Centenary College of Louisiana Top Questions

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

Toby

Make sure to have plans to branch out more in meeting people who are going to the same school. Apply for more scholarships in any free time. Start buying small things for college dorm earlier in the year.

Princes

I would tell myself to join more activites, apply for as many scholarships as you can, & to join Student Life Organizations.

Allannah

First things first, time management is key. It is key now during school and it will be in your future career. Learn to balance both your social life as well as academics. A planner or an agenda to jot down notes, key dates, assigments and your daily schedule is a key resource in time management. Second, don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether from other students, professors, or even the lunch lady, getting help when you need it will only benefit you, not hurt you. Third, don't be afraid to put yourself in awkward social situations. In most cases, thats how we meet our close friends. Even if you are shy, try to look into campus clubs or intramural sports. College isn't just about hitting the books but about enjoying every moment of the experience and friends are a big part of that. Finally, enjoy every second of college. Try new things. Meet new people. Help others and be eager to learn new things. The saying may be cheesy and over used but college is some of the best four years of your life so relax, enjoy it, and live it up.

jennifer

well i actually just started an online college course. im super excited to delve into the world of college. i never was a big fan of high school but i have been told that college is much different because you are going to college for the career you want to be in the most, rather than sitting at an old desk listening to a teacher talk about things your not interested in. you are more prone to listen and do your best in college because that is ultimately your way of getting the dream job.

Virginia

My college experience has been incredibly valuable to my personal growth in my 3.5 years of undergraduate study. I have been given scholastic opportunities to study abroad for a summer, tour the country with a choir, edit and publish a book in French, and become a school tutor for my major’s subject. Centenary has been valuable to attend because I have been able to become incredibly involved in extracurricular organizations and in the community. A graduation requirement is to complete a semester long service project and to experience cultural-immersion for 2 weeks. These two components of my education have helped me grow as a person by learning awareness of other cultures, and understanding how important it is to give back to the community. As a member and officer of the Chi Omega fraternity, I have been able to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, communicate with school officials and national consultants, organize academic success programs, and make several friends while becoming involved on campus. I was given the opportunity to start my Master of Arts in Teaching early at Centenary and that will prepare me to do what I love by becoming a French teacher.

Chelsea

I have learned alot more from the people on this campus than from in the classroom. Maybe that is just a statement about me, but the people, students and faculty alike, have taught me so much about life. I have learned that life is not going to wait around for me to make decisions. I have learned to be a more independent and self-sufficient woman. I have made life-long friends here. Do not mistake me: I have learned many things in the classroom and onstage from Centenary; but I have learned so many things about life from just being around these people. It has prepared me for the big bad scary world out there and all of the crazy, blood-thirsty people in it that do not care about me at all. I am ready for it thanks to these people.

Dafiveny

I have gotten the independent part of college life so far and all the things like responsiblity,loyality, etc.... It has been valuable to attten because I am learning what i like and what i can and can't handle as an adult.

Stephanie

Dear Stephanie, This is me or you from the future. Before you leave for college make sure you are ready and prepared for the classes you are about to begin. When you study, actually study and turn off the computer, tv, and radio you will get distracted. Try to get to bed at a resonable time and don't turn off your alarm until you are out of bed. Make sure to spend as much time with your family this summer while you can. You don't think you will miss them, but you will. Remember your highschool friends but don't dwell on the past you will make new friends and have lots of fun. Don't be afraid to try new things but be smart about it. Just because the parentals are not controlling your every move does not mean you need to go wild. This is the time for you to grow and become a better person. Allways follow your heart, but listen to your head. Keep in touch with family, friends, and former teachers and coaches their experience and wisdom will assist you on your journey. Allways and forever, Stephanie (you)

Jeremy

College is one of the most important things one can ever undertake! I would say to parents and students alike, choose wisely! Do not make a decision based upon how close a school is to home, or how far it is for that matter (those who might be interested in escaping the nest)! Consciously decide upon a school that will in short, meet your goals! If you desire to be an executive of a company, pay attention to the strength of the school's business program, its credibility and clout within the community. As well, look to the alumni of that school. Are there any people within the association whom one can connect with during and after college for mentoring, internships and subsequently employment? Just as much, the student should take an introspective look inside and ask oneself, "what makes me happy?". Have a passion! Most importantly, do a lot of listening in college, more so than talking! You will not only leave with a degree, but a way of seeing the world and those who live in it with you, as more than mere humans, but as unique miracles that are capable of amazing feats!

Laura

Be yourself.

Carrie

My advice is that you visit and spend some time at the college. Spend a weekend. Talk to random students. Ask about financial aid!

Chris

I think that students should spend their time researching colleges that cater to their interests. If a student likes being in a large class, they should look for larger universities where classes tend to take place in lecture halls with about 200 students. If not, they should look for a smaller, maybe even a private college. If the student knows what they want to do, they should look for the best colleges in that field and apply to all of them, because I believe that financial aid is available to help those in need and that you cannot put a price on a good education. I believe that in order to make the most out of their college experience, they should spend their first two or three years living on campus and consuming themselves with college life. This is the time where they will meet the most people and cultivate their college experience. Also, it is often easier for a student to perform academically when they live on campus because research facilities are often a short distance away. Consuming yourself in the college atmosphere is what will enrich your "college experience."

Suneera

Take tours and experience the college by spending the night and visiting some classes. You could also walk around the campus and try to imagine yourself studying or hanging out with friends. Decide if this is the campus where you want to spend four years making life-long friends. When you make this decision, and go to this college, the best tip I can give you is to get involved. You will enjoy the campus so much more if you are in organizations and study groups. Utalize the campus facilities. Most campuses provide a free fitness center and library. These are amazing resources. Live on campus, at least for one year. It's incredible how much more you will associate with your school if you live on campus. I plan on living on campus all four years of college. It is how I've met my closest friends. If you feel like joining a greek organization is right for you, I highly encourage it. It's one of the best decisions I've made. These organizations can provide a really great support system. Study hard and read your syllabus. Most teachers are not out to get you.

Christopher

I enjoy simple answers - Parents should let their children make the choice on their own. Students should visit the school, hang out with current students, and go with their first instinct.

Lindsay

I think the most important aspect of finding a college to suit you is to look at everything that that college has to offer and also to look at the impact that school will have on your future after you graduate. Academics are the most important, especially if you plan to continue to a higher level degree program after undergraduate. However, I believe most colleges understand that many freshmen have no idea what they want to be "when they grow up." The good schools have activities to foster these students, so parents be sure to check that out. I've found, after attending both a private college and a public state funded university, that the cost of the private college is well worth it. The academics, facilities, programs, etc., they are of a much higher caliber at the private schools. Lastly, and most importantly, try your hardest. Don't get to the end of your senior year and wish you had just studied for this class or that class... push yourself to be the best you can be and I promise you won't regret it.

Rebecca

The best advice I can give to students is to choose a school that is feels right. You can tell right away if you'll like a place when you visit. Also, I highly advise a small, liberal arts school because you can search for your major and socialize well. Most of all, DO NOT TRY TO REPLACE YOUR FRIENDS. Make new ones and appreciate them for different reasons than you did your ones back home. Study hard, play hard, and you will come out on top.

Miranda

The most important step towards finding the right college is to recognize what an important and personal decision it is. You'll be spending the next four years of your life at the institution you choose. Not your parents, not your teachers, not your friends. You're the one who has to live there, and you should make the dicision for yourself. Also, don't forget that college is more than an education! Make sure that you choose a place where you'll be happy in and outside of class.

Allie

When looking for the right college you should consider what is best for you and only you. Consider what type of environment you would benefit from the most. Figure out what size college you would like to attend, and also what size city and in what area of the country would be the best for you. Consider realistically how far away from home you would like to be. Pay attention to the types of extracuricular activities that the school has because it says a lot about the types of students that attend the school. Look at the area around the school to figure out what types of things students are involved in when they are not on campus. Also be sure that the school offers academic programs that you are interested in. Finally, visit the school to take a tour and possibly socialize with some of the students that attend the school. Do research, visit the schools, and go with your gut feeling about the school because it will usually turn out to be right.

Clayton

Go with whatever college you feel at home with but also which will give you the best opportunities later on. Also get involved as much as possible on campus and meet as many people as you can. Another key element in succeeding in college is learn good time managemnet and don't let your grades slip by taking to many hours or partying to much. College is great so make the most of it.

Lauren

Keep your options open! You must have an open mind, never know whats going to come your way. Good to try new things. Never thought I would be where I am now, but I love where God has lead me.

Kendra

When finding the right college, first decide what you want out of a school. Do you want to participate in sports? Do you want to be actively involved in activities on campus? Do you want more personal relationships with students and teachers? What do you want to study and what interests do you have? These questions are very helpful when choosing a school. Even though price may be an issue, there is always financial aid willing to be given to a studen wishing to enter a college. When that's covered if you want a school that has athletics or not, has plenty of non-greek activities for students, has a large or small population, and has what you want to study or not are all imortant factors in one's decision. Make sure that if you're not comfortable being far from home also plays a role in your choice of school. Being comfortable where you are is a very large factor in your academic success.

Ashley

Make sure you visit the school. Seeing how students, faculty, and staff interact on a daily basis is very important. When you visit, talk to as many people that you can whether it be admissions counselors, professors, students or coaches. Walk around the campus to get a feel for what it will be like when you are a part of that school. Don't settle for a college that you don't fall in love with. When most students visit our campus, they know that they are supposed to be there because of the way they are treated by everyone they meet, the gorgeous campus, and the amazing academic quality of our programs. Once you find that college, do what you want to do. Start new organizations, join existing ones, persue a variety of academics, go to athletic and performing arts events, and take every opportunity to live each day to the fullest. Never Settle.

Elinora

There must be a balance between academics and life. While college is a time of learning and preparing academically for a job or a career, college is also a time for personal development and personal growth-- college is the time to get to know you. Sometimes intense academics or constant stress about school might hinder this process.