Dordt College Top Questions

If i could go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior what i know now about college life, I would have to tell myself not to worry so much about going to college. As a senior, I was very scared to go to college, and at one point, I absolutely did not want to go. However, now that I am at college and have almost completed my first semester at Dordt College, I love it here and would not want to go back to being in high school at all. Something about the college experience, living in dorms, meeting new people and making new friends just caught up to me and made me love college even more. I can't imagine going back to high school and being with all my old friends. So if i could go back into time, I'd tell myself to just relax because once you are living the college life, you are never going to want to go back to any other life you have lived before!

I would give myself the advice to watch the nutritional choices right when you get into college so you do not have to lose weight after your first year. Also get in to a habit of doing a little homework every night so there is no pile up when tests come along. Enjoy life and stay involved with the college's activities to meet as many people you can. Don't settle for anything less than what you really want.

Looking back on my high school career, I wish I would have taken more challenging classes. High school, especially my senior year, was a breeze for me. I took the required classes and filled my electives with other simplistic classes that required basically zero effort. When I arrived at college, I had basically lost the skill to study effectively. My first round of college tests was not a pleasant experience. I didn't know how to consciously study and retain all of the facets of knowledge the professor required. On a college test, a professor requires more than just the answer to a question. The professor wants his students to know why the answer is what it is. He wants to know the reasoning behind it. If I could go back and give my senior year self advice about college, I would tell it like it is and say "It's hard and it's a challenge. Prepare for it while you can and start challenging yourself now."

I'm not sure that I would give myself any advice. I believe I made the right choice of colleges, and any mistakes I made along the way taught me more. I learned how to be a little more outgoing to make new friends, how to manage my time wisely, and how to survive in the college life. The experience is essential in growing up, so if you don't experience it for yourself, you might make the mistakes later in life when they are more crucial.

My best advice would be to not be too hasty in choosing your school. Explore all of your options and definitely go on campus visits if possible. That's what sold me on my school. Once you choose a school make sure you get involved in activities on campus so you get to know people. This was one of the hardest things for me. I wasn't involved with much right away and therefore didn't have very many friends. College can be lonely and boring if you don't get out and meet people. I reccomend intramural sports especially. I made most of my friends that way. Also, make sure you are studying enough. There are a lot of distractions and sometimes it's hard to find the time, but make sure to find the time or you'll fall behind. Make designated study times. For example, treat it like a 9 to 5 job. Do all of you work between those times and there will still be plenty of time to hang out afterwards.

One of the most important aspect of picking the right college is to pick one that is friendly. They have to make you seem like that is where you belong and that will be fun and fulfilling to go to. If they don't make you feel accepted on your visit, they probably won't make you feel accepted when you're a student. Also, pick a college that is comfortable to be at, whether it be distance-wise, religious-wise or any other factor, there needs to be a connection between the student and the goals and community of the college. Overall, you shouldn't pick a college that you feel forced to attend, even after you've been there for an extended period of time.

I have found the most important aspect is education, at first recent high school graduates are mostly concerned with the size of the campus, what kind of sports they can play ect., but as you grow and mature throughout your college experience you realize that education and experience, growing and understanding through learning, is what you are really there for. It is also important to pick a college that best fits you, that you feel you can be happy, social and comfortable at. I made some of my best friends and most memorable memories at college and I wouldn't trade them and my education experience for another college.

Be involved, it's the best way to stay busy and meet new people. Also, finding a school that "is known" for the major of study you want to go into will help you a lot.

Choose a college in a location that is comfortable for you, that offers a strong program in your major, that emphasizes involvement in the broader community and the world, and that has a student body which will both challenge and support you. Remember that college is expensive, and ask yourself how long you really want to be paying off your loans. Know that students make the college more than facilities or location.

Find a college that makes you be a part of the community. Colleges that you are just a number at can hinder your academic as well as social experiences at your school and not give you the best possible college experience. College is a great place to make life-long friends and I suggest picking a school that agrees with your religous affiliation, cause that can be the basis for all things learned at the school.