Ball State University Top Questions

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

Riley

To my high school senior self i would have to steal an old proverb and say, "It is always darkest before the dawn". High school may make education seem rough and something you don't want to pursue further but college will make all the difference. You'll find your passion, your friends and everything you were meant to do in life. You'll come to realize your true calling for wildlife and the natural world. High school doesn't prepare you for these things, only "general education" but you need to get passed these math and history classes in order to find your light. Also, good grades and a good GPA may not sound very important right now. But look into the future and you'll see it can help you get into the college and major you want. Good grades could have aided you in going to the true college of your dreams, University of Boulder, Colorado, by being granted a scholarship to help pay for out of state tuition. Now it will be indefinitely more difficult, but never forget to pursue your dreams!

Kaitlin

I wish I could sit down and talk to my high school self. There would be so much to tell her, and not only about academic related things, but social and emotional things, as well. At the time, her, rather, our mother was going through chemotherapy for breast cancer, and we were about to undergo a major spinal surgery. My high school self didn't know how to handle everything. At the time, she didn't know that she could take a year off of school to figure out what she wanted, and she didn't know that she could declare an "Undecided" major, and it would be okay. If I could go back in time and leave some advice for that high school self, I would say that everything will be alright. No one will blame you for having an undecided major in your first year, and it wouldn't be a completely bad thing to take a year off to expand your mind and figure out what you want. I was burned out in that senior year, and I wish I would have had the insight to stop and breathe.

Emily

If I could go back and have a conversation with my high-school-senior-self, I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the ride. There are many things throughout your senior year in high school that seem to be overwhelming, discerning and tempting. The best advice I can give is to stay on top of things. Do not procrastinate because all it does it hurt you in the long run and allow for more unwanted and avoidable stress. High school is supposed to be some of the best years of your life. Remember to keep your goals, values, and joys first in your life and you will succeed. We all have to have a goal or dream to work towards, and allow it to be altered to where we are at in life. It is that goal/dream that keeps you going and keeps you on the right path when those discerning and tempting things threaten to get in the way. As a high school senior, you have the world at your feet and the keys to succeed at your fingertips. Take advantage of the tools you are given and remember to occasionally stop and enjoy yourself.

Breona

These years are going to fly by so this is no time to be shy and insecure. Go out there are join the swing dance club or the school orchestra. Look into spending times with your friends but keep the balance leaning towards your school work. You will make some of the most amazing friends and you will grow as an individual, making this some of the best years in your life. Do your best to become friends with your professors because they will be great tools for you to further your education and career while here. Most of all, remember that this is the pathway to your brighter future so work hard to play hard later.

Kathryn

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to focus on my future in college more then anything. I'd make sure to tell myself to fill out the scholarships that my mother encourged me to fill out as a senior so my parents wouldn't be under the stress that are now trying to figure out how to pay for my college.

Kasey

Transitioning to college life is difficult. Never turn down the opportunity to seek help if you struggle adjusting, especially in an emotional sense. Depression is common and is a real threat to your health and your grades. Ask for help--from your friends, the university, your parents, the professors. Go to study sessions. Ask your professors questions. Do not try to stand alone. College should be fun, and it should intellectually challenge you. But it should never crush you.

alison

Don't care what other people think of you. Try your hardest and make every second count. Be outgoing and don't allow one person to bring you down. Ask questions and don't stop asking until you get an answer. Teachers and professors alike enjoy an engaged student. So, don't hold back anymore and get the answers you desperately need and want.

Victoria

Well, first off I'd tell my senior-self that senioritious is real. Secondly I'd tell her test scores and homework still count and to come in to class, colleges apreciate grades as well as attendence. For her first day of college, I'd advise her to take it easy that first week and make friends fast. That first week is basically establishing your place in the "college food chain". The weak minded are the like prey and the leaders are dominant, and in a sense, the predators. Don't be weak minded and don't just "come out of your shell" Break out of your horizons and explore new worlds, (or at least the other side of this one), Study abroad you know its your dream, so go after it and do not shy away from an experience like England or Australia. Study hard and set your pride aside when you need accademic help. Use that rec room and gym that is paid for in tuition/fees and keep off the all-you-can-eat tables. Thats all, oh and Good luck Victoria your going to do great in college.

Lori

While family responsibilities are important, it is ok to put your education first. You are stronger than you realize and you can do anything that you set your mind to. Don't doubt your abilities and don't let others sway your decisions, no matter who they are. Have faith in what you can do because at the end of the day, all that really matters is that, you do know what is best for you. Don't look back because it's a waste of time. Move forward and be secure in the knowledge that through faith in God all things are possible. Times may have been difficult but you have always been able to conquer any challenge. Why should this be any different? Put on your boxing gloves and get ready to fight for what is yours. a great education and a chance at a better life.

Raven

Two suitcases and a smile. This is all I brought with me on the plane to Indiana. The four hour flight from Maryland left me plenty of time to wonder and think. Going into my freshman year there were plenty of things that were different about me. If I could go back the first thing I would say to myself is "you don't have to be the same person you were in high school, as a matter of fact you won't be." No matter how hard I tried I was never be captain of the cheer squad again . Those days were over. In college, those black and white personas disappear and you will find that you as a person and everyone else has more to offer than a label. I would tell myself to be comfortable in my own skin. This is college and the friends you make have alot in common with you. Your options for friends are not limited, explore all of them. I would tell myself that just because she is your roommate does not mean she has to be your only friend. Ultimately, I would have reminded myself to pull out the smile more.