McDaniel College Top Questions

What should every freshman at McDaniel College know before they start?

Zachary

Continue to challenge yourself. Strive for success and never give up. Give it your all.

Gabriela

If I could talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her several things. One, live up your summers because pretty soon you won't have any. Don't be afraid to let go of the past. Do not procrastinate on your homework in college, it will come back to haunt you. Enjoy college but don't forget about your work. Major in what you love not what you are expected to major in such as the sciences. I unfortunately did not major in what I loved until my junior year and unfortunately my GPA reflected it. I did what I thought was expected of me. Don't do that. Most importantly, be yourself and don't forget who you are.

Hannah

I would go back and tell myself that no amount of research can prepare me for the transition. For that reason, I would also tell myself to dismount off my high horse that I was sitting on; just because I'm going to school only an hour away does not mean that it would make the transition easier. Be prepared to rely solely on yourself and become your own motivator, coach and teacher. There's no one you can physically turn to and seek solace in but that that builds self strength and integrity.

Tyler

I would like to know the dedication that college sports require. I would also pay closer attention to what surrounds the campus.

Barbara

DON'T PANIC! Especially don't panic about not being able to get in where you want. Yes, going to the school where your mother is a professor seems bad, but in the end it's the best school for you and the right choice. You'll love it there! Also, forget Asian Studies: major in English first; double-major in Art (don't just minor!!!), minor in math or compsci. You'll be happier. Finally, GET A JOB. It'll make paying off those loans later MUCH easier!

Erica

College has been valuable to attend for many personal reasons. I want to achieve an AA degree in early childhood education continuing on to my bachelors and eventually achieving my doctorate and masters in Pre-K through 12th while also learning a few languages because I do plan on going overseas to help children of all ethnicities and backgrounds. It has been valuable not only because of what I am learning but it is important to me to complete these goals and accomplish my long term goals. Kilian has taught me to keep going there are going to be bumps in the road but they will help me jump those hills and get back on the right path to graduation. My teachers share the same passion as I do about early childhood ed. and that makes my classes twice as amazing because I am able to discuss my passion with others who feel the same as I do.

Jamie

When I graduated high school I wasn't sure if I really wanted to attend college because I really didn't like the high school experience. That is why I chose to attend a community college because I thought it would be an easier progression into college life. During my first semester, I really began to enjoy it. I really felt at home at a small college and I felt like I was gaining more by the smaller class size. I also really enjoyed the freedom of being able to make my own schedule and decide what my life was going to be like. After some time in college I began to notice some positive changes in myself as well. I began to grow more confident when I interacted with other people, and I became more confident in myself and my abilities. I started to really love my choice of major after years of indecision. I could really feel myself growing as a person, and I think that is the best thing that I have gained from the whole college experience.

Shaleen

Out of my college experience so far I have learned that it can be a lot harder than high school. Being in college is much more different because you live on your own and you have to make all new friends. I think that atteneding my college has helped me to become a more independent person and it has also helped me to beocme the person that I am today. I really enjoy being at college because everyone is really nice and it helps you to make lots of new friends.

Arikka

College has helped me mature and expand my knowledge. I've learned things inside and outside of class that I never would have otherwise been aware of. I have become a more confident and motivated person with clear goals and educated opinions. I've met so many interesting people that I would have never come across at home. I have friends that live in different states and countries, friends that speak multiple languages and are from different backgrounds and religions. The diversity that students are exposed to at college can't be matched by any other experience. I've even met a lot of younger people outside of school that have helped me make decisions that would have never even considered. I volunteer at the local Boys and Girls Club as a mentor and I've met a lot of young boys and girls that have really changed my perspective on life, and it has actually greatly influenced my decision to be a teacher. The greatest thing about college right now is that I'm only halfway finished, and i get to see and experience so many more amazing new things over the next two and a half years.

Jaina

What I have gotten most out of my college experience is learning how to adjust myself to a new environment. I think that it is important to know how to adjust to any situation, especially unfavorable situations, so that you can further succeed positively towards a task, goal, or whatever it may be. It has been valuable to attend college because within this new environment, I am able to meet new people and I am exposed to different cultures and perspectives. Also, I am constantly learning more about myself the more I am exposed to different types of people and learning how to handle situations diplomatically. Because of these components, I am developing as a person, which is important to me. I believe that it is important to explore, learn and grow as much as you can in life. Ultimately, it has been valuable to attend college because I am actively working towards my educational/career goals and I am continuously building my foundation from the exposure and experiences that college has given me thus far.