Evangel University Top Questions

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

Priscilla

While in highschool I didn't know were to go, there were many opportunities offered and very expectations. When I decided how to choose the perfect college/university wasn't easy , but as a believer I knew that God had a place for. It took me several weeks of prayer to choose the right university for . The one were I knew God wanted me in and more than likely a University that would give me a future that I saw myself into. My best advice to parents and students is that no matter what institution they decide to go but what makes the difference is how much are you going to give. Because it can be the best University but if they come with a mentality of non achievers then it will be a loose of time. Always give your best no matter what.

Chad

I would just tell people that to go to a school that reminds them of high school so that the transition from high school to college wont be that big. I know for me when I went from a small high school to a pretty big university was a huge trasition. It was hard to meet new people, get to where you need to be, and to get your homework done just because of the expectations that a university has over a high school where they make sure you get your stuff done.

Rachel

As a student, you may feel overwhelmed about the college decision process, trying to balance your own personal interests with parents' practicality. Weighing all of the options sometimes seems to cause more stress than discovery, especially when comparing tuition costs, location, and academic programs of several excellent schools. Collaborate with your parents to create a list of the top three factors that you are looking for in a college and rank all of the possible choices. Do research, visit campuses, and ask current students what they like and dislike about their experiences! If finances are a limiting factor in the decision process, apply for scholarships and grants, but understand that you may need to compromise with your parents if they are paying for college and only have a certain budget. It is important to remember that no college decision is permanent, so don't worry about making the wrong decision. Look for ways to get involved on your campus through dorm life, clubs, athletics, etc. Even if it may seem uncomfortable at first, be proactive by making friends and participating in events! Lastly, you are in college to get an education, so study and take advantage of learning opportunities!

Rachael

In order to find the right college, you must look around. Visit some the campus of some schools that interest you. See if you can sit in on one of the classes and get a feel for the university. To make the most of your college experience it is important to keep a balance between your school work and your social life.

Sandi

In order to find the right college, students must remain open to multiple possibilities. I would encourage prospective students to know what they desire in an institution of higher learning and then visit the universities in which they are interested. Commonly, students will realize during these visits whether the school fits their needs. By interacting with the current students and professors, prospective students gain insight into the personality of the school and the standards of academic coursework. Additionally, prospective students should research the success of the school?s alumni in their careers and determine if those results are appealing in relation to their own future work. Most college students who use the resources the school offers, take their studies seriously, invest in their health and well-being, and cultivate social relationships will consider their college experience a success. Excellent time-management is a necessary skill in the fast-paced life of a student. By recognizing their own learning styles and forming good study habits, students will use their time in school more efficiently than those who fail to do so. Ultimately, to make the most of their experience, college students should prepare for the future but live in the present.

Katherine

Pick one or two main things to invest your time in outside of class and invest greatly into those

Rachel

When choosing a college, make sure you feel comfortable with the decision. If you feel any anxiety about that decision, it is probably not the right school for you. Further, look at all the aspects of the school. If there are rules to be followed, make sure you agree with them. Be sure that you like the environment of the campus and the classes. A great way to get a feel for the campus and classes is to talk to current students and to sit-in on the classes. Also, ask people in your major how they like the classes and if the classes are pertinent to their career. Lastly, make sure you like the people in general because if you don't like the people than your college experience will not be as enjoyable.

Victoria

Do not decide on a college that your friends want to go to. Decide on your own because there is the right college out there for everyone

Jesse

The most important thing in finding a college is to interview people who actually attend that college currently to find out what the climate of the student population is. The most important thing about making the most of the college experience is to remember to keep your priorities in line. It's easy to allow school, work, dating, and friendships to all become the "one thing" in your life, but if you keep them all in balance, you will have an amazing time in college.

Victoria

A piece of advice I would give future college students would be to look not only at the prospective college's academic programs but also at their values. In my opinion, it is easier to work hard and be fully dedicated when you are working for something you believe in, rather than just trying to pass a class. My professors challenge me in every project and assignment I complete to see if what I am doing is benefitting others. We have many debates and discussions in our classes about how that particular subject can help others. It helps encourage me to work harder and achieve my best and then use my ideas out in the community.

Heather

I highly reccomend a liberal arts education because it gives you a wide wariety of educational and practical life experiences while you grow into mature adulthood. So often, high school juniors and seniors enter a specific field of study thinking they know what they want, but as you grow and change during these formative years, you learn more about the world and more about yourself and your attitudes toward certain things change. I entered college thinking I knew exactly what I wanted, but I ended up changing my major twice (my previous majors later became my minors). As a college senior, my advice to students anticipating college is to first, take time to learn more about yourself and what you like to do and what you are good at. Take advantage of your Guidance Counselor by taking career and personality tests to discover your strengths. When you enroll in college courses, even if you think you know exactly what field you want to study, take some random classes that interest you and get involved in various extra-cirricular activities that provide you with opportunities to network with like minds. Trust me - you'll need the support!

Rebecca

If college is all about learning to prepare you for your future than find a good college which is more focused on the education each students recieves than the play and fun that the campus provides. Having fun is not something that should ever be over looked but should set within bounderies. A school can claim to provide a good education to the students but until the teachers are devoted to the school and the students and care about each students success the teaching may take place but the students level of caring will decrease their ability to ever become a good student.

Andrea

When choosing a college, don't put all of your focus in one area, i.e., academics or scholarship opportunities. College is more than an education; it's an experience. In the same way, don't forget that you are indeed paying for an education and you must apply yourself to make those expenses pay off. Look for a school that has decent resources in your field of interest - they don't have to be the best of the best but you should definitely visit the campus and see for yourself what's available. If you aren't sure what you want to study, look for a school that has multiple opportunities to get involved. Being involved with activities going on at your school will reveal what your true interests are, as well as introduce you to people who appreciate the same things you do. Whether it's musical ensembles or intramural sports, choosing to be involved will give you lifelong friends that may end up in your workplace - or wedding party! Finally, make it your goal to score an internship or study abroad before you graduate - both are invaluable opportunities that you will greatly appreciate and absolutely not regret.

Jade

When you visit the campus for the first time, I believe that you will know if it's a right fit for you.

Chad

I would say go into this with your whole heart and be willing to put your best efforts forward and word as hard as you can and it wont be hard for you to do well here at all !

Danny

Students should focus on what they want to get out of their college life. Every student comes to college with a goal in mind of getting a degree, but what are they going to do in their "me" time that keeps them going. Students and parents should look at the other aspects of the colleges after they have narrowed down their choices acedemically.

Brianna

When it comes to finding the right college, it takes time. Most students don't automatically know where they would like to spend their next four years. Researching a wide variety is always a good idea. Also, students (and their parents) should make a list of things they are looking for in a college. Some of the big issues that should be considered include size, location, and cost. Size will make a huge difference when it comes to classes, sports, and activities. A school with a large student body will have greater diversity and a wider variety of activities. However, a smaller school will allow for more interactive classes. Location is important, not only because it dictates how often a student can visit home, but also for the jobs and entertainment it provides. A student raised in a big city probably wouldn't be satisfied in a smalltown college. And finally, cost is an issue nearly every student and parent must address. What financial aid is offered? This can often be the deciding factor and shouldn't be overlooked. Overall, a student should pick the school where they feel they will be most comfortable and most successful.

Kayla

Make a list of what you want in a college. When you start visiting campuses, compare what you like and don't like. When you're attending school, get involved in campus activities that adhere to your passions and what you want to do in life. Meet lots of new people and invest into friendships that you want to last a lifetime. Set your standards before going to college, regardless of your religious belief system. This will be a line to follow when circumstances arise that may go against who you want to be. Regardless of who you are, you are an influence to someone around you. College is the best time of your life, live it out !!

Clover

Advice I would give to parents or students is to find a school that you are comfortable going to. Make sure the campus has a good feel and a good environment while at the same time maintaining strong morals and convictions. Another thing is to make sure that the college has high academic standards, you are paying a lot of money for your education, so make sure you get a good one. Lastly, I would say to get involved. Get invovled with sports, dramatics, social activites, government, whatever your passion is, just get involved.

Kara

Determine what it is you want your college career to be like. Ask yourself who you want to become. Then surround yourself with the people who will help make you better and hold you accountable. Find the school that can help you reach set goals and start to make good habits once you are there. Do you love the city or the country? Are you interested in cultural activities or sports? Think about where you cant get the things that you want. Once you find the college in a location you enjoy and that offers the things you want, dont be afraid to get involved! Dont be afraid to leave home and try something on your own. Challenge yourself!

Elizabeth

Have an open mind about college. Look for activites that you enjoy. Ask professors questions and see if they respect their students and also if the students respect their professors. Make friends, don't keep yourself alone.

Joshua

Keep in mind the cost. Sometimes its best to got to a community college for a couple years before heading to a private college you really want to go to.