Elon University Top Questions

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

Maryn

I believe the single-most important thing to know before you go to college is that your college experience is what you make it out to be. These four years mark the transition into adulthood and will most likely determine your career path and other aspects of your future, so make the most of every opportunity that is given to you. These opportunities could include: changing your major until you are excited about your choice, joining organizations to be involved and to try something new, attending the free guest lectures and performances, and studying abroad. Exploring what your university has to offer will not only make the most of your scholarships and parent's money, it will also help with the transition to becoming independent and in building life-long relationships and memories.

Sarah

Dear 18 year old self, You are about to leave for college!! It is going to be a fun four years, but you should start studying earlier than the night before a test...give yourself at least week to study! You might think now that your grades don't matter, you worked hard in high school and now you can enjoy college, but someday you're going to want to go to graduate school...so your grades do matter!! Don't drop out of anatomy!! You're going to have to take it again eventually! Take hard classes, they will challenge you more and help you be a better student and it will make a difference when you get your master's degree. One last thing, don't forget to call home. Call at least once a week! Mom and dad miss you!! Thank them for always supporting you and all their hard work that made it possible for you to go to college. Call your brothers and sister! Don't take your family for granted, someday they will become your best friends. Good luck & enjoy, Sarah

Ricky

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to prepare for college better, save money ,and foucs more in class. I would advise myself to take more honor classes and spend more time studing then hanging out with my friends. Then i would inform myself that after takeing a year off from school to see how difficult the real world is will change your whole view of how imporant education is to me. The last thing I would tell my younger self would be to spend more time with your grandpa because he will go sooner than you think. After I inform myself with the newly found wisedom of furture me I would say farwell.

Meagan

To be entirely honest, I wouldn't give myself advice about the transition, but about treasuring the time I have left in high school. I know that it's rather cliche to say that, however more than anything this year I've missed my friends and relationships from high school. Forming close relationships in college is not nearly as easy as it was in high school. Being in an entirely new environment made me realize how much I missed those experiences I'd shared with my firends in my four years. Had I known, at the time, how important those experiences would be, I would have made a point of cherishing those moments when I had the chance. I would have tried to make more of those experiences, take more pictures, find ways to keep those memories with me all the time.

Danyelle

Study harder and apply for scholarships!!!! Don't mess around your first semester, put in the work.

Tessa

Take a deep breath and focus. Right now you have a thousands thoughts, worries, and “what if” questions going through your head that you can not answer and have no control of. You have worked really hard to get to where you are and you have a lot to show for it. You have just been accepted into your top school, but now you are scared about leaving home and making new friends. The best advice I can give you is to keep an open mind. When you get to college you have to be willing to join many organizations in order to find the one that fits or you. You have to be willing to try new things and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you might meet your best friend that way. You have to put all of the “what if” thoughts out of your head and just take everything one-step at a time. If you do that and continue to be yourself you will have nothing to worry about.

Sarah

Don't be afraid to join clubs and be involved. This is how you will meet the friends that will last a life time.

Emily

This is a challenging question, because I belief that my high school self made the choices she had to make in order to end up where she is today. She had to make the same mistakes or successes, and had to endure the same experiences— good or bad. However, I would have some advice for her. First off, I would assure her that life gets a lot better and a lot less petty. People can be vicious in high school, and even at a conservative, rich college, she will be able to find people she fits in with, and will make friends for life. She will meet people who thrive off of living truthfully and honestly, instead of living off of gossip and pushing ahead. She will learn not to regret, for every experience, good or bad, is necessary to learn. She will be reassured that she is talented and does good work if she focuses and works hard. She must never cease to work hard. She must also know that, because this is one of her biggest fears, she will fall in love. She'll fall in love with her friends, school, and a great guy. She'll live.

Katie

I would need to consider scholarships more seriously. The best financial aid is offered to incoming college freshmen. If I had known this, I would have spent more time filling out applications before attending college.

Margaret

College is great! Keep your notes from government, calculus, and AP American History--you'll be taking these classes again. Pay attention in English class because no matter how good of a writer you think you are, you can always do better and in college you'll need to write frequently, quickly, and in higher volumes than in high school. Improve your research abilities because you'll need to do research at least weekly (if not daily). Even if you aren't outgoing, get to know your peers and professors, because you will find them to be your greatest resources around exam time. Basically, you're going to love college. Living away from home is so easy to adjust to and once you start, you will never want to live at home again! P.S. Don't forget to have fun!

Merit

I would tell myself to make sure to study for everything and to work hard in every class. You can play now or play later or pay now and play later. So I would tell me to make sure I put my school work first and when I get everything done, I can party and have fun later.

John

Elon taught me how to think responsibly. It fosters intellectual curiosity wasys that other schools do not - I know because I know students from dozens of other schools. It hasn't found me a job, as of yet, but the economy is more to blame than Elon.

Vanessa

College for me has been an amazing experience. I feel more responsible and at home. My school's campus is very beautiful and everyone is so supportive. I have made new friends and have befriended professors. College is very valuable because i am very dedicated to my education, and for me attending is essential. I have learned to be more independent and as my amazing chemistry teacher would say, "Struggle with the acquisition of knowledge." It is those little moments that you have in college that shape who you will become, or how you will proceed in overcoming obstacles that you will encounter in life. College experiences help peole become more self learners and sucessful. College is a very valuable and important to attend. However, in my opinion, it is what you do and take from what you learn in college that makes the experience that much more valuable.

Laura

I live in a small suburb and have grown up with the same people from elementary school through high school. While I've always been a very independent person, it wasn't until college that I had the chance to really grow as an individual. While the education at Elon is amazing, I also feel college is a vital time for teenagers and young adults to realize their potential and purpose as global citizens. Through communication with my professors and peers at Elon, I have found such a strong sense of self. In high school I was raised with a mindset to focus on myself; now, I am extremely motivated to inspire those I come in contact with every day. I finally know who I am, and I feel I would still be lost if I had not attended Elon University.

Sherica

I attend Lamar University and I am a freshman. So far I have gotten out of this experience is good friends, the ability to manage time, and have time to have fun. It has been valuable to attend because it has showed me to be independent and work hard for what I want. It has also helped me to understand what I want to be when I grow up.

Chelsey

I am an elementary education major at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. When people ask what I am attending school for, and I reply ,"to be a teacher," not all responses are completely supportive and uplifting. Many people respond with negative opinions about pay and do not seem to respect the profession at all. I do not want to be a teacher for the money. I want to be a teacher because I believe children are the hope of the future, and they need a good education and someone who believes in them. Looking back on my first semester of college, I have already come a long way and I know I will continue to prosper. The friends and experience I have had will stay with me forever. I know that when I graduate in 2014 I will be overwhelmed with pride and accomplishment. Although there is a large price on tuition, that feeling will be priceless.

Mark

The most important thing that I've learned attending this University is that there's a very significant difference between high school and college. Being here I've learned that I need to take more responsibility in planning my actions and daily activities. I've learned that I have more control of what I do and what I can do than I thought I did at first. I've learned that college is the most similar to outside world of school, simply because of the fact that there are so many people who have come from all over the country as well as the world who have different ideas and views on life. It's a very interesting melting pot of people that I have done nothing but embrace since I've gotten here. Attending college, I've been able to realize that there many people who want you to succeed and I appreciate that while attending Elon, the staff and my mentors will make sure I graduate from here and become successful in the outside world.

angelajoy

I have not attended college thus far. I will be going in January for spring term at the local Ivy Tech college of Indiana! I took a little while to actually decide what I truly wanted to major in even though my heart has always been for nursing and helping others! So last Jan. of 2010 I got an amazing job at a hosptial in my area and it just truly confirmed to me that this was my calling for life! So now Iam trying to get help in the finicial area to recieve my dream!

Sonorah

Connection. This word has many different meanings however It has a special meaning to me. We strive to feel connected with the people around us. During a college class you learn about things you may not know you are interested in. When you are studying a subject you really enjoy, you immediatly are connected with the teacher and are focused on what you are learning. With other subjects that you may not be familiar with, you are forced to dive into it and become connected with its content in order to be successful in the class. College teaches students how to work hard at something in order to gain respect from their teachers and classmates. We receive great knowledge by connecting ourselves with scholars and learn to appreciate each other. This last year in college for me has taught me how to manage my time, work above expectations, and focuse on doing the best I can. I have also learned how to communicate and socialize with other students in order to do better in classes and become connected to the school.

Hope

College has given me an opportunity to enhance my education. I have been able to take classes that actually prove useful to my planned future endeavors unlike high school classes which only attempted to give you knowledge. College also puts one in a learning atmosphere all the time. In high school you go home after school and then don't want to think about school until the next morning, in college you live at school. It doesn't go away, and this allows you to be focused on getting a well rounded educational experience.

Allison

My time in college gave me amazing friendships, enriching extracurricular and volunteering experiences, and the best four months of my life - study abroad in Italy. I had classes that pushed me to the edge of how I understand and live in the world, and really helped me grow a lot personally. I emerged with a deeper and much more nuanced understanding of the world and my place in it. Since I was in the liberal arts area, I did not graduate with a definitive skill set or career path, and it was definitely a challenge to find one. But it was honestly still valuable to me because I am educated on a ton of different subjects and issues and have been taught how to think critically and creatively. Even though those are general things, they have proven to be genuinely helpful. I'll always have Elon to thank for helping me become who I am.

lauren

I think that the most valuable thing that Elon has given me is a real awareness of the social, economic, and enviromental issues that are a huge part of the global conversation nowdays. Elon has really made me realize the absolute interconnectedness of every person, and shown me ways to channel my desire to help people into real world solutions. There's a real emphasis on serving, and having a social conscience. There are people in need everywhere, and it is my responsibility, and desire, to use my privileged position as a middle-class American to help improve the lives of those who don't have the same advantages. I have always wanted to help people, even as a child, but Elon has helped me plan a concrete way to have an effect. I am now a certified nurses' aide, and I want to study to become a physician assistant, so I can help cure the physical ills of people.

lauren

At college, I have learnt how to live peacefully and interact with a huge variety of different people with different backgrounds and ways of thinking. You really learn how to adapt, and how to take a less-than-ideal situation and make something better out of it, like the proverbial lemons and lemonade. You might not get along with your rooommate, or not get into the classes you want, but you learn to accept the things you cannot change and focus on the enjoyable, positive aspects. You learn that your wishes and desires are in fact not the main concern of the universe, and your attitude is sometimes the only thing you truely have control over. That, and your willingness to work hard, even for no percievable reward.

Tayler

Elon University has been an incredible experience thus far. Being a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre student, I have had the opportunity to be coached by a New York Casting Director, attend numerous Master Classes by various Broadway composers, artists, and casting directors, and have practiced what I have learned in classes in several Main Stage productions. My knowledge of theatre, music, and dance has expanded immeasurably in addition to the intellect that the classes outside of my major have also provided. I feel that I am becoming, not only an excellent performer, but also a well rounded individual and citizen. The professors are extremely knowledgable in their subjects and convey information in an engaging and interesting fashion. I have learned how to live outside my parent's house, get along with roommates, and form friendships that will last me a lifetime. I would not change my experience thus far for anything.

nicole

In my first year of college I gained expierences that are unparalleled to anything else I have ever expierenced. I learned how to cook my own meals and mange my own money. I also learned how to have personal relationships with adults who are not my parents. I learned how to communicate with adults, and verbalize what I want and need to get out of my education. This has made it very valuable to attend colllege, because it taught me how to grow up.

Jacquelyn

I've learned that I absolutely want to go into the field of journalism through our student newscast and internships. Phoenix14News has proven to be so valuable to me and my education. It's made me realize how much I love Elon and that deciding to go to Elon was the best choice I could have made.

Lindsay

Hands on experience with professors who will help you if you seek them out. I have gone on a free trip to L.A. which has helped guide my career decisions so much. Each class teaches so much and you have all the tools you need.

Whitley

As a current freshmen, I would have made a few adjustments in my senior year that would have been benefical to my first year of college. In my opinion, I would have organized my old class materials and brought them with me to college. i believe that old notes and tests would have been good references for the courses that I took first semester. Although, these courses were review it still would have been helpful to have these materials to look through for the more challenging chapters. I also believe that I should have taken more of a variety of classes during my senior year. For instance, writing was my forte so I tended to take up more writing classes than I did science, mainly because I fulfilled the science requirements. These extra science classes would have been a good review of the basic concepts of science that I used for my Biology and Biology Lab courses during my first semester of college. In essence, knowing what I know now, I encourage high school students to save the old high school material so that they have them to use throughout their college years.

Millie

"Millie. Don't worry too much about any of this college application stuff, it's not worth it. You have it in you to get into a good school as long as you work hard, so there's no reason to stress out over it. Now, once you get to college, remember not to forget who you are. It's easy to get caught up in the fun side of life there, but your education is the reason you matriculated. Never forget that. "Furthermore, contrary to what the media would have you believe, you don't change overnight in college. Yes, you will change drastically because you will finally have the opportunity to be exactly who you are, but it takes all four years for that to happen. It's an ongoing process and you will never be perfect. "Finally, the most important thing: be completely open to the people around you. There are many more people on this campus than in high school, and they all come from different places than you. So pay attention and learn from everyone; in fact, do that your whole life. "PS--the library can be fun if you've got a study buddy."

Ashley

If I could go back to my senior year of high school, I would give my words a few words of advice that would hopefully help me transition into college life in a smoother manner. One of my first seeds of knowledge that I would tell myself would be to have more fun. I've learned from my freshman year that life only goes by once, and if you take it too seriously you'll miss important moments. As a freshman, I became so enthralled in my schoolwork, that I often forgot to take a breather and experience everything that Elon had to offer. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to cherish the time I have with my familly. As I've learned over the past couple of years, everyday isn't guaranteed to us, but as long as we live each life to the fullest, we'll have memories to last a lifetime.

Jasmine

I would make myself learn better ways to study. I would invest more time in learning different techniques for learning and learn new ways to study efficently. I would also tell myself about the importance of being able to balance a social life and maintaing the grades that I want.

Alison

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be in such a hurry to get out of my hometown . Making the transition to school turned out to be harder than I thought it would. While I really wanted to go some where different from where I grew up, and the change has been enlightening, it was very difficult. I find that no matter how many things I am involved with at school I still love to go home. Home is a good thing, a very good thing. It took leaving for me to learn that, I appreciate home much more now than I ever did before. No matter the adventures that college may bring, Dorothy was right, there's no place like home.

Gabrielle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, there would not be much that I would say. Of course one main thing I would tell myself is to study hard. Even though I maintained my grades to a good standard, people can always do better and improve their discipline and work ethic. Being involved in many different activities also helped and kept me busy in a positive way. By being in various activities, it enhanced my learning and opened many different views about everything. Through my high school senior experience, I was glad to have much support from my family and friends in order to continue and be successful in what I have started. I have gained the wisdom and experienced to help the underclassmen while I was a senior which is beneficial to them in the future. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to work through difficulty, be successful, and not to give up. With all of that in mind, it has given me the strength to be where I am as a freshman at a great college.

Caroline

I would tell myself not to settle and to apply to more schools. I made the mistake of only applying to two schools and going to the one I felt most comfortable with. I ended up transferring at the end of my freshman year to Elon. That was one of the biggest mistakes I've made. I should have picked somewhere out of my comfort zone that would have helped me grow intellectually as well as academically. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to study, study, and study. Academics are the most important thing in college; I mistakenly put too much importance on my athletic career. I have changed my priorities and now focus on academics. This change has helped me realize what I want to do after I graduate. I believe I would have found happiness much faster if I would have had my priorities straight from the beginning of college. I have made it harder on myself by not concentrating on academics. I am correcting my mistakes presently and will continue to work hard in order to succeed.

Jaimie

I would tell myself get ready for the time of your life! I wold say first, be yourself, don't worry about what other people think. You are no longer in highschool, the friends you make in college will either love you for who you are or they won't be your friends. Then I would tell myself: be DiSCIPLINED...it is better to sacrifice a little bit of fun for some hard work, remember your friends will always be there, but the deadline won't. Remember, people are ALWAYS watching you, let your words match your actions and if you do/say something, mean it, and don't apologize for who you are. Tell the truth, always...no matter who it might hurt; they will love you for it later. Remember all the times when you were little and built forts and play fought with your siblings...oh yeah...it totally happens in college. I would finally tell myself, remember why you came to college...to learn...and to make a difference. No matter what is going on in your life, never lose sight of your dreams!

Kara

I'd tell myself to always ask question, even when you don't think it'll do any good because a lot of oppurtunities what have possibly come up for me had I asked more questions as a senior or even before that, and even now.

Tara

If I could go back in time and advise myself as a high school senior, I would make sure to tell myself that taking initiative instead of depending on others to motivate me is key. I would tell myself to take notes on all information that I think is relevant, rather than relying on my teacher to tell me what to write down. Also, I would make sure that I studied and learned all the material given in class each day, rather than waiting for the exam. Pacing oneself in college is extremely important. I would tell myself to start practicing now by working on a paper from the day it is assigned, rather than waiting until the last minute. In high school, it is much easier to get away with procrastinating but in college, it is very important to do work in a timely manner so that the final product is not sloppy or rushed. Because we get to select our courses in college, there is no excuse for not putting full effort into each course. College may seem like scary and difficult concept to my highschool self, but the key to surviving is time management and self-motivation.

Carly

Dear High School Self, As I have recently finished my first semester at Elon University I believe I am quite capable of offering my advice to you. My greatest advice to you would be to have fun finding out who you truly are. You should take the time to find hobbies, extracurricular activities, and friends that please you. If you do this you will find yourself very happy in your years in college, because by finding out the root of your being in college you challenge your boundaries and grow as a person, which is really what college is about. Some people go to find themselves, but you, my dear self, will go to college with your wits about you and will experience the world in the best kind of way. In conclusion have fun finding your way, because your way is the best way for you to live.

Rachel

I would have applied to a wider variety of schools while still keeping the number of schools I applied to at a reasonable number. When I applied to college, I originally applied to one "reach" school and one "back up". That was all. I wish my counselor has encouraged me to apply to a variety of schools. She mainly encouraged me to apply to state schools, something I told her over and over again that I did not want to do. I also realize now that recommendations really help the application process. I would have talked to more afluent adults that I know.

Britton

If I could go back and talk to myself a year ago-I would have told myself that its important to keep organized, and to keep on top of the work. Don't get stressed out about the little things-it can only make things worse. I would tell myself to be careful with people-dont alientate them-I will need friends when your down, and they might not always be there. It's not always the right thing to go out every time your friends do, stay in and relax every now and then. Keep in touch with the family-they will miss you more then you think. Relax and have fun, accept help when its offered dont be subboren about admitting you need help.

Christina

The most important advice I would give to myself as a high school senior is to own the college search and application process. What I mean by that is: don't let your mom or dad do the searching and work for you! Everytime I visited schools it was my mom and dad asking the questions, not me. I really wish I could have involved myself more in the process and investigated colleges myself. Of course, I appreciate their help, but I was the one who was going to live and work at this place for 4 years! So, my advice, take initiative, and be a part of this process. In the end, you'll be happy you did.

Melissa

If I could go back in time and tell myself about college I would tell myself that I need to keep going. That I should take advantage of all the opportunities that I could find and to go straight into a Master's program. That I would enjoy college very much but to make sure that I focused on myself and school work so that I didn't limit myself in what I did. I would tell myself that I would enjoy college very much and that it would be one of the best things that I ever did.

Brian

I would say to myself not to worry so much. In high school, I was so nervous to go to college mostly because I had such a great high school experience. The Orientation Leaders did such a great job of making the trastion into college so much easier and enjoyable for me and because of them I am now an Orientation Leader myself! So don't sweat it, everything will work out the way it should.

Elizabeth

If I could give my high school self advice about the college transition, I would say that I was in for the ride of my life. I would not be able to imagine the opportunities that I would be presented with, the people I would meet, and the knowledge I would acquire. I would tell myself to take advantage of anything and everything that will better me as a person, make me worldlier and prepare me for my future. I would advise myself not to fear new things, but to jump into them and soak up every ounce of experience and enjoyment I could possibly get from them. I would say not to doubt myself when I felt challenged, but to use it as an opportunity to learn more than I ever could have imagined, and to be thankful that I have the privilege of attending a school that cares enough to challenge their students not only academically, but challenges them to be better citizens and ultimately better people. Overall, I would say that I should follow my heart, do what I love, love every moment I am given, and in return, I will have the world at my feet.

Victoria

Hey there. You know how you've become completely set on being an English major, and don't think anything else in the world will ever interest you the way English does? Don't hold too firmly to that belief. There are so many things to explore in college that you've never been exposed to before, so many different majors/minors, interest groups, and other organizations. Take those blinders off your face -- don't even think about going through your whole college career with those things. There's a lot to see here, and you won't want to miss it all just because you won't let yourself see it. That tunnel vision you've established may get you to your pre-set goal (graduation as an English major, namely), but it will block out things that may enrich your college experience. Really pay attention in those general requirement classes you'll have to take. You may think they're throw-away classes at first, just some classes you have to take whether you want to or not, but there is valuable information and experience to be gained from them. Please don't let that fact escape you.

Amanda

I would definitely recommend visiting as many colleges as possible: large ones, small ones, ones located in large cities, ones located in the country, etc. Getting a feel for what kind of environment you find comfortable is extremely important. College is an extremely important time in one's life, so researching schools and scheduling campus visits are vital. In order to make the most of your college experience, make sure you work hard and concentrate on your academics, but don't forget to go out, have fun, and get involved in campus activities and volunteer efforts within the community. College is an amazing opportunity to experience many new things like studying abroad, participating in internship opportunites, and much more. College offers many resources to experience these things that you should definitely take advantage of, because you might never get such a great chance!!

brandon

I would tell the parents and the students to continuously consider where the student would be most happy living, allowing them to fully grow intellectually and personally.

Clinton

I would say most specifically to the students is that while searching they should suspend judgement until they have seen everything a school has to offer. The college I choose was one I had written out because I did not think that it matched me; however, once i got there I began to warm up to it. Also, partake in events like Fellowship and Scholarship application weekends where you can get the best feel for the social environment at a school. It's not enough just to take a campus tour at a school. Ask a student to give you a behind the scenes tour. Go the extra mile to really get a feel for the college.

Jordan

When first considering schools, the best thing to do is to actually visit the campuses. Visiting the schools is the only way to know for sure where you will feel at home for the duration of your college education. Once you've picked a school, it is important to branch out. Whether you stayed in-state or went across the country, making new friends is the best part of the college experience. By making new friends, I discovered clubs and organizations on campus that I eventually joined and made even more new friends. Finding and attending the right college feels like finding a second home. The people I've met and the experiences I've have through clubs, classes, and volunteering have made my time in school the best times I've ever had.

Meghan

to the students, i owuld say that they should get out there and meet as many new people as possible in the beginning, your closest friends will stick, and to the parents, i would say that you need to understand that this is a big step for the kids, but you have to give them some space to let them make their own mistakes