Bridgewater State University Top Questions

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If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself many things. For one I would tell myself to appreciate my parents more. I feel that having a good relationship with your parents makes college life easier, and it gives me unconditional support whenever I need it. I would also tell myself to work harder and to be positive. When I was a senior everything I did I had negative feelings about. If I could tell myself that negativity does not help anyone, it just makes you lonely. I would also tell myself to go out and become a little more social. When you get to college you have to be social even in class. Many classes incorporate group projects, group discussions, and speechs. It is important to be confident and to know who you are. Making friends makes these traits easier to accomplish. The last thing I would tell myself is that even though you might have some tough times everything usually workd out in the end.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior .I would focus on telling my high school senior self about money management, school involvement, and most importantly taking one step at a time and not taking on too much responsibilities at once. Money management is very important when going off to college and being on your own. It is the first time you are away from home and must make wise decisions with money. For example, rather than purchasing a new dress and shoes, it would be wiser to spend that money on school books or groceries. I would strongly recommend to my high school self to not spend my money freely and carelessly because it deducts faster than many people think.When making the college life transition taking one step at a time is very important, as well. I strongly reccomend getting involved on campus,however join one thing at a time and ease yourself into a routine, rather than jumping into a bunch of activities and becoming overwhelmed and unfocuesed on school work! College is the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy it!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to work hard to earn scholarships. I unfortunately did not attempt to get enough scholarships and am now having to pay for a lot out it out of my own pocket. I would tell myself to get past the long essays and apply for them anyways. I would also tell myself that when I move into my dorm, to set some ground rules. I have had some problems with two of my roommates and a lack of boundaries. I would tell myself to make sure that there are clear rules on what they can and cannot use of what is mine. I would tell myself to set rules about going to sleep and what is allowed to be on, such as the light or television. I would also make sure that my roommates discussed their issues and rules they would like to use. We would write down the rules and sign the agreement to make sure they were followed. Overall, I would make sure that I prepared myself for what it would be like to live with three strangers instead of my family.

I would have not listened to the people who told me to stay in state because it cost a lot more to go out of state for school. I would have applied to these schools as a senior because it would have saved me money. I also would have asked a lot more questions about the schools. I think the ony other advice is go into school with no baggage and have fun and be safe and meet lots of people. Keep your door propped the first week or to and let people know your inviting and want to meet people. Believe me there are plenty of people just like you no matter how different you may have been or felt in high school. The college culture is way more open and accepting. So take the plunge and live with no regrets.

DO NOT take you time in high school for granted. Do they best you can and do not assume that people know the depth of abilities just by reading your name off a piece of paper.

Go and visit the college or unniversity. Check out the financial aid office, see what scholarships and grants are available. Check out the major you chose or your child has choosen. Don't only look for a party school it's based on the education you can get for the amount of money you have to spend for it. Have fun and be safe!

My advice would be money should not be a deciding factot. Location, course availability and selection, and housing are deciding factors. I chose Bridgewater because I wanted to be close to home, and it was the right choice for me because I love it there. Read all the information they give you or ask for more if you need to.

Visit the campus beforehand and ask as many questions as you need to insure you're making the right choice. Don't put yourself in debt after you graduate if you can't afford a school, find one you can afford, an educations an education, a degrees a degree. :)

I would tell students to have an open mind and be willing to take a risk and not just follow their friends

Parents and students that are looking for the right college for their son or daughter should look into the particular interests of that student. There is no hard criterion to go by, because each person expects something different out of their college experience, and everyone is going to college for a different reason. There social life on campus is very important, as is the climate and location of the campus. Students should be looking at schools that are well known in their fields for topics that they are interested in, and they will most likely fall in love with those schools. Keep in mind that a college experience is what you make of it, and its not always about the name of the school on the degree. If someone wants to get involved, and make friends and play sports, they should go to a school that allows them to do that, and not just go to a college that will get them a degree where they can make the most money.

The environment of the school is very important. When I went on college tours, my first impression was the campus. The environment of the school really influenced me and I was able to tell if i will have a lot of distractions. Also, finding out of how the academic programs fit your interest.

Join clubs that you are interested in. Not just what you are going to school for.

i would tell the parents and/or students not to hold back on anything. go to every open house possible, visit every school, talk to current students, look into different activities and clubs that you would be interested in, if you have friends in college go visit them and maybe stay a night to be able to see everything and to see if it would be a good fit for you. once you have narrowed your choice down to a small list of schools you are thinking about, maybe go visit them again. compare them. once you are in college, again...dont hold back. be outgoing. meet new people. be friendly. be social. enjoy every minute of it!

Don't be shy -- get involved with stuff. Make sure you make friends in classes just in case you need to miss one. If you're a commuter, don't do what I do - I go to school early, go to work, go home, do homework, sleep, repeat. It's not a fun way to spend your college experience. Join clubs or organizations or get a job on campus to integrate yourself more into the college community. Teachers are also pivotal to your enjoyment-- most, I've found, are experts in their field without even being recognized as such. RateMyProf.com is a useful tool in determining the demeanor of a professor, but should not be the end-all-be-all of class picking. Sometimes the lowest rated professors are the best ones you'll ever have - I know from experience with that. Parents, all I can say is keep involved with your kids -- ask them about what they learned, what their teachers are like, how the food is.. you know, normal stuff that shows you're interested. We just want to know that you're proud of us and recognize that we're doing our best to improve ourselves!

Live your life to the fullest and attend school. You can make it in the world with out going to school but it will be exstreamly difficult with out an college education. For the parents you should as well stress to your children of how important it is to attend college and get your degree.

Make sure to visit each campus and talk to students who have attended.

In order to find the right college for yourself or your child, you should first consider what kind of a person you are. You want to consider that attending a college class is hard work and you must work to be successful. College can be both fun and social but at the same time, you want to balance your life. You want to make sure that you are studying hard for your classes while still having a personal social life. When picking a college be sure to look at both the acedemics and the extra curriculars that the school offers. Lastly, make sure that you are happy with your decision and know that you will be happy and successful!

Parents and it students I urge you to attend a college that is affordable and within your price range, instead of an expensive elite college that will put you forever in debt and will produce the same degree. Just because a college cost less, does not mean that the college's academic programs are inferior by any means. One you decide on the college that is right for you and your budget I strongly reccomend that you consider dorming at your school. This experience will get you involved with the campus and allow you to get the full and great experience that college has to offer. Also, please do not stress these are some of the best times of your life. So go out there, put a smile on your face, and gain knowledge all at the same time. Parents and students wlecome to the next chapter of your educational lives!

Look at the academic department that your student plans to enter.

I would advise students to fully research their colleges and its surroundings. Does it fit their needs and wants? Once they've chosen I'd tell them to get involved in extra-curricular activities or volunteering if you have the time and ability to. I firmly believe in the saying that you are more apt to regret the things you didn't do than you did. I also believe they should study abroad. I just got back from a semester at sea and it floored all five of my senses and perspectives into full speed. I learned even if they need to pay for college on their own, like myself, they are lucky to have the option of college. After they find the right fit, they need to remember to stay appreciative to have the opportunity to learn and discover what some may never have the chance to. College years fly by, stay smart, involved and aware academically and socially. Don't forget to enjoy every single moment.

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions of your life, so make sure you spend adequite time viewing as many school as you can. Ask around and see how other students like the school (this is the only real way to find out how students like it, oreintation leaders/ tour guides are paid to tell you that it's a great school). It's so important to GET INVOLVED!! Play a varsity sport, if you're "not good enough", play an intramural or club sport. Join a fraternity or sorority, they're not like they are on TV! Join a community service club, become a tutor, anything!

Depends on the questions they have.

spend some time and think about what you are really looking for...

Location is so important, finding a college that is close to home, or an escape from home can help with the focus on school and your advancement in life. Also, stay away from the urge to party and stay out late during your first freshman semester. It sounds like a given, but finding a balance between social life and school responsibility is difficult to do.

I would tell them to go look at all of the choices they had in mind. Also to talk to some of the kids on campus to try and findout what its like around the school during breaks. And while in college relax be yourself and try to make friends with everyone not just people who are like yourself.

When it comes to finding the school that's right for you my advice is to visit schools and talk to the kids one on one away from groups and teachers. That's when you can find out the little in and outs of the school and what really goes on when you have spare time, need to study, how the sports team really are, and how the kids are. Every college is going to have people who tell you the college is the best and people that tell you it's the worst. You need to visit the school and talk to the students, the more the better. Once you talk to them you can put the pieces together yourself and figure out what the school is like. The truth is you never really know until you attend the school, but i have found that that is the best way to figure out whether a school is right for you or not.

Get involved! start a club or join one..you will make so many friends!

Know what size college you want. Some people are overwhelmed by how large some colleges are. Definitely keep price in mind also. Also consider how far you are willing to be from home, regardless of living at home or commuting. Some resident students don't want to be too far from home and some commuter students don't mind having a drive to school.

Go to as many campus visit as possible and ask any question you may have. Also even though you may not think youll get into a particular school apply anyways, it never hurts to try. Finally always have a backup plan.

Don 't rush into finding a college and do not choose one just because it is cheap. Find the one that best fits you. The one you think you will feel more comfortable at. Don't let the freedom get to you. Make sure you do all of your work.

Make sure that you get involved. It is the key to happiness and success.

The advice I would give students about finding the right college is knowing what they are looking for in a college. It is important for the student to figure out if they would rather have large lectures or a small classroom. It is also important for a student to determine the environment they wish to be in, if it be a small city or out in the country. Another thing that students need to conicder is the type of people that will be attending the college and if theywill feel as if they fit in. Although academics are the most important thing about college, the social aspect is very important to your sucess. As for making the most of the college expirence, the advice I would give is to get involved on campus. Getting involved is a great and easy way to make many friends and to feel as if you are part of the community that you will be living in. It is a way to get connected to your peers and staff. Feeling connected at school is one of the most important things to you can do to make your college expirence both enjoyable and successfull.

go on the tours and reasearch it

Make sure they like the atmosphere surrounding the college because it is not only the academic purpose of choosing the college. You will need to enjoy yourself socially as well or you will not be happy and perhaps may hate college.

I would tell them to pick the college they feel accomodates them most. The college should bring the best out of the person and allow them to reach their maximum potential. It should provide them with everything they want because they are paying an incredible amount of money. I would also tell them to try many different things, but keep a balance with your social life and academic life. They should also make themselves known to all their professors they have and even the ones that are in their major. Great advice is also to learn the area the school is near and travel around. The last piece of advice I would give would be to travel outside the country because it is the easiest to do during school.

I would try to visit as many schools as you can. It was only after visitting my school that I knew I wanted to go there.

do a lot of research

Plan ahead financially, coming out of school with over 150,000 dollars of debt isn't a good start for anyone, no matter what school they plan to attend. For students, keep a goal in your head at all times, this will help you remember why you are at college and help keep your grades up.

Bridgewater has an amazing campus and is definitely a good place to learn about a future career. You meet great people here who can become life long friends and make your college experience worth every penny.

I would tell students not to listen to their parents when it comes to choosing a perfect school for you. What's right for them may not be right for you. You are the one who is going to be living with the choice. Also, do not let money be too big of an anchor on the decision to not go to a school. It's often easier to find loans and scholarships than you think. When it comes to making the most of your college experience, find friends. Find good friends because without a social community you are bound to go insane. Your friends at school help you with homesickness, managing your workload, and dealing with the stress because they are living it too. You know you aren't alone. On the other hand, don't let your friends take over your life. Do not let them make your decisions for you.

Well first I would suggest looking for a college that fits the students personality and social liking, a big school for example might be overwhelming for someone who is very shy. Also make sure when the student first starts school that they just go and talk to everyone they can in their classes, dorms, lunch room..anywhere..just make as many friends as possible. Also just try to get involved as much as you can..at least in your first year

First off, I would tell the parents and students that they should sit down and make a list of possible career choices. The next step is to go through and pick schools that have those majors listed as part of their programs. After you compile a list of possible schools you should contact them for tution and fee prices and narrow down your list based on what your family can financially handle. Next, take a tour of the schools and see which ones you can picture yourself at. This will further narrow the list, believe me as soon as you step on to the right campus you will know it! Next, send in your applications and hope for the best. While you are waiting to hear about your decision check out some financial aid opportunities and apply for some scholarships. Check the mail every day and if you don't get into your first choice, it's okay, go to another school, you may love it, and if not re-apply to your dream school as a transfer the following year! You are in charge of your education so fight for it!

Apply to colleges close to home first before applying to schools out of state. Make sure these school have what you attend to study or at least have available programs similar to it. Get involved inschool activities that interest you and always know you hve help from facilty and classments when you need it.

In order to find the right college, I believe that it is very important to visit as many colleges as possible, and talk to the students that go to those colleges.

I think the best college for a student to go to is one which is close to home, you never know what might happen or if you will like the school. I think the easiest decision for me was that I am one of the first in my family to go to college, and being a senior and paying my own way through college really motivated me to want to do a good job at it and i really appreciate it more becuase of the fact that i am paying and putting myself through school. I think parents need to show students the sense of responsibility becuase otherwise they could take advantage of the whole college experience. I would recomend also that you get involved in as many programs as you can on campus. It is much easier to meet people and it will pay off big when you are graduating. I was never able to take part in any school activities because i work, and that is one of my biggest regrets. Take in the WHOLE college experience and parents encourage as much as possible!!

Colleges are not always looking for the smartest person or the most athletic person. The best advice I can give you is to just be yourself on your application. Your application needs to reflect who you are as a person. If you do not know what you want your major to be yet, look into the schools to find out what schools have the best programs to help you decide on a major. As for parents: let your child apply to the schools they want to apply to: they can always apply for financial aid too. Do not pressure them into going to a school they do not want to attend. If you pressure them into going somewhere they do not want to go, chances are they will not take their college career seriously.

Take into consideration the prices of schools. I was going to go to some really expensive schools, but I'm glad I chose this school.

Dont be afriad to be yourself. Choose a college that best fits you not your friend or parent. Don't be afriad to interact with people and make new friends besides your high school friends. Don't let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams and goals.

Parents: please, please try to maintain a stable home environment for high school seniors. Of all the years of your child's life, this is one of the most important, and one in which they should be selfish. My parents were and still are in the midst of a nasty divorce involving an extramarital affair, fundamental differences, and rough finances, during my last year in high school. Instead of focusing primarily on my schoolwork and figuring out where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do with MY life, I was constantly worrying about my parents and having long, intimate talks with them when I should've been doing homework. My best friend, my mom, who had never had a full-time job during my childhood and was always there for me when I needed to vent or was excited about something at school, was suddenly gone all the time because she took a job and was with her boyfriend when not at work. I would go weeks without talking to her. I still graduated with honors, but wasn't able to devote nearly enough time to college planning. My family fell apart at exactly the wrong time.