Marietta College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Marietta College know before they start?

Emily

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to slow down. Throughout my years in college, I have lived a life of packed daily schedules and running from one activity to another without a chance to breathe. Although I like staying active and involved in my school and community, there is such thing as too involved. I think if I could go back in time, I would remind myself that I can say “no” to activities. I believe it is important to be involved on campus. Getting involved in organizations and school events creates a feeling of interconnectedness among fellow students and community members. At the same time, being too involved and overbooked actually hinders the positive effects of campus activities. During college, when I was too involved, I created more stress than necessary, and I missed the opportunities to truly enjoy my activities because I was too concerned worrying about the next thing on my daily schedule. If I had the opportunity to go back in time, I would tell myself to slow down and to take the opportunity to stop and smell the roses.

Sara

If I could give the high school me advice, I'd definitely say to develop good study habits. I'm smart and I grasp concepts quickly, but I don't retain as much as I could because I don't study very much. I lack the discipline it takes and the belief that studying IS actually accomplishing something--it isn't just a waste of time. I objectively know this, but I have problems putting it into practice. I've also never really had "study buddies", so that's another studying skill set that I've been missing out on. So I'd tell myself to study for my hardest classes (which also could have resulted in a higher GPA and class rank). Another piece of advice I'd give myself is to try to be more involved in my school and community. There admittedly weren't a ton of opportunities to get involved in my hometown, but I also usually didn't take advantage of the opportunities that were there. I said I was too busy or lazy or didn't know anyone. Since then, I've learned that getting involved is just part of life.

Brittany

I would encourage myself to take more post secondary courses while in high school because it really helped me out. I would also tell myself to help others and spread the work about taking post secondary classes because they were really helpful and helped me prepare for colle coursework so much better than regular high school classes.

Thera

What I would like to have done differently is to be more social. When I first started college, at age 17, I stayed to myself a lot. I truly had only 3 people that I would talk to. I think it is important to make friends if you want to get the most out of the college experience. I will never have another chance to expeirience being out on my own for the first time. Studying is important too but I really wish I would have gotten to know more people.

Aaron

Dear Aaron, I know you're nervous about going to college and how you might do academically once you get there. Don't worry! Do exactly what your parents told you to do and you'll be fine. If you stay enthusiastic about your education, students and faculty will be drawn to you to aid you in any way they can. By staying positive, you can do anything. Always try and go the extra mile, many students around you will be trying to figure a way out of the first mile, let alone the second. Additionally I know how dedicated you, are so take this to heart: don't be afraid to take a break — there IS such a thing as over-studying! Moreover, make an effort to develop a personal relationship with each of professors. You will get so much more out of a personal education. Finally, don’t be afraid to participate. When you have a question, make sure to ask! Be courageous! Each question asked in class usually represents ten other students! When you’re curious, enthusiastic, and determined college will come naturally to you. Hard work beats talent every time, but enthusiasm is the ultimate victor.

Kate

The transition to college from high school is not as easy as most think. Although I am very independent, it took time for me to ajust. And while you making new friends, learning how to do laundry, and feeding yourself for the first time, grades can take a back burner on the list of things to do in the day. The most important thing to remember is yes get involved, make new friends, make forever memories but get ahead in school work so you don't fall behind.

Brittany

Take pride in everything that you do. Study hard and try to acheive everything you can in high school, this in turn will help you when applying for colleges and scholarships. Take your time and choose the college that best fits you. If attended a small high school possibly consider smaller university college. This will help you be comfortable with the big step of college.

Elizabethann

I would advise myself to take more duel enrollment classes as a senior. I would also tell myself to say goodbye to the high school boyfriend earlier, so I could enjoy my senior year stress free. Another piece of advice i'd have for myself would be to try to get more involved in my school so I could create more lasting friendships.

Shawn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would advise myself to invest money in microsoft and apple, then I would say study abroad a semester every year so that I could see the world more and learn about different cultures. I would advise myself to say away from certain people and I would say call home every week and make more road trips home and to visit family members.

Tristine

Do not take all of your crap to school. You won't need it, and it's not going to fit in the car on the way back home.

Breea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior now I would tell myself to schedule time wisely. Always plan far in advance, as in a month, for assignments and tests. In college you need a lot of time to study, more time than I could have imagined then. Therefore sleep is minimal, but if you plan in advance it makes things a lot easier and less stressful. I would also tell myself to be prepared to put academics first but try to get some sleep. If you do not sleep enough and rely on too much caffiene for energy you will end up with a kidney infection. That would definitely be the most important thing about adjusting to college, be able to plan in advance so you can get some sleep because without it you are going to make yourself sick, seriously. Lastly, I would tell myself to not sweat the small things and take that 12:00 a.m. trip to the Omlette Shop with your friends because its those few fun moments that keep you sane.

Jessica

I would tell myself to prepare for the work load better. I can admit that in high school I did not apply myself as much as I could hve. My grades were good enough, but since I have been at college I have stepped up and my grades show it. I also would have told myself to take advantage of every single opportunity. My freshmn year I was scared to audition for choirs and other things that were offered to me. My sophmore year I joined some of therm (as many as my schedule would allow) and I have had an amazing time. I wish I would have gone for these opportunities sooner. I have met so many friends through concert choir and band, both of which I didn't join until later, and I regret not being a part of it sooner. Most of all I would have told myself not to worry so much. I was scared to leave home and be on y own for the first time, but I love it here and have never been happier in my life. I could have saved myself a lot of trouble by not worrying in the first place.

Olivia

Through my college experience I have made life long friends that I know will be with me through any situation. I have also expanded my knowledge a great deal in just the short time I have been here.

Chandra

Being in college is the most wonderful thing that I've experienced. I have met so many different types of people and have been able to see the world through other people's eyes. Each day I would go to class and during our discussions I would hear how each person saw a topic differently. Instead of being told that there is only one way to think I was able to open up my mind and become a better person from it. By hearing from people who have all had different experiences I've been able to get a clearer view of how I think and how I want to live. Some people see college as just furthering their education, but it's really the people that teach you the most, not the textbooks.

Alexis

I have got a lot out of my college experience so far. I have become much more responsible and independent. The teachers treat you like adults and you are forced to grow up quickly. which is a good thing. My abilities get tested every day in class and I am pushed to reach my highest potential. I plan on attending law school after I graduate, a dream that most of my teachers back in high school thought was far-fetched. However, my professors at college incourage my aspirations and give me the confidence I need to be successful in achieving my goal. I have also met some amazing people from all around Ohio, as well as the nation and the world. I wouldn't trade my experience at college for anything.

Melissa

I have gotten a sense of individuality, but also a knowledge of how much people can actually care for each other from my college experience. Marietta opened my eyes to new horizons, and showed me a way to express my freedom in the safe-nuturing enviroment of a learning community.

Stephanie

I am very glad that I've gone to college because my interests have expanded, and I've realized that there is a lot more to being an English Major than reading. I've also met many decent people that have helped me through the tough transition, and that have helped expand and broaden my mind. College is truly a growing experience, and I'm growing into a better person because I decided that it was right for me.

Lauren

My college experience has been more than words can express. Before coming to college I had so many expectations. To be completey honest I knew I could come to college and do whatever I wanted, and I fully intended on taking advantage of that fact. However, once I actually arrived at college, everything changed. I realized that it wasn't all fun and games, and just as my high school teachers had warned, the work was indeed harder. Like keep you awake til three o'clock in the morning hard. College has made me grow up very fast. Not to the point where I don't know how to have fun, but I know how to balance my life. I have valued every second of my time here and everything I have learned. The professors are amazing, and always available to help. I owe my maturation into the person I am today to Marietta College.

Brad

The transition from high school to college is sometimes difficult for students, but my experiences here at Marietta College have provided an easy transition into a new environment. I have been in this college environment for over one semester now and I appreciate the dedication of my high school teachers to prepare me for college, both academically and socially. I was very successful in high school, but there has been several differences between these two academic environments that I was not prepared for before college. I believe one of the most important aspects of college that must be understood is that the only way to receive good grades is to work extremely hard and dedicate yourself. The grades that I received here at the college the first semester were worse than my usual grades in high school. I was upset about the grades I received, but then I understood that in college you have to dedicate yourself to achieve your goals. Sometimes I think about the reason why I dedicate myself and I have realized that my future depends on how I do in college. My future is very important to me and I am future driven.

Brittany

I would tell myself to study harder learn how to take tests and write essays better. Pretty much all you do in college is take exams and write papers. I would want myself to get a good work ethic. At college its totally different from high school, its tougher and unlike teachers in high school the ones here won't help you if your failing.