Malone University Top Questions

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

Abby

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school self, I would tell myself to be more outgoing and join more groups. Basically, get more involved on campus. I think it is not only important to focus on academics in college, but your social life is important too. It is true that your friends in college are often your friends for life. I think by not joining more groups and being more involved with dorm activities, I missed out on many friendships I could've made. Schoolwork is important, but with some trying it can be easily integrated with your social life in college. Getting to know the people I was living around and interacting with almost every day would have been beneficial because without a social life, weekends at school can get pretty boring.

Emily

Do you know the saying, "take time to smell the roses?" Well, it's true. Life has sped by me light a lightning bolt flash. You see the lightning and within seconds, it has already come and gone. Life is supposed to be full of ups and downs and crazy moments that may not make sense right away. Instead of trying to rush through every moment, I should have relished in it. I should have appreciate my trials and sweet achievements just a little more because all of it is what made me who I am today. I was so focused on becoming an "adult," that I didn't step back and smell the roses like I should have. Have I enjoyed me life? ABSOLUTELY. However, if I can tell young Emily something, it would be to enjoy ALL that life has to offer. Enjoy the A+ on that term paper and celebrate! Accept the B on my assignment and game plan for the next one. Listen a little close to the voice within that is trying to remind you that everything will work according to God's plan in due time. Smell all of the roses; even thorny ones.

BOMI

I would push myself more to study harder on some of the AP exams I took on senior year. Also I think I should have been a little more aggressive on searching for scholarships instead of just considering college loans. I would also focus on finding internships starting my first year. I dont think you can get pluged into your field too early. If you do not learn anything from it, you might meet someone who might play a significant role for your job search.

Yokasta

Get involved in at least two clubs or activities you enjoy; not only does it look good on your college application, but it's also a fun way of learning and, sometimes, giving back while also making friends. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and seek help when you need it; it will save you stress and time later on. Think of high school as a bridge that prepares you for the future and real-world circumstances and problems. It is a time to grow, learn and change. Make the most of it!

Hannah

Don't worry so much about your grades. Focus on making connections, meeting people, having conversations, and building a network. College is about learning, both about your chosen subject as well as about yourself. Be strong in your faith and who you are as a person. Be prepared to meet people who are drastically different then you are. Be open-minded to the diversity in the world around you without compromising who you truly are. Be ready to have the tough conversations with mom and dad about being independent, following house rules, and making your own decisions. Make sure everyone understands exactly what the expectations are and where responsiblities lie. Don't be afraid of failure as you tend to learn more that way. And for goodness sake, keep your mouth shut when nothing needs to be said!

Alicia

Hi Alicia, Before you head off to just any college, there are some things that you really need to know. You may not know what field of study you would like to go into now, but that's ok. You can always start with your basic core classes. But, before you decide on what college you are going to, you need to do your homework. Make sure that the college you plan on attending is accredited. It makes a world of difference. Not going to an accredited college will make it much tougher to find a job once you decide what field of study you do go into. When registering, don't just sign the paperwork. Read all paperwork thoroughly. Not only read it, but keep copies of it, because you never know when you may have to go back and reread them in case you run into any issues; for instance, the school closing. Finally, make sure not to study, but have fun and get involved. Join study groups and clubs. Get out there and meet people. You will never know who you may run into that can help you get the job of your dreams.

Luke

Keep doing what your doing, you're on the right track.

Amber

I would tell myself to learn how to study before you get to college. It would really help. I also would tell myself to look at the bigger schools and not just the small ones. Even though Iiked the smaller classes, I think a bigger school would have been nice to meet a more diverese group of people!

Jacob

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take a step of faith and go to Liberty University even though it is farther away. When I was a senior, the thing that bothered me the most was the transistion from being away from my family. I really liked Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, but because I was afraid to leave my family and friends I didn't go. I believe that Liberty University is a great place to not only recieve an education, but to grow and develop in my relationiship with God. After my first year of college, I have learned that sometimes choices will not always be easy and things will not always go as you planned, but if you trust in God and believe He will help you, you can accomplish some pretty awesome things. This fall I have decided that I will be transferring to Liberty University and hope to see my faith grow and develop.

Stacy

I would tell myself that college will be the best time of my life. You will make friends and get good grades, so stop worrying! Don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people, but at the same time, don't let people take advantage of you. The Library is a good and necessary place to study, and although a late night food run is more fun, studying is much more important. I would tell myself not to be afraid to make changes in my life, because change is good.

Reagan

I have learned what I believe and why I believe it. I have also learned how to be my own person and accept responsibility. I have learned how to be a true caring friend.

Helen

I have gotten much out of my college experience. Before I came to Malone College, I did not have a lot of friends. Now I have quite a few. I have made friends with a relatively diverse group of people. In that diversity, there has been some ideological worldviews that are different from mine. It has been interesting to discuss these viewpoints. Often, we have to agree to disagree. However, it is still fun to discuss (and in some cases debate) certain topics. I have also learned quite a bit at Malone. My opinions on some things have changed since I got here, but some have staye the same. Finally, I have definitely grown spiritually, which is a definite plus of going to a Christian college.

Lindsay

College helps better my education and help me achieve my career goal to become a Physical Therapist. Occupations today require people have more than just a high school diploma this is why people need to attend college.

Kenzie

I was nervous when I made the decision to go to college. After knowing my whole life that my parents did not attend college I constantly stuggled with the choice of starting to work right out of high school, or to continue my education at the next level. After making this decision and now ending my first official year of college, I am so happy that I made the choice to enroll. Not only have I had the chance to make friends that will last a lifetime, but I'm bettering the chances of an amazing future and a chance to finance a family if I decide to have one someday. Although there is the occasional homesick days, I've learned to be independent and rely on myself more and more which is essential for when I graduate from college. I feel that I have gotten a sense of responsibility, pride, and determination out of attending college and I feel that going to a college will ensure a better chance at a brighter future.

Reagan

I have loved my experience at school so far! The key for me was to get involved as much as possible. I am the type of person who loves to get involved in programs and being a part of them brings me joy. I worked hard my Jr. and Sr. year in high school to be able to be accepted in a football program at a university. Through the help of my father and coach, I obtained my dream in playing ball at the college level. Through this experience, I have meet people that I immediately clicked and connected with because we share same standards spiritually, and relationally. Through our shared interest in the Lord and his grace, I know we will eventually become friends with meaning and substance. I now have friends who genuinely care about me and understand the types of struggles I go through. I have also learned how to live on my own without my parents acting like a bubble of protection. Making my own descisions has really challenged me to live like Christ. My daily struggle is to be like Him, and I now feel like I can do that through this new freedom.

Erin

As a high school senior, I thought I knew exactly where I was going with my life, and there was no room for detour in the plan. Then, I actually got to college. I was accepted to my number one choice school, got a great scholarship, and was accepted into my major program. However, as the months dragged on, I began to feel that it was not the place for me. There were and are great things about that school, but not all of them were great for me. Things I now realized I wanted in a school, such as a religious background, being closer to home, and having a friendly atmosphere, are things I overlooked in my initial search, and are just what I have found at my new university. I am not one who likes to be thrown off of my path, and I was in a big way. However, I realized much more about myself then I ever knew I would in just my first semester in college. My advice? Don't be afraid to be open to new changes, even if you think it's not what you wanted in the first place. You never know!

Maryann

Realize than more often than not, the people you have as friends in high school will not be your closest friends after college. The reason this is important is that you are who you associate with. Often those we associate with in high school are not pursuing the same goals which may deter you from achieving your goals. How so? Choosing a college based on where your friends plan to attend vs. degree program or cost can prevent you from achieving your dream. It is quite possible the friends you have in high school do not intend to graduate college and the draw to the path of least resistence is strong. It is important to immerse yourself in friendships that inspire you, challenge you, and encouage you to do more than you ever thought possible. Having a friend who reminds you why you are pursuing a college education may be the one thing that get you to graduation especially when taking core classes or while you are spending hours you do not have volunteering for free as a requirement of graduation. College friendships tend to be deeper and long lasting as compared to those from high school.

Ashley

Transitioning into college life is a very difficult time for most students and so looking back there are various bits of information that I would tell myself. Firstly ,my advice would be to thoroughly research the colleges you want to go to. You definitely don't want to make a rush decision and discover that the college you chose is completely the opposite of what you were looking for.. Also I would give myself the advice to take classes that will pertain to what you are planning to major in. I learned that many of the courses open to me in high school could have definitely helped for my classes this year because they give great background to many of the courses I am taking this semester. Lastly, my main piece of advice would have been to be prepared for anything and open your mind to new things. When transitioning into college many people go through an identity crisis. It is a new environment and new everything which allows you to reinvent yourself and be who you want to be. College is the beginning of who you will become as an adult, so make the most of it.

Katherine

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself before college, there are a few things I should have been more prepared for. Initially, I would warn myself of a few mistakes commonly made; never underestimate any class even if you feel prepared for it, and first impressions of people do count but it is getting to know who they really are which is the most important. Secondly, I would tell myself not to be as stubborn. I have an auto immune disease that I do not like to admit is a weakness to my abilities. Therefore, I would tell myself not to overload my schedule, especially when just starting out at college and trying to stay healthy is a challenge on its own. I would then explain that my constant worry over situations will only cause more problems. If I had been able to tell myself these things, I may have listened and things may have changed. However, I feel that I went through all the things I went through for a reason, I may not know what that reason is yet, but I am still learning and more importantly, I am learning from my mistakes.

Jessalyn

I would definitely go back in time and tell myself many things that I wish I knew now. First of all, work harder! If you think you are working hard there is always something more that you can do to achieve. Second thing I would say, get involved! Many students don't care to put there time in at school because it doesn't matter to them since they are a senior and will be leaving school soon anyway but it does matter, even those little things can get you scholarships. The third and final thing I would say is, prepare! Don't wait until the last minute to do something, be assertive and take action. You don't even know how expensive college can be if you don't prepare. Scholarships are out there and if you don't apply then don't expect for them to just be dropped in your lap. It is always best to be prepared in any situation such as the transition from a high school senior to college because it is different no matter what anyone says. You are an adult now and it is time to take action.