Harding University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Harding University know before they start?

Nicole

To the students: Get involved - join a club, play in the band, become part of the newspaper, etc. Meet as many people as you can, professors included. Eat lunch in a populated area, whether it is the cafe or the student center, even if you're alone - someone may come and sit next to you. Try not to get involved with a boyfriend/girlfriend until you are settled into your courses and coursework - if you are with someone when you go into college, tell them that space is needed until you have acclimated. Stay in touch with your family. To the parents: Stay in contact with your child - phone, email, letters, care packages. Help them move into their room, even if you're stuck doing the cleaning and not the setting up. Tour the campus with your child - it means a lot when a parent knows where the student is going to school, even if it's not shown. Most of all: give your child space. They're on their own now (especially if they're in a dorm). They can miss you, but don't cater to their every whim and need from afar.

Caleb

To the HS graduate and parents. When selecting a college to attend, you, the prospective student, must keep three things in mind: can this campus satisfy my social needs, will I be able to easily choose another major should I decide to, and will I be able to easily find a job in my chosen field with a degree from this school once I am graduated? If a university can answer these three questions in the affirmative, they are a school to look at more closely. And while money is always on the lips of every parent, it should not be what makes the final decision for the student. A quality education and good experiences at college far outweigh material costs, even in economical times as dire as these. To the college student. Do not stay hidden away in your room with a textbook always open. Your campus is full of wonderful places and things to do, so go participate! College is not just a place to learn academically, it is where you learn more about life as well. Go out with friends, join social clubs, and enjoy yourself! Live your life to the fullest. Your college friend, Caleb

Mike

Go to a college that has the major that you want and the best progams for you to be successful after you graduate. Everything else will fall into place after you get there.

Naomi

Atmosphere is crucial when picking a college. So much time, money, and energy are invested in the college years, it?s important that the atmosphere is a good match for you. Every college has its own personality. Don?t just take the word of the pamphlet or the tour guide, but visit the campus and engage students you meet in conversation rather than interrogating them. Current students can give you great insights to the college?s atmosphere. Realize that every college is going to have some aspect that is less than ideal. Consider what you are really passionate about and ask whether the prospective college or surrounding community offers programs or opportunities that feed your passion. Atmosphere should certainly not be the only criteria for choosing a college, but it can really enrich or, if the atmosphere is not compatible, really impair your college experience.

pamela

Harding university is great

Ashley

As a young adult, my advice to parents would be to find the college that best fits their child's personality. If a student is going to attend the University for 4 more years, it is important for them to feel comfortable in the environment that they are in. It's also good to find a school that has a strong department in the major that their child wants to pursue. It's not always easy for your child to know exactly what they want to do with their life, but it's good to have an idea of what college fits that particular major. I believe that college is a place that the student can grow and become more independent. A student needs to be in a well rounded University that has great opportunities and strong core values when it comes to rules and regulations. College is more than just studying all the time. It is a decision that can ultimately effect your child's life forever. The strong education your child gets, the people they spend time with, and the opportunities they have to do good things are an important part of the college experience.

Amber

apply

Anna

First, I think you should be aware of what the school stands for and what kind of environment you are getting into, because that will make or break your overall enjoyment of the college experience. Also, visiting the school and talking to professors in the department you are considering is extremely valuable in the decision making process. Second, taking initiative once you get the school to try and get involved. Even if the school has great orientation activities, it is still the responsiblity of the student to jump in and get to know people and know what is going on. Most schools will do their best to help the process of adjusting as a new student, but there is still some responsiblity on the students shoulders to put themselves out there. This will help you get connected and build that foundation to grow off of in your college years and beyond. Last, just enjoy the entire experience. Everything from looking into schools, to choosing a school, to picking a major. Enjoy every step of the way, because the less stress you put yourself through the more you be happy about the choice you made.

Suzanne

Find the college with the program and resources you need to succeed in life. Also, do everything you can; be involved-especially freshman year. Don't go to college until your ready, otherwise, your attitude, or lack of money in the long run might make things worse for you. Christian campus life is really helpful in allowing students to focus on their work, but still have clean fun. And honestly, it's more helpful for kids to get the kids out of the house if they go to a school far away. The independence is good, and shows them what they really can do on their own as an adult.

Daniel

Speak to lots of people who are at different stages of the college process, applying, enrolled, and graduated. Ask them what they wish they'd known prior to going to school, and ask them what they'd like to do differently if they were to go through the process again. Ask them what worked well for them, what didn't work well, and how they found the school that was right for them.

Taylor

Visit the schools and find juniors and seniors to ask about what they think.

Megan

When trying to find the right school I highly suggest visiting the campus! Visiting Harding and being able to see the campus and people played a huge part in deciding to attend there. A school can look nice on paper, but until you are there you dont really have a feel for the type of atmosphere you will be a part of. Another word of advice; start saving for college now! College is expensive, and the more you can save now, and the more opportunites for scholarships and grants you can obtain, the better. Making the most of your college experience has everything to do with attitude! Doing well in classes is great, but dont be afraid to get involved with other things. I have met some of my best friends through extra-curricular activities. Also, keep an open mind and a possitive attitude about your school. There will always be things you wish were different, but dont let those things stop you from enjoying the great things you DO have at that school. Keeping an open mind and enjoying what I had kept me from transfering my 2nd year. Im very glad I didnt :-)

Heather

Visit the college and talk with the professors and students. Look at lots of different colleges and apply to as many.

Elliott

I feel it is important to visit a campus and gain access to more than what the orientation programs and visiting programs the colleges and universities offer. Visit with students outside those that have volunteered their time to help new students or attract students interested in attending a college. Those students that are attending and living the life on that campus without the pressure or want of attracting new students will give the most reliable answers to your questions. Just walk the campuses and ask those you pass on the sidewalk questions about their experiences at the college and with teachers there. I feel it is also important to visit at least three colleges you are interested in attending. Each college should be a different distance from your home. Try staying over a weekend to take in the off campus activity during "down time" to see what your life and distractions may be while attending college in that town or area. A well rounded college experience includes classes, on campus activities, off campus activities and the social interaction of the town or city you live in!

Paul

It is important to find a college that put much emphasis on academic achievements, and moral and ethical growth for a student to be a responsible individual not only to himself, but also to the community, country and to those with whom he does not share any values with them. Having found that great school of choice, it is essential to be open to other people's differences, while letting your opinions known suitably. During the process of learning, do not feel as if learning is a burden but as an enjoyment and self improvement. Another point is that having funs and friend is an essential part of growing up. It is very important to be a responsible student as far as getting good grades, keeping yourself healthy, taking care of financial requirements, keeping your enviroment clean, and saving your school with honor. When saving one's school honorably, one need to obey school rules and regulations, as well as showing good image of one's school to others.

Danielle

n/a

lauren

I would have to say to go to the college that you feel most at home at. dont worry about money or the distance away from home, becasue you can always find family that will last a life time if you pick the right college to go to.

Beth

i think that students should choose the school that they feel like God is leading them to go to.

Amanda

The biggest piece of advice I could give parents and prospective students is to take your time. Parents, don't overwhelm your child by making them have a decision right away with were they want to spend the next four years of their life. Believe me, they know it's a big deal, and they know that is will change their life depending on where they go. Prospective students, if you really have no idea what you want to do- talk candidly with your parents and decide whether it would be more beneficial for you to take a year off. Taking a year off does not make you inferior. In fact, in many ways it may be the more intelligent thing to do. In taking a year off you can get a job and start saving up for college. In that time frame you would also be able to think clearly and be honest with yourself about what you really want in a college without the stresses of your senior year of high school distracting you. Pressure is one thing the recipe for a successful college plan does not need.

Lyn

When looking for the right place to attend college, students and parents should look for an environment that a student can grow in. A student's college career is not only about obtaining educational knowledge, but also wisdom about life.