Luther College Top Questions

go somewhere cool and not a podunk town in the middle of nowhere

Given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there are a multiple things that I would like to be able to say. However, the main thing I would tell myself is simply to RELAX. Knowing what I know now about college life, I wouldn't have gotten myself so worked up about school work, and whether or not I would make friends at college. Everyone tells you that homework in college is so overwhelming, and a lot of times you have to be extra careful about what friends you make, and how you deal with your roommates. However, by just managing my time correctly, I have yet to be 'overwhelmed' by homework, and the friends I have made, including my roommates, are all great relationships. Having known this my senior year of high school, I believe I would have been able to have a much more enjoyable time, worry free and truly excited for my college experience ahead.

Take more AP courses and also apply for more scholarships. College is expensive and it's hard to find money.

Dear High School Self, College has definatly had its ups and downs. I never imagined that life would turn out this way. I have already changed my major once but I'm told that's normal. It's okay that you don't know what you want to study. Here at Luther College you have to take classes from all different fields and that really helps in picking a major that is just right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you know before coming, the better off you'll be. As for the roommates, it's not as bad as you might think. What you put into your roommate relationship is what you'll get out of it. Be prepared to compromise, it's all a part of the experience. Remember that being social is a good thing and balancing social life with school work is very important. Keep your cool, you'll do great. Your Future Self

I would advise my younger self to apply to more schools, and to be prepared to have to change dreams and goals as one changes and as opportuinities open and close.

If I were to give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would first of all tell myself to relax about the whole thing. Although transitioning from high school to college is huge, I put way too much worry and thought into the uknown, and I wish I would have focused more on what positive things could happen. I would also tell myself to reach out to more people in the first few weeks and get to know as many people as possible. I would also tell myself that it is okay if I didn't have a major decided the first day of classes. Another important thing I would tell myself is to take time to focus and 'me' time and fun time. Most of my time spent in the first few years of college was on studying. Yes, this is a good thing most of the time, but it is also important to have time for myself to just relax, and thing about everything other than school and homework, and also to go out and have fun - trying new things, exploring the town, checking out local shops and businesses.

I would certainly tell myself to be more involved with the on campus opportunities on the very first day. Additionally, be ready to talk to people and try to make friends more quickly: don't wait for people to come to you, go to them if you want to hang out or want to form a study group. Also, be prepared to balance your personal life with your academic life: it can be a difficult task. In addition, follow your heart when it comes to your goals but also give your professors an open mind when it comes to career advice. When it comes to academics, make sure to get things done sensibly because something unexpected can happen and you'll have to whip up a two papers instead of one or a family member may pass away. Take the summer to further your professional connections in your given field and don't be afraid to learn more about your major during the summer months. Lastly, do not wait until the last year to take several of your general because it will adversely affect your social life. Though I have no regrets, perhaps this will create a more smooth transition.

If it feels right to the student, than you should go for it. That's about all there is to it. Don't go somewhere you are not comfortable. You'll feel awkward about it for that part of your life, and nobody wants that for you.

College becomes your home. It is a safety net in which you learn to explore your identity, find your vocation and discover what your life is all about. That makes college an important decision, but let yourself feel the decision alongside studying the facts. We all want a school that is going to make us employable, one in which the degree means something, but who wants to spend four years where they are uncomfortable and do not feel at home? Pick potentional schools that fit your academic or athletic requirements, then VISIT! Only you can experience for yourself what a certain college feels like, and how you see yourself fitting into that campus. Once you decide, be confident in that decision and enjoy. People don't lie when they say its the best (and fastest) four years of your life, so make it count! Keep up academically so its worth the tuition, but be sure to enjoy this unique community. Make friends, try new things, study something outside your major, branch out. Why not? What have you got to lose? Explore who you are and what you will become with new life long friends and your new community. Have fun!

Through my own experience in finding the right school for myself I learned one main thing, to take my time. You can never visit a school enough times or talk to enough people about that school before you end up making your final decision. Choosing a school is a huge decision and finding the right fit is so important. Looking back on my first year of college I learned some important life lessons, firstly, you can say no to friends and instead stay in and get your homework done, although it is not as fun; you can enjoy yourself the following day while your friends stress out. Also, get some sleep! I know mom and dad are not there to tell you to go to bed, but staying up until 2 AM your first three weeks of school really is not good for you. Thirdly, get involved! dont just sit around doing nothing, get out there and do something make new friends! and most importantly, have fun, because your college years will fly by before you know it! Making this transition in your life may be tough but its exciting too, enjoy every second of the process!