Ball State University Top Questions

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

Kyle

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my former self as a high school senior, I would probably slap him in the face. I would tell myself to get started on finding money for school and to stop slacking off and actually apply myself better for college rather than just passing through each class for a grade. I would have told myself to start thinking more about the career I wanted so that I could be fully dedicated to my career whether it was going to be music technology, microbiology or any other path that I am now stuck on deciding between. I would have told myself to call work so that I could work more hours and make more money so that I would not struggle as much as I do financially as well as to set money aside to prepare for the future car problems or anything else that might happen. The last thing I would say to myself would be to prepare myself for a whole new world where I have the freedom to make choices for myself; so don't mess this up.

Tyler

The number one thing that I would tell myself would be to save my money as much as possible. After completing a semester of college, I have realized the importance of not spending money on every little thing. Also, I would tell myself to get used textbooks off of online retailers, rather than the campus bookstores because it is a lot cheaper and you can still sell it back. Another thing I would tell myself would be to get a job as soon as possible. Even though it can be a hassle on top of classes and everything else, it is really nice be getting a steady paycheck and to have money and in the end, it ends up being more beneficial. The last thing I would tell myself would be to not bring so much stuff with me to campus. There's not a ton of room in the dorms and everything that gets put in there has to be taken out at the end of the year, so its just easier to keep it simple and not take everything.

Marcelite

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be to study, attend every class, and interact with the people that you go to school with. Those three things would be the steps that you would want to take inorder to have a successful and stress free college experience. The reason I say those three things are important is because if you study and attend every class then you shouldn't have a problem when it comes to taking test, completing homework, or finals week. The reason why you should interact with the people you attend school with is because it helps you get to know different types of people and just in case you do have a problem/question in a certain class, then you can go to one of the new friends you made and ask them for their assistance.

Steven

I would first tell myself not to worry about leaving home. You make so many friends and dorm life is not bad at all. Then I would have to teach myself to study. College is not like high school, you can't make friends with the teachers and expect special attention. When they give a deadline, it's a done deal. No negotiating. Attend different events like RUSH at a fraternatiy, even if you don't make it you meet new people. Also, I would tell myself that you can hold a social life while being academically successful. Treat each day like a work day, wake up at seven and study. Go to your classes and study in the hours between each class. Once your last class is over, study for about another hour . Once your "shift" is done, hang out with your friends. Just be responsible and know that you may have to give up some of your "freetime" to research for papers or work on projects. And go to bed at a reasonable time. If you're up studying too late, chances are you won't remember half of what you were working on before bed. Have fun!

Alex

I wish I could have prepared myself for college more than I did. I wish I tried harder to raise my gpa, which would make me more applicable for colleges. Time management is another issue I wished I practiced more in high school. Managing your time in college is crucial and needs to be done in order to pass. Organization is another important key. Keeping everything in line, and knowing when projects are due will come in use during college.

brandy

(i am currently enrolled as a freshman at Ball State University in muncie,indiana. i received my GED diploma after signing out of school to help my family's income my senior year.) If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would incourage myself to keep up the good work and study more than I did because that is a lot of what college is about. I would tell myself that with all the fun and freedom college grants you also comes just as much responsibility. I would let myself know that i was just as smart as anyone at Ball State and encourage myself to stay focused through all the fun because it does not take much to fall behind. last but not least, the most important thing that i could have ever told myself about college would have been that college is not just education or parties. College is Higher education that is you pay for and that can make or break the future part of your life and or career and that college is very well worth working hard to get to.

Jonathan

Don't waste your time on AP classes. They don't help you at all. All my high school teachers told me that I should take all these AP classes because they would prepare me for high school. They also told me that I should take all the hard classes too. All a big waste of time. College is completely different than high school. You actually get to make your own decisions in college like in the real world. If a teacher ever tells you that you should take an AP class because it prepares you for college, don't believe her.

Dominic

Honestly, if i had to go back and tell myself in high school all the things I know now about college, the first and most important thing I would tell myself is to pick a subject that you really love, opposed to a major that will make you lots of money in the future. It took my 2 years of wadding through majors that I had no interest in , i.e. Buisness, Secondary Education, Political Science, until I realized that life is too short to spend it working a job you don't care about. If I could go back I would tell my high school senior self that money is NOT everything, and that settling down right away and working a stale job is certainly not the only option in life. In fact I would have explained to myself that making money does not lead a person to happiness, and that I will never really be able to truly enjoy the things I spend so much time trying to buy, because in the long run they will lose their appeal to me and fade away. "18 year old Dominic, money isn't everything, and life is short."

Samantha

As a High school senior, I was always worried that by going to an out-of-state school I would have a hard time making friends. Looking back, if I could give myself any advice it would be not to try so hard. Friends will come if you make small efforts to meet them. It can be as simple as leaving the door open in your dorm. In fact, people will often to come by and say "hi" to get to know their neighbors. Do not feel that you have to go such extremes as joining every club you hear about. However, joining clubs is another small way to meet new people with similar interests and help you feel involved on campus. Just because you are going to an out-of-state school does not mean that you are going to another planet--give it time, a little effort and soon you will have more friends than you can handle .

Breanna

High school seniors sometimes do not realize the importance of applying for multiple scholarships; sometimes the high school does not offer the resourses to make this an easy process. I encourage all high school seniors to be proactive and get out there and search for those scholarships.

Lauren

I would tell myself to go in completely focused on school work. Don't second guess myself and be confident. I would also tell myself to not be so wrapped up in my boyfriend. Stay social and have fun.

Ben

Don't be scared. The risks that you might have to take are going to be well worth it in the future. Your fate is not set in stone; don't let it be.

Brendan

Don't worry about the change. You'll adjust. You just have to muddle through it. Don't let fear of change stop you from making the right decision about choosing a college.

Theu

I would definitely tell myslef to start looking for schools earlier than I did. I don't think I would change much of anything. The decisions I made were set and I am still very happy with my choice, for what I was majoring in. Going into college I was sure of what I wanted to do, which was personal traning and business. Since I have changed my major to physical therapy, my school does not have a graduate program for it. Thus, I have to choose another school for my grad work. I would rather stay where I am at, but I'll have to go somewhere else. Although my school have a Pre-Physical therapy program, I wish they also have a graduate program. Therefore, I do not know what I would tell myself except to really try to figure out what I want be when I grow up and choosing a good school for that program.

Tyler

I would tell myself to get involved and make friends early. These are the best years of your life and go at with all you got. It is extremely important to work hard and stay focused on your future. I would tell myself to use my time wisely and work from 8-5 everday just like a job and then have my evenings and weekends for me time. I would say to stay organized and on top of your studies early in the semester. It is important to sit up front in the class and get to know your professors early in the semester. Attend office hours if you need help and go to the study sessions they will help you! If you do these things during the week you will be able to socialize and have a good time on the weekends. It is important to make the most of the next four years and get your moneys worth! Manage your money and try to keep your debt as little as possible when you graduate in order to give yourself a good start in life.

Steffanie

If i could go back in time i would tell my self to relax and enjoy my last year of high school. i would tell me how much I am going to miss it and regret wasting it worrying so much. I would say that every freshmen there is in the same boat, dont be scared. We are all beginning this journey together. I would also tell me to work harder to get scholarships because many go untaken and if you put the effort out you have a better chance then if you just sit around feeling sorry for yourself!

Jackie

Try harder. Those would be the only two words I would say to myself if I had the chance to go back in time. While I was in High School, I took a lot for granted and never thought about the bigger picture. I would tell myself to focus on my grades, focus more on studying, and focus on doing the best I could. I have an amazing dream of becoming a special education teacher and I should not have let that slip away. I have sense gotten back on track and I couldn't be more proud of myself.

Zachary

Save as much money as you can and be very careful about getting student loans. Work hard, study harder, apply for all the schoalships you can, and never give up.

Robert

Be yourself. You can handle anything you set your mind too! Don't forget to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep! Hang in there kiddo!

Brandon

If I were able to return in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself that the transition between college and high school is not very difficult. College feels completely like home, a safe place to learn and grow as a student, and a person. I would also reassure myself that there are no main worries; it is effortless to gain new friends, and my selected major is perfectly fitting. The experiences in college, balanced between amazing and awful, will leave an everlasting effect on life, which will alternatively change me as a person for the better. For the first time, I will feel as if I truly belong. I would assure myself that Ball State is the right choice.

Matthew

If I could go back in time to give my high school self some advice about college life and the transition I would be making, I would emphasize how important it is to get involved and not to be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone. Going to college is a time you can just start over, where no one knows you or your history. College is not going to determine your friends for you, it is for soley you to decide. I would also advise that you stick to your values and morals, because unlike high school, there isn't a teacher or principle around every corner making sure you're not breaking any rules. In college you can do practically whatever you want and this the area where students will sink or swim. You must be able to rely on yourself and not your parents or professors. Overall advice will only get you so far. The best way you can learn is by doing and that's exactly what the college experience will give you

Avery

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would convince myself not to worry about things like clothes and the popular kids. Whats really important is preparing yourself for the next big step in your life, because that's what college is. Kids should know that college is where you find yourself. It's where you realize that the things you thought could end the world, are tiny little factors; and what is really important is using the resources your school provides to become the best person you can, and to be proud of that person. Transitioning to college life gives you the chance to do and be what makes you happy, because the old outside influences are no longer there. You can surround yourself with whom you feel comfortable, and activities that create a fun atmosphere. College life is about preparing yourself for the real world, by using the things you have learned to make the best of your future life and career.

Breanna

The only advice I could have given myself and I have given my younger sister is that high school is nothing like college from the studying, schoolwork, work load, and social life. I honestly would not have tried as hard as I did in high school. I remember nothing from high school and quite honestly the classes are not similar at all. Just work to get by in high school and study because in college you will waste your life away studying.

Hillary

I would tell myself that I am not there to socialiaze all the time. Although there is time set aside for this, the main focus has to be on school. I would tell myself that studying is very important. It isn't like high school where you can get by without reading or doing the assignments. It is very important to read and go to class to get good grades. Without good grades you will not graduate with a good GPA and not have as many opportunities as you could of had if you focused more on academics.

Breonna

If took myself back as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself would be that freshman year makes or breaks you for your entire four years in college. Freshman year determines your stability throughout the years to come. Another advice I would've given my self is to network. Networking is a must in college. It's not necessarily what you know but who you know. This leads to getting involved. Getting involved in some sort of organization will allow your years in college be a little less stressful. One last advice would be to balance out my priorities and my social life. Time management is the major key to survival in college.

Brian

In high school I would have probably took more college level classes that would count as credits to a certain university, as a start to get my feet wet into a college course. I would have also chose to job shadow somebody in the industry i wanted to go into. I would have done that because i would want to get an idea of what they do on an average work day. Even though i did get good grades in high school i probably would have pay attention a little bit more and strived a little bit more in my studies as well. I also would have participated more in high school extra curricular activites, outside of baseball and football, meaning getting into student government a little more. Another thing i would have done was declare my college earlier, I wasn't for sure what college to go to because at the time i was so into baseball and trying to get on a college team. One thing i would have said to myself when i was on the verge of graduating was do not procrastinate where you are going you are getting an excellent education anywhere you go.

TaShae

I would tell myself to prepare more for the future and not to procrastinate with assignments, classes, and work. Also I would advise myself not to go out to parties every weekend and spend more time studying and becoming better invovled with extracurricular activities. By running for executive board member positions I would learn about responsiblity, leadership, and decision making. Although I am a very social person and am invovled with numerous activities there is always more that I can do to be a better member of that organization. Another helpful tip I would give myself is to push for my articles in the school's newspaper and magazine. Seeing as how my major would be journalism I want all the clips I can get for my porfolio.

Timothy

Make friends. Don't be too shy to ask people to hang out. Be yourself, and have fun.

Brittany

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myselft to look around at other colleges. While, I'm completely happy at my current college it would not have hurt to look at other colleges to see what they offer. I would also tell myself to go ahead and trust my insticts on the major that I want and not what everyone expects me to do. Remember your career choice is for you not the people around you.

Octavia

I would advise myself to try not to procastinate because it would make college life so much more enjoyable. Also, I would tell myself to just be yourself. It's okay not to follow the crowd, do what you love and you will enjoy your experience more. It's okay to not have a plan right away because things always change that's how life is.

Savanna

I would tell my senior in high school self to apply for more scholarships so that I could take out less loans for schooling. I would also tell myself to study harder for my tests because high school does prepare you for college, with learning about anatomy and chemistry stoichiometry. I would also remind myself that my high school teachers did know what they were talking about and were teaching us information that we would need later in life., like in college. To get through college, we need to know high school information, which will lead us ulitmately to our career.

Kailee

I would tell myself to trust my instincts. I should have chosen the school I wanted to go to instead of fearing that it would be too difficult and I wouldn't know anyone there. When you enter a school as a freshman, there are hundreds of other students entering the same as you. Everyone wants to make new friends and a lot of people don't know anyone at a school until they attend it.

Colleen

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the college life. My first semester, I didn't do much. I went to class, then went back to my room. Second semester, I got more involved and started to enjoy college more. I made more friends and did better in my classes. Classes are obviously important, but it's also important to enjoy all the things made available to you in college. You'll never have this expeience again.

Jamie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give my self some advice about college life and making the transition from high school to college. I would tell myslef to be more outgoing and try harder to make friends rather than just sticking with the same high school friends. I would tell myself that it's okay to step outside of my comfort zone and meet new people. This is one of the things that I had problems doing and this is why I would give myself this advise in transitioning from high school to college. I feel that this could have made a big difference in my life because now I don't have many friends from college; just a few still from high school which is okay too, but I don't have many other friends other than people that are in my classes. I wish I would have opened myself up to try to be more outgoing and to take the initiative to make more friends.

Lauren

Work harder in highschool to get a better gpa to be offered more scholarships. Getting the weight of financial issues off your shoulders will allow you to spend more time on what you want to do rather then working non stop to pay for the things you have to do. Apply for every scholarship you hear about because every little bit helps more then you could imagine. Be involoved in as many organizations as possibly, you learn alot about yourself. Stay ontop of everything, definatly bring a planner. Hold yourself accountable for your grades because now more then ever they reflect your hardwork. Stay motivaed, you can't get an A on everything. GO GREEK! It will change you life in ways you never thought possible. Work hard at everything you do, and go home to vist mom and dad as much as possible.

Rebecca

I would tell myself that the studying habits I had in high school are not going to cut it in college. I need to find better ways to study, and do it more often. I would also have prepared myself more for how lonely I felt when I left home. It was really hard, but I made friends and eventually that lonely feeling went away.

Jessica

I would tell myself that it is okay to be who you want to be. Do not be afraid to change yourself for the better. There are no consequences for improvement. I would also have told myself not to take things too seriously or else you won't have as much fun. It is important to stick to what you believe and congratulations on never caving into peer pressure and always staying true to yourself. Family is important and friends are just as important. Treat everyone the way you want them to treat you because then you will always know you offered your best to everyone. When you get stressed it is important to take a deep breath and forget the problem for a few moments, chances are your head will clear enough to find the solution and you will be happier.

Carly

Being sheltered and attending a very small, very poor Christian high school, I would tell myself that the world offers much more than my high school allowed me to believe. I was persecuted because of my religious beliefs, which differed from the school?s doctrine. It was so difficult to fathom enjoyment at any educational facility after my negative experiences throughout my high school career. So, I didn?t attend college directly out of high school, and that was a mistake. I believed my high school teacher when he told me that I would make nothing of myself, and I didn?t have the gumption to prove him wrong until I was in my early twenties. Now, I continue to prove him wrong. I have a B.S. in Biology, and I am currently a graduate student. Life hasn?t been a walk in the park. I paid my own way through college, obviously with a combination of loans and saving from various jobs before and throughout my college career. I am not that timid high school senior that didn?t believe in my inherent self worth and intelligence. I just wish that I could have found my courage sooner.

Kimberly

Congrats on making it to college! It was tough, but it WILL be worth it. Don't be scared. And, yes, major shopping is hard, but figure out what you think is fun and go for it. You won't regret it. Go with those gut instincts. Don't hesitate and double guess yourself because of what others say and think. Set ground rules with the roomate when you get there to avoid any trouble. Join clubs and get out there, you'll make friends. Don't sit up in your room day after day. It'll make you miserable and that's not what college is about. Sororites aren't just about parties, so at least go through recruitment and see what they are all about. Take a deep breath, look through your options, and have fun.

Abbey

The advice I would give myself at this time would be to not let yourself fall behing. College is a big transition and a real wake up call. College isn't all about parties, football games, and not having any rules. You have to know how to manage your time without being told what to do by your parents. You have to learn to say "no" sometimes, and can't always stay up late. You have to study ten times more than you did in high school, and if you need help, get a tutor. College is more than just being on your own, it prepares you for the future. Everything you'll learn in college will help you the rest of your life in your future career. Take college seriously and do the best you can.

Liza

Make sure that you leave plenty of time to look at more than 2 colleges. Start the college search early. Talk to college students that you might know to get another opinion. When you take a campus visit, ask questions! Tour guides are paid to show you what the school is about - use the time to ask ANY questions you might think of. Chances are, someone else is thinking about the same thing. Narrow your college search. Visit the schools you like a second, even third time. You may find something the next time that you didn't know about the first time.

Joshua

Find the college that best fits what the student wants to do as a career. If the student is undecided then look at schools that offer an interesting variety of careers to choose from. Also, look at how much tuition is and if it can be afforded. Look to see if there are many financial aid and scholarship opportunites. Look for a school that the student feels comfortable with.

Kari

The one thing I recommend that you look for is a school that has a good program for the major you're considering. If the school doesn't have a good one, you can't have the best education.

Caroline

I would tell them that you need to go out and see the campus not only on a tour but also just looking around after the tour. I also think you should know what you want or have an idea of what type of college you want. Whether it be a huge school or it has the major you want. I also think that you should not be afraid to ask questions, the more you ask the more you know. To make the best of the college experience, I believe its what you make of it. If you just sit around and do nothing except go to classes then the college experience is not going to be the best it can be. Go and and meet new people, join an organization, and just talk to people.

Brooke

Don't be too clingy, let the child experience things on their own for the first couple weeks. Don't call all the time. Join a club and take advantage of the many opportunities to meet other people.

Cherelle

I would tell them to consider a college that is diverse because it is wonderful to understand others that are different especially if you come from a place where it is not very diverse. I also would consider a college that has an excellent program that you would want to major in, and if you are undecided, make sure that you look at a college that has an excellent choice of possibilities, many that you may be interested in. Make sure that that college has excellent career interests programs that help one who is "Undecided" to find something that is good for you., and something that fits who you are. I would also say that you should look at a college who has an excellent academic reputation, as well as a great reputation for their multiculturalism and other extra-curricular activities. I would consider a college that has a campus in a decently surrounded area so you feel safe in that community as well as outside of that commmunity when you leave off campus.

janine

When choosing the right college the first thing to do is take a visit to the campus. Getting a feel of the enviroment is very important because the school you choose is like your new home/family. Check out what kind of majors and studies the school provides and see how big the average class size is. To make the most of your college experience it is a good experience to live on campus for at least one year. Another way to make the most out of your college experience is to join a group, sport, club, or some kind of activity. It's a great way to meet new people and be involved in your school.

Andrea

Going to college is one of the most important things you can ever do with your life, so choosing a university where you feel comfortable and at home is vital. Once you move in and start your school year, make sure you get involved with campus activities and groups right away. The longer you wait, the less comfortable you will be. Make sure that you choose activities that will help you grow as a person and that align with the values you want to have. Don't be afraid to make new friends. Just remember that the people you hang out should be the people that can support you and the people you want to model yourself after. You are who you hang out with and your views on life are molded by your friends. Don't stress about grades, but make sure you work hard and leave room for some fun. People are just looking for something fun to do, and you don't have to party to have fun. The most important thing you can do in college is to not just live for the moment, but to think about how your decisions will affect your future.

wes

It is best if you have an idea of what you would like to do in life so you can choose a college that can help steer you in that direction. Once you have found some colleges that you are really interested in go and visit the campus, how you feel about the campus can be a huge part of the selection process when trying to decide which school you want to attend. After you get accepted into your chosen school participate in groups or clubs that you are interested in or that are connected to your major. Also join social groups, like at my school we have Spectrum which is a group for gays, bis, lesbians, and transgenders to hang out and have events. It is important to participate in classes but to get the best experiances you have to go outisde of class and participate in life too.

Michelle

I went on about fifteen different college visits but it seemed like every time I went on a visit I always knew as soon as I walked on the campus that the school was not for me. Finally, on my last option, I went on a campus tour of Ball State University and as soon as I walked on the campus I knew automatically that this was the school for me. I would suggest for all students to always look everywhere and never to settle for a school. Never give up on your college search because you will know for sure when you find the school for you. I would suggest to the parents to never allow their kids to give up on their college search. Although at times it may be very stressful it wil be worth it in the end to see your child succeed at a school where they enjoy being at. College may be one of the most stressful, yet important decisions one may make in their lifetime. To be at a great college is to be at a college that you enjoy spending time at. If you do not enjoy the experience, you cannot succeed.