William Rainey Harper College Top Questions

Do not go to the four year university first. Dual enroll to get some classes done for free. And no matter what you do, save your money as best you can, you will need it on this long life's journey through education.

I would tell my high school self to stay focused. It is very easy to get caught up in new situations and push aside school work. I would remind myself that school is very important and to never give up. I ended up not going to Harper for year and I would tell my high school self to keep pushing myself in school and really attempt to do the work. If I could go back I would also tell myself to not be so lazy!!

Hello, Tsengel who is a high school senior in Mongolia. I know that you are trying to meet your mother who is in America. I know that you are really interested in majoring law in the USA. I know that you are a hard working, optimistic and generous girl, but you should keep working hard. You should not let yourself forget what you have learned today, so do a lot of practice, read books and solve a variety of Math problems. In the future, to become a good, successful lawyer in America, you will need to look at carefully what is happing in today's world. Don't worry about your dream school's tuition. You can get a scholarship by your hard work, by your not giving up ability and by your generous, optimistic character. Work hard, work hard, and again work hard.

The transition is easy, I would recommend that I jump directly into classes that would steer me in the direction of engineering. Don't make the mistake of not taking math classes, and never take the easy way out. Make sure you pay attention to detail, and always be prepared for class. Do homework immediately, and save fun for when you are completely finished with work. Study frequently, and go to sleep early before tests. Read everything that you possibly can, whether it is related to the classes that you are taking or not. And enjoy it while it lasts.

If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would say that college is nothing like High School and that it does get better. I was the student who just barely graduated from High School due to situations that made school close to impossible and anything but easy to graduate and succeed. I took almost seven years off, as the thought of schooling was anything but appealing to me due to past experiences. I would tell myself that it is ok if you do not know what you want to be, just get started and be something, be anything. I am the first in the last three generations of my family to recieve a college degree and would tell myself that it is ok to be the first, that my past would not be my future and that with hard work and dedication I will do more than I though I could.

If i only knew what I know now. I would tell myself definately go to school and do something for yourself. I know now how important it is to further your education. Education is the key to success. It is easy to take the easy way out in life but this may back fire in the future. I wish i would have gotten my degree right after high school. I feel my live would have been more stable now. I have learned that it is never to late to get an education. This whole school thing isn't so bad, it's actully very interesting. When you are in high school you should meet with a counselor to go over your options, because at that age you mind is not fully matured and you do not know all options. So go and be the best you can be, because you definately have it in you.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself about college, I would tell myself to save money to have for when I get into college for unexpected expenses. I would also tell myself to make I studied real hard and pay attention in school. Life will not be easy during the transition time but it will be worth the experience.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do exactly as I had done--to be outgoing and take advantage of every opportunity given to you. I moved out to Los Angeles from Chicago to attend Loyola Marymount University my freshman year of college. I was really upset because I was leaving my home, friends, and family, and was worried I would have difficulties adjusting. I had never been into parties, drinking, and drugs, and was worried I wouldn't be able to make friends because of it. Following the advice of my brother, I joined a sorority, lived in the Healthy Living Community, a housing group with kids who do not drink or smoke, and auditioned for various plays. By doing this, I made so many friends and loved my college experience. However, without my brother, I don't think I would have done it, as I was not willing at first to do any of these things. So, if I were to go back in time, I would tell myself to join these organizations, be outgoing, and meet new people, all while staying true to myself.

You?re not the smartest. You?re not the best athlete. You?re not the best looking, the funniest, or the most popular. You won?t be the most intriguing guy on campus next year. You?re just an average Joe. You know what? That is all you need to be. You don?t need to die your hair green or get three tattoos to make friends. You don?t need to drink beer for breakfast to be cool. You don?t need to kiss your teacher?s butt to pass. You just need to be yourself and stay true to who you are. Work hard, keep faith, and enjoy the most exciting period of your life. The most important lessons are not found in chemistry books; you learn new things about life everyday. You won?t grow from a boy to a man next year; growing up is a lifelong process. You won?t win a Heisman trophy or begin work on a Nobel Prize. However, you will go to college and learn every step of the way. Enjoy the ride.

If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school I would say that I need to prepare myself to be responsible for all aspects of my life. There will be not be as structured a routine as there is in high school. I would also say that I need to be serious about my work from the beginning because each class costs money and I need to pass each class so I do not have to take them over again. I also would say even though I would still be living at home for the first couple of years I need to prepare myself for living on my own in the future and all that entails.

If I could go back in time and share a cup of coffee with my "senior" self as it were, it would go something like this: Kaley, you have a lot to learn, and even more growing up to do. You care far too much about what other people think. Your top priority is making sure that you stay smack in the middle of that shallow in-crowd, and you neglect everything that you should mean the world to you. I don't think you have grasped the fact that being in highschool is about getting a good education not about who you call your friends. Did you know that you won't be talking to hardly any of those girls you call your "besties" in about two years? Which reminds me you really need to start saving your money and planning for college because you know it will all fall on you. I know you want to go to a big fancy university but get over that because community college is practical and then you can transfer. Trust me its not so bad once you get used to it so stop pouting about it and learn to deal.

In talking to my former self I would make it known, the importance of higher education. As well as the importance to maintain focus on my goals and pursue my passions.

Calm down!!! Everything is going to be fine. You'll somehow finish all of your applications and financial aid on time. I know there isn't much time to do everything but somehow it will all work out. You'll light up like a bulb when your acceptance letters stream through the mail to your house and sprint to tell your parents you got accepted! As worried as you'll be for the first day of classes your be overly excited too. After the first day, everything will fall into place. You'll get lost for awhile but dont worry. After you run and grab a map everything will be fine. You'll start a routine and occassionally fall out of it. There will be all-night studying and last minute essays but in the end, all your hard work will pay off.

I would tell myself to take a lot of writing classes. The is a lot of writing in college and personally I was not prepared for it. My senior year consisted of a few blow-off classes, or also known as "easy A" classes. I had the opportunity in high school to take a class called "Senior Composition" but decided to take a blow off class instead. I lost out on a good opportunity to fully develop my writing skills. Once I got into college, I began to struggle with writing papers in all of my classes. I had to then put more time and effort into meeting with teachers and tutors outside of classes to learn how to write papers properly. This made my life a lot more stressful and hectic. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take the writing class, so that my papers would be a lot better.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to open my mind and explore all possible options for college. I would tell myself that I need to visit as many colleges as possible, and apply to every college that sparked my interest. During senior year I did not take the opportuinity to explore my options, or apply to enough colleges. Knowing how much my friends enjoyed going away to school has made me regret not taking part in a wide college search as well. In addition, I would tell myself that keeping an open mind is ultimately more rewarding than being set in my ways. Ultimately, college is a time to explore your individuality and freedom. If I was able to talk to myself when I was a senior I would have stressed the need to explore this freedom and go away to college to find out more about myself. Although I was unable to tell this to myself, I can now share this information with all my friends and family who are emabrking on their own college searches.

Going back in high school as a senior I would tell myself that it doesn't matter of how well known your college is; what matters is how you apply yourself and your education to use for life.

Well, I would more aware of myself and my own interests. At that age, I was very adept at pleasing people and maintaining a certain image, but if I could take that time back, I would concentrate more on what I wanted out of life and what pleased me so I could choose a major and school that was more suitable for myself.

Choosing a major can be difficult and it's very easy to go along the flow of the crowd. I had to change my major twice due to peer pressure and it has cost me a lot of time and money. On top of that, I had to immigrate here in the U.S. and chose to stop going to college to do a full time job. It took me 10 years to get back on track. I am in my early 30?s and it's taking twice as hard to attend college due to family responsibilities. If I can go back in time to give myself some advice, I would tell myself to focus on what I love to do then find a course to enhance it, to move ahead steadily and never stop learning, and to push through any difficulties no matter how severe, for college is meant to test my resolve and will surely bring the best out of me. Whenever exhaustion settles in, it is always a good thing to wander into a dream of what I wanted to be in 5 years and then wake up the next day to push forward once again.

Just because you can get away with ditching, texting, sleeping in class, and so on, doesnt mean you should. You're paying for the class so don't waste your money and take the class twice. I would also say don't procrastinate on getting information on colleges, time goes by fast. The most important piece of advice, people don't goof off and act like high schoolers, this is college, act like a college student, because classmates and teachers won't put up with your immaturity.

Jean, don't procrastinate and do your work half-heartedly. Everything must be done with the best attitude and with your best effort. At the same time, don't forget that learning how to socialize and talking with people is crucial in college. Even if you think that studying is all you do in college, meeting people is just as important. You may even meet a lifetime friend. Don't procrastinate and use your time wisely, any lost time won't be given back to you. Keep a balance in between studying and having fun. College isn't all about studying and not having fun, Jean. Enjoy high school too, you may find yourself missing some of the good times that you had.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior keeping in mind how I percieve college life for me now I would of told myself to keep going on the way I was. As much as I would like to go back and tell myself to apply at more universities I know the decision I made to stay at home and go to the local nearby community college was the right choice. For financial reasons, and the notion of an a semi undecided major would not have been good to have going straight to a four year school. Going back in time I would of told myself to save up my money and not spend it on useless things; so I can save it and pay for school. I also would of told myself to work harder at staying close to my friends from high school because in college steals up a lot of time and money. I believe I made the right choice in high school when I decided to go to Harper college and going back in time I would of told myself I did the right thing.

At first, rather than advice, I would probably give my senior-self a good slap in the face. Where I was in my life during senior year of high school was definitely not a good place or heading in the proper direction. After the physical abuse I would hold my former self by the collar and convey the message that I screwed up big time. I had tremendous potential and I nearly completely wasted it. However, all is not lost. The time has come to pay back the previous four years of sloth, slack, and degeneration. I am better than that, and I can achieve great things, but the time has come to work. The time has come to make absolutely certain that my father did not work in a noisy factory for nothing. To make certain that if my mother could see me, she would be proud and not ashamed. To make certain my family and friends were proud of me, and proud to know me. To make certain that I would contribute back to this world that nurtures my mind constantly. Adulthood awaits, along with mental evolution, and now was the time to take a step forward.

I would tell myself to earn some college credit before entering college, so not only would I have some experience with college-style assignments and expectations, I would also earn some credit toward my degree. I would also inform myself to rigorously search for scholarships and apply for them as many as I can. I would discuss and emphasize the importance of getting moderately aquainted with the potential colleges and universities. Therefore, if I get accepted to one of my preferred schools, I already know where the important offices and buildings are and I would feel a lot more comfortable with the environment.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self to use high school as a tool for the future. Enjoy the journey that life has to offer and do not take it for granted. Please go to college right away and if possible go away to school. I have heard it is an amazing life changing experience. It will be very hard to go back to school when you are a wife and mother. Dig deep and pursue what you are passionate about ! Dream big and work hard to go after it!

You can succeed in college! The potential for success (or failure) is huge. You get what you put in. If you want an A, you must study, participate, and complete all assignments on time. Participate in class discussion; students want to hear different viewpoints. College instructors look at students as adults, not kids. Communicate with the instructor for understanding, further information or just to critique your assignment. Nobody is going to hold your hand; you must take ownership for your grades. There are many advisors and counselors to help you suceeed. Take advantage of every opportunity college offers you!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, first off I would make it clear college is a lot harder than high school. If you were a A or B average student high school was pretty much a breeze; there were a few hard classes and nights of staying up late, but mostly you were given a ton of time to finish what needed to be done. College, not so much. You might be learning an entire chapter in two days and thats only for one class. The course load is much more riggorous and you need to sit down and seriously get metally perpared and commited to doing well in it. Second I would suggest not underestimating the power of friendship. College isn't like high school, your going to have to step out of your box and try to meet new people, i suggest trying to join a club or group for one of your hobbies, this way your meeting new people that you have something in common with already. Lastly, don't forget the power of teamwork, for your harder classes seek out people in your class to study with.

I would tell myself that fear is natural, and not to be afraid of changing my surroundings. You can find more friends and support anywhere, especially in a college environment. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to persure art right away and that there are ways to make a living doing something you love, although it will almost always be difficult. However, there are more possibilities for rewards. I'd say to start following my dreams right off the bat, instead of hesitating. Also, I'd tell myself to go to all my classes, and not let my comfort staying at home to interfere with my academic dedication. And finally, I'd say to always start projects early. Even though I think I work better under pressure, getting important projects out of the way earlier will help ease stress and anxiety.

Dear high school Stefanie, The transition from high school to college is not going to be easy. Your going to feel frustrated, anxious, restless, and ignorant. Nobody told you how intimidating the real world would be, but do not panic, because you will make the right decision and learn that challenges in life are necessary. Do not hesistate to complete those scholarship applications early and begin actualizing your dreams to study abroad. Stop waiting for letters of acceptance from top 10 colleges, and be happy about all the money you are going to save by getting your associates degree at a community college. Remember it is never too early to donate your time to volunteer projects, but more importantly, enjoy your last year of high school, because you will have to wait 10 years for the reunion! Have fun and live life, College Stefanie P.S. Please stop being idle and understand that motivation is the key to success.