Clarke University Top Questions

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

Adewale

If I was to talk to my self as a high school senior, I would tell my self that I should try and get as many outside scholarships as I can. If I had known that there were so many scholarships out there, ready for those willing to put in the time and work I would have done exactly that. As a student trying to get more than a bachelors degree, I should have realized that other than grades, college cost is something I need to truly need to focus on if i ntend to make out of college with a good education but not too much debt.

kristina

If I could go back in time and give my high-school-self some advice, I would tell her about the imoprtance of saving money. You don't realize how expensive college is until you get there and start racking up college loans. I would also tell her to pay more attention on how to properly write papers, because you will use this skill so much in college.

Sohayla

Know thyself. Remember learning about Greek art senior year in AP Art History? Well that ancient Greek motto is so valuable: Know Thyself. Stop worrying, stop fretting over who you will become. Simply learn to have confidence, in what you do, in who you are, and who you will become and high school life will be so much easier. Learn to know thyself. Deadlines, essays, mock trial practice, memorizing scripts, making plans, finding a job: all of these are stressful minute factors that will prevent you from finding your confidence. There will be plenty more of this to come in college and the years after, but once you've found your confidence and once you know who you are these things will be much easier, and a pleasurable part of the process of being proud of the person you are.

Elizabeth

If I could go back into time and talk to myself as a senior in high school the firs thing I would tell myself is to not sweat the little things that happen. Not everything will always go my way and worrying about them will not help the situation it will just wear down on me more. The next thing I would tell myself would to pick up healthy study habbits before I get into college because that is when they become harder to learn. The last thing I would tell myself would be not to worry about change. It will happen if you are ready for it or not and you might as well imbrase it and not try to fight it.

Kevin

I would tell myself to not second guess my decisions. Whatever may happen, will happen. Trust in you decisions and everything will work out. Losing some friends is ok as long as you are continuing to make new ones. Don't tie yourself down to the first girl you meet. 4 yours is a long time and you won't want to make a decision that affects the rest of your life. I would also tell myself that its ok to spend some moeny in moderation. The last thing I would tell myself is to travel. I would tell myself that you need to go places over spring break and summer and bring your friends with. College is about experiences. Don't waste your time waiting for something to happen. Make it happen.

Sarah

I would reassure myself about going to a community college before transfering to a larger 4-year college. I was accepted to both Clarke University and Northeast Iowa Community College my senior year of high school. When my parents made me go to NICC, I was crushed. Looking back now, I am so thankful. I received great transfer scholarships because I got good grades. I am also thankful now for saving so much money. In some classes, I feel like I am so much farther ahead because I received more credits working towards a AA degree then other junior students. I would tell myself it will all work out in the end, especially to my advantage. Thank you for this opportunity.

Ashley

If I could go back to highschool me I would tell myself to focus on school more. I was always centered around sports, and it made me realize now that sports won't get me every where I want to go in life. I want to be a strong woment role model so I wish I would have pushed to do better in school more than I did. I would also tell myself to join as many clubs on campus as possible, I didn't start doing that until now in my junior year. I would also tell myself to get to know my teachers and have a great relationship with them because one day I will need a refrence and it's always nice to have a teacher one.

Brittany

I would make the same decision that I made in attending Clarke University because I enjoy the nursing program here very much and I have made many friends in the process of attending college here.

Traci

Well first of all I would tell myself to break up with that boyfriend because he will hold you back for three years after you graduate High School. I would have told myself to explore my options early on, and not to settle for something just because it might be close to home. Really dig deep into prospective colleges and find something that suits your interests, even if it's a little bit more expensive, because in the long run, you'll be happier. Do everything you do in life for yourlself, and not for anyone else or you'll never be truly happy. It's okay to be self-sacrificing and kind hearted, but just rember yourself once in a while.

Nicholas

Learn proper study techniques and on top of that also learn how you learn best. It will make some of the hardest study materials look easy when you know how to study properly. Be prepared for more work, but do not get caught up in it all the time. College/university is going to cost a lot more as well. Do not panick though, there are finiancial aveunes that help cut the cost. Most importantly, make sure you find time for yourself and friends. That 'me' time will help keep a healthly mental status, which will keep you afloat. And remember sometimes others will need your help to stay afloat as well, but do not spread yourself out too thin! College is about academic learning, but it is also about the social experience. Have fun but do not be a slacker!

Kaitlin

I would tell myself to keep an open mind and be ready for a huge transition and a big change. I would make sure to not slack off senior year, stay caught up in school, and enjoy it while it lasts. I would go on many college visits, in town and out of town, as much as I don't want to stay in town, but it is worth it just to go check out your options. I would make my final decision on what college to choose from not by where all my friends are going, but what place is most fitting for myself and where you feel will be best for your future career. As a senior in high school I would also try to get a better idea on what career I want to pursue because that will make the college transition a little easier and less stressful.

Rahni

Work hard in high school. Take the harder classes. PAY ATTENTION! If I would have followed my advice I would have saved a lot of money as well as time. There are classes people can test out of. Every class they do that in saves them thousands of dollars as well as so much time!

Dustin

If I could go back to my senior year with the knowledge that I know now about college life, it would be that all the hard work and effort that I put into school will pay off. It would have been easy to blow off school and get by doing the minimum amount but all the effort that I put into high school will pay off when I am in college. It will prepare me for the larger course loads and how to manage my time with regards to school life and athletic life.

cody

Time management and goals are the key to succeeding in college. Many college freshman fail in these two categories. They often fail to realize that study habits will be much different in college than in high school. Much more time must be dedicated to studying in college. So when students only focus on their social life, they tend to fall behind on their academic studies. There needs to be a good balance between academics and social life. When both of these areas are balanced, one is able to life a memorable and successful college life. Related to time management, living a goal oriented life is also important. College freshman need to set and prioritize their goals. Academic success needs to be at the top of the list. When a student places all of their focus on one goal, they are bound to fall behind in other areas of their lives. In order to succeed in college, students need to define and pursue their main goal while still maintaining other areas of life. It all comes back to time management and allocating the neccesary amount of time for each category or goal.

Emily

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell my self that size and location really does matter and affect your happiness. I used to think that I would be happy at any place of any size. I went to a larger school last year that was in the city, and I was not happy at all. I transferred to Clarke and now love my college experience and would not trade it for anything. I would tell myself to make sure that you can really see yourself living at the college and being happy. I would also tell myself to try to meet as many people as possible and see what their attitude is towards life and school. It is not good to be around unfriendly and negative people all the time. I would also tell myself to sit in on a few different types of classes and see how the teachers teach and see if the size of the class is an environment that I could excel in or not. I would tell myself to look at as many schools as possible, just to make sure.

Ellen

I would have gone away to college and lived in dorm. I am not involved in the college activities because I don't live on campus. I also don't have any friends from school because I only go there for my classes so I don't intereact with anyone.

Rachel

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I think I would tell myself that college would be much different than high school. I would need to tell myself that I would need to study much more than I did in high school and the classes would not be as easy as they were in high school. I would also tell myself not to go to parties every weekend and to go in to the professor's office and get help. I would tell myself that answering questions and being more active in class would help me to get to know and become more comfortable with the professor and the class. I think being more comfortable would have given me the confidence to go ask professors for help with thing that I didn't understand. Finally, I would tell myself that communication especially with a roommate is key. To have a successful relationship with a roommate you need to talk on a regular basis and work on solving problems instead of getting in fights about things posted on facebook, use the resident assistants they are helpful.

Chelsea

If I went back to when I was a high school senior, I would give myself a few tips. The first tip would be to learn a study routine that I can use for any subject. Getting into a habit of studying at least once a day will help when it comes to the harder classes in college. The second tip would be to open up and become more outgoing; this will help making new friends from all different backgrounds, which will help one grow as a person and mature. The third tip would be to still keep in contact with your high school friends and family; they are your support system and will help make an easy transition into college life. The last tip would be to know your career goals. If you follow your heart, you will be determined to become successful and achieve your goals. For example, after being diagnosed with cancer, I realized how much I want to help people; this is why I am determined to become a nurse. As long as I follow my heart and work hard, I know I will succeed.

Britanie

I have gotten a start on my life. I am in the process of going down a long path of success in order to better the lives of others. I will be in college for some time; I hope to get my MSN. Right now I work full time and am also a full time student. I have a newly found love for time management. The teachers I have come into contact with have helped me to grow personally as well as academically. Attending college has been a great experience. Not only am I learning about my field of study, but also about myself. With the education I am receiving I believe I will accomplish my goals in life.

Erin

College is very different from high school. Everybody is in charge of their own future, nobody is there to babysit them. So learning to manage my time and get organized has been a very valuable learning experience that I will take with me into my future. These two components can get people very far in life with being able to multitask between and still turn in their assignments on time. As well as time management and organization, another key component of my college experience has been becoming more open to people and making friends. Somebody can be the smartest person, but without friends they are not able to fully experience life, and won't have anybody to go to ask questions.

Ariel

My college experience has shaped my future to be very successful. I love Clarke University because it is the best fit for me. I enjoy the size, the fun atmosphere, and the great people who attend Clarke. The oppertunities that it provides from the staff and professors has given me a better chance to be a well rounded student and one day a great nurse.

Chelsey

I've learned that college is much harder than high school but twice as fulfilling. I dont have to take classes I dont need anymore and I can focus on the things that make me happy and that apply to my future career. I've only been through one college semester and I dont like in a dorm so I dont think I've really gotten the full college experience yet but that doesn't mean my time so far hasnt been fun or important. College is very valuable to me because I can persue my passion in pathological medicine and can eventually enter the career field I want.

Amber

The thing that I have most gotten out of my college experience is the ability to open myself up to other people and to make new friends. Before college, I didn't have very many friends. College has taught me a lot about meeting new people, and that's a valuable experience that couldn't really be gained elsewhere. This will be valuable to me down the road, epsecially as I enter the working world and have to make those important connections to further and better myself.

Jamie

If I could go back in time to 1995, the year I was a high school senior, I would stress the importance of school now and in the future. I would encourage myself to visit with school counselors, college adminision representative and have them explain to me the different things they can offer (since no one ever explained this to me). I would tell myself to focus in high school and actually try to succeed instead of doing just what is required of me; which would open more opportunities for myself to attend college with scholarships and getting a bachelor's degree; since it is so important in today's job market. Additionally, I would explain the benefits of being involved in school activities, social interaction and internsips that are available through the school to better improve job experiences. Finally, I would explain the benefits of receiving a Master's degree right after receiving my bachelor's degree because attending school while you are 30 with 3 young kids is not easy.

Nicolas

Choose a college for the right reasons. Moving out of your parents house and to a new city is exciting but believe it or not, living with a room mate and fifty or so other guys on a dormatory floor can be a real challenge. Choose your room mate carefully and make sure you share the same values. Make sure you keep track of events on a calendar. When an assignment is due, college professors expect it to be turned in. A calendar or planner can make or break your final grade. Your grade can slip from a B to a C simply because an assignment is not handed in on time. Your end of sememster GPA determines if you can stay in college or not. If you need help, ask for it . Have fun and try to make new friends. Treat college like a job, work first fun later. Eat in the cafeteria and try to converse with people. Work out in the fitness center or join a group of some kind. Stay connected with others. Lastly, if you change your mind about your major, don't worry, you're not alone. Thats what college advisors are for.

Curtis

I would have to tell myself to take high school a little more serious. Spend that extra time in your journey to better understand the world. Do not just study with the intent to better yourself, but instead look to better others and the community around you. You do not have to benefit from every Endeavour you take in life. Just because your upbringing was not one of money does not give you any less opportunity than any other student or person. Be willing to accept help from those who offer it without letting it affect your ego. In return, also be willing to help those that help you without taking into account how they can benefit you later. Stop looking at the value money wise of life. There are many things in life that will reward you in other ways than payment of money. Other minds can add to what you know and give you an unbiased view of the thoughts or plan you may be trying to build. Reach out to others that want to accomplish what you do. Not everyone is competition.

Rachel

I would definitely push myself to get a better high school gpa, I only had a 3.4 gpa. That way I could have gotten more scholarships. I wish I would have considered Clarke instead of not considering it because it was too close to home. Clarke is a great college, they have human cadavers for any healthcare students taking Anatomy and Physiology. There are so many great aspects of Clarke and everyone is so friendly, like in a small town. Look at how many scholarships they give out! Look at the job placement and more importantly the pass rate for nursing students, it's almost 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}!!! Even two of the nursing instructors write the questions for the national board exams for nursing licensure! Work on that GPA and don't rule out any school without looking into it!

Alexis

Not to stress out so much about college, everything will fall into place and will work out fine. They are there to help you and give you a good experience so let them!

Jensen

determine how big or small of a school they are interested in. The size of the classroom.

Megan

I would say, get involved and stay involved. When picking a college use outside sources that rate the college on many different levels including acedemic standing and cooperation between students and faculty because there is nothing worse than teachers that just don't care.

Amanda

Finding the right college for each individual is very important, as every person is unique and requires different needs. College is much like a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. First the caterpillar must find its special place where it is going to make its' transformation, much like a student in their search for a college. Once the caterpillar finds that special place, it will begin its transformation. Throughout the four years that each student is attending college, he or she will transform into a professional. Throughout the process, every student should make the most of the college experience. In order to do so, he or she should become involved with him or her interests, such as sports, clubs, and classes. College is much more than academics, it is about the transformation into an adult, learning not only the knowledge to be successful in his or her career, but also the knowledge to be successful in life.

Nichole

When choosing the right college you need to look at a variety of aspects. Does it have a good program for the major you are choosing to pursue, what size do you want, what social aspects and extracurriculars are most important to you? The trickiest aspect for any eighteen year old is being absolutely certain that they know what career path they want to embark on over the next four years. How can any student be certain that this is what they want to study. I would advise students and familes to take an honest look at four years into the future. What kind of job do they see themselves applying to? If you choose a school based on the program and then later decide that this program no longer is what you desire you could face a change in major and possible even a transferring of schools. While transferring is not the worst thing that could happen, it can cause financial and credit transfer difficulties. Be honest to yourself as you choose your college and choose the one that is the best fit for the student not based on the desire of the parents.

Jess

Go with your gut, and don't worry about finances. Find the right school for YOU, instead of just going where friends or family want you to.

Kirshna

Start looking and applying for schools early. Start looking for financial aid and scholarships early. Be sure to read and correct any mistakes in applications before sending them off. If needed, take the paper to a local library to see if someone there can help you. Remind your children that it's ok to not be accepted to some schools. Visit as many campuses as you can. See if overnight stays are available at some schools - it gives a more true view of the school. Talk to professors, guidance counselors and other random faculty people at the school. Take your own campus tour to see if it's right for you and your children. When in college, join as many clubs and organizations as possible! It will help you make friends and give you more life experience. Have fun! It will fly by.

Natalie

Parents- Encourage your child to job shadow many different fields while in high school to find what they are most interested in. It is never a good idea to enter a college setting without some basic idea of what you want as an outcome. Also talk to your children about the financial responsibilities that go along with going to college and encourage them to do as much as they can to make responsible choices regarding their money. Students- Be aware of the fact that alcohol is a part of college and don't allow yourself to become out of control when it comes to drinking. Many students lose their ability to focus on their longterm goals when they drown themselves in the 'party scene'.

Pete

Do the research and visit as many campuses as possible in order to find the right fit for you and/or your son or daughter.

Alex

To find the right college and make the most of the college experience, try to really figure out whether you can find people who will respect you for who you are there.