Eckerd College Top Questions

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

Zoe

My biggest piece of advice I would give myself if I could talk to myself as a high school senior to prepare for college would absolutely be to PLAN AHEAD. Not just in academics, but in everything about college. There have been countless times since move-in on August 9th. Actually, since before then. I would tell myself not to put off packing for college, buying the things I need, and saying my goodbyes to my friends. I would tell myself not to put off homework until the night before it's due, because it adds unnecassary stress. I would tell myself that if I get an essay prompt or project assigned at the beginning of the semester, do it sooner rather than later because there's nothing worse than having multiple projects and essays due during finals week, in addition to taking the finals themselves. But other than telling myself to plan ahead, I would tell myself that it is still so important to remember to have fun. Part of the college experience is having fun with friends, participating in campus activities, and RELAXING. Looking back now, I wish I knew these things going into college.

Lequina

I would tell myself to go after my dreams, believe that I can in anything and stop stressing about my future and just have fun.

Nicole

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself not to slack off, and be more outgoing. I slacked off in my English and Spanish four class for 3 quarters and it didn't do my gpa any good. I was never that outgoing so I never made that many friends to go to college with even though I'm making up for it now. I mainly wish that I had a higher gpa because if I did it would have been easier finding scholarships. I would also like to tell myself apply for scholarships as soon as possible because my parents are forced to pay my tuition and even though we make $100,000 a year we mainly use that money on medical bills for my grandma who has terminal colon cancer. My last year was like I was never there I was just going through the motions, but I have learned my lesson now. I know now that I need to be more outgoing, apply myself, study hard, and no procrastinating.

Aubrey

If I could go back in time to my high school self, I'd tell myself to not worry so much. As a senior in high school, I was extremely stressed about going to college. I worried about things like how I would find the money, if I would get accepted, and how I would get myself all the way down to Florida. On top of all that stress, I was loaded down with schoolwork from Advanced Placement classes, and I had to work at my part time job as much as possible so I could make enough money for rent (plus hopefully a little extra for college). Looking back at myself a year ago, I'm definitely proud of what I accomplished, but I wish I had just given myself a little more free time to hang out with my friends, and allowed myself a chance to relax.

Joy

My senior-age self would be taught this lesson: follow your heart. As a high school senior, I was highly focused on and motivated to work toward certain goals. I convinced myself that I wanted my future-self to be a certain person who accomplished certain things by a certain time. The problem was, I did not truly want what I was working toward. I spent my entire senior year of high school, my freshman year of college, and half of my sophomore year of college working toward something I never really wanted, and ignoring what I did want because I believed that it was not a "good enough" goal. In the end, I spent nearly two and a half years torn between where I was heading and where I was wanting to be. I was afraid to change directions, and I was afraid to continue on the path I had mapped out for myself. In the end, I discovered that I could only find true joy by setting goals that fit who I was. I found who I was by listening to my heart, and allowing it to guide me to the path I am now on.

Melissa

I would tell myself that all of the anxiety and worry was not worth it. It truly is the most exciting time of your life. Everything works out in the end, and with so many people helping you the worry is not necessary.

Claudia

I am back in school after many years. If I could go back in time I would tell myself, “ Don’t stop! Keep going! You can do this! Don’t be afraid! "

Veda

Eckerd College has enabled me the opportunity to develop and enhance my writing, verbal communication, and computer skills. The courses I have taken and continue to take has enhanced my yearning for knowledge; and are very valuable. The teachings of this school has taught me how to objectively review the values of society and relate them to a world view as well as my own personal value system, set priorities on diverse value, and how to reconcile value conflicts. I value this newfound knowlege and will utilize it not only in the workforce, but in giving back to the community.

Amanda

I have learned so much from my art instructors. They have expanded my creativity by a long-shot and are helping me make my skills stronger. It's been valuable because if I didn't have a degree, then I'd be a girl who just likes to draw in her freetime instead of the woman who is making illustrations for best sellers. Instead of persuing my dream of being an illustrator, I'd probably have to resort to being a tattoo artist, and that's just not classy.

Stacey

So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I have learned to live independently without having my parents look after me. I have learned to compensate my needs with a roommate, and to intergrate socially with my peers. I have learned to be responsible with my choices and to also relax from stressful circumstances. My college education has provided me the opportunities to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I would not trade it for the world.

Christian

One thing my college experience has bestowed upon me is a great group of friends. That's not to say that the friends I had before weren't great but those from are on an entirely different level. Maybe it's the setting. Maybe it's the shared interests. Perhaps something else, but whatever it is I do know that I've made some of the greatest friends I could hope to have. Another way college has helped me is by giving me a sense of purpose and independence. Getting a higher education is one thing but how can you really be succesful and use that new-found knowledge if you aren't driven to do anything and asre still dependent on others for survival. There's nothing wrong with receiving help as long as it does not fester into a reliance. With self-reliance and purpose I will be more fit to starting the next part of my life of further, higher education.

Tessera

Relax. You're young and have much of your life awaiting you. Spend time on your college applications and put your utmost effort into them, but remember that it is only one small portion of your life that is at stake. Do not be afraid of failure, for if you are, that is exactly what will greet you in the future. Not because you have actually failed, but because you planted a seed of negativity in your thoughts. Like an invasive species, these negative thoughts have strangled any hope.While applying to schools, it is paramount that you weed out all negativity?all thoughts of the potential ?failure? that might be awaiting you in the near future. Remember that you have control over your fate. There is always the possibility you won?t get into your dream school. Guess what? It was only a dream. You must face reality and do so with a positive attitude. You must deny that the concept of failure even exists. It is merely an idea that you perceive to be true. It doesn?t have to determine your future. Be an optimist. See the bright future that is standing within your grasp. Carpe diem!

Diondra

Knowing what I know now, if I got the chance to go back and speak to my high school senior self the conversation would be rather one-way and sound something like this: "Just breathe. College life can be and is stressful there is no way around it. Time will pass no matter so do what needs to be done and just breathe. It is okay to fumble and make mistakes. Fumbling means you are learning. And no matter how big you think the fumble is when you make it, it really isn't that big later because you HAVE learned from it. Don't forget to balance school and play. No all school and work, make sure to get some play time to stay happy. Also, be you. If people are friend material, then they will like you as you are flaws and all. Because your flaws are part of what make you who you are. As for dorm life when you are filling out that dorm application write in all caps 'ALLERGIC TO CATS' trust me. You?ll regret that big time if you don?t and invest in a Swiffer early on. And remember, breathe!"

gwendolyn

I would tell myself to stay in school and attempt to obtain the best gpa possible. I would also say not to let anyone or anthing deter you from your dreams and desires; to attempt to always pursue something that is fulfilling and enjoyable for yourself, and to try to be the best that you can possibly be.

Marissa

I found that the college transition was relatively painless both socially and intellectually. However, the financial transition was, and continues to be hard for both myself and my parents. If I could go back and tell myself to apply for every single scholarship I could find, I would. So many scholarships are only available to high school seniors, and now that I have entered the hallowed halls of Eckerd College, all of those opportunities are simply gone. I graduated with 950+ hours of community service, was president of five different clubs, had a top GPA, was a Girl Scout, and a part of three honors societies. All of which helped me to enter college, but now I?m here all that means nothing, and those are the items scholarship applications look for. It is very frustrating seeing now all the scholarships I had a fighting chance for, and now I cannot apply for. If I had a time machine to my senior year I would tell myself, "Good choice with Eckerd, we fit in great, but PLEASE apply for more scholarships. We are not winning the lottery anytime soon. Hey, wait a second, actually, here are the lottery numbers..."

Leslie

I remember how countless teachers would point out to us that in college we were only a number and no one cared if we pass or if we attended class ?all colleges wanted was our money. These crude remarks, made my body quiver and had me doubting if I was capable of graduating college or if I even wanted to attend an institution that was vain and impersonal. All these lies caused me to be terrified of success! Now that I have experienced two years of ?college? life, I exclaim: not every college is egotistic and money hungry, not every college is insensitive , and not every college hopes its student body fails. In fact, college is not only meant to help its student body develop into adults with professions, but transform them into thinking individuals that are educated in both a major and the world around them. Colleges are not only responsible for creating doctors and lawyers , but global citizens as well. Knowing now the defination of college I would tell myself, " college is not meant to tarnish our reputations or to imprison us in everlasting debt, but to teach us about humanity, ourselves, life, and how to pursue happiness"!.

Jenna

Jenna, Eckerd College is NOT "high school, continued." The social pressure to be "in" the right group or have nice things is gone. You won't have classes for 6 hours a day -- you get to go to one, go back to the dorm, hang out, sleep, work -- whatever you need to do -- before your next class. No one is watching out for you, except you. This will be when you call on everything your parents tried to teach you but you wouldn't listen to, simply because it was your parents trying to teach you something! You will learn about things YOU choose. This is YOUR life you are planning, so you get to pick a major (even change your mind and pick a different one 2 weeks in, like I did!), take classes that sound cool, and pretty much head toward living life the way you want to. Most of all, remember that you are OK just the way you are. You don't have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life -- most grownups don't even knonw what they will have for dinner tonight! It will all work out OK.

Sophia

I would tell myself to be confident and work on being more outspoken. I would tell myself to become more active in the community as volunteering is significant for personal growth and change. Volunteering would lead to networking with others I come in contact with. I would remind myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and do not give up even when I think it is hard. I may become more involved with extracirricular activities which would lead to being able to narrow down a few choices about a potetial career. I would consider playing sports as being active helps one to maintain a positive attitude and self esteem. I would talk with professionals in my community about their college experiences and how they chose their own career path. Speaking with my highschool counselor and college counselors more often than I had planned to would have reduced the stress about choosing a college. I would have reminded myself to set up a plan with my family to help pay for school so that I may attend full -time consistently. I would pursue an activity that would allow me to stand out as a leader and pass the SAT.

Deborah

The things that I found most difficult in adjusting to college life were surprisingly hard to detect; they kind of snuck up on me because I had been too busy to pay much attention to the little things. I had to learn how to live with a roommate who has a completely different personality than I, for one thing. She and I spent far too much time together at the beginning of school (we did everything together), then suddently burnt out on each other's company. I would tell my high school senior self that I should take special notice of my own habits, emotional tendencies, and personal needs so that when any conflict arises between me and the people I live with, I can understand and resolve the issue on a mature, reasonable level. The second thing I had trouble adjusting to was the constant source of over-stimulation; whether it was from friends wanting to hang out, parties, endless campus activities, or schoolwork, I was constantly forgetting to find time for MYSELF. I think the most important advice ot give is to make sure you establish what it is YOU want from college and make time for yourself .

Marthanne

Congratulations, you have just made one of the most important steps of your life. Studies indicate that a college degree will likely bring you a higher quality of life, greater health, and more than double your earning potential. When it comes to choosing your major, select something that truly excites you. You will need the inspiration of your authentic interest to propel you through the more burdensome aspects of your academic journey. Take the initiative. Although many schools are eager to assist students, do not depend solely on college administrators for guidance. Do your own investigating when it comes to ferreting out scholarships, grants, and unique approaches to degree plans. There are many opportunities out there that are not widely advertised. Also, talk to your instructors and advisors about your ideas. Often, they will help you design curriculum to meet your individual goals. Most importantly, remember this is a special time, unencumbered by many of the obligations and responsibilities that lie ahead. A college education presents a unique opportunity to learn about the world from a perspective unlike any other you will experience. Be bold and claim your stake in life.

Jessica

I would tell myself to take a year off before I dive into college life. That year can really help figure out where you really want to go in life. I've been in college for a few years and just now figured out what I think I would like to persue. So I think that initial year would have really helped rather throwing myself into college and working towards a career I didn't truely want. College is alot about figuring yourself out, but there's so much pressure to succeed that I never really did what I wanted to do.

Isabella

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to simply be outgoing, make friends that would last forever, and don't be afraid to show my true self even to people I don't know very well. This is especially difficult, seeing as I am a typically introverted person, but I have learned recently that if I just make the effort to be an outgoing person, I will get to know so many more wonderful people. I would also give myself the advice of working hard towards your goals no matter what difficulties may arise. There are often situations in classes and assignments that give me trouble, but as long as I keep trying to be better in everything I do, I will get through the difficulties and the outcome will be great.

Allison

Stay true to yourself. It's your life and your college experience.

ARIELLE

TO NOT HAVE SKIP CLASSES IN HIGH SCHOOL

Sharleen

Do not wait until the last minute to make a decision about what you want to do after high school. Play an active role in your community and do your research to find out what will suit you in life. Go out, explore, broaden your horizon, but at the same time, be responsible, disciplined, and commit to what you set your mind to. Don't ever give up!

Daniel

Take more college level courses in order to finish ealier and tranistion into the work for or graduate school

Andrew

Do not compromise your beliefs for a 'free-living' liberal system. There is more to life than being able to drink or date and those who restrict it while they may seem legalistic actually have a point and have the best interests of your soul in mind.

marylou

Wow, that is quite a question. I returned to school at 46 years of age and I have recently turned 50 and I will graduate with a BA in May. What would I say to myself in highschool??? You are important and valuable enough to give yourself an education. See if you can try to see the big picture, the long run, the future. Being self supporting is esteemable beyond any measures you can imagine at 17 years of age, but give yourself this boost up in the world. Be nice to yourself and care about yourself. Demand the education that will become your freedom.

Lauren

I would tell myself to pick Eckerd College because it lives up to its word. It really is its own little enlightening bubble that changes lives and teaches one "HOW" to learn: in small classes, with close relationships with teachers and friends that are like family.

Jamie

Be more outgoing initially and don't be scared of what others think of you. Get your work done and then have fun. Get out and enjoy life.

Danielle

Dear Danielle, You know a lot about what's going to happen. College is college. There are classes, there's homework, there are on-campus jobs, there are wild parties and people. All of that's true. Here's some things I know I didn't consider. It's possible to do a Visual Arts and Creative Writing double major here. Okay, maybe you knew that, but what you don't know is how much of a pain in the ass it can be. There are schedule conflicts, not to mention writing and art require two different modes of thinking. It's fun at times, it's painful at times-what school experience isn't?-but in the end, you'll change your Art major to a minor. Save yourself the trouble and do this from the start. That way, you can take as many art classes as you want without worrying about requirements and schedule conflicts. Art is fun. That'll never change. Learning how to write well is stressful, and you don't need to worry about developing your own style for your Art major at the same time. Besides all that, you'll have fun. No, really.

Marc

When choosing your college, make sure you keep in mind your other friends from high school, because you will miss them, so if you worry about that, then don't go too far from home. Make sure your school has a nice quiet place to focus and study because thats all college homework is about. Get used to college, schools not over for you yet, if you want your degree you better learn to love what your doing or change it. Make the most of the nice people in college, if they are willing to be your friend, then expand your social horizon and become friends with that person and everyone else. Lastly, don't just choose the school because you love their sports team, seriously, unless you are playing the sport, then choose the school that best fits you academically.

Anna

Know what you are looking for and narrow down your search. Make sure the academic and social life needs are satisfied because both can be equally important in your childs happiness. Also make sure finances are not too tight so your student can experience college life to the fullest, such as, study abroad.

Rosa

You have to walk on campus and make sure that you can picture yourself getting up every morning, walking to the cafeteria, going to class, and participating in campus activities. Also, do a lot of research on what you would like to study. Do not jump into a major without having some background knowledge via volunteering and highschool. Make sure they have teachers who can make time to work one on one with you.

Allison

Visit every school you wish to attend. If you don't like a campus, or the people around campus, then you probably won't want to go to that school. But you will never know the atmosphere of a school if you don't visit.

Mallory

VISIT the school. The student should spend some time on the campus away from their parents to really experience the school. The school may be completely different when you are experiencing the school alone rather than with your parents. Get in contact with some current students at the schools you are looking at (facebook, myspace). Ask LOTS of questions, including questions about dorm life, food on campus, class difficulty, on campus activities, what to do off campus, and any other questions you come up with. Talk to the current students when you visit campus, they can give you a real student perspective of the school. When you get into college, make sure to balence your academic and social life. It is very important to make friends and enjoy yourself but also realize the importance of getting a good education while you are there. Utilize your professors to the fullest extent. They are there to help you succeed! Also try to experience places outside of your campus and make friends off campus.. Most importantly enjoy your time as a student, enlightening yourself and figuring out who you are, this very well may be the best time of your life!

morgan

Ask yourself if you want to become a number and get lost in a school or if you want to be known to the professors. This will help you decide what size school to attend . Then you need to look at their majors that they offer and make sure it has a wide variety just in case you change your mind or if your undecided going into college. Also you should look at the acticities the school offers such as sports and weekend get togethers. As a college student the only way to make the most of your experience you need to get out, make friends and go to games and activities.

Daria

Students need to pick the college that they feel is the best place for them. Somewhere that feels like home and you cans see yourself having the time of your life is the place you want to be. Check out the dorms, the food, the landscaping, the staff, faculty, and chat with people on campus beforehand to get a inkling of what a normal day would feel like. It is also very important to ask questions and learn the ropes so to speak. To make the most out of college life, you have to be yourself. Take the quote ?Be you, everyone else is taken? to heart. College is a time to find you out who you are and accomplish goals and dreams. Pretending to be someone else will not help you in the end. Join clubs and organizations talk with all different types of people from all over to experience something new. Leaving the past where it is and moving forward with your life is a great place to start making the journey.

seth

Find a college with a good reputation for the field your child wants to go to.

Becca

Find a school that really makes you happy, that is the most important thing.

Kelly

Definitely visit the schools you're interested in, sleepover for a weekend if you can. Look on websites like the princeton review to learn details that you wouldn't learn from the school itself. Students' involvement with drugs and alcohol are a huge part of what makes a particular school a good fit, because someone who parties all the time would be very unhappy on a campus where most students do not drink, and vice versa. Also, small schools with little or no greek life tend to be better places to make a wide range of friends and to have friendly students than large schools that revolve around sororities and fraternities. Picking a college is a huge decision, and although you could get lucky (I am happier than ever in a school that I applied to without looking into it much), it's important to find out all you can from visits and any underground information source (ie: alumni and websites).

RJ

That one-on-one interaction with the professors can be far more valuable than the reputation of the school. Also, that everything in life builds... meaning after you get over the initial barrier of that first job or that first recognition of success, more opportunities become available and it becomes easier to get them. So find somewhere you can will rise above your peers and be noticed -- it will mean a lot. Secondly, the specific knowledge gained from a degree isn't as important as the skills. You'll forget the specifics but the ways of thinking, the perception of capability, and skills are most important. For example, someone with a degree in math will be better off than a degree in economics because of the skills gained in quantiative thinking and rigorous proof. You can always go find a book to pick up the specific knowledge such as the principles of supply and demand or how to solve a math problem but training the mind takes a lot more time and energy so you might as use your hours in the classroom for that. Never say you can't do something or something is too hard.

Gabrielle

Let your sopn/daughter decide so they will have a strong chance of being succesful and finding what theie career pth will be. Visit a lot of schools, eventally there will be the on that they click with and love.

Lindsey

ask lots of questions. be sure you know the truth.

Eric

just follow your heart, if you get to the college and realize its not for you, leave. its your life, and you have to make the best of it. college is all about new exciting experiences, so get yourself to say yes to things you may have said no to before. its all about broadening your horizons.

Jon

The trouble about searching for the right school is the pressure that the student has to face when looking for the right college. It is easy to feel bombarded by ideas from counselors, fellow peers, and parents. In reality, the answer to finding the right college is to do what is in your best interest and to not be afraid. Look at schools that are different and dare to go out of your comfort zone. Don't get sucked into the school that all of your friends go to or the school your parents want. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a school for everyone. Students, look at your options! You can literally go anywhere you want in the world and do anything you want. Once you realize that the options are limitless, the perfect school will be easy to find. Parents, you should be more than supportive to your child when he or she is searching for the right college. If it is not the college you imagined your child to be at, realize that it is their decision and respect it. They will be happier and will make the most of their college experience.

Kate

The best advice I have for students looking at college is to visit the campuses of the schools that sound interesting and take a tour. Actually seeing the campus and the students on it can make all the difference. If possible arrange to stay overnight at the school, attend a class, or at least have lunch with a student. Pick the school that feels right to you. If you don't get the feeling you will fit in with the students on campus you probably should not go there. Even though you take classes in college, the four years spent there are about more than what you learn in the classroom and if you don't like the people around you it will be a long, lonely four years. Be open-minded when looking at schools. It might be that you think you know the kind of school you want and are missing the perfect school for you. Lastly, relax. Everything will work out in the end and you can always transfer if it doesn't.

Kelly

Visit the school and get honest answers from the students, not just the ones giving you the tour. They are there to tell you what ever you want to hear and not always the good, the bad and the ugly. Most students are pretty nice and helpful and it is a good idea to go up and ask any random student some basic questions.

Alison

Visit the colleges that are of interest to you. It is important to like not only the campus but the city/town in which you will be living for four years.

Rich

Visit the school.