Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

What should every freshman at Brigham Young University-Provo know before they start?

Nicholas

I have gotten out my college experience is respect and honesty, loyalty to other and I learn resposabilty. It has a great very attend I learn to lean on other for help when I need it and think before I do something because their are answers and action for you do in life itself and always respect the people and god up above who help threw life.

Laura

There are not words enough to describe the life changing experience my education at Brigham Young University has been for me. When I arrived at BYU I was young, insecure, and uncertain of what field of study I wanted to pursue. My time at the University taught me much about myself and has provided me with the education I need to do what I now know I was meant to do in this life. It has been challenging yet the difficult times have shaped my character and the benefits far outweigh the costs. I would not trade my time at BYU for anything, for it has truly helped me become the kind of person I needed and wanted to become.

Jessica

My college experience has been a rollercoaster of challenges that have helped my character grow and expand. I've learned that moving away from home can be difficult, not only because I am transitioning, but because my parents also have to learn to let me live on my own. I've learned balance and time management -- how to keep on track of what seems like ten thousand different things happening every day: assignments, classes, workshops, devotionals, social and networking opportunities, etc. I'm learning to take care not only of my mind, but of my body. Every day I learn a little bit more about what my body needs, about what I should be eating and doing to maintain optimal health. In short, college has been a learning experience of so much more than just my studies -- college is a crash course in life skills.

Jonathan

Never will you be thrown across the path of a more diverse group of people than at college, particularly during the first year: rich kids room with poor kids, whites with African-Americans, etc. College is a cross-section of international experiences and backgrounds, and students are left to navigate this new world on their own, which is crucial to life: whether you know it or not, college represents the greatest single opportunity to establish and maintain personal and professional relationships. I am still in contact with people from my freshman year of college, while dozens of friends from high school have been ignored or forgotten. That is what college is about; the study itself is secondary to this coming-of-age environment, where one is encouraged to look and reach beyond his box of reality.

Emily

I don't even know where to begin. College has given me so much and enriched my life in innumerable ways. I have grown immensely as a person, becoming more comfortable with myself, who I am, including all my inperfections and quirks. I have learned more about human behavior, history, science, and what it means to work than I ever did in high school. I have made life-long friends because people aren't caught up in the juvenile nature that drowns high school. I have learned to become self-sufficient as I make my own decisions from budgeting food, rent, and tuition money to what classes I will take that not only fulfill the requirements for my major, but also enrich my life. All of the experiences that college has offered me and my ability to choose the best options for myself has made me a more rounded and curious individual. In high school I never really enjoyed all my classes and there will always be some general credits that I don't absolutely love but college has truly made me excited to learn!

Yvette

My college experience, thus far, has been very nerve-racking as I am returning to college after a 17 year hiatus! The staff at the University of St. Francis has made returning to school almost effortless and have been very patient and understanding of my ignorance and needs. I have been wanting to return to school to get my degree for some time but I believe what pushed my desire was when I recieved a pay cut during the summer and when a friend asked my preteen daughter if she wanted to attend college her response was, "Oh yes, I want to get a degree and not end up in a situation like my mommy!" So I have finally resumed my persuit of a degree and hopefully will set an example for my daughter!

Cassandra

It feels so good to be putting my mind to use. I love taking classes I am passionate about, and knowing my work with progress me towards ultimate goals of success for the future. The social aspect of my college experience has also been unforgettable. I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with such a variety of personalities and learning more about myself along the way.

David

I have had the opportunity of developing critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate more effectively while I have attended Brigham Young University. This university has been valuable to attend because I have been frequently challenged to defend my ideas and devise research to analyze observaitons in the real world. I have had the opportunity to be a part of a religious community that, for the most part, sharees the same religious views as I do. This has helped me become stronger in my faith. Also being surrounding by ambitious and driven students has given me the oppotunity to synergize with their work ethics and push myself to levels previously unknown to me. I also appreciate the passion and devotion that the professors have for the university for it shows in their lectures.

Marjorie

Thus far I have realized that an education is the most important part of a ones personal wealth. Along the path of earning a degree one will acquire the necessary knowledge as well as gain professional strenght from your professors and classsmates to mold the individual I will become. A degree will place me in the position to vie for a supervisory positions which will allow me to provide my family with the means to live comfortably in today's ecomony. I feel that knowledge is power and those who posess this power will make the decicisions that drive our great country and I want to be a part of the direction our country is moving. I love to learn and the challenges that are to come my way. I attend college part time due to my full time job and my bachelors degree will take me at least 3 more years to acquire. I intend on improving my GPA.

Clint

I've always had a passion for learning, and attending this university has allowed me to expand my interests. I came to the university with a narrow view of what careers were available and the ways in which we can help the world become a better place. I originally thought that the only people that truly were able to help people were doctors and social workers, but I eventually became an economics major because I saw how mathematical and analytic tools are helpful in helping under-developed countries improve their standard of living. I've also developed a network of friends that will be important to me for the rest of my life. It's been useful to develop my own vision for what I feel I can accomplish academically and in my career, but simultaneously fulfilling my desire to have a family and a peaceful and loving home environment. College life has been a balancing act for me like it is for many students, but I feel much more well-rounded after participating in music groups, dance teams, athletic organizations and in service projects. A life of faith, even in a chaotic world, can help us find true happiness.

Solange

So far I have only attended one semester. And I'm about to start another on Monday. I've gotten a lot out of this first semester though. I've learned a lot from my classes. I've also learned that nothing will be handed to you in college. I've gotten a little taste of what it's like when I have to do everything on my own. And I can't give my teachers a note from my parents when I miss a test. I just have to take care of it all myself. Ive had to grow up. I've had to learn to get everything done on my own with no reminders and have it done on time with no excuses.

Ward

In my experience attending college, I have been able to learn what aspects of other people's lives I want to incorporate into my own. I believe that has been the greatest lesson I have learned. I have had a great amount of learning focused on Physics, Chemistry, and Astronomy - all three of which I fully enjoy and am looking forward to using in my future career. However, in comparison to the sciences, the life lessons that I have learned are definitely of the greatest importance to me. I've learned how important a strong work ethic is, and how judge myself off personal successes instead of "beating" other people in their successes. I greatly value what I have learned about dealing with other people and building them up in their own successes. I am confident that these tools I have acquired here will be fundemental in being a good administrator in schools - administration is my goal. I recall the attitudes of the administration that I was raised with in my school system, and I have found that we need stronger, more honest and caring leaders for our future generation. That's my goal and the value of my schooling.

Alexia

I have learned so much from my college expericence. I thought I wanted to attend a four-year college right out of high school but a new plan was underway. I went to a community college not far from home and love it very much. It's just the right size to start out. My room mate and I are long lost sisters, we are so much alike and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The teachers I've been associated with are amazing and really care about my education. I've learned how to function on my own, get along with others and develop great study habbits. I'm so greatful for everything thats happened so far in my college eduation; When I transfer to a four-year I can only hope the experience is even more rewarding.

Curtis

I feel that I have learned a great deal about what exactly I would like to do in my future. Professors are very helpful and encouraging to students and allow us to choose between many great programs. I am forced to do my best to succeed which will definitely help in the long run. I feel that through my experiences at BYU, I have an advantage when applying for graduate schools and later jobs that will be invaluable.

Star

I have not attended college yet. I am applying for this so I can go to college. Grants are just not enough to cover tuition and my parents cannot afford to pay for school. I am simply trying to avoid taking out a loan if at all possible. This money woud really help me out in getting my career started.

Mybree

Several college years yielded a large network of friends and associates, jobs, and a purposeful career that I can be satisfied working in. It informed me of the copious directions in the career field one could go and gave me a taste of many, while easing myself into a career that I felt right after an introduction. The professors brought new ideas and realizations to mind to which I am grateful. There is rarely a time when one can be acquainted with people from anywhere in the world in one place, or have easy access to living, learning, working abroad. Financially it is a advantage to have a four-year education, and indeed one cannot do much with a high school diploma any more. Then of course, there is that knowledge of unmeasurable value. Newly gained perspectives make one feel more confident in who one is and how one can cause positive change.

Porter

My college experience is part gaining knowledge, but more importantly, it is a 4 to 6 year test showing how hard you can work. To sum up my educational goals into one phrase would be “don’t give up.” The most important thing I can learn in college is a strong work ethic and diligence. That is truly what our nation and our economy needs; people who can work hard and work for cause. I want to finish my education at all costs, even with all the temptation to give up and enter the work force. The easy way out would be to take whatever skills I have now, start making a salary, and substantially increase my standard of living. If I “don’t give up” I can put off some nice things now for great things later in life.

James

For me, attending college has been a challenging experience--like an on/off switch with a bad short fuse. Possessing a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, it is hard to focus on the goals I need to accomplish; I struggle with it every day. When I first started to take classes at my local community college, I failed miserably; I simply could not focus. Although the life lessons I learned were indeed priceless. Through the years at that community college, I have achieved higher confidence and better self-esteem. I was once told by a teacher to "pull and hold your bootstraps up and don't let anything pull them down," and to "learn how to help yourself, before you can help others." She too had Asperger's Syndrome, and knew what I was going through; it took me two years to fully grasp what she had preached. I finally srapped up the courage to sign up for classes on an online college (University of Phoenix) to obtain a bachelor's in health administration. Without a degree, I cannot obtain a good job; without money, I cannot continue my education. That is why collegiate education is exceptionally valuable.

Ashley

In college I have learned about not only relationships, but I have matured. It is important to attend college and get a degree beacuse our nation/people of america depend on it. We as college students are the nation's future . We need to have knowledge about our feilds of profession and also the knowledge to survive in this ecomonmy successfuly.

sabrina

I have struggled with school my whole life including my college career due to disabilities and lack of support. However, I have learned a lot throughout these obstacles. I have learned to not let anyone interfere with the choices I have made in life as I get discouraged of my career choices but I really believe that I can and will succeed and now is the time to put my goals in place and stop saying and start doing, and it is time to be strong and not let my family's negativity interfere with my choice to graduate and be proud of myself in the future. I have a goal of being the first generation to graduate college and begin my life as an adult the right way. I am really excited to experience college and enjoy my education and live the life I have always dreamed of.