Murray State University Top Questions

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

Samantha

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I would also tell me to pay more attention to school work and be more focused on it and not just your personal life only. Studying is something i would go back and tell myself to do more of. Don't make someone else your priority, but to focus on your future so that i could establish a career and do good at that!

Victoria

Going to a junior college helps alot. It helps get yourself more ready for a university because they are alot to take in at once. Do not push off scholarships they help alot when you get them. Also do not push off classes till you absoultly have to do them you will end up doing worse and not enjoying life. You are not the only one going through the tranistion, so if you have a friend going through it also talk to them and they can help you feel better if you get scared. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Krestell

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I would tell myself that you need to get more focused on getting scholarships instead of wasting time. Also tell myself that college is gonna be a hard journey, not a breeze like everyone says it is.

Ashleigh

Looking back in time, I would say to myself as a high school senior would be don't be anonymous. Take advantage of every opportunity that you can get. Don't stop learning just because someone says you can't do it. Stay busy in college with extracirricular activities but remember your first job is to get an education. Remember to talk to all your professors and get to know them outside of class. This is an important aspect of college most students forget because we've grown up in an enviroment where we want to be anonymous. College professors have a wealth of knowledge that you always need to tap into. Once you start, finish what you started and don't quit until you have got everything you want because going back as an adult learner with a family is a lot harder.

Anthony

I would simply tell myself this, "study harder, stop telling the math teacher I don't need this, and do my homework"! That's all there is to it.

Falen

If I had that opportuity I would tell myself to prepare. I would let myself know that high school is not the same as college. In high school you have certain requirements that are laid out for you, making decisions for yourself is really not needed. In college this is the biggest transition you have to make. You are no longer considered a child in the eyes of society, your officially an adult and decision making like where you are going to live, what classes you are going take, what you plan on getting your degree in, and what you can afford all come in to question. You have to be able to balance your school life, your social life, and your work life. This transition can be difficult but if you have the motivation and determination to endure to the end the rewards you receive will be great and well deserved. Every choice you make will have tremendous impacts on your life so make sure your making the right decisions that evolve into postive outcomes. I truly believed this would be the best advice I could give myself as a high school senior.

Elizabeth

It may not seem like it now, but you are going to get here. Don't get discouraged, while things may seem out of control right now, you're going to get it together and you're going to make your mom proud. You're clean, and have been for almost three years now. I know it's really cliche, but it really does get so much better in college. You're no longer doing things because you HAVE to, you're doing them because you want to, and it gives you a sense of acomplishment. You'll change. You'll conquer all the issues that seem to plague your life and you'll rise above them, and while they'll never fully go away, you're strong enough to get through it. And know that it's ok to make mistakes, as they don't make us who we are, it's how we deal with them that defines us. And lastly, don't worry so much about mom, she really does do ok after you leave. She fills her time with work but I do believe she's doing just fine, so stop fretting and go to college!

Dylan

The advice that I would give myself as a high school student, approaching the threshold of college life, would be to participate. I would encourage them to take an active role in the determination of their future, especially when it comes to funding their ambitions and education, and to get involved in the community in a more social way. As a high school student I was introvert and slow to make friends. The tendencies that developed during this time have continued into the present, and in retrospect, has caused me to miss out in life; So, taking my current condition into account, participation would have been a good way for me to break these trends, and develop a foundation of affability and involvement, aiding me in the social transitions between a school of 150 students and a university of 10,000 students. If I had received and followed through with this advice, my life at the moment could be different; I might have received a scholarship, and I could have enjoyed my high school years to a further degree than what I did. Hopefully, by following my own advice I will have a better time during my college years.

Alexandria

It's not as big a deal as others make it sound. Just keep your head up and don't let the weight of college courses turn you into someone you're not. Imagine it like high school but with professors instead of teachers. Keep in mind that you have goals and don't let anything detour your confidence in reaching them.

James

Work your ass off to get a good degree.

LADONNA

I would give myself the advice not to wait to attend college. Go to college soon as you get out of high school and life will be so much better.

Sean

I would encourage my younger self to strive for excellence and greatness because although college life can be somewhat challenging and difficult, I must envision my goals and future. Because the transision from a high school education and environmental setting can be the complete opposite from a university perspective. I would also inform myself as a high school senior to focus the majority of my time on schoolwork and things centered around my education, because time managing can be a tough thing to mange while in college for the simple fact you're on your own for the first time in your life so important decisions will ultimately be left to you. Maturity and responsibility plays a big role in succeeding on a university level, therefore i must do the best of my abilities to reach my goals and succeed. The transition from high school to college is another stage in life to prepare you for the real world and to shape you to be the ideal person you should be in order to advance and achieve your goals. Don't look at college as scary thing because it can be a wonderful experience as well.

Brian

I know you haven't quite come out of your shell yet. And trust me, you will. Just remember that staying at home isn't gonna get you anywhere. You are going to have many opportunities in school. Opportunities that will lead to both positive and negative consequences. Just remember one important thing: It is not what we do that we regret, it's what we didn't do. Get out there and do more than just play soccer! Join a club, learn to smile. I know people can be pretty stupid, but that isn't gonna change, and pouting about it won't help you at all. Regardless of what you're thinking right now, you will meet a lot of people and make many friends. Don't take them for granted. One day everyone will leave and unless you actively try to stay in their lives, they'll disappear. Life is about looking back every few years and realizing how stupid you were. Take my advise, trust me. And when you meet that beautiful brunette with the big green eyes, don't hesitate. Grow a pair and kiss her the second she's single. She wants you to.

Sara

If I could go back in time and give myself some advice during my senior year of high school, one of the things that I would definitely tell myself would be to push myself harder. Go ahead and take that extra AP class. Get involved in more clubs. Do something that is out of your comfort zone. Work a little harder looking for scholarships. But at the same time, I would tell myself to not stress so much about life. Instead of worrying about every little issue, just relax. You will be okay. The college years will be some of the most educational, yet entertaining years of one's life, so don't waste time worrying about the little stuff. Keep everything in perspective. Do the work, but set aside time for yourself as well. Oh, and one last thing. Don't spend so much money.

Alexis

First, I would give myself a nice punch and then tell myself that being afraid is okay, but don't hold back just because I am scared that something might not turn out how I thought. I would make sure to highlihgt all the positive things that come out of my experience and say to jump into everything whether or not I think I'm qualified. After I give a nice heartfelt speech, I would tell myself everything about whats to come so I am fully prepared.

Mariah

To make sure to take the classes only offered during certain semesters in a timely manner, as not doing so could leave you with an extra year of school for only one or two classes remaining. And if transferring to a different university or college to keep the same in mind. Some of the credits won't transfer and while it might not add to the classload by much, it could extend the amount of time it takes to graduate. For example: you cannot take Beginning Japanese and Advanced Japanese in the same semester. Also, to remember that most shcolarship deadlines come at the beginning of the year, sometimes a full year before the award year. The last piece of advice would be to not stress about finances. If you can make it through college without taking out student loans, you will start off in a much better position; not completely up the wall about finding a job that can help you pay back the loans. Working through college and even taking a semester or two off to earn money sets you back only a year, while debt can set you back a lifetime.

Ariel

I would tell my high school self that it is okay to not know exactly which direction to go. Slow down. Going to a community college first or taking a few years off before continuing an education isn't failing. Self-discovery is more important than most people make it out to be and that discovery happens whether you are in school or not. Most people change their "major." You will change your major! Read about and get referrals for great professors. Don't take everything so seriously. Networking is an important part of college. That's not a bad thing! Listen to your intuition. Listen to your heart! Listen to your heart! Listen to your heart! Study what you have a passion for pursuing. Surround yourself with positive people. Dreams come true!

ANNA

Get involved in campus activities early. Study harder than you need to because it will be worth it later. Make friends with people in your classes quickly you may need help when the teacher isn't available.

Felicia

Make the most of your senior year. Do all the sports and activities that you can. Study hard and listen to your teachers and coaches because they really do know what they are talking about when it comes to studying for tests, writing papers and just being responsible for yourself. Always be proud of the choices you make and never second guess yourself. Only you can decide what is best for you in life.

Thomas

You did well on your ACT but you let yourself down on couple core subjects. Be serious about your high school education and do well in Advanced Placement courses. Get yourself organized and mind your class requirements and assignments to get them in on a timely manner. You have the desire and attitude for higher education; you'll be ready for college.