Torrie
Through my professors I have been able to realize my passions. Finding my passion in only my sophomore year in college was not something that I had expected. My interests were widespread coming into F&M, but slowly, with the immense support from my professors, I began to piece together what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I have been able to translate my hobbies and interests into practical items of study. My passion for women's rights, the Olympics, and sport in general has formed many papers and has inspired many new opportunities. As I went to my professors' offices hours and talked about my interests they began adding to my knowledge of what was possible and encouraged me to continue seeking out information and readily giving any they had. The constant support and interest the professors show in my academic interests is reassuring and empowering. My F&M professors have given me one of the most valuable parts, and arguably the most important, of my college experience: the realization that my passions have value, are interesting and academically viable and important. And for this, I am eternally grateful.
Malarie
I would tell myself to be smart about the places I go to. I would also tell myself to do all of my homework, because thats where most of the test questions come from. I would work on my time managemant. I would have also saved more money fmor my summer job. Most importantly I would tell myself to be resourseful.
YooJin
College is not just about academics but it's about living life. When you chose to attend a specific college, it's also a kind of life that you decide to live. College is more than a place to just simply increase your knowledge. Reputation is not extremely impornat as much as we think either. It's important to know yourself and know the college well enough to find the best fit. However, where ever you end up, there's always things to learn and something to gain as your one of a kind life experience. Even though you think you made the wrong decision, that doesn't mean it's a failure. Take what you can take and enjoy. As much as deciding a college is hard and important, it's not like you are crossing the Rubicon.
Marieke
The number one piece of advice I would give to any high school senior about to leave for college is, "College changes people." This change can be for the good or for the bad, but living on your own causes you to critically consider what your morals and views are and what you are going to do to get where you want to in life. You learn to make priorities and plans, to keep appointments, and discover how you learn best. A college can offer all the resources in the world but unless you put them to use, they are worthless to you. You need to examine what you're given and make the best of it. If you need help, ask. My mom always used to tell me "you have a no until you ask." You never know what could come of approaching your professor with that bizzare question that has been nagging you, asking a faculty member if you can help in their lab. If you need help, reach out for it, that's the only way you will grow as an individual. Have fun, but don't get hurt ... start to live your life to the fullest.
Lisa
Act like yourself when you get to college. Making friends will be easier that way and don't care about others who judge. Make sure to keep in touch with friends from home because you will still be seeing them on breaks and they are still your friends no matter how far apart you are at school. Make your own decisions and think them through. Study hard but still have fun and do thinkgs/take classes that you are interested in and are perhaps a little outside of your comfort zone. Time management is key! There are a lot of activities and a lot of work so use your time wisely!
Siva
I would look at schools sooner and see what is out there before I made my decision. Although I am very happy with where I am, I wish I had explored more options and seen more campuses before I settled on Franklin and Marshall.
Rachel
Parents and students should know that college is what you make of it. If you're stuck at community collge, make the most of it. Or if you end up at the most expensive ivy league, make the most of it! Make the school fit you, not the other way around.
Gina
I honestly think that in order to find the right college you have to visit it while school is in session and you while know if it is the right college for you while you are there on campus.
Jarrell
My only advice wold be to make sure that you fully examine and look into the school that you decide to choose. The experience, the education, the friends you make and have while your in college isnt only for four years, its for a lifetime.
Kelly
In this video, seniors talk about their experiences in F&M. They also give lot fo advises to incoming freshmen.
fuckyou
This was a scam! You said win 5,000 dollars not scholarship money....
Kayla
Talk to a variety of students there who aren't part of the tour group.
Samantha
Make a list of qualities you want and don't want in your college, and compare colleges you consider to your list. Visiting campuses is very important, because you can often feel whether or not a college is right for you. It is also very important to consider the surrounding area--if you come from a big city, you may not appreciate going to school in the middle of nowhere, and vice versa. To make the most of your experience, get involved in activities you enjoy. Also, explore the social scene to find where you best fit into it.
Thomas
First, it is important for you to select a college where you believe you will be able to establish a comfort zone. This comfort zone will serve as your refugee when you are missing home, and it can come from an academic department, an athletic program, or some other extracurricular activity, depending on whatever you feel is best for you.
Just as you are leaving home for college, however, it is important for you to leave your comfort zone as much as you can. Trying new things, exploring new ideas, and even getting in a little bit of trouble is the definition of "making the most of your college experience." While how well you do in classes will help determine where you start your career, it is the curiosity that you develop from leaving your comfort zone that will set you apart in life.
Jacob
As long as you make the best of your college experience, any college you choose will be able to fulfill your needs. There is no perfect choice of college, and every school has its flaws. The key for me so far has been to really take an interest in everything I do and care about the outcome. If you don't like what you're doing, how can you enjoy yourself?
Paul
Visit as many colleges as possible and make sure your child does overnight visits
Sarah
The responsibility of having a great college experience lies within the student. The student needs to do the research, ask the questions, investigate about the schools that he or she is intersted in. If one does not get into his or her school of choice, give another school a chance. The best thing a student can do for their experience is to embrace the college and get involved. Academically, find what you love to study because you'll naturally be good at it and suceed in it. Don't force yourself into something unless you can commit to it heart and mind 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. It can be a challenge to find the balance between academics and social life but it is possible. It all works out.
Cori
I knew I made the right college choice when, on a fall afternoon, I found myself strolling in the grass barefoot on campus. I had found my new home. Leaving for college should be exciting, strange, frightening and exhilarating. But, once the dust has settled, you should feel like you've come home. For some people, home is found in the ever-changing faces of 40,000 strangers passing you on campus every day. It means school pride, football jerseys, ground-breaking research being conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories, and millions of proud alumni. For others, home is found in the often cluttered but always inspired studios of an art school. It means quirky off-beat people and getting your hands dirty. Or maybe for you, as it was for me, home is a small liberal arts school that encourages you to step outside the box while still enveloping you in a blanket of comfortable familiarity. Or maybe, it is a combination of all these things and more. When visiting campuses, talk to people, sit on a bench, and throw a frisbee with some students. Smile. Do people smile back? Are you comfortable? Have you found your home?