Belmont University Top Questions

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

Kyara

Kyara, here is my advice to you. College friendships are some of the most important relationships that you will make. Starting out at a new school is difficult, especially when you know absolutely no one. But if you make yourself really available to others in the first couple of weeks you'll meet so many amazing people and build a foundation for some awesome friendships. So be prepared to be more open, friendly, and outgoing. You are about to step outside your comfort zone and, yes it will be scary and overwhelming, but don't worry. Over time you will discover a routine that feels both comfortable and exciting. School is very important and deserving of your focus, but try not to shut the world out. Eventually, you'll learn that you are NOT your grade. So work hard but don't forget to live while you're at it. Try new things and remember to be ALL IN.

Martha

Enjoy every bit of this rather expensive experience. Learn everything you can about everything. Take each subject seriously and find joy in learning about each of them. Work hard and play hard. Start saving money. Start weening yourself off of your parents. It may hurt, but it is only going to help you in the long run. Keep dreaming, but learn how to make your dreams reality. Love people even if they cannot give you a thing. Laugh. Try not to procrastinate, but if you do, don't get upset at others, because you waited until the last minute. Also, enjoy those all-nighters and develop a taste for coffee! You're going to need it! However, use all-nighters sparingly. Rest as much as you can. Sickness and tearing up your body is not worth the procrastination. Make life-long friends. If you're a girl, find your bridesmaids. Allow yourself to cry when you need to, but be able to leave it at the door when you need to work. Be the change you so desperately want to see in the world. Experience, love, forgive, enjoy, create, live.

Charity

I would tell myself to always remember that God is in control, and that no matter what life looks like or how things may seem at any given time, He is always taking care of me and working all things together for good. I would tell myself to always remember that this chapter in my life is not a climax, but merely a beginning, and I would tell myself to never forget that life is only worth living when God is at the center of it.

Iaian

Right decisions and difficult decisions are usually always one and the same. If I could go back in time and give my high school self some advice, it would be this: Search deep within yourself and find who you truly are, only then will you know what you truly want. Like so many other seniors in high school I too felt the pressure of choice. The responsibility of planning for my future at the age of eighteen made me feel a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. At the time, I felt Audio Engineering was the right path to go down. Now, I question whether or not this is what I want to do with my life, but it is too late to go back. Teaching has always been a desire of mine and I wish I would have just gone with what my heart knew was right so many years ago. So if I could go back, I would tell myself to truly look into my heart and see what it is I really want to do with my life. For I now know had I really understood myself, I would be on the right path for my future.

Dustin

I would read the assignments that were assigned to me in high school because in college, if you don't read, you WILL fail!

Jennifer

I would probably tell myself to go somewhere out of state. I love Belmont University, but I think I would also like going somewhere out of state for that experience. I would tell myself to be more confident in deciding which college to choose. I still do not know exactly what I want to do in life, but part of college is deciding just that. I am sure I will find my niche and shouldn't stress too much about it.

Nick

Find a college that makes you happy. Meet the staff, talk to some students. Don't JUST take the tour. A college is more than a thirty minute tour of the campus.

Courtney

Honestly, go with where your heart is. Forget about money, forget about how long it may take you to repay a loan. Go to the school that will make you the happiest. If you get bogged down with trying to find the most affordable school, you are going to miss out on many incredible opportunities at your top choice. Plus, if you go to a school that you really enjoy, the repayment process perhaps won't seem so bad! Why live regretting where you spent four years of your life at? I think this is especially hard to deal with right now because of the economic state of our country. But it won't stay like that forever, things will bounce back, so go ahead, make the most of your four years. You know what they all they, "college was the best four years of my life!" Make sure you are going to be able to say that!

Kristine

I tell them not to focus so much on whether the school has the program for your major. It is important to find a school accredited in your field of study, but things can change. You learn so much about yourself freshman year, you may discover something else you want to do, or may discover that you really have no clue! Having a school that provides many options for diverse learning is important. You don't to pick a school soley based on the fact that they have an architect program, and come to find out you don't want to be an architect. The people, campus life, and surrounding area is all very important as well.

Jennifer

Any student who thinks they've found the right college should make sure to visit the campus first. I wasn't interested in my college at first, but I took a tour and fell in love. Although it was cold and rainy, I could tell it was someplace I'd love living. And if you're entering college for the first time, your best bet is to live in a dorm. They're generally more expensive than other options, but living in a dorm is the best way to make friends. It's really important to have that network of people your first year, even if you're usually a loner. It's sometimes harder to make good contacts in classes, because the students are all so serious, so it's good to know that your neighbor can loan you the books or help you study. And it's always nice when you can just walk down the hall and play videogames with the dudes after a long day of studying.

Lauren

Once students have chosen their colleges and universities, they often think that the hard part is over and the next four years of their lives will be the best years of their lives. This is not always true. Many students' expectations are not met, and they end up disappointed and disengaged. The best advice I can give anyone to help them get the most out of the college experience and avoid this particular frustration is for them to get out of their comfort zone. The college life is different from anything else, and you get a chance to start over with people you've never met before. Do things that you don't normally do. If you're shy, push past it and go out anyway. Get involved. Join clubs. If you don't like any, take initiative and find out what you need to do to start your own. Oh, and don't forget about your school work! Whatever you do, don't stop working after you get to college and assume that everything will work itself out. If you put in the effort to make your college experience worthwhile, you won't be disappointed.

Nicholas

Every student should become involved in as much as they can within the school. the schoolwork comes first, but you have to have a social life so that you do not become bored with the school as i did. always stay ahead of your work. but, the biggest part is to have fun pursuing what you enjoy.

Chasity

The first thing a student should take into account when picking a college is what they want to do with their lives. If a student is unsure pick a community college. It's not fun when you've paid $60,000 for two years of school and you decide that your major isn't right for you. Next, take in consideration the size of classes you would like. That will then take down the number of colleges available to you. Another thing to take into consideration is if the school has a good program for the career path you've chosen. If social experiences are important too you you may want to look into what social events the school has and also what is in the surrounding area. Religion may play a role in your decision. Chosing a school that goes by your moral standards will help you survive college life. The college experience is what you make of it. If you choose to study all the time that will be your experience but the best thing would be to get involved on campus and make social connection that one day couls help you in life.

Jordan

I truely believe that you should not pick a school on how much it costs, or if you can afford it. College only comes around once, college sets you up for the rest of your life. Why waste that opportunity by worring about money. I believe if you are supposed to be there somehow you'll find a way to pay. Things happen, people surprise you. Whose to say that you won't get money from some random person, or that you get financail aid, or you get an amazing job? All you can do is work hard to achieve your dreams, and give it all that you have.

Robbie

First off, choosing your college is very hard, make sure you think very hard about where you wish to go. Think in depth about your career field and think of what it will be like when you graduate. Most importantly, college is a place to have fun. Enjoy your career in college, it only happens once. Don't stay in a college where you will be unhappy. Just because the school you are happy at is not a prestigious one does not mean that your chances at a job is diminished. Remember though, you are at college to learn about your major and earn a degree. Having fun in college is important but do not forget about your school work, that should be put most importantly over anything. Thank you.

Simone

Go to the school that is going to make you happy and that will feel like home for you because 4 years is too long of a time to feel uncomfortable.

John

Make sure to hunt for outside scholarships.

Brian

In todays society, a parent must help their student make wise decisions concerning choosing the right college and deciding what field of study and career path the student will take. College is expensive and they must make the right decision concerning how the tuition is going to be paid. The parent must prepare their student for college life and why they must stay focused on studies and not on partying.

Quinn

I would advise parents to make sure they are an integral part in helping their child select the most appropriate college. Give them advice, and provide perspective concerning the importance of the decision. Tell them to consider their options and choose the university that best suits their interests. As far as students, I would suggest that they think carefully about their college decision, but also that there is no need to worry. Obviously, the choice is extremely important, but if they do not have an exact plan for their future in terms of a major or a career, that's ok. I've changed my major and now want to do something with my career that I did not intend when I first entered school. Also, once in college, it is important not to take the time for granted. It seems like yesterday that I moved in to my dorm freshman year and now I'm one semester away from being done. It is essential to cherish the college years and explore all of the opportunities available, because the opportunity may only come once.

Mike

Visit the school and make sure to get a feel for the campus life atmosphere. If you're going to be happy in your non-academic life then you will be able to survive when school starts to get tough.

Angelica

Make sure you are willing to meet new and different people, and try new and exciting experiences. College is all about learning how to make it in the real world, so soak in and try to make the most of your experience by being willing to put yourself out there, and take some chances. The experiences you will gain from taking chances are things that can't be replaced or done at any time in your life. Make sure to find something you are passionate about, and work at it to become the best you can be.

Gordon

To find the right school, you need to find a school with a lifestyle that accomodates the likes of your student to some degree, but also includes large changes culturally. I've learned more from a diverse surrounding than any inclass situation. In addition, the definition of the "right school" changes drastically for different situations for families, financially, scholarly, athletically, or spiritually. To make the best of the college experience, it is important for the student to work hard and gain understanding of what they are learning, but it is also equally important to never take college too seriously. The people you end up working with after school are usually the ones you meet in "non-educational" situations.

Ian

Finding the right college requires that you take many things into consideration. More often than not your plans and goals will change during college. For this reason it is important that you pick a college that of course satisfies your needs and goals, but also one that is well-rounded and flexible, with plenty to offer if things change. During college many students change their major at least once, study abroad, or decide to persue graduate school. Community college is also an excellent option to consider. The education at most community colleges is either on par or exceeds that of an established university because there will generally be less students per class creating a better student to teacher ratio and usually the professors are there because they really want to teach, compared to other professors at more reputable schools who may only be interested in research. Community college is also a fraction of the cost. Completeing your first year or two at a community college is a great way to get your generic courses out of the way which you would take during the beginning of any standard university. Community college transfers are also more competitive than high school freshmen.

Tiffany

My advice would be simple. Think about what you want to get out of your college experience, maybe make a list of things you want and don't want, then do your research. The most important thing to know it what your college offers and doesn't offer. Another important factor to consider the cost of attendance and make sure that all your finances are in order before classes begin. Once you go to make your decison think about all that you have learned then just follow your heart.

Karylanne

Finding the right college is one of the most important decisions one can make. Choosing a college that will suffice your academic needs and at the same time be able to give you a comfortable enviroment will help you enjoy your time at college, while allowing to be more focused. Your college experience will help you find yourself and ready you for the world outside of school.

Angela

Be prepared! I would tell students to go with their intinct. Go with your first choice and choose the place where you feel most welcomed and accepted. Once there, make the most of it, a professor once told me, your can't do everything, but do what you do well. A college graduate told me that you can't do everything, so don't sweat it, just do your best and have fun! As much as the college experiance is about learning and discovering your career, it is also the best years of your life and a good time to have fun with friends.

W.

Really look deep into the schools and talk to people who've gone there, and are going there, for the degree that you're seeking. Don't just take what the school says at face value. Often times, even if there is truth in what they say, it will be overstated to make them look good.

Sean

The best advice I can give someone finding the right school is this: DO NOT RUSH. I changed colleges 5 times before I knew I was in the right place. I wasted a lot of effort and money, and went through a lot of stress, because I thought it was better to go to a respected school than go to the right school for me. With each school I went to (aside from the school I graduated from) I quickly became unhappy and looked into transferring for the next semester. If I was to go through my first two years of college again (not knowing where I wanted to go), I would have gone to a community college until I figured it out. And this is what I would suggest to any unsure prospective college student. Go to a community college until you find the right place for you... that is, unless you've figured that out in high school.

Jeannette

I would suggest in looking at colleges way in advance maybe even while still a sophmore in high school. That way you have more opportunities to search for different schools and visit more of them together. It makes a big difference once you can see the school and meet some of the students that attend there. It gives you a better feel of what it will be like for you as a student. Also, the more time you search in advance, the more time you can compare the different degrees and programs that may best work for you.

Cameron

The best advice to give to the student would be to get involved. School is what you make it. If you sit around not doing anything but talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend back home then you will not enjoy yourself. Trust me, my roommate did this for two years then transfered to a school closer to home.Get out and enjoy yourself. Make friends, join an organization that suits you, but whatever you do, do not make the same mistake my roommate did. Also, your parents do a lot for you so make them proud.

Elizabeth

Whatever you do, don't date anyone your freshman year. Use that time to meet people.

JARED

Pray about your passions and God's direction for your life. Consider which classes/degrees you would like to learn more about. Then, find a place that fits both urges well If you don't find a place, go to an inexpensive college until you do find a good match. Do not compromise your standards.

Kristin

Go with your first instinct. Don't second guess yourself and go with your gut. Whatever you feel is the right school is probably perfect for you. Research and visit the school.

Arthur

Be prepared for tuition to raise each year. The tuition seems very steep, but it all depends on how seriously the student takes the college experience. Belmont is very respected, so the great students really stick out and will have a strong opportunity to pay tuition back in a reasonable amount of time.

Wesley

Students need to visit several different colleges and evaluate each one on all things that are important to you. You will be living and working in this environment for at least 4 years and you need to be comfortable with your choice. This is a very important decision and you must start early and take your time making your decision. Campus tours are great but being able to roam around on your own and make your own decision is best.

Julianne

Make a list of criteria for the school you want to go to. Include things about the weather, the location, the size of the classes, degree options, and study abroad, etc. Try and go on as many college visits as possible and do not be afraid to talk to students that go there who are not a part of the visitation staff. Make a list of things that are important to you and what you liked and disliked about each one. Then, once you go to a school, try new things, and get connected and involved in something that interests you so that you can make life long friends!

Lindsey

Though academics are extremely important, be sure that the school offers you great relationships as well. This will help transitioning, and growing. Get involved! And read during High School! I thought I was busy in high school. I had no clue! I wish I would have taken advantage of my free time!

Elizabeth

I think its important to go to the schools and to walk around when you aren't on a tour. Especially inbetween classes. Get a feel for the campus, talk to real students see what they think about it. The students you talk to on campus are only going to tell you great things. You need to hear what current students don't like about the school, that way you get the reality of everything. Go to some classes in your major field. Go to a lot of different colleges and feel out the campus.

Justin

When I chose to attend my school, I simply followed my heart. My school was the only campus I felt comfortable on as a prospective student. The small campus and exceptional professors provided me with the atmosphere I needed to succeed. When it all boiled down, I didn't let the price affect my heart's desire. So, I would advise others to pick a school with which they feel most connected.

Samantha

Find a college that represents you, as a person. Consider location of the school, and make sure that it is a place that will have many job opportunities in the future. Do not stress about knowing what you want to major in, many students do not know or end up changing. It is best to get a feel for school and college life first before you find out where you fit in. Often times, you will meet people and take courses that will change your mind about what you want to do and sculpt who you will become after you graduate from college. College is a great experience, don't let it rush by. Take everything as it comes and have fun!

Tess

Visit as many colleges as you can, and listen to your child's needs and talents. Try and make the home to college transition as easy as possible by making sure the college your child chooses is the best.

John

Starting looking for schools early! If you really want to find the right school for you on the first try, that will take time. Dont wait and settle for something that doesnt fully suite you. Once you find that school that fits you and what you want, get involved. Your college experience is largely what you make of it, so get involved, be social, and soak it all in...this can be the best time of your life where you make friends that you can keep for life. Be smart, be safe, and enjoy the ride!

Katelin

When choosing which college to attend it is important to analyze your personal likes and dislikes; not only within the academic world, but also within a social environment, because when you break it down, a great college experience involves finding an equal balance between those two things. I chose Belmont University because it had a prestigious music business program and ample internship opportunities. I also chose this university because it was located in a major city and was musically charged. Belmont University posessed the qualities I was looking for both academically and socially, and ultimately this is what I can attribute my wonderful college career to! The biggest mistake you can make is attending a school soley based upon its party scene OR its available academic programs (for example), because if you do it will be impossible to establish that much needed contrast.

Chris

Go where your heart leads you. The gut is your best instinct. When you get to where you're suppose to be, find out what you want to do. Get involved. Experiment and try new things. Learn as much as you can. Know that it is ok to not know where you will end up. Believe in yourself and be sure that you are making a good decision.

Mary

Searching for the right college can be a rough time in the lives of both students and parents. Having a prospective major (which can change anytime during the process) can be a great way to start a list of schools you want to look at. Your list can be long or short, so don't get discouraged either way. Think about what size of school you might want to attend. Do you want a small classroom experience with lots of individual attention from professors? Or would you like a larger setting where most things are done on your own and your professor might not know your name or notice if you're not in class? There are many other factors that can be important - narrow your list down by what is important to you. Then, visit the remaining colleges on your list. This is vital. You really cannot choose a school without visiting it first. Spend the night if you can to get a better feel for the student body and campus life. You'll know once you've chosen the right school. Making the most of your college experience will come easily once you're in the right place.

Christa

Find a school that fits your interests and goals, not a school that everyone else thinks is cool

Jason

Know what you want to do!

Megan

Go where you feel like you would be most alive, a college that encourages you to be all you can be. Most of the time your gut feeling is right. Make sure you talk to many people at the college...students in the major you want to pursue, professors, and staff. In order to make the most of your college experience, you must get involved in some way. You must give of yourself to something greater than yourself...or you will be miserable. Partying will get old, studying/making good grades all the time will get old, but giving of yourself teaches you valuable lessons for the rest of your life.

Hilary

I feel that when any student is trying to find the right college, you need to first decide on a major, then decide if that school as an adequate department for your desired career. College is expensive and you need to make sure your school can prepare you to eventually pay off your student loans and be financially stable in the future. Also, I would suggest going to visit each college you're applying to while students are on campus, this helps you get a feel for what the student population is like and gives you and idea of whether it'll be a good fit for you. It is always a good idea to talk to a current student and ask them if they had to apply a second time, would they apply to the same school or if they would have gone a different route, how they feel about professors, and even the city itself. I think it is also very important to meet with professors of your desired major and inquire on their program.

Claire

Depending on how important your future is important to you, new parents and students should definitely pick schools with the best programs offered for certain careers. That is the most important, but they should also always visit the campus before choosing and talk to some current students. It is imperitve that a student likes and enjoys the campus and the people there. It needs to be a home away from home for people so that they can focus on their studies and the entire college experience. Activities offered at colleges and universities are also vital parts of selecting where to spend the next four years. Making sure that a school has plenty of activities to get involved in is an essential part to adjusting and making friends. Being sure to have people to talk to and rely on is a major part of college and a school that offers places and things to do that with is certainly one to keep in mind. Lastly, if the school seems to be a correct fit, its job turnout and financial aid are two things that are important to parents and need to be considered carefully when choosing their child's future school.