Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Andrew

Knowing what I know now, I would certainly have a lot to tell my high school self. I would tell myself to fill out scholarship applications unitl my brain could no longer stand to think as I have accumulated an exorbitant amount of educational debt from college. I would also tell myself to keep my studies my priority until the day I graduate. I undoubtedly began to slack off during the waning weeks of my high school career which negatively effected my final GPA. Additionaly, I would encourage my high school self to endeavor in volunteer opportunities as I now wish I would have given my services to those in need. There is so much I have learned since my high school graduation that makes the old saying, "I wish I knew what I know now when I was younger" so true to me. I suppose it is all a part of maturing, but I can honestly say I will be teaching my children what I know now to ensure them a more secure future than that I've built for myself.

Shakiyla-Ablah

First thing I would mention to myself is to organize my priorities and time out very wisely, because it would have helped me so much in the long run. I would have made motivation charts to help me fight to make the best out of my college experience. Introducing myself to new people around the campus, getting involved in campus activities, and enjoying my freshman year. Instead of mourning over my friend?s death and becoming somewhat depressed, I would suggest myself to seek out help and find someone to talk with. I would encourage myself to please, please take advantage of the help around for my classes when I fell behind a little. Finally I would say don?t act as if you are too good for your friends because in the end you will lose one of your closest friends, Lynesha Richardson and your friendship will never be the same again no matter how much time has blown over. Be yourself and please do not get too caught up into the freshman fifteen as well as the college life; because it will break you and not make you if you can not take control of it.

Matthew

I would try ever harder for my grades. I would make more friends, and be more social and active. I would get more involved in clubs, and other sorts of things to help out my resume. I wouldn't be the person I am today without Bowling Green State University. Thanks to this college, it made me a better man I am today than I ever was.

Lauryn

I would have told myself to study harder in high school, because alot of the information comes back again in college, just at a much faster pace. Since I have 3 other siblings that will all be in college also in the next four years I would have tried to work more, even know playing a sport 25 hours a week on top of school made it very hard to work at all.

Jessica

If I could give myself advise I would have told myself to save as much money as possible. Though I did save and apply for scholarships as a senior I think there was more that I could have done. I think I also would have told myself not to be so worried about losing touch with my family and friends from home. I was worried that after I left I would more of less disappear from their lives and be forgotten. I feared I would go to college and come back to find that I just did not belong at home anymore. Knowing what I know now, I could not have been more wrong. Home is not the place where you put things you own, it is the place where I can find the scent of my mother, a day spent playing with my kitten, and my best friends dog trying to eat me. Home is where the love is.

Chelsea

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know know about college life and making the transition, the first advice I would give myself is to relax. I stressed my entire senior year up til graduation about how I was going to pay for college and I was so nervous to start. The next advice I would give myself is to learn better study habits. When I took my first semester classes, I had to reteach myself how to study because learning came so easily to me in high school. I never studied in high school and I graduated with a 3.6. The last set of advice I would give myself is to have fun and not worry about money as much. I have a great family and they would do absolutely anything for me. If i need money and cannot provide myself with it, my family is there to help me out in any way possible.

Brittany

As a high school senior I thought I knew it all, but I was wrong. The transition from high school to college is a big step and shouldn't be taken lightly. I would tell myself to use college as a transition into life. I would remind myself that I am not only here to get away from home, but to make a better life for myself and my future family. As the first one to go to college in my family there is pressure beyond belief to be perfect. I would tell myself that it is o.k. to feel stressed sometimes because it will all be worth it in the end. I would tell myself to push as hard as you can and study as much as possible because Danbury High School is nothing like college. The work load is much harder, but you are a strong person and I know that you can do it if you keep on task, study, and go to class. Finally and most importantly I would tell myself to know who I am and not be afraid to show it. People will like me for who I am.

Erika

Had I known what I know now, my educational life would have been so different. I got pressure to do what everyone wanted me to do, and I decided to do what was easiest. I started a program immediately out of high school, and dropped out about halfway through the program, deciding it wasn't what I really wanted to do, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. I worked my way through many part-time and full-time jobs, gaining experience in everything and nothing at the same time. Finally after about 10 years I returned to college. In 2008 I received my Associate's degree, and I have continued on to receive my Bachelor's degree. I am in a field that I love and am very excited about. If I could go back to talk to myself in high school, I would love to give myself some tips to make life so much easier for me. Nobody knows what is best for you except you. Don't do something simply because it is what everyone else expects. Search your soul and decide what you really want, and don't be afraid of making mistakes.

Nicole

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, knowing what I know now, my college choice may have been different. First of all, I love Bowling Green's social opportunites, and I have had some of the best times of my life at this school. However, this school was not the best choice considering my major. If I knew what I wanted to be I would have chose a differnt school. So, I would tell myself to choose somewhere with a better nursing program. I know I would miss out on the fun memories and friends I made, but I would still have the social life I have most likely at any school I went to. So, I would tell myself to focus on a nursing career oriented school instead. However, I have no regrets with my choices and have had an amazing time, but If I did it all over again I would choose a differnent path.

Bryonna

When i first entered college i wasnt quite sure what to expect except for the parties and freedom i knew came with the college life. I didnt know how difficult it could be to have a roommate and how i would have to adjust to living with guys. With that said, the biggest piece of advice i would give myself as a high school senior about college life would be to be open minded and tolerant of the many changes i will experience. I would tell myself to learn to compromise with my roommate and the people living on my floor as there will be many disagreements and situations that require self control as well as an open mind. Being involved is a great way to meet people especially on a large campus so i would also tell myself to get out and join various organizations on campus and to not be afraid to introduce myself to people or sit with somebody in the dining hall. The last piece of advice i would give myself would be to manage my time and my studies but also have fun seeing as you only get to experience the college life once.

Leah

Choosing a university is a scary decision, but once that decision is made, the transition from high school to college seems to be one of the scariest things one could possibly do in a lifetime. Moving away from home, moving away from friends, doing laundry, paying bills, and one of the most dreaded, taking college courses. Months and months of time is wasted worrying about: "Will I fit in?", "Will I pass my classes?", "Will I get along with my roommate?", "Will I shrink all of my clothes?", and many more questions. If only when I was a high school senior did I know what I now know about college life. Being away from home isn't all that bad, everyone else wants to meet you and make friends too, someone will teach me how to do laundry eventually, everyone has to pay bill, and college courses aren't that bad. That's what high school teachers are for, to prepare you for the next step in life. That transition isn't as big as most may think it is. If only I knew!

Lindsey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to gear up and be ready to make new friends and to put yourself out there. I would tell myself to stand up to my mom and convincer her that although BGSU is a wonderful college, it is not the college for me. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take advantage of the luxuries of being at home and to enjoy it because after you leave, it doesn't feel like home when you return from college. I'd tell my high school senior self to really push until the end, grade wise because every little bit helps. I'd tell myself that I'm in for the ride of my life.

Robin

Going back in time I was really focused in High School and got good grades I even started some college courses while attending High School. But as time went on I didn't take school seriously and eventually dropped out. After a couple years I went back and barely finished an associates degree. Now I am more than ever determined to finish my Bachelor's degree and even go further to get my MBA. I would definitely go back in time and tell myself to take school more seriously and that education is something that can not be taken away...knowledge is a gift and is forever with you. I would also tell myself that if I do not take school seriously I would just waste a decade of doing jobs that could possibly be offering me more money for doing the same work but having the education to back it up.

Kristi

I'll admit that there are many things I would like to say to my high school self. But the most important thing I could ever say would be "take a deep breath and stop worring so much". I can remember being a highly stressed out high school senior. It took me a very long time to figure out exactly where I wanted to go to college. Then once I found the "one", I began to stress out about applications, essays, and paying for college. My older brother dropped out of college and so did my parents when they first went all those years ago. They couldn't handle the workload, the classes, or the professors. Once I got into school, I began to stress about whether or not I would actually finish what I started. I would tell myself that the workload isn't bad as long as you stay organized and use time management. The professors are not scary and actually extremely helpful. Finally I would say that I have met some amazing people. I wish I could have told myself then, that college is the best thing I have ever done.

Brittney

As a high school senior, there is a lot going on in your present and a lot to think about for the near future. There's homecoming, prom, friends, girl/boyfriends, homework, projects, papers and also your home life. Being that you're about to graduate you have to put things in perspectitive and focus on your priorities. You're and grades have to come first; if you can increase yor GPA that look good on your college application , qualify you for scholarships and not to mention will make your parents proud. Getting involved in different organizations at your school will also impress colleges; extracurricular activities show you can balance work and play. Take my advice, just work hard your last year and not develop the serious case of "senioritis".

Arlinda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to immediately start talking to my Ohio Army National Guard Recruiter. If I had talked to him through my entire senior year I would be in the guard rigth now. I would also tell myself to take the Physical Fitness test for my ROTC scholarship and work all of my senior year to get it in the summer. I would also tell myself to go to Sociology class everyday and tutoring because that calss is really hard for me.

Gina

In my late twenties I received a Bachelor?s Degree from the Education Department in Child and Family Community Services while holding down two jobs to pay for my education without financial aid assistance. During this time I was also married and running a household. If, I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would stress not to hesitate, and wait so long to pursue a degree. LIfe would of been less stressfull, if I would have worked on completing my degree straight out of high school. Then I would of had the opportunity to be just a student, with less distractions and obstacles. I would also say not to doubt myself. I also think that entering college after high school would be a smoother transition rather, than waiting over six years. I would also highlight meeting early and regularly with an advisor. I also would emphasize to commit to a major. I changed majors, which cost me more money, and time in the long run in regards to classes/tuition. All of these things would have made my high school to college transition a better experience and more sucessful.

Ryan

Choose friends that will encourage a positive and intellectually challenging environment. Don't waste your time in the bars participating in binge drinking you will only harm yourself mentally, physically and financially. If someone invites you to another country, state, or wherever: go! Do not hesitate to try something new, you learn by your mistakes and the experiences you never thought you would enjoy may turn out to be the most memorable. ?Viva la aventura!

Savannah

The first peice of advice I would give to my 18 year old self would be to seek financial aid and scholarships while still in highschool. Secondly I probably would have suggested going to Owens or a similar community college first then transfering to BGSU later.

Derek

I would certainly explain to myself how easy it is to get homesick and how much that can really effect your daily life. I would also have myself seriously consider taking a year or two off before coming to college. It really does not hurt at all to take some time to figure out what you want to do, save upo money, and learn some things about yourself and the way the world works before rushing headlong into college. However, this being said, I would point out that there is a rhyme and reason that things happen the way that they do and never to look back and regret decisions. As much as I don't believe that Bowling Green is the absolute perfect school for me, I do believe that it is where I am supposed to be and I am making all I can of it. The transitionary times in life are always the hardest and most confusing, but "que sera sera," there is no telling what could have been, only learning from what has been and preparing for what may be. The final thought that I would leave is this: that worrying is never helpful.

Samantha

I would tell myself that everyone gets homesick, and that I am not the only one. I would also tell myself that even though I will be stressed out about a paper and/or a test, I will get through it and I will be ok.

Kelsi

Firstly, don't let the high school drama get you down - it doesn't really matter and those who are your true friends will never put you in a place to question that. People come and people go; they change, you will change, too - you can't expect everyone to be who they always were. Accept this and learn to enjoy it; appreciate everyone at all times for who they are. Working at McDonald's is not the greatest experience, but you will learn much about how to treat people with respect because now you know how it feels to be treated like you're less worthy by people who know nothing about you. You're not going to get into your first choice school - oh well! It turns out much better this way! The decision will be vary clear from the beginning; just make it already! You will love college just as you always thought you would. Your roommate will become the best friend you've ever had! Don't look for problems when there are none. Be grateful for the relationships that you have and hold on to them. You'll be happier that way!

Ashley

I would stress to the students to really think about what classes they enjoy and what they are naturally good at. For me I did not know exactly what I wanted to do and I am almost two years behind schedule. It is definatly ok to not know, but you should pick classes that you like and come easy for you because you are going to be spending the rest of your life working and you want it to be something you enjoy. It is also important to visit several schools and choose one that would fit your life. There is a lot to consider and choosing a college is a big decision. Not to scare anyone but take it seriously and enjoy the process. I would also highly recommend applying for scholarships and financial aid even if you don't think you have a shot. Take advantage of the opportunites out there and take time to discover what you want out of life. Enjoy college and have fun while still maintaining your professionalsim and integrity.

Samantha

My advice is discover yourself and try new things. College is a time to really figure out who you are, who you want to be, and what you want to do. One of the easiest things to do is pick a college and activities based on friends or comfort, but I advise pushing the limits. Really analyze yourself and your dreams, and make a decision based on where you want to go in life, not where you are right now. Don't be afraid of failure. If you?re interested or want to learn more about something, don?t be afraid to try it. Finding organizations and activities that fit your personal interests are great ways to meet new friends! Don?t hold back because you don?t know anyone who will be there. If you only go places where you know you'll find familiar people, you will miss opportunities to meet new people with your unique interests. Making friends who share different interests will help you develop as a person and inspire you to discover more about yourself. Most of all, make choices that assist you in fulfilling long term goals. Live out your passions!

Michael

I believe that their are no such things as regrets, thing only make you stronger. I believe everything you learn is for a purpose and at the right time. The only adivce I would give myself is to continue with yout dream. To always be your best and to always try. Their may be some hard times, and question you can not answer but things are here for a purpose. There are always two ways or more on how to look at something. And just to enjoy life.

shanea

Money is not everything, go where you feel comfortable and all will be provided for you.

Megan

I would have told myself to buckle down more in high school, since I never planned ot go to college. I also would have told myself that I was going to have to do this with a child so to not have worked so much in the beginning because my grades suffered. I also need to remind myself that sometimes I need to not stress out so badly, that I don't always give myself enough credit academically. As long as I breath and complete my study guide it will be okay, and that I should have taken it all more seriously then like I do now.

Emily

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to prepare for the transition of high school to college by becoming more involved in the community and in school activities because that is where you meet new people and network. I would also encourage myself to take more challenging classes in high school to prepare for the more difficult courses I will take in college and to be disciplined when it comes to studying. I would also make a strong point to be an overall well-rounded individual and apply for as many scholarships as possible to help me fund for college and to research career choices well before going into a major that I am not sure of or going in undecided. This way, although it may change again, I can avoid any further delay in my college career.

wesley

Don't pick the college that is most expensive and think you are going to fit in well. Make sure you go to every class and actually try it's not as easy as high school was.

Katie

Take the time you have to figure out what you may want to do with your life. Apply to as many colleges as you feel necessary to give you the best choices and choose the college that will give you the widest opportunities. Trust in yourself that you will make the right choice and if you change your mind half way through, don't get discouraged. These will be the best years of your life, make them count in every way.

Antoinette

After having the experience at Bowling Green State, I would go back and advise myself that a college education should not be taken for granted. As a high school senior, you do not realize that choosing a school that both fits your personality and is academic based, is important. Considering this, I would explain that finding your sense of self is important, however you should go to a school that will both challenge your mind and aid in developing at the same time. Being ingaged in college is tough, mostly because you have to take on several projects at once, classes, a part-time job, study time, community service, and organizations. But it will all come together if you manage your time well, learn when to take breaks, and enjoy the experience. After you manage to adjust to this part of school, you will exceed in college, your career, your future, and your life.

Sabrina

I would first tell myself not to be so afraid of going to college, that the people are friendly and it's easy to find people you have something in common with. I would also tell myself that I should be willing to open up to new experiences, because I'll change my major several times before finally settling on a double-major I never really expected, even though I'm very happy with it. I would suggest getting out there and discovering all the school has to offer, as opposed to just hiding in one corner of campus. It's very easy to make friends here, and I have found some that I know will last a lifetime. I would also suggest that I study hard, and avoid procrastination. The work can sometimes be tough, but it's worth it to learn what I have. There are many opportunities to grow here, and I shouldn't waste them. I would finally tell myself to truly make the most of my experiences here, because they'll really be worth it in the long run.

Arielle

If I were to go back and be able to tell myself something while I was in high school, I would have said to try out for more scholarships and to work more hours at my summer job. I would also tell myself not to sign up to the same dorm room as I had last year because it ended up with me living very close to a construction site. Another thing I would tell myself would be not to take an introduction to business class-no matter what my advisor said because I'm not a business person.

Rebekka

I wouldnt change anything

Benjamin

I would tell myself to buck up and get to work because the time and effort I wasted in my high school life is starting to rear its ugly head in the present day. I would tell myself that, even though friends and games are tantalyzing, whats even more tempting is a healthy, wellpaying future career. Most importantly I would tell myself to start writing because I've only recently seen my writing talent come into fruition. If I had the chance I would push my younger self to write daily, and set myself at a better start for college.

Kierstin

Visit the campus your interested in more than once. The first time you visit it's natural to be excited and intrigued, but the next time may not be so exciting. Visit more than once to make sure that the excitement does not fade or go away as you learn more about the campus.

Eric

Keep an open mind, and don't rule out any possibilities

Emily

First, it's important to find a college that provides a strong program for the student's major. It's also important to find a school that is not too large or small for the student's comfort. Also, I feel that it is important to be far enough away from family and home; that distance would again be determined by the student's needs. Finally, the student should visit the school and interact with some of the students and faculty to be sure that they will be able to fit in and make friends. In summary, I feel that a student's overall comfort is the most essential part of choosing where to attend a postsecondary institution.

Victoria

Look for a school that gives you plenty of options, and don't choose a particular major just because you happen to have a scholarship for it. You (or your student) are going to learn a lot about yourself in the first couple years, and that includes finding out that perhaps you really would rather major in something completely different then what you first signed up for. Also: make sure that the school you choose to attend has transferrable credits. You may think you're going to stay put for the next four years and that very well may be so, but don't limit yourself in your choices. START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AS SOON AS YOU CAN. It's almost never too early to start and if you apply for just one everyday, you boost your chances of getting your tuition completely paid for crazy lots. When applying for scholarships, don't dismiss the small amounts! If you only look at the thousand dollar plus scholarships, you're most likely competing with a larger crowd, and all the little scholarships add up fast. The more time and energy you invest in your education, the larger your return will be.

Erin

Check out the campus. Ask lots of questions. Make sure that the degree is acredited. Take a tour of the campus to see what goes on around the campus.

Meghan

Find a school that you can like the atmosphere of both the people and the look of the campus. If you're going to be living there for essentially four years, you need to be happy with it. Make sure there's something to do for fun. Academics are important, but again, you need to be happy to do well in school. Make sure it won't be too distracting, though. You don't want to spend a lot of money to go surfing or snowboarding. Also, know how large you want the college you attend to be. It's different for everyone. And it's a great idea to look at scholarship websites before attending to get as much funding for school as possible. Also, don't stress out too much! It'll all work out!

Mwai

Least expensive school, with a good academic program.

Isaac

First find a college that has a lot of different majors and is relatively cheap. Also make sure your child is responsible enough to handle alcohol because Ive seen alcohol damage so many new freshman at college. Also before going to college try to fill out every scholarship you possibly can because getting money to pay for school is nearly impossible. Also try to jon a fraternity or a sorority to help you with school and making friends. Dont pick one that just throws awesome parties because they will get you in trouble. Finally have fun college can be the best time of your life if you can balance school and your social life.

Elizabeth

Making the most of your college experience is understanding that what you get out of it is what you put into it. This saying also influences your choice in which college is the right choice for you. Education is very important but so is having extracurricular activities that can stimulate or promote your inner passions. When visiting campuses take a tour but don?t just listen to what a tour guide has to say, instead interview some students and see what campus life is like from their eyes. Ask about their thoughts on their professors, and find out how easy class scheduling may or may not be. Also ask about how quiet campus can be for studying purposes and the availability of academic resources. Find out of there are any clubs you may be interested in, and how many students participate in those clubs. Look around the campus also to find out what you may do if you venture off-campus. Will you need a car? Also ask yourself about the cost of attending the university, not just for tuition, but for living life as well. Find out what ways the university helps students financially to be able to attend.

Marecia

For the parents: Make sure that you can really support your kid, financially and emotionally. There is alot of pressure on campus and we can lose focus very easily. Keep us motivated and remind us of the Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow! And that all the hard work WILL pay off. Remember we are trying grow up into responsible adults, so please treat us like adults. When we fall by the wayside, just remind us of the consequences. For the students: Make sure that the school is diverse, because once you graduate you will be working in areas with a diverse population. Be sure that the school has a wide variety of organizations and clubs and that the school offers wide variety of major areas of studies. Don't try to follow your friends because you will have many breaks to see them (or FaceBook)!! Friends tend to grow apart and new and exciting friendships develop. Make sure you keep contact with your parents and update them on your progress and of your (failures), they will understand. What they wont understand is when you don't tell them and wait until its too late.

Samuel

Look around and really think deeply about where you will belong. Meditate if you need to. The answer will come, and when it comes it will hit you like a train, a train headed to YOUR FUTURE. Other than that, I guess all I have to say is GO GREEN!

Tennie

Visit the campus grounds and pay attention to the students giving the tours. If you don't like the way the campus grounds look then the student is not going to enjoy learning in that enviornment. Pick a college that has a career that interests you and see if you like the fell of the campus.

Bernadette

The most important thing anyone can do when deciding where to attend college is to visit, and not just once- many times. I visited Bowling Green State University three times before attending, once in the fall, once in the winter, and once in the spring. By doing this, I was able to get a feel for what the campus was like during all stages of a typical school year. During the fall, I fell in love with it's campus. It felt like home to me. At that point I was fairly sure I would be going to BGSU but wanted to make sure by visiting a couple more times. Each time I went I found something else I loved about the school. Asking questions, no matter how mundane they may seem at the time, is also very important in making the right decision. You are deciding where you will spend the next four years of your life so you have to make sure it's right for you. The university doesn't care about the fit, they just want the investment so it's up to you to make the right decision for yourself and for your future.

Jacob

Find the best college based your childs interests and demands as to what they wish to achieve from there college career. Also, find a university that has what they are looking for in terms of extra-curriculars, religious backgrounds or what have you.

Shacorrah

Enjoy every minute of it...it goes fast. Do well in classes because it always pays off, but remember to make time for friends and a social life