Biola University Top Questions

if I could go back in time and talk to omyself as a senior in highschool I would definetly encourage myself more. Knowing what I know about college life and the transition stage would have been very helpful. Although, it is a learning progress and not easy everyone goes thorugh it. Some useful advice would be to keep your eyes and mind on a certain goal and never give up. College isn't easy especialy financial issues, which tend to come up every semester. Before college starts apply to as many scholarships and avoid loans as much as possible. Get to know students in your class, make appointments with the proffessors and the counselors at school even if you think everything is going well. It is very important to stay organized and ready with differnt deadlines. keep a schedule and follow it; never taking your eyes off your goal. Also, get involved in school activities because getting to know peopel brings forth more opportunities and ideas to help with your future goals.

The transition is hard, also make sure you get out and do not go home on weekends. Many of my friends did that I feel missed out on so much. Also carry in units if you can because it helps to get done and finish on time,. Lastly if you are student with disabilities choose a school that is willing to accomate.

Dear 17-year-old Jana, I know that it is easy to get caught up in student council, soccer, and AP classes; I know Dad's not really around right now; I know you're dating that guy in college (Dump him now, he's not that cool). I know all that. Now here's what I need you to know: You have so much worth. Remember how you were a Homecoming Princess? That means you are beautiful, Jana! Please believe that about yourself. You are so beautiful, and you have so much ahead of you. Even when your blonde hair fades to brown (which it will!), you are no longer a size 4, and you look in the mirror and wish you didn't look the way you do, Jana, you have so much worth in who you are! Remember how quickly the last few years have gone? That's how quickly they will continue to go. Savor each day and remember to love well. Wake up each morning and thank God for the life and grace He has given you. Love those around you. And, Jana, love yourself. Remember: God created you on purpose. Live with purpose!

Take all the AP classes you can so you can be ahead once you're in college! Learn how to balance your social life and academics! Never let anyone discourage you from applying to schools or seeking financial aid. Always be proactive in reaching out to new students, they are just as nervous as you are. Look forward to a bright future and don't be discouraged by your lack of vision! Encourage others to pursue wholistic living and don't be surprised when harships come, they always do. Instead, embrace hardships as opportunities to be tested, and when you reflect upon these times later in life you will be glad that you didn't worry. Never worry about anything, but know that you are already taken care of. Make every moment in your precious life worthwhile! Carpe Deim! God stands beside you and no one can foil his plan!

Making the transition into college is a step that not many people are prepared for. You on the other hand were more than ready to make that leap. The only thing you forgot was that it was not going to be easy. You always assumed that going into college was your big chance to start over. However, you were still the same person and had the same difficulties that you had in high school. Making friends is a horrible process that you dread going through. My advice to my high school senior self is to just take it slow. The friends will eventually come. Take the first year of college, as depressing as it may sound, as a time to get to know yourself and figure out what you want in life. This is the first time that you alone and on your own so don?t waste it by sulking over the roommate and hall mates who won?t look at you. There are better things to come in the future so for the transition, make it a good one by just being happy with where you are at. Being popular and having friends is not everything.

Don't make decisions based on what you THINK others want from you. If anything, follow your heart. Don't be afraid to own your passions and utilize them in your future! Just because some may view singing as "unrealistic" see it as a blessing, a gifting, and don't be afraid to shine on and off the stage! Commit yourself to being an individual, and don't take no for an answer when others tell you that you can't do something. Never be afraid to stand out and don't be afraid to ask "why?". If anything, follow your dreams and find what lies ahead of you as thrilling and adventurous, not scary and upsetting. Don't be dissapointed with where you've been, instead look at it as something to launch a bright future off of! And finally...be YOU. Even if that means having to say good-bye to popularity and "doing the right thing", be who you are, and grow through it!

In high school I had no idea what I wanted to "grow up" and become. If I were to return and give myself advice it would be to not rush myself. It's okay to be young, and make mistakes. It's okay to not know what you want to do with your life. It is no okay, however, to sit around doing nothing. Work towards a goal. Set college in your sights, and work towards getting there. Even if you don't know what you want to do, it's important to work towards getting a degree. Work hard in college. Experiment with differen classes and use that to learn about yourself and what you are interested in. From there you can narrow down what you like and what you want to do with your life. Don't settle, or compromise. Some people choose a profession because it makes money. But you should choose a profession that you're interested in and something that makes you happy. Work hard and don't ever give up.

If I could go back to give advice to my high school self, I would make sure to communicate this message: Live! When I went away to college my freshman year, I was very cautious, very suspicious of life. I had no idea what to expect, and it all happened so suddenly, so I pulled back from the world. I met very few people, and those I did meet were little more than acquaintances. I succeeded in avoiding extreme trauma, but in the process I missed so many opportunities to actually live. I forgot that as humans we live in community; without it we slowly waste away, like a glowing coal taken from the fireplace, slowly surrendering its warmth. During that year I withered, and by the end I realized that I did not even know who I was anymore. So if I could go back and give myself advice, I would say, Live! Get out there! You are meant for community: Don't run from it! Abandon your cynicism and trust someone other than yourself! Let yourself be vulnerable to others; it is only then that you will experience what you are looking for. You will not regret it.

I would tell myself to learn how to balance academics and social life early on in college life. If you do not learn how to do that then you will develop bad habits that will carry on with you for the rest of your college career.

If you're not sure what you're doing, go to a community college first! There is no shame in that. You get your first two years of education for a fraction of the cost and would get all the general education requirements out of the way. THEN transfer into a four-year university to finish your last 2 years doing only the courses in your major. You still get the SAME degree, but pay way less money. Also, LIVE ON CAMPUS for at least a year. You don't want to miss out on college life, you only get it once.

I would tell myself to listen to my parents and to make sure and do all necessary research regarding different schools. I would tell myself to take more time in looking for different scholarships available. I would also say to get advice from other people and to really pray about the decision.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a High School Senior I would convinced myself to get involved more in hospital volunteer work. I was very undecided as High School student and I would have told myself that my greatest career choice would to become a pharmacist. I have no regrets. It all comes down to getting involved sooner. I have dedicated myself to a contrinuting job for my career path. I now work with Albertsons/Savons where I will be taken as an intern in the pharmacy as a pharmacist technician. If I could go back in time I would obtain that job much sooner to set the pace for my futuyre career goal. College is its own rough world. The key is to push youself and most of all have confidence in yourself. I have always had confidence in myself and I always will.

The first few weeks will be difficult for you to adjust. It's a given. But push through, God is going to do some amazing things at Biola University through you and you will be stretched way beyond what you thought you could handle. Make sure you take the time to balance between new friends, academics, and your spiritual life. Give God the time of your day in solitude and prayer. Have fun with your friends. However, do not forget why you are at school in the first place. Strive for excellence and give everything you have to complete college with knowledge that you held nothing back. Do not forget about relationships at home. Keep in open ear to hear God's voice and DO what He asks of you the first time, otherwise it will be incredibly difficult later. Enjoy these next four years. They are going to be of the best years of your life!

I would tell myself to stay focused on the big things in life and on my beliefs towards God. I would warn myself of the changes that face me and the contrast that I am about to see. Perspective would be my biggest theme of the discussion.

Its your life...Make sure this will be your college!

Find some where that you feel comfortable with. Some where that you feel at home and able to grow. This place must some where that you can grow and be yourself.

My advice I would give students is to always be responsible. College life is the best place to start the independent experience. and it's the best place to showcase one's maturity and show responsibility for one's actions. There will be no more spoon-feeding onwards and it will only get progressively harder from freshmen year onward. Always be responsible to know what to do, either in recreation or schoolwork. For parents, always continue to show your support for your child and constantly guide them into the right direction. Don't be helicopters, but be there for them when they are lonely or need help and love. The transition is never easy. So I encourage that the parents always be there for their child and that they guide them in a direction that will lead to maturity, independence, and strong moral grounding to make prudent decisions in college and onwards.

When looking for colleges you are bombarded with all sorts of information, and often times you feel like the more you know, the harder it is to decide what school is right for you. Of course you want to focus on what the college provides, academic programs, extra-curricular activities, community service opportunities, but in the end you will find that there are several schools that meet all of your criteria and you will be stuck wondering which one is right. Parents will face the same difficulty as their child is busy with countless forms, and they might feel that it is difficult to provide their child with sound advice that will point them in the right direction. My encouragement and advice to both students and parents is to take time to ask yourself concerning each school, would I be happy living here for four to five years of my life. You can get all of the statistics right, but they will not always tell you what will make you happy. Know all of the facts and information you can, and then trust your heart as you select an institution that will give you all you want and more.

The college decision is SUCH a huge factor in a student's life and personally, I took all of the advice I could last year. Including the "You-still-have-plenty-of-time-to-make-a-decision" bit given to me in April. Before the May 1st deadline. Not the best advice. Looking back with my first year under my belt, I have come up with my own advice for those coming to this defining point of life. Students, keep in mind that there is not only one, perfect school out there for you. In reality, you most likely may have had equally as good a time at your second choice than your top pick. College is not just about the location and the mascot, but about the friends you make and the adventures you experience. So dive into your school. Meet people. And accept the fact that there was not one ideal school destined to fit you. And parents, start becoming your child's friend and call them. But not incessantly. For if you call your child five times in one night after 11pm, she will think that someone has died. That, my friend, is stressful. And annoying.

Looking into the major you want to go into and the programs or the majors that the school offers. Also the cost of the school effects the parents the most so choose wisely. Most importantly, apply for your financial aid and see which school offers the most aid.

I would recommend that students participate in a variety of experiences and programs during the summer to identify what they like. Once they know what their passion is, seek colleges and universities that are the leaders in that field. Next, I would highly recommend that parents and students visit the campus, especially on an Open House day, so they can experience what it would be like to actually go there. Lastly, I would arrange for the student to speak with a professor at that college, so the students knows what to look forward to and be given an opportunity to receive valuable insight and advice. By following these recommendations, I am positive the student would have all the tools at hand to make the most of their future college experience.

My advice would be to go and "feel out" the campus. Find out what your first impression of the campus is and look at the students and how they interact with eachother. Also, i would make sure the college is in an area that allows for access to entertainment so there is an outlet to balance off the studying. I believe the college experience is all about who you spend it with. Friends are key and i woul make sure the college that is selected provides the prospective student with caring and meaningful friendships; something that also can be felt out during the campus visit.

Many factors contribute to selecting your college choice: cost, location, majors offered, academic vigor, scholarships, and much more. These, among others, are vital aspects to peruse when deciding what location you will be living, eating, breathing for the next two-four (cross your fingers it?s not five!) years. But you already knew all of that, right? Look into some college websites and all of this survey-type information is easily available?but there is much more to college than just statistics. It will be where you live and move, the very heart of what pulls and stretches every inch of your being; it will be where you learn and grow, moving from the end of childhood into the first steps of adulthood. This is a big deal?so go to the place! If possible, visit the location of your top picks and actually step into the photographs you saw online. Breathe the air of the campus, feel the vibe of the student body, talk to current students, eat in the cafeteria, and check out those dormitories. What does your heart tell you? Set foot on campus and see if it is where you belong?you won?t regret it.

I would encourage that both parents and students visit as many campuses as possible and while there ask as many questions as possible so that they leave the campus with a really good feel for and idea of how campus life is. Ultimately I would encourage that parents and students thoroughly discuss all possible options that would best suit the interests of the student physically, emotionally, spiritually and of course financially. All four of the areas are vital and can either make or break the "college experience."

Before attending Biola Univeristy I was enrolled at UC San Diego for a year. Through this experience I am able to compare the well known UC system education with what a private University offers. When I began my search for colleges my head was in the clouds and I convinced myself that the most important aspect to look at when making my decision was the location of the school and how highly respected the University was held. The advice I would give perspect students and parents would be to not negate these aspects however broaden their perspective. The school that a student chooses should resonate with their personality and ambitions on nearly every level. If the student enjoys a close relationship with the professor then a UC school or IVY legal University would not be a wise decision. In addition take into consideration the cost and work with the financial aid departments to find the best payment plan for the family. There is not experience like the one you will gain from a college education so I urge future students and parents to find comfort in the choice and if there is any hesitation research some more colleges.

Choose a school that offers the most in spirituality, academics, sports, teachers, and student body a good mix of these is better than just a few. When you are at school partake in all activities studying abroad, chapel, library, student activites, sports, off campus fun, and anythign else that is offered.

The atmosphere and community of the college you will attend is almost as important as the academics. When I was searching for schools, this was NOT the attitude I had as I bulldozed by way through my college search. Academic reputation and the success and help of a strong alumni network were my sole driving factors. No where in the equations was I considering that my college of choice would not only be my home for the next 4 years of my life, but that those that I met, lived with, and expereinced these precious years with would have just as much of a profoun impact upon the development of my life and character as any mentorship with a professor or any other member of the University. I can confidently say that I have made friends that will last a lifetime, and could not be more emphatic about my college decision (which did, by the end of my Senior Year of high school, finally take these realities of school community and atmosphere into consideration).

I would say that they should take the time to find a place where the student feels at home. A place whose mission statement is in agreement with the student's views on life and thier education. It is also good to go somewhere away from home, because college is a time in life where one goes through a lot of growing and maturing and the ability to do this without the influence of familiarity of their friends and family is important. In college, one discovers who they are and what they stand for. It is very important to surround oneself with the type of people that they respect and would like to be like. The friends made in college can last a life time if they are built on solid foundations. All in all, my advice would be to go where one sees themself flourishing academically, socially, and spiritually, so that they may become the person they are supposed to be.

You truly do "get what you give" when it comes to the college experience. A college-bound student can expect to experience exactly what they set out to experience. It will overall be influenced by the relationships they form, the education they gain, and the amount of fun they have. To make the most of the college experience, a student should carefully invest in all three of these areas. Taking risks is necessary for forming meaningful relationships. Working hard and signing up for a reasonable work load each semester will allow you to learn much without unnecessary stress. Also, to ensure that the college experience is fun, an ability to prioritize and to minimize anxiety is necessary. The college experience is one that can be eye-opening and rewarding if a student is willing to invest.

If I could talk to any prospective college students or their parents I would have to pieces of advice for them. The first would be to take some general education courses at a community college. Even if itis for a quarter, getting gen eds out of the way can open a student's schedule for more exploring if they are uncertain about their major and can help those that are sure of their major to be more focused on their field of study. Community courses also can save alot of money for a family or student. My second piece of advice would be that a student should carefully consider what is most important to them concerning their education and their preferred living style and environment. Many students switch schools after their first year and then regret it later. Don't let it happen to you!

I would have to say to any parent that their kids need to have a big role in choosing the school. If they dont have any involvment then there will be no college life or college fun. I would also say to them, let the kids follow their dreams, I understand that it might be hard letting your kids go on a leap of faith, and that many parents have goals and aspirations that they want to see lived out through their children. This is wonderful but the parents need to allow their kids that freedom to make their decisions in college and they will have a great time learning life lessons along the way.

Making the most of your college experience means planning ahead. Look at school's online stats, narrow it down to a few different ones and then visit them if possible! It really helps to actually see the school first hand! The number one thing to look for in a University is a good program for the major you decide. If you don't know what you want to do, the next most important thing to look for is a good community where your character as a whole person will be developed. Live in the dorms...the tutition is worth the expereince (if it is a school commited to good, fun community life) and get involved in something extracurricular right away-this is usually how you will meet your best friends! Just don't over-involve yourself, keping the end in mind...graduation! :)

Of course there are many things to look at when deciding on a college: location, offered majors, tuition, sports and so many more. It can be a long and even frustrating process. There are technical things you can do to see if you're suitable with a college. Look at everything a school has to offer you and see how much of it will affect you personally. Then see how much of those are positive or negative. Another important thing is to remember is to think about yourself above anything else. Don't decide on a college that you think will please your parents or your friends. Choose one that you think will make you happy. Finally, the thing I would advise to to do that I think is most helpful, is to pray about it. God knows us better than anyone else and so He knows which college will benefit us the most. College experience is supposed to shape the majority of one's future. For many people, the best memories were made in college and the most impacting life lessons learned. My advice is to enjoy it as much as possible because it goes real fast.

I personally didn't make a thorough visit to my campus when i accepted the application, but I was confident in my choice because of all the great things that I had heard from the students that graduated or were currently attending Biola. Make sure you don't just depend on the stories you hear but find people that can give you personal advice or suggestions. If you are still doubting, make sure your school has a variety of opportunities, activities, clubs, etc. that can meet your expectations--either at the same level or more than what your high school offered. If not, you will find yourself not enjoying college (because of the comparison from high school). Try to interact with the students that go there , and see how well you fit in. It's important that you make lifelong friends and get the fullest college experience at the same time. All in all, keep your present and your future in mind when choosing a college.

Picking the right college depends on multiple factors. Don't base your decision solely on prestige or reputation. Many smaller colleges can offer more hands-on learning experiences and the intimate class sizes allow for more student-teacher interaction. Students should get involved in extracurriculars because they offer many opportunities to develop lasting friendships. Don't be a passive student; talk to professors - they want to help you, really! Study with discipline, but balance your studies with social activities to prevent burn-out and relieve stress.

I would definitely tell them to look into the colleges very carefully and thoroughly. Making visits early on is a lot better than waiting until the last minute or not even visiting at all. Campus visits will expose the student and family to campus life and show them things about the campus a lot better than any website or brochure could. Talking to current students is a really good idea too. Most students are very willing to answer any questions and show people around.

Move away from home! Get outside your familiar zone and truely get to know what you are all about. You will appreciate your home and family so much more and grow leaps and bounds. Don't hesitate and think you will do better at home or you do not have enough money, there are always ways! Don't analyze too much...just live your life.

Find a place with the values you desire and in a location you like- you will be there for four years after all.

Start saving! I didn't realize how much college would actually cost. When I first started going to Biola (private school) I was overwhelmed with how much it cost. Come to find out, public schools are becoming just as expensive. My older brother had a full ride scholarship so when it came time for me to go to college, my parents and I were completely lost and literally overwhelmed with how much it cost. We were blessed enough to be able to pay for it thus far, but I realized others weren't as lucky. Start a savingsg account and apply to tons of scholarships and get a loan with your bank. Loans that you can get where you don't have to start pay ing off until after you graduate are the best. SAVE!

College is not just about preparing for a career, but a time to prepare for life. Learning is more important than grades, so take full advantage of any chance to pick your professors brains and get their advice or thoughts. Take the time to build healthy friendships that will last beyond your college experience. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and question your beliefs. You will meet people from different cultures or backgrounds, take time to get to know them, and understand their perspectives. College is a safe place to try new things, expand your view of the world, and question everything. The hard part is staying open and ready to learn even after graduation. As much as I encourage taking advantage of all these opportunities available to you, do not over do yourself. If your always over tired and stressed, you might be able to get by with good grades, but you will not be able to enjoy your life, or to learn like you can when you keep your mind rested and allert.

The first thing ou need to do is visit the campus, and if it feels like home then that is the school for you. Also make sure that it provides the things that you want most out of life, whether it be friends, experiences, or academics.

When considering the right University, consider your values. Write them down if you have to. This can be used as a checklist when visiting Universities. Talk to alumni and see what they received from their education and aspirations. Measure those with what you are seeking.This will provide a guide for your own expectations while choosing and attending the University of choice.

Find a financial agreement between both student and parents, and stick to it. Find a school that's close to available work if it is going to be needed, and a school that both accomodates your academic goals as well as a healthy and challenging community environment.

Don't become distracted by any single aspect of a school: academics, aesthetics, reputation, student-life, etc. After all, if we're looking to become holistically nurtured, well-rounded individuals we need to look for the school that can aid us in every aspect of our growth. To pick a school because it can accomplish one task well is a recipe for future disappointment when you realize other needs, while lower on your priority list, cannot be satisfied. As for making the most of your college experience, "balance" is key. Cliche, perhaps, but cliche because it is true. Don't let partying crowd out academics, but also don't let academics crowd out friends and developing a social life. Keep in mind, people are the ones who will last long after your GPA has been forgotten.

Students need to be completely cognizant of the fact that college is more than a means to an end. It is far more about receiving a degree. Aside from studying and getting good grades, students need to be prepared to make lasting, supportive friendships and be able to establish strong professional connections to aid them in the job-seeking process after finishing their education. Its not just about partying and being popular. College is about gaining insight into your own life and being prepared to take on the rest of the world.

College isn't all about receiving the best education; it's about making the best memories with those close friends you'll make to help you achieve your future dreams.

What has truly enriched and impacted my college experience is remembering to intentionally pursue being "present" while in college, meaning reminding myself that I only get to do this season in my life once so make each moment count. Though I have grown and have been challenged academically, what I will remember from my time in college is not so much my 30 page thesis paper or a final exam, but instead the deep thriving relationships that have been cultivated with my peers, faculty, and staff memebers through rich, honest conversations, late night talks in the dorms about things that truly matter, growing through hardship with a community who truly cares for you, and experiencing people truly invest in the future good of others. Choose a school in which the product of it's education is not merely measured by the amount of money one will make after graduating, but can also be measured by observing the character of the it's graduates. Choose a school who's goal is to cultivate men and women of character and integrity and is interested in whole person development and the rest of the "college expereince" will come naturally.

I would advise students and parents to really explore their financial aid options and potential scholarships. I would encourage students to go to school somewhere where they do not know anybody! This will really help them find themselves and give them better unfiltered expereiences! Make the most of your college career by not being ashamed of who you are. Don't be discouraged if you don't know what you want to do with your life yet--most college kids don't! Above all, it's okay to be afraid. There are many other students just like you getting ready to start a new phase of life! Don't worry about it!

Parents: Encourage your children to do the work of locating their school and completely their requirementss. Don't baby them. Have them research their major and the student life to see if it fits with their personal goals. Students: Work hard and encourage your fellow students to succeed. Challenge them when they are lazy or acting immature. This is college. We are adults now.

College is a place where you the student finds who they are and what they want to become. Search for a school that is academically challenging, but don't choose a school that will academically take over the students life. Students need to learn their books, but they also need to build friendships and learn how to live life on their oen with other people around them. Look into the community and see if it is a healthy community that supports good friendships and relationships and one that offers events or activities for the new student to participate in. Participating in events or activities helps the student get involved in the school and meet life long friends. When you are looking at the community, make sure the people are welcoming and happy that you are checking out the school, this is a sign that it is a fun and loving community. Finally, make sure you enjoy the campus setting, and it feels like you could be at home when you go and visit.