Dallas Baptist University Top Questions

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

Karen

My college experience has not yet begun. I move Dallas Baptist University in less than a month, and I'm super excited. I truly believe that I chose the best college for me and that I will thoroughly enjoy my college experience.

charles

It hase been valuble to attend my school because I have been exposed to information that I never knew was out there. I also have the oppertunity to become friends with so many people, from all over.

LaCrisha

I've learned within my college experience that it's not all about me and the glory that is brought to me by helping others. I've learned that the greatest gift of life is giving. I look forward to accomplishing what I must to achieve my goals and I believe this is what makes me a great college student. Hard times have come and gone. I know tough times might come as well, but I've decided to tunnel vision in order to get my degree. I help take care of my entire family. I'm the baby of my family, but I act as the oldest. Pressure has been on my shoulders for a long time. I believe I've been destined to overcome and succeed. The lessons I've learned while being in school I believe will stay with me for life.

Gabriel

Starting college at the age of 16, I had a great need for a campus that would enable me to mature socially, emotionally and academically. DBU has more than exceeded my expectations and hopes. The faculty and staff are incredible -- so accommodating, friendly, and truly concerned for the wellbeing of each student. And because of their attitudes and interest, students themselves are caring, friendly and helpful. I have been able to maintain a 3.79 GPA in my college coursework, while making friends and contacts that will positively impact me for the rest of my life. And because DBU is so focused on community service, I've learned so much about the need to help others and positively impact my community. I believe DBU is the best choice I could have made, because I will leave school with not only an outstanding education, but a love for others and a desire to effect change in the world around me.

Ron

Join the military, take a hiatus from education for a few years, build some scholarship or GI Bill credits, give yourself time to mature, don't be so serious all the time, work less, enjoy life.

Abigail

If I could go back to myself in high school I'd tell myself not to stress. What your high school teachers are saying about college professors are not true, they do not throw you to the wolves right away and they do not come off heartless. Overall they do care about how you are doing in their class as long as you are putting forth an effort and showing them that you want to be there. I'd also tell my young self that making the choice of where you want to go is not that difficult, just take a deep breathe and be honest about what you want out of college, God will give you the answer. Overall, I'd stress that it is important to have fun and not let the confusion and overwhelming atmosphere get to you, because everything works out great!

Mary

There are numerous aspects of college life I would have advised myself to consider when I was still in high school. First of all, in order to have a more accurate representation of a college or university, I would recommend spending quality time on campus, such as staying over in one of the dorms, eating in the cafeteria, sitting in on a class, walking around campus, and talking to students and to faculty. My experiences have shown the necessity of truly acquainting myself with a situation before I commit to it. Furthermore, I would advice high school seniors to intentionally search for a loyal group of friends on campus as soon as possible because having close friends whom I could rely on away from home was a key aspect in enabling me to adjust. I would also counsel practicing and learning not only effective study habits , but also quality lifestyle habits while still in high school. Freshman college students educated in how to care for themselves in terms of health, nutrition, sleep, studies, and friendships could make the transition much easier. Therefore, I would clearly advise taking several steps before high school graduation to best prepare for college life.

Bethany

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to expect the transition to be incredibly hard. Not ONLY academically, but socially as well. I came from the most incredible group of friends and we all are at different universities this year. I came in being hopeful that I would automatically find people like me, people who I can relate to, people with whom I feel comfortable. However, that's just not how it goes. The transition from the normality of what your life was in high school to what it is in college is huge. I would tell myself not to get discouraged if/when I feel lonely at times. I would tell myself to just give my very best effort to be myself and to invest in people. I would tell myself to not worry, because it truly does get easier in the long run. Finally, I would tell myself to search high and low for any scholarship opportunity available!

Lindsay

If i could write a letter to me, i would tell myself that life is worth far to much to worry about small things. I would push myself to give more then I take and learn the value of a dollar sooner. I would tell myself that the value of another persons life is worth more than the 5 dollars I might want to spend to eat at Chick-fil-a and that if I could just save that money I might be able to change a life for the better. I would tell myself to keep trying to understand God, no matter how impossible it may seem, because the more that I strive to seek God the closer I draw to him. I would also tell myself to visit Aunt Joanie, whenever I go up to Colorado, because time spend with her will be precious and incredibly valuable. I would tell myself to not worry about the finances of college because they will work themself out and God provides in so many ways. FInally I would tell myself that as scary as it may seem, college will be the greatest adventure and to enjoy the ride .

Melanie

Looking back on my senior year in high school there are many things I wish I could tell myself to further prepare myself for college life. I wish I would have taken more dual credit courses in high school that could also counttowards college because that way I would be ahead and wouldn't have to be in college as long and pay as much money. I also wish teachers didn't guide me so much in high school and hold my hand through everything because in college it's nothing like that , it's all up to the student to remember the due dates. Having a job your senior year in high school will help with the transition because you wouldn't be home as often with your parents so knowing you can handle the distance will help the actual college experience easier when you do actually have to leave. I guess everyone has a different high school experience and goals in mind so it's really hard to prepare for the change, just going into it open minded and focused would be the best advice I can give.

Rachel

If I could go back to my senior year of high school and give myself advice I would tell myself not to be nervous about school and making friends. My college life is exactly what I always imagined it would be but as a senior in high school I didnt think that was a good thing. At that time, I didn't think that I would fit into "college life" so I was very anxious about making friends. A cliche as it sounds I would tell myself to "live the life you've always wanted" Its hard to explaiin exactly why that would apply to me during my senior year of high school but coming into college I was shy and scared but looking back now, there was no reason forme to be that way and I attribute most of the that to the welcoming atmosphere of my school.

Luke

First of all, it is never too early to start preparing for college. By "preparing for college," I am referring to getting your financial assets ready and apply for as many scholarships as you can, because you can never get "too much" money for college. Visit colleges and find the school that is right for you. While in high school, never think to yourself that something you learn will not affect your college career. Everything you learn in high school (and all grades) will help you later on in your educational career. Never procrastinate on school assignments, and do not give anything less than your best effort. If you do not value your high school education, then there is no guarantee that you will treat college any different. Be confident in all your choices, and if you have any doubts about a decision, do not do it. It is better to be safe (especially in your education) than to be sorry. Finally, remember the things you care about in high school, and carry them wit h you to college, be the person you are called to be.

Caitlin

Study a little more and save your money better. Go ahead and excercise a lot now because there is not enough time in school. Read all you want, have fun and don't worry so much about getting into college, build relationships.

Isabel

College is more difficult and takes more time in study and preparation. Think about time management and be diligent in your studies. I would also recommend taking all the general studies in the first few years of college so that as a senior you aren't taking freshmen classes.

Laurie

Looking back as a senior, one thing I definitely wish I would have known was how to manage my time. Being at Marquete University there are so many activities to get involved in, but our courseloads are quite strenuous. It took me all of freshman year to learn that I can't do everything and have time to sleep. But of course I would tell myself that I do need to be invovled in something; being a member of an organization on campus helps you meet so many people that are passionate about the same things as you! I have now learned out to manage working 3 jobs, leading 1 organization, volunteering for 2 organizations and taking 6 classes. It's a tough life and could be calmed down by not having to work so much to help pay for this school, but I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. So I'd rather work hard and continue going here than leave Marquette for a cheaper university.

Sheena

RELAX. Relax, relax. Yes, your studies are extremely important; however, so is your social life. Make friends and have fun! This is college. Make wise decsions regarding who you spend your precious time wish because indeed, your time is just that--precious. There are only 24 hours in a day and they never seem to be enough. Reading every little assignment due by your prof is not extremely necessary. Learn to skim read. Enjoy life, it FLIES by.

Sena

Knowing what I know now about college and life I would one, start the college application process during my junior year in high school. Looking back now I would have opted out of getting a job and focused my attention on studying. Another thing that I would have done differently is to start applying for grants and scholarships during my senior year in high school. I regret not applying for one particular scholarship that I qualified for. I should have done so anyway just in case I needed a plan ?B?. The last thing that I will do differently is to work harder to improve my grade point average. My freshman year in high school was hard. In that it was my first year in a different state and environment. I made good grades however during my sophomore year I stated associating with the wrong crowd which ultimately affected my school attendance and grades. My priorities were jaded during high school. Looking back now although I did not excel as much as I could have academically I received lifelong lessons and skills from my first job that I could not otherwise have attained.

Heather

Go to class every day. Do not skip unless there is an emergency or you are sick. Work on homework as soon as you get out of the class if at all possible, if you do that, you are able to socialize more in the evenings instead of working on homework every night. Get plugged into a church quickley and get involved. Get involved in something on campus, hang out with different students and make friends, don't be shy. :) Become great friends with your roommate first chance you get, remember, you have to live with the person for the next year. Turn in your homework on time. Take notes in every class. Be accountable to someone so that you can become disciplined in your work.

Isabel

There are many things I would have told myself if I had the chance to go back in time. I would first tell myself that college is nothing like high school. There aren't parents or authority figures making decisions for you any longer, teachers aren't holding your hand, walking you through every assignment and you are recognized as an adult upon entering college life. I would also like to have known the best path to take in school and to have actually taken general studies the first year instead of taking school lightly and assuming that the teacher would give me a passing grade. The final advice I would have to give would be to go to class. Education is extremely important and costs a lot of money. Go to class, do your work and avoid having to repeat any course.

Christina

Take the time and find the right college for you. It makes all the difference in the world. Decide for yourself what you want and go after it. Because if you do not you could end up with a degree and/or job that does not make you want to get up every morning excited to go to work. Also go at your own pace. It insures that you do your personal best. Every one is different and therefore learns at different speeds. It is okay not to graduate in 4 years. And most of all, be yourself because that is who you were meant to be.

Kadie

I would advise the parents and students to look at the teacher to student ratio and to see what campus life activities are available. When I was looking at schools I wanted to know if I was actually going to be able to speak with my professor or if I was just another out of 75 students they didn't have time for. The campus life activities were important to me also. It is where you start your social life at college and get away from the academics for awhile. I enjoy the campus activities because it gives a chance to be involved with the student life and do different activities with friends. I think with finding the college that has the right teacher to student ratio and campus activities to your prefrence will help make the most of your college experience.

Patrick

Definitley let them live on campus, for i wouldn't trade any of those experiences for the world. that and make sure the kid stays on task, do a check up every month or so, cuz that's a lot of money to have waisted if you don't pass

Christina

The advice I would give to parents and students about college is to make sure they visit a good number of schools before deciding on one. Also, be open to other colleges that might not be on their top list. The college experience can be great, and making the most of it is important. Students must come out of their confort zone and get involved in as many opportunities as their schedule allows. Also, living on campus for their first year is a great way to get involved and meet new friends.

Sarah

Start early, it is the worst thing ever to find yourself at a college you hate because you waited too long. Take a light load your senior year so you can focus more on SAT's, ACT's, FAFSA, and applications. Don't limit yourself to only a couple colleges, apply to as many as you can. Don't be the freshman who spends all their time in their room because their talking to their significant other. Don't be the freshmen couple that dated in high school and followed to college. Release yourself from all obligations to a boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, family, mentors, whoever when you're deciding about college. This is your life, not theirs. It is cheaper for you if you figure this out before you start college rather than when you are already 20 thousand in debt and trying to transfer to the college you should have been at in the first place. Money is money, whether your parents are supplying it or you are busting your tail to make it happen...either way, don't waste it.

James

Take time and really think about what it is that you want to do or what you want from your college experience. Visit colleges early and get a feel for the campus. Look into every opportunity for help with finances.

Aaron

If you've done well in school, then you will probably know what you want to do with your life, or atleast have an idea of what you don't want to do. From here I would look at the classes offered at nearby colleges, and radiate outward until you find the right ratio of college prestige and cost, attending a school near your hometown is always going to be less expensive if you have a support group at home. Once you've narrowed down your choices to about two or three schools using this method, take the SAT/ACT and send the results to these schools. Visit the schools that accept your application and then decide where you are going to go out of these two or three choices. If you are a Christian, then pray to God that he will show you the path that he wants you to take. If you do this last step first, then the rest of the steps are obsolete compared to the wisdom of an all-powerful God. If you take this last bit of advice, then you know that total surrender to God results in the best, no regret, college experience.

Dan

In regards to finding the right college , I would encourage them to have a goal in mind of the kind of University they would feel most comfortable at. For example, would the student be overwhelmed by large class sizes, or would they prefer a larger class size? As far as acedemics are concerned, I would encourage the student to attempt to go to a school with a large selection of majors that might interest them, because, as I've learned from being apart of the educational system, most students change their majors while they are attending school. When asked about how to get the most out of the college experience, I would encourage the student to be involved on campus. In order to truly feel like one is apart of the college life, one must not shy away from putting themselves out there to invest in people from other cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. It is only when one steps out of their comfort zone that they realize who they really are.

Masey

The most important part of having a great college experience is attending a university where you know you will gain the most value from the amount of money you spend. Any university can find professors who don't care about their students, but it is so important to find a school where the faculty and staff CARE about students as people and not just a number. A university where there are small class sizes is more likely to dedicate more time to developing student's minds, as they are able to get to actually know the students. I go to Dallas Baptist University, and I feel like my college experience has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have grown so much spiritually, and even at the worst times, I received so much encouragement from every which way. Finding funding for school has been very hard, but spending this amount of money on my education is worth it, because I feel like I will be prepared whenever I enter the real world. I think that's what a parent/ student should look for when they are trying to find the right college; a university that cares.

David

Do not take a guided tour of the campus. Visit the cafeteria or activities area and hang out with experienced students and you will see your possible future.

Kendra

The best advice I could give parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to be flexible. There is no such thing as the perfect college. Look for a school that fits most of the characteristics you are looking for and then be willing to work through the things that are not so perfect. A positive and memorable college experience is possible only with an open mind and a flexibility that will help students to persevere. If a student is attending a university only to learn, they are only getting half of the package. The other half comes in giving back to your school and to those who you live life with every day! The school itself is nothing without the participation and enthusiasm of its students. Specifically to parents I would say, be flexible with your student and allow them to grow during their college experience. They will be learning so much and making some of the most important decisions of their lives and they will need your support, but will also need you to trust them. Encourage them to do things on their own and help them to become as financially independent as they can be!

Brittany

Pray about it and see where the Lord leads. Though the finances may seem like too much, your education is worth it! Apply for as many scholarships as possible to minimize debt.

Katee

To the parents: let your students ultimately decide. They are the ones attending and taking classes there. Even though you may be paying, you are their parents and should respect and support their decision. To the students: fill out as many outside scholarship applications as possible!

Heather

If you are an incoming Freshman, search all possible choices given to you. If you dont really like school all that much, DBU requires you to take extra classes that most schools dont require you to take, so this school may not be for you. If you want a school that cares for their students and prays for you on a regular basis, then this would be the school for you. If you are transfering, dont live on campus especially if you are close to graduating. You end up feeling out of place rather than being involved because most of the students are going to be here for another four years. Keep all options available to you, and do your research about the school. Dont jump on the school, just because you toured the school and everyone was really friendly. Sometimes you cant judge a book by its cover, and everything isn't what it seems. Finds students that go to that school, and ask them true questions. Lastly, find a school that has good food, because if you dont want to eat at the school, you end up spending more money!

Jenny

I think it's important to know what you are looking for in a college. Whether you want a big university or a smaller setting, if you are looking for a state school or a private school. Also it's important to have some ideas for what you want to major in. Like if you want to major in fashion, a smaller private school would not be the best fit, but if you were wanting to be a minister or a teacher, a small private school might be the best place. It's also necessary to visit the school. Many schools have preview days and I think it's a great idea to go visit the school and get a feeling of the community of the school, the classes, the people, and the environment.

Stephanie

Take a campus tour and find out if it is possible to meet potential professors. Ask students while on tour what there opinion is of the school and if they regret their selection. Also, go to ratemyprofessor.com before you make class selections. Choosing the right professor for you is imperative. This is what caused me to not finish school 15 years ago. With the failing economy, being a single, out of work Mom, I cannot compete in todays workforce. You must have your college degree before marriage and children in order to support your family. Become involved in a group that had your values and career goals. It will make it easier to study and support each other to graduate on time.

Stephanie

Remember that college is the place you will do a lot of growing up. You will of course earn an education that you will hopefully use the rest of your life--make it a good education!! Also, choose a school where you will be challenged, academically and socially to learn new things. Encounter people and views different from you that will help you shape your future. Real world experience is invaluable and good work experience or internships will be most helpful to network yourself into jobs. If you choose a very expensive school and take out a lot of loans, you'll pay for it later!

Ryan

I believe that finding the right college is a process of determining the goals and expectations which are priority to parent/student team. When looking for an appropriate college, the most important thing to remember is to find somewhere with the amenities you need to make the most of your passion. Also, along with making the most of your passion it is important to make sure this also includes an enviroment which inspires you to innovate and go beyond what you think you can do. An enviroment in which you can be encouraged by an active community around you to achieve greatness and build the skills which can not be taught in a classroom. Having strong, active relationships and utilizing an enviroment in which you can freely explore the passion in which you look to build your career on you can make the most of your college experience.

Courtney

I would tell parents and students to visit all campuses that they are considering and meet the faculty and view the classroom. Look for attention to detail and professionalism throughout the visit. Once enrolled, the student should talk to a co-student and ask about social events that are popular on campus. Students should take advantage of on campus tutoring and help resources offered by professors. The student can get the most out their education experience by possessing the correct attitude and using all resources given them.

Mengzhu

In today's world, it really doesn't matter if you go to an ivy league or not. College is the best experience of your life, I suggest smaller private colleges, it allows you to experience the real world, without falling into the false trap the media has set out for us. The media informs us that college is a time to drink and party. Private smaller colleges ensure a social experience without false beliefs;. When college should be a period of learning and finding ourselves. I've definitely gotten to know the person I am today, and am proud to say that I'm the girl I've always wanted to be.

Tim

Be bold. Apply for that school that your not sure you can get into. Start application early. Don't be afraid to look outside your comfort zone. Listen to parents adivce. They know much more than you think at this point. Dont be afraid of majors. Try something out that you like and give it all your effort. If it doesnt work out then you have narrowed your decisions down. Dont be afraid of making friends and who you will hang out with. Every freshman coming into college is thinking the same thing. College will stretch you and make you do things you thought you could not do and sometimes never thought you would do. If a freshman can truely focus on school first then social life people will notice and be attracted to your discipline. They wont think your dirty. Lastly ask why. Ask why in your classes, your activities, your social life, the way things are run, always ask why. Dont be satisfied with the answer until you are satisfied. Questions with action behind them always point to real truth.

Kara

Pray. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has a plan for your life no matter who you are if you believe in Him or not. He will guide you in the right direction, just make sure you are moving. You can turn a car wheel but nothing will happen unless the car is moving so make sure you are moving so God can direct your path. Secondly ask, never forget to ask God what He has for you He will always answer you.

Heather

Take a campus tour of all your college options. Talk to professors and look at what type of campus you fit best in. Once you make your decision, get involved! Go to campus organizations, meet people, develop relationships and introduce yourself to the professors.

Rusty

I think whenever you are looking at a college either for yourself or for a child the number one thing to look for is a true education. I don't simply mean getting knowledge, but truly being challanged as a person. Too many people these days pay a college to buy a degree. Though no college is ever going to be perfect we should strive to find a school that will push us to our limits while encouraging and building us up. I had a very wise man say to me, "Whatever you put into it will determine what you get out of it." The idea is that if you really invest yourself into something chances the results are going to be a lot greater than if you don't. My best advice for making the best of college, follow your passion and let it lead you into the unknown. Take risks, face challenges, and don't be afraid to fail.

Stormye

Pray about it. If the God will put you where you'll do the best, all you have to do is listen.

Caleb

dont go into debt, find the one that covers your tuition.

Ashley

Visit the schools and pick the one that makes you feel comfortable and at home. Don't rule out a school because of what your previously thought you wanted- you may end up wanting something different.

arthur

What is best interest of what gift God has given to you?

Chris

Make sure the school equips you with future work plans, but also helps form you into an adult.

Savannah

I think that a student should look at schools that meet their standards, whether that be the school's academic success, or social status, or even price. I think parents and students should visit at many schools as they think is necessary before making a decision. I think that usually, the decision will be easy once you can see everything that each school is about. I think parents should take into consideration where their children really want to go because if a student is where they want to be, their success is going to be greater. I think students should search for scholarships and apply for as many as they can so that they can secure themselves financially for school. But most importantly I think that each student should keep in contact with their school and make sure their school is willing to help them in any way possible. If you can find a school that will do this for you, you will truly be happy throughout your whole college career.

Alyssia

Not every school is the right one for every one; you have to really look into the school to see if it is right for you. Ask yourself what kind of things you enjoy doing, what kind of environment is best for you to study in, and what do you see yourself doing in the future. If when you answer these questions and there is a university that offers a way that you can use all three then you know that that is a place where you should be. It is a very hard decision to make and there are many things that you need to look into. For example with me, I found several universities that had what I was looking for but when I came to Dallas Baptist University I saw the great international program and that was the one thing that made it better than the other schools I was looking at. This university had everything I wanted in a university; I am even able to make good grades and still have a very active social life.