University of Phoenix-Online Campus Top Questions

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

Mary

I would tell myself that I need to set goals for myself and make a plan for my life. I would also say that I need to plan for college and concentrate on my education and apply for scholarships to go to school. I would also explain how important it is to get an education and get a degree , instead of waiting until I am older to go back to school. I would also say that it is important to have dreams and goals and also do not set your goals to high to where you cannot achieve them because our expectations of ourselves are always higher than the expectations that other people set for us. Do not ever give up your dreams and reach for the stars.

Katrina

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to believe in the person that I am. When you go to college there are so many new people and new ideas. You should be open to these ideas, but do not lose who you are as a person. You are brought up having certain beliefs and values and you should not be so willing to give those up. Listen to everyone around you, especially your professors, but remember to listen to yourself and do not think that you or your opions do not matter.

Diana

College Is the best thing to do for any person. To never give up on your dreams not matter the circumstances. It is something you should do because it will help you later in life. It will help you support you and your family and also make your job more successful.

Morris

I would go back in time and tell my younger self to stay focused senior year, so that his freshman year would not be like a new beginning. I would also tell him to do more research on schools. I would suggest going to a school closer to home, because the long distance away from his mom would weigh heavily on his mind and distract him from his studies and from enjoying campus life. I would also convince him to take some ACT and SAT prep classess. My younger self also needs to get a job senior year to save money for college expenditures. Earning and saving money from the beginning of his senior year throughout Summer would help his mom out. It is also important to search for internships with potential employers in the field of study he decides to go into. He would not know how bad the economy currently is. I would encourage him to get an early foot into the door of a company and begin building contacts and connections with people who can help him get a good job. Last but not least, i would tell him to work hard but have fun.

Danielle

I would tell myself to focus on my current school work and try to learn. I would tell myself not to scrape by and not to take short cuts, but to actually focus on school work and learn from it. I would encourage myself to start taking accelerated classes to better prepare myself for college. I would tell myself to set short-term and long-term goals and to focus on my future and career path.

Gary

Gary, I know you have your whole life before you and were given unbelievable talents to pursue your passion of playing music. However, take the time to consider how young you really are and how many opportunities are really out there. Since I know your passion is music, and by all means do I support your dream of pursuing music in life, by attending university now, staying on top of your academic studies, and being envolved with various activities through your school of choice, I assure you that you will not ever regret making the decission to continue your education now rather than wait. I understand the desire to get out in to the world and experience it, Gary, but why rush it? Do you think that there is a lack of real world experience in college life? Do you feel that your dreams would somehow be put on hold? I assure you, Gary, that all of your dreams and desires in life are there and in many cases more amplified and accessible. Take it from me, your knowledge, experience, and credibility that will enable your grandest success will be deemed most realistic through your pursuit of a college degree.

Kathleen

The advice I would give myself is study harder and take as many classes that I could to prepare myself for college level courses. I would also tell myself not to take things lightly. College life needs dedication and dicipline. I would also have to tell myself to know exactly what I am looking for in a college and get all the information on scholorships and grants as I could before heading off to college. Make sure that all my finances are in place. I would also tell myself to always strive to achieve my tasks and set high goals for myself and make sure that I reach them as best as I could.

Casey

I would tell myself that the death of my father was not enough to keep me from doing my very best my senior year. I would also tell myself that putting in the extra work now would pay off later. I would tell myself that with an education sky is the limit and anything that I want to be is obtainable. I would tell myself to do it for me and my family that I would one day have and need me so much. I would tell myself that I was going to have a great wife and wonderful daughter that would depend on me to guide her in the right direction. I would tell myself that the best way to show my daughter would be to lead by example.

Luis

Even though your parents will not support the decision you made to continue your education. Do not hesitate and enroll yourself to a community college and continue. You will make it and be able to achieve all your goals. The best part of your life is the beautiful wife and the baby you have on the way, this is what encouraged you to go back to school. Do not give up! Continue on this path and do not divert because of money, friends or lack of parents support. College life is hard but doable. You are smart and capable of finishing what you have started. With the support of college counselors and workshops you have all the tools you need to be successful and finish strong! You have a great life, a college degree will only make it better. Instead of spending all your energy and money on friends and good times, balance your life! Direct most of your attention to education, life doesn?t wait for anyone but it?s never too late to start! Go Get them Champ!

Alexandra

The first thing I would tell myself is to just continue and not take a break from school. Life may step in and keep you from returning for many years. The hardest thing I have had to do is return to school full time and work full time. Also, if you wait too long, you miss out on the experience of living the college on-campus life. This experience can be so valuable and it is a shame to miss out on it.

Nancy

Take your college education seriously, however, know that you can always change your mind about your major or career decision. Take every opportunity on summer and winter breaks to work, even if it is an unpaid internship. Try to find something that excites you to pursue as a career. Take a class or read about time management and money management. These are skills that you will need in your future career, whatever that career may be. Having these skills will help you enjoy your new found profession and make the most of your life.

Kristin

I would tell my 17yr old self, there is so much more waiting for you in college. You love to learn you love to absorb knowledge, everyone around you never thought you would be more then a teen mom. But I know you I know what you love and going to college is the best choice you'll make. You will learn more about yourself, and about what you want out of life. You knew along time ago that you wanted to make a difference and be a teacher. Teaching has been in your family and you've got the bug to be a teacher and make a difference in childrens lives. The trasition is hard you have to be able to get yourself to class and keep up on your homework but your strong and smart you can do this because I know you in and out there's nothing you cant do if you put your mind to it.

Antoine

If I had the chance to go back in time to talk to myself about the what life is about to hit me with I would tell myself to take life more serious and to slow my self down. I would also tell myself to get a better understanding in my studies, ask more questions, and do more research on what I would like to go to school for. There are a lot of challanges that you will be subjected to while starting your new path. School is not for drinking, sex, ect.. However it is there to assist you in bettering your life. I would tell my self not to wait 10 years to go back to school, but to go while things are still fresh on your mind. The transition is a lot harder now then if you go when you get out of high school.

Carrie

Talking to my young High School Senior self I would want to impart the wisdom of my years, particularly to impress upon myself how much easier it would be to attend college while I was still in my youth. I was very cynical back then and didn?t realize the value of having a degree. Now I have had enough experience in life to realize how important having a college education will be in realizing my full potential. I would love the chance to tell my younger self how difficult it would be to juggle a job, raise my four beautiful children, run a household as a single mother, and my excel in my studies all at the same time. Of course, there are definite advantages to being a mature student and earning my first degree. I?m certainly better able to express myself now then I was when I was eighteen, but now I have a lot more challenges in my life than which sorority to choose! Having the time and energy that I had then and having the support of family instead of having to support my family would make it so much more of an enjoyable experience.

Ashley

Advice is only as good as one takes it, and with that said the maturity and gaining the understanding of the importance of studying hard and prioritizing responsibilites would be some of the best advice that I could give now and apply it back in time. Working hard and learning not to procrastinate, makes becoming successful a lot easier in the 'real' world. Going to college is a great opportunity for socialization and a sense of freedom; however time management is crucial during the transitioning between high school and college as well as during college. This will help one achieve all possibilities and make even the minuscule tasks go smoothly.

Alyssa

If I had to opportunity to travel back in time and speak to my younger self as a high school senior, I would tell me to choose a field of study that I not only enjoyed, but would set myself up for a future career. I would explain that is would take nearly fifteen years from the time I graduated high school to realize I needed to be more practical about school. I would also suggest I take math and computer sciences early on and get used to them. Technology will continue to out pace the world and I will need to stay on top in order to make myself more marketable. I would also encourage my young self to continue writing and that dream I had as a third grader - the one of being a writer - is more then just a dream. I would tell myself to pursue it fervently.

Spencer

As a high school senior i would have started looking and applying for scholarships and would have applied to the bright futrues program. I would have been more focused as to how i would have paid for college because i didnt realize how everything in college is so expensive. Eduation is important and you really do need to start looking forward when your a high schoool senior and look at what you need to accomplish to see yo.urself successful.

Danielle

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to stay focused and start apply for scholarships. Staying focused is so important in college. In college it is so easy to get sidetracked with all of the parties and events going on, you sometimes lose sight of what you are really in college for. So I would put emphasis on Staying Focused because it is so crucial. I would also tell my self to start applying for scholarships. College is very expensive , and if you start filling out scholarships as soon as possible you have enough time to get you finances together. You will know how much money you have coming in for college and how much you still need. These are the things that I would stress to my self if I had a chance to go back and talk to my self.

Cassandra

I would give my high school self the advice to plan ahead. Looking for scholarships, loans, and grants as early as possible is the best idea. Apply to many schools, but choose the correct one with my heart. I would tell myself to not take a year off school no matter what because I can pay for school through loans and worry about repayment after graduation. Getting an education is important for a succesful career and a happy career of my choice. I would warn myself about the difficulty of classes and colleges that are not what they advertise. I would tell myself to get my work done early, be patient, and be proactive in school to get the best education. Most importantly, I would tell myself to keep family as my number one priority, stay motivated, and find a college that will fit the life I want to have.

Iva

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would advice mysel about the stress in the college life. I like the process of studying, but sometime when there is too much homework and requiremets it can bea little overwhelming.

Cynthia

The first advice I would give would be to follow your heart and not let your fears hold you back. Do not let the fear of failure or not having the finances to go to college hold you back from pursuing your dreams. I would say going to college and becoming financially stable before starting a family is very important. I would also say that no matter what choices you make you are never to old to go back to college and better yourself. Before graduating and when you go to college give it your all. You should study hard and learn all that you can. Do not get to distracted or side tracked from the goal you want to accomplish.

Eva

Well, I graduated just after my Junior year thanks to the CHSPE. I past on my second try. If I could go back and tell myself about college and such back in my Junior year, I'd tell myself that I should start looking for Scholarships and Grants and such before I started looking for a college. It would've been much easier, and I wouldn't be in debt.

Traci

The advice I would give myself would be to not wait until i was 38 to go back to school. There is a lot of things I would do differently in my life and finshing high school instead of getting my GED is one of them. The other is to go to college right after graduating highschool. I didn't realize the importance of an education when I was younger, so I would tell myself just how important finishing high school is and how hard it really is to go back to school when you get older. Although education is expensive you can not put a price on a good education, it is priceless. The greatest gift you can give yourself is good education.

Elisa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student I would say that transitioning directly from high school into college is very important. Your writing, reading, and math skills are still sharp and once you step away from that for a while you can lose a lot of skills that came easily to you before. Going to college as a teenager would have given me more time to focus on school since I would not have a corporate job or family responsibilities. Also, it would have given me more time in the work force at a professional level instead of spending more then the normal amount of time at an entry level position. Given the information I provided above, your college education should never be procrastinated. Providing yourself with an education is one of the best gifts you could possibly give to yourself. It is also the most rewarding gift your will ever receive.

Michelle

Going back 20 plus years to talk to myself as a senior in high school I would encourge me to start classes. It is not important in the beginning to decide on where you want to go. Do the basic classes and set a foundation for the next year ahead. College degrees will mean a whole lot more in 20 years than they do in 1987. Press on, stay strong and do it now for your future family and because you know it is what you really want to do. I would also encourage myself to go ahead and audition for the music department to hopefully achieve a dream of being a music teacher. Not trying will always make you wonder if you could have been the next Warren Sperry at Paris High School. Don't give up!

Amber

If I could go back to being a high school senior right now I would be doing all I could do to submit college grant applications and scholarship applications. Now that I am out on my own and realize how much school is costing for me I really wish I would of been more responsible as a High School Senior. Many jobs require atleast a BA and I am going to try my hardest to get there! Another thing I would of done differently as a High School senior is enroll in college courses. I am already 22 and only a freshman in college, I am feeling a little behind now because I am already seeing many of my friends graduate from college when I am just starting. I feel college is very important, I am currently going for business finances for a BA and planning to enroll at the American Payroll Association after that to learn payroll for large businesses for a work at home side job. I really hope I can find a way to persue my dreams and get the financial assistance needed to achieve this wonderful dream.

J.

In 2005, I made $259,000. I was 24 years old. I thought I was a rock star. The thought of going back to finish a degree at a university seemed pointless. Ever since my first year out of high school, my income had increased every year. I drove around in a $55,000-BMW and owned five houses by age 25. Working in the mortgage Industry, it seemed I had proved everyone wrong: I didn?t need an expensive college education. I was successful and had all the material possessions to prove it. In 2007, the real estate market had collapsed, along with the US economy. In April of 2008, I was filing for bankruptcy; I had lost my business, income, car and property. Worse, I had lost my pride. I had trouble finding a job because I did not have a degree. It hurt knowing I wasn?t educated. It was the worst time of my life. Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself, that nothing is more important than your education. That is one thing a bad economy cannot take. Make sacrifices now. Don?t go from riches to rags but rather rags to riches.

Caila

The advice I would give myself if I were to go back in time as a high school senior, would have to be that college is much different than high school. College life is more sophisticated and is more mature, there is also not as much as drama in college as there is in high school. College teachers are very formal when they speak to you and high school teachers just talk to you as a friend would talk to you. I would tell myself that the transition is a very great expierience and is a great way of learning new things.

La

My best advice for senoir would be: 1. Your high school counselor is a great way to get helpful information, but you have to do research, too. I come from a fairly small school; however, the workload of my high school counselor is still very demanding. 2. I always kept extra transcripts on hand to use for scholarship applications, I kept track of my school information, and I searched for scholarship 3. I treated my time spent applying for scholarships like it was a second part-time job. 4. Keeping things organized is very important. I kept a folder with copies of transcripts, award letters, recommendation letters, acceptance letters, etc., all the information that scholarships typically request. Because of dedication to the scholarship applications, I now have all the money I need to pay for college. I will not have to worry about my finances at all. Students should apply for every scholarship that they are eligible for, don't even take time to think whether or not you have a chance to win. You won't have a chance if you don't apply. Definitely make ure you stay focus on what you want to do once you get

Nicole

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not rush the college experience. I began my first semester in college at The Art Institute of Houston, just three short weeks of graduating from High School. Jumping off the deep end like that and attending the first school that I applied to was not a smart decision. I got burnt out and ended up bouncing from college to college after that. I would tell myself to slow down, enjoy life and apply to a University with a dorm room. If you are going to go to college and get an education have the full experience, go away from home live on your own, and enjoy learning. Don't be in such a rush to just get a degree and get in the real world, there is so much time for all of that, learn something you're interested in and have fun.

Torrell

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would only need to say the things that redefined my goals and my values. First foremost, I would have reassured the old me that time was never the issue. Being successful in life was never meant to be based on how fast one could get to that point. Being successful was truly based on getting the knowledge and enjoyment from the dreams one pursued. Confucius once said, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Secondly, I would have told myself that change, growing up, and struggling through life was okay. Never be afraid to go for what you believe in. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall (Confucius)." Lastly, I would have told myself to remember who I was chasing in this dream of mine and why I dared to dream in the first place. The things that binded me to happiness and the things I love about my life is the same that binds me for success. I never gave up on those values, I never will.

Bria

Through the time portal, I ready my present self for the encounter with my past self. Knowing myself as I do, I would have to give my past self time to come to terms with this general meeting. Then, I express the importance of reaching the current class in a timely manner because the smallest details count. I remind myself the importance of taking an ?extra step? in my efforts towards being a more productive student. Explain the necessity of maintaing a closer relationship with my teachers as well as counselors. I would advise myself of Ghandi?s famous quote to ? Be the change you want to see in the world? and press the issue of doing more community involved volunteer work. I would infer my ?popular status?; hint to use it to convey a more positive future-driven student to those younger students who look up to me. Lastly, I should inform myself of these 2 valuable pearls of wisdom: 1.) Be more patient with my parents, they really care and 2.) Since you seem to forget it a lot; your track locker combination is 35-22-17. That concludes the issues and ideas I would inform myself.

Tamika

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about attending school, I'd tell myself to prepare more. While in high school I was focused on activities instead of academics. I'd tell myself to buckle down so you can secure attend school college and have the full college experience. I became a single mom my first attempt at school so i'd address the following information to myself. Focus on school and what it has to offer. You will have the chance to have a family later on in life. Secure a stable career for yourself, build your career, live and enjoy all that life has to offer. This is what I would tell myself and the advice I would give myself if I could travel back in time.

Michelle

Michelle- The time for focus and time management is NOW! Yes , you have just graduated HS but the job market in the future requires YOUNG and FRESH ideas, do not wait until you are over the hill and not in the market any more. Decide what is important select a field and go for it! Time for fun and freedom needs to wait until you have your financial and career future on track. If you blow the time you have and the brain power you have now you will regret it seriously in the future. Do you want to work paycheck to broke every month? Do you want to have stress and strain every month wondering if you will be able to pay bills and utilities? If you do not SEIZE the moment and get the career and the salary set - you will have the stress and no relief in sight. The time is now while life is still vibrant and bright and the future is a hopeful place for you. If you let it go you will not get it back EVER! ***One chance to do it Right ***No chances to do it Over

Anna

If I could return to the days before I graduated high school I would tell myself to stay focused on school. When I left the town I went to high school at, I was on an adventure of self discovery. I moved to a beach town with my high school friends, the only problem was that all of us were going to live together in a small apartment. This was the ingredient that led to my downfall. I did attend school, just not all the time, and usually did not finish my required reading and work assignments. The activities around me were just too much of a distraction. I would tell myself to find my own place, or have just one roommate who was also very committed to school. I would have chosen a major early in my educational pursuits and not have taken classes that did not meet the requirements of that major. I would make myself understand that my degree was an essential part of establishing a good living for myself and my future family. The sooner I achieved my goal the better my future would be.

Julie

I am a non-traditional student that graduated from high school 38 years ago; I did attend college for one full quarter and dropped out the second quarter thinking I would return later. Well, 38 years have passed and here I am. My thoughts now are "better late than never". If I could go back to 1972 when I was graduating from high school, I would tell myself that college is going to be difficult. It is going to require dedication and determination. College life is going to be vastly different from high school, but with time it will begin to feel like you belong. Classes will seem overwhelming at first but again with time it will be easier to adjust. If you think you can take some time off and go back that doesn?t always work out, it is very difficult to pick up where you left off. Your education is the most important thing in the world. You have to have an education to achieve the level of success you desire for yourself. Finally, no matter what happens don?t give up; what?s hard today will be easy tomorrow. Success is a great feeling.

Jennifer

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and coach myself on the possibilities of a college education, I would have told myself to check fully-accredited colleges that can offer online courses. Enrolling in school is quite simple and the academic counselors are invaluable. Even associate degree classes would be an excellent start. Enrolling online offers all of the flexibility a single mom needs and affords the time needed to continue working full time.

Darlene

I would say "Darlene, first off, do not be afraid to ask questions. Also remember to balance school and your personal life." I would then go on to explain that while it is important to study hard and turn in assignments on time, it is equally important to destress from time to time so that what you are learning will have time to stick. The most difficult adjustment to college life is time management. For example if you have three assignments due on Thursday, do not wait until Thursday morning to start them. Try to allow enough time to complete and review each assignment before turning them in.

Melissa

If I could go back in time and speak with myself in high school, I would give myself some advice for the future. First and foremost, I would inform myself of the monetary hardships that will occur during the college years. I would recomend saving more money and finding more resources to fund college life. I would also tell my high school self to enjoy every minute of my days there. I would make certain I knew that life will only begin to become more challanging with more responsibility. Finally, I would tell myself that college is something that provides guidance to my future and is not something to fear. Knowledge is the greatest gift in the world, and I would tell my high school self to prepare to be blessed and matured.

benjamin

Considering the fact that I am 21 now, if I could turn back time, I would have challenged myself to know that this is what I wanted to do and would have done it a lot sooner. I would have been more into my school work and would have applied myself a lot better. Then I would have searched out for more colleges and had the fun to experience college life. I would have told myself that this was fun and at this point in my life be able to almost be done with my degree.

Robin

I would tell myself follow your dreams. Do not let other people influence the choices you make. Do not overload yourself. There is more to life than money, you have to be happy and enjoy what you do.

Heather

I would tell myself to expect the unexpected and please be prepared and study a lot more you are going to need it. You will also need to be pepared to spend the money on a good school even though it may look like a lot of money it will be worht it in the long run.

richard

Go to college

Samuel

I think that if I could go back to my highschool as a senior, I think I would have taken my education alot more seriously, and it would have made it easier for my college education.

Jessica

I have 12 children of my own and I am always telling my high school aged kids to pay attention, challenge themselves and get involved. If they pay attention to their instructors, they will gain knowledge and be priveleged to wisdom. By challenging themselves, they will learn to reach further for their dreams, and never become complacent. Getting involved, in community, school activities, and family, will allow for them to have a good sense of what it means to belong to something. I also tell them to challenge their teachers to do their jobs. Ask plenty of questions, turn work in that is of quality and stands out, and to never be afraid to express their opinions in a respectful manner.These are things that they will need when attending college and after. High school is a jumping-off point to the future. I encourage all high school kids to stand on the edge.

Madeleine

It is hard to return to school after a long break (8 years). The brain becomes lazy and if you don't use your knowledge, you often lose your knowledge. I would advice completing my education before I joined Disney on Ice. However after high school I didn't know what career i wanted and there is always time to go back to school. No need to rush into education.

Jean

The thought of college and all it entails is scary, even daunting, but it doesnt' have to be. Stay focused on your priorities and dreams, there are understanding people to help walk you through the process when you are ready. Don't procrastinate in this. It is not as difficult to start as you may think. A little effort, time, and sacrifice is all it will take when the time is right. Don't wait too long to get started. You will have a niece tell you, "you are never too old to go to school", and she is so right. Embrace the journey and involve your family, they will be a tremendous support to you, you'll see. Fear of the unknown is crippling to many, it doesn't need to be for you. Your are up for this challenge. You can do it.

Miranda

Start looking for and applying for scholarships while you're still in high school. This relieves the financial and time burdens immensely. Learn to love to read and love to learn because that is all you will be doing for the next few years. Live out of a daily planner and plan everything. Schedule your study time and stick to that schedule so that when you get some free time from non-academic related obligations, you can actually spend your free time having some fun. Do your best and set your sights high. Understand and accept that while you may not get A's every class, if you reach for A's but miss, you won't fall short by much. You get from college what you put into it. Expect much from yourself and you'll get much. Focus on your core classes and expand your knowledge even beyond the assigned material and read everything you can get your hands on about your chosen field. Do not procrastinate. Start learning and doing these things while in high school so the transition to college life is barely noticeable.

Bryan

According to Webster regret is described as a disappointment, longing, or remorse. In the offer of having to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would politely decline. As a high school senior most of my "information" was given to me from friends and family. Most of the "information" was not valid and the source of where this "information" came from was something to be questioned, but in all it as taught me a valid lesson; don't listen to your friends. College was always part of my unfinished plan of life goals, but if I had to do it over again, I would not. I am glad that I made the mistakes that I have in the past because it has brought me to the place that I am today, I take my education more seriously, and apprciate the sacrifices I have made to make it to this point. College life was great, and the transition was horrible but I would not take it back for anything in the world.

Michelle

I would advise any high school senior to further their high school education as soon as they graduated. College life is hard enough without the demands and pressures of having a family of your own and working full time. Transitioning from high school to college isn't that tough. You will have more freedom in college because you don't have your parents looking over your shoulder.