Jerika
I have came to an understanding that if you don't suceed in the goals you have set for yourself then you must not be trying hard enough. Being a student at Ashland University has introduced me to a overwhelming world of networking and compassion. I have learned and still am learning that at Ashland University if any student from any backgroud is determined to complete their goals at hand and is willing to create a solid networking foundation, for them the sky is the limit. A leader is never born, he/she is made and Ashland is teaching me this day by day. The goal for an Ashland University student is to not only graduate in a timely fashion but to be prepared and ready for the day after graduation and days to come after.
Jamie
The most valuable thing I have gotten from my college experience is freedom. Freedom to make choices, make mistakes, learn and grow. I commuted for the first two years of college and that got me nothing.
I had to leave home.
I had to live in a dorm and make life choices on my own.
The only way to become who you were meant to be is to leave the nest, go to college, join an organization to develop your resume and leadership skills, make a ton of mistakes, fail a class and learn from it all.
The greatest freedom of all is knowledge. Going to college gives you the knowledge to get into the career of your dreams so you can learn more and make more.
Had I not attended college I wouldn’t have had the opportunities, internships, and sisters that have already made me a better person, and will continue to help me grow and become me.
Going to college got me out of a small rural town where had I not left the most I would ever make of my life would be to get married & have babies.
College gave me the chance to be more.
Breana
Congratulations, Bre! I know you thought that high school would never be over, but you finally did it! You should be excited but not too excited because you still have to carefully decide on a college that will be right for you. I strongly suggest not choosing the very first school you visit just because the campus is pretty. Apply to many schools and really envision yourself living there for four years. Make sure you can have fun, but gain a valuable education at the same time. And don't forget to wait for the financial aid award letters before making the decision because you could get a full ride! Don't miss out on anything and pay attention to detail because this is one of the most important decisions of your life. It is vitally important not to procrastinate anymore. You will learn a lot about youself these next few years, so enjoy your time in college. Oh yea, one more thing; there IS homework in college, and you do NOT know everything. Again, congratulations and goodluck!
Krista
College is a time where students gain an abundance of independence. It is a time where family members are not going to make sure the homework is done, and each morning you are on time for classes. College is a time where students become more responsible, and have to make their own decisions. Students are faced with many more decisions in college, and students have to draw a line where there is a time to study and time to have fun.
When making the transition from high school to college, it is totally all right to be nervous. Another aspect that helped make my transition to college easier was meeting my roommate during the summer before I attended college. This made the transition easier because I already had a friend on campus, and we consult each other if we have a problem. Another way to make new friends on campus is to leave the dorm room door open. By leaving the door open, people will stop in and say hi or even stay a while and just talk. Explore organizations that interest you, and do not be afraid to step out of the comfort zone.
Jaimie
HEY DUMBASS! stop trying to pursue a feild that you think "sounds cool" you're just going to quit for a full time job anyway. In 4 years you're going to realize you love helping people and have a soft spot for third world countries. Go! INTO! NURSING!!!! You're just going to hear about Doctors Without Borders, fall in love with what they do and end up broke and trying to go back to school so start now!!!! Make it easier on the future you aka me.
Crystal
As a freshman in college, the balance between study time and free time seems to be a pressing matter. I wish I would have known the secret of balancing these contrasting features before starting my first semester. Actually, I wish I would have known there would be an issue. Throughout high school, the line was clear between homework and relaxation. The majority of my homework was finished at school and my worries and cares were left in the classroom. However at college the classroom is just a ten minute walk and the work is endless. I think the secret to this precious balance is a sturdy schedule and scattered free time throughout the day to limit stress and pressure.
Ricardo
If I went back and talked to myself, I would tell me to stick it out. Life is not always easy. Just because challenges are thown my way, I can beat them. It has taken almost 20 years, but I have two associates and am currently working on my Bachlers in Nursing, with the ultimate goal af obtaining a Masters. It would have been simpler when I was younger and not have the responsibilities I have now. I do not regret my current life, but it could have been easier if I would have JUST STUCK IT OUT.
Katy
If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to think only of what I wanted. Knowing what I know now I feel that only you yourself can make it work, you can't make your decision based off the idea that you know you have others that will be there with you. Unfortunately I had made that mistake when I gave up my number one choice for my boyfriend. I thought that I could make it through another school just because him and I were together, but I should have thought of myself and if I could first do it alone and if that would be true then all the support would just be an added bonus.
Joey
I would tell myself to get involved in as much as possible. I would want to experience everything possible while in school and not pass up opportunities to grow as an individual. I would say that schoolwork is the most important aspect of college and to give everything i've got in regards to my schoolwork. I would mostly want to tell myself to never doubt, never questions, and never pass up any great chances that come my way.
Amy
Visit a lot of colleges/universities. Look at schools you weren't originally considering--be open to possiblities (state vs. private, D3 vs. D1, in-state vs. out-of-state...). Don't let cost deter you from applying... but definitely consider it when you are choosing which school to actually attend.
Also, be sure to consider near every aspect of the college experience prior to making a decision; such as student activites, study abroad, campus housing policies or residence life, greek affairs, is it a dry campus (?), religious affiliation (if any), campus dining, academic affairs (obviously), size (number of undergrad students or students residing on campus), local activities/jobs/places to go/things to do... you may not think this matters, they will significantly alter your college experience later on.
Robert
Just find a place that matches your personality. I find it much easier to be around people that have similar interests and personalities as my own. You just have to find that place that works for you! Also, get involved on campus by doing a sport, getting a job on campus (which can also provide some needed funds for necessities), playing intramurals, or joining some kind of club or organization that appeals to you. Don't just do things because they'll look good on a resume. Do them for you! Make sure to keep focused on your schoolwork or you will fall behind, making your college experience much more stressful and less enjoyable. Other than that just have fun, enjoy everything college has to offer, and get good experience for your future out in the working world!
Amanda
Incoming freshmen need to recognize where they plan to be within the next five or so years. Do they see themselves still in school? Or out in the workforce? Knowing how much education they plan on getting and what their chosen career path is will help narrow down college choices immensely. For example, as an aspiring teacher, I knew choosing a university that specialized in education would be ideal.
In order to fully grasp the "college experience" one must recognize that staying on campus for the weekends is a must. The campus usually comes to life when classes are over for the week, allowing the student to become more easily submerged in the experience. It is during the times when a student is not worrying over classes and other obligations that he or she will have the chance to explore new areas and develop friendships.
Justin
Find a college that fits you, don't go for a girlfriend/boyfriend. Go where you think you would have the best time learning and having a little fun. All work and no play makes johnny a dull boy.
Derek
Make sure you choose a school that you will like that fits your child's needs to grow and expand as an adult. Make sure the school that they choose is for their major and not just to have fun and party. School is about growing as an individual and the child needs to feel like they will be able to grow as a person as well as recieve a high quality education from a high quality school. Its not necessarily the size of the school a student goes to but the quality that matters when choosing the right school.
Alaina
I would suggest looking based off of what feels right - the campus, the community. Also, look into the department and major you are interested in; not just the extra curriculars.
Michelle
Before selecting a college, it is extremely important to find where you fit in best. College is a huge investment in your time, effort and future, and it is not cheap. My best advice is to come up with a list of the most important characteristics of a potential college. After coming up with your ideal values (size, reputation, location, living arrangements, extra curriculars, etc.) find schools that best match these qualities. Campus visits are also important, as you can really get a feel of the vibe of the campus. Don't settle for what school you "should" go to. Your friends, parents, and boyfriend/girlfriend will really have an opinion of what you should do. Don't let this influence your decision too much, because you will be the one attending the school, not them. Do what will make you happy. This is probably the most imortant piece of advice I can give to anyone looking at college. Do what makes you feel good, get involved, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. You only get one life, make it count.
Heather
The best advice I have to give parents or students about finding the right college and making the mos of the experience would be to follow your heart. The odds of finding a school that has everything you love and absolutely nothing you dislike are slim. Start looking early. Visit as many places as you want and ask a lot of questions! Things like housing and dining on campus are extremely important. Make the most of it and get involved. Greek life is a great way to do this. You meet tons of people and form a bond that will last a lifetime. Don't get caught up in the party scene. Keep your head on straight. Don't procrastinate. HAVE FUN!!!
Tiffany
I feel the parents and students should agree on their process of finding the right college that best fits the student. The student should make sure that they look at around and visit before even making a decision. Just by visiting it and looking at the campus helps the students get a feel for what they are looking for in their college experience. Students and parents also need to find out about how much the school is willing to offer you in scholarships and grants. Know how much you can afford and what you may need help on. Talk to the administration, let them help you to satify your needs as a parent and also as a student. A student wants to feel comfortable in the school they choose because that is where they will be most of their time, studying and learning their careers for the future. Students want to make sure that a college is right for them because that is what will make their college experience worth it in their end. Take the time to really figure out if that college is right for you and not anyone else.
Samantha
Finding the right college is much easier than people think. Try not to get too stressed over the decision-making process. The college you should be at is the one that feels like home when you're there. No matter where you go, there will be ups and downs, great people and merely okay people, excellent professors and ones with whom you do not get along. Remember that college is a learning experience, both in terms of academics and in terms of life lessons. You learn who you are and who you want to become when you are in college. To make the most of the experience, try to stay positive, and surround yourself with people who are happy, fun, and can make the most of anything.
Jessica
Visit your college before hand andspend a weekend or two there. You never really know how the school is until you stay for a lil while. Meet the teachers in your major study area and if they are not a professional in the community then look elsewhere. Make sure your surrounding environment matches your wishes because you will get depressed if you feel in a foregin land with no friends. Research scholarships far in advance, evven if its a small monetaryamount, remember it all adds up. The debt you will have after graduation is great so make sureyour career center is amazing, otherwiseyou'll be unemployed, angry, and in debt.