High Point University Top Questions

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

Cameron

I would tell myself to listen to the advice handed down to me from my peers and family about college life. This includes things such as being organized, reasonable, and moderate.

Benson

I would tell myself to prepare yourself for an amazing experience. It will be both fun and challenging. I will make some great friends and have some amazing professors. Make sure to exercise often, study hard, and most importantly, have fun. College is not fun if you are not making friends and having fun. Learning to balance the two is tricky but a fun experience.

Emily

Start the college search early. Take the SAT instead of the ACT, because you are eligible for more scholarships. Don't let anyone influence you on your school or major. Don't worry if you don't know what you want to major in because most people don't or they change their mind when they get to college.

Alexis

Don't let anyone pressure into figuring out what you want to do with your life in high school. You may think you want to major in Political Science, but you could find your true passion in an English Literature class. Maybe you don't know what you to do right now; that's okay. Take different classes and explore your interests. Know what you are capable of, but allow room for unexpexted changes and personal growth at the same time. You're going to make mistakes, but you're also going to have significant triumphs. College is a learning curve for everyone. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get something right the first time around.

Richard

College is what you make of it. Nothing is handed to you with a bow on top. Get out of your room, make connections with people in your classes and get invloved in numerous student organizations on campus. Don't be afraid to meet people.

Hattie

To my high school senior self, I urge you to follow your dreams! Don't listen to those who discourage you in pursuing college, even if they are your counselor. Study hard to achieve the grades needed to receive scholarships. Every extra-curricular activity you think you might want to try, go for it, they will only help you in the long run. Don't let time fly by and make you forget your high school friends, they are very important and will help you find your footing again. College is all about transition, a time of discovering oneself and discovering the world, take every opportunity to broaden your horizons in college, these are the years of discovery, use them well. If you aren't entirely sure what you want to do in college yet, its okay, the first two years are all about solving that problem. Just remember to work hard and you will accomplish a great many things. And don?t forget to smile, its amazing what a simple smile can do for other people.

Michael

One should choose a school not based off how big or small it is, or where it is located in proximity to one's home. A person should choose a school based off a combination of the culture and diversity of the school, the school's academic prestige and finally what the student plans to study in order to succeed after graduating. With the right combination of these three things, I am confident that any student will experience happiness and success regardless of how big or small a college is or where its located. If a student can find the right combination of these three things and then get involved in activities throught the university whether it be sports, clubs, fraternities or sororities or anything else the college experience that person will have will be unforgettable. With the right balance the college experience will be one filled with happiness, success and friendships that will last a lifetime. Many people, my parents included, look back on college as the best 4 years of their life. I just finished my first year and I too and well on my way to jump starting my future and achieving happiness and success in life.

Rachael

Truly take the time to consider what it is you want out of your college experience. They say college is the time to find yourself, however I feel one should have a pretty solid idea of who they are and what they want before committing to what is ultimately a new world. As for finding the right school, visit as many as you can- first impressions usually dont lie. And be open to learning new things.

Amanda

I think that although many factors go in to choosing the right school, it is most important to choose a school where the enviroment fits the student. If the student is very focused and educationally minded and yet decides to attend a major party school, the student may often feel out of place and may not recieve the type of college experience that is best for him/her. In turn this could also affect him/her academically. When a college is right for the student, it will not be hard to make friends, do well in classes, and yet, at the same time, be challenged by professors who care about the students academic growth. All of these factors are what made me choose Olivet Nazarene University, and i believe could help any student find the right college for him/her.

Adam

Find a school that prioritizes academics, not partying and frivolous amenities.

Alicia

My best advice to give to parents and students, after attending and graduating from a four-year university, is to think logically rather than emotionally about the schools being applied to. Of course, while I was searching for schools to attend as a junior in high school, all I wanted was a safe distance from my family, a school that would put a lot of space between my parents and I. That was entirely an emotional, angst-filled choice, and I wish I had been more logical in my search for schools. I also allowed my lower-middle class upbringing sour my decision making, opting for the fancier, more expensive, private schools rather than the more affordable public ones. Both aspects were heaviliy affected by my emotions, leading to a rash decision to move to a pricey, private college 800 miles away. I was usually homesick and bitter about the long trek home for breaks, something I didn't think about when searching for schools. Don't let emotions carry you away in college either! College is a time for maturity, a time to learn about controlling emotions so they won't bring one down in the "real world".

charles

Go to many different colleges and tour them. Talk to people while on campus and ask their opinions.

McCall

I would make sure you get a good vibe from the school. Most schools you pay thousands of dollars just for the name, and school is what you make of it! Make sure the school fits your lifestyle and personality because in the end, happiness is what determines academic success. In making the most of your college experience make sure to GET INVOLVED!! This is the best way to meet new people, and a great way to build the foundation of your resume.

Desiree

With hundreds of different colleges available for students to choose from, choosing only a few colleges to apply to can be grueling work--requiring research and time. As a current college student who was in the same shoes as many high school students looking to go to college, I endeavored to develop a strategy that would facilitate the college decision process. First I started by determining where I wanted to study. Warm weather or cold weather? Did I want to be in a city, near a city, or in the middle of nowhere? How far away from home was acceptable? Once the possible region was selected, I focused on what schools posessed my education program of choice. Did they offer my intended major? What were the class sizes? What degrees did professors posess? Next, I narrowed my selection based on how large the school was. Ultimately, these questions helped me discover the right college. As for the college experience, join many clubs and be active within the community, this will enable you to meet different people and truly enjoy your college experience. Just be sure not to lose focus on your academics and don't overwork yourself! Moderation is key!

Jessica

Picking the college that is right for you doesn't have to be hard. First you should have an idea of how far away from home you want to be and what region you want to go to school in. Get information on all the colleges that you're thinking about. Look for a major that you want, and look for other majors you're interested in, not all college students keep their original majors! narrow down your search to a few schools and apply! when you get a letter of acceptance, or even before that go visit the schools so you know how the campus feels. My own expierince when i walked onto my school campus i knew that that school was where i was ment to be. I believe that you'll know where you're supposed to be when you step onto the campus. once you find your school get involved! go out and meet people talk to people in your classes, or sit with a group in the cafe and make some friends. generally people are nice and would love to have you sit with them, they knew what it was like as a freshman.

Tara

Start early! My parents and I were a little delayed on the college search process, but luckily I found the right fit. Make sure the student gets that "feeling" after visiting the college. Have fun with it too! Visit as many as your budget will allow you too! It's a lot of fun to visit many campuses!

Antonio

you really want to research the school that you are going to. i myself did research online to get a basic knowledge of the school, and then i scheduled a time to go and visit the campus. once i visited, i went around the campus before my guided tour and explored it for myself. then i went on a tour where they talked more about the campus and allow you to ask further questions. after this visit, i then planned another visit for the sole purpose to go and ask questions about the financial aid possibilities as well as talking with future professors for the field i was going into. also, you may want to plan a trip to look at the extra curricular activities and meet with the individuals who are not going to be teaching your children, but will be with them on a more social level. all of these things i would recommend to anyone who is looking for a school to attend.

Casey

You aren't expected to know everything, do not get frustrated. Life is short and this is only a small piece of it. Learn the most you can and make the most of your education. The college should cater to you, you should feel like they really want you to be a part of their family and community. If they don't, keep browsing. Have a ball but be responsible. Your character is still under scrutiny even though your parents aren't there. good luck!!

Leah

It isn't just about location--it is about what the University or college has to offer your child. Is campus well-rounded? Students should get involved in as many activities as possible--this ensures they will meet many different types of people, and never be bored. Sometimes it is okay to pay a bit more for a quality experience and education. It will be worth it. Be involved! Call your child weekly, but also give them the independence they need. Good luck.

Julia

Make sure to visit the campus, meet professors, and to take the tours.

Abby

I would say that wherever you feel you can see yourself become the person you want to be, and this college will help you do it, go for that one. You should definitely have a good feeling that this is a place you can make friends, focus on your major, and learn all kinds of different things in the four years you have. If you have a plan of what you want out of college, and this one fits that picture, go for it. Don't waste your time thinking that if you've known everything going in that you might have done something different. You always will have the option of transferring, but don't kill your chances of success when you've only been at the place for a couple of months. Take your time and be thankful what you get in return. To sum it up, college is what you make it, and no one can decide what makes you happy. If you feel it, go for it.

Meghan

Don't get carried away with partying, your here to learn and get through college, don't wast your parents money. Handeling a part-time job and going to school is a posibility so don't stress. Make sure you make time for fun and don't kill yourself with a work load and finally put yourself out there when it comes to meeting new people because their all in the same situation as you are!

Alex

stay near home

kristen

..

Stephanie

I would suggest to talk to people outside of tours, don't be afraid to approach students or professors. They will be more likely to tell you the more truthful pros and cons of the campus and life.

Jasmyne

In your search to finding the perfect college you must find out what is most important in your daily living. For me, the campus life, professors, diversity, and dorms were most important. I feel that it is necessary to find an institute that can fulfill the needs of your mind, body and soul.

Shana

My advice to any parent or student when it comes to finding the right school is to listen to your heart. When I first walked around the campus of High Point University I got this instant feeling of this is it, that I could tell this was the place for me. I know that there are a lot of other factors like finical aid, sports, academics and the social scene that contribute to one?s decision, but in the end you should feel a connection to the institution. So listen to what?s inside of you and it will help you make a good choice. My advice to any college student when it comes to making the most of out their college experience is to get involved!! College is about learning new things, making mistakes, and preparing you for your life ahead. So get to know your hall mates, join some clubs, become apart of something and be active and involved. Make the most of the time you have in college by experiencing as many things as possible, and don?t forget to study; you are there for an education first.

timothy

As a High Point University Ambassador (tourguide), I have been trained to, more or less, sell a university to a prospective student and his/her family. although a campus tour can be informative it is simply a puff-piece about the school. Through this i have learned that there is no better way to truly get to know a campus than by simply watching students. what do i mean by this? when visiting a campus be sure to pay close attention to the students' every action. observe how they walk, talk, and move their bodies--even down to their facial expressions. A school is best respresented through its students. a student that is dissatisfied with their school will lack a smile or walk without purpose. a student that is unhappy on their campus will carry themselves tall and walk as if they are on a journey to success. furthermore, it may seem superficial but a campus that has good-looking students, that care about how they dress, denotes a college setting that takes value in ones image--and image is, in fact, a necessity for success.

Helena

Applu to a lot and look at lot

Carrington

Do not just settle on one school of choice but search out several avenues that may fit what you are looking for in a college and acollege eperience.

Shannon

Go to a campus you're considering. Spend time there - make use of their "day in the life" programs. Meet people and ask questions. The most important question you'll want to ask yourself is, "can I see myself living here day to day?" If you can't, keep looking. If you can, then you've probably found the school for you!

Stephen

Parents should be open to how students weigh the importance of their choices for an undergraduate institution, as it will be the institution that will hopefully ready them for a career or entrance into an institution of higher education. Students should be open minded to social and extra-curricular activities and the connections that can be made while at college, because the relationships one forms in college can be the ones that last a lifetime.

Benjamin

Don't rush into anything. I raced through college, trying to get an education and get out, and once it is gone you really do wish it wouldn't have flown by so fast. Make sure you know what you want to do before you declare a major that you know you will love, and go to a school that is good for whatever degree you want. If you're undecided, take a GAP year (I wish I would have), or go to a school that promotes some kind of introductory year where you can take general ed classes in a bunch of different fields that you may be interested in. Find somewhere you would want to get involved. Whether it be theatre, student government, volunteer work, fraternities and sororities, student activities team, whatever..just find something that you like doing because that is where you will find your closest friends. Work while you're in school if you're not doing extra-curriculars..do SOMETHING with your spare time besides hanging around campus in your friends' dorms. It will do you so much good to be busy rather than feeling like you're wasting time. Good luck!!

Victor

I think the right college is the one where you are able to receive an extraordinary education while having fun and enjoying your time to the fullest in a positie way. A college where you can make the most out of yourself . A college that means so much to you tha the first thing that comes to your mind after classes are over and everyone is going back to their home is "I can wait for classes to start again". The best way to make the most out of your college experience is to use the time you have wisely. Anything can be done in college, no matter how busy you may be with school work, if you know how manage your time well you will be able to accomplish everything you want. Taking care of your responsabilities and of your social life at the same time. Be aware that nothing extreme is good. Devote all the time needed for your studies, but also dedicate time to grow as a person and create relationships that will last a lifetime. College will determine your future life, make sure you make the best out it, so that you have a bright future.

Robin

i dont know

Aubrey

I would tell future co-eds that they should find the college that best "fits" them. The school that speaks to their heart and feels "right". They shouldn't base their decision on statistics or reputation, but rather, on personal criteria that reflects his or her values and their desires in life. Not all colleges are the same, just as not all students are the same. No one survey or brochure can make the decison of what college to attend. This is a place where one spends four or more years of their life learning, growing and becoming the person they wish to be. College is a place where life-long friends are met and where life begins as an adult. No one can make the decsion of where this transformationshould occur; only the future student can. An he or she will know, just as I did, the right college. They just have to quiet what others are saying, though it may be hard, and follow their heart. That is the only way to truly find happiness, and to make the most out of the college experience.

Lauren

College is College. I believe that you get out of college what you put into it. So strive to find a place that makes you want to give it everything you've got. FInd a university that challenges you as a person to be the best you can inside and outside of the class room. When you do both of those things it is then that you are truly successful. College is more than getting an education it is about finding who you are and what you want out of life. High Point University has done that for me and for that I am so grateful.

Faith

You should definitely visit every campus that you are thinking about applying to. Also, always have a back up school that you can afford and get into. Make sure that you fit with the school and the people that you are going to have to interact with for four years!

Vanessa

Always chose the school for yourself, don't agree to go because your parents want you to. Make sure you find yourself comfortable and happy where you're going, that you'll be able to relate to people and do things that you enjoy at school. For instance High Point was my first choice, and even though it was 12 hours away from home my parents encouraged me to go out and grow and do what I know I need to do in order to succeed. You can never get these four years back. Make sure you can have tons of fun and get good grades, that's key for the next step in your life. You need to make sure you can have a balance of studying/learning and having fun with friends. Go somewhere that will push you and challenge you to make yourself a better you. Being far from school has taught me to deal with my problems on my own, such as finding a place to get my car fixed, a job, finding my way around. It's been an adventure; I feel like I have grownup so much and it's only been a year.

Jenna

Well when I was looking for colleges I immedaitly knew i wanted to go to high point univerisity the moment i stepped foot on the campus. Make sure that you as a student are making the desicion for yourself and not for your friends or your boyfriend or your parents but for you. Your parents want you to be happy and to achieve as much as you possibly can. You should look into student groups as soon as you get onto the campus and research what you want to get involved with. Do not get stressed out and remember that everything happens for a reason.

Marie

When it comes to choosing the right college, parents must be very supportive. However, the decision should ultimately be made solely by the student. After all, it is the student that is most affected by the situation. Before picking a school, I would suggest visiting as many campuses as possible before applying. Any university that one might be slightly interested in is worth a look. By touring schools, the applicant will have a better idea of what he is looking for, and will be able to narrow down his choices. Most importantly, a student should never limit himself. No university should be out of the question, no matter how pricy or distant from home it is. Something can always be worked out if one tries hard enough. In order to make the most of the college experience, new students must learn to get involved. Never hesitate joining a new club or trying a new activity. Do as much as possible right away. It may not be feasible to remain active in every organization, but at the very least a student can walk away having tried something new and having gained new friends. Friendship is the basis of a collegiate home.

Zach

The best piece of advice that i can give to a potential freshmen about finding a specific college is you'll "feel" which one is right for you. I had visited over 7 different schools before i got that right "feeling" about a school. Be patient and visit alot of schools, when you get that special "feeling" then you'll know its right for you. While your at school, in order to get the most out of your college experience be active. I would suggest joining an intramural sports team. This will provide enough attention that it wont overwhelm you. If you want more out of your college experience then perhaps one should join a fraternity or sorority. By staying active in college, students can learn to balance a college level workload, while still blowing off steam and taking their mind off of things.

Colin

Finding the right college is just a feeling you have when you step onto the college. There's nothing more and nothing less. As for the experience it is what you make it. If you complain about how much it sucks then it will suck. If you go out and have fun it will be a lot of fun.

Jalessa

let your student choose where they want to go. your child will be happier going to a place they chose rather than going someplace their parent mad them attend.

Tara

I would first advise partents to search for colleges that best fits your childs learning style. I found that its important to know what type of learning style you are because a student should feel comfortable with the size of a classroom, the diversity of the school, size of the school, the location of the school, academics, resources and financial aid. You want your child to feel safe where ever they are, so the schoool setting is very important. My advice for students when trying to find the right college is to choose a place that you feel comfortable in. Vist many different types of colleges, to get the feel of different settings. I love my small classes and beautiful campus, that is what attracted me to High Point University. I love the academic support from professors and staff. Dr. Nido Qubien is a wonderful President for our school and is very supportive in everything that happens at High Point University. So when it comes down to picking your school, make sure you feel things out and do research about the schools as well as asking other students about the school . That will help your decision process!

Sharisse

Life is a continual cycle of what is given and what is done with what has been given. We are all born into circumstance that we can not control. Some choose to dwell over the ?unfairness? of the situations that they end up in, and in truth they may not be fair. But the most successful people are those that don?t whine about what they receive in life and try to make a difference with what they do have. These are the type of people that take a ?don?t? and make it a ?do.?I personally don?t define success at all, because success can often take a negative turn. Success often leads to miss conceptions of what one can achieve and sets a standard that might not be reasonable in other instances. I?d rather measure myself in achievements that just success over all. Every tiny achievement leads me to want another, and so on. That is something I feel is personified on the Campus if High Point University which is what I'd advise anyone searching for a college to look for.

Greg

I would advise you to schedule many college visits so you make sure you know what kind of college you're looking at. Also, I would definitely recommend speaking with some of the students that attend the college or university you're looking at, so you get a student's perspective instead of just what the faculty and staff are selling.

Kiara

The major advice I would first give to students is to not look at just the beauty of the school, because in the end good looks doesn't give you the proper education. Nor does it allow you to enjoy your new college life. I would also suggest that you prioritize; work, then "play." As for advice for parents I would definitely suggest that you make sure the school is in your budget and that your son/daughter have a back up cosigner for any loans you may have to take out. Yes, financial aid will do their best to see that financially your in good hands but things do happen. Just be sure to have a back up plan for everything, it help tremendously.

Ryan

When you visit schools, pick the one that gives you the gut feeling that it is just right for you. Don't forget to ask questions because you will never really know what you are getting into unless you do. Remeber that everyone else moving into college has to deal with the same things you will, and that you are on common ground. Never worry about being lonely, get out there and se the world!

Nick

visit multiple times