Concord University Top Questions

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

Bibiana

It seems like just one year ago I was graduating from Townview High School, but it has been almost four years since then .When I look at my pictures I see a completely different person. I see a girl developing into a young woman with aspirations and goals, but confused at the same time. I am smiling and courageous and although I am still that girl, there are a few things I would change about my habits. To begin with, I would have organized myself and my schedule. I would have set alot more time studying intensely rather than watching my favorite shows. However, when you are 16 you dont think your decisions will affect you in the long run. If I would have taken more advanced courses, I would have college credits and saved money. I would also look to see what specific requirements they needed rather than to do everything last minute. I would have gotten a job in sophomore year to save money because now I work two jobs just to get by. Furthermore, I would have used my counselors and community more rather than think I could do everything bymyself for a big step in life.

Sierra

"You did it, you've acomplished your biggest goal in succeeding in college, you know it, and I know it, we can do this."

Leah

As a high school senior I tell myself every day and every night to study hard to listen attentively to my teachers. I tell myself to do my very best on every test. I tell myself I am not going to fail just because of my circumstances at home . I tell myself that I will go on to the very best college and continue to the very best university in the united states. I tell myself I will not follow the crowd but that I will be a leader now and in the future. I tell myself that I am going to graduate from high school and be very proud of myself. I tell myself I am doing this for me and not anyone else. I am going be a at the top of my class walking with my head held high inspite of my circumstances the future is mine.

Vernon

I would not depend on my guideance councilor to give me the correct information I needed for college. I found out to late that she had given me incorrect information & I had to do extra elective classes my senior year. I also took three years of vo-tec classes I didn't need. I could have taken acellerated math and english classes that would have given me college credits. I also would have ask if there were grants I could apply for that were offered by my school. My vo-tec offered a 500.00 schorlarship that my guideance councilor didn't tell anyone about, therefore no one received that scholarship. I took the initative to find scholarships myself and applied for and won 5 scholarships, just as I'm doing now. So I would definately ask more questions and I would have also started earlier looking for scholarships to help with my expenses and my tuition.

Melinda

I would advise myself not to stress out so much over my grades. As a college student, I learned to appreciate the value of a B, even though I only made A's through high school. It saved me a lot of stress and frustration knowing that I earned the grade I got and college learning is a lot different from high school learning.

Timothy

The advice I would give myself would be to definitly be more prepared and always expect the unexpected. College will not be easy and I need to realize that that college will not last forever and I need to make the most of my opportunity.

Garrett

i would take a make a bigger emphasis on studying. Studying is a crucial part of being successfull in college and if you havent learned how to, along with managing your time effectively between work and school, then you will find yourself backing up instead of progressing.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make it a point to stress to myself how important education really is. Looking back on the choices that I have made, I realize more than ever that educatiions means everything. In this day and time it is very hard to support yourself, much less a family. I myself, am a single mother and after the few years of struggle, I have realized just how important it is to push yourself more towards success. I would remind myself that one day I want to set a good example in today's society. Good paying, beneficial jobs are very hard to find, and I feel like I could make a difference in society today. This scholorship would help so much in helping to create a stable environment for myself and my daughter while I complete school. Thank you so much for your time, and I hope you find me worthy of granting me this scholorship. Words cannot explain how much it would do for me.

Claudia

If I could go back in time and advise myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get up and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Considering the fact that not every one has the chance to attend college, I would also tell myself that college is not just an object that everyone can afford. Moreover, I'd also advise myself to find a job and start saving up, that way I wouldn't be arguing with my parents about how I will manage my books and school supplies, since I've gotten this far with their help. Furthermore, the advise for myself wouldn't be in vain, for the advise I would give myself is that of getting on my feet and doing something for the sake of my future. Additioanlly, as my own advise would become a lecture, applying for as many scholarships as possible would come in handy when welcoming myself into college ''the real world''.

Maggie

That college is hard and you need to prepare yourself, and to make sure you know what your going into because it help out in the future.

Megan

Advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to just enjoy life. Don't worry about every little thing and just do your best in college. Find people who have the potential to be your friends even once you leave high school. Try to stay in contact with your friends from high school and don't get upset when they move in a different direction from where you're going and leave you behind. It's your life, live it how you want to and don't let things hold you back. Just be yourself.

Kelcee

I would tell myself not to have everything set in stone. Things are going to change, and you can't always get your way. However, you shouldn't let that get you down. You have to push forward and listen to your parents. They know best when it comes to certain things because they've lived through it.

Gretchen

Gretchen, don't you dare drop out of school and get your GED. It might seem like an easy answer but you will wish you hadn't. When you had to move to a new state, because of your mothers health, the summer before your senior year, you didn't want to go through the new school system so you borrowed a GED test book and took that test. Soon after you started applying for collages around your area and they all told you the same thing. Since you were a high school drop-out they wouldn't except you regardless of the circumstances. You lost two years and moved to your old home town to attend Concord University. You're plan is to get a 4.0 and transfer since Concord doesn't offer your degree. You will become a Korean Translator. You're future self has become novel to that fact but by getting your GED you really set us back. I forgive you but in the future, let me make the big choices and you can stick to picking out our outfits.

Amanda

After experiencing a fraction of my college life, I have realized that I could not have approached my senior year of high school and freshman year of college much differently. Most students answering this question for the scholarship application will submit responses about their study habits, how they should have tried harder in school, and how they should have paid less attenion to extracurricular activites rather than their schooling. I however, will not. I am a Type One Diabetic and during the second semester of my senior year I started to have numerous complications with the disease. Even though I struggled with my health I still managed to maintain above average grades and even recieve the West Virginia Promise Scholarship. I completed my first semester at Concord University and loved every minute. Unfortunetly, I could not complete the next semester because of two severe hospitalizations. Since I did not complete my second semester I have lost all of my scholarships. I am a girl who thrives off of education and knowledge, and I am applying for this scholarship in hopes that you all see that too. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to never give up.

Sheyanne

Knowing what I know now about college and the transition from high school I would tell myself as a senior in high school to study more. I say this so I knew going into college what ways of studying worked for me. I struggled to figure out which ways worked for me and having the motivation to do my school work. Also more advice I would have for myself would be to save, save, save and apply, apply, apply! College is not cheap at all and I would definitely have the “redo” me save more money and apply for many different scholarships. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to go into college with an open mind. College is a learning experience and you can meet so many people but you have to be open to meeting people and open to experiencing everything you can.

Jade

You need to understand that you are the only person who can control your future. Your thoughts create your own future. Try hard and you will be surprised on what you can achieve. Did you hit a wall? Keep calm and carry on. Your talents are limitless. Be a little bit more patient if you dont see results is a lie. If you dont see results, your not trying hard enough. You cant spell lesson without lose. Too much of anything can be harmful.

James

Run and never stop running. You know this town, you know the people in it, and most importantly you know yourself. You are capable of so much but because you have been so lazy for so long you just let great opportunities slip right past you. College isn’t like high school, it’s much harder and it requires large amounts of dedication to studying than this watered down high school. You can do it, it took me three years to finally get there but you can do it, I should know I’ve done it. Life for you and everyone you care about will be so much happier. Commit yourself completely to everything you do. You have such a fear of just deciding to do something. So like I said in the beginning just run and get out of this town and get away from these people. They will simply drag you into a world you do not want to be in and eventually just leave you for themselves. You truly do have the power and the ability to set you mind to a task and complete it. Just do it.

Paris

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior to give myself advice about college, I would tell myself to not make a big deal out of it. College is a time where you find out who you are and learn to live independently. Knowing myself, I did pretty good in high school, having a great work ethic, part of National Honors Society, and active in the student body college shouldn't be much different. I would just have to make sure I continued to work hard, stay on top of my work, and do well on tests. I would also tell myself to get out and make friends. College is the place where you meet some of your life long friends and have the best years of your life so why not enjoy it. College all in all isn't that different from high school. As long as you have the right attitude and work ethic you should be fine!

Catherine

I would tell myself that college is not what it is cracked up to be. It is not about partying or anything like that. It is very hard work but I can do it.

Jessica

I would tell myself that I needed to get more focues on school when I first entered the ninth grade. Also I would tell myslef to change myself more when I was young. I should have worked harder and studied more when I was a freshman. I also should have taken my dual enrolled classes more serious I should have got better grades so those grades would have been a better foundation for my college success to start on. That would be the best advice I could give myself.

Jasmine

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my high school self a lot. While I was in high school, I didn't realize how important it was. I had no clue on the value of education. I would tell my younger self to study, do my homework on time, and pay attention more in class. I started to realize how important school was during the end of my senior year. Yes, it was a little late for this, unfortunately. Now that I'm in college I have a much brighter outlook on school. If I have an assignment due, it better be on time. If I'm late for class, well that's just too bad. If I have an exam coming, well then I must study. There are no second chances in college. It's not as forgiving as high school was, that's for sure. That's why I wish I would've trained myself to work harder. That's all in the past, though. All I can do now is work hard at my studies and thrive for success. This year, I'm working on a fresh start.

Cara

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice about college and the transition I would first of all tell myself to relax and take it one day at a time. I stressed about paying for college and how I would like my room and meeting new people and I love it. I would tell myself everything would work out just fine and to not worry about everything. I would also tell myself to study and take time to get to know all of my professors. Having a relationship with people in college is very important and the relationships can ‘make or break’ you and your success. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Be fun and outgoing and participate in different campus activities.

Robert

Be sure to know exactly what classes you NEED by the end of your freshman year. Get out more and get to know people. Especially get to know your Resident Assistants if you plan to stay on campus. Get a job to help with finances. Don't be afraid to get help in classes you are struggling with, there are tutoring programs to help you. Remember, there are no stupid questions so ask away! And DON'T BE AFRAID TO TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS. They can help you out if you don't understand a problem or assignment.

Jessica

I would advise my high school self to stay focused and keep my head up. I was not expecting my college work-load to be so time-consuming and difficult. As a high school student that never seemed to need to study to make the grades, I was unprepared to enter into an academic world where studying is, literally, the only way to succeed. I was also warn my younger self to better heed the warnings I received from upperclassmen and professors that I initially brushed off.

Eunice

The advice I would have given myself is to take as many collge credit classes that I could, because not only would that have gotten me prepared for college, but that will also put ahead of some of my fellow freshman undergraduates. Also being prepares is very important because you know what to expect and when you get into college, then you are ready for whatever challenge comes your way. Homeworks will be great things to start off too while in high school because while in college, homeworks really counts. So if you do it almost everday in high school, then it gets easier for you in college too. One also has to open to many majors because you do not know where life could take you. College life is extremely different from high school, and everyone has to know that, because if you don't, then you will very much get lost alsmost in everything you do. So being prepares could really take you a long way, and yes grades still matter if you want to graduate from high school, and be successful in college.

Monica

Organize and Prioratize! Do not do the fun stuff first, telling yourself that you can do the schoolwork later. Do the work first, and reward yourself with fun later. Consider what you really need and want to do, before committing yourself. The work piles up fast, so don't overload. Take it one day at a time, get through each by doing your best and not worrying about tomorrow. Take care of yourself! Sleep enough and eat healthy foods. Watch your money, take time to consider what you spend and if it is necessary or not. Take things seriously. You are here to make something of your future life, socializing is a bonus only. Experience as much as you can, this is the time to live to the fullest, make mistakes, and grow as a person.

Meredith

I would tell myself to relax because the advanced classes you took in high school have you more than prepared the classes you are taking this fall.

Melissa

When I was in high school you could basically classify me as an out cast. Everyday that passed by my biggest concern was, "Will I ever fit in". I would watch as popular girls wandered around in their big groups of friends while I sat at home alone on a Friday night. Looking back at my high school experience I wish I could tell myself everything happens for a reason. Now that I have been out of high school for a few years I can see a bigger picture. I would tell myself to stop worrying about whats happening around me and focus on my goal of being a music producer, because one day I will be given the opportunity to make that a reality. Another thing I would say is stop worrying about the "in crowd" because after high school, it doesn't even matter. Mainly, I would just tell myself to stay focused, because one day everything I had dreamed of would slowly start to become a reality. I would also reassure myself that it really does get better, and what happens at high school doesn't matter the day after you leave.

Chris

I would advise myself to consentrate more on studying so that I would have been used to it by college. I soon learned that finals week at college is something completely different than I was used to in high school and some of my grades had suffered because of it.

Sarah

As a high school student, I never opened a book once. I completed my homework in class, so I never had to complete it at home, or study. I was a member of Honor Society, and to be honest, no one told me the difference between High School and college. My first semester at my Univeristy was the most unhappy time of my life: I was living away from everyone I had ever known, with strangers for roommates. The classes were hard for someone who had never been required to study outside of class, and the coursework was massive. My first semester, I decided to quit because I believe that I could not handle the college life, and the pressure was enormous. The next semester, I was back (as a commuter) and I understood what was required to do well. I had a better understanding of what it takes, and if I could go back and tell my High School self something, it would be the explanation of why so much work is needed for college-because it is worth it.

Stephanie

First, I would tell myself to work harder in order to prepare for the difficult and heavy workload of college. I never studied in high school and always managed to do well regardless, but in college, I have to be active in and out of class when it comes to work and studying. I would also tell myself to join organizations: As a commuter with a part-time job, I'm not active on my campus at all and only come for classes. It makes for kind of a lonely life as I see so many students laughing, talking, and enjoying one another's company, while I'm walking to and from classes alone. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to get a job and save the money to live off of through college. Working and going to college makes for a lot of stress and zero opportunity for a social life. Had I begun to work sooner, I could have saved the money for my college life and now actually be enjoying college as a social butterfly. But most of all, I would say just enjoy it and be prepared to grow!

Jessica

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself how important college success is. I would tell myself that college is the number one priority in becoming who you want to be as an adult. It takes time and dedication, but it is the best investment you can make in your future.

Rebecca

Life is like a box of chocolates, we never know what we are going to get. Whatever chocolate is given to you, take it as a learning experience and never give up. After living a life of alcholism, drugs, and being raped at a young age of 18, I gave up my dream to become a pharmacist. Got married and had a baby girl. Now at age 32, I am doing what I should have done along time ago, going back to finish my dream and not let a man or the world keep me from achieving my goal. I have seen this a whole lot in my young life and would tell myself not to listen to everyone else, I am my own person and I make my own decisions. I would have done a lot different back then, but as my mother says, "everything happens for a reason." We may not know that reason but I am here for a reason. That is to show myself and my daughter that life is to short to given in to worldly assets, when the only assets we need is ourself determination.

Brittany

The advice that I would give myself is to be prepared to be challenged. The professors really do give you questions to make you think and expand your thoughts and you need to be prepared for that! I would also say be prepared to meet people that will change your life, keep an open mind and be open to meeting new people. You never truly know how important someone is going to be in your life. Lastly, I would say sit aside time for yourself. Take time to relax and enjoy this time!

Linda

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself at that age between adolecence and adulthood I'm sure there are many things I would say. I would do so many things differently, if I could, however time is not so kind and the reality is you can't go back in time and warn yourself. So, personally I don't think it matters what you would say or do differently. You can't change the past. In truth, would you even want to? Sure, we all have things we would love to change, but those choices we made, whether right or wrong help shape us into the person we are to become. We all fall down. We all make mistakes. What's important is not the fact that we fall, but rather whether we choose to get back up or stay down.

Cassandra

If I could go back to my senior year in high school, I would push myself to strive harder. Knowing what I know now about college, I would have studied harder, and took more challenging classes. I also would have worked harder towards scholarships, because college is not cheap, and the more free money you can get the better.

Courtney

I would have told myself to research, research, research. Call colleges and ask for demographics. Inquire about class sizes. Ask for the average rate of financial aid. Visit the school and sit in on some classes. Talk with a professor, meet with student support services, and visit around the town. Talk to current students and see what a regular weekend is like and what their academic load is like. Write down every question that you can think of.

Stephanie

Don't do anything just because it is expected of you. You should have your own valid reasoning for everything you do. Don't go to college just because that is what everyone expects. Go to college because that is what you want. If it is not what you want, don't do it because you won't put forth a good effort. Know what you want out of everything that you do. If you do something, you should already have reasoned out wht you get out of it. I want to go to college because I want to further my education so I can make something better of my life. "Because so and so told me to" is not a valid reason to do anything, especially going to college. If you want to go to college, know what you want out of it. Keep an open mind, because what you want may change as time goes on. If you are not certain of what you want after college, or even if you do, start with community college. You can get the basic general education classes out of the way without the giant pricetag of most universities.

Holly

Many college students talk about how easy their high school was compared to college. I somewhat agree with their statement. The transition period was minimally difficult, but I have always had great time-management skills and the desire, motivation, and passion to do well in my schooling. If you don't have these skills, the tranisition into college may be a little more difficult. Therefore, it is imperative that you work on these skills and abilities. Working hard and to the best of your ability will make you more efficient and successful and more probable to graduate and achieve your goals. Playing a varsity sport in college and balancing your academics is somewhat difficult. The greatest challenge here is the time-management since you will miss classes and be on the road for three, sometimes four or five, days at a time. If you work on the bus ride and finish assignments the day they are given, you do not have to worry about rushing to complete an assignment for class. Although I decided to not play a sport after my freshman year, I would definitely recommend you to at least try it out.

Brian

If i was to go back in time when i was a high school senior there would be alot of things that I would tell myself. One thing that i would say is to study and work hard. When I started college at Concord University I found out the hard way in some of my classes that no matter what i have to study to pass the classes. In high school i was able just to go take the test and be able to pass it with no problem, but first couple test I found out the hard way by not studying. Never give up and keep on thriving for the finish line, because even though times get rough just think what you will have accomplished when you get that diploma.

Bethany

I have enjoyed my college experience because I have grown more independent, more focused on school work, and plans for my future. I feel like becoming an adult has been an amazing journey the last 19 years, but I love being an adult and learning new things that will help me in my career. Concord is a great school for social work major's and the teachers truly help you learn the material, not just learn it for finals. The material sinks in and that will be most valuable in my career. My teacher tells us always that you don't want a doctor who skipped the heart surgery practice day in school or never learned the right heart valves. The same applies to social work. We are being advocates for those who are not strong enough to speak got themselves. You have to know what you are doing and Concord helps you do that.

Anthony

It is my desire to be a counselor in the clinical setting that implements music as medium of therapy. Without a degree from an accredited Social Work program at a reputable institution, it would simply be impossible. Concord University certainly goes above and beyond those requirements. In my time here, I have become close to the faculty and their professional advice has been truly invaluable to me. Each of them has a genuine desire to see students succeed in their professional/post college lives. Also in my time here at CU, I have met some incredibly remarkable students and I am proud to call them my friends. Concord offers a multitude of social networking opportunites as well as extra-curricular activities that have made my college experience extremely enjoyable and meaningful. Additionally, attending Concord has submereged me into a world of diversity that I would not have otherwise experienced. Choosing to go to college, especially for me Concord University, has been perhaps the smartest and most rewarding decision of my life.

Nadine

The Value Of College When I had finished High school I did not really want to attend college do to it costing so much and just waiting years and years for a career to start. I know it was something I had to do whether I wanted to or not, I knew it would make my future a whole lot better than what it is now. I do not get financial aid like most kids do, It does stress me out very much working full time and going to school full time, but I do make a lot of room for reading and my homework that is given to me. I am also able to keep my relationship of a year and a half now, to be steady. Attending college has been a great experience for me, I have learned a lot of good responsibility to prepare me more for the future to come. The value for me in attending college is for a better future, I know it will do me great, with wanting to be a forensic scientist I want to be able to change the world into a fearless world, that some are so afraid of.

Juliann

I have gotten a lot from my college experience. I have learned a lot about my self and what I am capable of doing. I have become more self-confident and more willing to try new things. I have learned how I learn, how to study effectively, and time management. I have learned not to count myself out even when I am coming from behind. My view of the world and the people in it has grown. All of the knowledge I have gained as well as the experiences received and the abilities I have gained has made college valuable for me to attend.

Sara

My college experience has caused me to become reborn as a new individual. I became the President of the DIversity Council at the College of Southern Idaho. No one would have recognized or realized just how introverted and shy I once was it was debilitating. I desired nothing more, but to start college as a blank slate. I have come to see that college is an institution of the wealth of knowledge. College for me, however, is a mental virtual world of self-discovery. I was very open and ready to embrace who I was to become in college, and I have as a leader and a friend. As President of DC I have empowered others to pursue there path. Many question and are undecided with what little push I gave to any individual helped me as well. I have also come to realize that once we choose a path it is not set in stone. I have the whole rest of my life to have stages of epiphanies. College has taught me to live with no regrets to continue a journey not based on what others desire for me, but rather what my own soul yearns for me pursue.

Kristy

I have gained motivation, abundence, patience, and knowledge. My name is Kristy, I am going for my CMA, then my MDS. I want to attend and gain knowledge of the medical field. Its very valuable indeed. I want to provide for my 3 children. I want to succeed in life. Raised in the voilent streets of Newark, New Jersey I want to prove to the young lost hispanic girls that theres is a way out of the Ghetto. I want my daughter to see her mother succeed while she still in school, so that she may learn the meaning of hard work and school makes a strong, smart healthier woman. Thank you for this great oppurtunity. Kristy K. Gonzalez

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Austin

I have recieved a one of a kind great academic resume. The classes here are great and extremely hard but prepare our students better than anywhere else. The close relationship between faculty and other students brings such a more relaxed environment across camplus. The students mesh together well and join together in studies, clubs, and extracirricular activities. Intramurals are always a blast, especially for a retired high school athlete now focusing on school, haha. I am very happy with my choice at Concord University and will leave this school with not only a good deal of knowledge in my field but also with the confidence to know i can be everything and anything my heart desires.

Elizabeth

I must say that completing college level classes has been empowering for me. I am a wife, mother of two toddlers and I work full time as a 911 dispatcher. After high school, I played around and "attended" but never completed any classes. I am now 27 years old and realize the importance of education and all that it can do for you. The class I have completed and the classes I am currently enrolled in are valuable to me because I am proving wrong all the naysayers who don't believe I will attain my goal of getting my bachelors in nursing. I am also proving to myself that I am powerful and can do anything so long as I put my mind to it.

Patricia

Out of college I think I have gotten some of the best friends I will ever have and ones who will stick with me forever. Even if we loose touch I will never be able to forget them. I have learned to challenge my preconceived notions. For example, I always wanted to go to a large school far away from home, but it turned out that a small school in my state was even better. I learned that sororities are a good place to find a home away from home, and that no matter where you are, it is always good to know that someone cares about your well-being. I learned that you cannot judge a person's intellect based on how they dress, talk, or sometimes even their actions. The drug abuser could be the most knowledgeable and well-spoken student in your class. Or the faculty advisor for the pro-life group loves "Jackass." I have learned the importance of creating your own fun rather than relying on others to do it for you. We consider ourselves indepedent, but we still need to rely on others, and some efforts will not succeed without others' support.