Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

I would have told myself to try meet new people right away when you get to college, because that is when everyone is trying to make friends. Also, I would have told myself that it is key to get off to a good start in college and meet with my advisor and other key members right away to get everything squared away.

I would tell myself that life isn't all about grades. While grades are important, I spent so much time trying to get good grades that I forgot to actually learn and engage in the information my school provided. I would tell myself not to worry about what others think since highschool is just one part of life. People appreciate you more when you appreciate yourself. Also, I would advise myself to get involved in campus activities right away. It is easier to become involved on campus when you're a freshman or sophmore than as a junior or senior. If you become involved right away as a freshmen, people know you're truly interested and invested and it gives you more time to build valuable relationships and connections on campus. Lastly, I'd tell myself to have fun, enjoy each day, think positively, and take things one step at a time.

Tony, you are not the man. People will not always respect you and give you the credit you think they owe you. This idea of entitlement and egotism is foolish. What you have done is in the past, forget about it and move on towards what is in the future.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would tell my former high school senior self that it isn't as terrifying as I once thought. Sure there are times where I am scared out of my mind but their are always people around me who are there to help. My professors are always available for me to talk to and are willing to work with me until I understand the material. The friends that I have made here I know I am going to keep with me for life. We have tons of fun going placing or just staying up all night talking in order to get to know each other. Even though I know I got sick of my parents growing up I really miss them now. The relationship that I have with my parents now that I am away from home has grown because I have realized how much I truly value and love them. College is a wonderful growing up part of life that everyone has to go through. It helps us find out place in the world all while helping us find ourselves.

Be prepared for change. College is filled with new opportunities, ideas, people, courses, and freedoms. Your values, beliefs and goals will face challenges and your commitment will be tested. And in the midst of your boat being rocked, you will be apart from the family and friend system that previously had kept you anchored. Naturally, you will seek out those who will become your family away from home, your new anchor. First year at college everyone is riding the same wave, they?re all looking for new friends to laugh, cry, and go on an adventure with, so don?t feel alone in these changes and challenges! You will, in the midst of this crazy journey, find that you contain a compass within you which points you to where and who you need to be. Don?t be scared to make mistakes to the point that you never take risks, because no matter what the outcome, you will learn from these experiences. And hold on tight for the ride of your life, the winds of change urge you to move into something you would have never dreamed you could be! In the end, you?ll be seeking another new adventure.

Knowing what I know now, as a high school senior, I would have applied for more scholarships and tried to get my test scores up sin order to recieve more money from Bethel. I would also tell myself to really get out there and focus on meeting people my freshman year of college. I spent so much time focused on school last year that I missed out on social events and opportunities to meet people that rare eally only are availalbe as a freshman.

Look for community. Don't just sit around and think that it will find you. Christ will be there for you the entire time. Lean on Him and what he has planned for you. Be open and honest with people around you. Dont worry about 10 years down the road... think of tomorrow.

I would tell myself to enjoy my high school experience but still take several advanced classes. Many students come into college unprepared for the workload. I would also advise myself to pick a school based on my own interests, not just where my friends what to go. College is a time for broadening your horizons, and that is difficult to do if you only stick with your high school friends. Finally, I would tell myself to relax, because even though college is a lot of work, it can be a lot of fun too!

As I think back to my senior year of high school, a great deal of stress and worry comes to mind. I struggled with the pressure of choosing the "perfect" school, deciding on the "perfect" major, and achieving "perfect" grades. I now realize that much of that worry was for nothing. I worried that finding like-minded friends would be near impossible, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like to share a bathroom with multiple girls! I often think about all of this anxiety I went through, and shake my head at myself. If I only took a breath and trusted in life leading itself, I could have saved myself from many tears. Much of that worry amounted to nothing productive, and everything has worked itself out, as it would have with or without that ridiculous worry. When I start to feel anxious about my future now, I try to remind myself how rather pointless that worry was then, and how in four years I'll think the same of my current worries. All I can do is breath, say a prayer, and let life lead me as it may.

The big rule of thumb is to trust everything YOU do. After 13 years of school, you know what you like and dislike. Don't chooes a school because it has a big name. If you like a school more then another and you can afford it somehow, do it. Its better to be happy then to be upset. When it comes to a major, figure out what you want to do to a point. Colleges mean it when they say that many people are undecided. When your 17 or 18 you don't always know what you want for the rest of your life. Try to take classes applicable to many majors. Find the good in people when you go to college. This will help you find friends, make connections, and feel better about yourself. Don't be afraid of college work. Just do it and its not all that bad. Don't be afraid of taking more if you are a generally good student. Anyone who has the time can do it. Yes, some classes are harder then others. Some are also easy. Overall take what other people say with a grain of salt.

I would tell myself to pick a school that fits my goals and aspirations, and one that suits my lifestyle and places me around people that will encourage me. I would also say to apply for as many scholarships as possible because the bills start racking up after the first year. I would say to take an average amount of credits so I am not as stressed and forced to spend more time on some classes than others. I would tell myself to live at home or in an apartment with 1 friend because it gets too stressful living with people that I do not know very well. I would tell myself to try hard to stay focused and try not to be distracted by campus activities and friends.

I would give myself a lot of advice about making sure I manage my time better. It is very easy to get distracted in college with extra-curricular activites and social events. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to manage my time better and to mix my time better with my social life. Also, I would tell myself to open up more and get to know people better because these people I meet will be my best friends for the rest of my life.

You're a senior and getting ready for college. Congratulations! Many people will now tell you that it just gets easier, that college life is nothing like high school. Well, I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. You will work just as hard, if not harder, on your classes and other activities that you so choose. Be prepared. Be smart about how you use your time and efforts. Be wise about certain temptations that will come around, dragging you away from your school work and other things that should be your top priority. Save your money. Learn to juggle your finances such as rent, food, gas, and other necessities that will seem to require some if not most of your money. Have fun. College life doesn't have to be all about classes, homework, and sleep. This will be the first stepping stone into life and it's not meant to be scary in any way. Although you will experience those butterflies, love it, cherish it, and grow from it. You're growing up; enjoy every second you can.

I would tell myself that it is important to do all my work and not skip out on studying. It is crucial to make healthy study habits early in life that will transfer over to college life. There are a lot more activities in college that can consume a person, and if good, stong study habits are not establish, it is extremely easy for a person to fail. I feel as though I developed decent study habits; however, I do wish I would have been told to focus more in high school and not skip out on the little things.

My biggest worry as a senior in High school was if I would be able to pay for college. Do not rule out a school that you love just because of the price tag. If you really love it then make the extra effort to apply for outside scholoraships and keep your grades up. It is possible to be awarded scholarships and grants from the government and the school you are looking at. Another thing is that you should decide where you are going to apply and then do it early! Do not wait. Apply during the summer before your senior year if you can. It takes a lot of stress of you if you have that done. College is a really exciting transition in your life. When you move in be social and make lots of friends, then after the first two months of meeting lots of people, decide who you want to grow deeper in relationship with. These people will be your friends for the rest of your life! And study hard, but have fun!

Stereotypical, I know, but I would tell my High School Senior self to pursue your hobbies by making them your career instead of choosing your major based upon your skill set. Specifying how these have been your passions since you were in elementary school. Additionally, I would state how it isn't worth your time, effort or stress to act a certain why to fit into a crowd that behaviors in such a way that creates a false persona - creating a false image is a detrament to your growth and fulfillment of your aspirations. Lastly, if your selected major, not matter what degree, if your selected course of graduation is causing more adverse and frustrating scenarios, flip a U-turn and find something else. Just because you can accomplished the degree, have tremendous amounts of talent and skills for said degree doesn't mean that is where you should graduate. Pursue you passions, hobbies and interests! These are the things that are going to make your happiest in the end.

If I could give myself advise as a high school senior, I would say: Do not be discouraged. College is a huge change, and for some it is a very easy transition. However, for many, it is somewhat difficult and a little frightening. It is going to be hard, but do not limit yourself. If it seems like it is difficult to make friends, keep branching out, and you will find true friendships. Also, as far as academics go, it is very overwhelming at first. The professors kind of throw everything at you the first day of class. It is very different from high school, and though you may seem way over your head and think you cannot do it, you can. Take academics seriously, but also have fun with your new friends that you make. Make memories--they will last your a lifetime.

I would advise myself to take as many opportunities as possible to gain college credit in high school. Having some college experience and a head start on scholastic requirements is invaluable. Since the expectations of college professors are much higher then high school teachers, it is almost essential to have a limited amount of college experience before enrolling full time. My personal experience of taking college classes for two years before enrolling as a freshman at Bethel definitely helped me transition into being a full-time college student. I haven't experienced the same level of severe adjustment or even homesickness about which my fellow freshmen complain. In addition, bringing in credits allows students to have more flexibility with scheduling of courses and adding majors and minors. If I had taken a Spanish course at the college level before coming to Bethel, I would have been able to add a Spanish minor, which was something I wanted to do. However, without that credit and with the other classes I have to take, I can't fulfill the requirements for the minor without taking more than four years to graduate. Thus, I would have encouraged myself to take more college classes.

Remembering back to my senior year, I see a blur. So much involvemenet in many activities, projects, and decisions. I spent most of my high school career as a high achiever and over-committed. If I were to advise the sleep-deprived senior that I portrayed to others, I would advise myself to take the transition to college slowly and enjoy the new experience. There are so many things to be experienced on a college campus and in the community before dedicating oneself to just one cause. I would advise myself to stay focused on the importance of education and doing well in classes, but look for one outlet to focus my extra time and energy. In this, I could give of my extra time in a way that is beneficial to both the cause as well as myself. I would also tell my anxious senior self to "just relax." There are so many variables in college that rest in the hands of others: friends, professors, classmates, and roommates. I can only control myself and do the best of my ability and help others along the way.

One thing I would tell myself is that, the dorms aren't that big so don't bring so much stuff! But on a more serious note, I would tell myself not to worry so much. I was so stressed out about trying to choose a college, the right college, to go to, that it was just a terrible process for me. It took me forever to decide, and finally I just had to say, "I'm going to Bethel." But knowing what I know now, I know I made the right choice, and there wasn't that much to worry about. If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax and know that God will direct me wherever He wants me to go.