Mary Baldwin University Top Questions

Dear high school Me, Are you having a wonderful time applying to colleges? Are you still searching for that perfect balance of fun and academics, of stress and relaxation? Well, I have news for you: college is not about being free from your parents to do whatever you wish. While you are away from home, you will take on a tremendous amount of responsibility unlike anything you have encountered before. No one will tell you what time to be home. No one will tell you to go to class or write your papers. No one will tell you to shower or do your laundry. You must value yourself and your success more than anything else. In college, you are the only one who is looking out for you. You will discover your independent self, new strengths, and new weaknesses. So, while the whole world seems to crash down upon you while you're completely on your own, remember this: you will come out of college prepared to take on what the world throws at you. Use this time to improve yourself, not focus on all the unproductive things you can now do while without parental supervision.

I would tell myself to learn better study habits and time management skills. I would also try to break myself out of the habit of procrastination and shyness. I found myself trrying to rush to get my assignments done and turn them in. When I had other things to do other than my work I was unsure if how to balance out the two. Now I would tell myself to take advantage of the study groups. I would tell myself to interact with the other students so that maybe I could be the one to create theses study groups. I would then teach myself to use my free time wisely.

If i could give myself advise about college i would say apply for every scholarship out there because it can get really stressful paying for college. Stay focused on worl even though this is an all girl school, you can get destracted easily by wanting to go hangout with friends. Stay on top of your homework because professors will not always remind you what is due. Study any chance you get it will be worth while. Go to every tutoring option they have on campus. Do work a head of time so you dont have to cram your work in one day or night. Find things to release any stress you may have but dont blow off home work. Make a designated time for home work.

Senior year. Being a senior in high school for me was kind of like being in the limbo of life- I was not a child anymore but I was not quite an adult living in the “real” world either. So many questions needed answers, answers that I didn’t have then and some that I still don’t have now. I think that is what worried me the most- not knowing exactly what was out in the real world. If I could go back and give my high school self some advice I would tell myself to take a deep breath and accept the fact that I don’t have to have all the answers right now. I was so worried about what my future in college would hold that it was sometimes hard to enjoy the time I had left in high school. Had I known then what I know now, my transition to college would have been a lot smoother.

I did not have a good advisor while in high school and therfor did not know about all the opportunities out there. I would tell my high school self to do research on colleges and scholarships and to apply before I graduated.

Don't be scared. Try your best and everything will fall into place.

If i could go back in time as a senior again i would tell myself to save some money for myself instead of spending it on clothes if i had saved my money i wouldnt have any problems with finance. I would be set because i would have learn how to manage my money instead of blowing it I think this would be a great leasson to learn during my senior year.

The advive i would give to myself would be to prepare myself for a different learning experience. colllege is not like high school you become independent and value the education you are receiving, especially in this economy. less people are given the chance to get a college education so i would tell myself to take adavantage of the opportunity i have. studying and keeping your grades up needs to be priority. in college you dont have teachers telling you, you have to do your homeowork. its your responsibility to get things done, you learn to grow up and do things on your own. basically in one sentence take advantage of your education oppurtunity and prepare to become independent and responsible.

Personally, I would say to enjoy the summer before more than anything. Since I did leave school early I was not able to take part in all the senior actvities and I would have to say that I miss being able to do that. Also, to have fun but not to go overboard. Don't take too many credits and plan out a study schedule. Additionally, make sure that when you come to school to discuss all of the boundaries in your room with your roommate. The roommate contract will be what keeps you sane throughout the year. Don't try to fo everything that you did in high school. Pick a couple of things and stick with it. Don't take it personally if you don't get a posistion that you tried out/pledged/or ran for. There truly is a opportunity for each one that is gone. Finally, don't stress out. The first semester will be hard and the classes will be big. But you can do it. Just plan out your schedule and remeber that you don't have the amount of free time that you think you do.

The first time I attended UCF, I was straight out of high school. I found housing off campus. My roommates were upperclassmen, and big partiers. I thought I wanted to be an engineer, but soon realized, I wanted to party and live the "college life" instead. This caused me to get academically suspended from UCF. 12 years later, here I am, back in school, persuing my true calling (physical therapy). My early college years taught me alot and showed me what I shouldn't do to get my degree. Although, my early college years set me back on my goal, it gave me time to really figure out what I am meant to do. I wouldn't have done it any other way, (I just wish I hadn't waited 11 years after my suspension to go back.) Such is life. I've been attending a Community college for 2 years now, and about to re-enroll in UCF. I brought my GPA from a 1.66 to a 2.54. I have my previouse college experiences to thank for that.

While attending Mary Baldwin College, I have grown into a confident and compassionate change-making leader. I have been involved in student leader positions, played varsity softball, and been a part of the only all female corps of cadets in the world. I have been able to come from a low middle class home and take the values that were instilled in me and use them in my life away from home. I stive for excellence in all I do and never take failure for an answer.

Attending Mary Baldwin has made me a stronger more independent person. I was afraid to be on my own but the community here has made me feel more secure. I like not having a mass amount of boys around because I feel that it gives me more time to grow as an individual and not worry about relationships. The classes here are amazing and I have learned quite a bit in just one semester. The friendships I have made here are great. I feel like an all around better person after coming here. I never had much school spirit in high school but I truly do love Mary Baldwin and can not wait to spend the next three years of my life here.

College has been extremely beneficial to attend. First of all, I have learned to be very independent. You are the person who will determine if you are successful or not. I have also learned to expand my critical thinking and look at the world in a more sophisticated way. To learn more about what is going on around you, will make you more like to succeed in the future. Attending college has also given me more of an opportunity to experience and get an understanding of what careers I may want to look into. I was able to enter an internship with the local fire department through my school. There I have been able to gain valuable experience in a field that I am interested in. Attending college has forced me to grow into an adult and that I am fortunate.

I have always believed in the strength of femininity and equality among the genders, and this belief has been enhanced by my experience at Mary Baldwin. Also, as an English major, I have had an incredible variety of professors from all over the world. They are brilliant in their knowledge of the subject and caring toward the well-being of their students, and in regards to these professors, I have gained more of an appreciation for the English language. On the whole, I have become a self-assured woman, confident in my English abilities and strong in my individuality.

I've been playing piano for almost fourteen years; however, I never thought music would be a career choice. I received my AA for art in the spring of 2009 and didn't plan on going back to school; I wanted to focus on becoming an actress. But it always seemed like I was being led toward the music. I work as an accompanist at my alma mater and I've been a member of the choirs at College of the Canyons for almost two years. Being a member of the Chamber choir has truly inspired me like I never thought I would ever be as a musician. Being around so many talented people who know that's what they want to do forever, made me realize that I want to make music too. I have learned so much, not just about music, but as Me, the musician. I never considered myself a true musician until I became a part of the Chamber choir. So, for the actress who wasn't planning on going back to school, I do have to say, that I have never been so excited to start the rest of my life as a musician. [

As student in an early college program, I can truly say that my situation is unique: my parents moved out of the country before my freshman year and left me to pursue my life. College has allowed me to find academic challenges that weren't available in high school. I've made lifelong friends and learned lifelong skills. When you start college at 15, there's a lot to adjust to in addition to suddenly being away from your family. People ask you to make your own decisions before you're even an adult. Traditional students discriminate against you because of age. In many such situations, I think I would feel like I'm missing out on the real "college experience", but I don't. I am a stronger, better, more mature person because I have had to become so, to be able to consider myself a college student. College has made me more motivated and more independent. I wouldn't trade my experience for any other.

I have gotten a wonderful life experience that I truly love. I want to be able to change schools but I skipped high school to attend college at Mary Baldwin. I love this oppertunity their program for exceptionally gifted young girls have given to me. I try my best and I love all I do at the school. Aside from the stairs I also wish there were more guys around to hang out with. A bunch of girls can get pretty anoying. But I still love it.

I would say, get involved in on and off campus activities. Talk to people and get out of your comfort zone. College is about making new freinds and making a network of people. Try everything, but most of all be responsible. You are an adult and you are accountable for your actions. Know your limits, and above all take care of yourself. Know when you need to study and when you need a break. Have faith that you will get through those hard days, and enjoy the days that make you smile. Always find time for your self. Ask the obivious questions, and always read your text books. Get enough sleep, eat well, and excercise. Finally I would say, don't be afraid to be who you are, people should like you for YOU and not someone they want you to be.

If I could go back in time and talk to Sharon as a high school senior I would tell her that it is extremely important to stay focused and determined. College is an experience that not many individuals have the opportunity to take advantage of. Regardless of circumstances and every day life situations, which are very likely to arise, if you stay motivated you will be able to attain your goals. The longer you wait to pursue your higher education, the less likely it is that you will go. Don't let anyone bring you down or speak negativity on your life. If you fall off in school, have enough fortitude to get back up again and keep moving. Tradgeties and unexpected set backs may occur, however if you know where you are trying to go, you can always remember that it doesn't have to hold you down. Definitely don't take too many breaks from school because this will only push you back and could cause you to lose your motivation. Going to college guarantees that you will gain more knowledge that no one can take away from you. Seize the opportunity!

I?ve always been passionate about math and science. Craving more academic challenge, I discovered Mary Baldwin College?s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) and was accepted as a fully matriculated college student at the age of 13. I?ve earned 68 credits, earning a 4.0 GPA and my coursework includes Organic Chemistry, Discrete Math and Linear Algebra. I participated in environmental chemistry research this past semester and was hired as a Calculus tutor at age 14. I am a Chemistry major, minoring in Math and Economics. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. My ultimate goal is to earn a degree in law, focusing on a science-related field, such as patent or environmental law. My confidence in my abilities to succeed is based upon my determination, focus, and disciplined study habits. The PEG program, for women ages 13-17, www.mbc.edu/PEG is only for self disciplined, determined students. I would not recommend it as an escape from high school. It is a safe, serene campus with a very friendly population. My choices have not always been popular but I?m very happy with my decision, it satisfied my need for challenge.