Clark Atlanta University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Clark Atlanta University know before they start?

chelsie

If I were able to have the chance to have a conversation with myself as a high school senior I would recommend finishing the year with straight A's to have a better GPA.I would encourage myself to study very hard for the SAT's because it will play a huge role when applying to colleges.I would also instruct myself to apply to every scholarship application I am eligible for because it will help with college cost.Lastly , I would tell myself to prepare to depend on no one else but your self to get through college because unlike high school teachers college professors will not make you do your work or make you come to class everything in college is a choice and its up to you to put forth the effort to succeed.

Chakara

Chakara, I know that you think school is boring and that having fun is more important, but believe me when i say it is not. The most fun you are going to have in your life is going to college and meeting new people. You are literally the smartest person I have ever known, you just have not realized your full potential yet! Stop screwing around, get your head in the books and realize that I know whats best for you. Get the best grades you possibly can this year and do not slack off like I know you are so very tempted to do, it is not worth it. Remember how much potential you have and apply at Clark Atlanta University to further your education.

Allison

If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would tell Allison that it is okay to be alone sometimes. I would tell myself that sometimes your goals are not the same as everyone else's. I would assure myself that if i really want something, then sometimes you have to stand alone and work hard by yourself to get it. I would not allow my younger self to dwell on the past and what I do not have because I know that once my hard work is done, life will reward me.

Shiane

Although teachers and administration explained the importance of taking advantage of any scholarship I did not take it into consideration. If I was able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would surely emphasize how hard it is in college without the right funding. One thing I would tell myself is to use my free time wisely and try to get as much money as possible with scholarships. There are so many out there that could benefit me if I would have taken the time to complete more scholarships. I am in college on a payment plan that is about $1,500 a month every month. Currently, I am behind on my payments and it has caused the university to put a hold on my account and restricts me from creating a schedule for next semester and releasing my transcripts. This is causing me to be very stressed out! With finals around the corner, family problems and my social life, I have found myself breaking down because it has gotten so hard for me to do things on my own.

Andrella

Listen up self, I know that you are very excited about going to school and getting away from Newark, NJ but never forget the reason you are going. You don't want to have to return her empty handed and have to face the world more unperpared than you started. Make sure you set a purpose to go along with your goal. Keep God first and follow all of his order. There will be alot of people in this new environment who dont mean you any good but like wise this can be the opportunity of a life time. There are many people there who have good information to share with you but you must be open to recieving it. Remember you are special. It is not about what you wear, what car you drive or the fact you dont have a care. You are there so you can afford a car later. Please do your work and always always go to class no matter what. Talk to your teachers and stay focused on your goal of having a purpose filled life. I really love you self and I want you to get the best out of this time.

Christian

If I were granted the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to seriously look up these schools and know what they offer; read commentary from current students and or/ graduate students and see what they said about the institution. I would also tell myself to really think about what my major would really be because sometimes it can change based on how well the professors, in that field, teach the subject. Here is an important tip I would tell myself: Starting out as a Freshman, take every class serious, get to know your professors, make connections, and just enjoy yourself. If you do what you are suppose to do in class, your grades will positively reflect your learning. Make friends with your professors because believe it or not you will need them as a reference for a job or internship for the future. Thirdly, meet new people and show them what talents you have; these same people may work for a high-end job and are willing to show you to your seat in Stardom. Lastly, make the best of your four years; smile through them.

Kendraia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would say to be focused when I got to college. College students have a lot of free time on their hands to do work and study, but it is hard to stay focused when you have so much time on your hands. I would tell myself to save all the money I could because living on your own, fourteen hours away from home is tough when you are not working. I would tell myself to believe in me and to believe in my intelligence. Sometimes you are going to be the only one rooting for you and you have to do it because if you don't, nobody else will. I would tell myself not to worry about the parties or get caught up in the drama because none of it is worth it, but your education is it is the key to your future

Nasiya

Transitioning from being a senior to college freshman life has been an intimidating experience. If I could return back in time, I would tell my senior self several things that would help to prepare for the mental, academic and financial challenges that as a high school student I took for granted. When addressing the mental challenges, I would tell myself to stress less, manage my time more efficiently and prioritize. With academics, I would tell my senior self that having better study skills and not procrastinating on important assignments is critical, because you can't do your best when waiting till the last minute. Financially, I would tell myself that saving money and applying for scholarships would have been smart so that paying for college would be easier for me and my single mom. Finally, I would tell myself that spending money wisely is very important because its the ultimate means of survival. When realizing that it is timeindependent and knowing the struggles that I will face I ultimately have a different outlook on life. These are the important things I wish I would have been able to share with myself before transitioning into college.

Jaiwan

I would start and say that it is totally different from high school. The teachers care still but, they will not remind you that u have assignments due or ask you where are they if you didn't turn it in. If you come in with the mind set of grades come first, everything else should fall into place. Just like high school, college is what you make it. Also get involved so you can get to meet new people and enjoy your time at college

Martiesa

I would always follow thru on my assignments, and keep a journal with things that I need too do, and make sure that they get turned in on time. Too apply for as many scholarships that I can, and too talk too as many people that I can about college whenever I go vistit college campus, and get as much information about the college that I can, too register early and check back too see where I stand with the college so far as too my admission.

Amanda

If I could go back in time to give myself advice as a high school senior, I would tell myself to START SEARCHING EARLY!! I feel like I waited too long to fill out college applications and search for what I want because now I'm kind of in a dilemma. I would fill out scholarships way ahead of time. Also, save time to research and look for the right college for me. I'm now not as positive about the college I will be attending and I wish I had some more time to look for what I want. Finally, I would tell myself to study harder for the ACT and SAT and also go on lots of college tours during senior year.

MaryJas

I would tell the High School students that its a whole new transition. College is way more advance and you need to really stay focus. Don't get destracted by anything and make the best out of your high school experience. When your in high school its a way different atmosphere then college. You have to take college even more serious because its more serious.

Sasha

I would tell my highschool-self to be sure to make friends at college. Having friends at school makes it seem more like a family and I feel much more responsible for my schoolwork then. Ideas are definitely clearer when I get to reflect them off others and hear how other people understand their schoolwork. One way to make friends at college would be to join or form study groups. Study groups were abundant, stable, and reliable at my community college. Clubs at my community college also had many motivated, smart, and nice students. A third way I would make friends would be to be more active in the free tutoring center at school. The tutoring center is full of students who are earnestly trying to learn and student tutors who are trying to help students learn as well. One situation in which I wish I had more friends was a certain semester at college when I had 17 total credits of math, physics, and chemistry. If I had friends who would encourage me and back me up through this tough semester I feel I would have had a much less stressful time studying for school.

Janneh

i would tell myself to do the best i can. dont slack off. complete every assignment. work hard and study hard. i would tell myself to look into all college possibilities and make sure yoju choose the best one for you. i would tell myself to work even harder freshmen year because its easy to fall off.

Carmen

"Carmen, you're about to graduate and you're heading to the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. I know you're excited and anxious to start. And as yourself, I'm going to tell you some things I've learned during my first year. First, make sure you get everything done ahead of time. Money is the motive here. Save, save, save!! I can't stress that enough. You're gonna need all the money you can get. College is expensive. Use this summer to work all you can and don't spend any money! Stores will have sales, but you will survive. Trust me. Also, balance your time between work and friends. You will be asked to parties and to hang out. Carmen, I know you; you're gonna say 'yes' then forget about that english paper you had to write. Listen to me because you're stubborn. College is fun and you will make tons of memories and friends. But, don't forget that your education comes first. It's gonna be up to you to make decisions without the help of Mom or Dad. It's not just about book smarts, you gotta have that common sense too."

Mallory

College is a mix of the busiest and most relaxed times of your life. Make a plan to take advantage of both. Balance class time by taking fewer credits in the fall/spring but commit to 1-2 summer classes to keep an on-time graduation. I took 16-18 credits and ended up bogged down with work and studying so much that I missed opportunities making memories with friends. If you need a “filler” class, do not just grab something easy. Credits are too expensive to throw away. Consider grabbing a fitness instructor course that could earn you a healthy part-time job. When in doubt, add foreign language. Take it seriously and it will be invaluable in any job market. You don’t have to sit in the front of class and raise your hand. In courses for your major, get noticed. You need those professors to write letters of recommendation later. But you don’t need to exert that high energy in every class – you will burn out. Some of my favorite college classes were those where I sat in the back quietly, studied and got a good grade without trying to play the shining star.

Ranekqua

I could never stress to myself how important it is to become financially literate. I would like for myself to know what it means to invest in an undergraduate education and how to manage and save money so that I may make wiser decisions allowing me to succeed in undergrad as a whole. I would tell myself to become familiarized with both my financial and academic advisor so that I may be aware of my student account activities at all times. I would advise myself to acknowledge my purpose for college and make sure that it remains my main focus. I would recommend to never attempt college alone. Friends, teachers, colleaugues, etc. are all good for a healthy education. Failure is not an option and neither is giving up. Lastly, I would tell myself to find out who you are and be happy. Gaining and maintaining a higher education is a priceless experience in life that I'll want to share with loved ones!

Amber

As a high school senior I was very nervous about attending college. Concerns such as, how are classes taught? What is the campus like? What are students main focus in school? What is Financial Aid and will I have enought money to attend? Questions that accomidate many fears of any college freshman. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I would simply say: relax. Apply for as many scholarships as possible because financial aid may not cover every expense in shcool. I would tell myself that college is a new experience. A great accomplishment and milestone. To appreaciate and take this time to learn yourself and build bonds that will last a lifetime. Don't be afraid to take chances because of financial binds. Take chances because you will never know what standing in confidence feels like unless you fall in times of trial and tribulation. I would also tell myself as a high school senior, to keep in mind that it's the journey and not the destination that counts.

September

Dear September, College will be your next step to success. Therefore, you need to be aware of the things coming your way. You will attend a Historically Black College/University filled with rich history and people who want to see you succeed. This journey will not be easy, but it also won't be too challenging. You are a very bright young lady and you need to remember your school's two mottos at all times: "I Will Find A Way Or I Will Make One" and "Culture For Service". For these mottos will mold and transform you into a better person. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and I know you will do great things. Sincerely, Someone Who Wants You To Do Great Things

Shanti

As an incoming freshman you are not educated about key factors such as tuitiona and fees, houseing, and how to manage your time effectively. If i could go back to my senior year and give my self advice i would push myself to have an open mind about my college of choice and to apply for more than one school as a back up. I did not research the school as well as i should have and I did not give much thought to the money i would be paying yearly to attend this school. I would also advise myself to start looking at scholarships earlier so i would not have a problem with dead lines. Its hard to pay for college and going into your freshman year or any year with only loans is a bad decision because it will affect you negatively in your future. I hope ill make a better decision next time around.