University of Valley Forge Top Questions

I would tell myself to be prepared for struggles such as loneliness and depression during my first semester because of being 13 and half hours away. Also ,that it may not be bad once I'm at school for longer than just a couple months by myself. I would tell myself to start looking for side jobs such as an openning for a nanny or babysitter on or around campus to help get money towards my school bill.

The advise I would give myself is not take a break between high school and college. Go straight into college and get it done, so that you complete your education at a young age. I will also say, get the full experience of college and go away for college. Dorm away at college because its always best to find yourself at college. Being away at college makes you a responsible adult and it teaches you how to make boundaries for yourself. Also as a senior in high school, try and take college courses so that when you get into college you don't have to take as many remedial courses. Doing this will help you take your major classes quicker and it allows you to finish college sooner.

Dear Shelby, As a senior I know you may be a little overwhelmed deciding what college to attend, what major to pursue, and financially how you will survive. I would just like to inform you that there is help along the way. There are many resources out there to help you to make this transition in your life that much easier. Be sure to take advantage of these resources and please if you are confused about anything, ask questions! There is no such thing as a silly question. You also need to remember you are not the only one going through this transition. Get in touch with other senior students who are planning to attend a college you are interested in. See what steps they're taking before the college semester starts. If you're still unsure take a tour of the college you think you would like to attend. It's a great way to get familar with the campus and meet new people. Don't be nervous because whatever you decide is exactly what you were meant to do. Plus if you change your mind you can always make changes towards your major. Remember, you can do it!

Don't be nervous. College is an easy place to make friends and is a learning experience. Try to take the Clep Test and get out of taking as many General classes that you can. It will save you a lot of money. Don't stress that you haven't chosen a major, just work hard in each of your classes and you will be fine. Don't play games or chat with people during class, you won't remember anything. Remember you are paying for each class you take, don't waste your money.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell him that he needs to make a plan for his future instead of waiting to see what happens. I would say that he needs to talk to his parents about applying to colleges and have at least some preliminary idea of where he is going in life. And even though music is a very important part of his life and will lead him to many great and rewarding opportunities, he also needs to focus on his schoolwork, maintain good grades and a better work ethic. They may not have seemed like they had any significance then, but later on, they would have made life a whole lot easier. And if he did not do that in high school, he would have to work much, much harder when adjusting to college.

If I could go back in time knowing what I know now about college and making the transition I'd tell myself to not fret. To many people go into college afraid and very conserved, they are scared of making the adjustment and meeting new people. There is no need to be afraid. Yes you have to make new friends and adjust to new study habits, eating habits, and sleeping habits; but it is all going to be okay! The college transition isn't anything to be worried about, just take it step by step and you'll do fine.

I would've advised myself to do much better as a student. To stop being so antisocial and to join various clubs and societies. I slacked off all through high school and was lucky enough to be accepted into college. I would have made it clear that I needed to grow up and try harder. Although, being accepted into a college helped me with becoming more responsible and mature, I wish I had realized that in my senior year or sooner. I would advise myself to visit and become more educated about various colleges rather than settle for one. I love the college I went to and am trying to return to, but I just wish I had explored more.

Attending college has been a great experience. I have learned and am learning how to live independantly, pay bills, manage time, and make friends. My friends are great, and I'm sure that they will last a lifetime. I love my classes because the professors are intriguing and desire you to get the most out of their classes. I am a Digital Media and Communications Major. The digital media classes here are very hands on; that is great because I learn best that way. I not only have taken the core English, Math and Science prerequisits, but I am learning how to run a professional level camera, the basics of Final Cut Pro 7, how to stream video and audio content via the internet, how to podcast and edit rss feeds, various lighting techniques for video production, dvd authoring, sound reinforcement, and much more. The education I am receiving at Valley Forge Christian College is so valuable because I am learning to be a very well-rounded person in the field of digital arts. From graphic design, to video/audio production and photography, I am gaining experiance in all of these aspects.

A college experience is always one thing- what you make it to be. Valley Forge is not the most prestigious college, but I decided to make it the most eventful, action-packed, totally involved, busy, crazy years of my life. I was involved in sports, leadership, took advantage of studying abroad, attending leadership and ethics conferences in Washington D.C. and West Point. I worked for the college over a summer, traveled with a drama ministry team serving camps and churches, did numerous hours of community service, and chose a degree that was still in the works of being made official. My college experience was exactly what I made it to be- the chance of a lifetime. No, not every day was perfect; yes, I am still paying off my debt; but was it a worthwhile investment? Yes, because I made myself a worthy cause to invest in. I made the money I am paying back now out of my own pocket have value. The opportunities that were available to me were priceless in a lot of ways because I can only look back and say, "Wow!" This experience has made me one thing- what I made myself to be.

I have always worked diligently in order to get into a great university to receive valuable education. With my grades, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences and awards, I always assumed that I was going to attend a prestigious institution where I would be surrounded by intelligent and passionate teachers and students. However, smart budge planning required me to go to Oakland Community College. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was the most wonderful opportunity I could obtain. The value of an education is supposed to more than a name. OCC gave me more than I expected out of my education. I received a great education, whose true definition I also learned here. A great education comes from learning and discovering new things out of life, while have a continued curiosity and desire to learn more. I was granted the opportunity to be surrounded by passionate individuals, all who have a different reason for being there- whether to support their family, a change of heart in what they want out of life, or just because of their thirst for knowledge. I am going to transfer soon, however the humility in education will always be important to me.