California Baptist University Top Questions

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

Jason

if i were to go back and talk to myself as a senior i would tell him two things. One, always think before you make any huge decisions that can effect your college career. Two: never give up on your goal, if you got this far push your self to your peak never be satisfied with less then you can accomplish.

Anthony

The first thing that I would tell myself is that I need to make sure that this is what I want to do. And then I would tell myself that the key to success in college is attending class regularly. I have learned that if you attend class regularly and do all of your homework you will pass the class. I say this because, there isnt a teacher out there who wants to deliberatly fail a student, and if a teacher sees that you attend class regularly and do all of your homework, it shows that the student is trying. Most teachers know that every student isnt going to grasp all the information that is being taught, so to see that a student is really trying and giving effort, you will never fail a class. Teachers want the student to succeed jus as much as the student. I would also tell myself, even though graduating ieems like a long time away, remain patient. Write a set of short term goals to reach your ultimate goal of graduationg. And that would help because you have a list of things accomplished, in order for your goal to be met.

Kitra

If I were to go back to highschool I don't believe I would give myself advice. I think that everyone needs to learn lessons on thier own and college is a great way to do so. It gives you many choices, some good and some bad, but you are the one who decides which path to take. I feel like I would be cheating myself of an oppurtnity to grow by telling myself to beaware of this or dont do that. I would just reassure myself that it is worth the experience and that everything will be fine.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, before you start college, please heed to the advice I am about to give you. I want you to take a deep breath and relax during the transition process. I know how overwhelming the college transition can become, but remember, thousands of college graduates have gone through the process, and they all survived the transition. I want to give you some valuable information about college life and I hope my knowledge will help you succeed. Do not procrastinate on your studies! College professors may not remind you when your next test is scheduled, or when your ten page paper is assigned. It is the students' responsibility to check the class syllabus and know when all assignments are due. Please remind yourself to check your syllabus and do not wait until the last minute to write your final thesis on Evolution the night before the deadline. Time management is essential. When your studies are organized, college life is easier. Remember education is a privilege; you need to earn your education. Stay focused on your studies and you will succeed!

Krystal

Being completely sure of who you need to be and what you will have to do in the future does not have to be decided now. However, what does need to be done is to truly stop and evaluate what is the most important thing in life. From that point on, it will be clear as to what needs to be done day by day in order to achieve an accomplishment far beyond the expected. If I could go back I would tell myself that looking at the big picture of life is so important. Meaning, every thing I do should not be driven by what is happening now, but what will be happening in the future and the best thing I could do is hold tightly to integrity of character. Work hard each day but do not miss the chance to laugh and enjoy the moment. Understand the importance of perseverance but do not forget to take the time to rest. If I could go back I would remind myself that life is a blink of an eye and that every opportunity should be taken to work hard, enjoy people, and see that the world is bigger than myself.

Jennifer

If I was able to go back in time to when I was a high chool senior I would tell myself to try harder and really push myself in high school. It may not feel like it now, but good grades are equal money in college. As a student who is paying for my own eduaction, every dollar counts. I wish I had spent more hours tracking down scholarships and raising my GPA. I completely understand the feeling of senioritis (that I experienced even as a junior!). Common symptoms include, lack of study time, coming to class empty handed, ditching or leaving early, laying your head on the desk to "visualize" the lecture, and note passing. I experienced this all, and I know wish I had been in class more and going to my teachers for help. Now I reap the consequences, as debt and student loans pile up in front of me every semester. If I had truly applied myslef I would have earned the President's Scholarship and much more financial aid through my school and private orginizations!

Katie

When making the transition from high school to college, remember to be yourself! A lot of students go into college and dive into the orientation week, which I highly recommend, but one thing I noticed was many people put on masks. They thought of college as a fresh start, which it can be, but many people were trying to pretend they were someone they really weren't. My advice is when you're starting at a new school, stay true to yourself and your values/beliefs while enjoying making new friends and becoming accustomed to the new school. Have fun and get involved, but surround yourself with good friends and don't be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved!

Christina

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school, there would be many things I would tell myself knowing what I now know about college life and the difficult transition that awaited me. I would descibe how hard it will be to live very far away from my family and all my friends. I would need to understand how trying it will be to not be able to physically be around those I love most and how I will be thrust completely into a new environment. But at the same time, this new experience will not be completely unbearable. I will learn incredible new things, make wonderful friends, and have amazing adventures. I would also tell myself of the amount of homework and studying I will be faced with. This new challenge will be unlike anything I've faced before and I will have to apply myself so much more than high school because things will no longer just come naturally for me anymore. The main thought I would express to myself though, would be to not be as scared but to look forward to the wonderful, new circumstances that are before me.

Shelby

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. I would also have been more conservative with my money, because it goes fast when I do not have an income. I would have saved more money and not spent my graduation money so carelessly. I also should have worked harder this summer to have more of an income. I would tell myself to consider my family and the price of the college a little bit more. I was really homesick the first semester and missed my family greatly. I also have questioned why I came to California and why I am spending so much money. I have enjoyed the school more this semester, but last semester I was frustrated about why I chose this school. I should have applied to more schools so I could have had a larger selection. I applied five places and wish I had applied to a few more. I would have told myself to have lower expectations, because sometimes the experience is not all I thought it was going to be. Sometimes I am alone in my dorm room and thats not fun. I would not change much else though.

Seth

In order for one to succeed in college he or she must prepare for the grueling task at hand. On the practical side of things, one must learn to do laundry, construct extremely basic food dishes, practice getting minimal amounts of sleep, perform basic cleaning operations, and etcetera. Besides being without one's mother, a new college student must be prepared to work hard. High school is a breeze compared to the conditions of college. Highschool is similar to juggling one ball in contrast to college where one must juggle seven objects, namely razor-sharp knives. However, college is not just four years of pure study and a lack of sleep. One must prepare for the extraordinary aquaintances he or she will make over those four or so years. Do NOT be afraid to make new friends. It is these friends that will influence the rest of one's life. Ultimately, however, one must be ready to be catapulted into a new life.

Ariel

I would tell myself to make sure to remember the FAFSA dealine, and the CALgrant deadline! Another thing is to tell myself to make sure to always have spare change for copies, blue books, and scantrons. Get as many scholarships and grants as possible because College is expensive and so are books! Get the best deal you can on books, becuase there are many options. And sell your books back at the end of the semester cuz you will get some extra cash in the end. College is easy if you are prepared for it.

Jessica

Study hard in high school and try to take advance placement tests to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. Challenging myself while in high school is important. You cannot graduate from college with "just getting by." Time management is important in high school. One transition I am still getting used to as a college student is doing homework during the day. In high school, I was always used to doing homework at night after school and practice. Now that I have more time during the day, I need to learn to take advantage of those available hours.

Breanna

If I could go back and tell my highschool self something, I would certainly say to not spend my money so foolishly. College isn't cheap. I would have saved every penny I got or made. I would have told myslef to learn better study habits. I was in avid so I got time mangement and neat skills down, but I now need to learn to study better. Also, I would tell my highschool slef not to sweat, college isn't sacry just like highschool, but you are paying for it. You have to take lots of notes and good ones. I would also say wear a watch so that way you can get to your classes on time and no miss any. You need to learn your college campus too. Even though people may help you find bulidings, your and adult so you are on your own. Lastly, I would say have fun and don't stress and just try and college is fun its another road in your life you will breeze through if you just follow what you know and get good grades.

Nathaniel

Apply for scholarships early. Many take 6 months to be given and you don't want to realize later that you missed many scholarships that could have been a great help. When you're actually in college, put your alarm clock a good distance from your bed, because getting out of bed is a good start for actually getting up. Find out exactly where your classes will be at least a day before class: finding those classroom may take longer than you expect. Make sure you get some regular form of exercise, especially if you eat at the cafeteria. The freshman fifteen is no myth. If you can, consider doing homework soon after your classes; the concepts are fresh in your mind, and when you're done, you will probably feel relieved to have the rest of the day free. And don't be afraid to ask questions. There are a lot of people ready to help so there is no need to struggle alone.

Michelle

Honestly, if I could go back to high school in my senior year, I would tell my self to calm down. Senior year, for me, was especially a hard year since I was graduating a year early. On top of all that I was looking for scholarships and trying to get into college. If I could go back and take the time to enjoy the last year of college, I would love that! Most high schools and family stress how important going to college is and it is very true, but you also need to rememeber to enjoy life!

Tyler

In a couple of years you are going to figure out that you are going to be majoring in kinesiology, so there is no need to take any buisness classes. You need to do your best from the very start in order to maintain a good grade point average. Try to maintain a healthy balance between academics, socialization, and sports; this will be an environment that you will be able to thrive in.

Ryan

I would say to myself "Hey Ryan! Don't freak out I am from the future and I am here to tell you that college is awesome and you will mature so much. Don't be so focused on being popular but make a difference while you still have time. There are a lot of things on this campus that need to be fixed and stepping up and doing what is right will prepare you for what you will encounter in college. You will be challenged to work harder in your studies and need to start developing those habits with the time you have left. You need to remember that the habits you develop in college will effect the habits you have throughout your life, so be wise and stay focused on what matters most. Most importantly, remember to put God first in your life, the knowledge you recieve in college is valuable, but the only knowledge truly worth having is the knowledge of God for He gives everything purpose and meaning. Be excited for college, you will meet some of your best friends and your life will be changed forever because of it.

Claudia

I would advise myself to keep my GPA up and get involved in campus activities and community service clubs.

Irene

I will tell myself as a high school senior that college is harder than high school. I will tell myself to obtain good habits so that when I go to college it will not be hard for me to do well. In high school it was easy to depend on my teachers. In high school we have to ask teachers permission and explain. In college it us up to us to attend and no one will ask me anything. I will also tell myself that I should put more effort to get a high GPA and complete many scholarships. If I do this in high school, when I am in college I will not have to worry about getting money to pay for my education. I should keep in my mind that I should put effort to do well so I do not put a financial burden on my parents.Overall I would tell myself not to slack off in high school because I am the only one who will struggle in college and dragg my parents with me when it comes to paying for college. Good students get more money, in high school that should be my goal.

Miriam

I truly wish that my life would have been a bit different. As a high school senior I didn't have much of a choice but to work and put my education aside. I wish I would of worked a little harder to fulfill my dreams and continue with my education. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would influence myself to work hard for what I want and never give up. I would say to myself "You will be a successful woman and don't you forget that." After all, your education is all you really have.

Laura

I would not give myself any advice, because I would not want to have to anticipate a moment that was told to me, or an outcome that I don't think I would like at the time. I wouldn't want it any other way of me not knowing the future. But if I did have to say one thing, I would say "don't worry, you're making the right decision." I feeel like if I say anything, it would mess up the enitire learning process that I went through in college.

Kevin

Get a job as a senior and seriously work on time management skills, especially since you are participating in a sport. Since you will be living right on campus with all of your friends social invites are much harder to refuse, even though you know you should stay and study. Get your proiroties straight from the beginning , let your friends know exactly what days you want to hang out and what days are best for them and really respect those times. The hardest thing about campus living is that you really can't just go to your room and be alone. Learn how to find that quiet time early on, it is critical for academic, social and athletic success. Being a part of a team gives you immediate friends and that part is awesome.

Briea

Assuming that I could goo back in time and tell my high school student self about college life, I would definitely tell myself to take more risks. There are so many opportunities that I passed up because I was too scared to put myself out there. Instead of trying new things, I stood back and watched; instead of taking the opportunity to meet new friends, I stayed in my room and sulked. Life is so short. I would tell myself to not pass on all of the fun times and exciting pooprtunities just because of nervous fear . I would tell myself that it is not a crime or a horrible punishment to still be single because in singleness, I can be a blessing to another person. I would tell myself to look for reasons and opportunities to serve others in love. I would tell myself to live and to trust that God would not rip me off if I trusted in Him.

Erene

Never procrastinate. You might think that you have it all under control, but college is so different from high school. You don't get second chances. If you miss a deadline then you have to suffer the consequences, so always do your work on time. Don't get caught up in the party scene either. Many people focus on the social aspects of college, but it's important to gain an education and focus on your studies.

Kevin

Don't be afriad of being alone. You won't be unless you try. Your life will be filled with opportunity and freedom you've never experienced, and responsibility will come with the process. Home will never be the same in every good way imaginable. You will value friendship and learn to set your own bedtime. Above all, dont be afriad of failure, because even when you lose a victory lies beneath the next page of your life.

Nathan

When you start looking for a college, it's important to find the right fit for you. For some, academica may be the most important thing, for others, it may be an active social community or a renowned theater program. Whatever it is, make sure that the first step to finding a college is lots of research. Narrow it down to five or so colleges from research, then apply to and visit those five. Try to stay overnight at at least one or two of them. Then, decide based on which one you can see becoming 'your' college. You'll be there for four years (usually), so it's important to put a lot of time into your descision. When you get to college, the first year is the most important. Make sure to escape your comfort zone and go places you normally wouldn't to make new friends. Also remember that academics are as important as studying, and you must find the right balance between the two. Schedule your life so that you can recieve grades that meet your standards and also make friends that you'll remember and keep in touch with for the rest of your life.

Alison

Pray about it.

Ashley

My advice would be to really pay attention to dead lines and the different schools you are interested in. Go off and visit most if not all of them. You can usually call schools ahead of time and plan a day for someone to take you around campus and talk to you. Remeber college is an experience, you want to know everything about it before you go there. The learning enviroment and classrooms are way more important than the social party life, because if you get discracted and flunk out of college it wasnt worth the time or money. College is definatally an investment, so make sure you invest in the right enviroment for you.

Melanie

College is not only a place to earn a degree, it is a place of life-formation. The ideas that are explored, the people with whom one fellowships, the environment in which one surrounds him/herself with, and the experiences that one has during this season are possibly the most influential in his/her life. The best advice that I can give, therefore, is to take into account all aspects of the colleges that you are considering, not just the academic alure. And when classes begin, waste no time in beginning to pay attention to the people, the environment, and the underlying principles behind the lessons being taught, looking for those "ah-ha" moments when you realize that this is a person/cause/place you could build a life on. Don't be afraid to take a step back and re-evaluate the courses you have set; it's OK to change majors or career paths! Better to do so now than after you have dropped a huge investment! Remember that life doesn't start after you graduate, it starts NOW, so live NOW-- and not foolishly, squandering time and resources, but wisely, balancing all aspects of what are imporant.

Tricia

Living on campus if possible is a great experience

Bradley

Let your children live on campus and at least 1 semester in the dorms because they will make friends much easier and you have a lot of fun!

Virginia

Find a college that has friendly people, small classes, and good professors. When looking at finding the right place do several campus tours and talk with everyone that you come into contact with. It's very wise to do research about the school online, then you find out what the students really think.

Julie

The college that is right for on student may not be right for your student. Do your research and visit the campus unannouced.

Louis

I was very lucky when I was going to college, because my parents allowed me to look into the various colleges and investigate them and do all kinds of research - and they were very involved. But the best advice that I could give parents is to stay involved with your sons and daughters but let them make their own decisions. Talk to them about college and give them lots of resources. There is so much information out there to read and study. My parents had me looking on the internet, and they go me books - they also took me on tours of local campuses and we even had brunch at the campus that I finally decided to choose to apply to as my first choice. The most important part I think is to stay connected and to help them to make their own decision - remember that this is their life - and they need to live it. Help them with the dates for the tests (SAT, ACT) etc, and make sure they get those things done on time, and then make sure they get the applications in on time too - they will thank you at the final graduation!

Sarah

When it comes to choosing the right college, the most important thing to consider is personality. Who you are as a person makes a huge difference when it comes to success. Choose a school that meets your needs. If you are not happy and comfortable it will be harder for you to accomplish what you want to. Choosing a school is not necessarily about choosing the best academic program or the highest rating, it is about fitting into a community of people and learning about the world and life together. In order to make the most of your college experience, it is important to be involved. Go out on a limb and talk to people even if you are a shy person. Get involved with activities even if they sound dumb. It will be worth it. Enjoy!

Laura

Everyone has heard the saying, "Live each day to its fullest" or "Carpe Diem!" And the reality is, it's true. Picking a college is one of the biggest decisions a student makes as he or she walks into the next phase of life. A decision will always effect some outcome, however, it's always the way one takes the outcome, the experience. The university I am attending at the moment was not my first choice, but I did not choose to sulk about my decision. I took life as it came at me. New people, new teachers, new school, away from home, a totally different feel. But I have no regrets. It does not matter to what extent of merits a school has, it matters to what degree of work one puts in. My daddy always told me, "When you're good, you're good. Wherever you go you will be able to stand." So, my advice is to take each day of life with joy regardless of the situation. I believe the "right college" is what one makes out of the college experience, not what college one chooses.

Shawne

i encourage the student to visit the campus, stay a few nights and attend classes with students. Our school sponsers an event called 24, where the student comes and stays with a student on campus for a whole day. during 24 the individuals attend class with the students and get a glimpse of the social life/environment of the campus. Making the most of your college experience is to meet new people. do not be shy, become involved in sports, activities and events.

Kristina

Finding the right college may seem easy or difficult to others, but there are many choices to make, so before making a decision, it is best to know about how much you expect to afford in expenses, loans, etc., explore the city you will live in, and make sure this is a college you can see yourself attending for more than two years. Making the most of the college experience is important when you know what to expect and what is available to you. When the college is more than willing to help you with all your needs and answer your questions, then you know that your experience will be unforgettable!

Bethany

Going into college I was afraid of my surroundings the people and the idea of failure. I searched for a college where none of these concerns would be a problem. Unfortunately there was and is no such school. What I found that was invaluable in my school was the awareness of the staff and faculty and other students to all the concerns which I had. The idea that a school can see the needs and desires of its students is rare. So look for a college that truly desires to know its students and aid in their goals personally, academically, and spiritually (for me as a Christian). The growth of major should depend not on the growth of the student body but on the passion of the current studentsFinding a school where the focus is to alleviate the worries of the students in any way possible was truly the most beneficial thing to me. Focusing on finding a college that focuses on the students and not on its own prestige is what truly would make the most difference.

Elizabeth

Make sure you visit the school when the students are there, and your parent's aren't around. It is important to look at the school with your parents, but make sure there is an opportunity that you can experience the school like you are an actual student. Check out what students do for fun, and make sure that is what you are into. Likewise, check out whether there are good places to get away and study in if your dorm or apartment is too noisy or distracting.

Wesley

Realize you will live on after high school, work hard and go somewhere nice.

Katie

Take lots of visits and talk to students that go there. Make sure you know what you want for yourself before looking.

Kelsee

There are certainly a lot of things to take into consideration when choosing a college. In light of this, I think that the college decision should be based off of three things: Career interests, world view, and social needs. Obviously the first question one must ask about a college is "Does this college offer majors that interest me?" It does no good to go to a college that doesn't offer a Nursing program if that is what one wants to take. Additionally, having a few basic ideas about what one wants to study will allow him to focus on information regarding whichever major he is interested in and compare it to other schools as far as quality of learning and experience. Secondly, one may be more comfortable at a school that is centered around a world-view similar to his, such as a Christian who wishes to attend a private university that has other Christian students. And lastly the social needs; if one is looking to being social and active in school then they may be more interested in a smaller college that is more intimate and has a variety of activities available, rather than larger, overwhelming state schools.

Lindsay

Choose a college you will feelcomfortable in. If you like to be around a lot of people, maybe a public school would be best. If you like smaller class sizes mayme you woud do better in a private school. Don't let the cost of a school determine where you want to go. There are always scholarships, and financial aid opportunities you can apply for. If you feel ready to accomplish your goals try not to choose a party school. A school like that can sometimes put a damper on your dreams, especially when you are putting more time into the partying than in your schoolwork. I also tried to look for a school where the teachers try to get to know and help you accomplish your dreams. It makes you feel more confident, and you feel ready for when you are placed in the work field.

Brett

First the student must discover what he/she wants in a school. (large campus/small campus religious or party school) Then make especially sure that the school offers majors and degrees that fully prepare you for your career goals. Take campus vists, talk with current students and sit in on classes. If possible spend the night in a dorm and visit the cafeteria. Doing much preparation and narrow your choices down to a few. Then make a judgement based on educational goals...Lastly once in school get involved. There has been numerous researches that have shown those that have finished school with a degree is the person that is involved. So get involved in your school in what area interests you.

Ronald

Be willing to step out of the box. Learning is an incredible journey that shouldn't be taken lightyly but does not need to be stressed about. Trust God Always!

Elizabeth

I would tell them that the student needs to make the final decision on their own. It is important for a student to find their "own" place at a school or university; I feel it is the worst thing you can do as a parent when it comes this situation is to force your child to go somewhere only becuase you have personal ties to it, and my parents aren't like that. College should prepare students for their future not only in the classroom but in your housing areas, campus activities, and other areas of involvement. If you step onto a college campus as a student and feel like you don't belong there chances are you might not, go with your gut when choosing a school. There might not be one perfect place for everyone but you will get a feeling inside that screams 'I want to be here more than aywhere else' when you find the right place, don't be affraid of that feeling!

Justin

Do not get too caught up in prestige of a university. Rather, focus on your personality. You need to holistically look at a unviersity in order to see which one best fits your personality. I loved my school because of its overall environment. Trust your instinct, but also look into the services a university provides. Do they have opportunities for learning both educationally and socially? Look for schools that will best help foster your developmental experience over the next four years.

Kristen

To parents: Keep in mind the wishes and desires of your child. If they are not fully satisfied with the college they end up at, the chances of them succeeding and striving to do well are rare. To students: Follow your dreams. If there is something you seriously want to pursue, then go for it! You'll never know if you don't try!

Sarah

I would tell them to visit each school in person because my first choice on paper, was not the place where I felt at home and liked the feel of the campus the best, which ended up playing a role in changing my mind and was one reason why I did not pick my first choice.