Asbury University Top Questions

Sometimes there are more rules than you had at home which can be frustrating. Making friends is realy easy though.

I changed majors several times, so I would tell my high school self my current major (Christian Ministries) because that is what it is going to stay as now.

Make a schedule. Keep track of how you spend your time. Don't neglect your friends for studies, but also don't neglect your studies for friends. Find a balance that works, and every single day--spend time with God. Make it a habit so that when hard times come, that won't be the first thing you drop to study more or sleep more or whatever.

If I was able to give myself advice about college in high school, I would have told myself to look for more scholarships. Once you graduate the number of scholarships offered to you decreases significantly! I would have also told myself to not wait to get involved in activities-extracurricular activities introduce you to so many different people.

Be sure to stay on top of things academically; that's important. However, start looking for work in your field IMMEDIATELY. Asbury doesn't do a good job of placing you in your field. They expect you to make most of the connections you need, and jobs are scarce right now. Try to get multiple internships, if you can.

I would advise that I connect more with other classmates and study together. I relied too much on my own to complete assignments or take tests. I think learning from others and working together is a necessary component to education.

I have learned to adapt to different people and to work hard in every aspect of life. College life at a four year school was much harder than at a two year school. I live on my own and my family is not close. Through this I have learned to stand on my own two feet and be resourceful. This has been the best thing I could do for my life which made things great so I love what I have accomplished with my life.

From 2008-2009 I attended a college where I was challenged with my beliefs. I made wrong choices and in the end I decided to transfer schools. I now attend Asbury University and have become a different person. I grew in my faith and built friendships with my peers that accepted me with my faults and encouraged me to be a better person. Not only were my peers accepting of me, but the campus was friendly. My professors were understanding and wanted me to excell in academics. I have also had the opportunity to particiapte in intramural sports, which allows me to stay active and build friendships. Despite the many activies that keep me busy, I have time to engage in my studies. I am a proud student of Asbury University.

College is one large ocean. It?s a sea of fish, swimming around campus in different directions with different motives. Some are out to learn, some are out to destroy others, some want to have fun, and still others are there simply because they have nowhere else to be. College is a little fish in a big ocean situation, and in order to learn who you are, you need to learn where you fit in this environment. Through my first year at college, I learned not only where I fit, but who I am, and who I want to be. While the journey certainly was not always easy, it was necessary. College forced me to grow up and to see that what I want isn?t always what?s best, and that sometimes, it?s better to listen to other people than to myself. It has taught me that no matter how hard to situation seems from my side, there is always a solution just around the corner if I am patient enough. College has been a learning and a growing experience that I would never trade. I am eager to see what the next three years will teach me.

Make choices on your own and don't choose college based on where friends were. Give yourself more credit when it came to academics and don't put yourself down because you don't feel as smart as other classmates. You are smart and all you need to do is put time into your schoolwork to see a difference. Hard work pays off. It makes you feel good about yourself when you know how hard you have worked on something and see a great result. Also, college is such a great opportunity and a lot of people would do anything to be able to get a college degree . Don't take this time for granted. Soak up every moment and get envolved with positive people because this experience will never happen again. Build friendships with your classmates and really enjoy your time with them and choose your friends wisely. Don't work too much if you don't have to because you will have to work once you get out of college so take this time to enjoy the experience and get good grades so you can be proud of yourself and the work you have done.

That is the question I have been asking myself since returning to school after almost 2o years. If I could go back in time to my senior year I would have told myself to go to school. I am the first to go to college, but college was never really an option for my family (financially). I would have liked for my single mother (of 6) to have pushed me in this direction,talk to me about college and the importance of an education. I would have gone through all the necessary steps to find as much financial aide, scholarships and grants possible. I did not do this when I started school and lost alot of chances to get grants and scholarships. I would have look at all the options and find a college that gives the most financial aide assistance. I intend on finishing my courses now and returning to get a Bachelors. Education to me is the most important goal I set for my kids an we have always emphasised the importance of education, as well as, become very involved in the education of our children. This has paid off because both my children are honor roll students. .

Talking to myself back in time I would realive that if I gave myself the advice I would need to have a successful life in college then it would alter the future making is so I would not even need the advice after I'd given it to myself. This seems complicated and may avoid the point but as I sit here now I find that if I were to give myself advice I would take away part of the learning process I came to college for in the first place. At the time it may seemed as if i should have prepared myself for this but after that passes, I realize that coming out of the tunnel the light is brighter when I wasn't looking for it then if I had been. I am not trying to avoid the question but I believed I prepared myself best as possible and have learned more as a result of not being prepared for every obstacle the future offers.

Dear Emily, This is some advice from me now, as a college freshman, to me previously, as a high school senior--so you'd better listen up! After completing my first semester of college, and on my way to finish the second, I can honestly say I've learned quite a few things--things I wish I'd known before. That's why I decided to give this advice: 1. Private, Christian college=expensive! You know those few thousand of dollars you earned while working summer jobs? Save it--don't spend it on all those cool clothes you think you need! 2. Get ready to be home sick. I know, you think it'll never happen, but since you'll be 2,000 miles away from home and without family, it gets tough. Stick it out, though--you WILL make it. 3. Soak up Mom's delicious, healthy, homemade meals--and remember to express your gratitude. That cafeteria food doesn't even come close. And stay away from sweets that add unwanted extra pounds! 4. Step out of your comfort zone and be confident. Put those tips into motion and you'll have a grand start! Love, Me

If I could go back to my senior year and give myself some advice, I would tell myself that college is fun. I would want to make sure that I tell myself that the work load in college is heavy and that you want to dive in and start studying in all your classes right away even if you think the class will be a breeze you still need to be prepared if it turns out that it isn't. I would also tell myself that you need to go to all the events at the beginning because that is how you get to know new people and make friends. Have fun and be yourself!

The best way to find out about a college atmosphere and the satisfaction of the students that attend, is to talk to the current students. When visiting colleges, it is important to not only talk to the coach, the administration and the faculty, but also try and talk to students who are current students in the major you are thinking about pursuing. Asbury College was not my first choice as a high school graduate. I placed more importance on the feeling I got from the coach baseball coach as opposed to exploring the attitudes of the students that attended there. Therefore, I made a poor choice intially with the college I selected and was unhappy my entire freshman year. Secondly, it is not important to go away to college in another state, like most of my friends thought was cool. On the contrarery, most of my friends that selected schools within an hour or two from home,have been the most satisfied and have remained at the schools where they began.

I would simply tell myself to start at Asbury and to save more and apply fro more scolarships. I would tell myself not to be so nervous about applying and to apply at Asbury even though it seemed to hard for me. I would tell myself to be confident!

Megan, there is plenty of time to prepare yourself for your future. One day, you will know what type of degree to pursue. You are a hard worker, you love taking life by the horns and enjoying the ride, and you meet every milestone with a promise to endure to the end. So you need money for school: no worries! You didn't work as hard as you did to succeed in school for nothing! Keep living, keep dreaming, and continue to learn every day whether you are in school or not. If you keep trying to do your best then the opportunity for you to further your education will present itself! "You got the makings of greatness in you," says John Silver in your favorite film, Treasure Planet. He continues, "Stick to it, no matter the squalls and the time will come when "you get the chance to really test the cut of your sails and show what you're made of!" Trust me, no one knows better than I do.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the transition is not as hard as you think it will be. One thing you should do is really look into your major though, you may surprise yourself and switch. When you get to campus and they tell you to talk to your advisor about your schedule, do it. It is better to take some major classes your freshman year, you may learn things that you didn't realize about yourself through these classes. Listen to mom and dad too, they definitely know what they are talking about. You can definitely make it through this, so don't be nervous and keep your faith.

Don't bring so much stuff you won't use half of it.

I believe the advise I would give myself are to get involved in more scholarship related programs, and/or to take college classes. Then I would tell myself to prepare for college earlier in the year, rather than waiting until last minute.

If you're capable, take as many AP courses in highschool as possible. Don't overload or stress, but you can save oodles of money and time if you get AP credit. It's especially great if you can take AP courses that will fulfill general education requirements for your college, that way you'll be able to take more elective ("fun"!) classes or take a smaller course load. Don't fret, don't worry, don't stress. Everyone going into college has the same questions, reservations, and changes to go through. Don't hesitate to voice your worries or concerns; someone (your age) understands and identifies with you and someone (knowledgable) can give you good simple advice. Be prepared to buckle down on homework and reading. Expect that you're going to have to put more time into college work, and it's great if you can start the habit of studying well in highschool. If you do, you'll have a completely smooth transition into college work. Practice friendliness - while still in highschool and in college too. It brightens your day and everyone you encounter. There's no need to pass up on opportunities to make friends.

College can be the best years of a person's life, but it has the potential of being the worst if the right college/university is not found. My advice to students is to explore all of their options, take time making their decision, and get involved in campus life once the school year starts. When considering what school to attend, find a school that fits the optimum size you prefer as well as the field of study you are interested in. Keep in mind your long-term goals and dreams in addition to your short-term ones. Take time to thoroughly examine your primary choice. Visit the school while it is in session and interact with the students and professors in order to obtain a complete concept of what the school is really like. It is better to spend more time making your decision and be satisfied with the end result than to make a hasty conclusion and regret it later. The most important thing to do once you arrive at your chosen school is to get involved in extra curricular activities (sports, clubs, etc). Through this you will make life long friends and receive a well rounded education.

Parents and students should go on college visits during the school year. These visits help to show both parent and student what they are going to be experiencing. When visits take place during the school year not only do the students get to sit in on classes but they will also be able to stay with some of the college students where they can see what a night in the dorms is really like. On my college visit I stayed with a couple girls who ended up taking me with them to Wendy's and they sat in a car wash and ate it. I was glad to be able to spend the night with them and get a little bit of an idea about what kinds of things the students did at that school. Also make sure you talk to the financial aid office about scholarships and you admissions counciler while on your visit. Both the parents and the students with benefit from these meetings.

My advice would be to tell people where I have searched and let them know what is availble. I would also visit a bank and see how they can direct you.

If I were to look back and advise freshmen entering the four most challenging years of their lives, I would encourage them to surround themselves. Freshmen, surround yourself with options for colleges; applying to one or two can leave you in a tough position when you aren't accepted. Apply to at least ten. When you get to college, surround yourself on the first day with people. If you sit back during that first week of school, you will miss out on the opportunities and friendships that others are sharing. Become an extrovert for a day, you wont regret it. Once you make it through your first class, surround yourself with knowledge. Get a tutor. It was the hardest thing I did, but the grades I received were well worth it. When that first year is over, surround yourself with options for your future. Don't declare a specific major until after your third semester. You will change it repeatedly if you do. Lastly, you must surround yourself with yourself. Don't get caught up trying to please Professors, Coaches, or even "friends". Become your own person, this is the time of your life designed to mold yourself. Surround yourself.

There is very little advice to give parents and students about finding the right college, because the truth is it is different for everyone. But the parents and student need to find a place where both parent and student are comfortable with the price, the quality of education the student would recieve, the community/campus, and distance from home. And as for making the most out of the college experience, the student needs to balance schoolwork/studying and social life, which again is different for everyone. Some people make good grades with very little studying, but others have to study a lot and don't make very good grades. If the student does not know which category he/she fits into, then he/she needs to be willing to adjust quickly once he/she begins college.

Take the time to visit campus, meet with current students and professors as well as admissions counselors. Spend the night if possible. Many schools offer solid academics programs, so from there, the feel of campus, the social interactions, the location, the accessibility of professors, the costs, the average class sizes, the resources on campus and in the community, and how each of these fits in with the individual student's needs, preferences, and personality should guide the search. College is a time for students to start to establish themselves as individuals so finding a college with a community that seems like a good fit is a significant part of selecting the right school. The question is not just "Do I want to study here for the next 4+ years?" but rather "Do I want to build my life here for the next 4+ years?" Making the most of the college experience means engaging the community on campus academically and socially and seizing opportunities as they come.

Pray, that is what guided me to a college that I absolutely love. If it wasn't for God's provision I also would not be able to afford attending this school. So my advice is seeking God's will for where to go for college.

Go visit whatever campus you're thinking about attending. As soon as i set foot on Asbury's campus, it felt like home. I knew it was the place for me. You can read all you want about it online or in the information that they send you, but you won't really know until you get there. But once you choose your school, be all there. Enjoy every moment, because this is the last time in your life that you'll have as much free time as you do right now. Learn all you can, meet everyone who will talk to you, and spend as much time with your professors as they'll give you.

Be open to places you wouldn't expect to fit your tastes. Look for a place that has a strong program for your emphasis in studies, and a good social and emotional environment.

find a place where God is!

To the student who is searching for the right school to attend, I would say only this: The college experience is what you make it. Find a school with an atmosphere you appreciate, a philosophy that will challenge (but not stifle) you, and a strong sense of community that will allow you to build lasting friendships. You can get an education anywhere, but friends are a special commodity, and they will benefit you even if your degree does not. They will help you learn and grow, both academically and as an individual, like a head full of facts never could. Together you can learn to think freely, and though free, critical thinking is a skill for which there is no degree, it is nonetheless essential to both the career you pursue, and to living a fulfilled and happy life. If you are challenged in your way of thinking by the school you attend, and if together with friends you fight not only to discover what you believe, but why you believe it, you will take more away from your college experience than any 4.0 GPA or business degree could ever give you.

While high school is where you gain valuable social experience and base knowledge to carry you through life, college is much more essential. College carries the weight of achievement, success and future prosperity. When selecting a college, keep in mind that this is an investment for the future more so than an expense. If the student knows wholeheartedly the field of profession they want to enter, choose the best financially feasible school for that program. This will give the highest chance for crafting their profession and leading in that industry. For the students who are unsure, lead them to a school with a wide variety of majors. That way, even if they decide to change majors, they will earn a good deal of experience along with the ability to branch out. Above all, the most important piece of advice would be to make sure the student is prepared for college. For some, college makes sense right out of high school while others may need to take a semester or two off before embarking on higher learning. Starting strong in college will lead to success down the road. Build a solid foundation for excellence and rewards will await at the end.

College is a very important step in both the lives of parents and students. Finding the right college is a very hard decision for some. There can be many pro's and con's at every college or university, so take the time to find the right one. My advice would be to sit down together as a family, and make a list of what you want in a college. Do you want to stay close to home? Do you want to go to a community college for general education, then transfer? Would you perfer smaller class sizes? These are things you have to think about when searching colleges. One important thing is to visit the colleges you have applied to, before finalizing your decision. You will be spending the next four years (or more) at the college you choose, so the atmosphere is important. Do not let the cost of any school detour you from applying. Financial aid is available, and the majority of students are paying for college with aid money. Enjoy college to the fullest, but do not waste your time or money by letting your studies go. These are the best four years of your life!

Choose carefully, and don't listen to Admissions officers who can't tell you the names of at least fifteen students around them in the cafeteria. Most admissions people will say anything to get your kid here. Get the real story from an honest student. if it sounds like you're talking to a brochure, you probably are.

Do as much research beforehand as possible, via phone and websites. If you know what you want to study, check to see how strong that department is at the school. If possible, find students there to talk to. Once you have narrowed your list down, go visit the college. I would personally put more weight on if the school has a strong program for my major than what it looks like, but it's great to go and visit the campus yourself. Talk to students around; visit various classes; eat in the cafeteria. Maybe even stay in the dorms a night. The best way to know if you'll like being a student there is to "be a student" for several days.

Decide what is most important to you. What do you want out of your college experience? make a list of your top choices and how they measure up to what you want.

I would certainly encourage parents and students to seriously consider the cost of education at a particular institution and the prospective ability to afford that cost. While student loans are available to help defray the costs of college, and diligent searching and applications can help generate substantial scholarship money, assuming debt through student loans should be very seriously weighed before loans are taken out. If receiving a comparable education at a cheaper institution is possible, that alternative merits strong examination. Another important factor to consider is the sense of community and collegiality present at any particular institution. While classroom learning is a valuable and vital component of a college education, the relationships and friendships formed during college are often more lasting that cerebral knowledge. Therefore, choosing a school that will both challenge and support you during your college experience is an important component of the selection process and the college experience.

It is my opinion that choosing a college is a different experience for every person. There is no set format that I could suggest using, for every college student's story is different. However, for me, my beliefs played a huge role in the choosing of my school. It was important to me that the place I spent the next four or so years of my life be a place where I could grow in my faith and spend quality time with people who shared many of my convictions. Academics influenced my decision. I wanted the place where I received my college degree to provide me with a quality education that would adequately prepare me for what follows my schooling. The social aspect of the college in question was important to me. I desired a place where I could make lasting and valuable friendships in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. The college I now attend has all three of these qualities, and has exceeded my expectations. While I do not have a specific formula for choosing a college, I believe that finding what is important to you in a school is what will make or break your college experience.

Traditionally, the step into adulthood has been more defined. Unlike tribal-style initiations into new life stages, our society is void of any such distinguishing marks of an adult from an adolescent; thus college often fills this role. It is therefore crucial that college be viewed not simply as a place to prepare for a career, but a place to prepare for life. This brings many extra factors into play concerning which college one attends and how one treats their college experience, but a couple principles come readily to mind that should influence these concerns. One principle is character matters over ability. Choose a college where the experience supports growth in becoming a better person, not just a more skilled person; then, at every opportunity, take advantage of the situation to promote this growth. A second principle is relationship matters over money. My greatest education in college has come not from the classroom, as important as that is, but among my peers. How to value others, how to relate to difficult people, how to apologize ? major in these; they carry us much further than the money we can make. As students, we must choose to become adults, not just professionals.

I would tell potential students and parents that it is very important that you go visit the school. Some schools have set weekends were prospective students come to campus to check out the school, but I would advice that you come experience the campus during the week when there are not other prospective students everywhere. I think you learn a lot more about the school when you put yourself in the middle of the everyday routine. Ask to stay with someone on campus so you can see what dorm life is all about. You can even request to sit in on classes or go to different extra-curricular activities. I think if you experience the school in this way you will know whether it is or is not the right place for you during your colligiate career.

Go and visit and see if you like it.

My grandpa always told me not to wish my life away. I would say enjoy every day of your college experience, but the most important thing is to be there for each day. What I mean is, do not spend your senior year of high school wishing you were away at college. Do not spend your freshman year of college wishing it were your sophomore year so you can have your car on campus. Do not spend your senior year of college wishing you would graduate so you can start "real life." When the time comes for your education to be complete, you will be ready. Take time to listen to your friends and family. The little things say a lot. Leave your roommate a card when she is having a bad day. Let a professor know you appreciate something he did for you. These acts of kindness will not go unnoticed. Open yourself up to those around you. Mostly importantly, pray. Pray even when you do not feel like praying. Sometimes the moments you are angry with God are the moments He gives you the clearest answer. Finally, study abroad. The experience is immeasurable.

Make sure that when you're going to a college that the balance between school and social is what you need it to be to florish, pay attention to the people who support the college, and to what kind of opportuinites the college offers their students, the worst thing is to end up at a college that doesn't prepare you for the world ahead. Are the people you talk to mostly positive or negative, because that can shape your child for life. Don't choose a college because it's "Safe" but because it challenges you to become better.

Make sure you go and visit you top two or three choices! If they will let you, stay overnight in the dorm as well. You can really get a good feel for student life that way and see if the school is a good fit for you! If you didn't like living in the dorms for one night, chances are you won't enjoy lving there for four years straight either! I went out-of-state for college and I think that was the best thing I could have done! It really made me grow up, at least, more so than students who were close enough to go home every weekend so thier mom could still do thier laundry. College is your time to figure out who you are! Don't be afraid to go explore!!!

Go in with a good attitude, work hard, and get everything you can out of it!

To pick a college for you, not your parents for for a boyfriend or girlfriend. There is much more you learn at college that is not in the classroom.

Make sure that you love the campus and the flavor of life on that campus. The academics are important but it doesn't matter if your not having fun...

Regarding the searching process, it is crucial to actually visit the schools. Being on campus, seeing where the students hang out, eat meals, play sports, etc. is vital in properly accessing whether the school is a good fit. Maintaining a balance of work, play, and involvement is essential in making the most out of the time in college. The student must realize that this is an opportunity to grow, both academically and emotionally, while acknowleding and accepting the integral aspects of growth-striving for maturity, responsibility, excellance, and honesty.

Finding the right college is about looking for a place where you will feel at home, comfortable and able to prosper. Having worked in residence life for the past two years, I have seen this to be true. Students who feel they do not belong or are wanted, have a much more difficult time succeeding academically. I would say if at all possible, to visit the schools that you are interested in; meet professors, talk with students and staff to get a feel for daily life on campus. If you do not feel comfortable, take it as a sign that you are not meant to be there. Another important thing to consider as you begin college life, is to buget time appropriately. It is so easy to leave homework and study for last and spend all your time socializing. This is not a good idea. When you get your class schedule, determine how much time you will need to read your books, do homework, sleep, eat, extra-curricular activities and social events. If you do this, you are much more likely to get the rest you need, stay on top of work and make and keep friends.