Elmhurst College Top Questions

In life, there is no rewind button – I have learned this lesson well. Reflecting on my college experience thus far, it is safe to say that, given the opportunity, I would turn back the clock. Decisions would have been made much differently. Adjustments would have taken place. In a world where I could go back and talk myself through the confusion and apprehension before choosing an institution, I know immediately what I would say: don’t be afraid. Don’t limit your choices because of your friends, your family, or a boy. Don’t be scared to go somewhere huge; get yourself out there, and gain independence. Don’t automatically choose the university that gives you the most financial aid, because even though scholarships and grants may seem enticing, they do not always equal an education that is right for you. Don’t be anxious about change, as it is, and always will be, inevitable. You can’t stop life and put it in reverse, so take careful consideration to all that I’ve told you. Embrace this change, and don’t look back.

I began my freshman year in college at Illinois State University in the Fall of 2008. All I wanted was to get away from my family, and I wanted my own freedom...or at least I thought that's what I wanted. I had a terrible experience at Illinois State, with professors that didn't care if I was passing or failing. I didn't know who I was, and I didn't care to find out. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take better care of myself, and to really consider what was best for me. I would remind myself that my family is the foundation of my life, and that I need them to get by. I would tell myself that it's okay to make mistakes, but only if you learn from them. I would tell myself that Elmhurst College is truly where I belong, and that I will make HUGE steps toward my future. Although I learned from the choices I made, as a high school senior, I wish I would have known what I know now.

Don't hesitate in going after what interests you. The choices that you make now can and will transform who you are and what you will become for the rest of your life. Take advantageof everything college has to offer. Make friendships and connections that will not only enhance your social life, but make create networks that will greatly increase your chance for success in the future. Hold on to old relationships and when problems in your life occur, don't assume that they'll take care of themselves. You have the power to both make a difference and to challenge the norm. Save your money wisely, and don't rely on luck to pay your way.

I will have gotten a degree, and a lot of debt. Its a very nice school, wish that they would be more practical though sometimes. And I wish they striveded to be more than just a local college, looking for more opurtunitites furthur away for student not just ones in our own backyard.

As I have just completed the first semester of my freshman year at Elmhurst College, I found that I have obtained much valuable information and have experienced the responsibility and hard work of a successful college student. While still a high school student, I had always included education as a value and moral that I hold. However, as I attended my first semester of college, I have realized first hand the importance of a degree. As Elmhurst College is a Liberal Arts college, I have already taken classes outside of my political science major such as foreign language and am currently enrolled in an art and poetry class. I feel this well-rounded study has enhanced my college experience. I believe that these experiences that I have had, and will have, in my classes are worthwhile and valuable because my range of education will extend outside of just my major and reach into other areas of interest. My experience so far as a college student has been positive and has sparked my interest in other areas of education. The knowledge that I will continue to obtain at college is a value that I consider useful and necessary for my future.

I feel that I have studied a lot I lived at home and I did not experience much on campus because I was not a member of Fraternities and at this college in order to have friends or social experience you had to play sports or other campus organizations. However I have spend my time studing and it has been a great exerience for me becasue i was able to take this valuable time and put it to work out side campus such as in my social life or at work.

College was an extremely lonely experience. My freshman year I saw a lot of people transfer; my best friend transferred four times. I, on the other hand, am the type of person who never allowed myself the option. So to fill my endless college hours I spent endless hours in the library (sometimes even Friday nights.) Wrote essay upon essay. Went to bed at 10 p.m. every night to get up for 6:30 practice. Ran four seasons of cross-country and track. I feel like I’ve just finished a marathon. Physically and emotion exhausted, I’m now standing on the finish line with all these images circling through my mind— the hush of the crowd right before the gun goes off in a cross-country race, late night talks between roommates, falling asleep mid-sentence, my first love, the silence of a first snowfall during finals, the utter and complete agony of heart ache. I am the same person as when I entered college. Sure I have changed from my experiences; I am a much stronger person today. But I learned I never had to redefine myself for others, rather I needed to define myself for me.

I have gotten a lot from my college experience, dealing with different ways of learning and studying. Since i've been in college for two years i've learned what helps me best to get the best grade for the classes. It's been greatly valuable to attend becuase it's really helped me realize what i really what to do for my career and helped me focus on certain classes that i need.

Since I have been at Elmhurst College, I have participated in many extra-curricular events that I have never thought about involving myself in prior to this college experience. Attending this college convinced me to join a sorority. I was fasinated by the passion and work ethic that the girls in my chapter presented. This then influenced me to take on a leadership position within the chapter. Being exposed to students like myself that show such academic drive and participation in various organizations has made me want to become involved in as much as I can, and also strive to succeed in all of my courses. The courses that I have taken, as well as the people I have surrounded myself with have made me figure out more about myself concerning my beliefs, future goals and who I want to become. This overall college experience thus far has been valuable to me by exposing me to characteristics within people that I strive to personally obtain.

Elmhurst College may be small, but every year there are people whom you may never have seen before. I am naturally shy and introverted, however I have learned to become more outgoing. I have learned more about independence and the value of a good education. The friendly atmosphere helped improve my outlook on life and the future. The professors are helpful and have learned to appreciate that help.