Anderson University-Anderson, SC Top Questions

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

Esther

To simply put it, I would tell my high school self to make the most of college. Whether it be a two or four year college, get involved, make friends, and study. Don't be concerned with making other people proud or stress because you are unsure of what you want to do. The more classes you take, the better idea you have at what you are good at and at what interests you the most. Don't worry about graduating in four years with a degree in you won't use, but take your time to figure out what your passion is. Whether college ends up being a good or bad experience, it will ultimately be an experience where you learn the most about yourself, about what you want to do, and about life. Enjoy it.

Rebekah

Do not rush your senior year away or take the importance too lightly. Senior year is about taking it easy but it can also really help prepare you for college. Take time to really study. College is a lot of reading in a textbook, so read the chapters being taught before the teachers teach them. Also, come out of your shell a little bit. Start meeting new people that may be going to the same college as you, and build bonds with them so that you know some people who will be with you next year. Have fun! Do not just study all the time, or stay at home. Celebrate graduation with the people you are graduating with, because soon you may not see them forever. Finally, spend time with your family. They will not be with you everyday and you will miss them, even if you think you won't. They love you and are excited about the next chapter of your life, just like you are.

Elizabeth

In comparison to college, high school was a piece of cake which is something every college freshmen realizes very soon in their journey at a university. High school was more about "the drama" than about academics and most students didn't think about their future after high school. If I could go back to my high school self I would tell myself not to worry about all the petty things of life and to focus on what lies ahead. You can't change your past, you can only live in the present and plan for the future. You should plan for college by studying hard, making above average grades, and researching prospective occupations, but also by enjoying the time you have in high school because it will go by faster than you think.

Lauren

The advice I would give myself is to take the basic classes at first and then wait to decide the program you want to go into. I also would tell myself to go into every situation all the way. I would advise myself to meet new people and to not be afraid to be myself. It has taken me four years to discover who I really am and now I am able to be that person confidently. I would also advise myself to be involved. Even if some of the beginning activities are corny and seem lame I would go back and do them because I think I would have made more friends and became more myself stepping out and doing new things.

Katie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself two very important pieces of advice. First of all, I would tell myself that I cannot expect the people that I meet to have the same morals and values as me. I am a devout Roman Catholic, and I express my faith through my words and actions. In general, I do not agree with the morals and values of today's society. I have met people who do not have any morals and values and people who have tainted morals and values. Second of all, I would tell myself that I cannot expect to be friends with every person that I meet. For example, as hard as I tried, I could not really find a meaningful friendship with my roommate. Sometimes, no matter how hard I tried, I could not relate to some people. Therefore, my pieces of advice would have served me well.

Phillip

Dear Phillip, First of all, I want to let you know that going to Clemson was definitely a good experience. However, do not limit yourself by what you assume is the best path for your life right now. Please, do not make the same mistakes I did and take God our of your life. Trust Him for He is always faithful. Save yourself some heartbreak, and listen to his will in your life. Enjoy your time at Clemson, for next year, you will be at Anderson University! I know what you are thinking now, but trust me, you are much happier at Anderson than you are at Clemson. I want you to promise me, that no matter what, you will always glorify God with your actions. Your roomate receives Christ because you were willing to have an uncomfortable conversation and invite him to Church. In closing, I want to reiterate and promise you that God is always faithful! Trust him! Have fun! You

Jaime

College has been a whirlwind for me. I cannot believe how fast it is flying by. I know that through my college experience already I am a more rounded individual and have grown a greater appreciation for those around me. I have made so many friends and have embraced our differences and likenesses that make us each who we are as unique beings. Anderson University is continually stretching me to my limits to allow me to do by best. Excellence is not just something that is strived for at Anderson University, but it is achieved not only through the students but also through the professors. They are relentless, yet caring. They want to instill the importance of knowledge into our lives, so that when we embark upon our career we are as prepared as any student can be. Some knowlege only comes through experience, but Anderson University gave me the tools I need to succeed in the years to come. I am truly blessed to be a part of the campus body of Anderson University.

Tesla

I've gained so much from my college experience in spite of the negative feelings i have towards my school. I have learned so much about my self and how i think and learn. College is like one big experiment, where if you don't get it right the first time you can always change how you do things and start all over again. I think the most important thing i have taken away from my college experience however is that it's alright not to be right all the time, and straight A's aren't as important as actually learning the material and becoming a better student for your knowledge. College for me is the only time in life where we can make as many mistakes as we need to before we get it all figured out, and no one is judging us because they are all out there making the same mistakes, and learning the same lessons we are.

Maria

I believe that attending college sharpens students to their finest to provide them with a viable edge on a globe dominated by leaders in innovation. I wish to belong to a community of highly intellectual individuals and pioneers of achievements. It would be a great opportunity to expand the borders of my knowledge and skills in is a never-ending process of discovering and understanding. And so, here I stand, geared up for challenge, hungry for knowledge. I long to delve into greater learning and expand my limitations to break boundaries and make the impossible happen whereas my quest for wisdom shall never stop for I believe that even outside the grounds of any institution, there are teachers that I am yet to meet and lessons that are yet to be taught.

Kayala

When you are in high school you think that you are pretty knowledgable and that you can make it in life with just a diploma, well I can tell people a whole different story. I have only been in college for a short time I can already tell that it has changed the way I veiw the world I live in dramatically. College life has made me realize that the world is full of a multitude of different kinds of people, and no im not just saying ethnically.Not only that, the courses I have completed and am taking currently have helped me to understand how to understand and deall with people, for instance; my sociology class has tought me that people have different reasons as to why they act that way such as their family and social back ground. I think that my college experience will open my eyes even more in the years to come. I cannot wait to see just how well the word becomes known to me as i complete my college journey.

Brittanie

I would tell myself to train to study and read a ton. I would prepare better for the work load that I'm about to receive. I would also get in the habit of running or walking. I would tell myself to start branching off from my close friends because when I get to college I'm going to make all new relationships. I would tell myself to start preparing for the responsibilities that I'm going to have as an adult. Mom and dad won't be there to hold my hand in the decisions I make. Last but not least, i would tell myself to learn to differ between what is right and wrong. Now in life is when decisions will really matter and I don't want to mess it up for myself.

Kadeem

I learned a variety of different things my freshmen year in college, like the importance of indepdent study, time management, and the importance of self awareness. All these skills helped me to become a better student, but if I could go back in time a give advice to myself about college it would be to take the college process more seriously. My senior year in high school was spent playing around, and making the grades just to get by, but now I know it's more to life than just getting by. I should have been been listening more to my guidance councilor more about scholarship opportunities. If I listened like I was suppose to who knows how many different awards I could have recieved. Giving this advice to myself whould put me in a better situation than I'm in now, but I am glad I learned the importance of taking higher education more seriously because when I have graduate and recieve my degree I will know how to humble myself on my job.

Chelsey

With roughly three years of college behind me, I was not sure what I wanted to major in due to the fact that I was extremely interested in a broad spectrum of carrers that each required years of schooling. I would illuminate to my "past self" that it is important to smaple or test your possible career choices before committing to a four year (or more extensive) program if it does not make you want to get out of bed every morning. With the wisdom that I obtain today, I would explain the importance of experimenting with what truely makes my heart joyus.

Rachel

If I was to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make myself aware of the transition of living somewhere else. When I first came to college, it didn't really occur to me that I would not be living at home and wouldn't be able to depend on my parents for money or food. I would tell myself to save as much money as you can so you can spend it on food and necessities in college. I would also advise myself not to take for granted home cooked meals. Another thing I would make myself aware of is the fact that college is nothing like everyone says it is. I would tell myself that it is fun, but it has its limitations. For example, you cannot wait to study for a test the night before or wait to do homework at the last minute. You have to become more organized and studious in college. So I would advise myself to be prepared for hard work but also make time for friends and extracurricular activities.

Shantika

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get all the scholorships I can get and to always stay on top of my school work. I would tell myself not to slack off and to not procrastinate so I wouldn't make a habbit of putting off my school work. I would also tell myself not to lose my job because the extra money would be nice. The college life is a great experience. You only get one shot in life so make the best of it!

Adreaunna

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about college, I'd tell myself to be more open to new experiences-so that I get more out of my college experience;, to never be fearful, to get summer jobs, to save more money, mostly by buying books through a textbook rental website.

Dawn

Be serious about education and absorb all you can while you are young. I am an older student beginning my PhD and find myself more tired at times -so work hard as a young adult and get it done early so you can begin making the money you deserve!

Tiffany

Going back in time would make the future so much easier. As a highschool senior I didn't realize just how important studying and taking notes during class would be. Ofcourse the teachers always told us to do our work and to pay attention, but I thought they were just saying that to make us listen to them. Oh goodness how I was wrong! College is on a whole different level then highschool. Things that include more papers and less tests; taking notes during lectures; and the biggest difference... the professors compared to teachers. Although the professors are extremely nice they are extremely peculiar. Some just stand and talk the entire time of class while others don't talk at all and just use powerpoints. So if I could go back in time I would tell myself to actually learn how to take great notes no matter the atmosphere may be. This would help me in ways more than one. Not only would I be able to pay more attention in class, but I would have something visual and well written to have at home when I am ready to start studying. Going back in time would be very beneficial.

Megan

I'd tell myself to learn better study habits. You'll spend most of your days studying so get used to it and learn good study habits. Second, don't worry about how awful the students in high school are. In college you meet amazing people who are just like you and you meet the friends that you've been dreaming of. Don't worry about getting over your ex or trying to find a boyfriend either. Not only is that on the bottom of your list of priorities in college, but you get back with your ex and you two are more in love than ever. Also, prepare your grandma for the separation better. You realize when you leave that your family wasn't ready to let you go. While you're having a good time they're struggling to let you grow up. But most importantly, stop worrying, be prepared for love and friends, and be ready for the truely greatest years of your life.

SANG

when I was senior in high school then I know everything and I could do everything but what I know now , that, I know so little and I can do so much as what I know. I should take time to do things better and have an open mined.

Brooklyn

I would encourage a little more independence. I love being in college and living on campus. But actually being "on my own" for the first time, I needed to learn to make decisions, stand on my own and not to second guess everything. I would have put into practice making sp;it second decision wihtout asking others to help me think it through.

Shelby

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't tell myself anything different. I would tell myself that Anderson Universty is a great college and that I was making a good decision by deciding to attend Anderson. I would tell myself to keep up the good study habits I had developed. And to keep working hard in volleyball practice so I would be in shape when I played in college. I would prepare myself for learning how to manage my time. I would prepare myself for knowing how much I would miss my mom. I love being at college in South Carolina but I definitely miss my mom. It is hard going from having someone right there with you 24/7, to being alone and making your own decisions. I would prepare myself for learning how to manage my money. It is so easy to spend money and shop when you have downtime in college. I would tell myself to find other ways to spend my time then shopping and spending money. I would tell myself that college is an amazing experience and that I would thoroughly enjoy it.

Meredith

Making the decision about where to go for your college education is a major decision. It is important to select a college that is the right fit for you. Do not worry about where your high school friends are going, but pick the college you know is right for you. Most importantly you want to choose the college that has the best program for the major you choose. After all, the purpose of college is to prepare you for a future career. The transition will be a little harder than you think. Academics and managing the work load will not be too dificult. The harder transition is trying to feel at home away from home. In order to make the easiest transition, you need to get involved on campus. Attend different campus ministries, social events, and sports events to meet people that you connect with. Find somewhere where your gifts and talents can be used. If you hang in there for a few weeks, you will have a good community in no time. With this in mind, choose a college that has activities and organizations that you will enjoy being a part of.

Seth

College is a very fun exciting new world to young adults. Entering into an atmosphere where you can make your own decisions is for most students a new experience. However it is very important that before you come to school you set up for yourself goals as well as standards. I say this because many college students come to school not knowing who they are or what they want in life; mainly because they have never thought it out on their own. Perhaps it is the fact that alot of students have been carried through their whole schooling experience on the shoulders of their parents, and never actually taken the steps through life completely on their own. For this reason, alot of moral people come to college and quickly become corrupted; for this reason--they had no direction. Without direction before coming to college it is extremely easy to get caught up in newness of life on your own and the chance to make choices on your own. These choices are very important and can make or break you. Therefore, if I could go back in time I would reitterate to myself the extreme importance of having direction for college.

Kamden

I would tell myself to get rid of the bubble of comfort. It took me a while that I have been living in a bubble and that the world is full of so many different people. I would also tell myself to continue doing the intense basketball training because I was in the best shape ever that year. Most importantly I would tell myself to make sure I talk to my advisors before planning my schedules because even though it is odd to talk to a complete stranger like that they know what you need to be doing.

Alison

Making the transition into college is harder than you think. There will be a moment in time during your first month where you will literally break down and finally understand that you are not at home anymore and that it is time to buckle down. My advice would be to be completely sure of who you are and why you chose the school you will be attending because trials will become apparent and transitioning into a new environment will be difficult. Also, spend as much time as you can with your true friends you have now beacause those long distant phone calls will come in handy in the up coming year. College is an eye opening experience and will really make you appreciate your home and your morals. Stay true to yourself and make the best of your situation. Go out and have fun...this is college and the time flies.

Rebecca

I would of prepared myself more socially. I am not a very outgoing person, so finding friends was difficult. Once I found my group of friends though I was very content. I would also advise myself to gain better study habits because that is something you really need in college. I would of told myself to keep my head up and not be so nervous about graduating and moving out of the house, because so far in college I have had some of the best experiences in my life and I know that there are many more to come. College by far beats high school.

Katie

Find a place where you feel comfortable and you know you'd enjoy the campus. Not all places appeal to everyone. If you don't like large groups go to a smaller college but if you enjoy larger classes going to a larger state school wouldn't be a bad idea. It's always important to know what you potentionally want to do, but that will greatly help you decide on a school as well. Money is an issue and can prevent you from going to places. That doesn't mean you shouldn't look into financial aid or grants or scholarships, but don't bite off more than you can chew. You may have your whole life to pay off college but who wants thatn hanging over their head as they start a career? Thousands upon thousands of dollars they will owe to their school. Be smart and know that this experience will last a lifetime and you will grow and learn more than a the curriculum states.

jennifer

Make sure to visit the campus. Get a thorough tour and speak with as many professors or staff members as possible. Try and ask students other questions such as, "What do you do for fun?". Make sure you look at every dorm. Always have band-aids. Storage containers. Get involved.

christa

Look for a college to best suit YOU. YOU are the only that will be there and YOU are the one that will be growing academically, emotionally, and mentally. Parents should support their child's descision and the student should respect their parent's wishes, as well, especially if they are providing any kind of finanical aid! Anderson University was the best school for me.

Isaac

Instead of asking the tour guide and asking the admissions office workers, go there and visit with some students and talk to them about what they think about the school, preferably upper classmen.

Torri

Pray about it

Heather

"Go with your gut" when deciding on which college is right for you. Once you're there, get involved, but don't forget that you're there to get an education.

Lindsay

I would advise any student to make sure that the school has a good job placement record. This is a vital concern of mine but was not a consideration when choosing this school. Also you want to make sure that your university is accredieted if you are an education major, if not your degree will not be valid in all 50 states and you could have wasted your time and money. Make sure that you like the atmosphere of your university as you will be spending a lot of time there and if you are not happy you are less likely to do well in classes, which is the whole point of going to college. You want to have fun in college for it is a memorable experience but you have to work hard as well, otherwise you just wasted your time and money.

Jasmine

When advising a parent or students about finding the right college the first thing I would say is that it is important to background check the college, and see how much financial aid they are willing to give to you. Choose the college which bets fits you needs, and motivates you to interact with other cultures, or ethnicities. In order to have the best college experience you need to be open minded to different things that may come your way, but it is also important to make good decisions by dicerning from a good and a bad influence. Having friends that influence your life in a postive way can take you very far.

Shannon

In my own experience from searching and choosing the right school, I have found that it is easiest to follow the plan God has for you. I constantly prayed and asked God to show me where He wanted me to start my college journey. When I had heard of Anderson, the wheels in my mind started turning, and I took the first step of faith and sent in my application. A few months later, I got my acceptance letter. My parents wanted to plan a visit, since none of us had ever seen or visited the Anderson campus before. I set up a visit date, and as soon as I set foot on campus, I knew that this was where God wanted me. I had only applied to one other school, and had gotten accepted. Since I had confirmation from God about Anderson, I didn't think twice about the other school. After that, everything fell into place. Two years later, I am still at Anderson and loving every moment of it! I have made the best of friends, have truly grown into a Woman of God, and for the first time in my life, enjoyed learning!

chelsea

My advice would be to find a school that you are able to feel most comfortable in. I recommend going to college when you are ready to make a commitment to your future, and when you get there, maintain focus by setting goals for yourself and your grades. School is a real commitment, just like having a dog. You have to tend to it every day, and be responsible about it. Never feel bad about trying something new, not every school is going to work for the same person especially this day and age. Just like the old saying, " If the shoe fits, wear it". Same goes for schools, if you don't like one, then try something else to help you do well in school. Remember, school may seem like a pain at the time, but honestly it is probably one of the single most important decisions to go , and then to stick with it and complete. It is absolutely worth every penny and hour.

April

Don't make a hasty decision. Deciding where to attend college doesn't just affect the next two or four years of your life, it impacts all of it. Even though you can transfer schools, if you can find the right school the first time, it'll be better for you. A lot of colleges and universities will put their best face forward when you come to visit, but what they're telling you about the school isn't always what the students attending it think. Talk to students that attend the school to find out what it's really like. Make sure you do your research.

Caroline

Talk to students not involved with the given tour. Make note of the resources advailable and the amount of students accessing them. Note the hours of facilities of cafeteria, library, and other student meeting spots. Check out the security on campus and the fitness of said guards. Check whether there are emergency phone boxes around campus and how students enter buildings- keys, enter numbers into pad, scan card. Overall do the students beside catalogue and tours seem happy. Are they in groups or are many by themselves? If possible stay until night and inspect for yourself whether you would feel safe on the campus- however small it may be. Is it well- lighted or only at the front of the campus. Most of college experience: try and find your group as quick as possible or prepare to be left alone. Are all the groups catering to the same thing? If so is the school good enough otherwise to stay? Feeling unattached end of freshman year- most likely feel unattached senior year.

Thessa

The adive I would give is to research the school inside in out. Make sure the college has every quality that you like, if the school is too small or too big. If you are religious and the school is a party school twenty-four/ seven that might not be the school for you. You should be proud of the school you attend no matter what other say. The school should have your major and don't attend the a school because of its big name but of the quality of the education the school is willing to give you.