Messiah College Top Questions

I would simply say to my younger self: do not compromise what you want for anyone else. I decided where I went to school simply because the school "looked good" to my friends, church members, high school teachers. I also knew it would please both of my parents. But because I made my college decision to make others happy, I ended up going to a school where I just coped and my heart wasn't fully in it. I knew that Messiah College was my school the moment I stepped on campus, and I never should have doubted my instinct. Just because others may not initially be impressed by my school's name, they will be impressed when I am able to tell them how much I enjoyed my education and how much I learned.

I would have to tell myself to be more trusting and caring of others. I get to distracted by things that ultimately don't matter, I would tell myself to let things go.

My college experience is probably a little different than some. I did my first two years at a community college before transferring here to Messiah college. I wouldn't change anything about that, community college was a good choice for me, while going there I realized that my orignial major and plan was not the right one for me. So I hadn't wasted all of that time at Messiah College, just wasted some time there. I think it was a very smart move for me. I think I would start in high school to make better and more productive study habits that could continue on to college. I would also tell myself to go out and try new things and take whatever opportunities life throws at you, you never know which path you might go down in life. I would also tell myself to stay positive, life will through curve balls your way but it's important to be positive and accomplish everything you can to the best of your abilities. I am very happy at this point in my life and I wish I could go back and tell my high school self everything will be okay.

Don't be nervous, but be excited. Get ready to work harder than you ever have, but also prepare to be rewarded in an incredible way.

To find the right college, the only advice I can give is visit! Visit! Visit! And, oh yeah, don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't just ask the tour guide (their job is to sell the school to you). Ask a regular student, specifically in the major you're interested in. Ask people in the dorms. See if there is a way to contact students through the school. Be proactive. Try your best to get a real picture of the school. As for making the most of your college experience, don't focus on just one thing like academics or your social life. This is the only time in your life you'll have this much freedom and this little responsibility. Try new things. Don't be afraid. Don't keep yourself in a box. You don't want to look back in 10 or 20 years and think, "I wish I did this or that". Try new things! Please! Oh yes, get out of the house. Become an adult. Mature. We don't want you to be the same person that walked into school...oh no, we don't.

When looking for the college that fits you best do not be afraid to explore your options. A lot of people like going where their friends go to college or stay close to home. This is not always a bad idea but do not forget that college is arguably the most important time of your life. A lot of times when people think about going to college, they think all about partying and having fun. It is good to have fun but make sure you work hard and put all that money you are putting into your education to good use. It is also good to find a college that fits your budget. For myself, I decided to choose Messiah College because I was able to play basketball there as well as have the money to pay for it. One last thought to keep in mind is that you want to choose a college that is strong in your field of study. By doing some research and looking at schools in-depth, you will be able to find the school for you and look to graduate with a wonderful job!

The advice i would give to students is to take your time and look. There isn't as big of a rush as people try to say there is. If you get put under pressure, it makes it more likely you will regret your decision. So relax.... and take your time.

As a parent you need to encourage your kids in their junior year to atleast browse through colleges. As a student you need to make it a priority to have a list and be proactive in your search for colleges. I made the mistake of looking too late and running out of options and time. As a student you definitely need to visit the campus to get a good feel of it, you will get a gut feeling if it feels like home or you feel really insecure. I think to make the most of your college experience you need to step out of your comfort zone your first semester especially to make friends because most likely they will be the ones you stick with for the next three years.

Parents and students should know that happiness is the number one important factor about choosing the right college. The academics could be award-winning, but if the student is not content with the current situation, then the true college experience is lost. The college might be a little pricey, but if the student is enjoying himself or herself while obtaining a good education, then the price is certainly worth it. There is definitely more to college than the classroom; this is where socializing, extra-curricular activities, and perhaps a job could help the student enjoy those hours outside of the lecture hall. Make a solid group of friends who will stick by the student at all times. Lastly, know that there are always second chances. Perhaps the first college is not what the student is looking for--that's ok! Switching colleges is always a possibility. It is only when the student finds true happiness will he or she obtain the true college experience.

Remember that college isn't about the degree or graduation, rather college should be considered a gradual experience that prepares you for life and gives you the moments that force you to escape your various comfort zones. Choose a school that follows an ethic and whose professors live lives as admirable as you would like you or your son/daughter to live. These four (or more) years prepare you for real life and provide you with an opportunity to be both generous with love for your community and selfish with the knowledge that you attain both in and out of the classroom. When you have matured enough to understand how that wisdom can benefit others you can freely apportion out your refined talents without expectations of gratitude or repayment.