Bethel University-McKenzie Top Questions

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

Armicia

Dear Armicia, I know you are excited for college, you only have a few months left, but take a minute and listen to me. When leaving home, yes its awesome knowing your finally going to be independent, but please be mindful by knowing with independence comes responsibility. no one wakes you for clases anymore, no one tells you when to go to sleep, and no reminds you to do your homework. You have to be mindful of these things and stay organized because that will help you a lot with time management. The college life will get very challenging, but one thing you must do is continue to pray and keep God first in everything you do. Armicia you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to, so never let anyone tell you you can't do anything and never let someones opinion setop you from using the one talent that you know God himself has blessed you with and that is the gift of ministry through song. Love yourself for you and pray often.

ricasha

I was a procrastinator in high school. I always seemed to get an adrenaline rush the night before my homework, a paper, or a project was due. This became a consistant part of my life in highschool. I rarely studied, thus I never developed good study skills. This affected me tremendously in college. I transitioned to college a few months after graduating high school, and I did not know what to expect academically. As a pre-med student, I struggled to be studious, use my time wisely, and have a social life. I needed to put more effort into my classes than I was accustommed to in highschool. Thus, I failed most of my classes during my first year in college because similar to high school, I was a professional procratinator with terrible study habits. I would tell myself as a high school senior to be more studious, develop better study skills, practice completing assignments ahead of time, seek assistance from professors, utilise educational resources, and most importantly learn to balance social life and academics. Moreover, I would ask college students and research as much as possible on ways to be successful in college. Preparation, determination, and knowledge is key.

Samantha

If I could go back in in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to not make such hasty decisions. I wanted to be away from home so badly that I never considered the cost of things and how I would be able to survive with no money. My parents advised me to stay home and go to a local school until I got on my feet, but I refused to listen. Honestly, I wish I would have listened. I don't regret the times I've had in college or the experiences I've had while I was here. It taught me alot about life. I can't go back in time. It's physically impossible. But if I could I would have stayed home until I was ready for the real world.

Brittany

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stop worrying so much. The process is much easier than you think it's going to be and if you just calm down you'll probably see that. Everyone around you is there to help you, you are far from being alone. Don't be overwhelmed with the transition into college because it's everyone is feeling the same way you are and you'll learn quickly. College life can be stressful, being away from home, and the work load but home is just a phone call away and the work load doesn't stay huge forever. Just always remember to put your work first because that is why you are here, friends can seem more important sometimes but they will understand I promise.

Chastaree

Sometimes orther activities can cause confusions with attending outstanding grades if you are not strongly self motivated.

Alec

What i have gotten out of this college experience is even if you think you can't get the money and you think its too much, just pray to God and He will provide thats what He did for me. But, you will know where God wants you to be at, He will provide, if He wants you to be there, He will put you there for a reason. This college is great, if you ever want to go here, you made a right choice you will love it and cherish every moment, but this place is very valuable to attend. Do your work, you will just make your college life harder if you don't do your work trust me.

Emily

I was apprehensive about attending college. I wanted to stay in high school where I knew what was expected of me and my counselors made nearly every academic decision for me. High school was where all my friends were, the friends that took years to find and get to really know. College ripped this sense of security out of my hands, but I'm glad it did. I learned to find new friends, and redefine myself. I also learned that what I thought I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing, wasn't what I really wanted to do at all.

Kimber

So far my college experience has really opened my mind and helped me grow as an individual. I attend a satellite campus where small classrooms allow engaged learning and I know my voice is always heard. Not only are the professors very friendly and easy to work with but my peers have become some life long friends. It is a wonderful school and I would reccommend it to anyone.

Preston

My college experience so far has taught me how to make important decisions such as what classes to take, what I am interested in, and how to apply this knowledge to my career. My major (Graphic Design) is something that is both fun to do and will be a great career with many opportunities. My experience with the community college has been valuable because I can live at home and work and attend classes while earning an Associates Degree; this will help me transition to a university to complete my Bachelor's Degree. I have also learned how to work well in groups to complete assignments, and I have learned that group efforts can be rewarding because the variety of skills people have helps to achieve a common goal.

ali

what I gave came back to me

Brittany

I would tell myself to plan time to do homework and assignments. Do not wait until the last minute to start on papers and other assignments. It is much easier to get it out of the way so you do not have to worry about it. Also, make new friends. Introduce yourself to new classmates. You have to step out of your comfort zone. You may end up meeting your new best friends.

Patti

The thing I wanted to do most when I was in high school was get out. Now I wish I could have had someone to inspire me to go to college. The only way you can make money or get ahead is with a college education, It would have been much eaiser for me to do that when I was younger. I am so thankful for the program that I am in now and for all of the support and encouragement that the people at Bethel give me. Please think of all of the wonderful time you will be missing out on if you do not attend college now. You can do anything you set your mind to with the encourage and support of caring people. Reach for the stars and earn your degree.

Paula

The advice I would give myself is to pursue an education first . Education is very vital and neccesary in this era. I would concentrate on making good grades and seeking for grants and scholarships to fund my education.

Jesse

If I could go back to senior I would tell myself to do what makes me happy. I would tell myself to study really hard and to good on the ACT. I would tell myself if baseball isn't a sport that I want to do the rest of movie life then to quit and focus on my studies which will help me to get to my ultimate goal which is to get my degree in special education.

Melindee

If I were to have to go back in time and give myself advice about college and the transition. I would probably have to start by saying that just because you are recieving a scholorship to advance in your education, doesn't mean that you can do as you please by having a good time and not carring if you get the grade that just gets you by, but if you would have studied a little harder you could have exceeded alot faster and would not have dropped out. Instead don't give up and try your hardest, it is alot easier to go back to school and succeed when you don't have three children needing you every minute of the day. Life now is a struggle because I am trying to go back to school to further my education for my children, I want to be a good example for them. Financial situations are now a burden when in high school and college before I didn't have any expences, where now I am having to come up with the money for school, which is alot harder. I guess that is why it means more to me now.

Jillian

Dont overthink choosing your college! Pay attention to the students around you when you visit; if you feel like you fit in with them, this college is a good match for you. You will be anxious and uneasy at first no matter where you choose to attend, but you can and will find your niche at lots of school. Secondly, think career-minded when choosing a career. Most important questions to consider: Do you want to go to grad school? Do you want to be certified right out of college? Would you mind working at a desk or in a cubicle? These questions are important when choosing your major!! Do a lot of community service or questioning your parents and parents friends to find a general career industry that you would be stimulated by for the rest of your life. Often times students chose on a whim, or by what "sounds cool," but realize they could never see themselves at a desk or in a factory for 50 years. But dont OVERthink! You can always change majors once you get there.

Denise

I would tell myself, "Alright Denise, here's the deal. You need to stay focused on your education. College is a challenge, but with faith and good study habits, you can accomplish anything. You will be better off going to college right after high school, instead of waiting until you are older, for many reasons. One reason is that your mind is already primed and ready to learn, you will not have to start over. Another is that the majority of students will be the same age as you, so you can help each other get situated. Now, about your social life; no matter where you go to school there will be a lot of pressure to party. Well, there will be plenty of time for that after you get your degree, if thats really what you want to do. You are young and can do anything you set out to do. You have to want it and work hard to get it. Just remember, only you can do it for you. Roll with it and it will be worth it in the end."

Patrick

I believe finding the right college and setting is one of the most important parts of a successful college career. Taking as much time as needed in searching for the right college is very crucial to a student. For instance, some people learn better in smaller settings and some better in larger settings. If you know the type of setting that works for you, this will definitely help you in the process of searching for that right school. College is a new experience for everyone, not just the students, but for the parents as well. Everyone needs to adjust. College is not just a place for learning new material relating to your career goals, but also a time to really learn about life. Taking the time to meet new people, learning new things, and time management between social life and school work is the key to a successful college career and really making the most from your college experience. This is your time to shine. Make the most of it!

David

Try to find a good college that has good job and career opportunities

Jennifer

The right college is key to the right education. Too often, high school graduates go directly into a four-year university without really knowing what the want out of life. It is important for each individual to step back and figure out what truly makes them happy. Their happiness may include future career goals, learning environment, and educational atmosphere. Chosing a college is a very personal choice. It is where students will spend the next four or more years of their life. They must be encouraged and involved in the decision making process. It took me too many years to return to college after being pressured into a four-year college that my parents had chosen for me. I initially dropped out of college due to academic burn-out from the pressures placed on me by my parents, high school teachers, and myself. Returning to school on my own terms has been the best decision of my life.

Bethany

I would recommend that the decision on where to go be that of the student's. The parents can give input, but in the end it is the student who will be attending, and the student's happiness is key to success.

Cliffton

Find a college that best fits your child. For example, the best college for me was the one that I attended because it is a smaller school and I would not be distracted from my school work or my sports. My GPA went from a 2.2 leaving high school and my GPA leaving college is a 3.0. Now, I am attending the same school working on my Master's of Education. But, that was best fot for me. If your child can go to a bigger college and still keep his or her head on right, than that's awesome. Going to a bigger college usually means better professors and learning experiences. Make the best choice for your young adult leaving high school and help them choose the best choice for them, not for you as the parent.

Jennifer

Make sure that its a place where you are going to feel comfortable with. If you get homesick easily i suggest to not go very far. Learn about the school before you decide on it and go to the school and visit. Don't choose the first school that you see because i did and my first year experience in college was not what i expected it. When you find the right college don't be scared to ask someone where the classrooms and buildings are. Don't come in to your first year of college thinking that you already own everything. i have seen it happen and its not very pretty. Make sure the surroundings of the college have what you need to get groceries and your nessecities. If you are used to a big city you might not want to go to a smaller city. If you are getting a scholarship make sure that they have everything already in the system and that its what you were told. Keep all your paperwork in a seperate folder in case something gets lost in the office, you have an extra copy. Enjoy your college experience as much as you can.

Neville

I reccomend a college with a great eduaction to usher your children into a good future

ashley

Just make sure they are ready for a small town.

Jessica

Really explore your options. Talk to students on campus and ask for honest opinions of the campus, classroom settings, available resources on campus and in student life, the general atmosphere of the student body, off campus activities, and any other interests you may have. Make sure that the college you choose meets your personal needs. You do not want to be stuck in a school that does not offer your major and will leave you unable to transfer without losing too much time. Start looking at your options early and always visit the campus, a non-preview day is better if you can just go walk around because the campus will be operating as it does on a daily basis. Look into financial aid options and incentives throughly so that you will not expect something that you will not actually receive. Make the choice that is right for you, not for someone else just because you are afraid to be different, you will be able to find new friends, possibly even lifelong friends, or the person you grow up to marry. Keep your options open, you never know when you might love someplave you never thought you'e end up.

Tasha

I would highly recommend looking into the reputation of the school. If a parent sends their child to a school that is known for parties, crime, and drugs; what do they think their child will be influenced by while they are there? The size of the school is also important. It would not be wise to send their child to a school will over 200 students in one class when they grew up in a town with a population of 500. I would also recommend looking into academics and majors. One needs to be sure that the school provides the classes as well as the major that their child intends on taking. Housing and a meal plan is also very important. The parents need to make sure that their child is going to have somewhere to live as well as something to eat. Parents need to know if the tuition money also includes three meals a day. Some colleges make you pay everyday to eat. Last, but not least, parents need to make sure that their child will have access to a free tutorial service. How fast can they get a tutor and how long can they keep the tutor?

Nick

If you like small colleges, Bethel is a great one to choose but if you like bigger ones maybe not. The classes are small and the teachers are there to be one on one. There are places that like to party if you enjoy that you need to go to a big university but if you want to learn go somewhere you know that will give you a great education. Maybe Bethel College is your choice.

robyn

Be yourself. Don't be afraid to try out new things. College can seem scary for first-time students, but make some new friends and you will have a blast! Study hard and again just be yourself.