Abilene Christian University Top Questions

Since I've started attending college at Abilene Christian Universtiy I've learned alot about myself. I don't have my parents around me to remind me about homework, tests, to go to the store, or to eat meals at different times. There aren't teachers that remind you everyday you have tests coming up or quizes. College is about independence. Becoming more independent as a college student has showed me how strong I am as a person inside. I have to have faith in myself that I'll get everything done and everything will work its way out. Gaining more independence as a college student is valuable to me because when I get out into the real world I'll be on my one. I won't have anyone reminding me to study or to go to the store to restock the snack box. College is the next step in our journeys to gain true independence in each of our lives.

I have not just learned subjects for my school but also met many great people such as my classmates, advisors, professor, etc. I believe that I didn't just earn a school experience but also gain the great life long experience through my college life.

I am from a small, swiss, cheese making community in the middle of nowhere, Wisconsin. Well, as a high schooler that is how I felt. I moved some 1700+ miles from home to attend school in Texas and it has been eye opening to see all different walks of life, but still share a common ground in the Christian faith. I have learned to interact, learned that the world streatches beyond rural Wisconsin, and that I can be myself in college because people finally have reached maturity. That is the greateset difference between my transition, learning to be myself when high school was really a matter of conformity.

The Honors classes are sooo amazing, because it encourages you to strive for excellence. The teachers are really nice and they listen to you and encourage you to give your point of view.

I have been incredibly blessed in my college career. I have gotten 3 main things from attending college. The first thing I have learned is time-management. I work 15 hours a week, I am taking 14 hours of classes, I am part of a womans club on campus, and I am actively involved in my church. The second thing I have learned is gratefulness. I am so grateful that I am able to attend such a prestigous university. I do not take for granted how blessed I am to be able to get such a valuable education that will help me excel in my future careers. Lastly, I have learned that relationships are very important. I have created some life changing friendships and formed close bonds with people who have challenged me and helped me strive to become a better student and person. It has caused me to mature and to grow in wisdom and in my actions. I have become service minded and I have really started to count my blessings. I want to help those who are hurting mentally, physically, emotionally, and mostly spiritually. College has made me a better person.

Right of high school I entered into the work force with my first job at Wal-Mart. I knew that I needed to go to college because I I needed to further my education in order to progress in life. I started with DeVry University in April of 2010 and so far I have gained nothing but good experiences. I have learned alot so far and I plan to graduate with an Associates Degree in Network Administration. Recently, I landed a Computer Technician Job and its been a very valuable experience to be working in the same field I am going to college for. Its like a jump start to the learning process. I came from a poor family and if I were to graduate from college I would be the first one to do so in a long time out of my family. I would make my parents proud, which gives me even more reason to graduate and get a good job. I plan to keep progressing with a Bachelors degree and even maybe a Masters Degree.

I know my parents would like me to say that I'm getting the best education around (which I am) but I feel like I'm also getting so much more than that as well. Here at my school I feel like I've gotten community. Going to such a small school made it easier to make friends and get to know people, whether that be in the classroom or in my dorm. I'm only in my sophomore year but I have already found some of my best friends, a rare and wonderful thing. This has been valuable because not only will I leave college a little bit smarter (or maybe even a lot smarter if we're lucky), I will have left college with some of the greatest people I've ever known. The community I have gotten from college really will stick with me for a lifetime, I can't imagine who I would have been in four years had I not attended a university. I have grown not only intellectually, but emotionally as a person. The Taylor entering college will not be the same as the Taylor graduating from college.

I have recieved a relationships closer to God by attending this school. It is hard to go through chapel, however getting myself up and going almost every single day has strengthened my relationship with God. It has been a blast to attend this school the teachers are great and we have a lot of fun in classes. I have learned a lot of valuable information, but it is not just educational things i have learned. Other things such as community, and fellowship have also proven to be valuable to learn about.

Abilene Christian University offered a unique small college experience. I was able to obtain a degree in 4 years while also participating in many activities that interested me. I was able to be near my family but was able to fully experience campus life and living on my own while attending college. I made many friends that I still keep in touch with today, and I was mentored by many of my professors. I consider the university I attended to be like a second home, I was close to most of my professors and enjoyed the smaller classroom atmosphere.

When I attended school in the past I experienced many things. One thing that I experienced was that it was a whole new world of meeting new people. Also. learning so much from my proffessors in my classes was a whole new wonderful experience of knowlege. I am wanting to go back to continue my dream of having a career. I believe it's never to late. that has been my goal in my life after my children were grown and I wanting to make that happen. Criminal justice is what my major is going to be. I got accepted at I.U.P.U.I

As a biochemistry major at ACU I feel that I have been blessed by some of the most knowledgeable and sincere professors in the field - my success on the standardized tests I have taken is a testament to their influence. In addition to the superior education I believe I have received at ACU, I have also greatly broadened my cultural horizons. I have become involved with many international students from countries all over the world including Madagascar, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Cambodia, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and so many more. Having lived in Texas my entire life, these new friends are opening my eyes and extending my interest to the happenings of their countries. This past year there were violent power struggles in Madagascar which my Malagasi friends were eager to enlighten me about. My Cambodian friend has educated me about the Khmer Rouge and successive civil wars within his country. This culturally diverse group is not just a club or a hobby, but my closest friends. We are all learning so much from eachother outside of the classroom; I believe that these friends will further my personal development as much as ACU's academic curriculum.

I have gotten a great education, and have been prepared for the future, and whatever that may bring. I have learned how be bold and outstanding in every job I will ever have. I have made friendships that will last a life time, and have had mentors that will never be forgotten because of the lessons they taught me

My college experience so far has yielded more opportunities then I ever imagined. I never expected to have so many wonderful growth opportunitie and exciting experiences in the short amount of time I have been here. From the first day of orientation I have been surrounded by loving and caring people who are genuinely interested in my education and my success. Even professors in other degree programs are concerned with my well being. I have never enjoyed learning as much as I do here, everyday I receive both a wonderful education and a comfortable friendly home.

My parents divorced a few years ago so i decided to move out. I moved to orange county to iive with my grandparents. I use to think orange county was full of arrogant, self-centered snobs until i started college. i was able to meet so many different types of wonderful people! I even made friends from college that i know i'll have for a life-time. College has given me a different out-look on life and on my own community because i have seen different people, and have learned of different oppurtunities! I met a girl named Maggie two semesters ago that was in my anthropolgy class. Maggie told me about a study abroad program she was in. She told me it changed her life and that she has a new appreciation for the different types of people in this world and the different cultures. I have been so interested in studying abroad, I research different types of study abroad programs and it absolutely intrigues me. I live check to check so a HUGE helping hand would be the best thing in the world! Please make my dreams become reality! Thank you!

During the time I have been here at Abilene Christian University, I have made many new Friends and experienced classes that will prepare me for the future. I am here to get a good education in order to qualify for a well paying job. I have learned how to write and what I will need to know for my major. It is great to attend a college that is away from home and in an area where I can study and focus on school. My experience so far has been wonderful and most helpful in preparing me for the real world.

I would do more ap classes and i would have done more community service.

I would tell myself to creat better studying habits. I had to learn how to study more efficiently, and in a shorter amount of time. I would also be more disciplined in applying for scholarships. I never realized how much college actually cost, plus living expenses. If i had worked harder to find scholarships, I would have been able to relieve my parents of some financial stress. Finally, the best advice i could give myself would be to take more college credit classes before even coming to ACU. Not only would it have reduced the cost, but I could have had the chance to get a head start on my psychology classes.

I would say, "Autumn, knowing what I know about college life now, I have to tell you something. Stop worrying. You're moving away from home, and contrary to what you're thinking, your family can take care of themselves. Be there for your siblings emotionally and psychologically, but the constant worry and time spent driving back home isn't worth it. All that worry does is let your grades slip and reduce your social life. College is about you, so enjoy it. Another thing is never forget to love with your whole heart, forgive those who hurt you for your own sake, and don't be afraid to cry. Last, but not least, you will search for yourself here, and eventually find out who you truly are, and it will be a hard journey. But life is hard, and college is a big step. Everyone has a moment in life where they ask who they are and what their purpose is, it's okay that you do too. And that's the main thing, Autumn, you don't have to always be so strong. It's time to stop trying to pretend you're invincible all the time."

Going back in time to prepare myself for college would be amazing. I would tell myself to get ready for some of the following life-changing experiences. First, hang out with different types of people. I left high school with a boyfriend that I spent all my time with and I spent very little time with friends. I would tell myself to hang out with my friends even more so that the transition is smoother. I would have known and hung out with so many more people at the beginning of the semester if I had kept in touch with my friends. Next, be prepared to meet new and awesome people. I may have known people at college, but I did not want to hang out with them. I have a constant group of girls that are amazing friends! Then, be where you are. Do not live in the past. It may be alright to visit the past but do not stay there because amazing opportunities are waiting to be embraced. Last, do not plan too much. Planning can keep up certain walls and boundaries that need to be moved. These are only a few things. There is much more!

I think that if I could give advice to my high school senior self, I would encourge myself to establish independence. I would take responsiblity for tasks such as laundry and spend more time learning about managing money and time from my parents. The biggest shock of starting college wasn't the schoolwork, but rather being forced to live on my own without my family. Freedom can be exiciting, but it is also overwhelming. I think that if I had tried to ease myself into independence, it would have made the transition into college easier.

To be yourself. Enjoy the thrill of getting to know people and not be afraid. Don't dwell on what people think of you. Be comfortable in your own skin and get involved as much as possible. Manage your time as best as you can, but also give yourself time to hang out with friends, but do it wisely.

If I could write a letter to myself I would tell myself three important things. The first is that the school officials are there to help you. The transition is a hard one but if you realize when you need help and ask for it, most often you can get the help you need. The university is in the business of getting you through colege, if you do your part, they will do theirs to help you. Second is that you can never go back home to the way it was in highschool. When you travel home your family and house will feel different, and they will be. It is okay, just part of the growing process. Calling someone back home can help you stay connected with your hometown until you are over the growing pains. It is okay to let go of old friends and make new ones as you learn how to be in the world. Third is to go to class! College may feel like the ultimate freedom but you are using someone's money to be there, so spend it wisely. You may feel free but you are still being held acocuntable for your actions.

Entering a new phase of life can be exciting, scary, and overwhelming simultaneously. There are few words that can be expressed to define the emotional rollercoaster you are sent on whenever you enter into adulthood and consider the reality of being on your own. As you look ahead to the years that face you, you have to make many decisions that seem bigger than Goliath against David. When your head begins to rush at the thought of going somewhere distant without the shelter of your hometown, just breathe. Through the entire process of deciding how many excruciating hours you may have to study to make the grade you hope for on required testing, while sitting and looking at the mail paraphernalia sent to you from the uncountable amount of schools, and when your mom fights back the tears at seeing the success you have achieved, never forget to be grateful for everything you have and never let yourself become inundated. When you are forced to consider whether you should leave the town you have known or become to know, follow your heart, not your head. Ultimately, relax and trust your own best judgment, you may impress yourself.

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, I would make sure that I go to college with confidence! In college, I have made many friends, but I have missed a few opportunities to be social because of a lack of confidence. I would tell my high school self to remember that when I am confident and introduce myself to new people I have the chance to make a new friend. People aren't looking down on me, but quite the opposite. When I am confident I make a good first impression.

College is expensive and if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and really before probably as a freshman I would tell myself to listen to my parents and fill out whatever scholarships I could. Sure, it is hard for students to find the time to work on filling out a lengthy application and take the time to sit down and write an essay, but the time spent will be well worth it. In fact, the time you spend to apply for a scholarship will be way more profitable than an entire summer spent babysitting, mowing lawns or working at the local grocery store. I would also remind myself to never slack off and also to use my time wisely. Every minute that passes by is an opportunity to accomplish something or get ahead, because you never know what will happen. Sleep when it is time to sleep, work when it is time to work and play when it is time to play. It is a motto that I wish I had learned long ago and would absolutely tell my high school self, because it applies to every aspect of life.

There would be three points of advice that I would tell myself as a high school senior. The first point of advice would be to RELAX and enjoy the chance you have to meet new people, learn new information and explore life in another area. College is the opportunity of a lifetime! Thus, release all worries, because they do nothing besides make everything worse, embrace the new lifestyle, and experience ta new journey filled with success. Next, EXPLORE every opportunity you have to step out of your comfort zone and experience something new. Get involved in clubs and social events. Share your life with the people around you. When you explore different opportunities around you, you will experience life with a different perspective and meet people who will change your life forever. Finally, never be ashamed or embarressed to ASK FOR HELP. Everyone you meet will be a connection to something, and opportunities always arise through those connections. Ask for help with financial aid, ask others who have been through the same experience or get together with another student for some assistance. Someone will always have an answer to your questions...but only if you ask. Good luck!

Looking back at my senior year in high school, there are several tips I would have given to myself. I would have told myself to apply for all scholarships that are available to me, even though I had decided to go to the local community college. I would also have told myself not to settle for something that was close and inexpensive, just for that reason. I would have told myself to look into colleges based on what I wanted to do, not just the college that my friends are attending. One final piece of advice I would give myself would be to go for your dreams. I wish that I would have started out as an education major instead of deciding on a major that would yield a very high-paying job. I was miserable the first two years because I was not doing what I loved. These pieces of advice would have made my life easier, if someone had given them to me in my senior year of high school.

The advice I would give myself is firstly, try to know your roommate before you get there. Secondly, don't bring unnecessary personal items, because the dorm gets crowded quickly. Thirdly, don't be afraid to make friends, and don't be shy in class, becuase teachers like participation. Fourthly, if you have a question, whether it be directional or a question about the topic in class, ask it!! Lastly, stay friends with the people who care about you and lift you up, and try to stay away from the drama!

i wish i would have told myself to take duel-credit courses instead of AP classes. though the AP classes helped, i wish i could have started college with some credit already. i would have liked to have been able to tell myself to save all the money that i could because money goes by fast if you are not careful. and definitely should have taken the SAT and ACT more times to get higher scores to get more scholarship money because those test scores count more than you think they do. doesn't necessarily matter what kind of grades you make in high school, but what you get on those tests.

Take advice from your family and religious leaders, and friends and counsellors. However, remember in the end it is your life and your decision. Don't let outside people influence your decision because if you are going to a particular college because of the other people who are going, or because that is where great-grandpa and grandpa and dad and brother all went, or because you are following that special someone, you will be dissappointed. Follow your heart and find a place where you fit, but more importantly find a place that fits you.

I would tell myself to concentrate on my goals. There are a lot of distractions, especially in college, so i would say that staying focused is very important. I also think that studying is the most important thing you should do because it can make or break you. And don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people because at the beginning of school you might feel alone or shy,but this is a time for you to be who you want to be so meet people and experience things. Don't let the work stress you out, just manage your time properly and don't procrastinate because it feels a lot better when your work is done and you aren't staying up late writing papers. Finally i would say to give your one hundred percent in everything you do because this is a time for you to reach your dreams and goals

As a high school senior, I automatically assumed that money would be easy access to me because of my family's financial standing and how large of a family I have. I have learned that nothing ever comes easy without a little hard work. First, I would discuss money. I would tell myself to look harder for grants and scholarships because there is a lot of money out there, it's just a matter of finding it. I would tell myself to take every opportunity that came around no matter how big or small. It's an opportunity. I would also tell myself to work harder over the summer so that I would be able to put in a little extra if I needed to. I would say that one of the problems was not that I was putting my standards too high and missing, but that I chose to lower them and I met them. I would advise myself to work during college because there are so many extra things to pay for such as phone bills, car payments, clothes, groceries and more. I would say that God, hard work, and determination is the key to being successful.

I would tell my young naive awkard and scared self to not be afraid. Don't let fear or inferiority hold you back. You deserve a great education and don't let anyone tell you any thing different. Even though you do deserve a great education you still must earn it and work for it. I would tell her to start her scholarship search early and to take the SAT's mmore than once and at least try the ACT at least once. I would tell her to never procrasinate and get a job on campus as soon as possible. I would tell her I love you and don't you doubt it for a second! I would tell her not to be shy. Just go for it! I would tell her to never go anywhere without your bible you never know when you made need words of wisdom, love, hope, and joy. I would tell her God is listening even when you don't listen to Him. Last but not least I would tell my shy, awkard, scared self that everything will be okay and it will all work out.

I would say to myself, "John don't get discouraged when things dont go your way. No matter what you have to stick with it and do your best." The past two years have been really hard. I have seen three very good friends die from cancer and one die from a car accident. To top it off my good friend has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. So lately i have felt like giving up because, its just hard to go to school full time with all of this weighing down on me. I know that graduating collage is something i have to do, and nothing is going to stop me from doing it. Sure things are bad for me right now, but these struggles are just things that will make me stonger. That is as long as i give everything i have every single day. Like i say there is not one single thing that is going to stop me from graduating collage, it may take me longer than four years like most folks, but as long as i graduate...well that's something to be proud of. You can look back and say i did that.

When I started my college adventure I was tested to see if I could trust the life God had planned for me. I didn't know what to expect academically, I didn't know who I would be friends with, and most importantly I didn't know who I would rely on. I learned very quickly that God had some exciting things planned for my life. He blessed me with amazing friends, and an easy work load for my first semster and he taught me to rely on him for strength and guidance. When deciding where you should go to school know that everything will be fine and everything will work out for the best. Just visit schools that you are interested in and you will know when you have found the right one. Don't worry about the little things like who will you be friends with or whether or not you can succeed, find a school that shares similar beliefs that you do and that has curricular activities you enjoy. All things will work out for the best and you will have the time of your life.

I would say that money is going to get very, very tight in the following years, and should choose a career that I feel very passionate about, but know that in order to get there, there will be financial worry for both my parents and I. There is a sense of urgency because of the new need for loans and it will be excruciately hard to pay them back. However, a plan must be made. Do you want to be an art teacher? A graphic designer? A fashion designer? I know that I have excellent artistic skill, but what do I want to do with it? The professors will be a big help in pointing out the right direction to go, and just because everybody else is taking or pursuing a certain career field, that does not mean that I have to do it too. It will be very difficult finding a job that makes me happy, but the satisfaction of knowing that I have found one will be the greatest thing ever.

College is a an incredible opportunity to have freedom and learn about subjects that will have a more direct impact on your future than high school courses. During this time it is crucial to be open and willing to try new things and meet a variety of new intelligent and wonderful people. At the same time it is important to have clear goals and expections of yourself academically, spiritually, and socially. In college there is a vast array of choices to make. This can be overwhelming but it is also a great time for self discovery. Do not try to have a solid idea about how things are going to be. Maintain your foundational beliefs, but let other details sink in. Do not be afraid to challenge and analyze new and old concepts. Do not take any part of your experiences for granted.

Never give up. After high school, life changes dramatically. You are in an unfamiliar place both physically and emotionally. You do not know what to expect. Things will take time to get used to but do not ever give up.

I would tell my self that senior-itiz is not an option. Studying will get you through anything. Surround yourself with people who have goals beacuse, if people dont have goals, they willtry to bring you down. And never give up!

Always be your own person, and be a leader.

Simply learn where the financial aid really is and don't go to a school where they seem unwilling to help you in that area. My biggest source of stress at Abilene Christian has never been the school work or the friendships or dealing with extracurriculars, it's been figuring out how to find the money when it's time to register for classes and I still have a financial hold on my account that won't allow me to register. I just wish there was an easier way to get enough money. I have more than $24,000 in scholarships, grants, and loans, and yet somehow my family is still have to sell stuff around the house to scrounge up the money to pay for the rest of just this semester. I just wish I could've known exactly how much money I needed ahead of time.

Don't second guess your instincts about what to major in. You were right the first time! Also, relax about making friends - it takes time, but you'll find your niche. Study hard and reward yourself with something fun when you do well. And- do something exciting over the summers!

Work hard, play hard

Don't give up! You are so great, and no matter WHAT they say, you are the BEST!!! You really need to step it up, because the feeling at the end of the year, when your so scared that they made a mistake, that you really arent supposed to be sitting in that seat, is so scary. You may have failed a few classes the last few years, but you can totally do so much better! ACU is great, and everyone will love you there. Start getting good study habits NOW, it will benefit you so much in the future. I love you self. And so does God. He is there for you, and will always be, no matter what, God has got your back.

Apply for more scholarships!!! its more expensive than you realize.

The advice that I would give to myself would be about independence and freedom. I would tell myself that college is a time where you are able to establish yourself, apart from the 18 years you spent under your parents' roof. This independence and freedom opens up a door for responsibilty. What you choose to do with that responsibility is up to you. However, you must be ready to deal with the consequences of your actions, both good and bad. In college, there will be many distractions that try to pull you away from your end goal (graduation). The key is not to let these distractions get the best of you. You must learn how to balance your academic career with your social interests. Independence is a great thing to have, just as long as you know how to use it to the best of its ability. If you can figure out how to do that, you'll be better prepared for what lies ahead.

I think I would tell the student to get involved as much as possible and ALWAYS go to class even if there isn't an attendance policy. Even if you're tired, because you will feel so much less stressed by simply showing up to class. Parents, let your child choose the school. Putting too much input in will make them feel pressured. This is there life experience so let them choose. Students find a place that will let you study what you want to study. Also, find a place that you would fit into socially. Colleges have different reputations so make the most of that and decide what kind of people you would fit in with. VISIT the schools you like and dislike. Sometimes you wont know until you are in the environment. Parents give support even if they are choosing somewhere you would rather them not go to. Something for both is to be greatful that you or your child gets the opportunity to further yours or their education!

Look for a university that you feel comfortable at and that offers what you are looking for in academics and community. Listen to what God is telling you and follow His leading.

Definitely to VISIT the school. Meet the professors in their perspective field(s). Ask a million and one questions. Try the food out. Travel around the neighborhoods. Find out where the hottest hang out spots are. Briefly interview grads and undergraduates. Meet the president of the University if possible. You would want to know EVERYTHING. Most of all KNOW THE MISSION of the school. VISIT more than 5 schools to get a good taste of the variety available. Keep notes and pictures to remember accurately before making decisions. Also take well note of where you or the perspective student will receive the most financial aid/benefits. Lastly, HAVE CONFIDENCE in the decisions you make!

To start looking for schools early and apply for all financial aid you can.