Cedarville University Top Questions

The advice I would tell my future self would be to investigate, prepare and don’t wait for the last minute for college. First thing I would advise myself in the beginning of my senior year is investigate about scholarships, financial aid, college you’re interested in and apply to them right away. Then I would suggest not to slack off just because it’s the last year but the last year to get all required credits for graduation. After, prepare by apply for admission for college and talking to a college adviser for unanswered questions. Then getting a part-time job to supplement income for college savings, just incase if financial aid won’t help. While waiting for that, I would suggest of thinking what classes to take, look them up and write down the course number. For later when registration day comes, you can just put the number and register quickly. By doing that you can avoid stressing, being in the waitlist or not even getting in the classes because that was my mistake of doing everything the last minute. Last tip on the first day of school, go early to locate your classes to avoid being late.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior regarding college and transitioning into it I would tell myself four things. First, listen to your parents. They know what is best for you and even though you’re scared to commit to a place where you know no one, you will be just fine. Second, relax!! Do not be so worked up about being away from friends and do not be so worried about not getting good grades. Third, study! Reading as much, if not all, of the material for a class as possible. KNOW the material inside and out. Study hard and put studying ahead of most activities. And fourth, HAVE FUN! You’re at college to meet life-long friends and make memories that you will explain to your children in the future. Study for your classes but every now and then take a break and go have some fun. College is for preparing you for a career. It’s also for making friendships that you will continue long past graduation day. It is a place to learn about yourself and to grow. It’s a life changing place.

My greatest advice to myself as a high school senior would be to get involved. Aside from the fact that becoming involved looks great on resumes and scholarship applications, it's a great way to build friendships. And it doesn't have to be in the activity that you build the friendships. In college, it's shared activities of the past that can build the initial contact point for a friendship. Also, being involved in high school teaches you how to be involved in college and still balance your time. It broadens and develops you as a person. Then, of course, I would tell myself to take better notes. Even if you don't need the notes in high school, and even if you don't look back on them for reference once you're in college, it's good practice. In high school, the teachers cater to students much more, and it's easier to learn just by paying attention. But in college, many classes take on a lecture format, and it's beneficial to be able to look back at your notes later to further digest information. High school only prepares you for college if you let it.

The biggest thing I wish I knew about college and entering into my undergraduate studies while in high school was not to get too involved all at once. As an incoming freshman I tried to do too much at one time. I couldn't focus on the things I really needed to. I was involved in the political arena, the workforce, intramural sports, student organizations, community ministries, and much more. I couldn't really involve myself and focus on what really mattered: my academics! Because of that, my grades suffered. My first semester in college was by far my worst and it was an uphill battle from there. Improving a bad GPA takes a lot more time and effort than maintaining an average GPA. So, the amount og activities I was involved in was important from the start. Had I known that and had time to think through that and process what I would be involved in and how I would stay on top of my homework, I may have been able to keep my academics as priority and maintaing a better GPA through my college career, allowing for a better GPA overall and much better chance at graduate programs.

I would advise myself to take advantage of the educational opportunities homeschooling presented. I could have started my college studies in high school through the postsecondary option. I wish I would have gone further in my studies in math. I would have taken math through Algebra 2 instead of going into business math and not fully completing business math. Also, I wish I would have learned how to socialize with guys more and been more exposed to culture. It was a culture shock when I realized that sincere Christians listened to rock n roll music.

I would definitely tell myself that there isn't nearly as much to worry about in comparison to what I first thought about college. The atmosphere is friendly and easygoing, despite the fact that I chose to go to a college where I didn't know anyone. There really isn't anything to truly worry about beyond the typical college experience, which comes with late nights, mornings that are too early, classes that have a fair amount of reading, and of course making friends. However, so far each of the above experiences and almost everything else about attending Cedarville University has been fairly all right, all in all. In less words, I would just tell myself to chill and let things happen on their own, as worrying does not accomplish anything.

The transition to college will not be the end of your life, but nor will it come without trying. With the correct perspective and some helpful information, you will succeed. The biggest thing you need to guard against is prideful complacency. High school A's and the honor roll are not enough to guarantee your college success. You will need to study much more diligently, beginning with reading your syllabi. They are infinitely more important than the menial high school course overviews. In your zeal to see your name on the Dean's list, stop and take time to enjoy some of your new freedoms. Take local day trips to explore the surroundings. Invite other students to join you, but remember to step outside of your comfortable friend bubble. The best friends come from the people you least expect to enjoy. But overall, don't feel like you must have your entire life in order just because "you're in college now." Everyone is going through varying degrees of transition, and the important thing is to day after day, keep at it. Do this, and college will broaden your mind and challenge you to do what you never thought possible.

I would tell myself to join the JV soccer try outs. I also to tell my self to study more in the study groups in the library. I would also tell myself to ask Kelly Troyer out sooner! I might have also told myself it would be nicer if you brought your car for those late night trips to TACO BELL!

When you get your syllabi for your classes, don't get overwhelmed and think "I'm not going to be able to do this!" Believe it or not you can. Set aside a day where you can organize you syllabi, put your assignments down on a calendar of when they are due. Each day set a goal of what you'd like to accomplish and make sure your realistic. Don't set the goal to high or you'll be disappointed with your self. You don't need that on top of the stress involved with school. Another key thing is that you have balance. College can't be all school work or it's guarenteed you will go crazy. College also can't be all fun or you can say goodbye to your degree. Set aside a certain time each week when you do something fun. When you do school work focus on the assignment at hand, don't think about all of the other assignments you need to do. Take it one assignment at a time, day by day and you will make it through. Remember to enjoy college!

I have grown up a lot while being in college. I have had the chance to find out who I am, and what I actually believe. I have gained a great education, and I know much more about life and the world.