Bluffton University Top Questions

After being through 2.5 years of college courses, I would go back in time and tell myself that I need to become more dedicated to the classes in high school that didn't interest me because I know that even though I won't be majoring in that subject in college, that the information will still help me through the general education courses. I would have told myself to be more driven to focus on scholarships and to have filled more out. Possibly worked more than what I did. As well as spent more time with my friends than I did. But overall, I would mainly tell myself to be less stressed than I was. I would have worked harder than I did for cross country and right after basketball season, I would have had surgery instead of waiting. I would tell myself to just relax every once in a while and do more things for myself rather than just constantly doing things for other people. Because after all, you need to do things for yourself every once in a while. If you aren't happy with yourself, then you can't be happy with anyone else.

If I could go back to when I was a senior I would tell myself that every penny I have will count and to hold onto whatever money I could get. I would talk to myself about applying for financial aid early because know its a real struggle for me. I would inform myself that I need to keep an open mind, college prepares you for the interaction of the real world. In the end I would tell myself, don't freak out and get overwhelmed, college is very helpful and opens you up to be less shy and meet new people but you have to be more focused on the future instead of the now. I would inform myself that this college I am attending is very helpful, don't be doubtful because its in a small town because it helps you focus more on school and less on the outside world dramas. Thats what I would tell my past self, the future is knowledge we are to gain and the past we learn from, I learned my lesson on waiting and I would inform people of this knowledge.

Do not be afraid to get involved and to talk to the other students. When having trouble with assignments, talk to the professors. They are usually happy to help you figure things out or to set you up with a tutor. Actually make a weekly schedule that includes study time and free time. THis will make life less stressful and insure your work always gets done.

I would of worked harder as a high school senior, I probally would of taken a little bit harder classes my senior year, maybe a harder math class. I would tell my self that this year was important. More important than I thought it was back then. Your grades and GPA matters and you can get more academic money for college with a higher GPA. I would of been more serious and more focused. But I just had a lot of decions to make and sometimes it seemed very overwhelming. But in the end it all worked out. But when I get out of college I will have alot of debt. So alittle bit of scholarship money would be nice. I am working hard and enjoy what I am studying and can't wait to be out in the real world someday teaching kids. Thank you

The advice I would give myself would be to relax and stay focused. Going to college will not be that bad of a transition.

Senior year is not a time to goof off, but it's also good to enjoy that last year of high school. In college, you really have to focus and know how to study, so learn those skills before you get there. Also, if you don't really know what you want to do for a profession, just pick the college that fits you the best and go in undecided. Once you take some classes, you'll figure out the direction that you want to go, and I guarantee that there will be people that can help you get there.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to better prepare for college and stay focused more. I would also tell myself to think more carefully about what I wanted to get out of college whether it be the social perspective or academic perspective or a little of both. As a senior in high school, most just want to grow up and get out of high school without thinking about how different college life is going to be. I would have recommended to myself to take more post secondary courses to help get used to how college classes and dealing with the workload would be.

I would have told myself not to procrastinate on my homework. You never know what will happen, so keep on top of things. If I'd known that when I started, I would have had a lot easier of a time catching up after my mom died. I would tell myself to talk to more upperclassmen, because they are not some scary alien race, but helpful people who want to see you succeed. I would have told my self that professors are not annoyed when you ask them questions, but glad that you are interested in their subject. But most of all, I would have told myself to not doubt my intelligence. I would have told myself that I am an intelligent, capable student who can take anything that is thrown at me, wether that is a 15-page paper or a 10 minute speech.

make a list of the pros and cons and weigh out all of the possibilities and find the one that you feel like you fit the most and the one that you feel like you could be confortable living there. meet alot of people on a visit to get a feel for the student body.

There is a lot of advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. First of all, visit several campuses. Do not just visit one and settle for it. Visit several, and you will know which one is right for you the moment you step foot on campus. Also, look for a college that has your degree and shows good job outcomes after college. Another thing one should do is to stay on campus. At Bluffton, we have a senior-only overnight program. This is where seniors in high school come and stay the night with students who live on campus. They get to experience the college life for the night, and attend some classes the next day. It is a lot of fun, and the seniors get a feel for what college is like and what the classes and expectations are at the school. Follow your heart, and know that no school is out of your reach. Apply for several schools, as well as visit several. Finally, decide what kind of school you want: small, big, far from home or close. Good luck!

Finding the right college isn't often as daunting as it can seem at first. Find out information about that school's programs, the majors that it offers and the possibilities that exist within those programs of study to expand your horizons further (study abroad, internships, etc). Look for the things that you think will interest you the most, not only in your major (which will often change!) but within the school as a whole, such as extracurricular activities, activities within the community, and other opportunities to expand beyond just the world of your college life. My most important advice? VISIT if you can! When I walked on campuses, I often felt right away whether or not that was a place I wanted to attend. I don't know how to explain it to you, but it's true! As far as making the most of your college experience, LIVE each day! Don't get bogged down by little things, don't get wrapped up in complaining about lack of food choices, homework, etc. Trust me, as a senior I know that this time in your life will FLY by! Work hard, but don't forget to ENJOY life too!!

Picking the right college is one of the toughest decisions to make in life. With my experiences I have learned that sometimes you may think you know what you want from a school, but the school that is right for you can be totally different than you expected. Bluffton University was not at all my first choice, I attended it because of financial reasons, but I quickly realized how right it was for me! If your having a tough time with your decision, don't stress out about it. I believe that a good school depends on the friends you make. Sure the quality of your education is important, but if you don't find a "family" away from home then your experiences won't be as good as they can be!

Choosing the right college is a challenging and difficult decision. There are many options and it is critical to do a few things before diving into a school's curriculum and campus activities for the next four years. For me, it was most important to find a place where I belonged, do this by visiting campus, multiple times if need be, meet with professors and stay with students overnight. Most schools have a campus visit coordinator and they can set you up on an overnight stay and it is crucial to utilize these programs. One other thing I also recommend is, go with your gut. When it's the right fit, you will know. Bluffton was not my first choice but the second I stepped on campus and looked around, I knew that was where I wanted to spend the next four years. So if you feel comfortable and can see ways to get involved and they have the program you are looking for, go for it. Getting involved is the best way to meet people and make the most of the experience, so make sure you have a handle on that at visitation time!

You have to, HAVE TO visit a campus in order to know what it will feel like. If there are things about the campus or college that you do not like, do not dismiss those feelings, maybe it is not the right place. Make sure you feel comfortable with where you or your child is going. Also it's important to know that you will be able to do what you want to do, and take the classes you want/need to take. Visiting colleges is a lot of fun and are great experiences, the right college will jump at you and make you feel welcome.

Have a good time, study hard, make lots of friends and make the most of every day because college goes to fast. Before you know it you will have to get a real job. Take advantage of every service the college offers because theya are there to help you succeed.

When looking for a college, it is important to sit down and decide what you want your college experience to consist of and what you are passionate about. If you want a school with strong athletics and 2,000 classes to choose from, start looking at large state schools. If you want a small community with more personal opportunities, look at the smaller schools in the area. Once you have made this decision, college visits are so important. There is something about stepping on campus and viewing the place you will live for the next 4 years that really opens your eyes to somewhere you would like to go. Once you choose that college, GET INVOLVED. Whether it be in a club, organization, or sports team, find something you like to do and start doing it. By taking this step, you will get to know those around you and build your our group of friends.

When looking for and selecting the college you will attend, take your time. It is more expensive if you change universities while you are working toward your degree. Second, look at all aspects of the college - religious, social, proximity to home, and costs. Do not get in over your head. So colleges cost more than what you expected and once you have started it is hard to continue because of the expense.

When looking for a college begin early and look at colleges that you could imagine yourself being apart of. Also do not be afraid to look at colleges that are in another state because often times at these colleges is where one makes the closest friends and allows for the "out of stater" to begin having "adult" responsibilities. Once you find that college that feels good to you, get involved. Look at different organizations that sound interesting like student activities boards, being involved makes it easier to build friendships and allows you to get more connected with others on campus. Use college as a time to start over. No one knows about what you have done in the past, this is your chance to start anew, take advantage of it. Value the education you get at college, do not waste it. Learn from those whose opinions differ from yours, but do not allow your values to be easily compromised. Finally, take this time to find who you really are inside and allow this time to search for your calling or vocation.

look at alot of schools pick the one that suits you best

Students should know that every college experience is difficult at first- the purpose of College or University education is to challenge and prepare students to be responsible, knowledgable, active members of society. Students should know that college, along with most things io creating the habits and lifestyle practices that will define who you are later... so make good choices.