Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

Work hard and stay focused.

I would tell myself not to worry so much. I would tell myself to really work hard to achieve my greatest potential--keep learning Spanish, don't give up on violin. And I would tell myself to enjoy the rest of highschool--after all, it's going to be done, and you'll never get it back. So don't spend ALL your time studying. Take some times to be with people, because when it's all over, you won't regret that you didn't spend more time learning calculus, you'll wish you had gotten to know people more; you'll wish you had been there for that friend who was really hurting.

Be yourself. Head into college with confidence in your ability to succeed; you are enrolled in a college that wants you attending their school. Know what you believe and do not be afraid to state your beliefs and defend them if necessary. However, also be flexible and willing to change what you believe if you discover it?s wrong. You are a unique and valuable person, and your school wants you to stay distinct in order to add variety and dynamic to the school?s student body. Just be confident in the person you were created to be!

I would say that you should go to the college that feels right to you. Often times parents and peers will have an idea of where they want you to go, but ultimately, you aren't going to college for them. You are going to college to pursue an area of study that YOU love. Pursue what you love and give it everything that you have. Put yourself into what you love, and if you do your best, you will be rewarded. If you aren't sure what you want to do, don't be afraid to change your major or your minor. It is a lot easier to change your field of study while you are still in college than it is to change your mind after graduating and then having to get back into the learning state of mind again.

The most important thing in any transition is you. Especially when it comes to changing whole environments, which is what college is. You make it what it will be. The college or university you decide to go to can be the best in the world, and if you don't decide to involve yourself with not only the school's academic, social, and advocacy opportunities, but also the surrounding environment's opportunities it will not be a good situation. The school could be deficient in many ways, but life is more than just the institution you attend, and life's opportunities don't end with the arrival to a poor situation. There are always people to befriend, activities to do, knowledge to be discovered. Life is what you make it, as the saying goes, and this is no more true than now. College or University is but an auxillary source for you to draw upon, and whether or not you do or not is and will never be the fault of the school you attend if you attend school at all. The good life is not something to be attained, but lived. So live it.

If I could look in the mirror and find myself as a high school senior, I would give reassurance that being true to oneself will get her further and be more fulfilling than good grades, fun friends, cute clothes, and recognition. I?d encourage her not to shun anyone of the basis of differences, but embrace them, for friends are found in unexpected places. However, it?s important to hold tight to values, and stick to standards. Rejection is more admirable and respected than to lose oneself in detrimental choices. When loneliness sets in, remember those who love you. Value and cherish the support and love received from family and friends. Finally, be strong, knowing that taking the first step onto a University is scary, intimidating, exhilarating, liberating, and life-changing. It's ok to feel out of place, nervous, unsure, and doubtful, but never doubt your ability to succeed. Success is what you make it to be. Achieve one goal at a time, but never underestimate yourself, rather challenge yourself. Trust in the plans that you have, but be willing to explore new options. The plans God has for you are beyond your understanding?so take leaps of faith!

I would tell myself that no matter what, stay focused and determined with your school work. Don't let your social life have such a hold on you that you begin to neglect the more important reason for being here: getting that degree and getting a good start to a career. From day 1, you need to make priorities about your life and stick with those priorities. Remember, its God first, school second, family and friends third and finally, yourself last. If your priorities fall out of whack and you start to mess up, fix it then! Don't let it stay that way, especially if you see yourself continuing to slip up. Finally, don't try and force yourself to fit in with your new peers. You just be yourself and then you'll easily be able to distinguish between who is a true friend and someone who's just there for the wrong reason.

I would tell myself to place more emphasis on homework and excellence. I am not talking about the stress of perfection, but just seeing all the little things as being important. I would also tell myself that service and relationships are what it is all about. Friendships and integrity are ideas that will guide my life forever and I need to foster these things when I am young so they become part of who I am. I would also remind myself that honesty and truth are important. These values are so missing in our world that even in the small issues, truth is important. Finally, I would tell myself, "Listen to your parents now." They have become very wise in my two years of college. As far as the transition to college, study, study, study, and turn in work, turn in work, turn in work. Get involved with some affinity group on campus. It helps incredibly. An instant family. Finally, love God and love people.

My advice to you, the student who wants to pick out the "right" college and make the most out of your college experience, is to take time to think about what is truly important to you. Your parents and friends may offer wonderful depths of insight into helping you make a choice, but the choice is solely your own and should be made for reasons deemed credible by you and only you. My advice to the parents comes into play here: YOU MAY OFFER ADVICE AND BE AN AID, BUT DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT COARSE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER INTO CHOOSING THE SCHOOL YOU WANT THEM TO GO TO. But of course, this process cannot be done alone and may take frequent lengthy conversations with God. One important thing to remember about this decision is that it is never too late to change your mind. Feeling as though this is a set in stone decision may add unnecessary pressure. Most importantly, make the decision as to where you want to go and move on. Don't dwell on your choice, but become proactive instead. Get involved with your new school right away. You won't regret it!

Take you time in finding the right college. Tour as many as you possibly can because the enviroment the school gives off is the most helpful part of choosing the right school for you. Don't worry how much the school costs initially; most of the time private schools give away more grants and better financial aid packages. So, an expensive school might not be as expensive as you would first think. Parents, remember, this is your childs decision. Give them the freedom to make the decision they are most comfortable with.

If you want to really learn, be sure that you continue to study what you love on your own. I am a lit major, and I read more on my own than I do for class. I think if you want to know and study anything, you have to continue to fuel that learning on your own. Shcool should be about learning, and not the only place that you learn.

Every college is different, as is every student in it. A "perfect fit," though definitely dependent on the programs and extracurricular activities that are offered, is not a guarantee. It is, however, entirely possible! The most helpful advice that anyone can give you, therefore, is that college is what you make it. Take the time to enjoy this unique time in your life in which you will be seeing the world through fresh eyes. Soak in the knowlege that's being lent to you by experts, and relish in the incredible friendships you will have the chance to build. Have fun, and allow yourself to be challenged and transformed into a dynamic adult!

Visit the institutions and go with your gut.

Education is the key to progress in future of any generation; and therefore a lot of time has to be devout to lay a good foundation. The foundation has to start from getting a good college. Parents have to find colleges that are focused to what their children are looking forward to doing in future. The students have to realize that to flourish and prosper in future a good school has a great bearing. A good career depend on how much one has invested in it.

Students: Don't be afraid to take a risk and go some place that you would really enjoy. It is important to look at the morals of the university and what you want to get out of your college experience. Soak up the years, because they go far too fast! Parents: Don't be afraid to let your kid make a few mistakes. They will take with you the lessons and morals you have brought them up with. Your children will change a lot in college, but they are on the path to discovering who they truly are.

Look at alumni participation rate as well as the academic prominence of the professors that teach at the University. Naturally price is a factor that should play a role, but only to an extent. Loans, grants and scholarships are always out there, ready and waiting for someone to apply for it. Bethel University, the school I attend, does not have a good alumni giving/participation rate, but it is something that we are making progress on. I am a part of a student committee that is trying to reel in more alumni involvement. The expertise of the professors and how they are looked at by their academic community is huge. Professors really do make the academic part of college, either for the better or for the worse. Choose carefully, and be open minded.

Visit all the schools, talk to students--especially juniors and seniors at the schools. Don't base your decision off of a campus tour.

School websites offer a lot of valuable information. Visit schools! Lots of schools. This gives you an opportunity to see the school, talk with students, see housing options available, etc. This is a big decision, and you need to take the time in thought and do the research necissary to make a choice you will never regret.

I would strongly suggest that you not consider a college or university until you have taken the time to physically visit it and see what it has to offer for yourself. Pamphelts and on-line tours just won't do your choice justice: when visiting, take the time to make appointments with professors who teach in your academic area of interest, talk to students who are pursuing your degree of interest, and right off the bat ask students what drew THEM to the school and see if their answers match up with your own gut feelings. To make the most out of your college experience, you should make as many aquaintances and friends as possible: you will be seeing your peers for at least four years and the bonds you make will not only get you through study groups and challenging classes, but will stay with you post-graduation and into your adult life. You should also plug into as many extra-curriculars as your schedule allows: these will help shape your talents and ambitions for when you graduate and will help to determine where your priorities and your heart truly lie.

College tours are a must for finding the right college. Overnight stays at colleges are even better. Finding the right feel of a college was the most important thing for me in deciding which college to attend next to the academic credentials. I made sure that the professors in my intended field of study were "top notch." To make the most out of any situation especially your college experience you need to get out of your comfort zone and be open to meeting new people. To have the best college experience go beyond the people you are already acquainted with and get to know others you do not know. That is the best advice I can give. Social events hosted by the college are also great for meeting new people. I would not have been as happy with my choice of college without making the extra effort to make new acquaintences.