Marshall University Top Questions

Having the knowledge that I do now about college, I would give myself advice about numerous things. First , I would tell myself to have more confidence in whatever I do. I would also tell myself that if I want to succeed than I need to have great communication skills, social skills, and be able to stay determined, dedicated, and motivated no matter what happens. Another piece of advice I'd give would be to stay true to myself and not let what others think affect me. Finally, I would let myself know that it is okay to make mistakes because it is how you learn from them and become a stronger person.

If I could go back to my 18 year old self, in my senior year of high school, I would tell myself that I need to develop better study habits. I would let myself know that the days of being able to study the night before a test and do well on it are coming to an end. I would let myself know that the transition to college is more difficult than i expect it to be and to take the advice of the others around me who have already been through the college experience and actually know what they are talking about.

I would tell myself that it is not all about fun. You definitly have to work hard first and reward your self with fun. I would remind myself that every grade counts and you might think that these are just classes and i can do better next time. Every grade counts from freshman year all the way up till you graduate. They all determine your GPA. I would also tell myself not to choose the school based upon your friends. Pick what school you feel that you will strive at.

To really find out about class size, living arrangements, food service, and the area around the school. Those are the things that really set the feel of the school, and will help a student be in the right setting for success.

Marshall University was never my first choice. I had planned to attend College of Notre Dame of Maryland. I went there for orietation and felt so out of place. I hated it. I came back home and rushed in my application to Marshall without even knowing much about the school. It was out of shear luck that I got such a great experience. My advice to others is to shop around. Apply to numerous schools even if you aren't sure if you will like them or not. Students should also not make any final decisions until they have taken a tour of campus and got to know the place a little better to make sure its what they want. The way I have made the most of my experience is being open to new people and new experiences. You have to get out there! Go to events and social activities. College wouldn't be half as great if I hadn't made so many great friends here!

Live in the dorms for at least the first year: consider it an investment in life experiences (invaluable). Go to class - it is tempting to skip, skipping is worse than any drug, especially the first year. Do not be shy. Call your mom; she might even send you money or cookies. Don't let academia box you in; postpone your career choice until you have tasted what life is like on your own.

Find a school that is right for you. Every school has its own unique characteristics, and ultimately your decision will come down to personal preference. Don't be afraid to ask for help and get involved. Your college experience is a result of your own efforts. The harder you work academically and the more involved you become with your school and community, the more you will enjoy your time there. College is about both individualism and community. Don't be afraid to let others see you for who you really are and what you have to offer. You do not have to blend in to fit in and become a valuable, contributing part of your school.

Tour, Tour, Tour. The most important facet of a college is how it feels in relation to a student. A student can generally see through the campaigning and tell with genuine scope whether the college feels right for the student rather than the statistics that will undoubtedly be thrown in the direction of the prospect. It really comes down to the intangibles as to the true fit, instructor-student ratio means nothing when you dislike the teachers.

Picking the right college is not always easy but in my situation it was all about expense and education. I chose my college by the location, expense, and education. The Univeristy I attend is affordable and it has one of the best Nursing programs in the state and it's close enough that I can commute to and from campus also allowing me to save on housing. Other advice I give to future students before entering into college is first and foremost to have good study habits. It's all about being able to know what to study and how to study which many high school students sadly don't know how to do. It's also not about cramming for a test the night before, believe me I know! As a Nursing student I have learned to be the most successful in reviewing material every night and studying at least a week in advance before a test so that the material actually sticks. I have come to form close friendships through study groups which also is ideal, we're able to push and motivate eachother when exams and finals are just around the corner it helps make college better!

My advice to both parents and children would be to not fear the unknown. I stayed at my local university and, while I've made some great friends and studied under some tremendous professors that have permanently shaped my studies, part of me regrets not challenging myself by venturing out into the world. I was scared to do so, and my parents were scared to let me go. Parents and children alike need to realize that college is just the first of many steps to maturity. Additionally, I would encourage students to get out and see what their school has to offer by way of extracurricular activities and academic/interest groups. Some of my fondest memories are of afterschool meetings with a small group of like-minded classmates at a nearby pizza or coffee shop, where we did nothing but let off steam about various school-related issues or discussed our latest projects with one another for advice and critiques. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people, because it's possible they may end up being some of your best friends.