East Tennessee State University Top Questions

I have gotten more out of college than I could have ever imagined. Since I was young I knew that I wanted to go into the medical field but was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do. In the small amount of time I have spent here I now know exactly what I want to do and what I need to do to achieve my goals. Since coming to East Tennessee State University I have recognized my dream of working in the Neo-Natal Unit of a Children's Hospital with my master's degree in Nursing. I think this realization is very important to my future and I never would have realized this had it not been for my advisors weighing the pros and cons of graduate school.

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself before making the transition into the college life i think that there are endless amounts of things that i coul say. I'd start by saying im so proud of the progress you have made, you have so much going for you in the upcoming years so make the best out of each and everyday. I would also say to stay stong through all the tests and endless nights of studying, it gets trying at times but when the final grade shows up it is all worth it. I would tell myself to count on my family during these hard times and that at the start of each and every new week remember how lucky I am to have the opportunities that most don't.

First I would like to start by saying that everyone here has once been in your shoes. Every upper classmen was once a brand new freshman in a place learning to live on their own. College Is a great big step in life and starting out can be a little shaky but take a deep breath, you will pass your first semester. ETSU has so many different things to get involved in on campus. College is where you make lasting friendships and it?s a lot easier to make friends when you get involved on campus. Just remember, you are not alone. Every freshman feels confused, lost and lonely at one point or another but remember: college is the best four years of your life. Talk to your professors. I know that some are crazy, rude & just downright ridiculous but, what they want is first on your priority list. Go to class, and sit close to the front. These things might sound simple, but it really makes a huge difference. ETSU is a wonderful place to become who you will be for the rest of your life, so ENJOY IT!

College is a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. From the depression of leaving my friends and family, to the joys of meeting new people and experiencing a part of life that I have never been exposed to; college has been a time of self-discovery. Yet, if I had the chance of going back in time and advise my high school self, I believe that I would graciously deny. Why would I turn down such an incredible opportunity, you may be asking? As I said before college has been my time of self-discovery. I believe it is a combination of all the wonderful and miserable experiences which shape a successful person. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ?Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.? Making mistakes isn?t something I fear; it is an essential part of the human experience, it is how we adapt, and it is how we learn to appreciate those things in life worth appreciating. So why then would I rob myself of such wisdom by telling myself to avoid my mistakes? For those current seniors that may stumble upon this letter, to you I simply say, good luck.

There are many things that I would adise myself to do if I could go back in time. I would make sure that I pick a college that I truely want to go to rather than letting someone else's idea influence my decision. I would also make sure that I get involved with campus activities at the very beginning of college. I would also make sure to ask a lot of questions from the staff and administration. They are valuable resources to scholarships and career information. It is also important to make as many friends as possible during the beginning of the year. Having good friends is invaluable to your college experience. College can be very exciting and fun if you make sure to be responsible.

I would tell myself to learn how to study and to study everything. Also, learn how to write papers with structure.

Take the hard classes in high school despite how much you dislike them because with the huge work loads of high school and all the homework and just small memorizing techniques without learning, you will put alot more time with alot less quality in your work while always being supervised. It sounds ridiculous but when you are in college and are taking both harder and easier courses, that work load from highschool seems to be alot less so you can put the same amount of time in and have higher quality work because you are more relaxed, are on your own time, and all the while are working on the topic you like. Go online and look for more scholarships, there are alot out there and be persistent on obtaining the information you want for your future because once it all falls in line, you feel great and look forward to it.

I joined the United States Air Force immediately after graduation from high school. I would tell myself to cherish every moment of this last year of chiidhood. Additionally, I would say to wait until January until enlisting. I would have been able to have my last "normal" holiday season with my friends and family. This would have let me enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years with those that I love. I did not realize that once you are in the military, you become an adult immediately, and there is no turning back. My transition to college was not normal. When I was discharged, I was married with two daughters. I worked full time during the day and went to community college full time at night. This was unavoidable.

College is nothing like high school or anything else kids are introduced to before they attend college. The freedom achieved when you leave home can be incredible, however it can also be a curse. Temptation is everywhere. The biggest challenge I have discovered is balancing school, work, time with your family, and time with friends. It is easy to come to college wanting to experience everything new and interesting you find out about and consequently letting your studies and grades suffer. I am majoring in biology and am in the pre-medicine program at my school. When I first began school I decided to join a Honors-in-Discipline Biology program which has recently turned out to be a terrible decision for me. I discovered that it involved extensive time in the labratory that I am not interested in. However in taking the scholarship for it I lost another scholarship that I can not get back, one that I could definately use next year. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would make sure to convince myself not to accept the honors scholarship and instead to take the other offer.

If I could go back to high school I will take more dual enrollment and AP classes. I did take several AP classes, but I neglected to take time to research which classes I would need for the nursing program at East Tennessee State University. I really wish I would have taken classes at the community college that I would need instead of taking the Art class that did not transfer. I should have spent more time researching which classes would help me during my college years and not just pick a class that will help increase my GPA. I also believe I should have taken AP English, AP History, and AP Stats. If I would have taken those steps I could have started the second year of my college education in the nursing program.

First off dont skrew around. You might not think that high school is very important but trust me when you start applying for those scholarships and schools, what you did in high school determines if you get that money or if you get into that school of your dreams. It really prepares you for the classes you have in college too. When you get to college the teachers dont want excuses they dont care if you missed the homework, no second chances. Your in college and you have to be responsible. Secondly learn to get involved and be outgoing. I came from a private high school with about 300 kids to a public university of 13,000. I knew 4 people on the entire campus. If you dont make friends and get involved in things on campus you will be miserable. Making friends and joining clubs is so much fun and one of the easiest ways to make friends are by joining clubs because those people are going to have similar interests or beliefs. But even though it may be hard at first because you dont know anyone it is totally worth it to put yourself out there.

I would go back and tell myself to study harder and worry about having a family latere. I would tell my self that life is already hard don't make it harder by just doing enough to get by. I would tell my self to talk to more people and get more information so I would be in a better place now. I would tell myself to try as hard as I can now why i'm there so when I get to college I wouldn't have to repeat some of the classes. I would simply tell my self do the best that you can and relaxe and enjoy life because it goes by faster than you think one you leave high school.

IF only I could go back to high school! The first thing I would tell myself is not to worry about popularity but focus on being a friend to everyone and doing the best I could in school. I would have been involved in more clubs and organizations because in high school there are so many opportunities that you may never get a chance to participate in again. If I could go back to high school I would also be more involved in my community and get to know my teachers better so that I could get one on one help if I needed to. A big problem I had transitioning to college was all the partying and independence, so I might have talked to my guidance counselor and parents about good decision making and balancing school and fun. I guess hindsight is 20/20 but I definitely have learned so much through my college experiences!

Never second guess anything. College life can be imitating for some people, it can be different changing your lifestyle. Change is what we experiance everyday, college maybe has some downfall or consquences when attending college, but the benifits are worth wild. Once you go to college you might lose some friends, but the people you meet in college are truely the ones you'll enjoy, while ur school only had a class around 500 to a 1000, you will meet aleast half of the college students that you would attend, imagin at least 5000 students, you'll meet aleast 2500 of those students, and least 50 of those students share a commom interest with you who share another common interest with a different student that you dont know who you can now meet. Also colleges work with students to achieve and succeed in college. So college is not only a place to learning and to get an education but to be socially involved with people that share that same common interest with. Overall college is a great place to get ahead in life.

If I could go back in tine and talk to myself as a high school senior I would of stressed the need for being more eager to start my college education. Having a small child at the age of sixteen caused me to think I should postpone on my education and continue after my daughter had become old enough for school. I have realized that education is very important material for life if you want to succeed and that you should never delay it. I would stress that I needed to continue straight on from high school to college for my daughters life as well as my own.

When making the decisions for your major think about what you enjoy doing even if you didn't get paid and the follow what you are best at. Also do you best and don't stress over things. Not only do your best but have so much fun because when school is over then is when the real hard work begans. Life was not meant to stress over.

The advice would be to STAY IN SCHOOL -- DON'T GIVE UP -- NO MATTER WHAT!! It will be hard at first but I can overcome all the obstacles. Even if I have a family or need to work for more money, I need to stay in school. I don't want to be middle aged and working for minimum wage just because I didn't stick with it. There are so many options now for financial aid. You can do it! Keep your chin up and move forward. Night school is an option too.

Make sure you study hard. Since your going into engineering make sure you know alot of math and chem. Keep in mind that the higher your ACT score is the better you wiill be. You could even get a high enough score to knock out some of those English courses. Learn everything you can about the things your interested in. Keep up that grade point remember if you get all A's and work hard you may end up on the dean's list. Remember to also take time to learn the basics, laundry, microwaving, and basic housekeeping. You and only you are reponsible for you. If you make mistakes and fail at something don't be to hard on yourself . Pick yourself back up and try again. It's all part of the learning process and we all learn from our mistakes. Keep up the good work your worth it!

If I could go back and to being a high school senior, I would have attempted to graduate a year early and begin taking college courses. I graduated one semester early which allowed me to "get ahead" for a while but then since I chose Special Education as my major, my program was small and certain classes were only offered once per academic year. This left me with a basically wasted semester. I would recomend high school counselors warning students thinking of early high school graduation of this because it came as a shock to me and a tremendous let down. Also, I would have applied for scholarships as a high school senior. I did not do this and am sure I missed out on available resources. Some scholarships are only available to students who are seniors in high school and you cannot apply after graduation.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself this way. You just finished high school and what a time you had. College is just on the horizon. College is a time to get serious. Make sure you have a plan and work your plan for study, for projects, for fun. Know what is required of you in each class and if you are not sure, ask! Get to know your professors and take advantage of the time that they make available to you. Prepare to put your whole heart, soul, mind and strength into the task at hand, staying focused and fixed on the prize ahead of you and you will be successful.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself make sure to spend all the time I could with my family and friend because a person never knows what is in his/her future and no telling what tomorrow may bring. Cherish your friends and family; time is short. Also, make new friends and acquaintances and enjoy your college life. I would also tell myself to take harder classes that will benefit my future and to pay more attention in school and study harder. If I knew then what I know now, I would have done a lot of things different. I would also tell myself that if I wanted something to go for it full force and do not look back because a person only lives once in this world and may as well make the best of it! The transition will be a lot different too, I will have more responsibilities in my life from rent payments, tuition, and cost of food and books. But most importantly learn all that I can and be what I want to be! Thanks, Brian Matthews

Pay closer attention to my grades and to my Act test scores and try harder to keep my GPA as high as possible

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school, I would have told myself to work more on my study skills. My high school did not prepare me enough for college as they said they were. I was not prepared at all when I got to college. I would have had myself research everything a little more and see how colleges operated as far as how much studying was needed and so forth. I would have also had myself research my college options a little more instead of setting my mind on one college just to have to change my options at the last minute and go into a college that I knew nothing about. I would also have told myself to apply for a lot more scholarships instead of just the few that I did.

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about college life, I would tell myself to not hold back. I would emphasise the points of getting envolved and getting envolved early. I would also tell myself that everything will always work out so spend more time enjoying college and less worrying about how to pay for it. But most importantly, I would tell myself to always be me and never change for anybody.

The advice I would give to myself would be to never turn down a challenge because it can be helpful in the long run. Back in high school, I was the girl that tried my hardest in everything that I did but I never seemed to challenge myself. While my friends were focused on passing their AP exams, I was studying for a test in a regular math course. It never did occur to me that I should give AP classes a try so that I can prepare myself for the college world, however, I was scared that I may ended up failing my AP class or the exams. After finishing my first semester in college, I realize that if only I took the chance to take an AP course or college class that I would do better in the classes I have now, particularly chemistry. In a way, I believe I was in a phase where I didn't take me heading off to college or the idea of college so seriously. Nevertheless, the advice I wish I was able to tell myself, I tell my siblings as they head off to high school.

You need to work hard the first semester of school and get a 3.0 so that you can get the lottery scholarship. Dont quit track this year either!

I would tell myself not to wait or to be afraid of leaving home. College is an adventure where you can learn about who you are and what your passion truly is, you don't have to create a life then try to add college to it. If I could go back, I would have went to school straight out of high school instead of waiting so many years. It is hard to be older than some of your teachers are. But it does make you humble and realize just how much good you could have achieved. I would also tell myself that no matter what anyone else thinks, you are smart enough to make it through and with the guidance of teachers and faculty at this University you will make it. Let go of who you think you are and become who you were meant to be.

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible because money is very hard to come by. I would also inform myself that being involved is very much worth the extra time it takes out of the social scene!

Apply to multiple schools even if you think you are not interested at the time. Don't miss scholarship deadlines and apply for whatever you qualify for. Don't follow everybody else. Go where you want to go and be who you want to be. College is your last chance to become you. It goes by fast so enjoy it!

I would tell high school self to get a set routine in place or I will have problems with completing all of my tasks. High school is a fun learning experience but college is more serious since most of us are here upon choice. I would tell myself to be ready for a long and exciting experience and to not bring so much junk into my dorm! I would also tell myself to have saved money because having student loans pile up is not a good thing.

First and foremost, I would advise myself not to take 8:00 a.m. classes if I could avoid it! 8:00 a.m. comes far earlier than you think when you have been up all night studying! Second, I would tell myself that even though college is more laid back then high school, I still need to get myself to class, instead of laying out to go out to lunch with friends. Third, I would make sure that I let myself know how much fun I can have in college, without having to be a party-animal, or waking up to a crippling hangover every morning. On a campus with 15,000 students, it IS possible to find friends who share the same morals I do. And finally, I would tell myself that in college, my quirkiness is not something I should hide, and that I will be shocked by the number of people who are just as unique as I am, and as fun as I am!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd tell myself to hang in there and not get discouraged. I'd impress upon the younger me that college is an amazing adventure and learning experience. Attending college is one of the greatest events of my life because it allows me to continue my education with much more depth and freedom than I have ever been privileged with before. I'd tell my high-school self that seemingly insignificant decisions I make every day--about friends, about studying, about what I choose to do for fun-- matter very much in who I will become. For every high school class I'm bored or disillusioned with, there is a college class that will teach me, transform me, and open new worlds of interest and imagination for me. I'd tell myself to study harder than I've ever studied, because knowledge and expansion of my world view matter. I'd encourage myself to dream bigger dreams and never settle for an ordinary life. And finally, I'd tell myself not to worry so much, to have confidence in me, and to remember to have fun.

Evaluate what's important to you like how close you'd like to be to home, the cost of tuition, the size of the school. Those are three major things that can make or break your college experience. Research what the school is known for and whether or not it has your program of study. Once you decide on a school, visit it, look around, and ask questions so you know what you are getting into. Finally, get involved with activities on campus. It can help you make friends and keep you active. College can be a great experience if you make some good choices.

When it comes to choosing the right college, you must first know two things about yourself: what type of person you are, and what type of person you wish to be. Considering these things, go out in search for the right college with a full tank of gas. Do not limit yourself to local colleges and universities. While these may coincidentally suit you, don't be restrained in your ideas. Understandably there are more factors when choosing a college, but know that the fit is most important. Once you have discovered that one, defining campus, make no excuse for being inactive. Go out and socialize with those around you. They have reckoned that same school to be their perfect fit. Having joined those around you, embark on that journey to graduation day. Your degree will be a pair of shoes you must wear for the rest of your life. Acknowledge all factors, such as fit, cost, and comfort. Happiness is sure to follow.

Choosing the right college is a huge decision that should involve not only the student, but their family and loved ones as well. Look for colleges that not only fit the student's interests at the time, but also give them an environment in which to spread their wings and grow as an individual.

Look online!

I would say the most important thing to do is to tour various schools. The only way to learn about a school's program is to take the time to go on guided tours and ask questions. Once you have settled for a certain college, find out what all they offer. You should try to get involved in clubs and organizations because you will make tons of friends and make some memories that will last forever! This doesn't mean you have to because I have made many friends not being involved in clubs, however, I wish I was more involved because of the feeling of being a mentor to other students. Live up your college years to the fullest, work hard at your grades so Mom, Dad, and yes yourself will be proud, and have no regrets. This is an opportunity to build on the rest of your life. What you do in college will reflect what the rest of your life will be like. Why not go for it all and give it your best the first time around?

Visit the website, make sure it is easy to navigate because a lot of the resources you will need are there. Then go and visit the campus, talk to advisors, go to club meetings that you may be interested in or talk to the staff advisors of those groups. This will help you get a feel for the college.

It might sound silly, but when you find the right college, you will just know. Visit all of the colleges you are thinking of attending it at all possible. When you find the right school, you'll just feel it in your bones. As for making the most of the college experience, just remember that college isn't just about making good grades and finding the perfect job. It's about finding yourself, too. Participate in activities, talk to people you wouldn't have talked to in high school, try new things, take classes just because they interest you (most majors require that you take "free electives" anyway) and just do your best to enjoy life. Always remember that your grades don't define you. And, above all, have fun. You only get one shot at this life. Make the most of it.

Participate in campus activities

Find one that has multiple things you are interested in, cost isnt what matters, it is the satisfaction and quality of the education you are getting.

I believe the best advice for parents and students who are trying to find the right college are choose a institution you know you will be able to make your home and one that includes the best program for your desired major. Individuals need to be able to call their college a home because the majority of the time they are spending a minimum of 5 hours at the institution, therefore they need to be able to feel at place and relaxed. Further, if this was not so certain persons would feel anxious and lonely if they could not call their college a home. Lastly, students need to be able to choose a college that will best suite them and their major. For obvious circumstances you first need to look at a college and then figure out if they provide what you want to study. Moreover, students need to then figure out the best institutions for their form of study. The main reason why we go to college is to get an education so by picking the best place for your major you are already putting yourself in front of others also in your major. who did not.

Find a college where there are several majors that interests the students, just in case your initial major is not what you expect. Also, don't follow where everyone else in your graduation class is going, go where you feel you can best succeed. Remember, you are not living your life to be accepted with current friends, but where you believe you will be the happiest.

I wish that someone would have told me around my junior or senior year to really research schools. The first thing on both parent and student's mind is what is most convenient? But that should not be the first priority. If you are undeclared on what major to choose, be consciously aware of what you could possibly see yourself majoring in, and try to find a school (or a couple) that has an excelling program for the area you want to study. I also find it useful to get a little background information on the city in which the school is located so you know what you will be in for. Once you do that, your mind becomes a little less boggled and you focus on the most important thing that will come from a college career.

The advice I would give prospective students, is to first decide who they want to be not necessarily what they want to be. Most schools offer similar educational paths. If I had wanted to be a teacher, lawyer, nurse, or even in marketing, any school would have sufficed. However, every school offers different extracurricular activities, different types of professors, and a different environment. When picking a school, it is important to take in to account all aspects of college life, not only the academics.

Ask students that are already at that particular college their opinion on the school. Attend as much as you can before you actually enroll......look at surveys online about the school and professors.

I believe that choosing a college is one of the hardest decisions to be made in todays world. One would need to evaluate many things such as: cost, housing, types of degrees and many other things. So, my advice to the next person would be to stay informed! Things like rules now change pretty often as well as your grades, and these two things affect your financial aid which i believe is the most important thing to watch out for. Without aid from somewhere I would not be able to attend college and persue my dream of practicing Physical Therapy one day. The hardest part yet is the balance of social and school events. Here at ETSU my friends and I attend all different kinds of sporting events and social experiences. This is how we make the most of our time here at college. We meet many new people and try to learn from every experience. So, in the end, one just needs to be evaluative for the choice of school and experimental once there. This is how to find the best and do your best!

Let the student choose the right college for himself/herself.

Look for schools that offer a wide variety in cocentrations. If you are unsure about your degree get your core curriculum completed. Talk to others who have attended the school and make sure that there are plenty of jobs available for students in the area. Look at the pevious class schedules and make sure they offer plenty of options. If you are a sociable person I would look into joining clubs or involving yourself in service. Most of all learn and have fun while doing it. (Just not too much fun!) ;)

If you go to college don't just sit in your dorm room all the time... get out and get involved otherwise you will never know if it was the right choice for you... As for the college... just visit them and see which one you fall for...