Grand Valley State University Top Questions

Jules, find a major right away! Don't wait too long to sign up for classes, they will be closed and it will be a major hassel. Talk to your sister more, she does actually know what she's doing. Get more invovled in your readings and completing your homework, slacking will get you behind. Focus on yourself and what's important to you, don't let anyone get in the way of that. College is the best time of your life, live it up, make smart choices, and work hard!

To be better prepared by taking harder college prep classes so it would be easier to transistion to GVSU.

I would tell myself to take as many AP courses that would transfer to college credit or taking college classes for credit since the high school pays for it. I would have also applied for more scholarships and focused on improving my study skills.

Be careful and study more. Don't let your school work slip. Study hard, because it is not like high school. It is harder, you are not as good a writer and student as you thought. These are all smart people, you are not alone, you have to work to stay ahead. Don't make dumb decisions just because you enjoy it at the time. Of course I have learned a lot and the only thing I would want to change is that I worked harder first semester last year. But it did teach me that I need to work harder and not just try to slid by in life. I have to work for what I want.

If I could give the high school senior version of myself any advice, it would be to not procrastinate and also to take steps to make friends. Time management at college is important, and procrastination creates so much stress. Most assignments take a lot more work than they did in high school, which translates to more time spent on homework. If I would have know to plan ahead and do the assignments as they were assigned instead of waiting until the last minute, I would have saved myself a lot of stress, and gotten more sleep! It is also key to take initative with meeting people. As I senior it would have been beneficial to be encouraged to talk to people in my classes and meet my professors in their office hours. I truly value the relationships I've made with people here, and it is often in conversations with my classmates and professors outside of class that I learn the most about life. Also, join groups! Being part of a club is not only a great way to meet people, its also an awesome resource to find fun activities that will help take your mind off of class work.

Find a way to get more financial aid, and get more scholarships because some will be taken away by the state!

It's okay to be nervous, when you get to the campus every freshman is. Leaving home is a scary step, but it's a neccessary one in order to really become the person you were supposed to be. Be nervous, but be excited, too. It's going to be tough sometimes, and you're going to cry and miss home and want to give up, but you're also going to meet some people who will change you're life, and you're going to grow into a better person thanks to each challenge . Get to know as many people in you're dorms as you can, but don't take you're intial meeting at more than face value; some of the people you thought were great are most likely going to turn out to be real jerks, and some of the kids you're hesitant to give a chance to might really surprise you. Don't go overboard with parties right away, and go easy on the drinking, too. It's really easy to fall behind. Along those same lines, try not to skip too much, and dont schedule super early classes. Good luck and have fun!

I would tell myself to cherish every minute with my family and friends around me, because in a short time I would not see them everyday. I would tell myself to enjoy the free laundry and free food and home cooked meals that I get at home! I would also tell myself how important it is to study hard, and fill out all those scholarship applications. I would remind me to work even harder in the summertime making money so that I could just concentrate on my classes instead of work. Lastly I would tell myself to enjoy my life now, because it will get harder!

Make better plans as to how to go about class scheduling and make more friends.

If I were able to travel back in time and speak to myself from my current perspective, there are countless things I would tell myself. Aside from the obvious, I would explain that life does not really start going until college. High school seems great, but it is not as real as one would like to think. I would explain that having a little fun in my off time from high school is okay, as it did allow me to lock-down when at college. Also, the transition from high school to college may be difficult, but it is worth it. College provides an environment in which to alter one's self for the better through knowledge and experience in the real world; it shapes who you are by making you more able to determine things for yourself. Overall, I would essentially say, "College is great, don't be so nervous; the best is yet to come."

Get over what happened to you. Put down the bottle and ditch those losers. If you don't focus, you'll be stuck here again in ten years.

Wow, I love kill to go back and tell myself to work hard on academics. Try my best. Take college credit courses and get some of those basic classes out of the way. I would say to learn as much as possible, take the hardest classes available. Really challenge myself. Definitely learn good study habits now before you get to a university and not be perpared for the big jump from high school and college. Get high grades and FILL out scholarship applications get some money so you won't be so far in debt. Finally, I would say visit as many colleges as possible to find the best one for you.

Make sure you are always true to yourself. When you get to college you are going to meet all kinds of people. Make sure to stay true to yourself and don't change yourself just so other people will like you. You will find the friends you are meant to have at college and they will like you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. So make sure to always stay true to yourself and the things you believe in.

If I were to go back in time and relive my senior year of high school, I would tell myself to relax. I would tell myself to enjoy this last year of school with friends I may never see again. To really enjoy being around my parents and be thankful for all they do for me. I would spend more time with my family. I would give thanks to all the teachers who really influenced my life over the past four years, especially my percussion teacher. I would laugh with everyone and enjoy each moment. I would actually try and enjoy learning. I would do all of these things because I rushed through my senior year only looking until the time I could graduate. The year flew by and was over before I knew it. College is a lot more work academically and requires a lot of decision making. I took my senior year too seriously academically and did not enjoy my surroundings enough. If I could relive my senior year, I would slow down.

Learn to balance time!

Daina, choosing Grand Valley for college is going to be the best choice you will have made in your life thus far. Of course you're afraid to attend school with your best friend, but you take the plunge and spend the first week with complete strangers and they become friends for the remainder of your college career. College is exciting and my one piece of advise I can give is to embrace it. You were terrified and wheelchair bound your first semester of college so you shied away from joining extracurricular activities. Don't be afraid. Be bold. It took two years to gain the courage to join PRSSA and by that time it felt too late to truly become part of the community and reap the benefits of the membership. Take the opportunity to get involved in groups associated with your future career. It will help you gain a great network and making friends in class will be less awkward because you will know them from the group. Plus these groups offer life experience and if you get this experience early it will benefit you in the long run. Don't fear. You love college.

Don't slack off, you'll regret it later.

If I had the option to go back in time and discuss my options for my freshman year at Grand Valley State University I would surely advise myself to make some changes to my first year. The most important thing I?ve learned from my time here so far is that students will get bored if they do not take an active approach to their social lives. I would tell myself to get more involved and stay dedicated to a club or sport of my choosing. I also might consider joining a sorority, or other social group to help me later on when I will undoubtedly be in need of career connections. Also, I think I would tell myself to not become friends with people just so I have companionship, to look for people who are genuine and down to earth. Most importantly I would tell myself to not get discouraged when the path that I travel on at Grand Valley takes a turn, to just go with what feels right for my studies and do the best I can with what I am given.

If I could somehow go back to the days of high school, the first advice I would give to myself (pertaining to a further education) would be, "Pay attention in Music class , no matter how ridiculously easy it may seem, because that B is a pain! College is awesome and nothing at all like this close-minded place." Either that or I would advise myself to start saving money sooner because it's hard to find a job in these times.

I would tell myself to focus on taking notes in class and accually learning how to study. Take the extra time to study harder now so that in the future you will know how to prepare for a college exam. I would also tell myself to pay close attention on how to setup a paper to write. It seems that college students write alot more papers than high school students think. Also dont be affraid to try new things and to meet new people, these are some of the friends you will have forever. Always work hard and things will workout and all the hard work will pay off.

If I could go back to myself, as a senior in that small town of Cedarville...wow... I think definitely I would mention to try harder and focus more on school because of all the scholarships I could've recieved. I would tell myself to take time and really appreciate the loving family environment that I grew up in. Some people I know are not as fortunate and I don't think I really said thank-you to both of my parents. I would definitely tell myself to prepare PREPARE PREPARE for college as in, saving money, starting to get study skills down, research about my school etc. I would want to be more prepared then when I entered GV my freshman year and was caught off guard. I would tell myself that no one would be waking me up or forcing me to go to class. I would mention to myself that failing the science portion of the Michigan MEAPs isn't a big deal, because the government will cut the Michigan Promise Award anyway. I would tell myself that everything will be ok and I will make friends outside of my high school ones and TRY EVERYTHING!

Going back, I would advise myself to take a class on the different majors available to take, and how they can be utilized. I believe that I came from high school assuming that my options were limited. As I continue through college, and learn more about the different majors available to me, I realize I am interested in a variety of different studies and careers. I would recommend all freshman to take this type of class so they realize the potential they have, and the ability of their college/ university to help them reach that poential. Another piece of advise would be to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. Grand Valley State University creates a lot of events for students to enhance their learning and create well rounded students. Being involved in these events has given me a liberal education as well as opened up more networking skill for my future.

My college experience was in two bouts; right after graduation and two years after. I took time off in between because I was overwhelmed with financial situations and school work. I left Grand Valley State University for two semesters because I wasn't enjoying my classes and was working full time as a server at Applebee's. The money was so good it was hard to resist picking up shifts. I chose money over schoolwork because the schoolwork was overwhelming at the time. But serving tables full-time eventually showed its true colors and I realized I didn't want to make a career out of it. My learning experience from this will never be forgotten. I needed to go back to school when I was ready and when I was eager enough to work for it. I went back to school in January 2008, made Dean's list and I will graduate a semester earlier than projected. I would have told myself to look at what I was ready for and not what my parents wanted me to do. Once you do it for you, you will want to be there, want to do well and want to succeed.

Nine Tips for Self: 1. Never bring your cell phone with you into the bathroom. You never know when it could slip out of your hands and you could accidentally drop it in. 2. Never let your milk go bad, especially when sharing your fridge with your roommate. 3. Do not be afraid to introduce your new friends to Hanson. Yes, even they might enjoy their music after their glory days. 4. Remember that Thursdays are "Boneless Thursdays" at Buffalo Wild Wings. 5. Play euchre in the lobby and ultimate frisbee at the Turf Building as much as possible. 6. Do not take Chemistry 109. End of story. 7. Exchange CDs filled with new music with Jane while she's at Boston College--it will give you something to look forward to along with your monthly issue of Cosmo. 8. Do not talk to cute guys when trying to unwrap the paper on your icecream cone. You never know when it could come flying off and result in you turning bright red. 9. Make sure your room is clean on Mondays in order to squeeze in all of the girls from the down the hall for Gossip Girl nights.

I would tell myself that I should expect the unexpected! Life hits you all at one time and you shouldn't think that something is impossible. Also never to wait until the last minute to do homework and projects. Waiting til the last second will come back to bit you everytime no matter what. Another thing that would say would be to not get too worked up over the little things. They all happen for a reason and it will get better over time, I promise.

Don't stress out too much, you will get through these next few years as long as you work hard.

First: Don't take ANY class for granted; Second: Study, Study, Study; Third: Live in the dorms your first year; Fourth: Put yourself out there, join clubs, organizations and intramural sports; and Finally: Make friends, and recognize who's really got your best interests at heart.

Don't stress so much. In high school everyone makes college out to be the end all be all. College is going to be fun so don't worry too much about leaving everything you know behind. You'll meet a ton of new people and see place you never would have if you'd never come here. The people here are so much more different, probably the nicest people you'll ever meet. Classes are 't the easiest but what would college be without the work? You'll get to live with some of your best friends. Just don't get lazy no matter how many papers you have to write and how many hours you'll spend at work each week. Have fun!

I would tell myself to research scholarships more. A name is just a name and doesn't always tell the whole story. Some universities call them "full rides" while others don't. I received a "full ride" at my first college, but it only covered tuition and fees. If I had attended my current university directly out of high school I would have received a scholarship for more than the tuition and fees even though they are more at the second school. So since they didn't call it a "full ride" I chose the other while in the long run it actually cost more.

I would tell myself to reach out and maybe go a little farther from home, just to experience something further from what I know and make me a stronger person. I would tell myself not to go to school with any friends from high school, so I wouldn't turn to them instead of meeting new people, and also so they wouldn't hang onto me and not branch out on their own. I would say that I should challenge myself more, take more risks. I do feel that I played it a little too safe by coming to Grand Valley, but now I am discovering there are things I can do to get involved in what I am interested in. I have really started to realize what I want for myself, but I think it took a little longer here than it would have elsewhere. I would tell myself not to worry about anything, just to be me and do what I love.

Ah, it is amusing to think of myself as I was in high school. I was a good student, a hard worker, avidly involved in marching band - and quite attached to home life. When I went off to college, I had trouble finding friends and did not have very many from back home I felt seriously attached to, so I spent my weekends at home with my family. If I could give my high school self any advice, it would be to form closer relationships to my friends in high school. Not only would this have given me someone to at least talk to if I had trouble making college friends, but I would probably also have had an easier time finding people to connect to once I got to college, having had more experience in realtionship building. By now, I have a solid group of friends, but it has taken me a year to forge these few relationships. So, to my high school self: Don't work so hard. Have some fun!

Visit schools and find your fit.

I would just say to start looking ahead of time. Dont wait till the last minute and just apply wherever. make sure that you have options. also make sur ethat you visit the schools and meet with the counselors.

We have it drilled in our heads from the time we're very young that we should go to college. The problem is no one can really tell you where the best place for you is. I'd love to tell you the answer, but I can't: it's up to you. Research schools and find those with courses and extracurriculars that match your interests (if you're not sure, look for one with variety). Talk to current students or graduates and ask them about their experience there. Consider your chosen major (if you have one) and what you really want college to be like for you, and find a school that appeals to those goals. Tour the campus: for me, someone who really didn't know where I wanted to be, the campus was a major deciding factor. When you arrive at your school, even if you're scared, try to "break out of your shell" and be social- attend orientation, join clubs, speak up in class, introduce yourself. College is so much easier when you can share the experience with others. Just be sure to find the balance between your social life and your true goal: education.

I would advise students to not only find a school that's best for them academically, but find one that makes them the most comfortable socially. Once they find this school they should talk to as many people as possible and get involved with something they enjoy and don't be afraid to try new things because they may find that they might love it.

Parties are fun to go to once in a while, but when you are constantly drinking, you are wasting your time and thousands of dollars. Don't fall into that.

Find a college that is in the right price range for your family economically. Also find a college in a diverse area, this will allow your student to have a fulfilled college life and a fulfilled education. These factors will create a greater positive reaction towards their college career and their future.

Advice that I would give to parents and students thinking of going to college and where to attend is to visit the schools. You get a good idea of the school when you are there visiting and interacting with the students, staff, and faculty. When deciding what college is best for you, think about what is important to you and research those items on the college's website. If you are unable to find it there, ask someone at the school on your tour or call the university and ask. Someone should be more than willing to answer your questions. As for making the most of your college experience my advice is to be very involved in any on campus activities as possible. There are sports (university and intermural), activities, clubs, and many others that you can find fun in doing and meet many great people also. But also be sure to leave time for your school work because in the end that is what you are there for. Time management is the key.

I would tell future students to study what they truly love and want to do, not to let themselves be forced into something because it might make a lot of money in the future. A lot of students don't even end up doing what they majored in and school is stressful enough to be doing something you don't enjoy. I would also tell them to live on campus so they can participate in clubs and groups a lot easier. Also I would tell students to study abroad because experiencing the world is the most wonderful experience. It really allows you to learn more about yourself and others around you. Also sleep and naps are best friends, don't leave anything until the last minute especially studying because staying up until 3AM the night before will make taking and exam that much worse.

Make sure you're not going just because of whats is the "cool" school to go to. Example was my Senior year my classmates thought MIchigan and Michigan state were the schools to be at. I got into Michigan state and thought this was it. Luckidly one of my teachers required us to go to 2 other schools and write a paper about why our college choice was better, or what features didn't you like about the school. I ended up going to Grand valley state University and couldn't come up with what i didn't like about it. It was absolutly the school for me. I'm glad I ended up there.

I would recommend applying to and viewing as many colleges as you can while in high school just to keep your options open. I did not check out very many colleges, although I was fortunate in attending one that I really enjoy but not everyone is so lucky. Most universities offer roughly the same opportunities (sporting events, social clubs, academic majors, etc.) but it's the smaller things that count.

Be sure to visit the college campus, as well as speak to administration at the school. Keep an open mind as well. You never know, the school you choose may be the best school for you.

First, decide how far you really want to be away from home. Remember, even if you are excited to get away and start your new life on your own, you are still going to get home sick and being in another state where you are totally unable to get home is going to make your life miserable. After you decide that, search with those specifics in mind.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a college is to NOT follow the crowd . What fits for your friends, may not be the best fit for you. It may be tempting to follow friends and classmates, but its important to consider your needs and comfort. If you are nervious about "going it alone" at a new school that is okay, most new college students are. Just remember that your new dorm-mates are in the same position as you and are eeger to make new friends too. If you are a shy person, like myself, I found that joining a campus club or organization really helped. This places you in a smaller more controlled environemnt, than the dorms, and this can really help in forming personal relationships with new individuals.

First look for something where the student is interested like history, art, or science. Then look at the campus because honestly the student will be living there and studying there, they need a place that fits them.

To parents or students looking for the right college I would advise to visit. That is the most important thing when chosing a college. I did not visit Grand Valley before actually attending. If I had visited the three colleges I was admitted it would have made the deicision easier. It is a waste of money to take the risk of sending your child to a college they end up hating. In the end, if credits do not transfer then parents are wasting their money. Parents want their child to have the best college experience at a school they love. Students should visit the school and figure out if it feels right to them. If a student visits a college and liked the feel then most likely will enjoy attending there. My best advice is to visit the colleges the student might want to attend.

Pay attention to the opportunities available to you at any college you apply too and pay attention to the amount of scholarships they offer. Choose the college that would make you happy not your parents.

My advice would be don't be afraid to explore. Ask questions. Take trips to colleges even if it is several. Find out as much information as your heart desires. College is teh time in your life when it now becomes your decesion to coninue your education or not. It is not required to go to college. College is when you have to make decesions for yourself and follow your own heart. Get involved with clubs, organizations, sports, events. College is the time when your getting an education to make a career out of one day so enjoy it while you can. I am a student whois transfering to a university from a college. I started out a college fresh out of high school. I found that it is not the place for me. I feel lost there and left out. So I encourage you to consider other options, dont regret going to a college then deciding you want to transfer. Its ok to not find your place, but then take the steps needed to do so.

Parents: Although it may be tough, allow your child to walk to the rope on their own and explore new things. Make sure to call every once in awhile, because no matter what we say, a call from home always makes us feel safe. Students: Be ready to work, hard, but also be ready to make those lifelong friends your parents are always telling you about. Focus on your studies because when you become a junior/senior you will really be happy you stayed focus. Get involved. Being involved is so crucial. Most of all, find the right path for you, because in the end you will be living it and you never want to look back and think "I should have done that." Of course, have fun, too!

Be sure to take time to check out where the student will live and visit the surrounding businesses and city to make sure that not only will campus provide an enjoyable atmosphere but that the area provides some fun as well.