West Virginia University Top Questions

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

Joshua

I would give myself alot of advice. The first advice I would give myself is to take more challenging classes while they are free. Also, I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can, so I won't have to struggle through college. I would take on more responsiblilty for affording my education, instead of relying on my divorced parents. Last I would work more to save up money for my education.

Jasmine

The words of wisdom I would share with my high school senior self would be to take every semester of your college career seriously and to keep the slacking to a minimum. It's important to attend class with very limited absences and to acquire excellent study habits to keep yourself focused and determined. Write yourself reminders and keep deadlines out in the open. As much as the college experience is about having fun and discovering yourself, school work should ultimately come first before play. That being said, make sure to allow yourself some time for socialization and stress-relieving activities. The hard work and effort you put forth on your school work deserves to be rewarded, but only after you have accomplished your goals to the best of your ability.

Brooke

Independence is definitely misinterpreted by most high school students. I unquestionably underestimated the word. Eighteen was the magic number to freedom, or at least I thought back then. What I have come to realize is that independence is not acquired by turning a certain age but by learning to take on life as it comes at you and being able to handle it responsibly. That is the main thing I have learned in college thus far. Everyday has new obstacles and the only thing there is to do about it is deal with it. From juggling class assignments and overlapping test dates to dealing with finances and making sure I have enough to afford necessities, college has taught me the value of self-reliance. With this knowledge, I would go back and reshape the way I viewed college and life in general. I have no regrets and feel as if I have worked as hard as I possibly can, but a little bit of a heads up might have made the transition a little bit easier.

Rachel

My college experience has been so beneficial to me becoming a better and happier person. Being here at WVU has made me a more outgoing person and I have made so many new friends that I believe I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. I have tried a lot of new things that I never thought I would like and this school is the perfect place to try new things because there are so many opportunities to try almost anything. I went to New York through the school and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I chose to attend WVU because I wanted to major in forensic science and they have an amazing program here. I truly believe the courses here will prepare me for my chosen career. WVU is amazing because it is so diverse. I have made friends with people I never knew I would have common interests with. WVU is truly an amazing school because of the great academics here but mostly because of the great people here and the diverse opportunities.

Molly

My college experience at Delta Community College has been a great time for me. When I graduated from highschool I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up! My time at Delta was more than just an academic experience. I had the opportunity to work in different job co-op positions where I was able to see first hand what was involved in each field. This has helped me realize what I really like and don't like in the working world. I now have a better idea of what field I will further my education. I was able to afford the tuition without loans, which will be a great financial asset when I graduate. I would recommend Delta to any highschool graduate. It is a great place to begin your education, and find out what really interests you without going into debt. The "Delta Difference" is definitely the way to go!

Susmita

My college experience has been a roller-coaster ride. Its ranged from attending a smaller campus to transferring to a large university, small class settings to a large setting where professors dont know you by name, seeing the same people everyday, every second to seeing new faces at any given time unless its your group of friends, having the opportuity to get involved in clubs, and realizing what its like to be a stressed out college sudent trying to make a dream come true. I have gone from being able to get through some emotional and hardship times while remaining strong to do well in classes to having meltdowns with the class overload and stress trying to take everything on. Despite all that, it has made me who i am today. Attending college has been extremely valuble because it know i am one step closer each and everytime to reaching my goal and excelling in school. I have learned to be more independent, more self-diciplined, and more goal goal-oriented day by day. Getting through college makes me more and more eager to continue and learn more about my area of study then i could possibly imagine.

Eric

I have gained many friends and much knowledge from many different fields of study. I have had a great time engaging in school spirit based activities. I have learned a great deal amd had so much fun engaging in sports and athletics. Had I not attended WVU there is a high chance that I would not be so involved with school spirit activities and athletics; both of which i thoroughly enjoy and would not trade them for anything.

Megan

Attending this college has been one of my best experiences. Everybody here is friendly, from other students to professors to TA's. This is one of the best, uplifting atmospheres to be in. The big campuses are always full of friendly faces and always clean. The environment has made me come out of my shell more, which is great because I want to be a teacher. This brings me to my major, everyone I have met (teachers and older students) in my major have been extremely helpful. Even if this is a competitive major, it seems everyone wants me to succeed in what I want to do. The positive atmosphere has definitely made WVU a valuable college to attend.

Rebecca

I have gotten an amazing life experience that I could not have gotten anywhere else. I met some incredible people and I believe that is the most important part.

Antonio

I have gained more than just knowledge. I have found trustworthy friends and study partners. I have found myself more engaged into community projects and church programs, and a new self confidence about my future for me and my three year old son. Attending college for me, whether through ITV, correspondence courses or live classes has taught me to think for myself, not to be afraid to ask for help, and to help those even if you get nothing out of it. Tutoring 23 students college preparation has taught me more about the importance of my education than I could have possibly thought of before.

John

My mind has been expanded exponentially and I love it! I want more! My options for jobs in the "real world" have opend up as well! What else can I say...

Brianna

I have made so many wonderful friends. I have had the experience of being in an amazing college marching band, and I have gotten to travel to games with the band. The Psychology department is great here, and the teachers are very helpful.

Courtney

I have only been in college for one semester so far, but I love it. I have learned so much already. I feel that people who choose not to attend are missing some great experiences that only college can give you. I love the school that I have chosen and wouldn't go anywhere else. I have made some great friends already that I will keep for the rest of my life.

kara

i transferred from a small private school to attend west virginia university. i got a lot out of my college experience, primarily a good foundation for psychology, sociology, and women's studies. i also grew up a lot in that time and was forced to think about 'after college' during my junior and senior years, which was very valuable. socially, college was a wonderful experience as well!!

Gregory

Although my parents make a decent amount of money, I am paying for college myself. At first I found it ridiculous that I had to do this all myself, but it has given a much greater appreciation for how my money is spent. I feel now, in retrospect, that paying for college myself has made me work harder and helped me to get to where I am today. I started working when I was fourteen years old and had saved up over $11,000 dollars. In my first year, all that money was gone, but I had learned so much about myself and education as a whole. Living twelve hours away from anybody I knew, I managed to live on my own and make new friends. Also, I realized that hard work and determination are such honorable characterisitcs to have. Who knows, if I was in charge of paying for my education, I wouldn't be searching so hard for scholarships and job opportunities to save me money. It's possible I wouldn't have taken education as seriously and would've dropped out. In the end, I'm glad for the way my parents handled my education.

Lindsay

I have learned more valuable lessons in one year of college than I have in four years of high school. Throughout this passed year I have gotten to know myself as a person and found a whole new meaning in the word independent. Discovering how to manage on your own is the most important start for the rest of your life and attending college is the best way to do it. Having met so many new people this year has been such a blessing and taught me a lot about diversity. Where as college helps you to choose the right carreer, it also teaches you life lessons in order to make you successful for the rest of your life.

Shannon

During my college career, I have learned to be an individual. West Virginia University has so many students that come from different backgrounds, states and countries. During high school I tried to fit in with the "in-crowd" but I was never that girl that could be the popular girl's best friend. When I came to this college, none of that mattered. I was accepted for who I really am. I learned to be confident with myself and realized life is what you make it. I didn't have to stand behind the popular girls anymore, I had friends...friends that really matter! Learning has become a fun experience because I no longer have to be worried about people liking me. West Virginia University is a family, we're all different in several ways but we are all the same in one way, we are Mountaineers. I love this school and I am so proud to say I attend this institution. Even years after I graduate, this school will be my "home away from home". Once a MOUNTAINEER, always a MOUNTAINEER!

Samantha

I have experienced more diversity then I ever knew existed when I was younger. It is very interesting to learn things about people from other cultures. It has also been valuable to attend WVU because I have learned new things not only in the classroom but outside of the classroom. The things I learned I learned because the college made it more interesting to learn about.

Nickole

I have gained knowledge of the subject of my interest and many other subjcts. I have met many wonderful peers and professors. I am working my way to achieve my goal of helping people tell their story after they die using forensic technologies. Foresics is just amazing and very interesting. I would love to be able to help solve crimes and bring justice to the unjust. College is giving me the skills I need to accomplish this goal in the profession I chose. Schooling is very important to me and I'm working very hard at learning all I possibly can from the classes I'm taking. I want to be highly looked upon and feel accomplished when I graduate. I can't wait to start helping people put away the bad guys and bringing closure to families in need. My college experience brings the real world duties and expectations to my attention and helps my peers and I realize our responsibilities will be nothing like CSI or any of the TV shows, but instead very different and demanding. I need financial help in gaining more needed college experience before I set out into the real world. Please Help!

Sally

Having recently finished my freshman year of college I can safely say that I have come out with invaluble expirences. I chose to go to a school that no one from my high school, family, or friends had ever attended. On my first day I didn't know anyone and I felt lost in the sea of people who all seemed to know eachother. Although the first few weeks included some difficult adjustments, I would not trade the expirences for anything. During those first few weeks I learned how to put myself out there and meet new people, rather than just be shy like I had been before. Once I met some of the greatest people I have ever known, I tackled my schoolwork which was also an extreme adjustment. I have gotten so much out of my freshman year from new and incredibly valuble social expirences, to learning how to learn in a different enviornement. I would reccomend WVU to anyone and I wouldn't trade my freshman year for anything.

Kayla

Out of my college experience, I have learned that school is one of the most important things that someone goes through in their life. Not only does college educate you in the things that you need to know for you're career, but you also grow as a person. You learn more about yourself; not just you're likes and dislikes but also the way that you respond to situations and stress. You learn more about the world around you and the situations of others. When we are at home, we are around that same things daily. We don't see much of a difference. In college, every day you meet someone or learn something new. You expand your horizons so much more in college than I believe you do anywhere else during your life. That is why I believe that it is important to attend college. Not only because it educates you more than most experiences that will happen to you but also because you expand as a person and learn more about yourself.

Elisabeth

Taking one year of classes at a community college helped me by being a transition phase between being homeschooled since I was three and going out of state this fall. It helped me adjust to being in a classroom of peers, being taught by someone I never met. It made me very aware of what I did and did not want in a college so that I was able to make a clear choice about where I will be studying this fall. Community college has also stretched my thoughts. My teachers and peers have taught me much about human nature. I have learned how to discuss my veiws and beliefs with people very different from me. This helps me to see the good and bad in matters I have never considered before. This year has introduced me to many things all college students need to aware of: textbook prices, finding and applying for scholarships, unflexible deadlines, and midterms. It has shown me my own good points and weaknesses under pressure and in a totally new environment. I advise everyone who is unsure about doing four years of college out of state to attend a community college for one year.

Tyler

I attend Butler Community College. Butler is a great school for students just out of high school, trying to get back in school, or any one thats not ready to pick thier major. Butlers inexpinsive which why i chose to attend. After a year at butler i got more than general ed. classes out of the way. Butler Community College has been a transistion stage for me. It hasnt been too difficult that all i have time for is class and homw work. It felt like high school with out the busy work. A university will be much more difficult but i wouldnt give up my time spent at butler. I feel like it has prepared me for my college career.

Jessica

High school students are constantly told that they must attend college to do well in life. There is a constant pressure to succeed and do well. In high school I did every extra-curricular imaginable. I was: captain of three varsity sports; president of SGA; senior class vice president; an active member of the recycling club I started; the student conductor in my school's top choir, and an active volunteer at the local elementary school, just to name a few. My life evolved around my college application. I need to stand out against every other applicant. Then, due to a family crisis, I could not attend a four-year school. I was devistated. My extra-curriculars suddently meant nothing. I was always running around, but for what? To attend community college? It took me a long time to realize, but it is not about what you can write on a piece of paper-- it is about the life experiences. WVU has been full of experiences. I have: met people from all over the country, even the globe; learned how to balance my social and academic life; but most of all, to live every day to the fullest.

Joshua

I have only attended WVU for a year but they have prepared me very well in that year. I feel that I am leaps and bounds ahead of my peers at other colleges, and that upon my graduation in 2013 I will be as prepared as possible. The environment of the campus, is freindly and excepting, and has allowed not only myself, but the rest of the student body to exceed the levels of other college students.

Francesca

What I have gotten from my college experience is a reality check. Before I came to college I assumed that by simply attending a University it would automatically ensure me a job in the real world attached to a big pay check. What I have learned is that not only do I have to attend college, but I have to work hard and get involved with the several things that the school has to offer, in order to excel to a point where I deserve to get the jobs that I want in the future. College is valuable to attend because it teaches you to be responsible, hard working and to work well with others. College is also valuable because you get to experience the pride and joy of being part of an academic institution. Within this institution you gain an education, sense of pride and lifelong friends, all of which will be a grand impact on your life forever.

Walter

As a result of scholarships and grants from WVU, I have been awarded the chance to travel globally and to expand my mind further than any lecture or reading would allow. I have witnessed first-hand the disparity of wealth and poverty throughout Europe and the United States. I have lived in rural poverty in the Sahya Mountains of India and on the underdeveloped Yucat?n Peninsula of Mexico. Because of my experiences abroad, I have begun to change the world. I have held interactive lectures with high school students about studying internationally, becoming globally aware, and transforming into a world citizen. With each lecture, students become excited by the prospect of studying abroad, especially when presented with my background of being a first-generation, low-income college student. My wish is to inspire students with a similar background to attend college and to make a global impact; I am the indication that it is certainly possible. The most influential people in my life thus far have been those dedicated to education. Just as they have, I intend on opening the eyes, minds, and hearts of students. Without the support of WVU, I could not have fully realized my potential.

Sara

What have I gotten out of WVU? The better question is, what HAVEN'T I gotten out of West Virginia University. I love it here. It may have its downfalls, but every school does. However, I am 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} convinced that there is no better school out there for me. I have gotten a one of a kind experience over the past three years. I have learned how much pressure I can take, and just how much work I can handle. I have experienced the thrill of living on my own, and the ups and downs that it can bring. I have made more friends than I could have ever imagined, and for the first time in my life I feel like I fit in. Even though I may not have the same ideals or views as these people, I can always call them my family. Finally, the education I have received here is top-notch. I have learned so many new and exciting things here at WVU, and the lectures and discussions have opened my eyes to greater things than what is going on, on campus. I would never change my experiences here at WVU because they mean too much.

Laken

First and foremost, I would caution myself with taking the easy route when it came to my senior class schedule. For instance, instead of being an office assistant, I should have taken chemistry to help with my major, which is pre-pharmacy. Next, I should have worked on perfecting my study habits before I came to West Virginia University. In high school, we were given study guides and in-class study time, but in college it is up to you to read and learn the material on your own time. Third, I would tell myself to make sure to take advantage of all the resources West Virginia University has to offer earlier in the semester. It would have benefited me to attend tutoring and study groups. Also, I would tell myself to participate in various college activities to meet new people that have the same interests as I do. Lastly, even though the cafeteria is all you can eat, don?t eat all you can eat.

Melinda

If i could go back to my senior year of high school I would have to tell myself to get ready for a long road. I would also tell myself to start putting your head into it and study and get ready for college. I would also say that college is going to be a great experience and that I need to do everything possible to have a smooth transition from the high school way of life to the life that is like in the real world, because the real world doesn't care if you have a few cramps, or if you have a bad hair day, life keeps on going and doesn't stop. So get prepared for a long row to hoe and a lot of ups and downs.

Jordan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myslef how important gardes and studying methods are. I would let myself know how important it is to go to class everyday and do all the homework. Studying habits are hard to learn in college. I would tell myself to create a study program that works for me, one that is edited to work specificly for me. I have learned that I did not have good studying ethics in high school. I thought that I could do well on tests with the methods I left high school with. As I have completed a semester of college already i have learned I was incorrect. I would have gotten help on my test anxiety in high school. It doesnt get any better in college infact it gets worse. I would also tell myslef to work harder and get better grades. To challange myslef in classes and to take harder classes. But the most important thing I think I would have told myself would to be conifidant in myself and trust myslef that I will do fine in school and life. Keep you head up.

Bethany

If I could go back a year in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that college is a lot of hard work and dedication. I would make sure I was studying harder than I did and filling out way more scholarship applications. I would also reassure myself that I would be on my own so knowing how to do my own laundry, cook, clean, and just take care of myself would come in a lot of good use when I reached my college days; you are responsible for your own self.

michael

Having graduated top 10 of my class of 800 I would have been more involved with my guidence department. My mother nor father attended college so the push for education was not there. When I married my wife she and her family were of the opinion it is not if the children were going to college but where. Now at 40 years of age I am going to college for degree in civil engineering. I lost my job in construction due to econmic crisis. I would know that there is a way to find money for college no matter what your familys income. I would be persistant and like today at forty I WOULD FIND A WAY. Education opens many doors for you that as I have found in my life time closed. So for all you new graduates do not give up be persistant and you will find your way. Be especially gratefull for those who help you along the way.

Erik

I would tell myself to keep to the course that I took and enter the Air Force as planned. The military was a wonderful experience and gave me valuable skills for work, school, and life. I would tell myself not to worry about the small details and keep my eyes on the future and where to go to make certain that I had the tools that I need to succeed in the future.

emily

I immediately started thinking of a thousand things I wish I'd have known, an eqal number of things I'd have changed, and more things that could have made the transition...well, simpler. There's this other thought I keep returning to, though. Isn't half the fun of college all the mistakes you get to make? Sure, they're the same mistakes your patents made; some might even be absolutely, completely, and most certainly the end of the whole wide world. I'm a firm believer in karma; I don't believe that mistakes are mistakes; they're difficult,inconvenient occurrances that arrise as obstacles when we're not prepared, or at exactly the right time in our lives.What are experiments, anyway? A series of "mistakes" made continuously in an effort to LEARN something.Once we stop making mistakes we stop learning; once we stop learning, we stop growing. College is one of the most challenging opportunities we are offered. My answer could be nothing, except, well...nothing; I would change absolutely nothing. I've spent years learning more "life lessons" than I could have ever, ever imagined. BUT- I wouldn't have it any other way.

Anna

I would tell my slightly insecure 17 year old self that she will end up making the right choices in her college career. I'd like to tell myself that four years are going to fly but she'll enjoy every second of her experience. I'll let myself know that no matter what tough or sticky situations she may end up in, she will most definatly find the light through the tunnel each time. There is one thing I would tell my previous self about the future she will lead; that is to stop every now and then and take in the oppurtunity that not everyone in the world can have and to know that she will be blessed with the friends made and the knowledge she will have after graduation. You are a lucky girl Anna, you will see that for sure.

Kayla

Knowing what I know now about the transition between high school and college, I would definitely tell myself how important it is to really stay focused on school work. Your parents and family tell you how you need to do well but it still doesn't sink in until you realize it yourself. I would also tell myself that being organized and making a schedual of times that are set aside to study is a must in college. If you don't set a certain amount of time to studying and doing your assignments, it takes discipline to tell yourself that you have to do it now. You keep telling yourself "It will only take 10 minutes" and it doesn't. It ends up taking 2 hours. Always give your self ample to get assignments and studying done, and if you finish early, reward yourself by hanging out with people then. I would throw in that it's not a prison. There are still moments to have a good time. Just focus on school work first. This is what I would tell myself back in high school if I would have known how much college is different.

Katie

On the first day, you begin your college career, do not be afraid to wander off and meet new people. You will be surprised to find that on a campus of thousands of people you can meet one person and somehow in a variety of ways come to know many people and make so many friends. All it takes it that first nerve-wracking walk. Do not be judgmental, college is about finding your way. Some people get lost and cannot find the trail again, while others get lost and see the sign. You just be sure to carry a compass and never do something you know you will regret the next day. Just remember that mistakes are going to happen, and when they do, it does no good dwell on them. Finally, do not be afraid to sing awfully in public. Even if you include the crazy hand motions, people will like you for whom you are, and if they do not, there are many more out there that are not afraid of what other people think. Those are the individuals you wish to find because they become the friends that last for a lifetime.

Sally

If I could go back and talk to my highschool self there are so many things I'd want to know. I would definitely tell myself not to worry so much. The transition from highschool to college was definitely a scary expirence but it was also one of the best expirences of my life. I would tell myself not to be so homesick during the first two weeks and to just relax and have fun with the beginning because those two weeks are when I met some of the best friends I have now. There isn't anything major that I would tell myself to change about the transition from highschool to college. I feel like any mistakes that I may have made all ended up teaching me something new about school, real life, or myself. The only advice I have to give would be small things like bring more ramen noodles, don't put off laundry for three weeks, make sure your professors know your name, make friends with someone who has a car, and make friends that you know will stick with you no matter what.

Karmen

I would tell myself to go apply for more scholarships, and different schools. Do more research on the schools I applied to. I would also go visit more schools at the end of my junior year to get an idea. Also stay involved with plenty of activities, the more involved the better the transition is.

Sarah

Having completed three semesters of college at West Virginia University already, I have figured out some things that have helped me make college fun and productive. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get involved with various activities and clubs around campus. Getting involved is a wonderful way to learn more about the school and its surroundings. It is also a fantastic and fun way to meet new people who can help you make the transition from living at home to living at college a breeze. I would remind myself to become friends with my professors. They are there for you when you have a problem and can help you. Talking with them outside of class also shows that you are highly motivated and willing to do the work which can sometimes mean the difference between an A or a B at the end of the semester. Finally, I would tell myself to remember to make friends in each of my classes. It is always helpful to have someone to study with or to have someone to borrow notes from should you miss that class.

Chelsea

If I could go back in time, the best advice I could give myself is to branch out. Stepping out of your comfort zone and into new opportunities is the best part about the college experience. Don't just associate with your high school buddies, make new friends, and try new clubs, and never let yourself get so stressed out that you're consumed with just "getting through." Allow yourself the opportunity to grow as a person, every time you step into a different classroom, its a new chance to find that professor who could become your mentor, or that student who could be your best friend. College is so much more than just going to class and studying, and if that's all you ever do you'll never get to experience the finer parts of college like studying abroad, or getting a prestigous internship, or joining an organization that prepares you for your future career and provides invaluable networking for when you apply for a job in "the real world." Grades are important but there's more to a resume, and becoming involved keeps you on track and unstressed, what more could a college student ask for?

Dominick

I would tell myself that college is hard, but not impossible. As long as you show up for class and put forth an effort you will be fine. Do not be afraid of the large classes and "big" school. No matter how large the school is, you function in a small, tight-knit community. Also, friends are the most important thing about college. Without friends, life would be miserable at college. They help you with classes and provide the extremely important social network that makes life enjoyable. If life is not enjoyable then there is no drive to succeed.

Dreama

Dear Me, Nothing I say can prepare you for the freedom of college! For the first time, you get to choose your classes, your pizza delivery, and even if you decide to go to sleep for ninety-six hours straight. But along with this freedom, I'd like to impart a few lessons learned: Pay for the parking pass. It is cheaper than even one tow bill! Learn moderation in partying. Hangovers are never worth it. Learn to pace yourself. Trust your Professors, no great twenty page papers were written in one late evening rush. Remember those rules mom taught you. Your room mates will appreciate you more if they don't have to pick up your dirty underwear. Join a school club! Joining a club is the surest way to instant friends. Sign up for a sports class. So you aren't a college level athlete? Having a few friends to hike or toss a frisbee with will help prevent the freshman fifteen and the late afternoon lethargy that plague most everyone. So, take this advice if you want. You now have the freedom to do so.

Chelsey

High school was a time of fun, goofing off and not really planning for the future. But it should have been a time of not only fun but of preparing for college and getting ready to start life on your own. It should have been about learning who you really are and learning how to make tough choices. There should have been less money spent at Taco Bell and more money put into the bank to save up so that there wouldn't have been quite so many student loans to take out. There should have been more time spent appreciating being able to wake up every day with your family right down the hall and being able to eat home cooked meals every night. But more than anything there should have been excitement because transitioning from high school to college is really the first step towards becoming an adult and being able to show the world who you really are.

Loniann

The transition from high school to college was definitely a bigger transition that I thought it would be. Although I was looking forward to attending WVU, I had no idea what was in store for me. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a couple suggestions that I would have for myself in order to make a smoother transition. One piece of advice that I would give myself in order to succeed would be to read the assigned material in each course. In high school, it was easy to get good grades by just studying the notes that were provided. After two full years of college, I have learned that in order to make better grades it pays off to read your textbook because most of the time it provides a better understanding of the material. Another piece of advice that I would give myself would be to study ahead of time and not procrastinate. Procrastination may have worked in high school, but it is one of the worst things you can do in college. The last piece of advice I would give myself would be to be confident!

Alyssa

I would tell myself to start early, this doesn't mean you need to know exactly what you want to major in your freshman year of highschool, but as far as applying for schools and financial aid it makes college so much easier and stress-free. Same thing goes for highschool courses, take advantage of advance placement credits which are so helpful if your college accepts them. Also, keep your grades up in highschool and study for the SAT. I would also tell myself that it's important to know how to study effectively. But, to me the most important thing is to keep focused. Your freshman year you aren't thinking all the way to life after college and what you'll need to have done to complete college successfully. Temptation is certanity there to drink and not study but you need to know what's going to help you and what will hurt your career. If you stay focused all throughout your college career, you're going to love every minute of it and will be extremely satisified with what you've learned.

Matthew

I would probably tell myself not to be so nervous, because after you get aquainted to the lifestyle it isn't the worst thing. You have to find a good balance between studying and enjoying your time. If you have too much fun, you'll find yourself with poor grades and a hard time recovering. If you study too much, you'll become burnt out from school and could end up with a breakdown of sorts.

LINDSEY

If I could go back in time i would say to myself to be truthful and to always stick to my gut , put my best foot foward, and to work hard beacause your past can and will follow you( academically speaking). That the transiton is scary at first but like everything else, it is a new experience in life that you must go through in order to further youreslf if you choose to stay in school,it's a transition that is generally a positve one like life with a few bumps on the way but nothing you can't handle, you get to meet alot of new people in your future in college and the next 4 years will help you to better define who you are as a person and help you to become a positve person in your commumity if you allow that to happen. They always shay that these are going to be the best four years of your life, and it is truly what you make of if. keep your head up, your feet planted firmly on the ground and a positive outlook and work hard, the sky is the limit .

Trae

If I could give advice to myself as a senior in high school, it would have to be take hard classes. In my senior year I took simple class to get an easy A. In college I've realized that there is no such thing as an easy A. If I had practiced for college by taking difficult class in high school. I feel that I would have been more prepared for college life. Also I would have made sure to take more writing intensive class so that I could have developed better editing and writing techniques that I could appy to papers that I Would be typing up in college.