High Point University Top Questions

Jayden, don't freak out. This is you from the future. I know it is your senior year and you are super stressed out - you always get stressed out when change is coming - but trust me, everything turns out okay. I know that your intentions are good, but I want you to stop doing a few things that I wish I hadn't done the first time around. First, stop worrying about your stupid GPA. I got a 4.0 and no one really cares. Instead, join a club or an organization that is going to give you some real experience. You learned a lot in those AP classes, but you would benefit a lot more from some good stories and some fun group experiences. Also, stop trying to hang out with that one girl. You know who I am talking about. When you get to college, you wil realize you are a better person without her and you will realize how many things you missed out on because of her. Stop trying to be someone else. Everyone I have met in college so far loves you for you. Finally, apply for more scholarships. College is expensive. You got this.

It sounds silly to say, especially only having just left high school, but there are many things that I wish that I had known about college before I applied. Most importantly, if I could go back and tell myself something, it would be to embrace the "flaws" that make you different because when you learn how to love yourself, you are more confident and you are more able to love others and adapt to new situations. I have always been extremely self-conscious, however being at college has made me truly realize that everyone is different and you need to embrace these differences or you will be lost in the smog, so to speak. Knowing what makes you different and special is not only important for filling out job applications, but also in finding clubs that you want to join and just, simply, expressing yourself in the most true way possible. In the 3 1/2 short months that I have been here at High Point, I have learned that individuality is a commodity and you need to accept that in order to make it in the world.

Senior year is scary! The biggest thing that scared me was the money aspect of college. It's so expensive! My advice is to try to not think about the money as much. The number you see on those brochures is NOT the number you will be paying. There are plenty of scholarships that you are applying for, plus the school awards you and the FAFSA. When I was applying to schools my favorite was High Point Unniversity. I knew I belonged there for a number of reasons. But it was extremely expensive. So I applied to a few other schools as well. It was between Campbell and HPU. It was cheaper to go to Campbell but when I visited the STUDENTS even told me not to go here. Eventually I decided I needed to go to HPU for at least my freshman year. I needed to start off my college years right and I knew I needed to be happy to do it. After I committed to HPU, I foundout that with everything added up it was actually cheaper to go to HPU! Thank God! So go where YOU think YOU belong...no matter what the consequences MAY be.

To study more for the SAT. I had a 4.0 in high school, was the valedictorian, participated in sports and community projects but still had a hard time getting accepted in schools. I think a slightly above average SAT score hurt me. I should have studied more for that test.

If I were given the opportunity to go back and give myself advice before I started the college process I might not have plans to attend Highpoint University next year. The most urgent thing that comes to my mind is to make sure I tell myself to start my college visits earlier, rather in spring of my junior year and not fall of my senior year. I would certainly mention to myself to make sure I apply to more schools and have back up plans rather than going Early Decision and hoping I get in. Now that I know where im going and have visited I have really found out that I love the south which backs up what I said about looking earlier. If I did that I might have looked more into the southern schools and could have possibly found a different home for the next 4+ years. With all that being said I couldnt be happier with the school I chose and I know that it is the best place for me to start the next chapter in my life.

I had a bad high school experience and by the time I got around to my senior year and choosing my institution of higher learning, I didn't have much hope for what my future could bring me. After these past two years at High Point, I know that I am capable of almost anything, if I am willing to put forth the effort. In August, I am going to Ireland; In Spring 2014, I am going to Prague. If I could go back to high school, I would give myself very simple advice: Keep your head up, keep going. I was at a point of despair once I got to be a senior. I chose High Point first and foremost because it was far away from home and far away from the bad memories. I do not regret my decision – in fact, I am ever-grateful for making it. This experience at High Point teaches me that I can make my life what I want it to be. I can learn and I can grow on my own. If I could go back to high school, that's what I'd tell myself: Breath. Relax. It will be okay.

As a high school student, I was incredibly nervous about coming to High Point University. My high school class was about 350 people and I wasn't used to being around a ton of people everyday. Now I was going to be a little fish in a huge pond. After moving in to my dorm and meeting my new roommates and hallmates, I've learned that making the transition into college isn't as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Sure, I miss my family every once in a while. But I've been given a great opportunity that I am going to take advantage of. I would tell my high school self not to stress out as much as I did because everything has seemed to fall into place. I would also tell my high school self not to procrastinate with my school work because that has gotten me no where.

I would tell myself to expect the unexpected. I had a huge culture shock when I went to school, and I would tell myself to get ready. It was very overwhelming my first couple of weeks.

If I was able to talk to myself as a high school senior now being in college I would have told myself that college is way different than being in high school. Work has to be done on time; it is very strict, study, study, study. College might seem as if it is all hands-on but, it’s not it is a lot of reading and participating behind it also. Being a freshman in college is just an overview of things you have learned in high school. Also, I would tell myself everything I am doing now in college that is making it a lot easier in school now than I was in high school. As I sit back and reminisce about being a senior I had senioritis the whole time which at times it was making me have a downfall so I would tell myself having senioritis isn’t bad but, put school before being excited about this being your last year because it just gets harder as you walk through the door at the college you wish to attend.

My advice is to savor freshmen year and be prepared to have your ideas challenged and mindset changed. College seems scary in high school. Your family is miles away, you’re living with peers who may or may not like you, and at first you don’t know a soul. But, it’s this new environment that makes freshman year an adventure. Never again will you experience your first move-in day, or first dorm meeting. This is a fresh start and exciting experiences lie ahead so savor each moment, because freshman year flies by. But, be prepared to meet many different people with different backgrounds, morals, and ideas. Keep an open mind and get to know those who are different. Because, though they challenge your ideas, they often give you a stronger understanding of the world and yourself. As you experience new events, people, and challenges, you will greatly mature. And your freshman year of college will provide you with so many unexpected obstacles that you will grow greatly in mind and personality. Freshman year is such an exciting, adventurous time so savor it but remember to stay true to you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to participate in more extracurricular activities. I would also tell myself not be nervous going into community college. I would tell myself that graduating early, while a pain, was a good idea. I would tell myself to take more classes my first semester, so I can complete college as soon as possible. Overall, I think that I would do everything over again the same way, with a little more confidence.

I know this is going to sound lame, but set a bed time. You can’t have a healthy mind, body, or immune system if you don’t treat your body to a regular schedule of rest. Realize that if you aren’t taking care of yourself that your high metabolism and pretty figure won’t keep. Mom and Dad won’t be in control of your diet anymore. You’re on your way to a college that is prepared to feed thousands of people every day. It’s going to be really easy to over-do it. So, before you wind up with an unwanted 15 pounds, be conscious of what you’re putting into your body and try to get to the gym a few times every week. Also, Mom is right. You’ve got to stop procrastinating. Don’t underestimate these essays and projects and wait until the night before to do them. That’s not good for your sanity and it’s not a good work ethic. Lastly, stay grounded. Stay true to yourself and your values. Spend some time in God’s Word and don’t get too busy to call Mom.

If I could go back and time and discuss what college would be like to my high school self, I would talk about the simplicities as well as the difficulties. I would let myself know that I need to be ready and determined to finally be independent. I would say studying actually does pay off, so don't take it as something useless to do while in high school. I would want myself to know the importance of getting that few extra hours of sleep, nutrition, or time to read a few chapters in my textbook. Also, I would want myself to know the importance of having decent, trustworthy friends; people who are supportive in my dreams and goals are people I should call my friends. In the end, I would tell myself never to give up. Four years of an outstanding education is only the first step to a miraculous future.

If I could go back in time and give my high school self one piece of advice, it would be this; "calm down!" My entire senior year of high school was spent in a frenzy. I was constantly doing homework, participating in extra-curriculars, applying for colleges, and worrying about scholarships. I didn't take any time to relax, and thus spent my entire year in a state of panic. Once graduation was over, the panic continued. Now that I had chosen to attend High Point University, what if I didn't like it there? What if I wouldn't get along with my roommates? However, all this worrying was useless. Since my first day at High Point University, I have had no trouble adapting to my new environment. My roommates and I get along splendidly and I could not be happier with my choice of study. My life is no longer consumed by frenzy, and I am able to take time to truly relax. I should have taken my own advice in high school and calmed down. Even though I was unaware at the time, all the things I worried about would turn out better than I ever expected.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about the transition to college, I'd probably tell myself to get involved from day one. I struggled with homesickness until I became involved in campus, and every day I regret not being more involved earlier in my college career. Life really is what you make of it, I wish I had grasped the opportunities presented to me earlier.

If I knew what I know now about college life I would have told myself that I needed to study harder. I would tell myself that I don't have time to watch tv or listen to music and that I need to find things that can help me in college and apply it with me through out the years. I should have told myself to ask more questions when I did not understand what they were saying. I would tell myself that I need to practice more and study harder. I would tell myself to grow up a little more and take responsibility for my actions. I would tell myself to always think positive thoughts not negative thoughts. I would tell myself to believe that all things are possible and to never say never. I would tell myself not to say I can't but to say I can. I would tell myself to learn new ways to study and find which one best fits me. I would tell myself that I can do this and make all a's and not to have senioritis. I would tell myself to comprehend things better and to believe in my capabilities.

The best advice that I would give myself is to get seriosu about applying to college scholarships. I applied to a few on them my seniro year but when I was rejected from many of them, I gave up. I figured that my parents had enough money to be able to figure out a way to pay for all four of my years. During these last two years of being in college, I now recognize the magnitude of how expensice college really is, especially the univesity that I go to, since it is a small private school. I would tell myself that I need to really think long and hard about the sacrifices my parents and grandparents will have to make to be able to send me to the school of my choice. I also would tell myself that I need to realize that things do not always just work out as they have in the past for me. I also wish that I would have tried harder to get a job off-campus during my freshman year so that I could have saved even more money to be able to continue coming to this great University.

If I were to give advice to myself as a senior in high school I would encourage my same outlook as when I first entered college. I was lucky enough to be apart of a team. I am a walk on for the varsity Cross-Country and Track teams. This really helped with my college transition because I immediately had a core group of friends. If I weren't apart of a team I would give advice to immediately get active and join a club or sport that interests you. This will help you not get home sick and feel connected to the school and other students. I would also give the advice to try and live in an honors housing option where it would most likely be less noisey and chaotic. Some nights my suitemate last year would play music so loud that my bed literally would shake. My advice there would be don't be afraid to ask your RA or campus security to get them to quite down.

I would have told myself to apply to more schools earlier and try to take the SAT more than once. Had I applied to more schools, I probably would have gotten into some place cheaper and public and I would have had more financial rewards and money to spend so that I wouldn't be completely broke as a college student. I would also tell myself to learn how to manage my money and time better. I would also tell myself to prepare for being away from home for very long periods of time and be prepared to not talk to the people you used to talk to everyday. Learn how to make new friends and establish new connections.

Before going to college, I believed it was to just get my teaching degree. But college is so much more then that. College is a place where I found who I really was and what I believed. Although I am not done with college I have had the best oppertunities. I am now part of a national sorority where I can meet and connect with thousands of sisters all around the country, and if it wasn't for college, I would have never known about this oppertunity. I have also had the oppertunity to make life-long, everlasting friendship. Yes, being in a sorority helped, but having campus work study jobs and wonderful RA's who planned events helped me make friends. In high school teachers always try to prepare us for college work. The homework and studying was difficult at first with so many classes and so much to read for each class. Professors gave us the oppertunity to hvae open class conversation and talk about future plans. We had times where we did on-the-site work in elementary schools or companies. College has really opened my eyes to a world that I am extremely excited to enter.