Wichita State University Top Questions

At the end of high school I thought, “Ok, I have been at this for thirteen years; why not take a year off? Have some fun and save up some money.” Now as a 27 year-old returning adult student entering my sophomore year, I have been married for eight years, and have two children. I believe this gives me a unique perspective on the importance of and transition into college. Since high school, I have worked a string of back-breaking, labor intensive jobs often in non-climate controlled environments. While I do not regret the decisions I made in my personal life. Now I am faced with the realization that by this point in my life, even going to school just part time, since my graduation from high school, would have created a far better situation today. The older my children and I get the harder it seems to find time to attend classes, and now my whole family has to make major sacrifices for that to happen. If I could change one thing I would have never taken that “year” off and would have made the time when it only affected me.

If I could visit my high school self, I would tell him to diversify. I would tell him to take classes during senior year that broadened horizons and explored areas that were new. I would tell him to diversify his friendships and activities and to be open to new people and new outlooks. Moving to a college campus requires making new friends and being exposed to new viewpoints. Maintaining an insular circle of friends in high school made that transition more painful as I experienced an acute grief at the loss of my closest friends. Had I practiced making new friends before college, I would have been more adept at it when reaching campus. Likewise, I would tell the high school version of me to try new activities. I would recommend joining a new sport or activity. I would tell him to give student government a try, and seek out clubs where he could learn something new. Transitioning to college life can be difficult. Slipping into life on a campus can be made so much easier when you have a broader base of experiences and activities with which to seek out commonalities with the new people in your life.

Amy, I know you do not have much interest in college after graduating high school and I know your reasons why. What I wish I could help you to understand is that a college education is truly the very best key to self discovery, independence and achieving your greatest potential. In college, you can decide what interests you and what courses to pursue; and if you want to be able to support yourself and your family, you are going to need a college degree. Why don’t you give it a try? Start out with just one class. You might find out that you really like it and that you are much more intelligent than you now realize.

I would tell myself to really try and take advantage of all that is offered to you as a senior. Take all of those extra college classes and really strives for A's in these classes as it will really give you a head start for your college careers with some good grades in some college classes under your belt. Also, apply for all of the scholarships possible. There are so many scholarships that are just sitting out there waiting for someone to apply for them. The more scholarships earned, the less you will have to pay out of pocket. Strive to pay for college without taking out loans. If a loan is needed, try to pay it off in the shortest time possible. That is why so many people are already swarming in debt right out of college because they take out big loans that hurts them in the end. The final thing I would tell myself as a senior is to dream big and follow through with those dreams. If you want to be a doctor, do the best you can in class now so you can be prepared for the classes you will face in college.

Respects your parents listen to advice given by your elders work very hard in school get good grades and balance social life and school work. Focus more on the future because fun doesn’t end it will still be there even after graduation. Give back to the community, respect my peer and join as many volunteer programs, verses watching TV at home. Clean my rooms, help my parents at home, and finally help any peer that may need help.

I would allow myself to mature as an individual and as a student before diving straight into college. I attended Boise State for two years followed by a 4 year "break" due to obtaining a quality full time job. I've since moved backed to Kansas and married an amazing and in turn have grown up a lot. I re-enrolled in school at age 25 with a much better head on my shoulders than at age 18. I don't feel like my first two years of college right out of high school were a mistake by any means, but I am retaining information at a much higher level in my mid twenties and am much more passionate about my schoolwork now that I am striving towards a career field.

The first thing I would tell myself is not to be to nervous because everyone else feels the same as you. College is so much different than high school, no one is judging you on appearance, status, or if you get straight A's . You will make so many new friends and learn so much from them as they will from you. You think that you don't have much to offer the world but you will find that your personal story is unique and people will want to listen to you. College will be hard at times but you will find that it is also easy. Don't be afraid to open up in class and talk about your background. Listen to others and learn from them. If you fail at something, don't give up try a new approach or ask for help. This is the best advice I could go and give myself as a high school senior.

I think I had great advise in high school, however now that i have been out of school I realize that with the economic crisis some fields are becoming scarce. I wish I would have given myself more time to explore more careers and had found out of ways to choose the field that I would have liked better. I think if I were a high school senior again I would enjoy every moment and do more then what I did. I was on the right path but I was too focused on getting into college that I feel that I missed out on other opportunities. I would probably tell myself to do an internship in my field to know if that is really what I want. I missed the opportunity for the Bio-Medical program my school offered. One important thing I would say to myself always follow your instincts and take advantage of the opportunities given to you because they are only there once in a life-time.

Because I graduated from high school a year early I would tell myself to stay in high school for the fourth year, not because I do not like college but because I was not ready for it when I started. When I went into college I thought it was going to be a breeze like highschool was, but it was not and I did not begin trying in my classes till it was too late I got a 2.90 GPA for that first semester which was horrible compared to my 3.76 GPA in high school. So I would tell myself to get prepared for classes and to start homework early, do not wait till the day before it's due. Also I would tell myself to take a class that will be enjoyable and be stress-relieving compared to the other classes that have to be taken. This will help to relieve stress and make taking the other classes more bearable. One last piece of advice I would give myself is to remember to have fun sometimes and to not get caught up in any problems that may arise and cause a loss of concentration. Stay focused.

Riana, the fact is, you need money for college. I know you and our parents thought all it would take to get into college and the education paid for was to get excellent grades and be involved. But you have to do more. The reality is, you could've just been mediocre throughout high school and would be in the same financial place that I am now. The key for success in college... DEADLINES. I hope you get this before November because that's when you need to start with the scholarship process. Riana, you need to apply to a couple of schools that you want to go to NOW. Submit scholarship applications and tell your counselor which schools you're interested in so she can make sure you're on their radar. Be diligent. You're whole college career can be determined from these next few months. You can get your college education paid for! You just have to meet the deadlines. That should be your motto in college. And don't just meet the deadlines, be early. College is very competitive. So get going! You won't regret it. Trust me. I know you better than anyone.

Going back to my senior year in high school, I would tell myself to become more responsible in many aspects of my life. I have always been a good student, but in order for me to excel in college, there is more responsibility to complete homework and go to classes. The other aspect of responsibility that is important for incoming freshman to know is how to manage time wisely. Whether it is a homework type setting, or even social settings, it is important for students to set limits on everything to make sure that you give yourself enough time to get everything required of you done, and done exceptionally well. Because I am a double major of Musical Theatre and also Finance, it is important for me to use time wisely when figuring out the priorities in my college life, both in school and in the community.

Dear High School Me, Relax. You're secretly dreading the day you move into your dorm room, though you hide your shaky nerves behind calm smiles. But believe me, it's not as daunting as you believe. The people around you will be just as frightened, though they'll try not to show it either. There's no way around the awkwardness you'll feel without any familiar faces to rely on. However, each strange face is a disguise for a chance to connect with someone. You can't afford to be distant, or not nurture the possible relationships around you. Yet don't fake your enthusiasm. Simply accept yourself, and others will too. Don't be afraid to feel comfortable with the place you're at and the people you're with. There's no reason this can't be just as much a home as the place you left if you accept and embrace the chance. College is what you make it. If you're sincere in your words and learn how to take your chances, this will be the best times of your life. If you don't, well... High School Me, you know what to do.

I would have talked myself into taking the AP (Advanced Placement) exams so that I would be able to skip some of the classes I took. I would talk myself out of joining the Navy and focused more on going straight to college.

To take as many college prep math and science courses available. Use tutors and not be afraid to fail just because I did'nt get it in class the first time, ask the teacher for help and ignore what classmates might think. Because in the end it's my future not theirs. Search for colleges earlier like in my sopmore year. Find the right major for a career choice and be prepared to change majors if what you chose is'nt at all what you thought. Be serious but not serious you don't enjoy the whole college experience.

If I had the opportunity to advise my high school senior self, my most important message would be to take ownership of my education. Beyond laws and parental expectations, higher education involves a pivotal transition from youth to adulthood. During this shift, it is critical to recognize the weight of one’s decisions. I would advise myself to dive into the university headfirst and become involved in organizations and extracurricular activities to develop my knowledge base and to meet people with similar interests and intentions. I would also express the need to investigate my options to ensure fulfillment in my career; and, once a field is decided upon to show the utmost commitment in order to become the best professional I could be. In addition, I believe college is a time to cultivate one’s character and an opportunity to diversify oneself. By exploring different branches of life, one will only become a sturdier trunk. With an all-or-nothing attitude, I would demonstrate to myself the necessity of possession over one’s lifelong satisfaction. Education is and always will be empowering; and, it is this ownership that will maintain drive and ensure a sense of accomplishment for the future.

I will have told my younger self to go slow and to sign up for as many scolarship as she could

If I could go back in time, knowing what I do now, I would tell myself many things and prepare myself for even more things. I would tell myself to take at least three years of Spanish to make life easier. I would encourage myself to push myself even harder to complete my goals and to set the bar a little harder because I know I could make it. I would tell the younger me to never give up no matter what obstacles life throws at me, because there is always a way out. I would also tell myself to take classes during the summer, even if it's only one or two. And lastly, I would remind myself to never underestimate myself and my knowledge, to go with my instincts and go the distance!

Even though I live at home, I have utilized campus facilities and activities to their fullest which has helped me become a more independent person. Part of the "college experience" is and should be the transitioning from dependent child to young adult. This campus offers many exciting and educational activities as well as access to a community that is not overwhelmingly large. Through the encouragement of professors and college friends, I have participated in many campus and community activities meeting new people, establishing lifelong friendships, and developing potential business connections. I also have learned from my experiences that giving encouragement to others who may be struggling in college and in life is one of the most helpful and rewarding things I can do. "In helping another grow, you grow yourself" was what one professor told me when I started college. I came as an individual expecting just to get an education but what I have received is compassion, encouragement, entertainment, friends, and mentors but most importantly, what I have become is compassionate, friendly, encouraging, and able to function successfully as a young adult in the "real world".

I joined a sorority at my school, delta delta delta, and it has been the best experience of my life. It has introduced me to so many people and has gotten me so involved with my school. Attending Wichita State has been valuable to my academic career and i would not trade it for the world.

I have learned alot from going to college. It has helped further my studies in the accounting field, but it has also expanded my personal life. I have become a more rounded person in serving my community by volunteering. I believe that my experience at WSU will affect the way I live the rest of my life.

I came to school to learn to play guitar, and learn to work with a variety of musicians. I'd doing that well

I have learned so much from my college experience. I've taken classes appropriate to my desired career and have met very helpful professors and staff that care for my well being. The college experience at Wichita State is a very close, down home experience, everyone on campus is very helpful and want the best for you as a student. I've been able to take classes towards my degree that are much more in depth than classes I've taken at other schools. I've learned so much about myself from being at Wichita State and I wouldn't change anything about it!

My college education so far has been an interesting road. You never know if you are going to change your mind until you get there. I am changing my major this next semester, and the faculty and staff here have been more than kind to me and helped me to make the best decisions for myself. The staff here are like family and they try to make you feel more than accomplished while you are making your dreams work out for you. I have learned so many things in my musical studies here at Wichita State University. My vocal performance is tenfold what it was in high school, which is saying something as a freshman. Wichita State would be a smart decision for anyone, and everyone should at least consider coming here.

My college experience has provided me with so many wonderful friends, great learning experiences, and life-long lessons that have helped me grow into a better person. It has shown me a bigger picture of the world and how I want to affect it. It has helped me decide my future and how I want to make a difference. When I set foot into college, it kick started an emotional and academic journey. I have taken huge strides on that path over the last few years that have made a large impact in my life. I feel as if I've been transformed from an indecisive girl to a focused and determined young woman. My school opened my eyes to an idea that my interest in Anatomy and Physiology, my love of volunteering and helping people, and my background in sports and athletics can combine and lead me to a career in Physical Therapy. I've learned what I want out of college and the means to achieve it. Most of all, I've learned who I am and who I want to be, and that is more valuable to me than anything else could possibly be.

College has turned out to be more than I would have ever expected. Paying thousands of dollars every year for a piece of paper seemed ridiculous, but I've realized the college experience is priceless. You can't teach yourself independence and maturity; you experience it, and college has forced these upon through both good and bad experiences. I've learned academic knowledge as well as personal skills valuable to life after college. Diversity throughout the campus reflects the real world as well as the variety of competition found in the workforce. Even though my college years are not finished, I can safely say that these four years will have made a better person, something I think you can't put a price on.

My undergraduate experience was a valuable one for many reasons. I had opportunities to gain work experience in a moderately sized city through the cooperative education office and part time jobs offered throughout the city. Additionally, I was able to have valuable classroom experience in the field of education by being involved in placements. I also made many lasting friends working in the same field while attending Wichita State. Furthermore, my undergraduate education inspired me to begin working on a graduate degree in the field of education.

I have just entered the college world and it has helped me to grow up. College is so important for many reasons, college teaches resposibility and time managment. I would love to expand my college experience at a four year university but between my parents divorce and my fathers mental disorder I do not have the money to do so. After my parents got divorced I became very independent and college has showed me that sometimes it is okay to lean on others for a hand. This short passage is very diffecult for me to write considering I have struggeled with dyslexia for my entire life. Having dyslexia how ever has been helpful to me in so many ways when it come to college. All though that may sound strang it is true, while other students go out at night I have to stay in and study because school work takes me twice as long as normal students. I want more then anything to have the full college experience, the dorms, the football games, the large classes and all the memories that come with it, but with out your help I will not be able to reach my goal.

college was able to help me boost my confidence. didnt think making a friend would be so simple. college isnt as hard as we seem, its fun and probably easier then high school, the choice of choosing your classes and hours. and all the stuff available on campus, great and friendly classmates and faculty.

I am attending San Joaquin Valley College in Bakersfield, Ca. In comparasion to other schools I visited this school I really liked. The Instructors, Deans, and other staff are really helpful. I only have been attending for 8 weeks now, and I already learned so much. The thing I like most is that all the teachings are hands-on. I am In the Medical Assisting program and hoping to pursue a carreer in Registered Nursing. Attending this school open up my eyes in to the Medical field. Its been really valuable for me because I wanted to show my family that I could make the best for myself. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and also had a baby boy and my mother still did not see that as an accomplishment because like my sisters I had a baby early, but going to school for me is a way to prove to myself and to my son that I was going to make something of myself. Thats why going to college is valuable to me.

I already have a bachelors degree but have decided to return to attend nursing school. I have learned just how important the value of an education is. I truly enjoy Wichita State and everything that it has to offer. After having my son I have realized just how important creating a solid future for him and for myself is, and I am so blessed that Wichita State University is here and has so many degree oportunities available to advance my career and my life.

I have gotten out of my college expereance,that if you try your hardest at something you will achive your goals in it. It has been Valueable to attend college to get a heads up on earning a Bachlor's in Education.

I have grown exponentially from my college experience thus far. It's growing up and having fun all at once. I've learned more than I imagined from different people. I've learned better ways to communicate and how to express my ideas professionally and effectively, which will only benefit my future. I'm taking all I can from college, the good and the stressful and I couldn't be more satisfied with my experiences.

The first advice I would give myself is not to go! When I was a senior in high school I was, like most seniors, rather unfocused. Unlike most seniors, that didn't get better once I got to college. I'm rather clever, but that doesn't do you any good when you don't have the discipline to attend class every day, do your homework, and study for your tests. So if I were to advise my younger self on a path for the future, it would be to wait. "Go get a job flipping burgers," I'd say, "get yourself a crappy little studio apartment, and enjoy being young for a while. You know that you aren't ready for college, you're just ready to not be in Hutchinson with your parents anymore. So cut loose for a while, and when you finally decide that college is the way to go, you can do it without fighting against the bad GPA you gave yourself screwing around in college for those first few semesters."

Everything around was alien to me, I didn?t know what my next step should be. I was treading my every step with utmost caution. The excitements of getting close to my goal, the joy of smelling that free air slowly start to sip out of me. Finally when they arrive, I felt like someone ruined my best cuisine, I eagerly anticipated having for such a long time. Every six months, scene is same only the actors changes, of all foreign students arriving in Wichita, some get the perfect start others don?t. From my own sour experience, I wanted to be a change for them and? helping the new international students get their perfect welcome to Wichita State University (WSU) and the Wichita Community. The donation that I made for the earthquake victims of Haiti at WSU was a fulfilling experience. This helped me feel positive towards my life and realize how blessed I am. Watching the world from others eye can be a wonderful adventure. Not seeking fame in the process, just provide selfless service to the university that listened and replied to their call for better education and glorified future. We should always server society.

This is probably the first time in your life that you are going to be on your own. You will probably discover that although you thought you were doing things by yourself as a senior in high school, you were actually leaning on mom and dad a little more than you thought. Don't be afraid to call home and talk to them about your struggles. Take your schoolwork serious, a day before the test is a bad time to start reading the chapter. There is plenty of time to party and do school. Start off by doing school first then party till your work starts to suffer. That is the best way to find the balance. Join a club or two, you might meet important life long friends and in the long run have more fun than a 38th consecutive night at the dance club. Join a community service group. Have fun and don't freak out because your the only one that doesn't have your major all planned out, explore all your options. College is not about learning a trade, it is about an experience, an education,

I would give myself plenty advice for going into college. First, I would tell myself to start researching colleges at the beginning of my senior year and deciding what is best for me. Also, I would tell myself to apply for scholarships because college is not cheap. Those are the biggest things that stand out to me at this point in my college career. I have been working really hard this year, and I wish I would have been working this hard my senior year or just throughout my whole high school degree. Although, I didn't realize half of what I do now, I would say that people live and learn. I definitely learned.

I would most likely telll myself to make the out of my senior years and do any and everything there is to do. Make good memories that well last for ever and don't take for granted the things that's bein givin to you and have fun while you can. When college comes around its time to really foucus and get down to business do what you have to, in order to communicate with real people in the real world. Cause it's crule high school is different from college and you have to be prepared at all times and on your feet. One last thing i would tell myself, which is most important. Make the best out of EVERYTHING, everything. Go to prom go try out for baseball even if your not good at it. Earn as many awards as you can, to prove that you can do anything you put your mind to no matter what people say, even if you can't play the sport, you can say you tried. Do what ever it takes. Again have fun....there's no telling when your going to be able to have fun again! (414)828-9070

I would tell myself to practice my study tactics. Studying for tests in high school is nothing like college. I would also tell myself not to worry about the petty friend stuff. I have met girls in college through my sorority that will be lifelong friends. The girls that I had problems with in high school don't matter anymore and during my senior year I thought life was terriable. I would tell myself not to worry about the boyfriend problems either, I have met the person that I will spend the rest of my life with and I couldn't be happier.

I would have given myself the advice of trying to find out more about scholarships, fiancial aid, and housing. For scholarship, I would have told myself to search the internet for any legitimate scholarship oppurtunities. If I did not recieve any scholarships, I would have taught myself the knowledge of fiancial aid. Fiancial aid allowed me to pay for some of my college tuitions. My parents would have loved to hear about any scholarship or fiancial aid oppurtunities before the deadlines were near. As for housing, I would have pressured myself to move onto campus dormitories. It would have saved me a decent amount of money on gas when I had to commute twenty-five minutes each day. In the dorms, I would have been able to meet a lot of new friends and become much more social than I would have been in high school. Lastly, I would have definitely given myself the advice to become involved in school organizations and activities. The organizations and activities made my experience in college much more enjoyable and relaxing. Overall, I would most likely have told myself that Wichita State University is a good choice for college.

I would say, "The next couple years will define the rest of your life. Try to figure out what you want to do. Try to figure out what will make you truely happy, devlop a plan, and go for it. In the university setting you'll find out who you really are through the rigorous academics, the tempting social settings, and the overwhelming freedom you will experience. Get involved, and meet people. Join clubs and organizations that you'll enjoy. Treat every individual you meet with the respect and courtesy that you would like yourself. Do something every single day outside of your comfort zone. Study, study a lot. Ultimately, take advantage of the time you'll have, because you'll never get time back. So, What do you want to do with your life? What will make you truely happy? What's your plan? Don't tell me, though. Go for it."

if i could go back in time i would change one simple thing; my attitude. while in high school i thought of the teachers as disturbing with all the homework and countless speeches and advice. little did i know that i wasnt seeing the bigger picture. i was relieved when high school was over and practically erased some of the information in my head. coming into college, i realised that there is alot of similarity of subjects learnt. if i had paid enough attention and given the required interest there is no doubt that college would be a much easier experience especiallty in the first years. who knows, maybe i would have skipped some of the pre-requisites and saved my parents money and my time, and energy. learning from my experience, i cant help but feel a bit of envy towards those who were good students and are having a breeze with college. if i was to advice anyone i would tell them that high school is a vital opportunity to acquire academic skills and it is considered as a staging element for social life. thus dont forget to have fun and make friends, friendship goes a long way.

I would tell myself to make the most of my time in highschool. The less you learn in highschool the farther behind you will be in your classes in college. This makes it harder to learn when you are having to play catch up. I would say to branch out and meet more people. I have learned the value of networking and that the earlier that you start, the better it will be. I would tell myself to keep working hard and not slack off. Hard work pays off an you will not regret it. Even though you are having to give up things, it will give you more back in return and provide you with a multitude of opportunities. There is an opportunity cost to everything so make sure and plan ahead for your future.

If I could go back in time to my high school years I would have completed high school instead of dropping out. You see, I was a high school dropout my freshman year. I got pregnant and started a family so school was not a priority; working to support my family was. I eventually got my GED, but that was still not enough to get me a good paying job to take care of my family. That's when I decided that I needed to go back to school and earn me a degree so that I could have a career, instead of just a job. When I first went back to school, it was really tough for me because I missed out on learning a lot of general concepts that would have made my education easier through the first two years of college. Also, if I would have gone to college right after high school, I would have already graduated from graduate school and have a career as a Dentist.

The first step I would take is to inform myself that even though I will have alot of freedom from my parents, that doesn't mean I need to mess around and go out all of the time. I would also explain that school work is very important as well as going to class. Even though the professors say you don't have to attend class it is still very beneficial and you may learn a little more than what the book could provide. Spending money wisely is another point I would stress. Certain financial expenses arise at odd times and you may need to be able to tackle those as soon as possible so saving as much money as you can is very important. Don't go out to parties every weekend because in the long run it won't help your grades and sometimes can throw off your sleep scheduel. Sleep is another thing that is well needed. Just because mom and dad aren't there to manage your "bed time" doesn't mean go to bed at three a.m. nightly. Get as much sleep a night and rest as possible, it's a big help!

Starting my second semester of college, I feel like I have grown a lot as a person from the time I graduated high school untill now. In high school, you don't have much respsonsibility as an adult. Your parents still make sure you get your homework done on time, and also get important documents (like school applications or financial aid) in on time. In college, you live on your own, therefore all you have to depend on is yourself. I believe the success of the individual is up to them. WIth that being said, my advice would be to take responsibility of yourself. This will take time to fully understand and practice, but knowing about it ahead of time and preparing yourself will make a huge difference. Also, another piece of advice I would give myself would to be to GET INVOLVED. Getting involved allows many doors to open to meet good people you will know for the rest of your life, to participate in community service activities and to just be a college kid having fun. Your college experience definately what you make of it, therefore, why not help out others and yourself by getting involved!!

Take this last year seriously. Don't procrastinate. Don't worry so much about what people think of you in high school because they don't matter in the end. Focus on what you want and not so much what your mom and dad want. You will waste FAR less time if you do what you want in the end. Oh, and whatever you do, do NOT eat that candy bar at the bottom of your locker.

I would tell myself to stay on top. Be focused and stay encouraged to do the best you can your last year of high school. Responsibility is important, and doing tasks for yourself will mature you in many ways. Don't settle for less and keep pushing to do the best you can. In college you're expected to be more independent, and the teachers will expect great things from you. Be the one to impress those around you, as well as your instructor. You want to shine and make people notice the great qualities and leadership skills you have to offer. Stay involved and be a role model for others. You will have unexpected blessings brought upon you if you keep going in the right direction.

If I could go back to myself in high school and talk to myself I would say "Quit whining and just go to WSU, so what if you're the only person from your graduating class going. You'll have so much fun!" I would tell myself that the social life here is excellent that not knowing anyone from high school is going to make it that much better, you'll be forced to make new friends and come out of you shell! I would say 'GO GREEK' it's so much fun and you can get so involved, its not what the movies make it out to be! I would also say stick with swimming, just because WSU doesn't have a team doesn't mean you should quit the facility and lifeguards are amazing. I would also say get a campus job, it gets you even more involved. Lastly I would say 'stay focused!', your individual classes aren't that competative but Grad School is! Be ready!

Keep Going Ted, the little time you have is the most time you get, for time cannot be wasted; one man's waste is another man's opportunity. Just like one man's meat is another man's poison. Keep working hard and aim for the highest . Never leave your God for He will take you to places you have never imagined. Remember to say thankyou to all who do you good for the only debt you should have in this world is love, so have it in abundance.

One of the most important steps toward making the college transition successful is to make you meeting with your counselor as early as possible. You should also look through the available classes so that your are able to efficiently determine which classes you should take to help prepare for either your career or a degree. By doing this you can maximize the amount of time spent by taking classes that are required and have information that is easily compatible. Making a meeting with a counselor allows you to discuss all available options so you can have an improved learning experience. Taking care of this vital task early on increases the odds that the classes you need will have openings. Once the year has started, make sure to study for test, even if it seems like it's just the same psychology you took three years ago in high school. Life favors the prepared.