"I would probably have taken my freshman year in college a little more seriously than I did. My grades were not ideal to what I would like them to be. Also, I would probably try to get more information about different majors before I committed to one."

Several students provide answers:

"My high school counselor was a huge help. I gave her a list of what I wanted out of my college experience (opportunities for undergraduate research, strong liberal arts curriculum, proximity to a large city), and she helped me screen colleges and programs. I also asked tons of people who were already in college for advice on where and how to apply."

"My mom helped me a lot. I was really nervous at first, but she helped me think through my options."

"My parents offered their opinions, but ultimately it was my own work and decision. It's not as hard as you might think."

"My father helped me out. I also got help from teachers. They are always willing to help if you ask."

Answers from three students:

"College has helped me become a better communicator and critical thinker. It has allowed me to meet many new people and hear many new perspectives."

"College has helped me become a stronger leader. I've learned so much from my classes and my activities outside the classroom. It's a great opportunity to learn who you are and to prepare for the 'real world.'"

"I've done so many things that I had never done before. I explored the city all by myself, took a bus to a different state and took a road trip with my school's Alternative Spring Break group. I joined a bunch of groups and activities, and I learned to get myself up in the morning!"

"I wouldn't say it's necessarily a negative thing, but the amount of work is more than I expected. Sometimes I have to do things that I don't want to do, such as write a paper rather than go out with friends. I've heard people say to treat college like a full-time job, and it's totally true."

"That's okay. You will make friends in college but you will always have your friends from home to spend time with as well. You will meet new people but still have the same important people from home in your life. They might even enjoy visiting you at school."

"Probably working at some job, being very unhappy, not using my brain and letting my potential go to waste."

"My concerns were about leaving home, living on my own, missing my old friends, making new friends and doing well in my classes. I overcame them by working hard and just giving college a fair shot."

Three students share their insights:

"I decided to go to college both to achieve personal and professional goals. College opens many doors and allows you to experience many new things."

"These days college is almost a necessity to get a job that pays well. Also, I really want to help people, and college was necessary for me to be able to do that."

"I was tired of working low-end jobs where anyone can take your job for nothing, and I knew there was something out there better for me."

"I think it is better to attend full-time, if circumstances allow it. Attending full-time lets you experience the whole range of college life, and it also allows to you focus on your studies and finish in a shorter amount of time."

Here's how four students responded:

Think of it as a new journey that you are embarking on with new experiences that may change your outlook on a lot of different things. Go into the experience with an optimistic outlook.�

Go out and meet new people as soon as possible because when you do that your college experience will be a lot better in your earlier years.�

I would tell them to relax; going away to college is an exciting adventure that they will enjoy.�

You can do it! Everyone else is going through the same transitions.�

"No, I never regret going to college. College has been an incredible learning experience, both inside the classroom and in everyday life in general. The things I have experienced in college have allowed me to grow as a person as well as learn about the world around me."

Three students share their insights:

"It can be a long and hard process. Remember to keep your options open and don't tie yourself down to one choice. There are thousands of schools, and I'm sure there are several good fits for every person. Consider your own academic priorities, social needs and location preferences before applying. I made sure to read up on all the schools I considered, which included looking at course catalogs, the size of their departments, the diversity of the student body and campus accessibility to nearby cities and attractions."

"I chose a school based on size, distance to home and quality of the academic programs. I wanted to be close enough so it wouldn't be a horrible drive to go home."

"It took a while for me; I didn't go to school after I graduated high school. I took a year off and worked. When I was ready and had a direction I wanted to go in, I talked to a counselor at my high school, and she helped me find a school that would work for me."