Hamline University Top Questions

As I moved into campus in the fall, I was the epitome of a freshman. I couldn’t preserve my equanimity. I was nervous that the homework would be overbearing and every professor would be fastidious. Although I am quite sociable, I was afraid that my fellow students would ostracize me. I certainly would’ve benefitted from some additional advice. I would have told myself that college is nothing like high school. College, too, is an opportunity to revel in. Although the classes may be more laborious, the professors are scintillating, and are experts in their field of study. They do a good job of teaching you what you need to know, and the homework they assign is gratifying. In college, the knowledge you can gain is the knowledge you need for your future, and that is exciting. Although what you wore and how you looked may have seemed like the most important thing in high school, you will find that in college, popularity doesn’t hold as much ground. Smart and successful is the new pretty and cool. Simply by being yourself, you are sure to acquire new, amazing friends that you can share the joys of adulthood with.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior, the main notion I would stress is to be myself and be open to new experiences. Going to college, I thought that others would judge me and it would be exactly like high school. I was mistaken. The people I have met at college have been more than accepting and willing to acquire about who I really am. Showing my true personality made me unique, and it gave me many new opportunities. I would tell my high school self to embrace those opportunities and take the chance to meet new people and try new activities. College is full of first experiences and new friends. My first experiences ranged from playing on an intramural volleyball team, to becoming close friends with international students, to going to that first party, to holding a clothing drive. No matter what the challenge or situation, whether it’s finals week or helping out a homeless guy on the street, I would tell my high school self not to be afraid. Try new things, listen, believe in yourself, follow your heart, and remember to breathe.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get ready for some of the best and most challenging years of my life. My first year of college was phenomenal, I learned more information than I thought possible, and I made some of the best friends I have ever had. I would say that the overall college experience, cliché as it may sound, is absolutely fantastic: the respectful environment, the fascinating academic work, and most of all the degree of freedom to make your own decisions are nothing short of incredible. On the other hand, I would definitely advise myself to try to be more willing to open up to those around me. I would tell myself that I would have to confront mental and emotional problems more than ever before. I would try to convince my past self of the truth that telling the people close to you how you feel is the greatest relief, especially as you find others with similar struggles, and that the sooner you do so the better it will be. College is a fantastic experience, but you have to work to make it that way.

Be able to make a list of pros and cons. The more pros the better. From there take your time in deciding. Even though you can trust yourself in making the best decision, allowing time to do so is always important. Also take in every experience you have: educational, personal interaction, random experience. They will all apply and help so much with the transition. Also stop judging and trying to fit in. Be open and try new things and always be you. College is a bigger world than high school and no one cares what you do, what you wear, what you look like, what size you are; people won't like you if you are hung up on all of those things. Just live and be you and the transition will make itself happen.

Stop stressing out! There will be a lot to juggle when you get to school: working, classes, social life, family, and any number of other small factors that'll show up to surprise you. But I promise that you can do it. You'll feel a little stretched when you first get here, and you may want to break down and cry. Be emotional, that's fine--but know that you'll have to get up and go at it all again. Because you know what? You'll never let yourself stay down for too long; that's not who you are. They'll tell you the first semester is the big test of whether you can make it. Here's one spoiler you won't despise: you WILL make it. You deserve to be here, to learn, and to be the best person you can be.

The first thing I'd tell myself is that your GPA doesn't show how smart you are, it shows how good you are at completing the meaningless tasks. But when you go out into the real world and get a job there are always going to be meaningless tasks and you're going to need to get them done. So get good at that now, it'll make it so those meaningless tasks in the real world will be that much easier and your job a lot less stressful. The second thing I would say to myself is to not hide who you are, the sooner you are able to accept yourself the sooner you are able to start working to become a better version of that person. And don't worry if other people don't understand you, you are going to make a difference and don't ever stop believing in that. Also, take good care of your dog, she's not going to be around forever.

If I could go back to my high school self, I would say, "Worry less about relationships and focus more on study habits." I am a bright student, and maintain a good GPA, but my study habits are not the greatest and as a result I struggle slightly on tests and quizzes. I believe a social life is imortant, but the necessity of studying should not be undervalued. Secondly, I would say, "Learn what it means to eat well and sleep well and actively seek to do both." I have learned over this past year how sleep effects my ability to concentrate on my classes and homwork, and I have also learned that eating well can keep my energy level higher.

I would say to start looking at colleges early, so you know what's a good fit for you. I would do multiple tours to get to know the campus and the buildings. Also, ask about all the resources for first year students. try to join a few groups so that you can make friends. Try to be involved, and make a schedule so you can get everything done.

I'd certainly take my education much more seriously and would've finished school as soon as I could. I would've planned my education more and looked more into where I'd transfer to.

Well past-self, here we are. I feel so far removed from you, even though it's been only two years. There are a lot of things I can tell you about college. The first is to get involved, and if you don't feel welcome in a group, don't feel obligated to say. You'll just feel isolated. Since you're getting that single dorm room, you should try to interact with other people on the floor. Don't worry about fitting in. Wear what you want. Dress up in a costume for Halloween and insist on being called "Doctor." You'll find the good friends by doing that. Don't sweat the small stuff. You don't need to stay up all night to study for an exam; you need the sleep more. Oh, and stay away from the dining hall pizza. Just trust me on that one. You don't want to try it. Last, there will be two boys that you meet and feel immediately drawn to. One in first semester, one in second. Don't be afraid of them not accepting you; they will. They're my (our?) best friends now.

As my mother often says "what an old man sees sitting down, a child will not see standing up". I can actually say I have matured as compared to the time when I was in high school. while at high school I cared alot about the number of friends I had, if they were like me and if people liked me. I saw life as a bed of roses, becuase my family tried no matter the situation to provide me with what i needed. At times I got angry at my mother for not giving me credit on my results and grades. I thought second or third best was good enough. Today all I think of is that am blessed to have such a family, it feels like turning back the hands of time and saying thanks. I know it is important to have friends but friend who can help me grow . I pay tuitions from loans and maybe a few grants, I study hard and aim for the best because it has dawned on me that I have to take care of myself. I guess while in high school I was not looking foward to this stage of life.

I would tell myself to take as many college classes as I could. Also I would say not to get discouraged when I first get to college if I feel alone because it takes time to get used to a new place and setting. Just try a lot of different things and talk to different people. Invite your roommate to go out and do something. Explore campus and see what you can find. Sit in a different spot in class each day. Try different foods in the dining call. Don't let yourself get stuck in a rut. Explore your options and oppurtunities. There is a lot going on on campus and most of it is really interesting. But in all of this exploring, remember to keep up with your studies. It is very easy to fall behind in class. If you don't understand something, talk to the professor or another classmate. Form a study group. But stay on top of things. Don't get sidetracked when a paper is due the very next day. Get a good balance between having fun and studying. That's the best way to go.

Basically, I would say college isn't scary at all; in fact, it is almost identical to high school but even better. Sure, classes are tougher but the beauty is that you get to pick the classes to take. Another plus is that you get to pick when you want classes. I would also tell myself that college isn't just about getting good grades, its about learning; it doesn't matter if you get a D in statistics, as long as you learned something.

If I were able to go back as a high school senior, I think that I should have taken more college prep classes or college in the classroom classes. I think I could have used my senior year to work on the transition process from high school to college. While I did well in high school and took some college in the classroom classes, I wish I would have done more through the post-secondary options program. In this program, I could have taken more classes in the local community college setting. I was very active in my high school through various clubs and organizations including student government. I felt that this also provided me with some positive experience especially in student government. While this was good experience, it didn't necessarily follow me into the college setting. With the competition between students for spots in colleges as well as scholarship opportunities, I see now that it's very important to get an early start with college and college expectations. I have actually given this advice to friends/relatives of mine who are now seniors and juniors. I've told them to get as much college prep as possible.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to take learning more seriously. In high school I learned information in order to pass tests and get good grades. Now that I'm in college, I am realizing that higher education is meant to train students to become professionals in their field of study. Although it is important to get good grades, it is also important to retain the information you learn and be able to relate it to the real world.

Do not stress in high school about college. Do your best in High School and take classes of things you are interested in, not what people tell you that you need to take. You will love college so much and do so well. It is the best time of your life and you will make so many amazing friends. Relax.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a senior in high school I would tell myself many things. I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as I can because in the long run, I really do need them more than I thought I did. I would tell myself to join as many activites and clubs in school to get more experience. Lastly, I would tell myself to stop procrastinating on my homework, because in the end it is what will really help me pass my tests and bost my grades. Throughout my senior year of high school I was so concentrated on completing everything that needed to be in order for me to get out of there and be done. I applied to as many colleges that I could to guarentee me a furture education. I did not think about my financial stability or the amount of debt I would soon be in. I would tell myself to gain further knowledge about college and make sure I knew what was really coming to me financially.

I would tell myself, "Hey you know all those AP classes you took in highschool?" "Yep it is pretty much like that everyday". You need to dedicate what time you have to schoolwork, work, and scholarships because it isn't going to get any easier. Hard work and determination is what is going to help you succeed in college.

Keep up the hard work. I stressed out a lot about college, my GPa, scholarships, etc, but it was all worth it. I was able to afford an amazing college with scholarships and financial aid and got many transfer credits. I worried a lot, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Over the last six years I have chosen to put my educational focus on media, more specifically photography, film, production, cinema, and advertising. Within the past year I have acquired employment with the Media Creations at Lansing Community College to get knee deep into my media training I have also started an internship at Focal Point Digital Advertising located in Jackson, Michigan. That is why I have chosen the program offered by MSU open to all students “Advertising and Public Relations a la Mediterranean (Italy and France)” to be my focus and aspiration. This particular set of classes is tailored to the type of media jobs I would like to have after my degree is complete.

The biggest thing i have learned is to manage my time. This has helped me greatly with juggling two jobs and classes, this also helps my percrastination problem. I am learning to just get things done early rather than later. I am also a very shay person, but through High school and college experiances I have learned to be a bit more out going. Even though I am still learning how to be more opened, I have learned that being to timid will get me no where.

Since I haven't started my college experience, I'll write about what I hope to get out of it and why I found it valuable to go back to school. I really hope to be able to take every opportunity that comes my way and make as many connections as possible. I want to reflect on my experiences when I get older and not regret leaving any stone unturned. I don't want to look back at my life with fear of things left undone, which is why I am going back to school at 27. I am hoping that I will find a path that is rewarding and can drive me to keep exploring and growing for the rest of my life. Through college, I am not only looking to gain new skills but have my mind opened to new ideas and possibilities. I find it valuable to know what you are passionate about and do that thing for as long as possible and this is what I hope to accomplish with my education.

I would attend the school that gives me the most financial aid. I wanted to play hockey in college so that influenced my decision on where to attend college. I no longer play hockey. I had another private school in Minnesota offer me more financial aid. I liked both schools equal. The other school took into consideration the tough classes I took in high school. Hamline didn't take that into consideration when figuring financial aid. I have been on the Dean List every semester at Hamline, met with the head of the business college but I've still been unable to get more money. I worked for a leasing company my freshman and sophomore years during the entire school year. The winter of my sophomore year I started my own fishing guide business. I was told by Hamline they would reward me because of my GPA and strong business sense. I have felt once they had me attending they didn't feel it was necessary to give me more money. I should've attended the school that offered me the most money in the first place and not worried about sports.

Knowing what i know about college life and making tranition, the advice that i would give myself is to take that step into college life and take advantege of a higher learning and go for my dreams and goals while i am in college. Things in life are not always given to you it has to be earned and going to college , studing and learning to the best of your ability is something that no one can take from you and it is something that you have earned. Your course of study is very important making sure of the major your goining to study is what you want to do don't wait to the last moment to change majors . Work close with your advisors and to use all the resourses yuo have to help you while in college. Have fun while in college, but don't lose focous on your what you are in school for . Having a college education is a gold that i wish that every one would reach for in life. As the commercial says for the United Negro Found " A mind is a terrable thing to waste". Enjoy the college life and have fun.

Having spent enough time at my chosen college to fill out the paperwork to transfer to another, I definitely feel that I have a better grasp on college existence than I did last year. Had I the opportunity to give myself a few words of wisdom, I'd have said merely, "Do as you want to do, keeping in mind who you are, what you've done, and where you're headed," which sounds terribly vague and utterly unhelpful. As much as I believe in aiding others with the wisdom we've acquired, I've found that some things must be stumbled across on one's own. I know that Concordia isn't the right school - too close to home, hypocritical emphasis on a motto that doesn't mean anything - but having not known that a year ago gave me an experience you'll never hear me regret. What's important to me now - meeting new people, experiencing city life, immersing myself in a psychology department that knows what it's doing - isn't the same as it was a year ago, but the trip from there to here taught me things that can't be merely spoken, but acquired.

apply sooner to Hamline so I could have gotten more financial aid, and work more in high school so I could have had more money.

Apply to more colleges

No matter how scary applying is and how excited you are to graduate, always try and keep focus and know that you can do it!

I would tell myself to develop better study skills early on and apply for as many scholarships as possible!

Don't be afraid to be the smart one. It helps you and others learn. You also ask questions that others have. Hamline teachers have been good about answering in a helpful way thus far. Oh, and step out of your box or just make it bigger!

I would tell myself: You need to go to where you want to go, to a place where you are happiest as a person, and not to a place where your friends are going or where you are most comfortable. You need to get outside that comfort zone, do things you never would've done before, and revel in your ability to break free of your previous standards and enjoy it. Don't worry so much about the cost, but more of the experience. A lot of people are in debt, but it is what they gained while garnering that debt that sets certain people apart. Most importantly, everyone regrets certain choices, so don't be afraid to reconsider your options if you are attending a school you don't love or pursuing a major that isn't right for you. Take the time to truly know yourself, and then be yourself.

My advice in finding the right college is to go look at the place! Universities can be deceiving when reading about them in a borcher, so go on a campus tour/visit. My favorite was when I did an overnight stay on campus to get a feel of what students did all day long. I went to a few different classes that I was interested in and I stayed with a student that lived in the dorms, so it was really interesting to have like the 'insiders' view of what college was like before I actually went there. And while being apart of the overnight program, I met one of my closest friends that I have now when being apart of this activity. I've learned a lot about culture and diversity by just giving things a try and experiencing them - it really blows your mind that 1) you never thought you'd like this sort of things and/or 2) how many different people you meet from just being apart of something. So get involved!

I would encourage students to think deeply about the basic questions: what class size most appeals to them, what setting they want their institution to be in, the quality of on- or off-campus housing, the level of social involvement that they're looking for. After thinking about all that, students should visit their institution(s) of choice and stay with a student if at all possible, becuase while the administration does have the students' needs in mind, they are also trying to attract students with their own financial gain in mind. A student provides an honest, altruistic point of view about what life will really be like at a specific institution. Most importantly, start looking early. Scholarships and financial aid are much more accessible earlier in the college search.

First, shop around. Apply to a few and visit your top choices multiple times. Participate in weekend visits or welcome events if possible. Look for a college for YOU, not your parents. Let your parents give input but if you make a choice based on their wants and needs, you will likely be miserable. Once you get to college, JUMP IN. Forget whatever you did in high school and try new things, don't visit home every weekend. Don't be afraid to change your major, or double major, and take advantage of minors, you will want to be able to spin your degree to as many different fields/jobs as possible when you leave college. The first few jobs you get might have little to nothign to do with what you majored in. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you, study abroad, do internships, volunteer, it gets much more difficult to get those opportunities once you graduate. Lastly, have a blast, even if you go on to graduate school nothing will be like your undergrad experience.

Find a college or university that will accomodate your needs. If you become unhappy at how the school is functioning, productivity will decline and your GPA will suffer.

It helpd to know what career you would like to persue before going thorugh your college search.

Make sure you are cautioned that merit scholarships don't go to well-deserving folks as much as they will go to the trustee relatives and alumni children. Money talks at Hamline and if you don't have it , don't expect to be getting it.

Make sure the school fits in with as many intrests as you have.

Look at the fields you are interested in and the cost of the school and the distance away from your home. Small schools are more individualized, as well as seem to be more privatized and may be more expensive if you don't get a good scholarship. Tour a lot of different schools and ultimately, let the kid decide which one is most comfortable and accepting and warm to him. This, above ALL, is the most important factor.

The best advice to a student beginning the application process would be to actually visit each college or even stay overnight with a student. This allows you to get a feel for the atmosphere and the typical daily life of the college. Also, listen to what your heart wants to do and not what makes the most economic sense. Also, pick the school that is most comfortable to you and not just the school that your friends are going to, because you will find that your friends will change in college. To get the most out of your college experience you need to be involved in more than just academics. Try a sport if you can or get involved in the intramural sports program. If you are not involved in any sports there are always tons of clubs and organizations that you can get involved with. Realize that college is not only about getting a degree to advance your career, but is also about creating long-lasting friendships and relationships that will last for the rest of your life.

Have an overnight visit on the weekend.

Check out the academic programs at the University you're looking at. If you're not sure what you want to do, make sure there are a variety of programs available that interest you so you can choose later. Learn about the average SAT/ACT scores of the Universities you're looking at and choose one where your score falls in the top 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or so. Look at the retention rate of a school. The number of students who return for their sophomore year is a good indicator of how well the school delivers on what it advertises and how well it accomodates new students. Visit the campus. Make sure you could feel at home there without your family. Ask other students if the professors are helpful and if they feel like what they're learning in their classes will help them find a job and be successful.

Each college is different and it is immportant to find a college that your children will be able to relate to.

Have your children go to community college first, it's cheaper.

I would tell you to ask around, how the students feel about their school their likes and dislikes.... Don't just trust your tour guide, they are paid to talk the school up.

Visit some different schools and experience some of the classes if at all possible. I think that it really helps to try to make good friends and relationships, they will be very rewarding for your educational experience.

Advice I would give parents/students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to remember that while students go to college for an education, and necessarily take the appropriate classes, more learning will be done outside the classroom than many know. Students need to find a place where they would feel comfortable going out to eat with their classmates, where they feel safe walking across campus, and where they feel they can thrive both academically, socially, and professionally. If someone is the kind of person where they thrive on lots of contact with people, then a bigger college may be appropriate. If someone needs more one-on-one contact with a professor in order to feel comfortable in a class, then a smaller college with smaller class sizes is more appropriate. Also, take into account the campus's location. Someone who hates cities should not go to a campus that is surrounded by sky scrapers, just as someone who hates rural locations should not go somewhere surrounded by forests or corn fields.

Visit as many as possible to find out what you like and dislike about colleges. Do not choose one for dumb reasons, such as a friend/boyfriend ect. When you get to college really get out and try to meet people. Don't go home a lot at the beginning, keep your dorm room open and try as many new things as possible!

Check out www.utead.com - it helps to compare schools. They also have a facebook application called 'college finder'

Find a place that makes you feel comfortable. Forget the prestige of the school or how it will or will not affect your future career prospects. You future depends on no one but yourself and it is best for you to be in an environment that will foster your growth and happiness. Challenge yourself as much as possible, go outside of your comfort zone a bit. Live on campus for atleast one year so you can get the experience of habitating with others...this will also help your social life. Get involved! Join a club, audition for a play, sing in a choir, or play in a band. Volunteer in your community. Go off campus and enjoy your surroundings. Consider Graduate school. Relax, have fun. Don't let these years rush past because you will yearn for them when they're gone.