Cedarville University Top Questions

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

Michael

Miiiike! Your future life in college is awesome! However, there are some things you should start doing now to make college and the rest of your life better. Senior year was filled with 5 AP classes and track and cross country, so you know what hard work is! Make sure you keep the up work ethic when you get to college...'senioritus' carries over! Next, stay focused on finding quality friends. Do not settle for the kinds of people that don't understand who you are as a person. Finally, get super involved at Cedarville! It took me till Junior year to get to the level of involvement that I wanted to reach, but I could have gotten to this point sooner! I have learned a very valuable lesson througout my time at Cedarville so far. The people who attain leadership positions are usually involved in more than one thing. For instance, everyone that I know in SGA is involved in two or three other things. I was involved in five different projects this semester alone. People trust leaders based on past projects. So don't be afraid to start freshman year! Good luck me! Enjoy senior year and college!

Brandon

First and most important is to seek God more. You think that you have it all together but you have no clue what is ahad of you. College will bring all sorts of new experiences with school and outside of school. If you keep God first with daily prayer and devotions and prayer you will be so much better off than I am now. The other thing is to get rid of any repeated sin right now. It will be best to deal with before you get to college because they will not go away once you get here. It will only stay the same or get worse. You are doing a great job, study hard and as dad always says, Keep God First.

Michayla

Make sure it's your choice, and not your parents decision. While Mom and Dad really want you to go to this school, make sure you go because you want you. You're the one who has to live their 24/7 anyway. Also, extend your friend group. Don't limit yourself to your roommate and the people in your hall. Campus is huge, and you'll be surprised how many great people there are out there. Besides, your roommate may move on next year and then you would have to start from scratch. Get to know the sights and thrills of the town around you. Don't wait until your senior year to realize that the next town over has a really great coffee shop. Start working ahead on reading before your sophomore year. Don't be afraid to write in books (as long as they aren't rented!). When fun things come up, pick with discretion. Don't always drop your homework to have fun, but don't study without any quality friend time, either. Oh, and never change what you wear because someone else finds it weird. It's who you are. Do what you want.

Rebekah

I would tell myself that I needed to learn how to make more friends and be more outgoing.

Denis

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn’t say much but would rather listen to what my high school self would say to me. The reason behind this is that I would be very interested in knowing exactly what was motivating me back then to make me who I am today. I would listen to what pushes him to look for better things in life when good isn’t good enough. I would ask about the mindset that he had and how it led him to success. I would ask why simple things such as respect, loyalty, and responsibility mattered so much to him even though he never had much of anything to do with anyone. I would ask myself these questions because it is too often that we forget who we are and what made us into who we are today. In regards to this, I look back at myself today and thank that high school senior for doing his best to prepare me for the position that I am currently in. And that would be exactly what I would say to myself, “Thank You.”

Kristina

If I could go back in time to give myself advice in my senior year. The advice would be to acquire better study habits. Although I graduated with a 3.8 GPA, I would have strived harder for that 4.0. I would also have told myself to take advantage of the overnight staying in the dorm, so I would have relized how small the rooms. are. I would have join for leadership, and community groups, because I am shy and I think that would have brought me out of my shell and made the transition easier

Kaitlyn

I would first tell myself that my academics are important. I'd say I am a pretty smart student when I apply myself, however in high school I didn't focus on my academics as much as I should have. Now I can see that if I would have put more time into my school work I would have been able to be more knowledgeable and receive a larger scholarship. Also, I would challenge myself to enjoy every moment and not get caught up in petty problems. I regret not becoming closer friends with people because of what others might have thought or because I was too prideful to befriend someone myself. I see now, through my college friendships, that investing in people's lives and caring about them can be beneficial not only for a friend but also for myself. I sometimes wonder what my high school experience would have been like if I was more focused on building true friendships than spending waste-less time and emotions on boys. While my high school experience was something I thoroughly enjoyed, I know that investing more time in my academics and friendships would have only made it that much better.

Sarah

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to push through the all the negative and focus on my goal. I made a few mistakes right after I graduated and even during high school that I wish I could change, now I have to deal with them. I would tell myself to keep up a satisfactory attendance and to maintain at least a 3.0. College life is expensive and I would have told myself to save my money instead of spending it the first chance I got.

Cindy

I would advice myself not to take education for granted , and to pay as much attention to the Instructors as possible. I would inform myself that if I did not understand what the Instructor was saying to always raise my hand and ask questions for clarification, and to never,never,never feel like a dummy for asking. In my journey through the education process I have sometimes been satisfied with receiving a letter grade of "B" or "C" especially if the course was considered to be difficult. However. I would advise myself to fight harder for the best grade possible, to always set my standards high for acheiving that "A". I would tell myself the truth, that without a college eduation the types of jobs that are available to me are low paying and usually lead to a dead end. Cindy Malone

Bethany

One of the biggest changes that happens in college is the fact that most of the time you attend a college that no one knows who you are. You now have the opportunity to be yourself and show the world who you are and who you want to become. No longer are there assumpitons made about you from when you were in middle school as there were in high school. It is your time and chance to show the people around you how your elementry, middle school, and high school years shaped you and formed you into the man or woman you are today. College also gives you the chance to learn from the experiences of a myriad of people and to teach others your challenges and expereinces. Be yourself, push past your fears, and open your wings because your are about to soar into new heights.

Adolfo

The advice I would tell my future self would be to investigate, prepare and don’t wait for the last minute for college. First thing I would advise myself in the beginning of my senior year is investigate about scholarships, financial aid, college you’re interested in and apply to them right away. Then I would suggest not to slack off just because it’s the last year but the last year to get all required credits for graduation. After, prepare by apply for admission for college and talking to a college adviser for unanswered questions. Then getting a part-time job to supplement income for college savings, just incase if financial aid won’t help. While waiting for that, I would suggest of thinking what classes to take, look them up and write down the course number. For later when registration day comes, you can just put the number and register quickly. By doing that you can avoid stressing, being in the waitlist or not even getting in the classes because that was my mistake of doing everything the last minute. Last tip on the first day of school, go early to locate your classes to avoid being late.

Maria

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior regarding college and transitioning into it I would tell myself four things. First, listen to your parents. They know what is best for you and even though you’re scared to commit to a place where you know no one, you will be just fine. Second, relax!! Do not be so worked up about being away from friends and do not be so worried about not getting good grades. Third, study! Reading as much, if not all, of the material for a class as possible. KNOW the material inside and out. Study hard and put studying ahead of most activities. And fourth, HAVE FUN! You’re at college to meet life-long friends and make memories that you will explain to your children in the future. Study for your classes but every now and then take a break and go have some fun. College is for preparing you for a career. It’s also for making friendships that you will continue long past graduation day. It is a place to learn about yourself and to grow. It’s a life changing place.

Andrea

My greatest advice to myself as a high school senior would be to get involved. Aside from the fact that becoming involved looks great on resumes and scholarship applications, it's a great way to build friendships. And it doesn't have to be in the activity that you build the friendships. In college, it's shared activities of the past that can build the initial contact point for a friendship. Also, being involved in high school teaches you how to be involved in college and still balance your time. It broadens and develops you as a person. Then, of course, I would tell myself to take better notes. Even if you don't need the notes in high school, and even if you don't look back on them for reference once you're in college, it's good practice. In high school, the teachers cater to students much more, and it's easier to learn just by paying attention. But in college, many classes take on a lecture format, and it's beneficial to be able to look back at your notes later to further digest information. High school only prepares you for college if you let it.

James

The biggest thing I wish I knew about college and entering into my undergraduate studies while in high school was not to get too involved all at once. As an incoming freshman I tried to do too much at one time. I couldn't focus on the things I really needed to. I was involved in the political arena, the workforce, intramural sports, student organizations, community ministries, and much more. I couldn't really involve myself and focus on what really mattered: my academics! Because of that, my grades suffered. My first semester in college was by far my worst and it was an uphill battle from there. Improving a bad GPA takes a lot more time and effort than maintaining an average GPA. So, the amount og activities I was involved in was important from the start. Had I known that and had time to think through that and process what I would be involved in and how I would stay on top of my homework, I may have been able to keep my academics as priority and maintaing a better GPA through my college career, allowing for a better GPA overall and much better chance at graduate programs.

Rebekah

I would advise myself to take advantage of the educational opportunities homeschooling presented. I could have started my college studies in high school through the postsecondary option. I wish I would have gone further in my studies in math. I would have taken math through Algebra 2 instead of going into business math and not fully completing business math. Also, I wish I would have learned how to socialize with guys more and been more exposed to culture. It was a culture shock when I realized that sincere Christians listened to rock n roll music.

Katie

I would definitely tell myself that there isn't nearly as much to worry about in comparison to what I first thought about college. The atmosphere is friendly and easygoing, despite the fact that I chose to go to a college where I didn't know anyone. There really isn't anything to truly worry about beyond the typical college experience, which comes with late nights, mornings that are too early, classes that have a fair amount of reading, and of course making friends. However, so far each of the above experiences and almost everything else about attending Cedarville University has been fairly all right, all in all. In less words, I would just tell myself to chill and let things happen on their own, as worrying does not accomplish anything.

Jerilyn

The transition to college will not be the end of your life, but nor will it come without trying. With the correct perspective and some helpful information, you will succeed. The biggest thing you need to guard against is prideful complacency. High school A's and the honor roll are not enough to guarantee your college success. You will need to study much more diligently, beginning with reading your syllabi. They are infinitely more important than the menial high school course overviews. In your zeal to see your name on the Dean's list, stop and take time to enjoy some of your new freedoms. Take local day trips to explore the surroundings. Invite other students to join you, but remember to step outside of your comfortable friend bubble. The best friends come from the people you least expect to enjoy. But overall, don't feel like you must have your entire life in order just because "you're in college now." Everyone is going through varying degrees of transition, and the important thing is to day after day, keep at it. Do this, and college will broaden your mind and challenge you to do what you never thought possible.

Byambadorj

I would tell myself to join the JV soccer try outs. I also to tell my self to study more in the study groups in the library. I would also tell myself to ask Kelly Troyer out sooner! I might have also told myself it would be nicer if you brought your car for those late night trips to TACO BELL!

Kendra

When you get your syllabi for your classes, don't get overwhelmed and think "I'm not going to be able to do this!" Believe it or not you can. Set aside a day where you can organize you syllabi, put your assignments down on a calendar of when they are due. Each day set a goal of what you'd like to accomplish and make sure your realistic. Don't set the goal to high or you'll be disappointed with your self. You don't need that on top of the stress involved with school. Another key thing is that you have balance. College can't be all school work or it's guarenteed you will go crazy. College also can't be all fun or you can say goodbye to your degree. Set aside a certain time each week when you do something fun. When you do school work focus on the assignment at hand, don't think about all of the other assignments you need to do. Take it one assignment at a time, day by day and you will make it through. Remember to enjoy college!

Jerilynn

I have grown up a lot while being in college. I have had the chance to find out who I am, and what I actually believe. I have gained a great education, and I know much more about life and the world.

Chelsae

There has been so much that I have learned from being here at Cedarville, even in the short time of one semester. I have learned that being on your own, no matter how much I was excited to leave home. I have found it valuable in that I am making real friendships that will truely last a lifetime. I am experiencing the love a college that can only come from being happy where I am at. I have learned to take the focus off of myself and be more concerned for the well being of those around me. The largest thing that I have gained is my relationship with my Lord and Savior. I am so blessed to be in a Christian centered university.

Amie

Not only have I learned about my major in my collegiate experience, but I have learned about myself. Never before have I been able to identify my strenths and weaknesses, and now I can be perfectly honest about them and work on them. I have made friendships that will continue to impact me for life, friendships that I will never forget. But most importantly, being in college has given me a chance to find myself as God finds me, and to grow ever closer in my relationship with Him as I am continually dependent on Him to supply my needs.

Danis

I've grown and matured a considerable amount since i've attended Cedarville University. I've learned good study habbits and how to balance my work load and social life. Being a nursing studnet, my work load has been very demanding and requires me to carefully give my time to various venues. I've very much enjoyed playing intermeral sports as a source of stress relief and enjoyment. I've learned that having fun and developing realtionships is just as important as my studies. These lessons in and outside the classroom have proven valuable in my life now and i'm sure they will in the future as well.

Stephanie

College has been the biggest and most influential experience to play into my growth in life. Through coming into college and learning to fend for myself I was able to become an adult. When I began classes in my first semester of college I knew I would have to work towards finding a job. To support my monthly tuition fees I had to work through applying for an abundance of jobs hoping to reach my goal. After a few months of searching and a number of interviews I was hired as an employee at Baskin Robbins. I have been a customer service representative of 31 flavors for nearly a year and I have grown into my own. I am honored to communicate with all kinds of people and personalities during my day. I have learned so much from college and independence that I am no longer as shy and reserved as I use to be during high school. I have worked hard to reach these goals and the next step is to move to a four year university to continue on my journey for a bachelor’s degree. All the fears of growing up have been washed away with confidence.

Natalie

I have learned a lot for my classes and the experiences I have had here. I am currently a journalism major, and find that the professors encourage me to do my best and inspire me to do all that I can. I have also learned a lot from the chapel we attend and have gotten close to God throught my experiences there. My friends in the dorm are close and we can tell eachother about practically anything, especially when we need people to talk to. I also have my boyfriend who goes here as well, and I enjoy spending a lot of time with him as well. Going to Cedarville University is worthwhile.

Jessica

My college experience at Cedarville University has benefited me in numerous ways, including encouraging and strengthening my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior and helping me to live a better life. I was only focused on me before I came to Cedarville University, but since coming here, I have learned to put others first all the time and love them unconditionally. It was not that I didn't serve others before I started attending this college. Rather, it was that my focus then was on how the service would benefit me instead of how I could glorify God by serving, which is what my goal should be. I have become more loving and desire to pour out the love of God to all in my community. Although my college experience at Cedarville University has been difficult at times, I have grown so much, and I am so blessed to be able to attend this college.

Alexander

I have gained so much from being in college. Attending a university out of state taught me how to be independent. Choosing a Christian school strengthened my relationship with Christ. The small class size and overall small school size provided the opporutnity to get to know people at a more intimate level. The professors I've had have poured into me knowledge about their subjects as well as knowledge about life. Through staying involved on campus I've formed a bond with the school and student body that will last a lifetime. As melodramatic as it may sound, attending college has changed my life for the better and I'm so thankful for it.

Kimberly

In my first year that I have attended Cedarville University I have been eternally blessed by the Christian community I live and serve in. Everybody at Cedarville University are so friendly and truly care about me. My professors are dedicated people and they strive to challenged me more than I have ever been challenged before. The community is so caring and I have many friends who are going to be my friends for life. Everybody thinks that education quality is important in order to choose the college that is right for them. I believe that is true, but I also believe that a good sense of community is another aspect to consider. Cedarville University is a wonderful working and fun environment and anybody would be blessed to learn, live, and serve in this place.

Emily

I have learned who I am. I am no longer under my parent's roof and so whatever I believe must be my won. I willingly pursue my parent's approval but am not bound by it. My passions are my own. I am young and the world awaits! There is no better place to be in life than right here, right now, pursuing what I love to hopefully change the world!

Mary

I have attended Cedarville University since the fall of 2009 and have enjoyed nearly every minute of being there. I have been reassured in numerous ways that this is the right university to obtain my Bachelor's degree in Science and Nursing. Since the beginning of my college experience I have made friends that have encouraged and prayed for me about my struggles, such as missing home, trying to get student loans, and becoming a better friend and leader. I have also learned that time is money. My Career Services advisor has brought to my attention that I pay around one hundred and thirty dollars for every class I attend. This fun fact has motivated me to never skip classes and to stay awake in those classes. So far I have been successful with both of these goals. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that cramming for tests is NOT a pathway for success. In order to understand and remember the material for my classes, I have decided to study my notes each day. This has been effective thus far and I anticipate its implementation for the remainder of my college career.

Tiffany

I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned how to study well and apply what I learn to my life. I have also learned time mangament. School has changed who I am for the better. I love everyone here and the atmosphere.

Jorge

To my advantage I have learned so many new things in college. Throughout my high school career i had been chalenging myself with the hardest classes and doing out of school things to prepare for college, I mean no wonder I got most involved from my graduating class. All of those experiences helped me tremendously but when i got to college i found myself facing new challenges such as managing and balancing many aspects of my life. Work, friends, girl friend, family, community service, school events, and so many more things were on my plate but it is a challenge that i have learned to deal with. At least I am happy that it was just one issue and not more than one if I had not prepared during my high school years. College is a whole new world but i am prepared for the change and make the best out of it.

Alex

I have learned more about what I want to do with my future and have gained friends along the way

Courtney

I absolutely love being asked about my college Why? Because not only were my four years incredibly exciting and fulfilling, but because they gave me an understanding of myself and my world that launched me with confidenceinto the post-college "real world." Sunny-day philosophy classes on the lawn, three hour dinner conversations in the cafeteria, and a study-abroad semester were the contexts for wrestling with some of life's biggest questions: what is the best way to live? what about God? how should I make a difference with my life? The answers I gained to were profoundly shaped by inquisitive and caring friends and by professors willing to be engaged in and out of the classroom. Through them, my time at college prepared me not only for a career but to approach life with deep purpose. As I apply to graduate school to teach history at the collegiate level, I know not only where I am going but why I am going there. Yes, I gained professional skills at college, but I also learned compassion, creativity, and critical thinking. It is those skills and a deep sense of purpose that made my college so very, very valuable.

Debra

So far my experience at Cedarville has given me many friends that I can trust, a chance for fellowship with people from all over the world (but mostly Ohio and Michigan), a better understanding of the Christian worldview in different areas of study, and a chance to grow in all the areas of life. When I first came to Cedarville I never could have imagined that there would be so many people who would open up and love me even when I was scared of opening up to them. I always found help when I needed it, even from people who were complete strangers! When I did not have anywhere sit during lunch two girls offered me a spot at their table and included me into their conversation. The people in my brother and sister unit really became like family, and we had dinner with each other every Friday night. I cannot even fully express in words how much God has used the environment of Cedarville to change my life! If I had to go back and choose where to go to college all over again, I would pick Cedarville University again!

Iulia

I honestly feel very lucky because of how my college experience has been so far. For the last two years of my life, I have not only achieved an associate degree in Networking, but also received my high school degree. No, I did not fail and have to retake or anything like that. I've been attending DeVry University Advantage Academy, in Chicago. In doing so, I have received my associates approximately two years before most of my friends. Attending college during High School was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. One of the top reasons I’m happy to have my associates degree two weeks after I graduated from high school is knowing that I’ll be able to earn my living faster than everyone else by several years. The second reason is the feeling of accomplishment. It’s not often that you hear that a recent high school graduate has the potential of having a salary of over 50,000. In fact, I could make more than my parents with my experience now, and they have been working for quite some time, and in good jobs. I’m pleased with my college experience.

Jonathan

College has been such a great experience for me so far. As soon as I got to college I jumped right in and ran for Class Vice President. I won and was able to learn a lot about planning various events and being a part of an organization that serves others. Meeting new people and learning new information which will one day help me to succeed in my field of study means that the experience is not only fun, but crutial. I love it so much that someday I would like to become a professor learning and teaching as a career.

Christina

In the year that I finished at Cedarville, I found that God is awesomely big. Despite some of the pettiness that happens between students, it is really easy to see God is a new and bigger way. The proffessors are the most down to earth staff I have ever met, and they care so deeply about us as students in a way that is personal and unmached. The work is hard, but it is such a good education that it is so easy to forget about how some students act and to really find that you can be great at something if you put your best work into it. So as our faith grows as students, so do our minds as we become able to do things that we never thought possible. It's amazing and wonderful, and that is what makes me feel most at home.

Angie

In March 2009, I returned to school to earn a Master?s in Psychology more than a decade after earning a Bachelor?s degree in Accounting, Finance, and Computer Information Systems. Since I graduated from college in 1997, I have been working as a computer consultant. I was initially intimidated by my current classmates because so many of them have education and work background in the field of Psychology. I have now completed four classes and have earned A?s in all of them. I have gained confidence that my work ethic can compensate for any perceived handicap in my background in relation to Psychology. I am an advocate of continuous learning, and the challenge of upgrading that learning to a formal level has proven to be exhilarating. I have gained knowledge that I have used for personal development and to share with others. I have had the opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking and writing. My ultimate goal is to switch careers, which will yield higher job satisfaction and more positive impact on other people?s lives, so the most valuable aspect of this journey is yet to come.

Alexandra

The major advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is to be open more with people and know that you will learn many things about life from people! When in high school, you tend to think you know more than you actually do and from hearing life experiences from friends here, I have seen just how little I know. I also would advise to myself to be weary of people who don't understand what being a good friend actually is and will discourage, not encourage you. This happened to me once this semester and I was not prepared for it and didn't know how to respond to a friend who told me I hadn't been a true friend.

Kristen

In high school, I was strongly encouraged to take AP classes. I took many of them, and I felt as if the difficulty of high school had ruined that "high school" experience and regretted taking them. However, I see now that I am a college freshman that I was extremely well prepared for the level at which I was expected to study. As a nursing major, I am required to take difficult classes early on, and AP in high school was a really good stepping stone for that. However, as I did study a lot in high school, I wish I could have learned better time management, and how to better balance fun with work. This was something I quickly adjusted to in college, and I wish I had learned the skill sooner. I might have enjoyed high school a little bit more. Also, having known I would go into nursing, I wish I had familiarized myself with APA citation formatting in high school, and had been required to practice with it in a sociology or psychology class. College professors are very strict on this format, and I had to learn the hard way on my first few assignments.

Christina

I would try and beat it into myself to take my education seriously, every single day of classes, and to really focus on my work. As a high school senior, I didn't really think about college other than where I would end up going in the fall. My freshman year came and went; I look back on it and see that I could have put so much more effort into my studies. I would also tell myself to calm down about leaving home without my family and friends to help me. I'd reassure myself that new friends were waiting there for me and were just as nervous as I was. Another thing I would say to myself is to keep going even when your world seems to crumble. College, and life in general, is hard; It takes endurance, diligence, and faith to get through the tough times, but it is very possible. But most importantly, I would tell myself to have fun and broaden my horizons; I'd urge myself to meet as meet many new people and to mature into the person I was meant to be, enjoying every minute of it.

Kendra

It is not all about me. Do not forget the people that helped you get to the point you are now. Your parents are still going to be there for you and help you out if you need someone. They love you and are pulling for you to succeed. Just like parents are supporting you, good friends will be too. You can never have too many friends so make as many as you can, but also remember the previous friendships that you have made. Be open to make changes and stretch yourself. Be well-rounded. Attend things you would not normally attend, or get involved in organizations that interest you. Pursue your dreams, even if they seem extremely difficult. If your classes seem extremely hard, work extremely hard, and do your very best to pursue the major that you are most passionate about. Remember to love what you are involved in, and try to have fun in every activity. Get involved in things and meet people, but try not to overload your schedule because you will be stressed. Do not get wrapped up in things that will only bring you down. Stay focused on the finish line. Remember the goal.

Jonathan

I would have looked into more college opportunities and attempted to find a college opportunity which would allow me to stay out of significant debt throughout my college experience. Getting a good ACT score isn't enough, (I scored a 33), you also have to apply to the right college that will honor your high school achievments enough to offer you reasonable financial aid. My current choice of Cedarville has only limited opportunities for financial aid for academic purposes, but rather chooses to grant aid based on religious reasons such as church affiliation and missionary parents.

Crysta

If I could go back in time to give myself advice from what i know now i would tell myself many things. I would first tell myself that hey your sister is going to have a child not you so go to school shes ok by herself and doing so it wont be as hard to get yourself started in college and start your own life. I would tell myself to go striaght to college and not say oh ill wait a year a year turns in to two years and so on. Crysta you love learning so why put what you love on hold! For once in your life think about whats best for you and not others everyone will do fine with out your help. Just follow your heart and stay in school its what you love and it wont be harder in the long run and you wont keep putting it off for others. good luck.

Daniel

Do not go to Wilkes University for your first semester and go to Cedarville like you originally wanted to. Pharamcy is not the thing for you and you will be much happier at a Christian school doing something with computers like Information Systems.

Sarah

High school! Not just hish school no it is you senior year! It's the time to live it up and to enjoy your friends! Or at least that is what everyone says: easy classes and freedom to do whatever you want. However, my senior, contrary to what others said, was not at all like that. Studying was not only a regular rutine., but was all I did besides playing soccer in the fall. If I were to go back and give myself advice in high school I would probably tell myself to find a healthy balance between doing my homework and having a social life. Granite school is definately important, but from my college experience so far, you don't want to be the kind of person that only studies and never goes out with friends. Not only do you get discouraged or what not but it also doesn't make for a college experience. So mainly to helo myself prepare better for college I would tell myself to make sure to create a healthy balance of work and play, and to maybe go to the school basketball or football game once in awhile!

Autumn

Hindsight is insight. Several times, I have thought how my college experience would have been different - knowing what I now know. As a high school valedictorian, a "Type A" who only knew how to get A's, and a people pleaser, I entered college with high expectations for myself. I also carried the weight of my perceived expectations of others. These expectations created undue stress throughout my undergraduate career. Being a college cheerleader, I also felt the the pressure of people "looking at me" and trying to fit a certain stereotype of who I was supposed to be physically and socially. I wish I could go back to 2000 and take the high school senior Autumn to the local coffee shop. Sitting in the oversized comfortable chairs and sipping hot cocoa, I would listen to her expectations and fears. Then I would gently say, "Lighten up! It is ok to not get an A. College is about growing academically but ALSO socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Take time to be with others and take time to be with yourself - no textbooks allowed. Most importantly, what you do does not make you valuable. You are valuable because of who you are! :)

Justin

Justin, you're a relatively smart guy who can handle the rigors of college. Get involved early and enjoy all Cedarville has to offer. Intermural soccer and football are a great way to make quick friends and build relationships while having fun. Lock into study groups, don't be afraid to ask questions, and always know you are among friends!

Josiah

Alexander Graham Bell was quoted, "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." Throughout my highschool years studying has come very easy and not required alot of preparation. I could put many things off until the proverbial, "Last moment." However, if I could travel back in time to my senior year and change one thing, it would be to start applying to colleges mch earlier and really taking time to thoroughly check them out. There are a vast multitude of choices available to a student considering college, and you really do yourself a disservice by not spending the adequate time and research neccessary to find what is available to help you achieve your desired goal. The decisions you make at this point can be pivotal in shaping the outcome of your future. Preparation is truly one of the most important keys to help influence the chances of success in one of possibly the most important decisions of your life.