Answer:
You use preterite form when talking about past actions
ex: Ella caminó por el parque
You mainly use the imperfect tense when talking about repeated, usual, or habitual actions in the past
ex: Los sábados yo jugaba con mi vecino
Could it be, "calor" which means it is hot
Well, if you want the answer for "I would tell them to know what they want to do before going to college", then it's " Les diría que sepan lo que quieren hacer antes de ir a la universidad "