Baylor University Top Questions

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

Karmeshia

You need to start looking at every possible career for yourself and find out what you will need to get into the career that interest you most. Pay attention to everything you learn now because you will see it again in college. First, you will be tested to see if you are ready for college courses and you will need to know this basic information before entering. It is great to have friends in high school but you will make more friends in college that have similar interests as you do and so don't worry if you don't keep in touch with everyone you hang with in high school. As you prepare for college, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many things that you will not be able to figure out without help. attendingcollege needs to be your number one priority when graduating from high school so that you are fully prepared for it.

Katrina

Key words: community service. It allows you an immediate connection to new people and the community. It is important not to become completely focused on yourself in college; this experience is about learning how to interact with the world, so don't cut yourself off from others.

Amy

As a high school student, I took mostly everything for granted. The home-cooked meals, the conversations in the car with my parents, and spending time with my friends seemed like nothing special. Although college life is great, these things do not happen every day. After all the excitement of beginning freshman year wore off, I found myself missing everything I left behind. I never appreciated everything I had at home. One of the things I took for granted was school. I looked at is as something I had to go through in order to succeed in life. I had an excellent high school with teachers who really wanted their students to succeed. However, I did the minimum amount of work in order to get by. Had I taken advantage of these opportunities in high school, there would have been a much smoother transition from high school academics to much more challenging college academics. I would have told myself to give my parents an extra hug, to thank my mom for the meals she prepares every night, and to take my academics seriously. I would have not lived a minute without showing gratitude to those who want me to succeed.

William

Figure out why you are doing what you want to do. If you have an answer, then pursue it. Don't wait until you are halfway through your college career before determining whether or not your major is for you, because of the financial cost.

Marshanti

The advice I would give myself would be, to quit being so naive and thinking that I know everything. To Fill out as many scholarships as possible, college is not cheap. Also some advice I would give myself would be to try harder, just because I got accepted to the school of my choice does not mean my grades don't matter (what I mean by that is, I got accepted into my school in november, and from then on I didn't care how my grades looked). Come to college with your "head in the game" everything else can wait. And last but not least, Develop a Relationship with God, and talk to him about your calling in life.

Heather

I would stay focused all through high school and continue to develop good study habits. I would be realistic about what I want to major in and what I would be successful in as far as a career choice. I would do more research on colleges, financial aid available and majors to study. I don't feel that I studied enough as a senior and this hurt me when I started my freshman year in college. I also didn't look at a variety of schools. I'm happy with Baylor but it's very expensive. I should have pursued more scholarship opportunities to receive as much financial aid as possible.

Shane

You have made mistakes and will continue to, but college life is that time for you to grow. You will love and live, so don't slow down or get bummed out. The people you will meet will help shape your life. Not to worry, you will fall in love with your future major and degree, though it never entered your mind that you would be doing it. Freshman year is going to be hard and difficult, and throughout those, you will look back and say you are glad everything happened because you are now so much stronger. Persevere through that and search for who you are. Baylor will allow you to find yourself and bring out who you truly are. For it is the place to BU.

Marne

I would say to just keep doing what I'm doing. My high school prepared me very well for the college experience. I would say to value the academics that I was obtaining and to take advantage of that fact to the fullest extent. I would also so to be prepared to have work at being social. That having friends and getting involved in good organizations will not just happen, but I have to be proactive about it. Also, not to let the academic side of college become my only focus. I need to learn that there is value in social interaction, especially outside of class. The closest friends that I would have do not come from classes all the time, unlike high school, so I need to make a conscious effort to met people and hang out with them. Overall, I would say to stay in it and just persevere.

Kayelee

Learn how to study effectively in high school, even if you do not have to study in high school. Take some college courses to prepare yourself, and start thinking about a career and research it far in advance.

Brittany

I would tell myself that I should apply to more than one university and to make sure that the one I choose is the one I really want to be at, to make sure my career can successfully be obtained at that university, and to make sure I feel comfortable there. I would tell myself to get better grades, and to study more so that freshman year won't be as hard.

jessica

Stay focused on school work and don't get overly involved with things your first semester. Figure out how you study best and put those skills to work as soon as possible to make great grades. Read the textbook even if it makes you fall asleep. Get involved in a church and make relationships there to help guide you. Know that everything will be alright in the end, no matter how hard it is during those rough moments in your life know everything happens for a reason. God has a purpose for your life even if you can't see it, especially when things get grey. Don't lose faith in yourself. Know that mom and dad are always there for you. Keep in contact with your brothers more while they are away at training for the Navy. Stay close with your high school friends. I wouldn't change a thing since then only adjust the things I have done so far by doing them to my best abilities and not be so lackadaisical. You are beautiful from the inside out, so just know that you have made a wonderful difference in many lives you just don't know yet.

Anaid

The advice that I would give myself is to focus on what I need and not stress over things I can not do anything about because that dosen't help. I would also recomend myself to save money for college because you have lots of expenses you didnt think you would have. Finally, I would advice myself to get used to do lots of reading and writing in short amounts of time.

Joshua

College is not what people make it out to be. You have to work hard and you cannot let the little things distract you. There will be times that you will be able to have a lot of fun but make sure that you have all of your work done before you go out and do them because that one night...although the memories will be with you can hurt you so much and your school work is more important than anything you will get out of that one night. Secondly peer pressure is everywhere. Remember that you are your own person and college is important. You are there to better yourself ...do not let others tell you that what they want to do is more important than your school work or what you want to do because in the end you might regret not studying for a final or doing the project that is due the next morning. Do not procrastinate.; the longer you wait to do something the less time you have to put your own personality and creativity into it. Believe me nothing you do is more important than your school work.

Khristina

If I could give my high school senior self advice I would tell myself to open up my mind and be prepared for the best, and hardest year of my life. I would tell myself not to be afraid to live and love and to keep my heart open so as not to miss opportunities that could change my life. I would tell myself to make sure my relationship with God was strong because at times it proved to be all I had to lean on. Most of all I would tell myself to get over myself because the only person that can hold me back is me. I let myself keep me from doing alot of things and I missed alot of opportunities in my life because I was scared, mostly of what others would say. So if I could advise my former self, I would tell her to live life with no regrets; whatever you do, do it with your whole heart or don't do it at all. Find out what you love, what you're passionate about and do it. In short, don't be afraid; in the end, you have to live with your decisions.

Cathleen

Most definitely look at what you are interested in getting from the college itself. Most school center on a specific thing or things and also look at the location, whether you want it to be a city-populated area, a quiet area... a school that parties or a very studious school.

Sarah

Make sure and apply for as much financial aid and scholarships as possible in order to prevent yourself from having to get too many loans. Also make sure to let your parents be free and make new friends. Focus on your studys and make good grades and great friends.

Raymond

review carefully

Rachel

Start early. I began looking at schools my sophomore year of college, and my list really evolved as I came to find out what different schools are like. Don't let a price tag scare you away. Similarly, don't let stereotypes turn you off either. When a university pursues you, take advantage of that. You may be able to get a great scholarship or at least get a more broad picture of the school. If you know what you want to do, be sure to look into special programs concerning that degree or field. Take into account the student life on campus. Visiting really does give you a good feel for the campus and is definitely worth the cost. When students finally go get into college, get involved. Make friends. Put people as a priority. Be sure to find a balance in all that you do.

Taylor

Some advice I would give to parents would be that they need to be greatly involved in their child's search for the right school. Schedule college visits and even go up to their child's high school to speak with their school counselor about what they think their child's best option is. Also, sit down with your child a couple of nights a week during their senior year and discuss college financial options with them, as well as start searching online for scholarship opportunities. Now advice I would give to students would be to go into their college experience with an open mind. I believe that freshmen in college mature the greatest in that year of their life than any other year prior. In order to accomplish this, the student must walk through the doors on the first day with an open mind. Also, be kind, courteous, and extremely outgoing in your first two to three weeks due to the fact that that is your most crucial time period in your college experience.

Morgan

Once you find the perfect college, you will know. Start finding the funds now. Live on campus freshman year otherwise you will miss out on one of the best experiences. Apply to a lot of colleges and make sure you tour them. If they offer any sort of fish camp make sure you go, it will show you why you fell in love with the school and it is such a good way to make friends.

Kelcy

Go to them! You will know when you get there if that is the place for you. It's good to be picky! You are paying for this place and you will be spending the next 3-5 years here.

Racquel

Make sure to do your research on everything! Baylor is a wonderful university.

Kaitlin

In finding the college for you (or your child) you should not only look at the courses available, but also go and experiance the campus it self. See how the campus looks, how the students act, and how the professors teach. Once at the college of your choice, the best way to make the most out of your college experiance is to simply get involved. Join a group, club, sport, anything that allows for you to meet new and different people. Going to college should be about learning. Learning who your are, who others surrounding you are and how they live, and how you fit into this great world.

Barret

Prepare to REALLY study even if you were one of those that never studied a day in your life. You are your own responsibility- there is no one telling you to study, go to bed, eat, etc. You will always have a professor you do not get along with, just as in life; you just have to deal with it the best you can and not quit the class. Do not be afraid you will look stupid or weak if you ask for help.

Chad

Finding the right college for each individual is crucial in his, or her learning experience. The advice I would give someone is to visit the campuses they are interested in, research the college's credentials and background, and go with what they feel is the right decision. To get the most out of the college experience one needs to get involved with campus activities, and feel like they are making a difference. Get to know the people around the campus, and make many friends because having fun is also apart of college as well as education. The last thought I would give an incoming freshman would be to enjoy college why they are here because it is too fun to miss, but it goes by before you know it, so live it to its fullest.

Grace

Make sure you visit the school many times when there are students on campus so you can get a true feeling of what life there will really be like. Also do let cost stop you from going to a school, it is much better to be happy with where you go.

Sara

I would tell parents and students to consider every aspect of attending a college. If distance and money is not a concern, attend a school out of state. I believe as a part of a students learning experience should include living in a different environment. However, whether or not the student and/or parents desire that they attend a college close to home, I highly recommend that they join a least one social group/club/organization. If a student is living away from home it is very important for them to find a group to plug into, in order to ease the strain and to provide the student with a sort of family on campus. Students attending college close to home should join a group on campus in order to stay connected to the schol. Many studies have shown that college students usually receive better grades when they are involved with campus activities and organizations. If money is a concern, I would suggest earning an associates degree at a local community college and then transferring to the college of that students chosing.

Morgan

Students: Apply to as many colleges as you can. Keep your mind and options open. Try and visit the colleges that you are most interested in. Actually visiting the campus and talking with professors and students will help your decision. They dont tell you everything on the brochure they send you in the mail. Stay positive through the whole college process, it's hard for your parents too. Parents: Encourage your children. Let them make most of the decisions. Listen to their opinions. Forcing a particular college may not always turn out the way you'd like. This is a very exciting time in their life and they want you to be apart of it, mostly. Go with them to the college visits and try to stay as positive as you can. This is a huge journey they are about to embark on, it's hard for them. They need their parents wisdom and guidance but ultimatley need to make their own decisions. They will know which college is right for them. Just be there for support.

Daniel

The task of finding the right college can be daunting with so many of them out there. But when you know what to look for, it becomes fun and exciting. You obviously want to find one that fits you best. If finances are a burden for you and your family, stay away from costly private universities. If you anticipate visiting your family often, pick a college that is close to them. If you plan on attending graduate school or earning a professional degree, focus on colleges that can adequately facilitate your educational pursuits. After narrowing your choices down from there, pay a visit to the campuses, talk to the students and professors, and listen to your gut feelings. If you feel at home at a particular college campus, then, most likely, that is the one you will walk away from after the graduation ceremony with the wonderful satisfaction of having had the best college experience possible. For if you want to make the most of your college experience, you must enjoy the college you attend as if it were your home because, well, it will be for the next few years. Study hard, but don't forget to live life.

Grant

To Students: Finding The Right College (1) There are hundreds of great schools in this country, so pick 10 at most for consideration. (2) Make the effort to find out those 2-3 unique things about each school and see how they match with your interests. (3) Go where your heart leads you. At the end of the day, if a school doesn't FEEL right, don't go there. To Students: Making The Most Of College (1) Make it a point to enjoy your time in college. This is your best window of opportunity to build strong friendships and have meaningful experiences that will last your entire life. (2) Become purposeful and focused in how you spend your time so that you can learn to work hard, to play freely, and to rest deeply. (3) Investigate the meaning of life, and find what is worth giving your life for. Having heart-felt purpose will guide you and serve you well all of your days. Through all of this, do as much soul-searching as you can. Use college as an opportunity to start a process of lifelong growth and maturity. THAT is the true value of a college education.

Virginia

Choosing a college is a big decision. Its were you will be spending the next four years of your life. You want to do as much research as possible. not only for the academic you will be choosing but also for the quality of life you will have on campus. Once you've got it narrowed down visit the campus. experience as much as you can for yourself. Once you are at college get out there and meet people. dont sit in your room waiting for class. Talk to and get to know your teachers andnever be afraid to go to the counciling or tutoring center for help. Thats what they are there for. Most importantly learn to manage your time. create a schedule that works for you and stick with it! find a good balance of study and fun.

shelby

Parents make sure you listen to your children and discuss waht they want from the college experience and help them find it. Students need to remember to keep an open mind to the college experience. Have fun but yet don't forget to work hard.

Meagen

The advice that I would give would be to find a college or university that matches your personality. The best way to do that is before you start looking at specific colleges, make a list of what you want in a college including things like living, looks, academics, party schools, sports schools, cost, and career opportunities. Once you make this list, you have a guideline set, and you can look back at it to remember what you want out of your experience. Its way easier to look for something once you know what you're looking for. As far as getting the most out of your college experience, I recommend a list, once again (they really help!). Make a list of whether or not you want an active social life, what GPA you would like to have, and what kinds of organizations you want to get involved in. This way, if you want an active social life, you can see that maybe GPA won't be quite as great as it could be. There are alot of things you can tell right off the back if you just think it through first. I use lists.

Jamie

I encourage parents to walk around the campus with their child. They should talk about the distance that the college is from home, and how that will affect the studnet. this is because many students can become home sick when too far from home, and that will effect their studies. They should also get a feel for the area surrounding the school. I would also urge students to think about what interest them and make sure there are many different extra curricular activites that they can participate in.

Kaitlin

Prepare early (middle school) and parents stay behind your child all the way. Parents let them make the decisions, just offer well tempered advice.

Erica

Make the most out of it.: the joys, the pains, the stress, all the life-changing choices, the oppurtunties, new experience--all of it. This a journey for both parties. Look at all your options and chose wisely. But make sure when you do chose, the college that one picks suits the person going to it. Otherwise the rest is going to be a challenge.

Alyssa

With hundreds of colleges across the country and even more abroad its no wonder choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The best way to begin the search is to make a list of the things you want most in a college, whether its academics, football, Greek life or great food. Then, make a list of other things you?d like it to have, but that aren?t deal breakers. These two lists can help you narrow down hundreds of choices to just a few. Once only a few colleges are left to choose from, visit each of them and ask questions. Visiting a college campus will give you insight as to what it would be like to actually attend that college. Once you?ve picked out the perfect college, said goodbye to your friends and packed up your room it's time to make the most of your college experience. Getting involved in clubs or organizations you have a passion for is not only a great way to meet people and make friends, but it?s also great for your resume. Learn to prioritize your time and you'll be able to study and have fun too.

Brittanie

The first piece of advice I would impart on the student is to explore all of your possibilites. Baylor was my first and only choice and sometimes I wish I would have looked at other schools to see what they might have offered me. I would also suggest the student keeps an open-mind. Even if the you know exactly what you want to do with and have a life map already drawn out, do not be so stubborn that you do not take the time to learn about your other interests. As far as the social scene is concerned, do not allow peers to convince you to do anything that you are uncomfortable with. Ultimately once away at college you are an adult and of the consequences and reprecussions of your actions will fall on you. To the parents I would suggest allowing their student to breathe. Whether it is the first child or last child leaving for college, it is going to be an emotional time. However, do not stifle the student's growth and attempt to dictate their college life. It is a recipe for disaster and heartache for all parties involved.

Gabriela

There are numerous traits to look at when choosing a school. Some of the most importantant being cost and traditions. The cost of school, as I have learned this year, can really effect where you choose to go. You need to be sure you have enough financial aid because you don't want your student worring mid year about how to pay for books and tuition. I think that the traditions of schools help you make friends more easily so be sure you choose a school who fits in to what you would make you feel more at home.

Amy

I would say that they should definitely visit the campus, walk in and out and through the buildings and the campus. Figure out if there are groups or something they want to join because being involved in campus life definitely makes a difference. Remember, that first semester, everyone is in the same boat, no body knows any body, so its pretty easy to make friends.

ZACH

Make sure you go to every college weekend that you can so you can get the feel of the campus and ask questions face to face.

Brittany

I would tell parents to start saving and planning for their child's education as early as possible. This means make sure that their credit report is good, and that they save throughout the pre-college years. I would also tell parents to let their children make their own decisions about college, including, which one they want to attend, their major, the organizations they wish to join, and the activites they wish to engage in. I would tell students to start saving and planning as well. Please don't leave all the work to your parents. Apply for scholarships and grants, and try to stay away from loans if at all possible. I would also tell them that while it is important to concentrate on your academics, have a social life or you will regret it. The last thing that I would tell them would be to make friends that are of various ethnicities/races.

Katie

In order to find the right college, one must read student testimonials, not pamplets or online guides because those are going to make the campus look its best. Also, campus visits are always a good thing to do because it gives a feel for what the campus is like. Also, at school, one needs to find a good balance between school and fun, without sacrificing the grades. College is not meant to be all fun all the time, just like its not meant to be all work all the time.

Shannon

My advice to parents is to have you child attend a community college first to see if they are truly ready for college studies or not. If they are truly ready for college studies they will concentrate on their studies and not so much on partying. My advice for students is also for you to attend community college and get the basics out of the way before attending a big college/university. It is easier for the student and easier on the parent's pocket book. My advice for making the most of the college experience is to get the basics out of the way cheaper and easier so that when you do get into the college/university you can relax a little and enjoy the courses in the subject that is in your field of study.

Allison

Speaking from experience, my biggest piece of advice is to choose the college that is best for the student and not another family member or friend. Choosing a college is one of the most important decision. This campus is the one that will provide the knowledge that you will use the rest of your life in your career. Become involved on your campus and reach out and meet as many different people as you can. I say this so that you can truly find where you belong within your university and those will be the people that will grow with you. God will help provide guidance with this process, so my advice is to listen and see where He takes you.

Chiquta

Find out as you aon as you can what books are needed for class and buy them online at sites such as Amazon.com or Half.com you'll save several hundred dollars

Brandi

Visit every college that interests you, for the most part, you just know which one you feel like you should go to, it will just feel like home.

Melissa

Students and parents searching for a school should have an idea of what they want in a school before they start looking. Once they have a good idea of what they are looking for, they should not settle for anything less. There are alot of really good schools out there and just because something seems convenient doens't make it the right one. Besides things like programs offered, size of the school, extracurricular activities avaliable, ranking of the school, and price of the school, the prospective students should also consider the focus of their potential classmates, the relationship of the faculty to the students and the history of the school and the alumni as well as their goals for the future.

Emily

Parents: let your kids decide. You may think you KNOW where they should go, but in the long run it is for your kid's best interest that they make their own decision

vanessa

Some advice I could give is let the student visit campus and hang out with college students. Also, make sure there is plenty of fun things to do in the city. College is supposed to be the best time of your life and every opportunity to learn something new should be available. Also, find a college that is enthusiastic about helping freshmen fit in and offers a variety of different activities. I would also look at variety of class options, building operation hours, attendance policies, and other small details that can make a huge difference in a college student's day. Overall, the best advice I could give is to assure the student that college is what you make of it. You can end up at a college that isn't necessarily a perfect fit for you and you can still make it the best experience you've ever had. The goal is to find your niche and blossom from relationships, learning, and new experiences.