Fitchburg State University Top Questions

The best piece of advice I could give myself as a high school senior is to make the decisions that will impact the rest of your life solely on what you want, and not what other people would want. We are blessed with the opportunity to live our lives based on what we want to do, and when your hopes and dreams are overshadowed by others, we are simply not living our life to the fullest capacity. I can say this piece of advice would have definitely helped me in my decision for college, and luckily I was able to act early enough and change things to the point where I'm satisfied with where I am currently.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I may have had more respect for my youth. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advice I would give to myself is to LISTEN to me. Listening to someone with more experience and wisdom is certainly not something a seventeen year old takes fondly to, or at least I didn't. I had no inclination this upcoming period in my life was going to be so full of personal and emotional growth. The thrill of new surroundings, new friendships, and new independance was overwhelming. It is a whole new beginning to a you of your choosing. You are tested by all extremes of peer pressure and personal responsibility. The experience for me felt like I went to sleep one night in my childhood bed knowing my parents were down the hall watching over me and guiding me. The next day I woke up to adulthood, responsibility and maturity. The time to discover my identity in this world began in that moment when I bid my parents farewell and thanked them for the ride to school.

If I was given the opportunity to send a letter to myself in high school about my college experience, I would express the importance of focus and determination. As a high school student, I was intrigued by the idea of collegiate studies and campus life. Though I have always been a driven student, I may have placed focus on certain aspects of my educational career that were not as important as others. I allocated most of my time to studying for specific assignments, rather than reading or studying just because. As I entered English courses in college, I realized that my vocabulary was extremely limited. I had trouble understanding things that I needed to learn because I did not know the context in which most subjects were written. I would tell myself to be sure to read for pleasure, to read articles from prestigious magazines, and to learn vocabulary as it is used in context to subject matter. I learned that expanding one's vocabulary is best accomplished by reading and paying attention to how words are used. I would tell myself to read in my spare time to increase my vocabulary, which would benefit me in my collegiate courses.

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would have advised myself to wait a semester after high school to go to college. I wasn't financially or mentally ready. I was going through a lot in my life and still am. Even though I would have waited, I'm glad I went to college right after high school. College changed me and made me want to do better things for myself. I'm determined to achieve and succeed my goals in life of becoming a child psychiatrist. I love kids and want to help them. I've gone through so much struggles getting to where I am now. College taught me that life isn't easy and I have to be mentally and physically strong. Freshman year was hard for me to transition because I always missed home, family, and friends. Now I work out a schedule to go home once in a while to spend time with the people I love. Also, being at college, I made new friends and we have become a family. No matter what happens I know they will always be there like I am for them. College is a great experience!!

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Fortunately, I was accepted into my first choice for school and major. I even ended up with my own room! I think the reason, however, that I was actually so fortunate was that I was on top of my application process. I started really early, submitted everything before it was due, and paid my housing deposit, and other fees as soon as they came in the mail. I don't know if I would have done this all on my own; I had my parents encouraging me and urging me every step of the way to get certain things done, to stay on track. I didn't always listen. I missed out on several scholarship deadlines that I might have been eligible for. So, even though things went just the way I wanted in the end, they might have been even better if I had listened more. So that's what I would tell my high school senior self if I had the chance: listen to your parents, or other helpful adults, even if it hurts your pride a little to do so.

Know your options. Educate yourself as best you can about each possible school and weigh every aspect of it. Always take the financial part into count and never assume you can make it. Apply for as many scholarships and as much financial aid as you possibly can. Of course, thats not all you should consider, make sure you go somewhere you know you'll be happy. You want to have fun. Find out about clubs and activities offered at your schools and join as much as you can, it's a great way to get out there and meet new people. Overall, it is about your education though. Check out their programs and make sure it is right for you. You want to go somewhere you know you'll exceed and get the best education you possibally can all while having fun while doing it if you can.

I would inform myself that I need to go to a physical therapist to fix my knee problems. I would also tell myself to start working out more, college is more fun when you don't feel crappy about your weight. Also, it's more fun without acne, so talk to the doctor about being on anti-biotics. I would tell myself to go see a doctor, inform myself that I suffer from depression and need to talk to a doctor and my mom about all of my current issues and that talking fixes them so that I am not suffering. Lastly, I would tell myself not to take an honors english class, because that is just a horrible idea and not to procrasinate signing up for classes even though I procrasinate with everything.

The first day of college is a new environment, it is nothing like elementary, junior high, or even high school. You are going to a school where you are known as a grown adult and not a child. Therefore, anything you do is all on you. However, every freshman in college has this one worry, which is how to survive the first week of college. Many advices I like to give to freshman on how to survive the first week of college is to tour the campus, look over all the syllabus your professor provide for you and view over your textbooks, organize your room and school supplies, and make sure you have a routine so your schedule is balanced. These are good tips on surviving the first week of college. Being on your own is scary. Going to a new school, new people, and a new home is overwhelming. Using these tips will help you survive not only the first week of college, but also your schooling throughout college and throughout your life. College is teaching you not only your career you want to pursue, but also the beginning of your life and goals you want.

The only advice I would give myself would be, apply for scholarships. I thought when I graduated that there would be people just handing me money to go, but I was quickly snapped back to reality. The fact is that I need scholarships in order to stay in college. If I knew how important they were I would have told myself to apply to them.

I've enjoyed my college experience for the most part except for The financial side of things. I Have a passion for learning and it seems that most colleges in todays world only care about the money rather then the student. I really enjoy the passion that the teachers bring to class everday which infact motivates me to do my best. I've met alot of great people at school and being at school gives me the confidence that I could become the next steven speilburg. It gives me the confidence that I can accomplish anything in my life if I just work hard and get involved.

I spend my time working a part time job, maintaining a high GPA, and spending most of my free time in SGA (Student Government Association). College has already taught me so much but I feel that the most valuable thing college taught me was what it truly means to be a leader. As president of the freshmen class I have learned that leadership is much more than planning social events and keeping your team tight nit. It’s about being reliable, approachable, and a good listener. You have to do a lot to make sure everything turns out okay in the end. People look up to you; they respect you as an individual. Now that I truly understand what it means to be a leader it will truly help me in the future.

i have not attended the school yet. but i am hoping for it to bring me to my dream

So far, I have matured a lot during college. I have learned what it is like to live on your own and how to be responsible with money and spending in order to make sure I am able to pay my tuition. Even though I am the same age as I was when I entered college last fall, I feel as though I have grown a couple years. People in college act like adults and it has taught me how to act professional. Each of my professors have taught me valuable lessons about being responsible. Sometimes I had to learn my lessons the hard way when I did not complete an assignment. In highschool, you could sneak through your class without doing some assignments. In college, everything you do matters and your grade is penalized for not meeting the requirements. I have been given a healthy dose of the real world and I feel that once I graduate in three years, I will be fully ready to face the challenges of life.

I have previously attended a community college. I obtained a certificate in Practical Nursing and an A.S. in General Studies. After going to that school and now coming to Fitchburg State, it's like a completely different world. But in a good way. I know that FSC will be able to give me the educational opportunities that a community college couldn't give me. I would say the best thing I've gotten out of my college experience is that there is no such thing as "too much knowledge". Being able to learn new things throughout the years is a great feeling. I value what my past professors have taught me and I am excited to see what I will learn in the future. I cannot wait to see what I'll be able to achieve with what I'll have been taught at Fitchburg State College.

I have gotten much out of attending college, mostly the knowledge I will need to be a success in my feild of nursing. I have also recieved the confindence I will need to obtain a job. The positive reinforcement from my professers and other faculty memebers at the school has been imeasureable. The value I have received from attending is enourmous, from discovering new ideas and methods to finding and meeting new people. Making new friends and meeting people in my field who have gone before me hs helped me to know what I will need to do to acheive my goals. What to expect from others and what they will expect form me. The college experience for me was like no other, I have learned so much.

I have gotten both academic and life experience from my college. I have learned to open up and be more social and more sure of myself and what I am capable of. It has been so valuable because I am more confident in everything I do both, academically and at my job. They gave me a belief in myself and that to me is something invaluable that I will have for life.

Through my college experience, I have learned a lot about myself and about my career goals. I now know exactly what I want to do with my life, and I am beginning to develop the tools I will need to get me there. It has been very valuable to have the opportunity to practice using these tools in a comfortable setting with professors who not only understand but encourage mistakes as a learning tool. Their supportive attitude is what has kept me engaged in college, as opposed to in high school, where the only goal seemed to be to get us out of there. College has helped me look at education in a whole new light, not as something that is required or excpected of me, but as something that can be both beneficial and enjoyable. Before college, I never would have gone out of my way to learn things outside of what was required of me. Now I find myself heading to the library after classes to read more about what was just discussed in class. College has instilled in me a drive and a passion to gain new knowledge about the things I am interested in.

My college experience has helped me grow as an adult and Fitchburg State has made me value my education. College makes you work very hard towards your goals, so when you accomplish them there is no better feeling. Everyone feels like they are supposed to go to college and I am glad I made this decision because it enables me to look forward to my future. College helps us make strong connections that will help our future with jobs and internships. It also helps us socially and we meet people who will have great impacts on our lives. Some of us will meet life long friends and develop strong relationships. Going to college is beneficial to anyone who really wants to better themselves and their life. It forces you to become goal-oriented, organized and a hard-worker which are all qualities we will need to succeed in life. Fitchburg State especially makes the transition from high school to college very easy and everyone is helpful and has your best interests in mind. Overall, going to college has made me look forward to my future and what is holds.

My college experience has been amazing so far. After taking a few classes I have gained insight into what it is I am passionate about and what degree I would like to pursue. My passions are politics, traveling. I believe that there are many important non profit organizations doing amazing work, not only in this country but around the world. My goal is to go to graduate school and get my MBA and then work with a non profit organization to make positive change in the world. One organization I would love to work with is the International Rescue Committee. My education is valuable because it's giving me the skills and tools I need to work at the organizational level of this type of program. I am learning new theories and practices that will allow me to be innovative and a leader in my field for years to come. I would love to start my own non profit organization that helps children and focuses on their needs, such as education, food, shelter, clothing and support.

I have learned more about myself and who I want to become. I have opened the doors to a world of possibilities and for the first time am excited about pursuing my education through to a Ph.D. Going back to school to attain my Bachelors degree has been hard, but it's well worth it because it will enable me to progress in my chosen field and fulfill my dreams.

I'm just a freshman, so I haven't gotten a chance to fully experience college life yet. Choosing Fitchburg State, I had that "I belong here feeling". so when I go and experience college life, I know i will deeply and thoroughly enjoy it, which is good. I won't have that " I don't want to be here feeling" or the "I don't like this place feeling". It's a place that I will look back and I'll be happy and say going to Fitchburg state was the best choice I made, and I'm glad i chose to go to Fitchburg State, be cause I know I wouldn't be happier going any place different. I wouldn't have it anyother way. Like they say about the church, "it isn't about the building it's about the people" and I agree 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, if it wasn't for the people and the warm welcoming atmosphere, I wouldn't be going to Fitchburg State. They can build a breathtakingly beautiful buidling, but it won't help me be a better person nor teach me to live life as a better person.

The greatest advice I could give myself as a highschool senior would be to transfer schools and work harder. I had attended the same private school for my entire life. From kindergarten up to 12th grade I went to the school. As I reached highschool I soon noticed the level of education at the school was not up to the level I would have prefered. When I was a senior I did not care about school because it was so easy. I did not have to try and would get an A. This was noncondusive to my study habits and I have slipped into a state of full time senioritis. As I am in college now I have a harder time studying, so If i could go back I would force my parents to allow me the chance of altenate education. Which would have improved many things in my college education.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell my high school self to take more advanced placement classes. That way I would already have some credits for college, and I could take more classes pertaining to my major during my first year. Not to mention I could save money if I ended up graduating early. Another thing I would tell myself would be to participate in a sport or do countless hours of community service. This way I would have pretty much guarenteed myself money for school, considering those seem to be the majority of scholarships students are able to apply for. As far as the transition, I would have told myself that things wouldn't be smooth right off the bat when moving into school and starting a new chapter of life. However I would have assured myself that things would work themselves out, and that college is where you truly find yourself.

Looking back on my college life I think to myself, So far its been a wonderful experience. Its been a tough road, but everything in life takes time, persistance, determination, and hard work. If I could go back in time and give myself one good piece of Advice it would have to be tred lightly over the all of the over grown grass and weeds. In other words never jump into any situation, walk first. Take your time looking at things so that you have a better idea of what to make of it and what action to take. Study hard and give it your all because college is like the real world excuses count for nothing and you'll only have yourself to blame if you fail.

Throughout life, I will face untold pressures, most of which will stem from how critical I am of myself. I'm learning to limit outside influence on my personal decisions and to focus on what I truly want, but in the case of college, I don't think my skills were as effective. I was never terribly excited to attend Fitchburg State College and though I'm in the process of transferring, my decision to attend this college in the first place weighs heavily on me. Had I known how unhappy I was going to be by forcing myself onto a path beaten by others, not me, I would have taken more time to find a school that truly fit my personality and goals. The pressure to attend college in the same timeframe and structure as my peers was one pressure that I need not have exerted on myself. I would have implored my younger self to slow down and take time making this crucial decision, rather than jumping in halfheartedly simply because I felt the need to follow the herd. Everyone marches to the beat of a different drummer, and one year ago, I wish I'd heard mine.

Develop as many good study habits as you can and keep your grades up. The better grades you have in highschool the better your oppurtunities will be for college. College isn't all about the sports, getting a good education and focusing is important because it shapes the outcome of the rest of your life as an adult. And try and figure out what you would enjoy doing as a profesion, it's hard to try and decide that while you're attending your college don't worry about how much money you're going to make either do something you will enjoy and look forward to doing because thats what you'll be doing for most of the rest of your life.

When going back and talking to myself, I would tell myself not to be afraid to go to school and take the first step in your adventure into the world. You are going to meet people and have experiences with these people that you will remember for the rest of your life. It will be very easy to make friends to share experiences because everyone will be there for the same reason. The knowledge you gain from these experiences are just as important as the educational purpose. Whether you are involved in sports, intramurals, student government, dance, or other clubs, you will be able to keep busy and have a good time with people you may talk to for the rest of your life. With both the education and experiences you gain, you will allow yourself to grow and give yourself the ability to become a better, smarter person than when you will first walk into the school. So, don't be afraid of going to school. You are going to have experiences that last a lifetime and stories you will be able to share with all the people you know around you.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would probably tell myself to start saving money then. The problem I continue to face is that I never seem to have money. I feel like if I saved more in high school, that might be different. I would also tell myself to find more extra-curricular activities that I enjoy. Also, I would tell myself not to bring so much stuff to college with me. There is only so much room in the dorms and filling it with uneeded things only makes them smaller. The transition was more or less what I expected so that wasn't really a problem. The only other thing that I would tell myself is to focus less on my social life and more on my school work because that was a problem my first semester.

The only advice i can give about finding the right college is this. Visit every colege you're interested in, see the campus, sit in on a class, meet your potential staff and instructors. When you find the right school it'll just hit you, kind of like falling in love, you just know. Good Luck.

To Students and Parents, Finding the best school for a student is extremely important as it will be the place where you spend the majority of your time over the next two to four years. Make sure to choose schools that are known to have great programs related to your major, but also look at other factors such as size, location, safety, student/faculty ratios, social opportunities, and graduation rates. Also, make sure to tour each school of choice to see whether or not it fits your individuality as a student. Next, keep your priorities in line but also find time for social activities and forming friendships. Lastly, go into your first year of college with a positive attitude and be open to new ideas, experiences, and people. College really can be the best time of your life if you make sure that the school you attend is the best possible choice for you!

When looking for the right college, look for a college with lots of options and a solid liberal arts curriculm. The reason for this is that most students do not end up working in the field they major in. Having a background with various skills required at a Liberal Arts school allows for alot of flexibility. Also, students sometimes find a new calling, something they enjoy more than the origonally intended major. Having lots of options available is key. Keep as many doors open as possible. Look for professors that are excited about the subject matter and use interesting ways to teach it. Those are the most important aspects of selecting a college.

Parents and students should try to find a college that is affordable because being in debt and having a lot loans is stressful. Students should find a college that they feel safe at because they will spend most of their day at the college's campus and being comfortable makes learning easier. Picking the right loaction is very key. Students should also find a college that has something that will interest them and offers a greaty variety of classes in the field that they will be headed in. The reason is because students need an opportunity to gain a lot of information that corresponds to their major to be successful. To get the most out of the college experience students should get involved in a club, sport, or any extra-curricular activity that the college offers. The reason is because it's a great way to expand a person's socail life and to make friends. Another reason is because student will have a chance to bond with upper class students who will most likely give them vital information about the college and help them with problems, like registering for classes.

I make sure you are going to school for something that you love. Going to school for something you are not passionate will not be as rewarding in the long run.

I think that going to visit the college is the best first move. I had my heart set on attending a different university, but once I walked onto the campus I knew it wasn't where I wanted to spend four of the most important years of my life. When I first walked onto the Fitchburg State quad I had the "oompa loompa effect" it reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when they walk into the chocolate room. Everything seemed absolutly perfect to me. I could easily visualize myself sitting underneath a tree on the campus quad in a study group, or laying out on the lawn reading a book. Sometimes what you see on paper and on the internet is not what it seems to be. The atmopshere of an institution makes the biggest difference in your college experiance.

This past fall I transferred from Gordon College to Fitchburg State for financial reasons. In no way do I regret my decision to go to Gordon for my first two years of College, but I am extremely glad that I transferred to Fitchburg State this year. There is no experience like living in a college dorm and if it is possible, but it is really important to make sure the community is conducive for your personal interests and intents in living on campus. Definitely stay overnight on campus and visit at least one class so that you really experience what living there and going to school will be like. You have to be comfortable living there and you have to be able to study since that is why you are there. In terms of academics, I have experienced both private and public education and if anything, my education at a public college is at least as good if not better, so don't let a private education make your decision. Ultimately, you are going for an education to get a job, but you want to enjoy your time spent there. College is an important investment, take advantage of it!

When applying for schools, have a variety of choices for yourself - apply to a school you know you will have no trouble getting into, some that are more competitive, and "reach" schools - even if you think you probably won't get in, apply for it as a challenge to yourself. Be sure to visit all of the schools you apply to, and talk to alumni or current students about the schools if possible. Hearing it first-hand from real students rather than a brochure is always helpful and informative. Look closely at the programs they offer, especially if you already know what you want to major in. If you want to major in English and love the school itself, but their English program is mediocre at best, you probably won't be satisfied with your education. Take into account the extracurricular activities offered - you don't want to get to orientation and find out they don't have the activity you were looking forward to participating in. Once you start at your new school, make a sincere effort to make friends, whether in your dorm or your classes or both. Go to campus events - don't isolate yourself.

All colleges are not the same. Some have large graduate programs and devote much of their time and resources to research. Others enroll only undergraduates and focus their attention on teaching and learning. Some schools have a specialty in one specific area, like engineering or writing, while others are best known for giving their students a broad education. Other differences include whether schools are single sex or coed, if they have a religious affiliation, and whether they are public or private. The options really are almost limitless. Trust your instincts. If a place feels right, that's important. Similarly, if it just feels wrong, no matter who wants you to go there or how good it looks on paper, it probably is. College is a very personal choice, and after considering all the other objective factors, the fact of the matter is that it comes down to you. then use your gut feeling, becasue that is right 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. Could you imagine yourself going to school there? Once you find a few places that you like, you'll be well on your way to finding the college that's right for you.

Be sure to visit a lot of colleges

Go with what you feel is right. Don't look at college by price and location. Go by how you feel about the institution. If you feel that you will get the most out your college experience, then go there.

DON'T LET ANYONE KEEP YOU FROM WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. AN EDUCATION IS WITH YOU FOR EVER, SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT.

When you go to colleges to visit and take a tour, make sure you like the area that college is in, the college atmosphere and feel you get when you walk across campus because if you pick the college, you will be spending the next 4 or so years there. I would adivse that the best way to make friends and figure out who you are as a person is to get involved. Most campuses are filled with clubs and organizations that do so many things. It is also really helpful because upperclassman will be able to give you advise about all aspects of the college so you can learn everything from them before you make the mistakes by yourself. Don't forget to have fun.

I think that what type of place you like to live in is extremely important. Like if you like cities then definitely live in one. I make the mistake of choosing my school based only on the education because I thought that was the only really important thing. I ended up being really miserable as far as my social life goes. I have a lot of friends...but their is just nothing to do around here and I can't stand it.

Have fun.

Visit 3 times and just hang out without a tourguide to form your own oppinion.

Finding the right college for you is the most important part of looking into your future. Make sure to take into consideration the size of the college you don't want to feel overwhelmed when you walk onto a campus. Second take into consideration the location of the campus. Is it somplace that you feel safe?,is it close enough or far away enough from your house that you can get the experience you desire? Third make sure the campus appeals to you. You will be living there four years of your life. you will want to feel comfortable there. The dorms are something to take into consideration. They are where you will spend much of your studying and relaxation time. Make sure it is big enough for you to feel comfortable to live in with another person. Lastly make sure the campus has some type of club or sport that interest you and get involved because college is where you will meet some of your best friends for life and getting involved in things is the best way to make new friends. Have Fun with deciding and look into it more than just the money. Its an important choice

Pick a college based on your own needs and wants, not what college your friends are attending. It is fun to meet new people and go out but know your limits and stay close to your friends. Its important to keep up with your schoolwork, but if you're falling behind , be honest and upfront with your professors and talk to them. More often than not they will be able to help you catch up or give you advice. If you are respectful of yourself and your peers then they will be respectful in return. College isn't as difficult as many high school teachers and guidance councilors said it would be but it is definitely worth the time and effort because you learn a lot and it opens many doors and windows for you.

You should balance your choice between practicality and whicever school truly appeals the most to you.

The most important things for parents and students alike to consider when both chosing a college and making the most of their experiences is to look at the academic and extra curricular programs the school offers. College is not only about making good academic decisions, but also about learning how to interact with others and adapt to the demands of the working world. Communication is imperative to being successful today and classes such as speech and psychology are of great worth even if they do not seem to directly pertain to a student's major. It is also critical that students are on good terms with their professors. Establishing a good relationship with professors will open doors to extra help, opportunities, and assisting in the process of applying for jobs, or further graduate classes.

school is first. do not get los