Baker University Top Questions

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

Demetrius

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, the advice I would give to myself is balance your social and academic life. It is okay to have fun, but make sure all academic work is done well and completed on time. Study weeks in advance before your exams occur, because finals will go by real smooth. Choose your freinds wisley and do not be afriad to be a leader among your peers. Nothing in college is ever giong to be easy so do not be afriad to ask professors for help on academic subjects. Try to get invovled with campus activities, so you can improve your resume and make many freinds. Always be n the hunt for new scholarships and interships that pop up around your college or University. If you do not need a job do not apply for one during your freshman year. Freshman year is about adjusting to college life and finding a place in your college or University. Stay in touch with freinds and family because they are giong to be there when no else will be . Make responsible adult decisions with your time that is given.

Alex

Never take life to seriously, high school is nothing compared to College and College is the beginning of the rest of your life. Past troubles and relationships mean nothing. People at college offer you a new slate that you can do whatever you want with, be prepared to be pushed, judged, and presured, but know its what you do with all those things and really make you who you are.

Tracie

I would tell myself to relax, and just get to know everyone around you. Enjoy your senior year, and enjoy the transition.

Joy

Since I did not start college until I was 35 years old, I want all high school seniors to know, that when you put it off, it is harder to get back in the swing of things. But if you do put it off and then decied to go back, you are more committed and it seems to be easier than what you expected. Do not give up in what ever path you decied to take, and make the path your own. Even if you do not know what you want to major in you can always go back to school at some point and get a second major and start a new career.

Keith

Definately find the right school that suits you. Every person is different, some like the large D1 state schools in big cities with something happening 24/7. Others enjoy smaller schools in small towns where people really get to know you by name and care. Start looking at schools early!!! Take visits to multiply schools of different sizes in different places. Really make sure to find the right school!

derek

looking at all the colleges you can and find the right one...

Adam

It is a lengthy process to find the perfect school. I would recommend starting the college search process during your Junior year of high school. There are many colleges out there and you can only choose 1. If you start by looking at the financial aspect, you can get a head start on scholarships and which schools would have a better scholarship support. If you are still unsure about your field of study, I would recommend a school that offers a wide variety of fields. Another thing I would recommend, it might be beneficial to look into the school's study abroad programs. The world is huge and offers many things you might not be able to find in your own backyard. It is beneficial to be able to travel to other countries and gain an understanding on their cultures and how it relates to your major. The wonderful thing about studying overseas is that most universities will help with most costs!

Aaron

Visit the campus, and decide how apart of your campus you want to feel. Size does matter.

Matthew

Do all the research you can but just remember that it is the students/childs choice. You have to let them see what they like and let them feel out each school.

Shelby

I believe that college is a difficult part in anyone's life. I really think that in order to make the most of a college experience you need to have a goal. Try and know what it is you want to accomplish while you're there. After you know what you want to do you can settle down and focus on achieving that goal. Every time I get discouraged, because of the work load, I remember the joy I know I will feel when I am able to have my own classroom and teach wonderful children. When I have that thought in my head I know everything will be alright. I think anyone can take the advice of having a goal. They can use it to thier benefit so they have one clear image in their heads in the midst of a new life filled with new opportunities and new responsibilities. A goal provides leverage for encouragement when the times are hard. Otherwise, I would say to enjoy all the wonderful times college provides. Take in those times and cherish them. They will be the memories that last a lifetime.

Elliott

Chosing a college is ultimately up to the student. Dont base your desicion on your parents or friends or money situation. If you feel the college or university is the right choice for you, then it probably is. Chosing a college/university is one of the biggest desicions in one's life and it should be a pure, unbiased desicion.

Kristen

In order to find the right school, you need to take your time. So don't wait until the last minute to start searching for your school, make sure you visit a few times, sit in on a class, and take advantage of any and every scholarship opportunity possible! Make sure you make the most of your college experience because you will never again have the freedom you have while you are there, and although skipping a class every now and again isn't going to kill your GPA, you will have to start being more responsible for the choices you make; after all you are at college to get an education, but don't forget that you are there to gain life experiences as well so get involved and have a little fun!

Andrew

Make sure you find a college where the environment, professors and students, make you feel at home. Feeling at home will be the most important part to making the most of a college experience. For this to happen you must not be afraid to get out there and be yourself. When you go on a college visit, do not be afraid to participate in any events that are happening that day.

Courtney

1.) Choose a school that you feel like it will be a smooth transition. 2.) Explore all scholarship opportunities at all schools you are interested in (private schools really aren't that expensive with scholarships). 3.) BE VERY INVOLVED! You are given one college opportunity, so make the most of it. Don't overwelhm yourself or underwehlm. You can aways quit anything if it effects your school work. 4.) Greek life may not be for everyone, but rush to meet people! 5.) Don't procrastinate... seriously! 6.) Try many different study techniques. 7.) Take advise from upper classmen.

Taryn

I would tell parents and students to not be afraid of change. Going to college is a brand new chapter in the students' life. There are going to be many changes and adaptations that are going to have to occur for both the parent and the student. Being open to new ideas is the key to being succesful in college. When looking for that perfect place to attend college, think of three things: 1. Can you picture yourself there? 2. Are the people you meet (students, staff/faculty) dependable and trustworthy? 3. Is this somewhere you can be yourself? All of these things are very important when looking for a place to spend the next 4 years of your life. Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid of things your not used to.

Christina

When you arrive at the right campus for you, you will know. However that does not mean that when you go to the very first campus and you love it that you stop there because you will more than likely love every campus...it's just which one you love the most.

Tawny

Don't just got for a college without researching it first. And don't go for your very first choice. Choosing a college is a tough decision and if you make the wrong choice you might waste your time and money at a college that isn't right for you.

Jason

Find a school that fits who you are, and once you get there jump in feet first and enjoy and experience as much as you can.

Andrew

Ask questions, visit the campus, review the expenses, all the basic stuff. But more importantly, is get in touch with alumni, professors, students, and employers who are familar and can really explain the value and experience that set the university apart. If you can't do these things, maybe the university has something to hide. Once in college continue to do these things. Seek out advice, involvment, and challenge. The experience is what you make it, and the more you seek out, and the more challenges you tackle, the better your education becomes, and the more useful it is.

Tim

Start early. There is nothing more stressing then trying to cram visits in the spring of your senior year of high school. The earlier you can get your selection out of the way, the more you can enjoy your last semester in high school. Once you get there, be yourself. You will almost always be able to identify with someone or some group, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there and look.

Sara

The first piece of advice I would give parents and students is to never disregard a school because you have your mind set on another one. There is always a chance you won't get accepted into the school you have your mind set on and you may just find a school that you like better and fits your needs to a greater extent. College is about finding the proper balance between education and social skills. It is important to never forget the true reason you are attending school, to get an education that will take you places. However, it is also important to be social, the social connections and skills that you make in college are the ones that will help you get to the places you wish to go. Be open to a change in majors and career options. If a major doesn't work out, don't be affraid to say you like another major more because it will lead you to what you will be doing for the rest of your life. There is nothing wrong will wanting to do something different.

Clayton

Finding the right college is like clothes shopping. Sometimes less is more. Pink ribbons and white stripes on a red shirt might be too much, similar to lecture halls with hundreds of kids. However, possibly you might just need the right shoes to go with them, Such as, a stellar career program that may make the lecture hall not so bad. Sometimes an outfit needs accessories, so make sure you look into the clubs and organization to see if there is something that might look good with the rest of your outfit. Make sure the clothes fit perfectly one size too small or one size too big might alter the essence of the outfit. Do not be afraid to try something new it might flatter you. Try actually going to the college just as you would go to the store. Catalogs do not justify the college and there is always room for error if you do not actually see it. Be patient. Do not be so anxious to buy or choose one particular outfit, you might miss a better deal. In the end, it is all about how confident you feel in the outfit or the school.

Mary

I would say to follow your heart. You know what kind of effort you are willing to put into a school's program. I know when I looked into Baker, I was happy to find a school that ballenced education and clean fun into one small setting. I know most of the people here, all my professors know me, they all expect excallence and work with you to achieve that. If at all possible, go visit the schools you want to think about attending. Pictures can be decieving sometimes or not show the full scope of the school (hint: your first dorm room won't be in the brochure!).

Kelly

Make sure that you ask everyone about the experiences there. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions about diverity if you are not white, ask about Greek make up if you don't want to join a sorority or fraternity, ask about the school spirit if you are not an athlete. Stay a night or have lunch at the school to hang out with other freshman and sophomores to ask them about their experiences being at the school. Make sure you ask if its a party school if you don't like to drink. There are plenty of things that you don't think about and then you are stuck in a school for the next four years. Another bit of advice is if you don't like, leave if you need to!

Stephanie

For students, definitely go out on your own to explore your college options. I would definitely recommend finding your college based on your needs and desires in a college, rather than what your friends are doing. Remember the effort you put into your college experience, such as involvement in organizations and work ethic towards your academics is all an investment towards your future. For parents, research extensively into financial aid. The hidden costs, or the things you find out after your child enrolls tends to be overwhelming. But remember where there is a will there is a way to pay for college.

Nicole

The advice I would give students is to explore all of your options. There are a lot of choices and you need to weigh out the pros and cons of each college or university that you are exploring. It is a really good idea to go to the college and spend some time on campus and see if it is the right fit. Once you have chosen a college, get involved. There are many activities and organizations that are fun and beneficial. Plus, when you are done with your homework, you will have something to do and have something to keep you out of trouble. To the parents, this is the time for your child to expand their horizons, so let them do that. It is ok to be involved with your child but now is the time to start letting go. Also, when filling out college applications and living arrangements, it is extremely important to let the student fill them out because the student is the one who will be going to the school and/or the dorm. Most importantly, support your child and their decisions, as they will have to start making their own.

Ashley

My advice to students on how to find the right college is attend visit days at campuses everwhere!!! You will immidiately know which colllege is right for you just by attending weekend visits and activities. To make the most of the college experience i encourage students to try every activity. Even though you may not make the football team or get a role in the play, trying out for sports and committies is a great way to make new friends and meet new people.

Nate

Look for a place where you feel welcome and that encourages focus on learning as much as possible. Grades matter, but only to the extent of getting your degree. College should be for learning as much about the world around you; past, present, and the possible future and how you make an impact on that. Yes you will make friends at college, and you will also make friends all your life. The ones now matter as much as any other friend. College should be your step into becoming an adult, not a continuance of being a child. Work hard, play hard, rest hard. Learn any effective organizational skills as soon as possible, and stick with the ones that work best for you. DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Remember why you're at college everyday. Take care of yourself, if you need a mental health day, take one. Your sanity is important for successful living. But above all else remember that BALANCE IS KEY. The greek golden mean is the best way of success at college.

Steve

1. Find your strongest characteristic and/or skill and find an institution that has the resources to maximize it. 2. If you don't know what you want to do with your life, select a Liberal Arts institution to experience a variety of disciplines. 3. To speak financially - do not go if you do not plan to finish. 4. Don't be turned off by the cost of a certain institution. There are loans available. The right place for you may be costly. Learn debt management and go to the place that's right for you. 5. Meet everyone you can including faculty and staff. This will maximize your academic experience. 6. Find a place where you can be involved in various organizations to suit your tastes. This is enriching. 7. Enjoy it. College is the ideal lifestyle.