<p>I would have been more social and outgoing in highschool if I had a second chance. When I got to college, I would go out to parties, and always seem to have my pick of girls. At first, I was shy and backed out when they clearly were into me. Had I been a little more social and outgoing during high school, I would have been a little more confident going into college. Didn’t create too much of a problem. I really opened up after a month or so and things went up from there.</p>
<p>The only thing I can think of is that I wish I had taken a gap year. High school left me burnt out and jaded. I wish I could’ve taken a year off to regain perspective.</p>
<p>Um I wish I’d lightened up a little in high school instead of focusing on “perfect” grades. </p>
<p>Other than that I can’t really think of that many things I really regret about doing before college. Now I’m sure I"m going to graduate college with a whole host of things I wish I’d taken advantage of because four years is definitely not enough time to do everything you want to do.</p>
<p>I wish I had taken my high school’s art class with the great teacher. I watched so many of my peers improve their skills and have fun while I slaved away in some other class. It would have been fun and I would have learned a lot. </p>
<p>I also wish I had dated my best guy friend. Especially since I was holding out for the amazing dating scene in college–which, after a year and a half, I have come to accept doesn’t actually exist on my campus.</p>
<p>I agree with going to an out of state school. </p>
<p>Also taking dual-credit (not sure if anyone else has these) english, economics, and government in highschool. Absolutely my worst regret, I could have taken less hours, gotten better grades in those classes etc. </p>
<p>Im surprised getting license is one, how old do you have to be to get your license in your state? Texas is 15 for permit/hardship and 16 for license. </p>
<p>Freshman year not using Pick-a-prof to pick my classes, that thing is awesome, dont know what id do without it.</p>
<p>@Central Perky: That’s what I’m feeling right now. I’m taking a gap year next year so that I can devote more time on social works, read more Philosophy and Literature books (I’ve been a science geek at high school), spend more time with my family. I’m very determined on my college perspective so I’m not worrying that it would be even slightly affected. </p>
<p>Thank you for all of your replies. They are really helpful and insightful!</p>
<p>I didn’t study that much, i wish i could turn back time.</p>
<p>Don’t take a gap year during your high school career. You will just waste your education, or at least ■■■■■■ your personal progress. While it might sound like a fun idea to take a hiatus and engage in something of personal interest, it will hinder your in the long run. There is plenty in life to do what you want, but you have to be selective of the period. Don’t worry about pursuing your whim now and worry about getting into your desired college.</p>
<p>p.s. freshman year in college=gap year ; given: you complete the miniscule work assigned to you. Solve for x.
p.p.s. taking a year off in high school for art and dating? what is wrong with…</p>
<p>I have a question. Why don’t you apply for college this year, and then defer for one year? That way, you can take your gap year and be assured a spot at a college.</p>
<p>An increasing number of students are taking gap years after they graduate, and many colleges view it as an advantage if the student spends the time productively. You should embark on some sort of project, work, take community college classes, anything to show that you aren’t just fooling around for a year. I think a gap year is a great idea after spending 12 straight years of school. It seems like it would be nice to take a short break before entering the college world and the workplace.</p>
<p>Definitely travel. I really regret not having traveled to other parts of the world either before college or during college. I didn’t go abroad until I was in my late 20’s. </p>
<p>You don’t have to take a gap year to do this though. You can travel during summers, a semester abroad, or after college too.</p>
<p>Learning multiple languages while I still had a ridiculous amount of free time… I still have a good amount of free time… regardless…</p>
<p>Honestly, I don’t regret that much. The only thing I can really thing of would have been to overcome procrastination haha.</p>
<p>Hmm, not taking enough AP courses. My in-state school is great, but I’m a very competitive person and love to get out of state but my parents felt I wasn’t mature enough yet… :(</p>
<p>Oh also being in a relationship because I didn’t get my first relationship until I was in my second semester of college. I’m still in my first relationship, but I have the “first boyfriend syndrome” and sometimes I feel so naive because I’m so unexperienced.</p>
<p>I wish I had read a lot more on my own and learned to love reading at an earlier age.</p>
<p>before going to college I wish I had:
gotten my first experience with heartbreak out of the way so it wouldn’t have been so detrimental to me (and my schoolwork)
really sat down and thought about what I wanted to do instead of picking a major because it sounded cool
not been a wallflower in HS; broken out of the shell BEFORE second semester frosh year
been more active in something besides academic clubs.</p>
<p>Taking a visual art class (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc)</p>
<p>hmm, i think that everyone thought “mmhmm, yes, but maybe i shouldn’t post that.” AND THEN actually typed “i should’ve gotten better grades…” etc.</p>
<p>about taking a gap year- i agree you should apply and then defer till the next year</p>
<p>im not arguing for or against taking a gap year but someone said to me “college prepares you for the world, but how do you do that if you havent seen the world”–so maybe taking a gap year might be a good idea, maybe not</p>