University of Sioux Falls Top Questions

To recommend going to this school and decide which major would be the best choice for me.

I actually wouldn’t have to give myself any advice except for to continue on what I’m doing right now in high school, because you’re on the right path to success and one day you will be somebody in the world that’s important, and you will feel better when you know that you will have your college degree.

One of the main reasons I chose the University of Sioux Falls is the environment. I have always lived in a small town, and, even though the city of Sioux Falls is much bigger, it still maintains the safe atmosphere. The University itself portrays an even better atmosphere because of its Christian affiliations. If I were to go to a secular university, I think I would feel very out of place and uncomfortable. Therefore, since USF is a Christian Liberal Arts college, I believe I have been more successful here. When working with peers that have similar goals and beliefs as I do, I have been able to stay more focused and believe that I do not have the same temptations that the rest of the world has to offer. Many people become carefree and uninhibited their first semester of college, but through my great college community I have been able to stay true to myself and avoid making regrettable decisions. Also, being a smaller school with smaller classes and many Christian students and educators, I think USF has provided the personal attention and care that I need, rather than getting pushed by the wayside.

I attended SFSU in order to become more independent and meet new new people. By being here, I,m doing my best to use it as a fresh start and reinvent myself.So far, it hasn't even been a week but it has broadened my mind in several ways. I,ve already attended a meeting on studying abroad, I hope to be able to go to Australia and study Dance/Drama there I was shocked by how accepting people were in my dorm and a sense of community is being built here. I love it, I like feeling a part of a community since I,ve spent most of my childhood being ostracized and feeling isolated from the rest of society. In my hometown, Stockton, California, people lament on not being able to leave due to the lack of jobs and opportunites in the region. Unlike them, I left. And I hope to stay out.

My time at The University of Sioux Falls has been beyond valuable. Both academically and personally USF has helped me become the person I am today. The small class sizes offer a greater level of participation and understanding than at larger schools. The one-on-one attention every student receives is invaluable in the academic world and is a huge benefit for the future. I feel as though I am getting an excellent education that is going to more than prepare me for my future. On a more personal level, USF has helped me grow as a person by emphasizing a life based in service to both God and others. They constantly offer community service opportunities that would appeal to a great variety of students. Campus-wide involvement in student activities is another way that my USF experience has been valuable. I have met many amazing people through activities put on by my school resulting in what are sure to be lifelong relationships. Attending this school has had a huge impact on my life; my decision to attend this school has been one of the best choices I have ever made. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

It is always an experience to live out on your own. College is a privilege, and I worked hard to get here. I never new i would of ended up here at USF... but now that I am, if I had to go through all the hard work to get here again I would. Being out on my own while attending college has made me even more independent and this will ultimately benefit me in the long run. I have made some great friends who I feel will be a part of my life for a long time. Also, the hands on learning here with smaller classroom sizes is amazing to have. I feel very blessed and grateful to be here with such great teachers.

Looking back, I would give myself the advice to stay focused. It is really easy to become consumed with friends, sports, and work. I would say "DON'T do it!" You don't want to pay $10,000 a semester only to end up retaking classes or having to go to school longer than four years. I would also state that you need to have a good balance between your social and academic lives. I say lives becuase they are really two different areas and they each deserve their own time. My advice would definitely be to stay focused on your goals and do not give up on them.

Don?t be afraid! College will be the best time of your life. There is no need to be self conscious or worried about meeting new people. You will meet some of your closest friends as soon as you get here. Be open to making friends and you won?t have any problems. Procrastination is going to be your weakness, so always try to stay ahead. At times it will stress you out to the limit, but just remember that you can do it. Don?t dwell on your mistakes but look forward to the future. And remember, don?t take everything so seriously. College is a chance for you to find out who you really are, so explore lots of new things! You are about to go through a lot of changes, so hold on for the ride. You will make it through, just keep your head up and keep your faith and values close to you. God is your rock through it all, so keep your eyes on Him and everything will turn out right.

The advice that I would give the "high school senior" version of myself would go something like this... "Don't be scared to put yourself out there to meet new people. I know you're going to struggle with the change of lifestyle, but finding friends right away will definately be a comfort. Take advantage of the many activities going on the few month or so of school. Be involved. Talk to people. Be outgoing, but be yourself. Suck it up and don't be so scared to meet people. Everybody is in the same boat with meeting new friends. Cliques are formed quickly, so talk to a lot of people and find where you fit. Things will fall into place, you just have to push them around a little bit. These people could be your best friends 15 years down the road when you're living in the suburbs with your husband, 2 kids, and Scruffy. Don't get caught up in worrying about how you're going to make it through the next 4 years. Get caught up in your friends. Just don't forget about your schoolwork and studying!"

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself to start college right out of high school as going back to school as an adult is difficult for two reasons: less time (due to jobs and often families), and more bills. I'd also tell myself that college life (sororities, football games, dorms, etc.) is an opportunity to mature as a person and make lifelong friends and memories. College life is something that everyone should experience, but it's nearly impossible to have that experience as a non-traditional student. I'd also tell myself how difficult it is to find a job without a degree. Most employers require some sort of degree which leaves non-degree holders less quality job options.

After attending college for a year and a half, I am amazed at the knowledge I have gained. I have not just become more book-smart, but have attained a better grasp of who I am as a person. I wish I could have shared these bits of wisdom with myself when I was a high school senior. I would have told myself not to stress and worry so much about trying to plan every detail of my future. Everything WILL work out and fall into place eventually. There is no need to become uptight with concern over fitting in at college; all the other new freshmen are in the same boat and trying to make new friends just like you. Relax; live a little. Many people will tell you to study, study, study. That's important, but don't forget to make time for a social life, too. You shouldn't spend the whole day in your room doing homework. Open the door and spend some time with new friends. Adjusting to college is only as difficult as you make it. If you go in telling yourself it will be hard, it will. Try to have a positive mindset.

If I was to go back in time, I would tell myself to not be as worried as I was about moving. I went to college five hours from home and out of state and I was well beyond terrified before I even got to the school. All the things that I worried about; not getting along with my roommate, not making friends, and failing all my classes and losing my major scholarship seem so silly now. But now, with this major step in my life done with, I feel confident that I will be able to confidently handle all other things that come my way. My advice to my past self, and all going-to-be college freshmen would be, "Don't sweat it. Transitioning from high school to college will never be as bad as you think."

First and foremost, I would tell myself to apply for twice as many scholarships. I know that they are tedious, but every bit counts. Plus, you are never going to get every scholarship that you apply for, so the more you fill out the more money you will receive. Second, choose the school you love. Do not go to a college for any reason other than selfish reasons. We are always told to not be selfish, but college is all about our future; we have to be selfish when we choose our college. Never choose to go somewhere because there is another person that you want to follow. Third, hold on to your beliefs and your morals. More people respect you when you lead them, than when you follow them. Basically, become a leader to your peers. Finally, I would tell myself something as silly as purchase a planner. There are a lot of fun things going on in college and there are tons of assignments that you cannot forget. All of these things will make you a better person and help you enjoy collge, and you need to write them down so you can remember each one of them.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would have taken a class to help me with my ACT testing. The score you get on the test is so important when it comes to how much money a college is willing to give you and when it comes to scholarships. I now realize how much I will have in student loans when I graduate and a higher ACT score would have helped decrease the amount of loans I have had to take out. Another piece of advice I would give to myself is to get involved in volunteering. Many scholarships require volunteer hours and they look great when applying for jobs.

As a senior in high school I was very excited to make the trasition to college, I wasn't nervous at all, just ready to move on with my life. I thought I had it all figured out, but as I look back at what I was thinking then I am finding that I had totally wong expectations. If I was in high school again I would tell myself to be prepared to be challenged. What I thought was importanat then, now has a whole new meaning. Also I would tell myself to not be afraid to try new risks, meet new people, and open new doors. I would make sure I knew that I had been living the same way for eighteen years of my life, and that it is about to be changed.

If I could go back and give myself advice I would tell myself to go the school I wanted and not worry about money. I know money is a big issue but one should go somewhere they are going to love for more than somewhere they don't love for less. I would also go back and tell myself not to think about anyone else when making the decision on where to go. Don't think about friends, boyfriends, or even your parents. Go where you want! They other thing I would have told myself would be to learn how to study. In high school I never really had to study so getting to college was a shock when I took my first exam. Learning how to study is very important. Also do not worry so much about your GPA even though it is important, but also work on connections and volunteering. Those may get you farther than your GPA. Last of all I would tell myself to have fun. College is supposed to be hard but it also supposed to be the best four years of your life.

Don't become lazy senior year! Start early preparing for college, applying for scholarships, and saving money. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't feel embarrassed or hesitatant to ask for financial aid.

If I could go back to my stressful year as a High School Senior, I would tell myself not to worry like I did. I was worried about the transition and getting homesick. The first day I was there, the staff surrounded me with people that became my close friends. This university offers so many activities to get new students involved such as bowling, game nights, fun speakers, and Bible studies in the dorms. I was immersed in great activities that helped me never get homesick and helped me grow as a young adult. The acedemic advisors have also helped me greatly. I was unsure of my desire to be an elementary teacher going into college, but now I am absolutely sure that it is what I want to do. My advisor has not only helped me plan out my schedule but has answered many important questions about life after college. The campus pastor is also always there to counsel me when I have a stressful day. I have transformed and grown more in the last two years than I could have ever imagined and I wish I could have told myself that while I was still in high school.

The first thing I would tell myself is to relax and have fun. I was really nervous heading off to college but a tended to forget that I was in the same boat as all the incoming freshman. I wish I would've been more open trying to make friends and gone out of my way more to talk to people. The second thing I would tell myself is to slow down and enjoy it. College goes so fast and in a blink its going to be done. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and the late nights spent studying because eventually they are going to come to an end. I have met some amazing people and have had some awesome times with my friends. I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything. The last thing I would say is to stay on the right track. It's easy to get distracted and caught up in the wrong things. Focus on your schoolwork and the things you are involved in because in the end, that's all that's going to matter.

College has been such a great experience. Looking back to my senior year of high school, there are a few things I would tell myself. For starters, I would tell myself to take chances. Being outgoing is harder for me than it is for some, but taking that first step in order to meet new people is definitely the key to the first year of college. Also, I would encourage myself to be active and continue to do what I love. Singing is my passion, so I would encourage myself to put myself out there and be vulnerable in certain situations. Being vulnerable is hard at first, but in the end it has great rewards. Finally, I would tell myself, a senior in high school, to simply be brave, put yourself out there, and stay true to yourself, living out the life of Christ.