Carroll College Top Questions

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

Ashley

Prepare to be upset. I know... its a foreign and wickedly horrible emotion to us. High school is a breeze and will not prepare you for the intensity of college level work. When your first ever D is given to you, remember that you tried your hardest, but sometimes you can't win all the battles. Math is so far the greatest challenge for us, but don't let one subject hurt you're pride or depress you. Plus, your friends are always willing to help you will it! Calling mom is the best solution to everything! She will always make you realize how smart you really are. To her, we are everything, and she constantly reminds us how much of ourself we always put into our work. Give your all to everything! I know you will be shy and socially challanged at meeting new people, but don't get down on yourself because the greatest people you will ever meet actually love your personallity. One day you will meet someone who will always remind you that "Everyday may not be good, but there's something good in everyday. So find it."

Chelbie

I would tell my senior self not to procrastinate. Procrastination will be your down fall. You need to make sure you get everything done by the due date that way you will have it easier in college. If you don't procrastinate you'll have better grades thus bringing up your G.P.A. That will help you get into a good school. Also, you need to save your money. Don't spend all your money. Save some back for a rainy day or for an emergency. You are going to want to save your money for something in the future, it may help buy something you want or need.

Caitlynn

If I could talk to my senior self I would stress the importance of finding a balance between athletics and academics. I would let myself know that grades are more important than practice time. I would tell myself to be more involved than I was. I would tell myself to watch out for those puny little freshman and stand up for those kids that didn't have anyone to stand up for them. If I could go back in time I would definitely keep my eyes open and learn to live in the moment and enjoy it.

Ashley

"Don't listen to any of your classmates who say going to community college is social suicide. Don't listen to anyone who asks, 'why would you go there?!' Anyone who thinks paying $40,000 a year is superior to gaining credits for $800 a semester is ignorant. Social ranking of colleges doesn't matter, all degrees are equal. Save your money and start small, work your way up to those 'bigger and better' colleges. You're completely distracted your freshman year in college anyways. You're making new friends, trying new things (good and bad), and creating a new you in hopes of finding out who you really are. If I've learned anything at all, it's that others opinions don't matter. Do what you want, be happy, save your money, and prove those ignorant people wrong. When you're making twice their salary with an AA degree from a community college, a BA from a state college, and your MA from a distinguished university, don't forget to ask them why they went where they did and what they learned."

Adriann

Be prepared to study hard, not eat good, and have very little privacy or time to yourself. Pack what you need, but remember that dorms are small. Be kind to others, be yourself, don't let go of your morals, stay out of the drama of the dorms, and don't party because your studies are way more important.

Rachel

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to pursue Nursing instead of Biology. Nursing deals a lot with people, and even though I love biology, Nursing is really the ultimate fit for me. After spending a lot of time as a CNA, I realized how passionate I was about health care. The health industry is fascinating, and if you are a compassionate, caring person it is where you ought to be. I would also tell myself to join the National Guard a lot sooner than I did. I would probably realize that nursing was my path a little sooner, and that the Army Nurse Corps was going to be a dream. I would also praise myself, for putting myself first over a relationship. I know a lot of people who would have gone back and not been stuck getting married young and having a family so soon. It works for some people, but I am sure it would have not worked for me so I am glad I waited so I wouldn't have to rely on other people. I only rely and depend on myself.

Emily

Don't change a thing, the path you are going down is the right one, and you will pick an amazing school where you belong. All the drama and hardships you faced in high school will be nothing the second you set foot on Carroll College campus. You will succeed.

Kalissa

Don't try to grow up too fast. You have your whole life ahead of you, and the memories you make will remain with you. Learn about who you really are and what you want out of life. Make as many new friends as you can, but make sure to keep in touch with your friends from high school. You're a long way from home and you can make decisions without your parents, but keep them in mind when you do make those decisions. These years will not last forever, though it may seem like it at times, especially when going to an early morning class on only a few hours of sleep. Start exploring your career options now and branch out to learn new things. Just because you feel like you can't do anything other than what you've chosen doesn't mean it's true. You may have to work in another field before you get your dream job. Make the most out of your education and enjoy learning. You are smart, beautiful and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Rosa

Hello me! I know you’re scared about the future, about never seeing the people around you ever again, and about choosing the wrong career that could forever risk your happiness in life. But that’s why apply to the many places you want and write down deadlines so you won’t be stuck at a community college as me. But even if you do end up here, don’t regret it. Never lose that happiness and cheerfulness you carry within, for I know that the future is scary but the journey is what counts. Just make sure you study hard and take every opportunity of extra credit given, even if it seems nerdy. Always stay true to yourself because that is what makes you unique, and others will love you for that. And never under any circumstances lose sight of your dreams no matter how long it can take. And if you ever feel sad and lonely just have hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Fernanda

Finish what you start!

Alyssa

I would tell my senior self to get as good as grades as possible. You need to get better study habits or you may not make the one class that helps you into a program. Make new friends as soon as possible, these friends can help you with homework and just all around college stress. Get to know the professors and take them up on their offers of help, you'll need the help. Exchanges numbers or emails with classmates, it stinks studying by yourself and then not knowing how to do some of the stuff makes it worse. Make study groups, you gain perspective, but you also gain help if you don't understand something. Always have a snack in your bag for those moments of forgetfulness. Always eat breakfast, helps concentration in an 8 o'clock class. Participate in a club or two, you get to know other students. Get a work-study job, its easy money and you can study on down time. Always have back-up pens, pencils for that one day you got up late. Always take good notes, and if you're gone from class, get the notes.

Kristina

When you attend Carroll College you don't just become another student, you become a part of the Carroll family and community. Such has been my experience at Carroll. The faculty and staff at Carroll are very friendly and willing to help you in any situation. The professors here actually care about your education and want you to succeed, while giving you the tools to do so. Transferring to Carroll has been vital not only to my nursing education but also to my personal growth. I have learned much about the art and science of nursing and the care of others. I have also learned much about myself and my own goals and aspirations. The knowledge that I have gained from this institution have been invaluable to my career and I am very grateful to have chosen this school.

Eugene

I've received a great education and great social skills in my time at Carroll. Other than the education Carroll's best aspect is its community. This community, which continues through life as alumni, is a valuable asset for later in life.

Kelsey

College was never something that I looked forward to doing, it was just something I knew I had to do, but when I found Carroll College I knew instantly that it was the perfect choice for me without knowing anything about it. As the months went on my freshman year I knew that Carroll was my home away from home, everyone was so loving and accepting and I created a ton of close friends. Carroll has been a valuable school for me to attend because not only have I grown in my education and getting hands on experience, but I have also grown in my faith. Faith is something that has always ment a great deal to me so when I was able to grow in a different way at school made my faith life because of school a valuable part of my college experience. College has been full of friends, laughs, hugs, stories, study sessions, and God. I would never give up my college experience because it has made me into the great person I am today.

Allie

Have fun. Get involved. Try something new. Be safe. Follow your gut. Stay up with friends having a good time but remember to sleep some nights. Naps are not just for grandparents. Study hard. Ask questions. Relax and treat yourself from time to time. Exercise, it's good for you! It's okay to make mistakes, even fail. Top ramen and pizza do not cover every food group. Follow your heart. Be yourself. Be confident. Smile.

Amanda

When I decided on a college, I wanted to move far away from my home town. Thus, I decided on Carroll College, seven hours away from home. While I had visited the school and loved the aspect, I did not look into the programs very well and now regret it. I have decided to pursue Graphic Design and there is no program for this here at Carroll. So, if I could go back and talk to myself as a Senior, I would have strongly recommended starting the college search much sooner and more thoroughly weighed all my options.

Laura

Now that I am in school, my biggest piece of advice would be "Don't procrastinate". I would tell myself to study now instead of feeling the despair that I couldn't do anything later. I wouldn't procrastinate taking my GED. I would also advise myself to listen to my father when he says that all I need to do is take it one little bit at a time and I will rock this world. I would tell myself that everything is as wonderful as I daydreamed it would be. My advice would be to get into college as soon as my senior year was over.

Chase

I would say to stay active and to learn good study habbits.

Nicole

Be sure to study and take challenging classes or honor classes..

Steven

the main thing is that i would establish good study habits in high school.

Travis

I would say to myself, "stop trying to prepare yourself for the endeavor in which you about to embark because you can not prepare that which you know nothing about, instead, brace yourself for what lies ahead." That sums up my transition to college. I did everything I could possibly think of to prepare for college but I didn't know what I was getting into. It would have saved me a lot of time and hair to simply "go with the flow" and know that other high school seniors are just like me and that somehow everything will work itself out and all will be well in my life.

Brenda

No matter where you look to attend school after high school, make sure it's right for you. In right, I don't mean what your parents think, where your brothers and sisters have gone, or where your friends are going. Visit the school and find out what it feels like. Once you have met faculty and staff, students, and campus visitors; once you have attended campus events, friendly gatherings, and staff-prospective student meetings; once you have breathed the air on campus and felt an indescribable sensation; only then can you know where you should go to school. Once you go to that school, making the most of it only requires you to feel those feelings again. Do what you want to do, take breaks in the monotany, and experience life as you gain in-class experience as well as external influences. Breath that campus air in again and know that you are in the place you wanted to go, the place that brings you peace, and the place that allows you to gain the best college experience ever.

Johanna

Look for a place you want to live. Most students dont realize when they are picking a school that they will be living there for 4 years, it will become your new home! So like the weather, the scenery stc

Abigail

Know who you are before you choose a college. If you're from a big city, realize that it may be hard to convert to rural living. If you've lived in Calfornia, moving to Colorado where they experience negative temperatures may be impossible. Small schools have their positives, but you lose the diversity that you're supposed to experience in college. Take any opportunity you can to study abroad. I wish I had. Drink, party, make friends. Your grades are important, but at the end of the day, no one will know that you wore a gold cord around your neck at graduation, but you will always have your friends. Don't be self-righteous. There's always someone smarter than you. Give up your old life. This is new, and you have to make new memories.

Lindsey

The most important reasons to pick a college you and your child will be happy with are the specializations in possible majors, faith opportunities, and the size of the school. If you child has an idea of the major they want then it is important to look at extra education that the school offers in those fields, such as internship opportunities or research projects. College is also a time where the student learns a lot about his or herself in terms of being responsible for their own choices, but many people forget that a faith life can also be developed in college. Find a school that is open to the faiths you would like to explore and has a large support group for faith communities. Check and see if a college has a ministry office that offers information on different religious groups for college aged students. The other way to look for schools is to decide if you want to be just an ID number to the administration or if you want your professors to know your name. If you want to get lost in a crowd, then apply to a big school. Otherwise, small schools will learn your name.

Nathan

To Students: Find a school that seems right to you, and don't be afraid to change majors or even schools. Most people only go to college once, so you should try new things, make sure you experience as much of the world as you can, make some new friends, and have fun. To Parents: Find the right balance of staying involved in your child's life. Don't smother them, and make sure they are independent so that they're ready for the real world after school. Also, don't detach entirely, make sure you keep in touch and send letters and packages as much as possible.

Whitney

Pick a school that has educational, religious (if applicable), and personal values and beliefs as similar to your own as possible. Also pick a place where you can participate in activites that you enjoy. I recommend that if you are able to, visit the campus and talk with a few of the current students and faculty. On making the most of the college experience--your education is very important, but your well-being and happiness is equally important... study and work hard, but play harder. You will wreak the benefits of the college experience if you do these things.

Nick

Look for some place that is comfortable for you. Don't be afraid to pick a small college away from town even though it isn't where all of your high school friends went.

Christine

The best advice I would give to both parent and students would be to take their time researching colleges in order to figure out which one best fits the student. You really need to figure out what you like in terms of class size, extra curricular activities, city size, etc. Without spending an adequate amount of time becoming knowledgable about possible colleges you may choose the one that doesn't fit you the best. It is easier to put in time and effort of finding the best college now, instead of figuring it out during school and having to transfer later. It is also important to make sure that both the parents and the student are involved in the process. Both have opinions and knowledge that could help find the best possible choice for that student. While it may sound tedious and boring, once you find the right school, those college years will be some of the best years of your life and will introduce to you new ways of thinking and new experiences that you never thought possible.

Anna

Think by yourself (this is to the student) - find what feels right regardless of where your friends are going or what is popular. Do what you are passionate about. Stay away from romantic relationships for at least the first month or two.

Randi

When choosing a college, I would talk to the students. Not the students they give you to talk to in admissions, but try to get a feel for how students that are not employed to tell you how wonderful the school is feel about it. Students can generally honestly answer your questions about the attitude of the school, the high points of the school, and the low points. In finding a perfect college, there is not just the issue of programs to consider, but the issue of personality. If your school does not fit your personality, you are going to feel out of place, and likely not perform as well. It's important to take time in choosing a school, and to find one that will suit all your needs, educational and otherwise.

anna

Firstly, let me address the finding of the right college. I believe that there is more than one "right college" for a person. Although many people stay with the same college a lot of the time, there is definitely the posibility that the college you are attending may not be right for you in two years or one year or whenever. As far as finding the right college, my advice is to talk to people. Don't just talk to the people that they set out to tell you how great the school is and a few words about what is less desirable about the school; talk to regular students too and ask them how they made their decision. I have missed the idea of finding a college. For me, I used an online program called Naviance set up from my school and frankly, without that, I would have had to be much more creative and resourceful and researched a lot. Making the most of college is different for everyone so I can only really answer for myself: take your time, explore what grabs you, really listen to the people around you, study for knowledge, love, and be yourself!

Jesa

Visiting the school is a must. In order to make the most of your college experience, just put yourself out there. leave your room door open when you're inside and say hi to people in the hall. dont be afraid to get out there and check out the off campus sights. and definitely don't be afraid to try new things.

ES

Visit the campus and don't underestimate your own wants, needs, and boundaries. Think it through.

Jared

When trying to decide which school is right for you, look at colleges that aren't in your state because some schools have cheaper tuition than your in-state schools. Also, make sure to stay active in campus life. Most people only go to college once so make sure to go and visit your choices before you commit because if you don't like where your college is, you won't be going to school there long. So when considering where to go, remember to pick a school that fits you.

Greg

Visit the campus and take the tour... talk to the professors that teach in the subject you are considering in majoring in if you can.