Murray State University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to a have higher belief in my capabilities. It happens too often that people underestimate their own talents and abilities. As a high school senior, I would not have believed that I was capable of traveling thousands of miles to a foreign land with no family--no familiar faces, only to come back with a better understanding of a foreign culture, a new language, and ultimately of my own self-perception. My talents and passions were hidden deep in the fog of my own self-deprecation. If I could tell myself anything, I would tell myself not to worry about impressing my peers and conforming to group norms; but instead, stand out by doing what I know is right. To be a leader. Acting and performing to the best of my abilities and searching deep for my own passions has given me a strong foundational confidence. This confidence exists in knowing that I can always do better--be better. Philip James Bailey said it best: "He lives most who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."

This is a difficult question because there are so many things about college that you can only prepare for by experiencing. I suppose I would tell myself to schedule time to study. Don't assume that you will always have time to do homework or that the hour before bed that you alotted in high school will be enough in college. Much more study time is required and you need to be prepared for that. It's all too easy to fall behind in class if you do not study every day so you need to make yourself sit down and work even if you would rather be out riding your horse or talking with friends. Homework always needs to come first in order to succeed in college.

I would do my best on the SATs and ACTs to boost my chance to receive more scholarships from schools for which I would apply. Finance was one of the major reasons that led me choose MSU, which offered more scholarships than any other schools, and sometimes I wondered whether I would have gone to a more prestigious school, had I been guaranteed the same--or better--financial support from other schools. However, I would give myself this piece of advice: no matter where you end up--whether the school is presitigious or not--, the degree of satisfaction in college depends on how you make up your mind to be. You can always find all kinds of fascinating opportunities to enrich your experiences in college--you just have to explore it yourself. So before you grumble about how small and mediocre your school is, look around to see some amazing aspects of your school about which you didn't know, and start imagining how great it would be to your advantage to intergrade those awesome factors into your life! There are always interesting things to explore in college, and you will be sorry if you don't start it now.

Take everything that your teachers teach you, you'll use it ALL down the road. Also, if you thought you were studying in high school, you have no idea!

Before I started college I thought that it would be just like highschool. But little did I know I would actually have to TRY to get good grades. If I could go back to highschool I would for sure work harder and learn better time management skills, as well as studying skills.

I would say keep your options open and always have a back up plan. I was fortunate enough to get accepted to Murray State University which was my first choice.

I picked my school based on the scenery, because my outdoor surroundings make me the happiest. Choose your school on what is most important to you, and you will be happy. Don't be afraid to transfer schools if your taste and interests change!

Extensive pressure is put on high school students about finding the 'right fit' in a college. Although I do recommend finding a place that suits you, many are led to believe that can only be one place. Decide first the approximate size of student body you want and what kind of area would be desirable to live for the next four years. Look at the programs you are interested in and how you see them shaping your future. Cost is important and careful consideration should be taken to look at scholarships. Imagine your life immediatly after college and how freeing it would be to have little or no debt but do not compromise the quality of education for this feeling. DON'T STRESS! You are not married to the school you start out at. Find somewhere you'll like spending time and take social life into consideration-The coffee shop on the corner you'll snuggle up in on Saturday's ... and the exchange student that will broaden your horizons. Be optimistic about the new people you'll meet and the things you'll learn, not only in lecture but the first 8 times you scorch your microwavable macaroni dinner!

I would suggest to visit multiple colleges/universitys, it really helps!!

Find a college that has the major you are passionate about. After that find the rankings of the colleges you have found. Find their standins in academics, security, and social opportunities. When you finally choose a school get involved in campus activities such as volunteering, sports, and clubs.

Please do some serious research to find the right school for you because it is very importatnt. Study hard, but make sure you have fun to because you are only in college once.

1. Follow your gut 2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone 3. Get out there, get plugged in asap 4. Work hard, play hard 5. Truely engage yourself

The best advice that I can give is that any college is going to be whatever you make of it. Not only make sure that your school has good acedmics, but check out the extra curricular activities so that you can be invovled on campus. Getting out of the dorm room and being involved in clubs, sports, or fraternities and sororites, is a great way to meet people, network, and get the most out of you college experience. When you go visit your prosepective schools, ask the students themselves their opinions about the school and what type of things to expect. This way you get a more realistic outlook on the school. Once you decide on the right college, you need to stay focused coming into school. That first semester there will be a lot of distractions with parties every weekend and other activities, but always remember that you are at college to get a good career and academics should always come first.

Make sure that the school is right for the student and also make sure that it has the right major.

Think about this decision very carefully. Don't mess it up. You may not have any other chances left.

Research different acedemic programs of your interest having to do with your major. There are a lot of people you can meet with similar interests and classes. Also, if you are undeclared, like i was at first, take intro classes to get a feel of what you can see yourself doing or to truely find out what interest you. To make the most of your college experience, get involved with campus and student activities. There are so many student orgizations that are fun, and are a good way to meet new people!

Find a place where you are comfortable. Just because friends or family went to a certain college doesn't mean that its for you. If you have to spend 4 years and tens of thousands of dollars at this school, you had better be looking at a place that you love, not just like.

Never go to a school because its just where all of your friends from high school are going. Go somewhere different. You will meet so many more amazing people. Apply to several schools even if you know exactly where you want to go, you might surprise yourself. Talk to older students that attend your different prospective schools. Once you get there, take chances. Play intramural sports. Get involved in something that interests you. You don't have to go out everynight. Its perfectly fine to take it easy, stay in, and watch a movie... even on a weekend night. Remember that it is normal to feel out of place at first. Its alright to have your doubts and think you that made the wrong choice. Give it time. If you keep a somewhat positive attitude you are surely to attract other positive people. Always surround yourself with people that make you feel good. There's no point in always having to second guess yourself... especially around your friends. You're only in college once. Don't go too crazy, but do know that its okay to have a good time.

Parents and prospective students often pay attention to the immediate needs, such as the residential accommodations available, the food service, and the financial aid. All of these are incredibly important, but the job placement program and course load must also be closely examined. Prospective students should ask for a detailed map of their program that organizes and plans out their way to graduation. They should not enter a school who will require five years worth of education to acheive what others can offer in a traditional four year program.

When finding the right college for you concentrate on what you have always loved doing and that is which schools will fit you. If you have it all figured out and you know what you want to do with your life and the degree you want to pursue then you are ready for the next step of picking your college. Check accreditation and strength of the program you will go into. Do not settle for a college that is not going to give you the best education. This is why you are going to school. Now you have gotten into the best college and it?s the one you wanted it is time to concentrate on getting the most out of your college experience. I could say go out there and make sure you spend three hours a day working on homework, but that is crazy. You have to get out into the community and see the sites and experience new things. If you don't now then you will have a hard time when the world finally hits you. Remember to always put your homework first and complete it at 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} your best and you will do great!