Concordia University-Saint Paul Top Questions

In my senior year, I felt as though I held my future in my hands, but I didn't know what to do with it, or how to even begin my search for colleges at all. It seemed like an impossible task, one I almost preferred avoiding rather than addressing. It was only when time started running out and I knew I had to make the effort that I discovered the true challenge. With the use of a few search engines and some website browsing, choices can be made easily, and the insurmountable task became manageable. The true challenge in finding a college and a direction was not paperwork, or school searching, or even the funds to attend; only the idea itself and the work required to achieve it. If I could go back, I would tell myself to stop, put things in perspective, and realize that college is not the end-all-be-all, nor a simple matter. It's a great opportunity, one of learning and adventure, and one that requires time, commitment, and releasing one's fears to take a hold of. It's my future, and it's my job to take responsibility of it.

One thing thta I would tell myself is that it is not going to be easy. There will be times when you want to give up because the workload is too mch and the stress is weighing you down, but you have to keep going. I would also tell myself how important it is to study and turn in assignments on time. Also, it would be good to try and save money so you can buy books, but still have enough if you want to hang with friends!

The advice I would give myself is to be more involved during highschool. I also should have taken harder classes even though at the time they seemed impossible but I think back now and realize that they were far from impossible. I would have told myself to get a job sooner and save money better becasue college is expensive and the transition from your parents paying for you to you paying for everything is a lot of stress to take on during school. If I were to have a savings of even just a small amount of money that would have helped me today.

I would tell myself to stay on track and do not give up. Stay focused on the goals you lay before yourself and keep moving forward. This is something you have to take serious, it can take you far in life. College is harder than high school so make sure you keep up!

I sat down at the dinner table, about to eat my usual pregame meal. I was about to cut into the salmon, when a piece of paper fluttered through the window and landed lightly on my plate. It was a letter. From me. Dated May of 2012. As I sat, it was the year 2005 and I was a high school senior. It read: "Younger Maria, stay true to yourself. Drinking and partying are commonly unfortunate parts of college athletics. Eventually, you will positively influence teammates and show them that there is more to the college experience. It's okay to feel lonely sometimes. You'll find like-minded friends, and will become close with your teammates as they mature and you grow. You don't know exactly what you want to do for a career. That is okay! Just remember to work hard and make connections with people. I won't tell you now what your future career path is, it's important to learn about yourself though the many passions you have. Don't feel like you need to specialize. Explore." Explore. It seemed like good advice. Somehow, this letter from the future made perfect sense.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself to take a deep breath. College is not as scary as I once thought it was going to be. I believed that college classes would be very difficult and I would never be able to handle them. But I know now that while the classes are challenging, they are not too much to handle. As long as I stay dedicated to going to class every day and stay on top of the assignments the classes will not be too much to handle. I would also tell myself to not put off the classes that I do not enjoy because, especially with math and science, the longer you go without practicing the more diffiucult it becomes to remember everything you have learned in highschool. And lastly, I would tell myself to stay involved with dance because sometimes school can get stressful, and having something familiar and relaxing to do to get away from the stress can help alot.

A confused black dude with no idea what was coming up next, what really to do, or what he wanted? I know what I'd say to him, but I don't know if it would be the right advice. I'd tell him make sure to get involved with the public, just, fun, and legal campus life. Make sure that you talk to everyone because you never know who may need your help and whose help you may need. Take advantage of the free time you have now, preparing College portfolio Items; Enrich yourself with things you want to study and that are worth studying, but won't be able to in your College classes because time is limited. Finally, make sure you got everyone from your earlier years to now that you want to keep in your life. But like I said, I don't know if I should've been told this. If I was told this, I wouldn't be who I was today. I wouldn't have really learned from the experiences that I have now. If I truly was meant to know that stuff, it would've found me then.

Knowing what I know now about college, I would want to go back in time and be able to tell myself to start applying for scholarships much sooner than I did. High school seniors are eligable for a lot of scholarships and I was involved with a lot of activites so I would have qualified for some of them. School is very expensive and I underestimated it. I would want to be able to tell myself not to underestimate the costs of things and not to take for granted the money that people are willing to give away to college kids. I would also like to tell myself to actually do the reading in college. In high school the teachers would tell you to read but then go over it in class so you really didn't have to read. In college if you don't read you won't understand the material. I learned that quickly.

College for me was much more than an education. Yes, there was definitely much that I had to learn and times my mind was challenged more than I ever imagined but it is the experiences I had through college that made it unforgettable. At Concordia it was the people that brought me to life. Even though I am a shy student I was not overlooked at Concordia. The teachers got to know me well and worked with to help me find my own personal strengths and weaknesses. Amidst the diversity (in culture, age, and background) of the studnets I bonded with many people in experiences that I enjoyed and that challenged me. Most importantly, in college I explored and learned about life, about myself, about who I am and what I want to do. Although I know I am still growing and learning more everyday, college made me open to the opportunities of life. It wasn't until college that I felt like I truly gained independence and through some struggles I learned to completely explore and accept myself, something I couldn't have done without the support of those around me.

I personally see college and getting a degree like an investment. The money that goes towards you getting a degree will help you make enough money to pay it all back. By investing loans/grants/ and scholarships toward this degree to better help you in the real world. These days a 4 year degree will only get you so far; more and more nontraditional students are going back to get their 4 year because the economy and the careers these days are demanding higher degrees. Plus, the things you learn at school, as much as students don't feel as though it might help them in the long run, pays in the long run when one is working within the field one went to school for.

While talking a few classes at the local college , I have realized college is where I belong. I enjoy working for my future degree in Criminal Justice. College has also taught me more about independence and knowing the only way I can succed is if I work for it and strive to achieve. I look forward to furthering my degree.

I was raised in a house where education was a luxury. Thus, to pursue my education (and support my household) I have always worked 40+ hours a week. Even though it has been a struggle, I see my education as a way to improve myself and be an excellent example to our youth. I completed my Baccalaureate and Masters in Business Administration while raising children and working outside the home. Now, I am a Doctoral student at St. Cloud State University and currently have a 3.83 GPA. To further explain how education has helped me attain my goals, I will provide some personal information. I am a still a fulltime employee, wife, and mother of four. Two of my children are stepchildren. My stepdaughter is paraplegic and I strive to be her example of how important education is in a woman’s life. The remaining two children are also daughter, ages 11 & 14. My husband is a fulltime employee, dedicated father and supportive husband. As you can see we have a busy household. But, by achieving of my Doctorate, I will have achieved a dream of a lifetime. Education is something that can never be replaced or taken away.

If there's anything I learned about college, it's be yourself. In high school, it seems as though a majority of the student body is duplicitous, "fake", and just... RIDICULOUS. In high school, everybody is so afraid to just accept their flaws, and to accept who they are. But in college, it's a much different story. In college there is not "odd kid out", there is not "queen bee", there is no "nerd". In college, if you aren't friends, you are aquaintances- and if you aren't either of those, then you are not experiencing college- perhaps you are still stuck in high school. College has been a growing experience and has taught me how to deal with all sorts of people. I value this greatly, because in order to be successful in my future career, I am going to need to "now the people" and know how to communicate with them. College is a valuable experience because I am learning the proper necessities that I needto know for my future career path- and I am learning of all the different reference sources that I can resort to in the future.

As a freshman, college was just the next expectation, almost a continuation of high school. I was no longer mandated by law to attend but the general idea was still in place. In reflection I realize is much more than a stepping-stone to a good job and the result is greater than any piece of paper can signify. College allows one to grow as an individual, learn to work in diversity, and to have pride in one’s self. In college I learned to take pride in my individuality and stand firm in what I believe and care. The value I have gained does not lie in a piece of paper but in the person I have become through my experiences in college. College gave me the experiences and outlets to explore myself and learn how to utilize my ambitions and gifts in ways I would have never thought possible. My college experience has been an unforgettable opportunity to grow into not another well educated working woman but a well diversified, caring citizen of the world. A woman who is comfortable to be herself and to stand up and work for the common well being of those around her.

Wow, where do I start? I have gained a variety of experience while being in college. Through many years of schooling education has been my number one priority to gaining success. Attending to Concordia University was not my destiny, but here I am today still standing as a well respected, collective individual who sparks not only adult advisories but young minds as well. If It wasn't for my college experience I would have never recieve the oppurninity to meet new people, get invlovled with political and social groups, start political movements that would set pathways for adoulesants to feel safe and protected, and gained the ability to stay connected with the people who are dearest to me most. Throughout my life my one ambition is to obtain my bachlore's degree and become a professional Actor. In doing so, everything as far as education matters has been yet another battle for me. As an survior I believe that "everything happens for a reason consequence or no." I hope by reading this passage you will see that education is very important to me and I intend to keep it that way. "Earning this scholarship is more than competition its education. "

I was scared of college. It was a big step for me to accomplish, but as the first year of my college experience came around, it was nothing big. What I really learned and experience was time management and when the teacher?s meant a paper was suppose to be written, and done a certain way there was no joking or skipping around the work. College is valuable, but I?m in a community college so it was just like high school all over again and no doubt about it, I didn?t want to be there anymore. I wanted to attend a legit university and the only thing that stops half of the student?s population now and day is the tuition and cost of going to their dream schools. I have a dream, and the only set back is how to pay for everything while focusing on school. While going to a community college isn?t so dreadful, I would rather experience what college and a higher standard education of learning really is.

All those college courses that we took in high school all have a purposes and that was to get us ready. I wish I could take those class again and this time, more serious too. I remember in high school I just slack off on this important college lecture. I was thinking, I already know how I can manage my time. Yeah right, what a brain I had back then. It is much harder when you are actually in it and doing it. You can get distracted easily, especially if you are reading about something that is not grabbing your attention. What I really wish to had done in high school to prepare me was taking Cornell Note seriously. In college, every class or almost every class there will be note taking. If you can't take good notes, then your test score are more likely to drop. Now when I go back to my high school, the first thing I say to them is that they better learn how to take good notes because those great notes are the key to passing your class and successing.

I would go to a less expensive school so it won't be so stressful on me and my family. I would apply to other colleges too, even to a 2 year institute or a public 4 year institute would ease my stress. It's very hard knowing that my father got laid off of work and I am attending a very expensive school. Thats what I would change, is to go to a less expensive school and I can always come back to Concordia University after I finish where ever I went.

This year when I arrived at college I was excited, but before I had arrived I was nervous. After being here at Concordia for a semester I would say there would be no reason to go back and change anything. I was fortunate that I found my perfect place. Things fell into place when I came starting with leaving home. After arriving at college I met my roommate, and we helped each other out, and cared for each other. Classes went well, and from learning in high school I realized I needed good study habits. These I implied to my classes. I did homework on time, since most professors did not accept late work, and I found ways to wake up on time. If anything the only thing I regret was not actually being more confident in myself before arriving at college. If anything I would have told myself that things don't get better if you don't have confidence in yourself. Without that you can't get through. If I would have had more confidence in myself right away, things would have been much easier than having to learn that lesson in college.

One main thing that I would go back and tell myself as a high school senior is to make sure that the colleges that I seek are can fullfill my requirements to make my college life a lot easier on me as a Fresmen and first year college student. The reason I would make sure of this is because, when I first graduated high school, I just went to any school that sounded good to me, but then I found that it didn't have everything that I was looking for in my first year college experience. Because I just went to this school, it was vey hard for me to focus on studies and get into programs because they wern't in my interest. I ended up transfering to another college which is better for me. If I could go back and tell myself these things as a senior, I would have been able to save myself the stress and problems, even though I am where I need to be now, but it might not work out for everybody that had the same situation. I consider myself strong for getting out the hole and lucky!!!

I know now that the first year of college is a big transition from senior year of high school. If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior in high school, the first thing I would tell myself is to relax and enjoy the experiences throughout college. I would say find people who are going to help fulfill your goals, and learn the importance of time management. Secondly, to take a variety of classes so I could get a feel for what I would like to study in college. You learn parents aren?t around to attend to all your needs and that college is a big responsibility. Third, to find the library and tutors early for all the classes I don?t understand so I don?t fall behind. Lastly, I would get to know and meet with all my professors so they can understand my goals for the class and get to know me as a person as well as a student. The best advice I would give myself would be, ?to never give up and stay focused on the goal?, and the goal is to graduate with a 4-year degree.

If I can go back in time to myself as a high school senior I would tell her many things that I would have done differently. One in particular would be that in high school, the teachers really held your hand and helped push you along your way. But in college the professors are there to guide you in the right path but you yourself have to do the work and push yourself along that path. That was the most challenging and difficult transition for me. In high school the teachers would constantly remind you that you had homework due the next day, or there would be a quiz. Not only that but they also would give you answers on the study guides and constantly remind you of the exams coming up. The difference in college is that the professors give you a syllabus. That syllabus basically gives you an overview of the whole semester. You would have to constantly look it over to make notes of when there would be quiz's and exam's or when the homework will be due. The transition of becoming and adult is a big responsibility that I have slowly learned to master

Telling myself how serious it is to be in college. Explore and commit yourself as volunteers and help out the community, because it opens your eyes to your future, to where you know where you would want to be, instead of being confused, standing alone while sitting and watch others succeed. Life isn't easy, prepare yourself to become responsible, save up for emergency uses, it makes a difference once you think about "Debts" that come towards you. You will be buying your own food to eat, books to read and study, materials to use, you'll be alone, so you need friends as well, and make sure you have favorite teachers, counselors, coaches, security officers, or either the Principal. Always do something right, do more than anyone, do more than anyone could do, more than those who complaints you well, and reward you for it. You will achieve a lot, and succeed in college, no matter how many years you go for, you're for it. Keep your days bright, do good things in life, and make a difference in people's life about who you are; your personality, that's what makes a difference, and you unique.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go straight to a four year college. I started at a community college and it wasted a lot of my time. Most of the people that went to that community college said the same thing about them. I would also tell myself not to declare a major until I have been going to college for a year. I started going to school to be a pharmacist because I am good at math and chemistry. They also make a lot of money. I didn't know how much biology was required for that degree. I hate biology. I switched my major to accounting after I researched different degrees. Accounting is the perfect major for me. If I would have done more research about my career choice, I wouldn't have wasted so much time and money going to school for pharmacy.

I think it's really important to talk to stuends and professors in your field and to sit in on some classes. Also, make sure the university has any program that you might consider--that way if you change your mind on what you want to do, you don't have to worry about transferring.

My advice for a parent/student is that they have to find a college that they believe will be able to give them the outmost as it can possibly give and that they will be willing to stay there through out their college days. I think that they have to really think about the financial status also though, in other words it might be the most important thing to them seeing that many families have different amounts of income and finding one that is not so expensive can be good. I think that they will have to have tours of the campus to really get a feel of a college and campus to see if they like it or not. For me, just going on a tour around a college campus I can already tell if i would like to be here or not. In finding a campus right or not I would recommend for the parent/student to try to find one that will be friendly and willing to help you in not when you just get in but towards til the end when you graduate.

follow your heart. be determine to find the right place and be willing to spend the money no matter what

I would say just go with what feels right. If you really feel like you could belong somewhere, don't ignore that feeling. If the students on campus seem to want you there, chances are you are right. And, no matter what happens, don't give up. Your degree is something that can never be taken from you. You may lose your job, but you still have your education.

Go to a school where you like your surroundings, the class size, and your gut feeling. Seniors in high school need to visit multiple colleges and see what atmosphere they like the best. When a student finds what they like, they will know it. Until they find that special place, they will not be happy! Also, If you dont know your major dont worry. It will come to you as you get your generals done.

Visit a lot of different colleges that are very different in size, location, and atmosphere. Talk to proffessors and students. Explore you career options, shadow a professional. Take time to figure out what you want, don't rush into anything.

I would advise parents and students to really analyze what's important to them when it comes to an education. I would also advise them to anaylze what is REALSITIC for them financially, academically and personally. Finally I would suggest looking into whatever forms of financial aid are available to them and to go for whatever you can get; school is very expensive but it's worth it because a quality education will pay back tenfold in the long run.

Take it one day at at a time

Make sure it's what you and your child both decide on and don't take a coaches words for granted... talk to the athletic director before about scholarships.

Before you can make the most of a college experience, you need to find a college that is right for you. There are many things that may take place, such as the location to home, campus size, financial aid or scholoarships for academics and athletes. I recommend visiting as many colleges as you can and getting feel of the campus because the right one will give you a feeling of overjoyment. You may walking through and in a certain spot, in that certain moment you will just know. It's a first step to feeling relaxed and accomplished. Upon starting college, being outgoing and making effort for relationships will help a student be very successful and have a sense of being comfortable with the environment at their university. There are always possibilties of what could be and situations that may be stressful but it is very important to just enjoy where you're at and focus on the good. Parents who are supportive and make themselves available to talk with their child about choices will strongly develop a more positive outcome.

go to the college that will have their major and not just go to random college or student will be losing money. pick a college that will meet your needs!!!

if you think you've found a school, spend a lot of time immersed in it

Pick a school where education is most important. Smaller class sizes allow students to be engaged in their courses, and participate more with their professors. You only have four years to learn everything you need to know to become a professional in your career, and paying attention to detail is very important. Sports should not be the main factor in deciding on a school.

In order to find the school that is right for you or your child you must visit the campus. Students must feel comfortable on the campus; and parents must feel comfortable with the academic level and protection that is available for their children, but it must lastly be the students choice. If only the parents choose the student will be miserable and end up partying more than learning, defeating the whole pupose.

I would tell parents if they want to help their children attend college, start a savings plan for them when they are born. My mom is struggling with financial issues and tells me she wishes she had done that so she could help me. It makes her (and me!) sad that I will end up with at least $100,000 in college loans, and I doubt I will finish in 4 years. For students, start saving when you are young, too. Regarding finding the right college, college is one of THE most important choices you will ever make. Feeling good about where you go will serve you well and add to a life experience you will remember forever during your college days. If you are an athlete, find a good, respectable, reputable coach in your sport who comes highly recommended and talk with them before you apply. If you are interested in arts or anything else, make a point of talking to the professors that head up the department you are interested in. College should be a fun, rewarding experience. Even f you are not the best student, go to college! Thank you.

Focus on the people, not the buildings when you look at schools.

I would say to visit the school, sit in on a class, spend a night. Get a really good feel for what the atmosphere is like and whether it is what will work for you. Just because the school is considered to be a top school doesn't mean it is the school for everyone. Make sure they have the program and oppourtunities you are looking for. Get involved in activities you are interested through the school but also do things with friends not related to school sponsored events. Go out to eat or shopping every once in awhile for a break. Remain optimistic and manage your time well. If you have a break, do some homework, don't procastinate. Make good relationships with facualty and staff, they are there to help you and want you to succeed. Come to them when you have questions or just need to talk or want some advice. Be open to new experiences but remain true to your values and ethics. Don't forget your friends and family at home.

Start lookin for your school early because it sucks going to a college you didn't want to go to.

Of all things I've come to learn from making a college selection, I've always felt that a college that will fit well will be the college that they are privileged to have you as a student, as apposed to a student feeling privileged to be studying at that university. While it is natural for all students to feel proud and honored by the rewards of their hard work to make it into higher education, it must be understood that it is the students, and not the colleges, that are taking the risk. In a sense, the student is investing in a college/university to ensure their placement in the world. There were far too many instances where I left an institute feeling intimidated and "just part of the mass" because of the school's outlook on their students. A school that feels honored and privileged to have students at their institution will do everything in their power to ensure they all leave with the tools they need to succeed, and will many times work with students on a one-on-one basis to ensure that the needs of the students are indeed the top priority of the university.

Take your time and do lots and lots of research. Do not be afraid to ask questions of everyone involved on campus of the schools you are considering and anyone who knows anything about the school. Visit the school and see how it feels as well as looks. Trust your "gut". Talk to the professors and counselors. Think about you likes, dislikes, needs, wants and would be nice lists. Cafefully select what not only meets your needs but also challenges you to be the best you can be not just academically but in all areas of your life. Trust yourself and reach for the best because we deserve it. I did and I could never be happier with my choice of schools for my own good as well as all the people directly involved, especially my 3 girls whom I am raising on my own while going to school and working full time. Our needs may be different but there is a school out there for everyone who dares to try to make their lives better and thus making the world a better place for all of us.