Hanover College Top Questions

Although succeeding in high school was rather effortless for you, college will not be as easy. You didn't have to study much (or really ever at all) in high school, but in college, that's most definitely not the case. You'll need to take your academics seriously, work hard, and strive to do well. You're going to have study infinite times more than you have in the past years in order to get good grades. And while mom and dad are pushing you to get those good grades because they believe in you and know that you're capable of doing so, do it for you. Push and do well for yourself. Nothing in life that's worth it comes easy. It all requires a lot of hard work. But you can do it. Study, manage your time, and focus. Nothing can stop you. But take full advantage of this great opportunity to learn and better yourself. You're going to be exposed to a whole new world and you should experience it through open eyes and with an open mind. Don't be afraid to try something new. And get involved! Good luck!

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior the number one thing I would say is that "it's okay to be yourself" and you will develop more into yourself in college. In high school and freshman year of college I was always concerned with what others thought or with what others were doing. However, I soon discovered that I shouldn't care at all. The transition from high school to college allowed me to become a truer version of myself and I'm glad I picked the right school. Along those same lines, I would say that playing a sport in college isn't really that big of a deal. I thought I had to play soccer in colelge and if I didn't was a failure. I quit soccer after my sophomore year at Hanover and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Also, I would tell myself that the first year of college is harder than you think it will be and you need to spend more time studying.

Over this past summer I worked at a camp for children with behavioral problems. During the training process, one of the key concepts that was conveyed to us was, "These are not bad kids, they are kids with bad behaviors." One of the major problems I've had in college is letting grudges end relationships. Going into college I would suggest thinking about everyone as a good person, and forgiving those mistakes made along the way. In other words, "These are not bad friends, they've just made some mistakes."

Don't waste time. There is not enough of it. College is the most amazing opportunity for self-realization. Balance academics and social life. Both are equally important. What is not important is sleeping late or wasting time on the internet. Live every moment at college as if it matters, because it does. It will be over before you realize and life on the outside is totally different. College will change who you are. You will not be the same person when you graduate that you were when you went in. This is a good thing. Embrace it. Use the time to find out who you really are. Don't go in with any baggage at all. Use every opportuinty to learn about yourself and the world. Don't be afraid to have deep or spiritual experiences or to be open to new ideas. Most of all, don't waste time.

As small as my experience has been since I began college at Hanover College, I have to say that many of the worries I had about being in college were completely unfounded. I worried that I would be homesick and lonely without any of my high school friends or my parents to see everyday. But my first week here in freshman orientation, I made friends with almost everyone in my dorm hall I though a Liberal Arts college would be extremely difficult to handle. However, my high school, which was a college-prepatory school, truly helped me and preparing me for the college experience, so adapting had not been a huge problem for me like it had been others on campus. It's been too early to really tell, but I feel as if college has really helped in gaining a social life as I didn't have one in high school, as well as relaxing and having a bit of fun every once it a while. It has taught me how to "chill" so to speak.

From my college experience, I have gained the most important piece of knowledge that one can. I have learned who I truly am. The setting, the people, and the immense amount of education that I have been fortunate enough to encounter have allowed me to understand what I want from life. It has allowed me to see that I want to pursue a career which will allow me to make a difference for individuals globally. I have found great interest in cultural studies, and hope to travel the world as I continue to both make that difference and learn infinitely. Hanover College has allowed for me to figuratively "fall in love" with learning. I cannot even express how thankful I am for that fact. Now, as opposed to before my experience here, I truly believe that there is no such thing as too much education. Because of Hanover College, I cannot get enough of it.

College is a time of growth, learning about yourself and others in the process. It is ok not to have a full-length, detailed plan for your life, instead enjoy the process with an open mind. This way, you will be able to consume the knowledge you will learn in college (both in and out of the classroom) rather than worry whether it will be applicable to your future career. Enjoy the ride, Erin. When you fail, get back up and know you learned something new. However, there is a difference between a challenge and a wrong direction, though. Don?t be afraid to listen to your instinct and follow the path that?s right for you, not the one that?s right for everyone else. College is a unique opportunity that you will regret if you only focus on the future instead of appreciating the present. Enjoy the ride, Erin.

Ok, Leah. Here's the deal. College is totally different than high school...not necessarily in a good or bad way; it's just different. Trust me. When you get there, you'll know exactly what I mean. Suddenly, everything changes. You're living on your own, taking care of yourself and calling all the shots. Mommy and Daddy aren't around anymore. Now YOU are the boss, and it's the best feeling in the world! Or is it? Well, take it from me. While being at college can be very liberating, it can also be very intimidating. I'm not going to lie...the transition is tough, especially when you're attending an academically-challenging school. Much will be expected of you, and everyone will be telling you something different--get involved, study hard, party all night long! You might find yourself wondering, 'How do I handle it all?' Well, first of all, understand that no one can do it all. The best thing to do is prioritize your activities and work to find a balance between them. It might be difficult, but don't give up. Embrace every opportunity you are given and never stop learning.

Don't be afraid of the unknown. It is hard at first because you don't know anyone however, everyone else is in the same boat. There are many people all around you who are looking for friends and are just as lost as you are. Don't be afraid to talk to them. Also, remember that by being here you are doing what is best for yourself. Your parents will understand if you cannot make it to every family function or be there for them. This is the point in your life where you need to focus on yourself and your education. Also remember that all those one dollar snacks add up after awhile.

Tyler, words of wisdom from a time you know not of yet are coming to you. My dear friend, first please apply for more scholarships. They will help you in times of need. You don't know everything nor are you ever going to. Be humble, but not to the point where you sacrifice your confidence and self identity. You are going to change, especially in terms of religous thought. It's okay, trust yourself and keep living life. P.S. Think long and hard about whether or not you want to take a class called Francophone Multiculturalism. Love, Yourself

If I could go back and visit with myself as a senior in high school, being uncertain of the future and terrified of making life decisions, I would want to want to reassure my young self that it is okay to make decisions. I've learned that everything in life will be ok as long as you take it as a learning experience. Remain certain in who you are, what goals you want to accomplish, and take the time to enjoy it along the way. Get to know new people, take advantage of exlporing new outlets, and take time to learn what matters the most to you in life-- friends, love, happiness. Looking at the incoming freshmen at Hanover, I often catch myself smiling. I smile for their innocence, their vast opportunity before them, and their youth-- the places from which I myself have grown as they will. With my time at Hanover coming to an end, I look back on my years here with great satisfaction as a senior. Meeting the people I consider my family, becoming immersed in a supportive, engaging, and nurturing environment, I feel privileged to be a part of this unique home for four years.

It will always be tough to choose the right college for you. There are so many to choose from and you will never know if you picked the right one until you are there. What helped me the most was going on an overnight visit. This allowed me to experience Hanover College up close, and personal and allowed me to meet people who I would be going to school with. Making the most out of your college experience was relatively easy for me. I was immediately welcomed into multiple clubs, and varsity athletics at my school. this helped my transition to go very smoothly as I immediately made many friends at my school. College is a fun, and you just have to learn how to balance fun with learning.

Find one that will truly challenge you to grow not only academically but in all aspects of your life

My advice is directed toward the student because I had no assistance from a parent in choosing a college. First of all the student should be knowledgeable of her financial situation. If parents are willing to help, that is great, but if she will need to take out loans she needs to secure a co-signer and plan to repay the loans after graduation. With the financing in mind, looking for a college or university becomes a checklist of personal preferences and sensibility. The student should check for his or her intended major, talk to current students, visit the college (not just for the parties), and definitely sit in on classes in which future professors will teach. The reason for these precautions is that in order to do well at a college the student must be comfortable in her surroundings and it is even better if the professors are not only great teachers but also very approachable. The greatest motto I have learned from by year and a half of college is that being surrounded by good people makes one's life experiences that much better.

The best advice I can give is to go on visits and experience the school first-hand. Pay attention to everything at the college, including how secretaries and admissions ambassadors treat you. If you can, talk to students and professors in your potential major. Their job is to communicate the strengths of the school and make you feel welcome. If a professor doesn't pay attention to you as a visitor, you can be sure that they won't pay attention to you when you are their student. If a professor seems annoying or uncaring in a ten minute discussion, you are likely to find sitting through several hours of class each week very frustrating. When you have narrowed your decision to a few schools (3-5), go on overnight visits. This allows you to get a feel for the social life, study habits, living situation, and other aspects of the campus that are difficult to detect from daytime visits. By experiencing both the academic and social environments, you can make a better decision about what school fits with your career goals and personal preferences.

"How do you find the right college?" and "How do you make the most of the college experience?" are two different questions. Keep in mind that some colleges will be more to your liking than others. I would advise students and parents to look within a range that is reasonable in regards to finances, the student's tentative life direction, and the student's preferences. That is to say, do not attend a school you cannot afford, do not go to a school that does not offer your desired program, and do not go to a campus you know you'll hate. Otherwise, apply for as many scholarships as possible and take a chance with the best offer - read the fine print, but you can always transfer. When you feel okay about your decision, immerse yourself in the campus community. My best advice is: take interest! Join a club, ask a favorite professor out to lunch: these are ways to make friends, make your time at college more pleasant, and gain influence for later in life. College is but a few years of a person's life - make the most of your time and money, and spend it wisely!

Listen to their child because it is important for them to be in an atmosphere that they are willing to learn in. Otherwise you will just be wasting money.

Make sure that the school you attend has a healthy social scene. For general happiness, this is more important than anything else. When you get to school, focus hard on your studies during the week to make time for socializing on the weekends. Don't ever turn down a chance to do something fun, new, or interesting.

Find a school that fits the personality of the student. Its very important.

If you can find a school that feels like home, a school where you could happily live the rest of your life, count yourself lucky and do all you can to get in. Once you make it, be grateful to yourself and do all you can to stay in. Remember never to worry about impressing anyone or about what anybody expects of you. You know what matters to yourself. Surround yourself with friends who like you as you are, and treasure them. Take classes you care about, and never forget them. Feel comfortable inside your own life. Be joyful, and share that joy with everyone you meet. Like it or not, four years will pass quickly, and all you'll have left will be the lessons you've learned and the friends you've made. Despair not, for friends and lessons are life's sublime treasures. If you can build your life on pure and mindful happiness, college will help you find these keys to lasting joy.