select school with a vision of going there full time and getting my degree. Select a school with a good reputation not for the parties. I would also tell myself that the first year is always the hardest in college because you are adjusting to college life and a lot of things are going to come your way. You are going to beinvited to parties, to go out in general you are going to have a lot of interference but, you have to make the right decision all the time. It's okay to have fun and go to parties but no when enough is enough. I would make sure I keep a calendar with all my due dates and keep all my work up to date. Make sure the professor gets to know me and not just a number. Participate in the classroom. Study very hard and read my materials. Eat well and always go to school.

Cynthia

If I could go back in time and give myself advice on college life, I would say: Do not procrastinate when it comes to an education, graduate high school and enter college as soon as possible. When you become an adult and enter the workforce, if you do not have an education from a higher learning facility, it will be almost impossible to care for your family or future properly. Take advantage of scholarships while you can, plan for the future, take control of your life and become a responsible, productive citizen. Education is one step closer to a quality life, though, it is only what one does with it. Education is a priviledge and inspiring to those after you. Learn it, Love it, Live it!

Michele

What would I say to myself if I went back in time. I would tell myself that I should work on my school work more than just have that "I don't care about anything attitude". I am going great in my classes now, but maybe back when I was a high school senior I could had the classes the prepares you for college. Making the transitions to college was a big desicion, I would tell myself what I am doing know which is working in a preschool and also being a substitute teacher. Being a substitute teacher has been the best thing that has happen to me, but I want to become a Elementary Education Teacher in Special Education. If I would of known what I am doing now back then. I would of been a teachter along time ago.

Samantha

I would give myself the advice of, Don't wait to go to school. Find a college that works best for you, and your schedule. School is actually fun, and the best part is, learning new things.

Margaret

Maggie, take your high school classes seriously; they really do prepare you for college. Not knowing what you want from life is fine; just keep moving forward. You will fall down; pick yourself up as quickly as possible and move on. Life is going to throw you curve balls; learn to adjust your swing. Stick to your values and be true to yourself. At times this will be very hard; this is when it is most important. The transition from high school to college, teen to adult, is an amazing journey of self-discovery; savor it.

Shansla

If I could turn back the hands of time and find myself during my secondary education career, and I knew then what I now know about the benefits a post-secondary education I would suggest that I gain as much knowledge about my desired career field as possible. Today there is always room for improvement; but the first step is being able to get your foot in the door to a becoming a positive and productive employee. I have been out of school for about twenty years and have always work as a customer service specialist. That is a good position to be in, as nearly all jobs have some form of customer service involved in them. I think, if I had continued my education before entering the job market, I would have majored in business administration and my minor would have been as a certified customer service specialist. That way I would have the knowledge to perform the duties of a business and know how to provide the excellent service that consumers seek. My advice to anyone in this day and time is to go back to school and get a degree in a field that you like.

Stephanie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the best advice I could ever possibly give myself! Stay in school! Do not take a few years to think about continuing one of the most important areas of life - an education! I would tell myself that a brain really is a terrible thing to waste. Then I would tell myself this story: I could not wait to graduate from high school so I could finally get a job and earn some money. I found a job, a very repetitive job that I worked at for 12 years of my life. I got so good at my job that I could do my job in my sleep! However, the downfall to working a repetitive job is I never learned anything new. Twelve years of not learning anything new is a very long time. As time went by, so did my memory. My first year of college was a repeat of the things I had learned in high school! I would tell myself not to waste my time and money by learning things twice!

Danielle

Because I commute to school, I would tell myself to take classes all around the same time so I don't have to drive to 20 minutes to school more than once a day.

Tonya

The best I could give myself if I could go back in time is (1) take things much more seriously; (2) my self-worth is much more valuable than what others consider important; and (3) take time to internalize what life on this earth means to myself not what others say it does.

Paulina

Money is not an issues when it comes to your education. The road toward your goals are right out that door just get in the car and go for it.

Topeka

When I graduated from high school I would have went to a four year college and receive my Bachleors Degree. Instead of graduating from a two year college.

Sarah

If I could go back in time, this is what I would tell myself: Sarah, honey, wake up! College is a life changing event that you want to be apart of. I know you are scared of the unknown and to leave your family, but it is so worth it. Not only are you going to make forever friends, but you are going to experience some of the best years of your life. Stop procrastinating and get on those applications and scholarships. They are not going to fill themselves out and submit them in. You've got to take charge of your life and stop focusing on this small town and the people in it. College will not only help you career wise, but will build you into a strong, independant, smart woman. It is so easy to talk to your counselors and financial aid advisors. They can help you with all your questions. Go to the career center at school, and begin the process. And when you get in, stay focused on your studies. There are people there that will like to play, but you've got to concentrate. Work hard and you can accomplish anything.

Lucille

The first piece of advice I would give myself would be to stay in school. Receiving your high school diploma and then continuing your education through college is extremely important. You can never predict the future so do what you can now to protect your future. A proper education is important to everyone's future. A high school diploma and a college degree can help you be successful in the career of your choice for higher paying jobs. There are always colleges or universities that are available to fit your schedule. No matter what grades you received in high school, you can always achieve your goal by applying yourself. Stay dedicated to your plan, with the help from peers and family, the learning process can be a rewarding prize when completed.

Victoria

If I had a chance to go back and talk to myself in high school I would actually have to go back to my Junior year. I dropped out of school towards the middle of that year. So going back I would tell myself that "NO boy, especially that one, should define who you become. You are Victoria Ann Smith (maden) and you decide who you want to be not some boy. So who do you want to be?" I know that this is what I would say to myself if I could go back because I have said it to my daughter hoping that she will learn from my mistake.

Jessie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I knwo now, I would tell myself to take my time, enjoy the experience, absorb the knowledge, and get an education. As a working adult returning back to school it is challenging maintaining a full time job while attending school to obtain a college degree. I have also learned that an education is a key component in this competitive job market. Having an education isn't a sure fire defense for job security but it helps a great deal. Returning back to school has taught me that education is a gift that you receive and no one can ever take it away. Education has expanded my mind and broaden my horizons allowing me to believe that anything is possible if I stay focused. Having achieved my higher education after I just graduated high school would have opened more doors for my future for my career and possibly for my continuing education in the form of a masters degree. The skies the limit and a Masters degree is always a possibility.

cecilia

If I had the opportunity to returne back to when I was in high school the advice I would give myself would be to stay in school and finsh it. I would tell myself that college is not that hard like many think and that if I keep on I would be able to have a career and look for my dream job. I would have the moeny to take care of my future children, which will be four. I will also tell myself that finishing a career will help to achieve all my goals in life. I will tell myself not to be stupid and start a career in a college or university. One last thing that I will tell myself would be to show my children when I have them that I have obtain a diploma and that I have done a great job on obtaining it.