Coe College Top Questions

If I could give myself advice as a senior, I would tell myself to spend more time looking into the smaller details of the schools to which I was applying. Job opportunities, activities on campus, and residence life are all aspects that I wish I had explored further, as they are a HUGE part of the life on campus. Academics, endowment, and alumni are all things that are very significant, but I do feel that the campus life and energy are the most important factors. I would encourage myself as a senior to do multiple campus visits in order to get a feel of the students and the activities available. I would also advise myself to begin the college search process with an open mind. I knew I wanted a small school when applying, but now that I am experiencing the actual size of a small school, I am sure that I would have liked something bigger as well.

?Stop. Breathe. Everything will be OK.? As a senior in high school, every assignment, every activity, seemed vital to my future success. While peers were eagerly participating in the senior slide, I was spreading myself thin, hoping to look great on paper, thinking, ?maybe it will matter, and then I?ll be sorry.? In truth, high school students are under too much pressure. Colleges, uninterested in the student who lacks the extracurricular laundry list, create a situation in which quantity becomes valued over quality. I fell into the trap and sped through my senior year, always trying to fit one more activity into my schedule. Looking back now, I wish I could tell myself to slow down and enjoy what free time I could. The opportunity for free time does not last. A month before graduation, I found out I was pregnant. I now go to school full time as well raise a beautiful baby boy. Now, with a 280 mile gap between my hometown and my apartment, I understand how precious free time can really be. So, if I could go back and tell my high school self one thing, it would be to relax and enjoy my time.

Well, the first thing I would say would be a word of encouragement. College is not near as tedious and repetitive as high school. I would explain that the material is very fast paced, that it would be beneficial to get in the habit of reading ahead and taking orgaized notes. This will prove invaluable along with brushing up on study habits, this will make test taking much less painful. When your grade is based only on 3 tests it counts to be ready for them. Knowing myself I would take a break from achademic retoric to keep my attention and suggest not spending as much of the graduation money, caf food is not very good and it is nice to be able to buy some variety. I would also suggest setting $200 aside for surprise expences, like the trip the wrestling takes to Las Vagas so I won't have to scamble to come up with the money. Speaking of wrestling, I would make it very clear that I should work out more and watch my food intake, it will make the first couple months easier. Finally, I would say enjoy your room, homemade food, your summer and family.

If I could go back in time, I would let young Audrey know that life in college isn't the fairy tale she may think it is. Most likely, she won't find the boy she will fall in love with forever on that first day or be happy every second. I'd tell her to be patient, respectful and loving to the people that are so different from her, and to just be nice to her roommate; it gets better. I'd also tell her to get her homework done as soon as possible, and set aside "Me Time" so she doesn't just collapse from stress. But most importantly, I'd tell her to trust her loving Father and Savior in heaven, who will take care of every need and heal every hurt. And by the way, she won't need to bring every single possession. Those won't matter as much and she'll be much freer with less and discover how strong she is when tested. Shake the little things off, look at the bigger picture, and don't stress, Audrey. You've got it.

CHILL OUT! You'll be fine. You finally have the opportunity to pick your own classes and that freedom feels great. Relax, you'll make friends and do just fine in your classes. You're definitely ready for this. Of course there will be times where you feel a little lost, but when that happens, just remember that every other freshman here is feeling the exact same way. Be ready to meet your new best friends, they're awesome and they've totally got your back. Be ready for some really fun times, but don't forget to work hard!

Although life is short, you don't have to know what you want to do in life. Take your time and look at your options. The friends you have now are nothing compared to those you will meet as your peers in your career and your friends in college. Everyone has different experiences, be willing to be open-minded. You can learn a lot just by listening to another person experiences. Money will always be an issue and you will be in debt after college, try not to let it stress you out. The world is full of things you are blissfully unaware of, but you'll be forced to see them when you are away from sheltered life. Be yourself. Don't pretend because then people don't know who you really are and that's a huge mess. Things will happen and your life will change, embrace it because the more you dwell on how things used to be, the worse off you will be at adapting to the world outside of school.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would start by telling me to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to save as much money as possible. Also, I think I would have to reassure myself that moving two hours away from everyone and everything I know is not going to be nearly as scary as I thought it would be; the friends I will make will help with that. Academically speaking, I would tell myself it is going to be as challenging as I was scared it would be and that my high school education was not very helpful in preparation for the classes I would take. Maintaining a high G.P.A in high school and getting all A's would not be any help in college. I think one of the last things I would talk to myself about is how not to feel like I am less than the other students at Coe, because my ACT score is lower than the average ACT here. I would definately tell myself to go out, make mistakes and have fun, while being involved on campus.

Personally, I would tell myself not to worry quite so much. Classes here are just like the classes back in high school--just a little more focused with a lot more to read. Also, I would tell myself to start looking for scholarships a lot earlier than I had. School is expensive and every little bit does indeed help. Oh, and I would have told myself to finish the application process two days earlier than I had so I would have the higher value scholarship offered by the college so I wouldn't have to worry quite so much about finances now.

Learn to be more relaxed, and let things go. Don't let who you were in high school define you. A major part of the college experience is the social aspect, so don't be afraid to meet new people. You're going to be trying lots of new things and that's okay. Don't go home too often, or you'll miss out. P.S. Take physics! It's the science with the most fun labs ever!

Going back I would tell myself to go into college with an open mind and don't be worried or nervous. This college is a great place and as long as you are open to new things your four years will be the best experience of your life. I would tell myself to not be worried about joining different organizations and not to worry about trying leadership roles in this school. I would also reassure myself about playing football, because it has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people and opened up connections that I never thought would have been an option.