Freed-Hardeman University Top Questions

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

haley

I would tell myself just to enjoy growing up more. I was so ready to begin the next step in my life that I think I may have missed some of the "high school experience". College is great, but it goes by way to fast. I would tell myself to just stop and smell the roses every once in a while.

Kayla

Don't be afraid to ask for help and do your best in everything. Make sure to make new friends and get involved in activities these are going to be great years. You will have ups and downs but always keep the Lord close to you and you will do great.

Jessica

I would stress the importance of organization. I have learned a lot about staying on task and being organized. I would also tell myself that my grades matter. If I had it to do over again, I'd skip the three hour phone calls and crack the books a little harder. All in all, high school went pretty well be there is always room for improvement.

Brittany

Study, study, study. The teachers in highschool do not prepare you for college at all. You MUST know how to study. and get as much sleep as possible, you won't be getting much at all for the next 4 years.

Kierra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry so much about leaving home and leaving my home congregation, but instead, focus on the good things that will come with college life. Leaving home is sad, but you are starting a new chapter in your life, and exciting introduction to independence. Take the ACT and SAT as many times as possible, and study for them to try and get your score as high as possible. Enjoy senior year, and get excited for college!

Elizabeth

I would tell my hign school self so many things about college life. First, I would say "don't sweat the small stuff". Nothing is worse than overreacting when things don't go as you plan. Most of what happens to you in life will be different from what you expected. Second, I would tell myself "be yourself". I would make sure I knew that I had so many things to offer others by being nothing more or less than what I am. Thirdly, people disappoint you and you disappoint others. Sometimes this can't even be helped, but as long as you know this ahead of time, you will save yourself a lot of long nights worrying. Lastly, I would tell myself that college is a place where you meet some of the best people you'll ever know and they will become your lifelong friends.

Brittany

My social skills have greatly improved. In college, everyone is an adult so you are forced to grow up quickly. I've also learned valuable study skills that I'll be able to use throughout my college experience. I've learned that procrastination is NEVER the answer and that Taco Bell's fourth-meal isn't a joke, it actually exists and it's miraculous. College has made me a better person. I'm more patient, more understanding, and more accomidating to others. It's changed me from a rebellious teenager to a well-rounded and responsible adult. I've also grown more spiritually. I finally know the genuine definition of unconditional love, and that, is worth all of the time and effort I've put into my education.

Brittney

I began my college experience at Freed Hardeman University as a collegiate basketball player. That was a life long dream. I chose communications as my career as I was considering law and felt communication was essential part of being an effective lawyer. I didn't have good sports experience as I had numerous surgeries on the same knee and eventually was told - it would be too much for my knee to continue. Basketball is a true passion of mine so I struggled with this news ; I had always thought I would be playing for my entire college life. I made mistakes after this news but I know my experience there was invaluable as it taught me about true accountability and perserverence to get up and do what is needed despite a dream being destroyed. It also taught me to lean more on God to get me through and try to learn what I needed from this. I have since changed schools and majors. I have changed to Education / English and I am pursuing a teaching / coaching career. Looking back, this experience has allowed me to experience life on my own and make realize what my passions are.

grace

I have learned so much already about my future profession and am thrilled for the future. I have met so many people that have changed my life for the better. Living on my own has been an experience that will help me in many ways. I look forward to leaning even more about life and how to live it in a positive way in my next two years of college. College is very expensive, but I think that what I have learned both formally and informally at Freed-Hardeman is invaluable. Living well spiritually is very important at this school and I am learning to be successful at that as well as in my chosen field.

Adrian

Were I able to travel back in time, I would first tell my high school self to begin immediately researching schools in the area. Travelling far away for college may seem exciting, I would continue, but in the end, homesickness and a lack of a feeling of belonging will eventually lead you to think otherwise. Before you even contemplate attending college, wherever you may decide that to be, you should first look into scholarships and financial aid. Paying for college has been an immense struggle, and with your GPA, you aren't eligible for many school awards or grants. But above all else, I would conclude, make absolute certain that wherever you attend, it's somewhere friends can be easily made. Whether far from home or within walking distance, gaining friends in college is vital, not only for companionship and social opportunities, but for business opportunities later in life. So begin now laying the foundations for your transition to college. You will need the ground work in place before you try to build your education.

Amber

College flies by faster than high school. It?s a wonder I?ve made it so far in these last few years. My advice would be: Enjoy the years to come. Everything you?re about to experience is new and exciting. There?s nothing to be afraid of. Get involved in activities, be outgoing but never lose your true self. You know what?s right and keep your eyes focused on God. He will take care of you through the easy and the difficult times. Also, go ahead and declare your major as English. You?ll waste a lot of time trying to decide if you don?t, and in the end, you know that?s what you want to do. Ohio Valley University is a great school and you will make many lasting friends, but don?t be afraid to branch out and transfer schools. Freed-Hardeman University will bring you a lot of joy and you will be glad you made the change. In everything you do, trust your instincts and don?t let regret cloud your memories. You will make something of yourself. You have a lot to look forward to.

Shelby

First of all, I would tell my past self to pack more socks. Laundry is not so fun when you've got four exams to study for and and a class to get to in half an hour. More socks equals less laundry. My second piece of advice would be to get to know everyone, and I mean everyone. Once you get to college, it's a whole new world. You don't have your parents, your old teachers, your friends from high school, you're on your own. Which means you need to branch out. Don't just look for people who were like your group of friends back home. In fact, look for people who aren't exactly who you would peg to be your friends in high school. Figure out where they're from, what their major is, what their favorite color is. You might find someone who can help you study for Calculus or likes the same kinds of movies as you. The people you meet when you get to college are going to be your family away from home, and they'll help you grow into the person you're going to be.

Benjamin

If I could talk to myself when I was a highschool senior there would be a lot for me to say. I would tell myself not to worry so much on the fun things those will happen no matter what you do and you'll have time for them. You'll meet the best set of friends you've ever had and find the most wonderful girl in the world. Worry about the important stuff. The whole reason you are going to college is to get a degree and find a good job at the end of four years. I know you haven't done a lot in the past and you'll realize this when you start looking for scholarships, but trust me it will help you a great deal to study hard this semester and receive great grades. No matter how much you hate it write every essay in english class, put your best effort into every speech you're assigned and remember your quizzes due every friday at five. Bowling won't be the only class you'll enjoy this year. Just remember grades first, relationships second, fun third,

Jonathan

I would advise myself to become more structured. Become more organized. I would remind myself that I need a to-do list and that I need to make a schedule of when class time is, when I need to study and do homework, and then add free time. I would warn myself of the many distractions that are at college, away from home. Besides those few things, I would not give anymore advice. There are some things that one needs to learn on their own. People need to learn from their own mistakes. Isn't that what life is about? Taking your mistakes, your weaknesses and making them into strengths. Life is full of oppertunities, full of excietment, full of lessons. Why take that away from myself?

Emily

Dear Emily, College life is great; you will love it! All those things you're expecting, it's true. However, there is some advice you could use. First, talk to your future roommate more. Get to know her better. You might want to consider finding a new roommate. Secondly, though you will love college, you need to realize that it is a big adjustment. Living somewhere new with not many people you know takes some adjusting. You'll be fine, you will adjust great! Just don't let it get you down. Next, be confident in yourself. You have so many opportunities ahead of you and so many great potential friendships. Don't let your insecurities get in the way. Not everyone you meet will be your best friend, but keep meeting people, your best friends are out there. Also, stop trying to be friends with the ex-boyfriend. It's only going to frustrate you. Lastly, listen to dad when it comes to applying for scholarships and getting a job. You won't want to constantly worry about paying for college later, so do it now. And remember, with God first everything else will fall in place. Love, Emily

Ramona

The first thing that I would tell myself is, "Ramona, don't wait to go to college. Get into it right after high school." And once you get there, be like a sponge. Soak up every bit of knowledge that you can. It may seem like earning a degree will take such a long time, but it actually flies by! I wish would have done just that. Because, I decided to take a break after high school, I got pregnant, got married, and worked in dead end jobs. I ended up taking a 26 year "break". I would definitely encourage myself to go for it immediately. College life is very exciting and fast paced. It requires a tremendous amount of discipline and dedication. The transition would have been so much easier had I went to college when I was fresh out of high school.

Gary

Given the chance to go back to my senior year of high school, I would have definitely fought harder to not succumb to senioritis! Adjusting to ?college life? has not been a problem for me, ever since I got to school; nearly everything about that aspect has come easily. However, I got a few B's where I should have gotten A's during my senior year, and it cost me thousands in scholarship money. But beyond that, I would have definitely tried to look harder for scholarships. As much as I love attending school at Freed-Hardeman University, It seems that I never have a nickel to spare, I owe it all to the school. My parents credit and my own lack of credit makes it so that I owe the school a large sum of money that the bank will not let me borrow, so every penny counts. Trying harder on my grades and in my scholarship search during my senior year would have made attending this great university much less of a hassle financially.

Casey

I was one of those people that really coasted through high school. Nothing was that tough to me, and what I called studying was reading through the book or notes the class period beforehand. If I could go back to give young me some advice, it would be to learn then how to study effectively. It was a really hard transition from high school to college, and especially harder because of my inability to study correctly. Thankfully, I've started to get the hang of it. I wish I'd known how to study like this back in high school.

ania

To study hard and stay positive about everything, make room for friendships, and join as many groups as u can. Be consentrated and focused and listen to advice from older people who know what there talking about.

Courtney

When you are in college, make sure youo prioritize well. Once you procrasinate, things get piled up and then you lose sleep and concentration. Make sure you take naps during the day if possible. Work hard and do your best at every task given. Lastly, have fun ! :)

Jacqueline

I would have apply for more colleges saved money to have for college .Took my grades serious and really did my best.

Amber

I would tell myself to take a dual-enrollment class, take college courses in advance, or make sure to take Advanced Placement tests. I wasted a lot of time and money in my first 2 years of college on classes that I could have already completed prior to coming to college. I would also tell myself to be more outgoing and make friends with more people. In many cases, it's all about who you know. I would make sure that I knew what my major would be because changing majors often puts one behind on their intended graduation date. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to make certain that my high school counselor was willing to help find scholarships.

Troy

The advice I would give parent and students about choosing a colleg is to never base a choice on cause a friend is going there or just cause the offer the courses you need....Yea it is a great thing to know that the college has the courses one need but you want to check into other aspects of the college....And no you do not want to go to a college a long time friend is going to just cause he or she is going...One need to make sure he or she likes the campus and see how people treat each other on the campus...Make sure he or she is going to like the campus enough to withstand a whole year of living there...When choosing a college its about all the little aspects of it to make a good choice...Its not about how big or small it is or how good the sports teams are...Its so much more than that...

Jessie

Inorder to find the right college for you, you need to find something that has the things that are most important to you. If you enjoy having a few close friends and just hanging out at a picnic table, then find a small school that is in a small town. If you like going out with big groups of friends to dinner and a concert, then find a big school in a big city. The right college for you will in a sense match your personality. To make the most of your college experience, get involved. Try things that you've never done before. Expose yourself to new experiences.

Matthew

College is not just about books, classroooms and education. It is about becoming a well-rounded person, able to stand on your own two feet, willing to reach out and help others, as well as working hard to make a future for yourself. The best way to make the most of college is to get involved, be active, be around people, don't sit in your room playing video games. Socialize, take part in all the activities that your college offers. Find people you like to make study groups with. Learning with friends makes it way more fun. Find people you can trust, make friends. TO find the right college you need to visit campuses, find what has the educatoinal needs you have, but also, which schools can fulfil your social needs as well. Everyone is different, accept that, and get out there and meet someone new! Make new friends everyday. Add them to your facebook. Parents, take your kids to visit the colleges, listen to what they see, participate in their lives. College is an amazing time if you make it to be just that! It is all a choice!

Jeremy

I love the small school atmosphere, where everyone knows each other and talks to them as they pass during the day. These friends will last my entire life.

Courtney

Get out there and try new things... Take classes you might not think would be you... hang out with all kinds of people... learn by living and live to learn. Do go to a state school just because it is cheaper. Find a home that fits your beliefs and goals!!

Ryan

So much of the college search process seems to be focused simply and narrowly on matching career goals with perceived quality of degree programs or - on the other side - on which school has the best party life. Focusing your college search solely on these type of things (though the former [degree program] is important) results in an almost superficial college experience that can traslate to a somewhat hollow life beyond those few years. The quality of mutual student interaction and enrichment on campus can mean the difference in how you perceive the lasting effects of your college experience. If the college is simply the medium through which you can obtain a higher pay-grade job, then the possiblity for a deeper life transformation is lost. If you find a college atmosphere that affords such a student experience then immerse yourself in it. Far beyond the domain of the collegiate degree, the life-changing experiences of a college whose students and faculty truly bring you in as a part of thier family can pay far greater dividends throughout your life than if college was simply the place you earned your degree.

Benjamin

Go where you want to go. Study what you want to study. Get involved. Be kind. Always practice the Golden Rule

Lacey

College is said to be "the times of your life" ; however, in reality, college is what YOU make it! College can be the greatest experiences you will ever encounter! It brings about new opportunities and freedoms you have never experienced before! My advice would be to truly cease each and every opportunity you are handed! Most of these opportunities will never come but once in your life, and there's no better time to open them welcomingly than these young years! I think when looking at colleges you need to consider where the student would feel most comfortable and happy! Being away from home may be tougher than you think and it is key to find people who can become your second family! Also, find schools that challenge you academically, because afterall, our education is the main reason we are attending school! When you pick your college make sure you branch out of your normal comfort zones, make new friends with people you normally wouldnt have thought about. These friendships can be forever lasting! Also, don't abandon your studies! Make memories! Make the old addage true, make it "the time of your life!"

Jim

Let the kids choose where they want to go. Don't limit their options.

Heath

Visit the school without a special event going on. Ask yourself how much will it cost for four-years. (The amount not covered in scholarship and figure up the payments for when you graduate) As yourself if you're willing to pay this much to attend there.

Sarah

Decide if you are comfortable at the college you choose! If you feel comfortable beforehand, it will make meeting people and living with strangers a lot easier. You only have one freshman year of college, and you should make the most of it! Don't get caught up in the party scene, you want to remember your experience! College is a time of growing up and learning about yourself! Remember who you are, where you've come from, and make those people proud at home! There is more to learn in college than ever! The world is at your fingertips! Go to a college with a study abroad program. It will change your life! Open your eyes to the world around you and see as much of it as you can! Communicate with your parents often, they have made a lot of sacrifices throughout your life to get you to where you are. Love college!

Parker

To make the best of one's college experience, one must be able to get along with the people. After all, the college is only made up of the students and faculty associated with it. The campus, the town, how good the food is, how good the dorms are, etc., are all extra perks, but one can have the best college facilities in the world and still be miserable, if they don't enjoy being around the people. One must choose a school for what he or she wants to get out of it, be it academics, or culture, a good party scene, or to just get away from mom and dad. My advice is to visit campuses, talk to people, see what the people you meet think about the school, see if you would like the people that you meet, and then make a decision and stick to it. No matter where you choose, the college years will be some of the most exciting years of life.

Robby

If you want to go to a private university go to a community college and do the basics first. It will save money and be much easier.

Blake

I would tell anyone that there is no way to choose a college properly, even if you know its reputation is good, except by visiting the campus. That is so vital. It is not super difficult to put up a good website and take pictures of the best places of the campus and make it appear as if it is awesome. The main way to know what is best for your child (and the money you're spending) is to visit the campus and meet the president and the teachers and get to know the people. One thing awesome about FHU is that it is definitely trying to improve its campus, but it is far above other colleges because of the people. It is the people that make up the school and that make up the staff that make it so unique. You can not go many places where you see your teacher lecture in a class and then see them on Sunday morning worshipping right down the aisle just as much as you. FHU is a very unique place and you can not figure that out until you come. So come on.

Roy

First, decide how far you are willing to go for the eduction you want. Geographic proximity to home will greatly impact your post-secondary eduction. Next, find a school that has at least one major course of study that you feel passionate about pursuing. Remember that a majority of students change majors during their college years. Following that, find and talk to alumni and current students about the atmosphere of the school. Ask honest questions, and expect honest answers. Don't only believe paid representatives of the university. They are paid because they have a definite positive opinion of the school. Ask sources that are less biased. Tour the campus of as many schools as you can, and talk to students that you see. You will be able to better gauge the school's atmosphere and priorities that way. After that, find out what kind of financial aid the school realistically offers you, and read carefully. These are all important considerations to undertake when choosing the university that is right for you.

Alan

When choosing a college, always interview current students and past students. They will be the ones that will tell you the truth on how the school really is.

Lisa

I would say talk about it...make sure it is what you want and are really looking for. Don't just go somewhere where all of your friends go. You most likely will not like it. If you go somewhere different, it will give you something to talk about when you come home and see your friends, plus you will have many more good friends.

Kaitlin

When choosing a college, do NOT worry about which college is the most popular or the least liked. That's the public opinion... not yours. Each college is for someone. Everyone has different needs that are met by different academic institutions. It's like finding your fingerprint - it's an unique search that is just for you. And when it comes to financial aid, be assertive! There are tons of ways to get help financially for school. And when you're at college, don't lock yourself in your dorm room all the time to study. You're there to experience life with tons of other peers who are in the same boat as you! Share life stories and create a new beginning as well! Remember - live. Laugh. Love. :) College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to never be forgotten.

Jonathan

Look for the college that would best fit your needs. Take the cost into consideration, but do not let the cost stop you form going to a college that is the best fit for you. Go to the school for a campus visit and talk to the students, teachers and other people that work at the school. When you start to the college of your choise try to find groups that you like to hang out with. Not everyone will do this and thats ok. If you do get involed try to balance school work and social life. Going off to college gives you more ways to get in trouble to. Try not to get involved with the worng crowed. College is about learing how to make a living, but don't forget to have fun along the way.

Genevieve

PLEASE go visit at least 3 college campuses before you make your final decision. Consider that going to college in a different part of the country than where you grew up can offer unique cultural challenges. Look up the demographics for the cities where the colleges you are interested in are located and compare them with the demographics for your hometown. Consider how those demgraphics might affect you. Talk to as many upper-classmen on campus as you can (upper-classmen are juniors and seniors). Talk to faculty, but keep in mind they are trying to sell you the school where they teach. Be skeptical at first. Consider the cost of transportation and the availability of emploment should you need a job. Look at the campus housing and imagine yourself being in that situation for 4 years. Consider whether the student body seems to be diverse. Diversity is ALWAYS a plus. Think about how far you want to be from home, but don't let it keep you from going far. Don't study what people say you "should" study, study what interests you. Consider college a clean slate to begin a new life. Discover and Be yourself.

Alexander

When advising a parent and/or students about finding the right college, I would tell them to make sure that the academic opportunities of the schools being considered match their career plans. I would say that while academics are very important in choosing a college, it is also crucial that one attends a school they like, where they are able to make friends, and can be involved socially. I would advise them to learn more about housing, financial aid, and so forth to make certain there are no surprises concerning their money later down the road. I would tell them to search for scholarships and apply for as many as possible. I would also remind them that no school is too expensive if it is truly where the student wants to go. Lastly, I would remind the parents that while their student needs to study and do well, he or she should also be allowed to have fun because college memories and friends are what they're really going to cherish once they graduate.

Nick

Think a lot about what is really important in your life before you make the decision to attend college. Don't attend colleges just because your friends are there but make sure that the academic programs, social life, and other things are exactly what you are searching for. I have transferred away from the school because of baseball and then transferred back after I stopped playing baseball. I have learned that there is a wide gap in the programs, facilities, etc... between schools so make sure that the school that you choose has what you are looking for and what is important to you.

Lauren

do reserch on the school you are looking at and be sure to visit not during a busy time on the campus, but when normal happening are going on, so you vest see what the campus and college life is really like.

Lane

Find a college that you feel comfertable and you want to be happy. Do not go were your friends want to go, go where you want to go. You will be even happier and more willing to learn and do you best while your there also you will be more willing to support your school.

Lauren

During the process of chosing a college, I looked mainly looked at the financial aspect. However, looking back, I now realize that this is of little importance. Luckily for me, I was still chose the right school. It has taken me almost three years to realize that even if it means I'm in debt the rest of my life, I would do it all over again if I could. College is a time in life when independence first feels real. It is important to find a school that fits both your social and academic needs. It is important to go in with an open mind and a willingness to try new things and meeet new people. I was able to use college as a spring board for my social life and I have been able to grow and develop into a person I never saw myself becoming.

courtney

Be money smart, open your horizons, don't have sex with just anyone, love your family and always respect what they want for you, always remember who you are, travel as much as possible and meet people you normally wouldn't hang with!!

Abigail

Parents do not need to push a decision on a child, but they do need to give advice and input. Let the child make the decision based on what the/she has learned and what parents say. Students and parents need to set up college days to go and view in person the colleges they are interested in. Students need to keep in mind that they are not going to school to just party but to get a good education. So the parent and the student needs to look at the academic area of the school and possibly let that be a major deciding factor because a student can have fun at any school if they are open to meet people. Students will have an amazing time at any school if they do two things: one is get involved, do not just sit in your room all day but take the initiative and be active. Second is learning to balance your school life and your study life. If you can do these two things you will be fine in college.

Jack

I would tell students and parents alike that they should not only look at the academic prestige of the school or even the price. Those things both can be determined by the students? ability to desire to learn and to put themselves through college. One thing that many forget to look at is the environment; look for things like what the people are like there, the community, the values, and the closeness. After all is said and done you will get a college education that is good from most universities, and you will eventually pay off all of the loans, but the things that will have the most impact on you in your life is not the classes you take or the money you saved, but the people there. The teachers that became friends because you were so close with them; and the unforgettable bonds that will last a lifetime with the friends you made.