Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

As you make your college decision, think carefully about who you want to be in the future. Contemplate ideas beyond employment in a particular type of job or career path. Think about the kind of friendships you would like to maintain. Think about the reputation of your college within its community and beyond. Think about what character qualities you wish to grow within yourself. While your college does not control who you become in the future, it may be a key catalyst in the values you form, the relationships that carry into your adulthood, and the quality of preparation you have for engaging a global marketplace.

I think one thing I would tell myself is to work harder and build stronger study habits. This is the one thing that was hard in my transition from high school to college. I would also have told myself to take a few more pseo credits. This would have saved me alot of time and money.

Since coming to college I have learned an abundance of lessons I wish I would have learned back in high school. Bethel University is an expensive college to be attending and sometimes I feel I have wasted time because I have not done as well in some courses as I would have hoped and have made less than appealing social choices in my first year. The best advice I would give myself if I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior would be to never take for granted the opportunity to attend college. College offers a large variety of opportunities and experiences. Academic excellence is one opportunity every college student gets. Acquiring this takes discipline, but achieving it is rewarding. Extracurricular activities is another opportunity. Not taking part in such an experience is wasteful, but choosing to get involved is never a waste of time. I am so blessed to be a part of such a community as Bethel and if I had known more about the transition and the overall importance of higher education, I would never have wasted so much time in the beginning and would have developed better time management skills.

If I could go back and tell myself what college was like I would tell myself that it is a time where you learn not just about your major, but about yourself. Everything you thought you knew about yourself will get shaken up. Your religion, moral, ethics, knowledge, and personality. It is an emotional time, but it's an exciting time. You learn not just career skills, but social and life skills. College seems to be a time where you can decide who you are going to be and how you are going to do that. College is a beautiful trying time in your life. It is what you do in those years at college that you will never forget. Something that I will be able to tell my children about. College is something that you can't just read about in a book. It is an experience that cannot be described but rather must be lived out.

It is very important to make the right choice in selecting a school. I selected the wrong school and my social life and academic aspirations were both hindered because of a wring choice. Luckily for me, transferring was an option.

The advice that i would give myself is to continue to work hard in school and develop good study habits as well as take as many college courses that you can in high school. Coming into college i could get by without studying much and could still do good on tests. But ow in college i have to buckle down and disicipline myself so i can study and so i can do a good job on my exams. Also i would tell myself to take some college courses in high school. I could be ahead of my class and even graduate a semester early if i would have taken some courses in high school and i really wish i would have because i could have cut down the price on my total tuition. And when you have to pay for all of it once you get out of school, anything to cut down the price is a big advantage. I also would have told myself to really enjoy the time you have with your friends that you have grown up with and to really cherish the moments that you have with them because I personally miss them all.

College has been so different than I expected it to be and I wish I could go back to high school and tell myself to change my expectations. First of all, lifelong friends are not met right away. It takes time to get to know people on a deeper level. When you feel alone, understand that other people feel the same way at times. It is normal. Talk to people, whether family members or old friends or upperclassmen, to talk through your feelings with. They will help put things in perspective. Second, do not compare yourself to other people because each person comes from a different background and each person will experience college in a different way. Focus on the good things you have rather than on what you do not have, because focusing on the bad sucks a lot of energy out of you. Third, the workload can be overwhelming. College classes require a lot of work but just try to manage your time well to get everything done. These are important ideas that I have learned in college and being aware of them before college would have made the transition a lot easier.

Throughout college, we often surround ourselves with loving friends and positive support groups. Both can be created through similar interests, classes or living situations. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would put more of an emphasis on the benefits of having a positive support group and strong friendships. When I entered college, I came in with the attitude that college was all about preparing for my future career and job. Because of this, I placed a large emphasis and amount of time on good grades, along with scholarly success. Looking back on the situation, however, I now understand the importance of balancing school work along with friends. Frienship is something that you can take with you wherever you go, including family situations, difficult times, and specifically the work field. School and grades are importnant, but so is friendship, which is why I would take the time to inform myself of the benefits.

I would tell myself to treasure every moment - the hours of studying, the late night conversations, the changing of the seasons. College is an incredible time that will be unlike any other time in life. Never will you have such easy access to amazing people and the opportunity to form meaningful relationships. Also, keep an open mind and be ready to get challenged. College is a place of diversity and your beliefs will be shaken. This is not a bad thing! Seek truth, explore possibilities, and form your own identity. And don't forget to work hard. Give your best effort and be content with the results. Pursue the joy of learning rather than just the satisfaction of good grades. And finally, don't forget your family. You finally have some space, but show love to the most important people in your life. You won't regret it!

Some advice I would givento myself would have to be choose where you want to go becasue in the end thats the best place for you. You may want to be with your friends and feel secure but really meeting new people is one of the best experiences you could have in college. I also think that I would say have fun and dont worry your parents will be fine. They are more excited than they show. Dont just choose on cost of the school either cause the experience is what makes it better. Where ever you go you will be happy just make sure you choose it make the final choice on your own because in the end when your at school your going to have to choose on your own anyways, so why not start now. Be very open to ideas and new things dont judge and just move forward also be preparred becasue they do move quick. Just enjoy your senior year and look forward to a new and exciting start you are not going to loose your old friends you will gain more and broden your horizon. =)

If I could go back in time and give myself advice it would have been to be more social. It's super easy here to stick to your floor or department, so definitely get out and meet more people.

I would not change a thing. I lost sleep, and I know it was completely unhealthy, but it was during those crazy hours of the night when I had the most amazing conversations and made lasting memories. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet people. Put yourself out there, and don't be afraid to be different than you were in high school. Above all, put First things first. The rest will take care of itself.

Realize what you are looking for in a college, dont settle for something that you don't want. Make sure you go somewhere where you have a variety of majors to choose from, even if you don't thing you will change your mind, because you will. Although it will be scary to start something new without your high school friends, don't feel like you need to follow them to their school of choice. You will be fine on your own, you will be able to start fresh. Consider campus life, and the rules the college has, even if everyone else is living on campus, maybe it isn't the thing for you. Take a look at your personality and do what you think is right. When college starts dont worry about making friends right away, everyone is searching for friends just like you are, they will come with time. There are plenty of activites planned for welcome week that you wont have time to feel lonely. Get in your groove, be yourself, people want to know the real you. Don't compromise your values for friends, those aren't the kind of friends you want anyway.

When you are choosing a college look for one that has great acedemics and a great community feel. Be smart with the classes you take now; do those AP courses. Don't worry about college, you will fit in, don't be afraid to be yourself.

Hi Emily, it's me, ehr, I mean you. I just wanted to tell you that you shouldn't be afraid. You will be affirmed that you made the right choice, especially when you go for a walk by yourself around the lake for the first time and see the colors of the leaves and how bright the sky is. Your roommate is fantastic, so don't stress about that either. I don't think there could've been a better match for you. So, good job with praying on that one. A word of advice: don't bother searching for a boy. A good amount of time was wasted searching faces, trying to find one that I could imagine myself marrying. Please don't be that ridiculous. Be patient and celebrate the time you have to be single. You're going to have a small but great cirlcle of friends; appreciate the time you have with them and savor their flaws and quirks. Don't waste time getting comfortable . . . just be your weird self and you will automatically feel at home. Be ready to cry, be ready to speak, be ready to be challenged.

College is fun and being given freedom is alot of responsibility. Equipping yourself with an open heart and peaceable mind will help you get know people in their walk with Christ. Also there are 24 hours in one day how will you use them to glorify your maker (i.e. getting you work done, being a wise steward of the time within the day, prayer and devotional time). Be anxious in nothing as the word says and dont worry about tomorrow.

I would tell myself not to be so concerned about the future. The future is nothing new. College is just like any other learning environment, it's just a lot more expensive. It is another step to working toward getting a good career, so don't worry because it's nothing too different. Also, don't care so much about what other people think. You are the one making these decisions you ultimately know yourself the best. If you think a school will be good for you, give it a shot. Your opininon is the only one that truely matters in the choice you make. Make your decisions for yourself, don't let anyone else dictate what you choose. Apply for as much financial aid as possible. Looking for schlarships early didn't work out for me so I'd say don't stress too much about that. I wouldn't say it's a waste of time, but time might be better spent on school work, to make the grades that'll get you financial aid from your school.

First, I would tell myself to take more AP credits to prepare me for college. They really help a lot with finances and helping a person graduate from college faster. I also would have tried harder in those classes to get higher marks on the AP tests because the difference between a 5 and a 3 is outstanding in terms of how many credits they count for. Secondly, I would tell myself to research what I wanted my future career to be. Coming into college, I just assumed I would like chemistry and would figure out the career part later. I ended up wasting time and credits on a major I would later switch. Thirdly, I would have told myself to focus in on scholarships and financial aid. I received some financial aid but I know I could have put more effort into finding more scholarship resources. I never realized how important every dollar was until I experienced the cost of education. Lastly, I would tell myself to let go of inhibitions and not be afraid to meet people. Freshman year builds most of the friendships that will last a long time so I should be open from the start.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself ultimately to relax and trust in the Lord. I was so worried about classes and finances and although these things are important while attending college, the most important thing at Bethel is to prepare the students for the future. And that goes far above academics. I would tell myself to be assured that my decision to choose Bethel was the right one and by doing so I will not only be getting a education but tools to live my life to the fullest and in a way that is glorifying to the Lord.

I would tell myself that you don't need to be worried about finding the "perfect" group of friends right off the bat. This isn't the T.V. show "Friends," it's going to take awhile to learn about other people and truly connect with them. Just focus on being yourself and being friendly and open to everyone you meet. You may be surprised to find out who you are drawn to for friendships in college. If you are honest in your likes and dislikes, and become involved in activities that interest you, you will find people who have similar interests and personalities.

I would have told myself to try meet new people right away when you get to college, because that is when everyone is trying to make friends. Also, I would have told myself that it is key to get off to a good start in college and meet with my advisor and other key members right away to get everything squared away.

I would tell myself that life isn't all about grades. While grades are important, I spent so much time trying to get good grades that I forgot to actually learn and engage in the information my school provided. I would tell myself not to worry about what others think since highschool is just one part of life. People appreciate you more when you appreciate yourself. Also, I would advise myself to get involved in campus activities right away. It is easier to become involved on campus when you're a freshman or sophmore than as a junior or senior. If you become involved right away as a freshmen, people know you're truly interested and invested and it gives you more time to build valuable relationships and connections on campus. Lastly, I'd tell myself to have fun, enjoy each day, think positively, and take things one step at a time.

Tony, you are not the man. People will not always respect you and give you the credit you think they owe you. This idea of entitlement and egotism is foolish. What you have done is in the past, forget about it and move on towards what is in the future.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would tell my former high school senior self that it isn't as terrifying as I once thought. Sure there are times where I am scared out of my mind but their are always people around me who are there to help. My professors are always available for me to talk to and are willing to work with me until I understand the material. The friends that I have made here I know I am going to keep with me for life. We have tons of fun going placing or just staying up all night talking in order to get to know each other. Even though I know I got sick of my parents growing up I really miss them now. The relationship that I have with my parents now that I am away from home has grown because I have realized how much I truly value and love them. College is a wonderful growing up part of life that everyone has to go through. It helps us find out place in the world all while helping us find ourselves.

Be prepared for change. College is filled with new opportunities, ideas, people, courses, and freedoms. Your values, beliefs and goals will face challenges and your commitment will be tested. And in the midst of your boat being rocked, you will be apart from the family and friend system that previously had kept you anchored. Naturally, you will seek out those who will become your family away from home, your new anchor. First year at college everyone is riding the same wave, they?re all looking for new friends to laugh, cry, and go on an adventure with, so don?t feel alone in these changes and challenges! You will, in the midst of this crazy journey, find that you contain a compass within you which points you to where and who you need to be. Don?t be scared to make mistakes to the point that you never take risks, because no matter what the outcome, you will learn from these experiences. And hold on tight for the ride of your life, the winds of change urge you to move into something you would have never dreamed you could be! In the end, you?ll be seeking another new adventure.

Knowing what I know now, as a high school senior, I would have applied for more scholarships and tried to get my test scores up sin order to recieve more money from Bethel. I would also tell myself to really get out there and focus on meeting people my freshman year of college. I spent so much time focused on school last year that I missed out on social events and opportunities to meet people that rare eally only are availalbe as a freshman.

Look for community. Don't just sit around and think that it will find you. Christ will be there for you the entire time. Lean on Him and what he has planned for you. Be open and honest with people around you. Dont worry about 10 years down the road... think of tomorrow.

I would tell myself to enjoy my high school experience but still take several advanced classes. Many students come into college unprepared for the workload. I would also advise myself to pick a school based on my own interests, not just where my friends what to go. College is a time for broadening your horizons, and that is difficult to do if you only stick with your high school friends. Finally, I would tell myself to relax, because even though college is a lot of work, it can be a lot of fun too!

As I think back to my senior year of high school, a great deal of stress and worry comes to mind. I struggled with the pressure of choosing the "perfect" school, deciding on the "perfect" major, and achieving "perfect" grades. I now realize that much of that worry was for nothing. I worried that finding like-minded friends would be near impossible, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like to share a bathroom with multiple girls! I often think about all of this anxiety I went through, and shake my head at myself. If I only took a breath and trusted in life leading itself, I could have saved myself from many tears. Much of that worry amounted to nothing productive, and everything has worked itself out, as it would have with or without that ridiculous worry. When I start to feel anxious about my future now, I try to remind myself how rather pointless that worry was then, and how in four years I'll think the same of my current worries. All I can do is breath, say a prayer, and let life lead me as it may.

The big rule of thumb is to trust everything YOU do. After 13 years of school, you know what you like and dislike. Don't chooes a school because it has a big name. If you like a school more then another and you can afford it somehow, do it. Its better to be happy then to be upset. When it comes to a major, figure out what you want to do to a point. Colleges mean it when they say that many people are undecided. When your 17 or 18 you don't always know what you want for the rest of your life. Try to take classes applicable to many majors. Find the good in people when you go to college. This will help you find friends, make connections, and feel better about yourself. Don't be afraid of college work. Just do it and its not all that bad. Don't be afraid of taking more if you are a generally good student. Anyone who has the time can do it. Yes, some classes are harder then others. Some are also easy. Overall take what other people say with a grain of salt.

I would tell myself to pick a school that fits my goals and aspirations, and one that suits my lifestyle and places me around people that will encourage me. I would also say to apply for as many scholarships as possible because the bills start racking up after the first year. I would say to take an average amount of credits so I am not as stressed and forced to spend more time on some classes than others. I would tell myself to live at home or in an apartment with 1 friend because it gets too stressful living with people that I do not know very well. I would tell myself to try hard to stay focused and try not to be distracted by campus activities and friends.

I would give myself a lot of advice about making sure I manage my time better. It is very easy to get distracted in college with extra-curricular activites and social events. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to manage my time better and to mix my time better with my social life. Also, I would tell myself to open up more and get to know people better because these people I meet will be my best friends for the rest of my life.

You're a senior and getting ready for college. Congratulations! Many people will now tell you that it just gets easier, that college life is nothing like high school. Well, I'm here to tell you that they're wrong. You will work just as hard, if not harder, on your classes and other activities that you so choose. Be prepared. Be smart about how you use your time and efforts. Be wise about certain temptations that will come around, dragging you away from your school work and other things that should be your top priority. Save your money. Learn to juggle your finances such as rent, food, gas, and other necessities that will seem to require some if not most of your money. Have fun. College life doesn't have to be all about classes, homework, and sleep. This will be the first stepping stone into life and it's not meant to be scary in any way. Although you will experience those butterflies, love it, cherish it, and grow from it. You're growing up; enjoy every second you can.

I would tell myself that it is important to do all my work and not skip out on studying. It is crucial to make healthy study habits early in life that will transfer over to college life. There are a lot more activities in college that can consume a person, and if good, stong study habits are not establish, it is extremely easy for a person to fail. I feel as though I developed decent study habits; however, I do wish I would have been told to focus more in high school and not skip out on the little things.

My biggest worry as a senior in High school was if I would be able to pay for college. Do not rule out a school that you love just because of the price tag. If you really love it then make the extra effort to apply for outside scholoraships and keep your grades up. It is possible to be awarded scholarships and grants from the government and the school you are looking at. Another thing is that you should decide where you are going to apply and then do it early! Do not wait. Apply during the summer before your senior year if you can. It takes a lot of stress of you if you have that done. College is a really exciting transition in your life. When you move in be social and make lots of friends, then after the first two months of meeting lots of people, decide who you want to grow deeper in relationship with. These people will be your friends for the rest of your life! And study hard, but have fun!

Stereotypical, I know, but I would tell my High School Senior self to pursue your hobbies by making them your career instead of choosing your major based upon your skill set. Specifying how these have been your passions since you were in elementary school. Additionally, I would state how it isn't worth your time, effort or stress to act a certain why to fit into a crowd that behaviors in such a way that creates a false persona - creating a false image is a detrament to your growth and fulfillment of your aspirations. Lastly, if your selected major, not matter what degree, if your selected course of graduation is causing more adverse and frustrating scenarios, flip a U-turn and find something else. Just because you can accomplished the degree, have tremendous amounts of talent and skills for said degree doesn't mean that is where you should graduate. Pursue you passions, hobbies and interests! These are the things that are going to make your happiest in the end.

If I could give myself advise as a high school senior, I would say: Do not be discouraged. College is a huge change, and for some it is a very easy transition. However, for many, it is somewhat difficult and a little frightening. It is going to be hard, but do not limit yourself. If it seems like it is difficult to make friends, keep branching out, and you will find true friendships. Also, as far as academics go, it is very overwhelming at first. The professors kind of throw everything at you the first day of class. It is very different from high school, and though you may seem way over your head and think you cannot do it, you can. Take academics seriously, but also have fun with your new friends that you make. Make memories--they will last your a lifetime.

I would advise myself to take as many opportunities as possible to gain college credit in high school. Having some college experience and a head start on scholastic requirements is invaluable. Since the expectations of college professors are much higher then high school teachers, it is almost essential to have a limited amount of college experience before enrolling full time. My personal experience of taking college classes for two years before enrolling as a freshman at Bethel definitely helped me transition into being a full-time college student. I haven't experienced the same level of severe adjustment or even homesickness about which my fellow freshmen complain. In addition, bringing in credits allows students to have more flexibility with scheduling of courses and adding majors and minors. If I had taken a Spanish course at the college level before coming to Bethel, I would have been able to add a Spanish minor, which was something I wanted to do. However, without that credit and with the other classes I have to take, I can't fulfill the requirements for the minor without taking more than four years to graduate. Thus, I would have encouraged myself to take more college classes.

Remembering back to my senior year, I see a blur. So much involvemenet in many activities, projects, and decisions. I spent most of my high school career as a high achiever and over-committed. If I were to advise the sleep-deprived senior that I portrayed to others, I would advise myself to take the transition to college slowly and enjoy the new experience. There are so many things to be experienced on a college campus and in the community before dedicating oneself to just one cause. I would advise myself to stay focused on the importance of education and doing well in classes, but look for one outlet to focus my extra time and energy. In this, I could give of my extra time in a way that is beneficial to both the cause as well as myself. I would also tell my anxious senior self to "just relax." There are so many variables in college that rest in the hands of others: friends, professors, classmates, and roommates. I can only control myself and do the best of my ability and help others along the way.

One thing I would tell myself is that, the dorms aren't that big so don't bring so much stuff! But on a more serious note, I would tell myself not to worry so much. I was so stressed out about trying to choose a college, the right college, to go to, that it was just a terrible process for me. It took me forever to decide, and finally I just had to say, "I'm going to Bethel." But knowing what I know now, I know I made the right choice, and there wasn't that much to worry about. If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax and know that God will direct me wherever He wants me to go.

I would rather begin talking to myself as a high school freshman. I would tell myself that the knee injury incident would lead to a major fork in the road decision, and that cocoa butter cream would have saved a lot of insecurities later on down the road. The path less traveled at the fork would lead me to becoming a strong Christian with strong morals and even stronger character. I would tell myself as a high school sophomore that friends are worth fighting for, but to choose my friends wisely. To my high school junior year self, I would say that the hard times will pass, so take this time as an opportunity to step out of the worries and pick up a hobby. And finally, to my high school senior self, "Do not let your life be determined by 'just going with the flow.' Take the initiative to put in that extra work to find the answer. Give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in everything you do and do not settle for what is good but work and strive for what is best. Remember that all things are possible, and when in doubt... smile!"

Hindsight is a powerful tool that everyone wishes they could use. In hindsight of my college experience, I would suggest to myself not to stress too much. I was very nervous for college and for the transition of moving away from home and away from everything that I knew. Though there was a transition and at times it was hard, I did not die nor did anything significantly horrible happen. I would tell my high school self that God is in control of it all. No matter what I may do to prepare or even over-prepare myself, God is still in control of my life and I should not have any worries about the future. Looking back to my nervousness and stress of transitioning and meeting people, I smile and think of how irrational I was being. There was no need to worry. I am excited to see what college life had in store for me because of the experience I have had thus far. I have made some amazing friends and the academics are manageable if you take them in stride. I must always remember that God has a plan for my life and live that out.

Do not be nervous and stress is overrated; just enjoy yourself and put yourself out there.

I would save all of my money and work as much as possible. I would try to take as many AP classes as I could and I would even take a couple college classes during the summer before Bethel so I could knock out a few credits and focus more on my major and graduating early to avoid more bills. I would also tell myself to work harder and to make sure I get the best grades possible for more financial aid. College is very hard and trying to adjust the first year is difficult. It is hard to understand what the teachers expect out of you and to balance the work load is also a struggle.

Looking back I would have told myself that it will no be easy, but that is not the point, but you will learn so much and the people you will meet will be great and become life long friends. Not only will you be able to learn academically but also be able to grow spiritually.

I would tell myself to have fun in college and not make the school part the biggest deal. I would say to get involved in activities around campus early on and start to meet people and make life-long friendships. Don't slack off on school, but just use your time efficiently so that you can still have time to go and hang out with friends.

Dear Breanna, Take some time to get to know yourself and exactly what you want. Explore majors that you're interested in, and ones you've never heard of. Look at career options for each major and just dream about what you would like to do. Don't put pressure on yourself to pick one, because most people change their majors anyway. When you get to college, don't do your homework in your room-you won't meet any people there. Anything you can do outside your room...do it! Don't be afraid to sit next to someone you don't know in the Dining Center. Keep introducing yourself to people even after Welcome Week. Nobody will be impressed if you pull an all-nighter and it will only make you sick, so start valuing sleep! If Facilities Management calls you in the middle of the night do NOT test the fire alarm. They are not Facilities Management.

There are a few words of wisdom I could have given myself as a high school senior that may have helped my transition to college, as well as my time at college. The first and biggest thing I would say is to reach out and get past yourself. I felt so scared and not ready for college, even when I got a few years into college. However, that's how most other people felt, too. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to you to get connected with people. It takes initiative to start relationships and to start a successful time at school. If you make a decision, stick with it unless you find it really doesn't work. That goes for choosing a college, a major, a friend group, something to be involved in, etc. Do whatever you do with all that you have; find what it is you're passionate about and run full steam ahead into that. There are so many wonderful things that are in store for you; don't be afraid, just be ready!

You should have started looking for scholarships and free money earlier. Work hard in classes and be involved in other activities that will look better on applications. Be more out going and be more assertive.

Hello self! So you're a senior, huh? You're probably working hard to finish high school. That's great, but make sure you keep that up. You're going to have to work just as hard, if not harder when you get to college. Don't be scared though. College really isn't bad. It's actually pretty cool. You actually get to take classes that you want to- classes that have to do with what you want to become. People also give you more respect and responsibility. So make sure you show them that you deserve it! You don't have to be one of the students that pulls all-nighters. Set goals and deadlines for yourself. Your life will be easier and you'll be a lot more happy and a lot less stressed. Your planner is your best friend! Speaking of friends, you'll make some really great ones! So don't be afraid to break out of your shell once in awhile and do a little socializing. Don't let it get in the way of those studies of yours, but just find a happy medium. Most of all, enjoy! You'll do great!