Grand Rapids Community College Top Questions

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

Long

I would advise my past self to study harder, longer, and do better in the ACT tests to get scholarships to pay for college tuition. There is one thing especially I should warn to my past self is NEVER UNDERESTIMATE ANY CLASS THAT YOU TAKE IN COLLEGE NO MATTER HOW EASY IT SOUNDS, LOOKS, OR FEELS IT'S OK TO SLACK OFF, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE, HIT everything assignment, H.W., project, quiz/test with a bullseye (meaning ace everything to get A's). College is a whole another playing field compared to high school and even more insult to injury is you'll be paying for taking those classes. Therefore, you got one chance to obtain A's in your classes to save money. If not, it'll be trial and error that'll will hurt your college GPA A LOT!!!! making it difficult to transfer to other colleges that require at least a mininum GPA of 3.5.

Kari

That college is not an impossible feat to accomplish, and you should not fear failure. If you take each assignment individually and apply yourself you will succeed. You can do this, and do it well. You are intelligent and disciplined in spite what you may think about being homeschooled through high school. You have an unnecessary fear of being in a classroom with students and a professor because you don't know what to expect, but trust me, the peers around you are dealing with similar assignments and class schedules just like you. If you choose to attend college directly after highschool instead of waiting eight years, it will be that much sooner before you will have the security of a career and income that you desire.

Rebeka

If i could go back in time i would not change what i did but i would want to be smarter about some of the choices i made. I could be smarter by telling myself what i know now. That is i wish i would have tried harder like i do now in college. I would have also told myself that i am worth the time and i should never let anybody get in my way. I would say that everybody gets nervous about something you just need to be nervous for a minute and then let it all go. I would have told myself that it's like talking in front of a big crowd, when you'r backstage pace, get nervous. Once you get in front of the crowd show no weakness, even thought you may be nervous let it go and let the spotlight shine on you. Embrace what you have and dont take anything you have for granted. Its all been said before but it all works. Everyperson that has said something important has made it big so trust in them and most of all trust in yourself.

Amanda

I would have told myself to be more outgoing and to try a lot harder in my art classes. Also, to apply for more scholarships. I would have tried being more outgoing because I came into college being really shy, and it took me about half a year to break out of that. If I would have started being more outgoing in high school, I would have probably made more friends right away and participated more in class. I would have tried harder in art classes so that I don't suck at drawing right now. Knowing all different types of art forms comes in handy at Kendall, because you need to take drawing and painting and printmaking as well, even though my major is photography. And since I didn't apply for more scholarships, I'm making up for it now and filling this out so I have a chance at getting more money. Kendall is not cheap and every little bit counts! I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider me for this scholarship, even though Kendall was not on the list of schools. Thank you!

Morgan

Going to college is hard work and it takes more dedication than you think. Take school seriously, buckle down and stay focused. Rid your life of distractions. Stay on top of your studies, finances, and social life. Find a good balance in all you do. Most importantly, remember this is what is preparing you for your future, so don't ever give up on learning.

Heather

I would tell myself to think it through: what I want to do; where I want to go; just because your dead-set on a certain thing doesn't mean you should close your mind off to other options. Sometimes the first choice isn't always the right one; sometimes the second or third option is the best. Also when choosing a major look at all your options; the first one might seem like it gives you everything; but there are other ones that can be just as fulfiiling, and they might give you better opportunities. When making your decisions about schools and majors just remember to check out every opportunity and that they don't have to be what you originally planned; they just have to "fit" ; if you do that then you'll find the right one.

Sandy

If I could go back, I would probably have gotten into some AP course, because I was not prepared for college courses as I thought I would be. I should have looked into more careers than thinking I would not change my mind. I would also tell myself that, just because I am given more freedom in college, I shouldn't think that I can settle for just okay. I needed to still work as hard as I did in high school. I thought I was prepared for my first year in college, but I wasn't its completely a different atmosphere than high school. I would just make sure to tell myself not to pretend I know certain material to cut my study time short. I should form a schedule to make sure I don't fall behind.

Hilary

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself on these three things for the college life. First of all, pay attention in class. When you pay attention in class you are more likely to succed in the class and on any tests that you may have. Second, do whatever it takes to successfully graduate. This meaning work hard on every class and think of eachone as your only chance for graduation. Finally, balance your life. You need to be able to balance your school life with your social life and personal life. Doing this will keep you stable and successfull. When it becomes unblanced something will suffer, usually your school work. For this finaly point you mainly have to prioritize everything that you have going on in your life. There would be many more tid-bits of advice I would give myself but I think that these three are the most important for me.