Concordia University-Saint Paul Top Questions

I know now that the first year of college is a big transition from senior year of high school. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior in high school, the first thing I would tell myself is to relax and enjoy the experiences throughout college. I would say find people who are going to help fulfill your goals, and learn the importance of time management. Secondly, to take a variety of classes so I could get a feel for what I would like to study in college. You learn parents aren?t around to attend to all your needs and that college is a big responsibility. Third, to find the library and tutors early for all the classes I don?t understand so I don?t fall behind. Lastly, I would get to know and meet with all my professors so they can understand my goals for the class and get to know me as a person as well as a student. The best advice I would give myself would be, ?to never give up and stay focused on the goal?, and the goal is to graduate with a 4-year degree.

If I can go back in time to myself as a high school senior I would tell her many things that I would have done differently. One in particular would be that in high school, the teachers really held your hand and helped push you along your way. But in college the professors are there to guide you in the right path but you yourself have to do the work and push yourself along that path. That was the most challenging and difficult transition for me. In high school the teachers would constantly remind you that you had homework due the next day, or there would be a quiz. Not only that but they also would give you answers on the study guides and constantly remind you of the exams coming up. The difference in college is that the professors give you a syllabus. That syllabus basically gives you an overview of the whole semester. You would have to constantly look it over to make notes of when there would be quiz's and exam's or when the homework will be due. The transition of becoming and adult is a big responsibility that I have slowly learned to master

Telling myself how serious it is to be in college. Explore and commit yourself as volunteers and help out the community, because it opens your eyes to your future, to where you know where you would want to be, instead of being confused, standing alone while sitting and watch others succeed. Life isn't easy, prepare yourself to become responsible, save up for emergency uses, it makes a difference once you think about "Debts" that come towards you. You will be buying your own food to eat, books to read and study, materials to use, you'll be alone, so you need friends as well, and make sure you have favorite teachers, counselors, coaches, security officers, or either the Principal. Always do something right, do more than anyone, do more than anyone could do, more than those who complaints you well, and reward you for it. You will achieve a lot, and succeed in college, no matter how many years you go for, you're for it. Keep your days bright, do good things in life, and make a difference in people's life about who you are; your personality, that's what makes a difference, and you unique.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go straight to a four year college. I started at a community college and it wasted a lot of my time. Most of the people that went to that community college said the same thing about them. I would also tell myself not to declare a major until I have been going to college for a year. I started going to school to be a pharmacist because I am good at math and chemistry. They also make a lot of money. I didn't know how much biology was required for that degree. I hate biology. I switched my major to accounting after I researched different degrees. Accounting is the perfect major for me. If I would have done more research about my career choice, I wouldn't have wasted so much time and money going to school for pharmacy.

I think it's really important to talk to stuends and professors in your field and to sit in on some classes. Also, make sure the university has any program that you might consider--that way if you change your mind on what you want to do, you don't have to worry about transferring.

My advice for a parent/student is that they have to find a college that they believe will be able to give them the outmost as it can possibly give and that they will be willing to stay there through out their college days. I think that they have to really think about the financial status also though, in other words it might be the most important thing to them seeing that many families have different amounts of income and finding one that is not so expensive can be good. I think that they will have to have tours of the campus to really get a feel of a college and campus to see if they like it or not. For me, just going on a tour around a college campus I can already tell if i would like to be here or not. In finding a campus right or not I would recommend for the parent/student to try to find one that will be friendly and willing to help you in not when you just get in but towards til the end when you graduate.

follow your heart. be determine to find the right place and be willing to spend the money no matter what

I would say just go with what feels right. If you really feel like you could belong somewhere, don't ignore that feeling. If the students on campus seem to want you there, chances are you are right. And, no matter what happens, don't give up. Your degree is something that can never be taken from you. You may lose your job, but you still have your education.

Go to a school where you like your surroundings, the class size, and your gut feeling. Seniors in high school need to visit multiple colleges and see what atmosphere they like the best. When a student finds what they like, they will know it. Until they find that special place, they will not be happy! Also, If you dont know your major dont worry. It will come to you as you get your generals done.

Visit a lot of different colleges that are very different in size, location, and atmosphere. Talk to proffessors and students. Explore you career options, shadow a professional. Take time to figure out what you want, don't rush into anything.

I would advise parents and students to really analyze what's important to them when it comes to an education. I would also advise them to anaylze what is REALSITIC for them financially, academically and personally. Finally I would suggest looking into whatever forms of financial aid are available to them and to go for whatever you can get; school is very expensive but it's worth it because a quality education will pay back tenfold in the long run.

Take it one day at at a time

Make sure it's what you and your child both decide on and don't take a coaches words for granted... talk to the athletic director before about scholarships.

Before you can make the most of a college experience, you need to find a college that is right for you. There are many things that may take place, such as the location to home, campus size, financial aid or scholoarships for academics and athletes. I recommend visiting as many colleges as you can and getting feel of the campus because the right one will give you a feeling of overjoyment. You may walking through and in a certain spot, in that certain moment you will just know. It's a first step to feeling relaxed and accomplished. Upon starting college, being outgoing and making effort for relationships will help a student be very successful and have a sense of being comfortable with the environment at their university. There are always possibilties of what could be and situations that may be stressful but it is very important to just enjoy where you're at and focus on the good. Parents who are supportive and make themselves available to talk with their child about choices will strongly develop a more positive outcome.

go to the college that will have their major and not just go to random college or student will be losing money. pick a college that will meet your needs!!!

if you think you've found a school, spend a lot of time immersed in it

Pick a school where education is most important. Smaller class sizes allow students to be engaged in their courses, and participate more with their professors. You only have four years to learn everything you need to know to become a professional in your career, and paying attention to detail is very important. Sports should not be the main factor in deciding on a school.

In order to find the school that is right for you or your child you must visit the campus. Students must feel comfortable on the campus; and parents must feel comfortable with the academic level and protection that is available for their children, but it must lastly be the students choice. If only the parents choose the student will be miserable and end up partying more than learning, defeating the whole pupose.

I would tell parents if they want to help their children attend college, start a savings plan for them when they are born. My mom is struggling with financial issues and tells me she wishes she had done that so she could help me. It makes her (and me!) sad that I will end up with at least $100,000 in college loans, and I doubt I will finish in 4 years. For students, start saving when you are young, too. Regarding finding the right college, college is one of THE most important choices you will ever make. Feeling good about where you go will serve you well and add to a life experience you will remember forever during your college days. If you are an athlete, find a good, respectable, reputable coach in your sport who comes highly recommended and talk with them before you apply. If you are interested in arts or anything else, make a point of talking to the professors that head up the department you are interested in. College should be a fun, rewarding experience. Even f you are not the best student, go to college! Thank you.

Focus on the people, not the buildings when you look at schools.