Albion College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Michael

Oh, jeez. Man, you have got to grow up a little bit. I know your life is hard, there are a lot of things you've been through and stuff will get even more rough for a while. But don't let a fuzzy, idealistic version of the future make you feel safe. That GPA needs work and this is the rest of your life we're talking about. Don't be lazy, excel. Set concrete times and ignore the girlfriend until you're done. You're smart, I know you are. You're me. But being smart doesn't get anywhere by itself. You have to prove it. Discipline is so important. And get involved. So many opportunities exist in extracurriculars: for scholarships, for friends, for self-fulfillment. Take a second and realize that, for the most part, nobody is watching and even fewer people will bother to judge. Open your heart, and your mind will follow.

Kathleen

I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity that is placed before me, to stay out late with great friends, and don't judge a book by its cover. Remember that people change, college is a transition period, and you have to roll with the punches. Also, don't rely on anyone else to make you happy, and don't try to hold on to high school love when it's not real anymore. When things get rough and don't go the way you plan, look for the what's next rather then dwelling in the past. Finally, I would remind my self that you don't regret the things you do, just the things you don't.

Katie

You will do most of your work outside of class. Class is not where you learn, it is where you go over what you don’t understand from briefing the material beforehand. ASK questions when you don’t understand, before falling behind. It is your job now, not your roommate, your professor’s, or your parent’s job to keep you true to your work and your grades. If you feel comfortable with your workload, find an easy job second semester. Adjust to your life away from home first before you load your plate with responsibilities. Don’t freak out about the future. You have four ears to figure that out. Experience everything you can, take some crazy chances and have fun. Find a group of friends you can trust. Your roommate is a good place to start, but your roommate might not always be you think they are. Don’t get caught up in the drama that will still be ever-present. Be the bigger person when you can and don’t boast about it. It’s better than holding grudges, being in fights, and staying unhappy. You will make mistakes again and again, just learn from them.

Cristina

I would tell myself to take advantage of the early college programs my highschool offered which could possibly lead me to graduating with my high school diploma AND my associate degree all together. I would also tell my self to start searching for scholarships as soon as my senior year started, instead of procrastinating during the final month of my senior year. I would also tell myself that my G.P.A is very important, and could help me get into a better, prestigouse school.

mychal

As a high school Senior knowing what i do today, i would have taken the time to explore my interests and find what i would enjoy doing as a potential choice of career. Upon narrowing my choices down to a handful of paths, i would then have made my best attempt at finding a fit school for me. Based upon things such as price, location, offered majors etc. After settling on what colleges i would apply to i would definitely have taken the time to find as much financial aid as possible whether it be via FAFSA or scholarships such as this one. I knew from the begining money is not easy to come by, therefore i made the decision to attend a community college over a 4 year not due to grades but cost. My goal still is to graduate a 4 year university, however i would like to have as little debt as possible.

Ashley

Go with your gut. If you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} confident and willing to back your choice up, reconsider. Do what's best for you in the long run.

Lindsay

You’re hurting. You don’t feel like you’ll ever be good enough. Seeing it written down on paper, you’re probably a bit ashamed for being such a typical teenager; you want to transcend both cliché and your own emotions. But listen to me: how you are feeling right now is valid. In addition, you won’t feel this way forever. Please, don’t become too cynical and self-aware to have fun. When you get to college, indulge in all of the silly “icebreaker” games. Don’t expect yourself to be immediately transformed by your new status as a college student – give it time, and you will do things that will surprise you, like joining a sorority (don’t buy into the stereotypes, by the way), giving speeches, and becoming treasurer of your school’s feminist organization. You are not useless, even though you feel powerless against all of the changes you are facing. Just let it be. There will be times where you will make a fool out of yourself, but don’t dwell on your mistakes. Don’t worry about success – it will come. Be patient and enjoy yourself because you deserve to be happy.

Alyssa

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would be able to give myself a lot of advice about the transition into college after completing my freshman year. I would definitely tell myself that college is nothing like high school. In college, the homework is different, you have to be organized, manage your time correctly, and be thorough in everything that you do. There is no giving half of your effort and getting a good grade, and there is no missing an assignment because you "left it at home" and being able to turn it in the next day. You have to be fully and completely focused in what you are doing, whether it is reading, doing a math problem, writing a paper, or studying for an exam; You cannot be focused fifty percent. If you do all of this, you will succeed.

Raysha

I would tell myself to be preapred for one of the most amzing experiences of your life. That meeting new poeple and coming to Albion will be fantastic and not to worry about it so much. I would also tell myself to take better notes. And to make sure that I raise my hand when I have a question or a comment because it will appericated and will add greatly to the learning experience. Make sure to read, because there is a reason your preofessors are assigning it. It might be boring and tideous now, but in next semester's classes and even years down the road, or even in a conversation you'll be having next week, it will be relevent. And lastly, not to stress out too much. It falls into place most of the time. And if it doesn't, then it wasn't meant to be that way. It might seem like generic answer, but this advice would have helped a lot.

Halley

Relax; be calm; everything will go smoothly. Be yourself; be friendly. Before going into college I was so panicky that nothing would go well - I had heard a few horror stories about students failing out of college because they couldn't handle the work load. Would I be one of those individuals? Even though I received good grades in high school, college would be completely different. However, my grades turned out very well; I received a 3.85 first semester. I spent so much time worrying about whether or not I would do okay in college and as it turns out, I did fine. I also spent a fair share of time being anxious about not finding friends: I am going to a college where I did not know anyone before coming. I was so nervous that with all the free time college is supposed to contain, I would not have anything to do. This also turned out not to be the case – my roommate ended up being a great friend as well as some of the other students we met. I would have told myself to be much calmer going into school and less fearful.

Megan

I have learned that I choose my own future and that is it up to me to work hard at my goals and dreams.

Brittany

Throughout my college experience, just when I think that I have learned it all, I learn more. Not just academically, but also socially. I have made friends here that have allowed me to see the world in a completely different way than what I was raised with. The teachers at my school are unlike any I ever even knew existed. They are passionate about their field and about teaching and from them I have learned that you can be successful while pursuing your passion. Through my teachers and my friends I have learned how to assert myself as having a place in this world and show that I have something to offer.

Jennifer

I am planning on starting college in December 2010 an Kaplin University online. My life is at a stand still and going to college will help me get my life started. People in general get better jobs with a college degree, and that is my goal. I want to be a productive member of society and college will help me do that.

Christy

I feel attending and completeing college shows you have what it takes to do a job that your applying for. Being a graduate shows you have the drive to finish what you start. Not only will I get a degree I will have the selfesteem to succeed.

Maishah

College is my everyday home. I love the surroundings and the people. I love being at my college, and will transfer to a 4 year university in the Fall. College is very valuable to me as an aspiring doctor. I hope to be that and much more when I graduate.

Aubrey

I have grown so much since going to Albion. The professors really care about helping me understand my classes. They practically beg me to come to their office hours to ask questions. My major is in Biology, and the professors in that department, even if they are not my professors, will help me with my work. There are also a ton a clubs and student groups to join. I personally am involved in at least six clubs. I am in a bee club where we set up bee hives on campus and collect the honey to sell to students and staff. We started the group to help counteract the rapidly declining bee population around the world, and being part of the club feels great.

Courtney

Thus far out of my college experience, I have gained the knowledge and determination I need to get me to the next chapter in my life which would be transferrng to a university to recieve my teaching degree. I believe education is one of the most important instruments in life to help one exceed and have the succesful future one dreams of. That is partly the reason I have chosen to stick with education as my major. I have experienced many hardships throughout my life but have still been able to attend college in hopes of reaching my goals in the end. College is so valuable to me because I believe it opens many doors for me and provides me with the chance at a healthy and exciting future. Accomplishing your goals is much easier through college and the possibilities are endless. Learning new things and being dedicated to something helps build character and responsibility which also leads to a succesful future. No one in my family has attended school past the high school diploma level which makes me proud to say I will be the first to recieve a college degree and reach all of my goals.

Brandon

The biggest this I’ve got out of my college experience is, be responsible! This is nothing like high school. Your teachers are not going to baby you into coming to class or doing your work. Another thing I learned is to make smart decisions. You can get yourself into a lot of situations if you don’t make smart decisions. Your mother and father aren’t around to tell you what’s wrong and what’s right. So you have to leave it up to yourself to stay out of trouble. The college experience has mad me in to an all around better person. I’ve also learned to study work harder and manage my time better. This has not only affected my school life, but also my social life. I’ve learned to balance fun with studies. Therefore I can be successful throughout my life. Anybody who says they don’t want to go to college I would advise them to change their mind.

keiry

Well I'm a freshmen so I haven't really gone through much but the process of how I got here is a very difficult one. I've been a college student for about 3 weeks now and class is definitely a challenge which of course is a good thing because here at Albion we are " always thinking "

Amy

My take away from my college experience was a lesson in choosing the right lender and working whenever possible to cover expenses. It has taught me that every dollar counts and creating a financial plan that accounts for potential emergencies. Learning this was pivotal in my personal life. Being a major in Anthropolgy and Sociology taught me that not every study truly shows what it sets out to explain and not every legislative policy really reaches the ends it is purported to do so. This background has also taught me that creative policies created by the people who the policies will apply to are usually the most successful in reaching the goals of the policy. I have taken this policy and used it to my benefit in my legal studies by questioning the rules and stautes I apply daily. By questioning these laws I may serve my future clients, and the nation, by overturning unconstitutional and unjust laws. That is a very valuable skill that I am grateful to have obtained.

Alyssa

I have learned how valuable an education is to success in the future. Going to a school that is full of studnets from different backgrounds and ethnicities has allowed me to view things more openly. I have also learned the value of money and how my hard work for my education and my family is essential to success in the future.

latasha

I learn that with discipline and perservance is the keep to success. I want to address this question to when i attended Virginia State University because there was alot of things that i experience without having to do my academics. In college u see the reality of life especially when u or family never had any insight of how difficult things could be. My family and i was in a situation where we found ourselves in debt and almost foreclourse on our home of the lack of knowledge about college. After, taking a semester off and joining the military i learn how to teach myself and learn the neccessary things i needed to know about college. So has it been valuable to attend yes, everything that i have learn i apply it to my life on a daily basis.

Lindsey

So far, my college experience has been different than what I expected. I've realized my potential in some areas, what I succeed at in other areas, and what are not my strengths. I've met people, classmates and professors, who have shown me that hard work and perserverance do pay off. I've also met people who have shown me how to do act. I am opening my world to so many different opportunities that I would have never dreamed of before. After being with the same people all throughout high school, college is like starting over. There's more people to meet and more friends to make. Although I knew it was going to be difficult and I was going to be busy all the time, receiving a good grade, or winning a basketball game, or being accpeted for a job are still just as rewarding as I can remember, if not more. It's forced me to test myself and question what I believe in. This is a good thing and it helps me learn more and more about myself.

Michelle

My college experience has been one of best years of my life so far. College has really opened up my eyes and made me realize that this is a necessity for my future. While college does have its social perks, allowing for you to make new friends and join new clubs, it is also a time to increase my skills of time management and keeping my commitments. Having a lot on my plate has really made me buckle down and schedule out my priorities. My favorite part of college is being able to join so many groups that appeal to my interests. By joining Union Board, I have made so many friends while providing fun entertainment for my school and community. Also by joining Intervarsity Christian, I am able to confide in my peers about religious matters that I may not be able to handle on my own. My favorite part outside of school is the experience of living on my own. I would recommend living on campus because you get a sense of living on your own while still having the comfort of a roommate. I couldn?t get these experiences anywhere else.

Amanda

Assuming that I could go back in time and counsel myself as to where to go to college or how to make the often-difficult transition into college life, I would tell myself four important things. First, I would tell myself that every college is going to seem confusing on the first visit, so to make sure to visit them more than once. Second, I would advise myself to make a list of the things that are most important to me, and to do ample research to eliminate as many colleges as possible without visiting them. There is no need to visit a college that does not have the major I am interested in, for example. Thirdly, after choosing which college to attend, I would encourage myself to bring numerous pictures from home of my family and friends, which would give me a sense of comfort in my new home. Last but not least, knowing that I am a shy person, I would tell myself to open up to people and be friendly- not be afraid to talk to people and to make friends. The first few weeks of school, everyone is looking for new friends.

Dannette

If I could go back in time ad talk to myself as a senior, knowing what I know now I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. You can't wait to the last minute to do assignments and expect good grades. You have to pace yourself and put your best effort in all that you do. Although, my grades were not bad they were not what I wanted them to be because I procrastinated a lot. If I didn't procrastinate like I did I would have had all a's instead of 2 a's and 2 b's.

Jessica

I would advise myself to not get expect college to be the same as high school was. Be prepared for tougher classes and to spend most of your time studying. Do your best to be outgoing and make friends in your freshman year. If you miss the opportunity to join groups and make friends college will not be as fun. While in college take time to find yourself and stay true to your beliefs. Your education is important, but you do not have to prefect to get a job. College is not easy but if you set your mind to it you can achieve your goals, but do not forget to have some fun too.

Jake

If I could go back and talk to myself as a High school senior I would probably tell myself to soak up as much of the experience in High school as you can especially the athletic aspect, because when its all said and done you really truly miss playing on that field every friday night infront of a packed football stadium. Also I would tell myself not to panic about going in and now knowning anyone because you are going to meet new people and make new friends and it will not be as hard as you think. Also I would tell myself to be sure to study and keep up on your studies so that you get a good G.P.A. and get a degree.

Kameron

Kameron, when it comes to college you need to remember that you are not competing with the people around you like in high school when your main focus was to be at the top of the graduating list. In college you are in competition with yourself, because you hold the power to make yourself stronger or break yourself down. When you move into the dorms and start to attend class, don't play and work later, instead you need to change your high school tyoe mindset and become a worker first and a player second. College is a whole different experience that you haven't had yet and because of that you need to take this bull by the horns as soon as you walk into the arena. So what I am trying to say here Kameron is that you need to go into college prepared to work and not with that same high school mind otherwise, you will be eaten alive by the stress.

Anthony

One key piece of advice that I would give myself would be to think carefully about which I should pursue instead of choosing one that sounded appealing. In the beginning of the college year, I came in thinking that I wanted to go premed when my passion lies in the psychology field. Another piece of advice i would give my high school self is not to be concered about making friends in college. I am the only one from my high school that came to Albion College. I would say that i have many good friends at Albion and that i am happy that i chose to come to this college.

Chelsea

Knowing what I know now about college life, I'd give myself alot of advice about making the transition. First and formost, I would tell myself that I should not be afraid of what other people think. Talking and participating is much more fun and makes you a much more enjoyable and friendly person to be around. Everyone is in the same boat as you and is just as nervous about the transition as you are. Not to mention, although your education is the same place as your social life, you should make the decision to set aside time for each one so that you do not los focus with your academics ad you ill still have time for other activities. College is an exciting time and you should be well organized and prepared.

Anna

College gives you a chance to find yourself, but don?t forget who you were before. Be flattered by attention, but don?t get caught up in it. You will meet so many wonderful people throughout your college experience, so don?t let yourself become dependent on one person because that person may end up breaking your heart. Be sure to stand up for yourself. It?s hard, but standing up for yourself will make others respect you and will also help you gain the confidence you need. Study hard, but remember that grades truly are not everything. That?s a hard lesson to learn, especially for someone who was very academically focused in high school, but if you only focus on doing well in your classes, you?ll miss out on so many valuable opportunities to make friends and socialize. That doesn?t mean you have to attend the frat parties and become a party girl, but make sure that you set time aside to just to have fun. Become involved in campus activities. College provides opportunities learn so much outside of the classroom. Embrace these chances, learn, and love yourself for who you are.

Richard

Make sure you do your research into colleges and universities before you go. This way you will know what type of school you will be getting into. Also, make sure you also know what you want to do with your career path this way you will make an easier path for yourself. Take the time to think about it. Make sure you go back within the first year of graduating high school, because the longer you wait the less you will want to go back. DO NOT let anyone or anything stop you either, stay determined and plow over any obstacle that gets in your way!

Kateland

If I could go back and speak to myself in high school, I would tell myself not to move in with a friend as a roommate, as they can be distracting. I would also tell myself not to give up, to keep fighting and to do my work.

Alexia

The advice I would give myself would be to take the opportunities for class trips. Even though you are shy at first, strive more to involve yourself in activities and participation. Do not be afraid to try rough looking pathways. Trust yourself more and you will realize that your gut reaction is the correct answer. You will change and grow up during the freshman year, and you will be surprised how much for the better the change will do to you. Continue working hard and push for success.

Katherine

I would honestly sit myself down and tell me not to worry so much. It doesn't matter where my friends want to go to school or about that B in a class where I could have gotten an A. It is so much more important to focus on who I am as a person and how I am going to make myself the best self I can become. Even though I made many mistakes, I also was able todo many good things, and, if I let go a little and let myself go with the flow more, I would continue to be able to do great things. I put so much extra stress on myself trying to get into the "perfect" college and worrying about things that I wouldn't be able to change when I just needed to focus on the future.

Katlyn

Don't stress out so much! As a senior, it feels like your whole life is changing. You feel like you will be out on your own with no support, no help when times get tough. This is not true! In only my first semester of my freshman year of college, I have discovered that I may even have more support than I received in high school. Along with parents and friends, in college there is a whole department that is there specifically to help with determining what a student's strengths and weaknesses are and what they can do with these talents. There are departments to help with the transition between living at home and college life. What I didn't know in high school was that EVERYONE is going through the same experience and no one expects you to pick up this new life in a day. Going to college does not mean leaving behind your life at home; it only means finding a way to merge the old and new aspects of your life together into the life you were meant to lead.

Melissa

I would tell myself to become more involved earlier and to step out of my comfort zone. Becoming a more active college student would have made my time at school much more rewarding and less one-note. I would also tell myself to be more enthusiastic and active about my plans for the future, instead of living for just today. That would allow for me to prepare myself better for the next step and not have to spend so many years in transition between the different steps. Procrastination is another factor that I could have done without, and I would make sure to tell myself all the negative effects that come with procrastination. Not only would I have been more on top of my studying, I would have been more proactive about my career path. Overall, I would make sure that I generally a more active college student so I could have gotten the maximum experience that Albion offered.

Demetrius

I would encourage students to never take their education for granted. Hard work is neccessary in order to succeed in and out of the class room. I would stress on reading. Reading is very important. Reading will enhance your learning. Writing skills need to be polished for college. My college requires students to have a high skill set of writing. Practicing your writing skills is very important to become a fluent writing. Being focused on school is the main key. There will be distractions that will cross your path frequently. You have to block out all of the negativity that surrounds you and focus on what is important and that is your studies. Becoming a good student takes a lot of hard work, focus, and determination.

Luke

College is going to be a long road for you. Becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon takes time, but it will all be worth it in the end. It is important to keep your grades up, and always stay focused on your goals no matter how far off or impossible they seem. In the midst of that don't forget to have fun. College is a time to learn about yourself as well as the curriculum. Don't get too caught up in your studies to realize that college is a great time to expand your social life, experience new things, and have fun with some really cool people. Work hard and keep your head up, but don't lose sight of all the other experiences college has to offer. Oh and relax, you're going to be fine.

Raechel

Stay independent! Don't let new interests and social norms pressure you into changing too quickly. Take your time and get to know everyone. Get outside your box and meet everyone!

Kristen

Visit all the colleges that have accepted you and go in open minded. Make a connection with the counseling/admission center so they know what to show off based on your interest.

Tessa

Sign up for everything so you get to meet a ton of new people. Even if you have no interest in canoe club, by going to some of the meetings you might actually find that you like canoing and all of the people in canoe club. Don't base a college decision on where friends are going. Go to the school you actually like. I went to a school where none of my friends met and I met a ton of nice people and really liked the small college atmosphere.

Linette

The most important factor to consider when selecting a college is the amount of intellectual freedom it will allow a student. Everyone involved in the college decision must realize that the next four years will be a life changing experience and regardless how sure an individual believes they wish to study or pursue as a career, it is likely to change. An institution of education should not, therefore, be selected for the specific programs it offers but the extent to which its programs are diverse and interdisciplinary. Liberal Arts schools or schools with an emphasis on general education tend to fit this criteria well and allow a student to make new decisions based on the new information they learn in college without having to delay graduation. It is a wise idea to approach an undergraduate institution the way you would a graduate school: the most important part is not where you study, but who you study with. During a college search students should make an effort to meet and build relationships with proffessors. The place in which the student finds this easiest to do is the place where they will get the best quality education.

Kasey

Find a school that offers a degree you like and activities you enjoy doing and would like to become involved in. College is not about partying, it is about finding who you are what makes you happy. I go to school and Michigan and got involved in whitewater canoeing. I liked the sport, but did not think I would be able to continue. There is no whitewater in Michigan, but the club makes trips all over the country. The most valuable experiences I experienced in college did not come from the class room, they come for interacting with people and trying new things. Remember to pick a college where you can become involved.

Chad

Look for a school that you feel best suits your learning and social style. Don't look for the biggest, most popular school, just focus on somewhere that makes you feel welcome and at home.

Crystal

Visit as many colleges as possible until you find the right one. I got lucky, finding my perfect college at the first try. I visited 2 other schools, but didn't feel as attached to them as my school. The campus was very friendly. You will know when you find the right school. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, know what you're looking for, or ask questions to figure out what you're looking for. Each student is different, so you can't rely on other students' opinions 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Input from others helps, but in the end, you have to determine what you want in a school. As far as making the most of your college experience, go to a lot of social events at first. Even if you're a shy person, it's good to get out, even to join a lot of groups on campus. Experiment with different groups and see what fits you best. Maybe you're the type who likes to be a part of multiple groups, or maybe you're the type who finds that one group who you feel comfortable with. Basically, experiment, experiment, experiment!

Matthew

Let the students choose what they feel is right for them. The parents can help to guide the student towards choosing a school but should not pressure them. Choosing a school because of one program or one activity is a bad idea. Many students either don't get accepted to programs, or drop their chosen activity because it isn't what they thought it would be. Being comfortible in the social setting is just as important as the academic repuation of the school. A student cannot succeed in an environment they are not comfortible in, and are more likely to stay and graduate from one insitution if they feel like they fit into the community.

Caitlin

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Ashley

Find one you can afford. And a school that is similar to the place you've grown up so you don't feel out of place.