Christopher Newport University Top Questions

1.) No matter what they tell you about college, nothing can prepare you for the physical transition. 2.) As long as you just get your paperwork applications in on time and keep your grades up, you do not need to worry about anything 3.) Your high school likes to blow this whole college process thing out of the water and inject a little paranoia into everyone. 4.) Some of your old friends from school are going to go off in their own directions. Accept this shift, and move on. 5.) Give your counsoler a hug. She works hard for you and she deserves it!

If I could give myself any advice in as little as 200 words it would be to be yourself and find who you are. As long as you stay true to yourself and find who you think you are nothing can stop you. There will always be bumps in the road no matter who you are and sometimes it may seem really difficult but just stay focused and remember there are always people who love you, even if you do happen to screw up. The most important thing is that the decisions you make are always affecting and changing the outcome of your life, and even if you have made a small mistake or even a huge mistake it helps to define you later on. So, never look back and regret your decisions because as long as you are happy with yourself and the things you have accomplished that is all that matters.

Going back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself that I need to learn how to study at a college level, and get my homework done during the day and not wait till night to start it.

First of all, I would tell myself not to live in a self-created box. Beginning the journey to college means a new life and in turn, a new person. You are not necessarily the same person you were in high school and it is important to open yourself to new experiences. Next, do your research...ABOUT EVERYTHING. Everything from your perspective major to different universities and financial aide. It is imperative that you are well-versed in the ways of the college world, this knowledge will better prepare you for the challenges that face you. Next, when you arrive at your chosen university, remember...your professors are your friends! Faculty members are an important resource and they will help! Faculty members want to feel needed and are perfect mentors for new students. And last but not least, I would say keep an open mind and an optimistic outlook. These traits are invaluable and will help you reach out of your comfort zone and into a new, happy college life.

Hello, me. You're going to school for music education, and you've been accepted. Now what? I've made you a list of the things you need to know about yourself through college. Ready? First, don't worry so much about the logisitcs; it will all work out in the end. Your creativity and perseverance will serve you well. Second, professionalism with a good sense of humor will always place you at ease with someone or something unfamiliar. Do not take yourself too seriously. Third, do not feel guilty about pursuing music instead of a technical field that may earn you more money. You will learn later it is your passion. Fourth, do not feel guilty about leisure and downtime, but do not neglect your studies. You need time alone to balance yourself. Fifth, take chances and seek new experiences, but do not lose track of who you are today. You will look back and ground yourself in who you were. Lastly, never lose sight of your optimism. It is who you are.

I would advise high school seniors to focus on school, but also on making friends and getting involved. Its really easy to focus too much on one or the other, but both are necessary to enjoy college. School works a necessary evil, but how you do your freshman year sets the tone for your whole college career. But also the friends made freshman year are friends that will stick with you through out all of college. If your school offers any orientation activities go to them, you'll meet people and its a good way to get situated at the school. And if your struggling in any way dont be afriad to ask for help. Every school has psychological and acedemic counseling for a reason, to help students. Ask for help before its too late. People who work in these services have dealt with every situation imaginable so dont be embarrased if your struggling, depressed, failing or just homesick- many other students will be too, so reach out.

Cordelia, You are staring at six acceptance letters from schools across the state. As you begin to think about your decision, I want to warn you to not let anyone else make it for you. I know your best friend is going one place, your boyfriend to another, and your older brother is currently a student at a third. Your mother pressures you to go to one, and your father suggests another. You need to make the decision for yourself - do not let them make up your mind for you. Yes, listen to their advice because they probably have useful suggestions, but this is a decision that will affect your entire life from this point onward. You need to be able to be happy at this school, successful academically, and you want to grow and flourish while you are there. Think about your interests, needs, and academic, career and life goals; these should guide your decision. Please make your choice wisely, and make it for yourself, not for anyone else - your friends will be fun to visit, boyfriends come and go, and your mother will always love you. This is one decision you do not want to regret.

Even though highschool may have been a breeze, college requires work. It will be hard but it's completely do-able and you don't have to spend all of your time studying or completing homework, just an hour or two a day is fine. Also you won't be in class all day unless you want it to be that way and that usually means you'll have at least one day with none or only one class during the week. Everything is in your control. If you're not a morning person, don't take any classes in the morning. If you don't feel the need to go to class and you're not feeling well or you have another imnportant assignment to finish, it won't kill you to skip ONE class to finish it or rest up. Professors will not hound you for work, so with college comes more responsibility. Those responsibilities don't just include schoolwork however. You're gonna be responsible for eating healthy, cleaning up after yourself, resolving any conflicts with your roommates, and/or finding a job. All of this may seem overwhelming, but there are always people to help you.

If you aren't sure what you want to do in life, are afraid in any way of college, or aren't sure where you want to go, community college is definitely a good idea. But, make sure to check to see that ALL of your classes will transfer. Transferring and getting set back a semester is not fun. Going there for a year was a smart idea for me. Also, check out a lot of schools and visit as many as you can. Be sure to check out all of your options. Look into as many scholarships as possible. There is so much money that no one uses (plus, with tuition going up, its getting hard).

Focus a little more on your writing ability; it is a very valuable tool. Don't worry about fitting in because you will meet people more compatible with you than you could ever imagine. And finally; set goals, but not in concrete.