Montana State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Montana State University know before they start?

Joshua

Wasted, and I don’t mean the college drunk wasted, I mean time wasted. I dread day by day knowing that I could already be finished with my bachelors or that I could have completed my two years at my community college already. It’s the thought that I could have done this or I could be here, that devours my conscious each day. If only I knew and that others knew as well the importance of time wasted in life. We only get to be young once and trust me being old would be a whole lot nicer if it didn’t require backtracking in school; no one likes the creepy old dude sitting next to the young attractive college student. So my final words to myself are to stay focused, stay determined, and stay on track. A timely set goal can mean a lot less stares and a great feeling in life to have accomplished a great feat. Oh yeah, the best things in life aren’t free, get an education first and then a job!

Nicole

If i were to go back to talk to myself as a high school senior , I would tell myself to go to that dream school I always wanted to go. I would tell myself not to settle for something I do not like. However, I would also tell myself to work hard and never give up and learn to balance time. College is not easy but neither is the rest of your life. Things are going to change for the best, do not ever give up on your dream and keep pushing forward. College is expensive but always remember that it is an investment in yourself.

Gideon

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. That college & the real world is more expensive than you think. I would make sure that I know the true definition of priority as well as teach myself the differences in wants and needs. After teaching myself about finances I would give myself real expectations about the college life so I don't get caught of gaurd when I get to college. Lastly, I would tell myself to be open minded and to stay away from the party life when I get to college.

Kiara

If I had the chance to talk to myself when I was senior I definitely would have done more research about scholarships. I would have told myself to be more focus and do a lot of research on th coplleges and the career that I wanted to start in. I Would have ask a lot more question and talked to others who had went to college because I dont think I was as determine. The college life and transition to that I feel if I knew what I know now then things what had been different

Tymbre

Looking back at my high school self, I now realize how shy and reserved I was as I ventured onto college. It has taken me years to rise from my shy self. My advise is to get out and go to more events as a freshman in college. This would have allowed me to meet more new people outisde of my major and to develop a more outgoing personality. I would tell myself that even though it is hard, that you need to push through inorder to better yourself. If you don't start early as a freshman, you will spend years like I did trying to break out and make it easier to try new things and expand your horizons. It took a large event of me picking up and traveling across the country to fully break out and change my outlook on life for the good. Had I tried to be more involved from the start as a freshman, perhaps I could have had that life changing event earlier in life. I encourage you to get involved with clubs from political clubs to religious clubs. Overall, enjoy every hour of every day and you will accomplish great things.

Jacqueline

College is an amazing experience and it's what you make it. Others can be just as intimidated as you are so take the initative to give that passing smile or introduce yourself. Get to know your professors, find something in common with them, ask them about their education. Research scholarships and grants early in the year. Always use rate my professor.com and talk to other members of the school about required classes if they've already taken them. Play an instrument and bring it to school it can be a very useful tool for winding down during finals and such a beautiful experience to share. Take the hardest classes you can just not all at the same time, challenge yourself. Get a part time job that requires you to socialize, it's a wonderful tool for time management. Do honors projects for the classes both pertaining to your major and not. Pay attention everyday both inside and outside of school. So much can be learned n everyday life. Don't forget to exercise. Study abroad whenever you have the chance. Travel inbetween semesters. Accept other peoples support and go out of your way to support others.

Meredith

You are a smart girl - you always have been. You've stayed out of trouble and been very involved with your community. Continue this in college! Yes, the parties are fun - the boyfriends are great. But remember why you are here. You are paying more than a few dollars to be surrounded by brilliant minds, passionate teachers, and more information than you know what to do with. Relish in this. It is a wonderful thing to have a thriving social life, but please don't throw away your mind on it. It is easier than you think to be a social butterfly while at the same time truly focusing on your studies and the path you want to take. Challenge yourself. Study abroad, join clubs you wouldn't have known existed otherwise, meet a few international students and continue with your commitment to volunteering. College is a unique time in life. You are an independent girl, becoming a woman and are exposed to so much. You have the power to shape the rest of your life in these few years. Never be afraid of failure - if the worst thing could happen, happens - then you will always have a great story.

Ashley

Knowing what I know about college I know I would go back and tell my high school self that grades are everything. Even a grade as low as a C is enough to wreck your entire grade point average, and makes it really hard to compensate for that one bad grade no matter how hard you try. Grades make the difference between getting scholarships or not. That scholarship money makes the world of difference between being able to afford to go to school or not. As far as making the transition? Do not bite off more than you can chew. Test the waters first, apply for full time, but do not take the maximum credit allotment. As you gain your handle on your classes then you can pick up more classes. Most importantly do not forget to breath, just relax it will all work out.

Brandon

Attend all classes in college. Missing a single class can set one back considerably, an this is simply too difficult to make up in college life. College structures are very different but the lectures are similar to a daily class. The tests and exams are much more difficult and would take me a while to get used to the structure and style, but it is much easier after you get used to the style. Don't allow a single bad score be discouraging. Work as hard as you possibly can to keep your grades up. Homework will exist, and it is important to get it done, even if it isn't graded; it will help learn the material that you will be required to know for the class, and to score better on the exam. Meet with professors often, they are very kind and understanding people and they are happy to answer your questions and help you out in their class as much as they possibly can.

Alexis

I would say research each school equally and look at the same ropics for all of the schools. Apply to all schools interested in you or that you are interested, the more you apply to the more options you will have instead of having to go to the only school you were accepted to. Getting a rejection letter from your dream school is not the worst thing in the world, even though it definitely feels like that. Sometimes the second choice school actually is a better fit for you. Never stop looking for scholarships!

Susana

Susie, don’t be afraid to step away from your group of friends and go to see your counselor for scholarships talks and opportunities. Don’t take for granted the free education you have because it is not always going to be there. Take more dual-enrollment classes. For community service keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing great. Try for at least 400 volunteer hours, you just need 100 more. Talk to your career counselor about colleges that you’re interested she is smarter than you think she is and will know what she is talking about. Finally, when you’re walking down the Austin Field in your cap and gown, look at the people you spent 4 years with because they too are about to start a new episode of their lives. Smile at every foreign step for it’s a new challenge for you to beat.

Jasmine

I would tell myself to study and stay awake during my standardized tests, because they matter!! And I would have tried to convince my parents to let me stay at home for school. Being so far away sucks! And I would have taken summer classes so then I wouldn't have to load up so much on classes during the school year.

Lydia

There are so many things I woud love to share with my high-school-senior-self. My foremost advice would be to tell myself to relax; everything will work out just fine. Everyone is in the same boat as you are. No one knows anyone, and we all miss our family and friends back home. I would remind myself that college is a time to shed old "high school stereotypes." You can be whoever you want! I would leave with a reasurance- and a reminder-that there is a great, big world outside of high school, just waiting to be explored!

michael

Go look for scholarships early, invest some time now and later you won't need to work so hard. Look at school as a step, not a door you have to get past. School can be such a blast, you just need the right perspective. Have fun and resp God in all you do, live in His peace!!!

LeRoy

I would advise myself to join the Military for the minimum time and come to Montana State University under the POST 911 GI Bill.

ashly

If I could talk to myself as a high school student, knowing what I know now, I would have many things to say. I would tell myself to pay attention in biology more, and don't expect college to be as easy as high school. I would tell myself the teachers in college are not going to harass you to turn your work in on time, and missing assignments can really account against your grade. I would tell the eighteen year old Ashly to learn some better study stratagies!

Melissa

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and not sell myself short. Don't diminish your accomplishments because you really are good enough. When it comes to making the final decision, it's your decision. You're parents, teachers and friends aren't the ones who will be attending, you are the one who is attending school. Make the final decision based upon what you want in a school. When it comes to moving, you really do need a lot of stuff that you won't ever consider. Enjoy the journey, it only happens once. College isn't nearly as scary as it seems; there are so many people in the same position as you, so don't be afraid to get out there and make new friends. Everyone else is only a skype call away. Look forward to the new opportunities that college has to offer. Get more involved in your school activities and remember to cherish every moment because senior year only comes once. Most importantly, make every moment count. Put your best foot forward and don't quit the race until you complete the race.

Molly

Hey. Listen. I know you're scared. I know that you're worried and stressed. But, hey, look at me. I promise you it's gonna be okay. I know that you don't know where you are going right now. I know that you don't even want to think about life after you graduate. But, hun, you need to. I promise you, you're gonna make it. I know that you are sick right now. I know that you don't want to plan for life outside of high school, or apply for schools and scholarships because you don't think you are going to live that long. I'm here to tell you that you do. Despite your mental illness, and despite you're insecurities. You make it. Plan for the future. Dream for the future. Don't laugh at me, I'm serious. All those people, your friends and family that tell you that you can do anything? They are right. It's okay to be scared. It's not okay to give up, though. Listen to those supporting you. Don't let your fears and worries prevent you from dreaming. You got this, kid.

Rebecka

If I could go back in time and give myself advice my senior year of high school I would tell myself the following: Attend class everyday, study your notes each week at least two times, only pack the essentials to the university, there is not a lot of free time during the semester, the language used is "adult" language, do not procrastinate, stay away from the party and drug scenes, get involved in the community, make friends with your professors, and be prepared for lots of stress during finals week.

Megan

I would suggest to freshman that they find a teacher or advisor who is easy for them to communicate and get along with. Once they have found that person, whether or not the teacher/faculty is in the specific area of study they want, talk to them as often as you can. Having a great advisor is key in your success throughout college. I would also suggest volunteering with different organizations on campus. Making friends becomes easier and there are neat opportunities like travelling abroad to work or go to conferences that can come across your path when you join different organizations. And finally, my last suggestion is to find some kind of research. That will help later on if you are interested in going to graduate school.