Bob Jones University Top Questions

After one semester of college education under my belt and possibly a lifetime of new experiences, I could write a book with all the things that I could tell myself about making the transition to college. Probably the most important things I would tell myself would be to take the best notes possible in class because that will translate into easier studying, also get out and have some fun every once and a while. College life can be really boring and energy draining if all you do is go to class and spend time in the dorm room studying. I would tell myself to dive into the diversity of the entire experience one can recieve at this college but make sure to keep education the most important thing on the agenda.

Dear 16 year old me, I know it seems like college is very far away and you don't need to start preparing now, but you do. Start establishing good study habits and learn how to balance social life, extra-curriculars, and homework now. In a couple years, you will graduate from highschool, take your dad's advice and go to community college for a year instead of sitting out, it will make the transition to a big, out-of-state university a lot easier. When you do get to the university, jump in with both feet, don't back out of auditioning for choir because you think you aren't good enough, by the time you're a junior, you will regret it. Take every opportunity to give up your entire Saturday to go volunteer for a community service project, do it even if you have to miss the big football game, it will change your life. When deciding on a Greek society to join, go with your first instinct, don't second guess yourself, and participate in every activity possible. Don't live to regret not being an active part of your school. Sincerely, 22 year old you

What makes me a good college student is determination, drive and my desire to learn. I want to further my education so I can give back to my community and be a productive member of society. I am currently on dissability for a number of different reasons but I am willing to do whatever it takes to overcome my dissabilities to succeed at my dream of being in the medical field.

College is a "betterment" of myself--an experience that is making me a stronger, smarter individual. This experience is benefitting my future, but also my present. Yes, I am enrolled nat an instution for learning, but I am enjoying the ride. I am meeting friends who are just as passionate about my field of study as I am. I am enjoying some independence without being thrust out into the world before I am ready. And yes, I am learning a trade that will turn into an occupation with a little more hard work. As a member of society, I owe it to the world to be the best I can be. For me, that means being well trained and developing my skills to their full capacity. It would be near impossible to squeeze that big goal into my junior high and high school years (not to mention that it would take all the fun out to those years). College is an extension of my education to give me ample time to reach that goal. I know that with my diploma comes the satisfaction of hard work, and the fulfillment of my years being a "student."

My professors pour their lives into us as students. Not only do they help us succeed academically, more importantly they invest in our lives by showing us how to live in a morally upright and God-pleasing way. One of my professors who excells in all that he does particularly demonstrated patience and love, especially to a student who was intentionally trying to irritate him. I have learned that education is highly important, yet it is not an end-all. Taking time to invest in other people's lives is always more important than success. I must make the choice to love all people, even the seemingly unlovable, through not only my words but more obviously through my actions. Life is not all about myself; it is about living to glorify God which will, in turn, be evidenced in my love for others.

I have recieved the foundation of what will make me become more than i have ever imagined. For years i have been in the work force going from job to job. i was unhappy, i felt no challenge as i seem to wake up every morning and go through the normal routine of going to a job i didn't want and i felt didn't want me. For years I blamed the job till i realized it was me and i needed more and college has provided that to me. College has shown me that i am worth more than 30 minute lunches and working below where i should be at. I hunger for education like nothing else i have had before. I have always made excuses on why i should not go to school and how i thought school was a waste of time just to get a piece of paper. It has helped in a way to where i not only learn but i help others learn to. i have been able to take the things i have learned and pass that down to others that have needed help.

It has been a great learning experience.

I have gotten valuable experience while attending BJU. Not only did I receive a great education academically, but I learned what is truly valuable in life. It's so much more then money or a good career. It's loving others and living a life that pleases God. That brings complete satisfaction. BJU prepared me well to work in the business field.

College has provided me a better exposure to working with deadlines. It has also given me greater knowledge in my area of study so that I can better perform in a career. I have made many friends at the school, and have had the opportunity to meet potential employers and future coworkers. They have shown me a glimpse of what I could be doing in that profession. The classes I have taken have helped to prepare me with the specialized knowledge necessary for a profitable future in my career.

I've learned new facts through classes, not just the kind that you put away in your head & store for another day, but the kind that help you in life. The teachers are caring & helpful & give real-life examples in class that help us to apply the material to our own lives. I've made dozens of new friends, many very good friends, that I hope to keep in touch with after college. I've learned the value of time & how to budget my time to fit in everything I want to do while in college. I've learned to make the most out of my college experience by being involved in many activities outside of the classroom such as being on the University yearbook staff, working on campus, being involved in my literary society, & going on weekly extension ministries & outreaches.

What i have gotten out of my college experience is a deeper love for my Lord God and a better understanding for the work-field that I am to enter. The reason why it has been valuable to attend is because I was able to mature on my own with the guidance of the college and the programs that they give to the students. Another reason why it was valuable to attend is because of the teachers. The teachers have such a desire to make sure that the students are able to understand the material and are willing to accomodate students who need help in that class.

I would tell myself to get better study habits because I would need better ones when I come to college. I would also say not to be to shy and step out of my comfort zone and get to know the people around me better. Get more scholarships because your going to need them. Don't be to nervous when you walk into your dorm the first day they are going to love you. Dorm life is not bad you just have to get used to sharing a room again. Enjoy homecooked meals while you still can. Don't bring so much stuff!! Get better score on your ACT. Get your homework done a little early so you can have some fun with friends. Get a lot of sleep. Have fun at work it will make it more enjoyable. The teachers are great don't worry about it. Mom and Dad will still always be there for you.

Find something that you want in life, and focus on it. Whatever you do, don't lose sight of your dream. As soon as you lose sight of your dream or your goals, it will make the classes harder, it will make the days longer, and it will make becoming a second lieutenant in the army a whole lot tougher than what is needed. Already half of my class has dropped out of my academy because they could not take the pressure of the school and the work load given to them. I am one of the half that stays strong mentally and physically, but the only reason why I am still here, is because I haven?t given up on me or my dreams yet. I have stayed focus and active while I am here, and that has kept my nose clean and my grades up.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a couple things I would say. First I would tell myself to work hard and don't slack off. The workload only increases in college and preparation is important. Second I would tell myself to trust God and draw close to Him. He is always there and always will be. There will be some tough things ahead but God is in control and is the only One who can carry you through. Do not rely on your own strength but on His alone. Last, I would tell myself to enjoy the end of high school. Things will never be the same again. Spend time with friends and family because once you are in college, there is not always that time to spend. Above all look to God, trust and follow Him, and He will lead you in the right path.

Knowing as much as I know now about college life and making the transition, I would not only visit the school but take time to be part of all activities palnned for the prospective students; take time to be part of the classes offered, seminars on various topics pertaining to the expectations of the school , and talk to current students. I would go prepared and ask pointed questions about student life, dorm life, academics, student organizations, etc. Most importantly, I would go with an open mind to get to know people who are not like me and with a willing heart to be involved in the lives of others.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a couple of things that I would tell myself. First, the classes are challenging and require students to be diligent and to work hard. It is fun to spend time with friends and to do fun activities, but the ultimate purpose of going to college is to get an education to prepare one for life. Next, there is a diversity of people at college: ethnicities, backgrounds, familiy lives, beliefs, and personalities. Take time to get to know people and appreciate what they have to offer to the world. Finally, the time at college passes so quickly. Make some time for getting involved in music, sports, community service, or other extracurricular opportunities the school provides. One learns many valuable lessons outside the classroom as well as inside. College is an excellent opportunity to expand one's horizons in multiple ways. Embrace it.

Don't be the overachiever at first. Just take the time to get familiar with campus. Digging in less during your first semester is exponentially better than getting yourself in over your head before you even know where the Alumni building is. Take your time. Take a decent courseload and make a sane schedule for turning assignments in - on time. Checking to see what's due at 2am for classes that start at 8am is NOT a good idea. But it will be your only option if you sign up to work too many hours at first. Your job off-campus will pay for a good chunk of your tuition and rent that loans and financial aid didn't cover, but don't work too many hours, and don't work the late shifts. You need more than four hours of sleep each night. Really.

Anyone can succeed in completing a college degree. Anyone can adjust to college life. It's hard at first, but don't let it bother you so much. Never quit! You can make it! Stay focused on your classes. Study hard. You may not know how to study well at first, but you will learn. Get someone who's good at it to help you. Don't stress too much. If you get a bad grade on something, it's ok. You'll do better next time. You learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers. They are the ones that can help you the most. Don't be shy. Get involved in one or two extracurricular activities. That is where you'll most likely make your best friends. Be outgoing. This is a time for you to mature. You're going to learn a lot, but you must remember to never be arrogant about your education. Most of all, love where you're at and what you're doing. A cheerful spirit makes all the difference.

I would want to tell myself that college is going to be a big jump in responsibility, there is no cruising thru college. You must work hard if you even want to pass classes, let alone excel in them.

If I could go back to myself in Highschool, i would tell myself to start college right away, and not wait almost a year. I also would try harder my senior year to gain a better understanding of the curriculum, and not take it so much for granted. I would tell myself to take another math and science, it would be worth it to have a better understanding now. I als owould tell myself to make more friends, and to make amends with old ones.