Mercer University Top Questions

My freshman year at Mercer has greatly affected me. I have become a much stronger Christian through the BCM on campus. Also, I have discovered that Chemistry, a class I was dreading because of my lack of preperation, can be a great class if the teacher enjoys teaching and cares about his students. I have learned to force myself to sit down and focus on my studies before going to spend an evening with friends. I have also been given the opportunity to major in engineering and minor in music, a goal that would not have been possible else where. But the most valuable experience that Mercer has given me is a feeling of freedom and new thrist for knowledge.

I have made myslef a better person by coming to mercer university. I have learned that I can push myself to newer heights and still succeed. College has made me a more well rounded person.

My college experience have allowed me to grow,mentally,as well as intellectually. Since I had never had the opportunity to live alone,and make decisions independently, I was a little afraid to leave home. Attending college have allowed me to become independent, and more mature. I now understand what adulthood means,and the responsibility that comes with it. There are challenges that I face every day,from being sure to have time to study,eat, sleep,and do laundry,to maintaing a good grade point average. I have become a wizard at managing my money,unlike when I was home spending other people money. I now understand what it means to spend wisely. I will not only receive a Pre-med degree, but also a degree in life lessons.

Enjoy it but know that those are most certainly not the best days of your life. Greater things are to come, bigger things are to come, and most importantly - more rewarding things are to come. Study hard but have fun. If college has taught me anything it is that balance is crucial. Make friends, cherish them, and keep in touch after high school but know that you will make countless more when you go to college. I have formed relationships here that I know will last a lifetime. Ask questions. Do not be too proud, too scared, or too ashamed to ask questions. I have learned that this is one of the greatest keys to success. Stay confident but remain humble. Never doubt your ability but never be afraid to admit your doubt. BREATHE. Go for a run, take a walk, eat lunch with friends - overwhelming yourself with school work will only drive you mad. However, do not neglect your schoolwork. It is challenging but comes with so much reward and accomplishment. Perfect your study skills, become familiar with the library, and form bonds with your professors. Most importantly, enjoy college! It is what you make it!

During your senior year your social life becomes more of a priority than academics. I often chose not to take rigorous classes or classes that would require a lot of outside studying so that I would have time to socialize and hang with friends. When I enrolled in college many of my peers transferred AP credits and dual enrollment credits. This allowed them to not only to graduate earlier, but they also had an advantage when it came to study skills and time management. Being exposed to college level classes allowed them to be better prepared for the work load and expectations of a college professor. If I could go back in time I would have challanged myself more by enrolling in more college level classes. This would have made for a better transition into college by letting me dip my toe in the water before diving in the pool.

As a freshman at a large university, I was overwhelmed with the amount of people and the large variety of opportunities available to me. My reaction to this culture shock was to surround myself with comfortable people and places. That was the worst decision I have ever made. There are so many opportunities available to you in college - one's that you will never have the chance to take part in again. Seize the moment. The worst thing you can do for yourself is to stay in your comfort zone. If you are a religous person, find an organization that allows you to practice your religion. If you have played sports all through highschool but are not on the university team, find an intramural group and continue to play your sport. College is all about finding the "new you" but it is also very important to keep the parts of you that define you most.

First I would tell my self to start looking for scholarships sooner than I did. Also to not come in to school with the mind set that school is school and I can handle this with no questions asked. Another thing is that I would tell myself to get to know people before you decide to try to get close to them and try to get them to have your back like you would have theirs no questions asked.

I would be hypothetically honest with myself by saying conduct thorough research and visit the admissions office; talk to the counselors and program directors; become familiar with the campus; live on campus. I would want to expand my horizon. I would want to particpate in as many activities as possible to gain sufficient experience. I would just take advantage of the oppurtunities that college have to offer by utilizing the academic facilities. I mean, there is so much out there to learn about that we can never stop learning. Lastly, I would say to myself study, study, and study, focus on your studies.

Transitioning into college life and college classes is extremely tough. The level of work required is incredibly more than what your used to in high school. The college life is amazing. There is nobody to tell you what to do anymore. That means there is nobody to tell you to do your homework, or study, or go to bed at a reasonable hour. You have to have your own motivation to do things. This is the beginning of the rest of your life. The past doesn't matter anymore, but what you do in the next few years will determine the rest of your life. Make sure you spend as much time with the family as you possibly can. Dad doesnt have much time left. He's not going to be here when you need him the most. He is not going to be here to help you transition into college. Any questions you have you need to ask now because your not going to be able to later.

I would tell myself to learn time management and do no procrastinate. In high school, it was easier to "get away" with the small things, like one missing assignment or essay. In college it is completely different. In order to maintain your grades you need to plan and use your time effectively in order to maximize your time for studying. Many time you hear the saying, "Sleep, Grades, Social Life, pick two. Welcome to college", well, this does not have to be the case. I learned this the hard way freshman year of college and now that I have learned to use my time wisely, I have now have time for classes, my greek organization, volunteer work and I have a job. It's all about being organized and using time management. I wish someone had told me that in high school.