Marquette University Top Questions

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

Katrina

College is what you make it. College can be fun and exciting but only if you throw yourself into it whole-heartedly. No matter where you decide to go, there are so many places that you could be happy, there is no one correct campus or major or set of friends; this decision will not make or break you. Meet as many people as you can and get involved with clubs and activities, the people you meet here will become your friends for life. You are never alone, whatever you go through, whatever you have gone through, someone else has gone through it too. Seek help when you need it. Talk to your teachers, they were students once, some of them still are, and they can help you more than you could possibly imagine. The most important thing I can tell you though, is to live it. Enjoy college. Try new things. Discover who you are. Live with no regrets, this may be your only opportunity.

Justin

First of all, I would tell myself to relax! I remember how anxious and nervous I was the summer before my first semester of college. I had such high expectations for myself and I did not want to let myself or my parents down. I made sure to keep on task of upcoming events and stayed organized even before classes began. I would tell myself that studying is a lot different in college; information is easy to cram in high school. I would recommend to read the text book assignments before class, attend every lecture, take good notes in class, ask professors question either after class or during office hours, and discuss information with fellow students. I would confirm to myself that partying in college will have negative effects on grades. When I decided to stay away from alcohol when my friends were going out to party, I ended up with a much better GPA than they did. This is especially important for pre-med students like myself because any alcohol violations result in denial into medical school. Overall, I would recommend good study habits and to relax because college is manageable and good things will come from hard work.

Nicole

In hindsight, there are many bits of knowledge I wish I would have had before coming to college, some pieces I had acquired, but chose to disregard because I thought I knew better. Studying wise, there isn't much difference. If you don't put enough time and effort into your grades and become wrapped up in other less important endeavors, students won't receive the grades they want. I knew that I needed to get good grades, but making friends and finding good people was something that had scared me, and continues to scare me. Looking back, I would remind myself that judging before you know someone is never the right way to go because you could be missing out on a genuine friend. On the other hand, if someone you trust tells you that a certain person is not genuine, it is probably best to take their advice. College is all about learning, but not just academically, and even though I woudl love to have had words of advice as a senior, it would not make me the same person I am today.

Lauren

Going back to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is, "Relax." I was spending a great deal of time worrying about where I would go, what I would do, and how I would pay for it. I filled out countless applications for both college acceptance and scholarships. While I am very glad I applied to many schools, expanding my options and learning new things about myself from each application, I wish that I also would have taken the time to fully absorb my senior year. I would tell myself to slow down and take a look at the bigger picture: you will ultimately decide on a path that leads you to happiness. I would tell myself that friends and family would truly help when making the final decision, and that they were the support I needed then and now, and to make sure to thank them for all of that support. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that everything will all work out, no matter where you choose or what you do.

Aria

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself this, ?trust your gut.? Trusting and believing in myself will carry me through the rest of my life. It all began when I visited Marquette University. Walking through the campus and watching current students walk to class made me want to become apart of the Marquette Community that my tour guide raved incessantly about. Then, when it came to orientation week and making new friends I became friends with people who made getting to know them easy. Everything just felt right. I know, trusting my gut will continue to assist big decisions in my life throughout my academic career and also throughout my future career achievements. Trusting my instincts and believing in myself will get me far in life and I am determined to become successful in my field. Especially in high school, when self-esteem is low and some relationships are rocky, it?s comforting to now know that everything I chose was right for me and listening to my higher conscious led the way to a promising journey I am just beginning.

Aaron

Make sure you get involved. There are so many things Marquette offers to students so take advantage of that. They can be fun and life changing, so make sure you use that resource to get involved. Also make as many friends as you can. These people will be your friends for life so make bonds that count.

Kristen

Going back I would point out that the idea of only caring about the fun in senior year is not the only thing in the world. I would prepare myself for change and to be solid and comfortable with whom I was in high school, but in turn also be ready to find a new chapter in my life. I talk about the fact that things learned in the past come together in ways that one may least expect (and that is not just on the television show Jeopardy). I would also mention that I have to take the time to look back and reminisce on the moments that makes me who I am; in that present moment and how in the future the moments will be important. I would also point out to myself that the only permanent thing in life is change, and sometimes that change may be intense and frightening but it all pays off and creates a greater future than one could never expect.

Gregory

If I had the opportunity to go back to when I was a high school senior and give myself advice, I would tell myself that, ?College is a roller coaster because of all of its ups and downs. When I start my first week of college, I should calm down and take it all in stride. I shouldn?t worry about making friends because through extra-curricular activities such as choir and community service projects, making friends is extremely easy. Even though college classes may be difficult, the professors are there to help and they welcome the interaction with their students. Everyday of college is a challenge and no matter how stressful it may become, the hard work will eventually be worth it. Finding quiet places in residence halls or libraries is important for peaceful and relaxing study. Also, honor the views, thoughts and sentiments of all individuals that you come in contact with.?

Rebecca

If I could go back it time, I would tell myself that the drama isn't worth it. I would tell myself to keep reading. There is nothing more shocking than coming to college and finding out on the first day that you have four chapters that need to be read by the end of the week. Also, just have fun. I was already set for college I just needed to do enough to keep my grades up. Otherewise, just keep being yourself.

Karen

Karen, This is your senior year. Congratulations! I know you've worked hard in high school and you're excited to graduate, but you really should consider the expensive cost of college. Your father will lose his job this year and money will be suddenly become tight in your family. So apply for even more scholarships than you think you should. If you don't, you may not be able to continue your education at Marquette in the year 2010.

Cara

If I had the opportunity to go back in time to when I was a senior in high school, there are only a couple things I would tell myself. The 1st thing would be to not judge. It is so easy to judge new people when you are dropped into a place where you know no one and feel uncomfortable. Everyone is in the same boat, so you need to be outgoing and open to meeting new people. I would also say make sure you work hard in the beginning of the semester, because messing up early will definitely affect your grade, no matter how well you do the latter half of the course. The last thing I would say is to take advantage of all the things your school and the city in which it is located has to offer. Universities spend thousands of dollars on things for you to do--take advantage of it. There is also so much more off campus, so take the time to experience some of that. Finally, in the end I would remind myself TO HAVE FUN.

Mary

If I were talking to myself when I was a senior, the main point I would try to get across is to not rely on homework to get the grades. In college, the tests are the main part of a grade, and sometimes, the only part of the grade. Actually learn the material the teachers are giving you. So much of what was said in high school will be brought up again in future college courses. I would also tell myself to really utilize the teachers and learn the proper ways to speak to the teachers. The professors in college are there to help you, so learn it in high school the proper communication techniques to speak to the teachers. The main piece of advice I would give myself though is to really develop a good networking list early. High school is filled with coaches and teachers that are getting to know you. So keep those relationships intact because you never know when you are going to need a reference letter in college. Finally, friends and the relationships built with them are important, but don't let them hold you back from making new friends in college.

Kyle

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school, I would first tell myself to attend a different school. My current school is fine, but I feel I would have had a better experience elsewhere. I would say it's important to find a school that fits well with your worldview. The political and religious views at my current school are far different from my own and it becomes uncomfortable at times. Secondly, I would urge myself to join more groups and activities of interest. While I had no trouble finding friends at my school, I found even more at the end of my sophomore year when I began participating more. Also, these new friends shared different interests than my previous ones, providing me with a wider range of social interaction. It would have been a positive experience had I done this my freshman year. Lastly, I would advise myself on which classes to take that would better prepare me for my field. Jumping into a class without knowing what it involves is always risky, and it would be helpful to know which classes were truly important to my success.

Dominic

Although I was an outstanding student for most of my primary school career, as a senior in high school, I had an extremely bad case of senioritis. Rather than homework and studying, I choose to devote my time and energy to extracurricular activities. Even though it was a pretty pathetic year academically, it was by far my most fun year of school, and I was able to get away with it. Unfortunately, that mindset carried over when I went started college. My freshman year, I joined about 3 different clubs, a hiphop dance team, and an intramural volleyball team, and was also doing as much community service as I could. Needless to say, my grades in college have never really been anything to brag about, and 2 semesters ago, I failed a class and almost lost my scholarship. If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to really think about why I wanted to go to college. I would tell myself to make sure that I kept school as my top priority, and if I wasn?t doing well in a class, to stop everything else and put all my focus on fixing the problem.

Natalie

Get ahead now! The more you do in high school the easier college will be. Trust me it wont get easier! If you still havent taken that chemistry class, TAKE IT! Dont hold it off for college because eveything is at a much faster pase. Keeping that in mind, dont let the people around you freak you out! College is hard, it takes a lot of hard work and many hours are wasted away in quiet corners of the library BUT it's all managable. Put your mind to it and go achieve your goals. Its hard but definitely worth it in the end. I literally just took my cumulatvie anatomy final eight hours ago. It was tough and i spent over 35 hours throughout the past couple weeks preparing to remember everything we learned throughout the semester... but now that its over, im proud of what i accomplished and cant wait to utilize the information in the career field. College takes a lot of hard work but the hours you put in will pay off! Keep ahead of your work and youll be fine!

Stephanie

I would tell myself to keep up with your studies (both in high school and college) and not to get down about certain schools not accepting you. I would also tell myself to stay true to who you are, and not let anybody's beliefs or values change who you are, and what happens, happens. Everything happens for a reason. I would also say to keep going in what you want to go into, no matter what people say.

Jill

It's very hard to make such a huge decision when you don't know what college life is really like. When you're looking at colleges, you don't know the right questions to ask and you rely on external information coming from all angles. Piecing the puzzle together is difficult. I would tell myself to ask more in depth questions: What types of classes make up the core of my credit hours? How will my advisor help me plan out my four years? What can I do if I change my major? These are all vital questions to contemplate when picking a college. In terms of the life transition, I would advise myself to take the first couple of weeks of college in stride. I had a lot of anxiety about making friends, doing all of my homework, and adhering to my all of the activities in my planner. I would tell myself is not to worry so much. After about a month or two, you find a rhythm, and the whole process becomes easier. Your experience is what you make it!

Jasmine

I would prepare myself to be alone and accept the difference because it gets hard when you have no one to talk to at school and when you feel all alone. It gets harder when you don't even want to be at school. Everyday you dread having to get up and go. Everytime you try harder, your grades don't show forth your effort. At times you feel like a failure.

Eman

I wouldn't give myself any other advice than I had already give myself.

Brian

If I had the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go with my gut a little more and not try to make myself into something that I'm not. My mom kept me focused on all the qualifications we had picked out for what kind of school I was looking for, and I didn't even know why I had chose some of those categories. I ended up choosing a school that didn't fit most of those qualifications, and I absolutely love it. I also definitely needed to just be myself and give myself room to change instead of trying to preemptively plan out who I was going to be in college. I got into the Honors Program, but wanted to stay out of Honors housing because I thought the kids there would be weird. My first choice was the dorm that everyone considered the freshman party dorm. I ended up having to live with the other honors kids, and had a freshman year beyond anything I had ever expected, complete with self-discovery, great times, and amazing friends, along with a few classes.