Hope International University Top Questions

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

Carly

The biggest thing I would tell myself as a high school senior making the transition into college life would be to choose a field of study you enjoy and to not let society do the choosing. When I first started college I wanted to be a teacher but I let the fear of societys outlook on there not being a lot of teaching jobs, cause me to go into nursing. After two years of studying nursing and working at a hosiptal I realized I enjoyed learning about health care but it was not something I was passionate about. I also worked with other people that were not passionate about health care yet they would just go through the motions. That is when I realized I did not want a job where I was just going through the motions. I wanted to do something I was passionate about! That is when I decided to not let the fear society put in my head about teaching get in the way of me studying my passion, and now I have my bachelors in liberal studies and am currently working on my masters in special education and loving it!

Corinna

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be to apply myself more and go the extra mile to get better grades. I would also tell myself to study more for the SAT so I could get a better score. Lastly, I would encourage myself to apply for more scholarships to make the stress of paying for college easier on my parents.

Samantha

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would have lots to say. First of all, I would tell myself to stop being lazy and take control of your future. It took me a couple years into community college to really grasp the idea that I was in control. Once I got it into my head that I alone can decide my future that is when my future started presenting opportunities to me. I would tell myself to not take English your first semester and to not take those silly classes that have nothing to do with your major or general education plan. Don't waste your time! That would be the main thing I would tell myself. I would also tell myself to apply for financial aid, I never once before now applied for any aid and I deeply regret it. I can't say I've made many mistakes because I'm on the right track now. My past self would probably love being pushed a little bit more though. We all need to be motivated, even if it is ourselves that's doing the motivating.

Julianna

Everything happens for a reason. As cliche and overused as that phrase may be it truly is the best advice a person could ever have. There is no reason to sweat the small stuff or even what may seem like the large obstacles in life because they are meant to be. It is important to work hard in school each and every single day because as much as it is hard to admit, and even realize it really does matter. Another piece of advice I would give myself would without a doubt be to not believe in back up plans. It is important to go after your goals because if you don't then the rest of your life will be lived wondering, "what if?". It may be hard, and it may at times seem impossible but the day that you achieve those goals you will not at all be concerned with the small struggles.

milton

"Stay Focused" it's going to get better, just take "Senior" life day by day. It easy to not follow what's important, now that all of classes is done, no more important meetings like the first 3 years, let's chill for a minute or two. Always keep a positive mind when things don't seem right or time passing at a slow rate. Go to college, graduate from college, start a new, better life for your wife and kids, then look back at "Senior Year" tell the grandkids about to help them get through the process.

Dennis

You are intelligent and you are capable of extraordinary success. College will be the greatest challenge you will ever face because you will do it alone. You will prove to your family, your friends, anyone who ever doubted you, and yourself that you can stand on your own two feet. You need to study everyday and attend all of your classes all of the time. You will not try harder, you will do better! College will cost you nothing as long as you attend a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (about four classes). Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.gov. You qualify for the Pell Grant and O'bannon Grant. These automatically get applied for you when you fill out your FAFSA and will cover all your tuition, school supplies, and book fees. Business will be your major because this industry will teach you how to become successful in the business you conduct outside of work which only your family will benefit from. You will be taught how to quit working for earned income and to start working for capital gain. This is how people become wealthy and stay that way.

Jose

I would advise myself to buy books before the start of the semester, receive financial aid advice early on in the semester to prepare for the next one, and set time aside for reading the various textbooks required to pass the given courses.

Kristina

My college experience has been amazing. I absolutely love it at Hope, and would advise prospective students to at least visit to see how they like it. The Staff, faculty, and students are absolutely amazing and so very helpful. The professors actually want to see us succeed and encourage us very much. It has been valuable attending this school, because I have met so many great friends and have actually enjoyed classes and group discussions. I have learned so much already and totally look forward to coming to Hope for the rest of the upcoming years if everything goes as planned. I think that it has really helped me become a better person overall, and I certainly have developed a liking for school. They have so many activities and nights to all gather together and I personally believe I chose the absolute right school for me.

Tyra

I have gained so much already out of my college experience. I have learned about making long-lasting relationships and about what it's like to be a community. This school is so valuable to me because of the Christ-centered environment, and the bible classes we are required to take. This is special, and I wouldn't want to go to any other school. I look forward to everything else I will continue to learn at this school.

Daniel

I have gotten an entire new group of friends and relationships that will last forever. I have also had opportunities to become connected within the Fullerton community, and serve that community whenever it is warranted. It has been valuable to attend this school because it will help my career flourish with the web of people that I have come to know and work with.

Seth

Most college students change their major at least a few times before they graduate. Many college graduates will not work in the field of their degree. This is what I would tell myself: know what you want to focus on in life before you start running towards the goal. Many people are driving with no direction because there is no destination. There is a danger in wasting time and accruig a very large school debt, not to mention other peoples investments (grants & scholarships). It is necessary to take some time; travel, interview people in their careers, take a personality test, learn in interships. When you find that area of purpose in your life, run at it with full speed. Do not turn aside from obtaining that degree, because it will boost you into the desired goal. A skilled man will sit down before kings.

Brittany

I would tell myself to prepare more when it comes to making a decision about a college and to no wait until the last minute. I would tell myself that your senior year goes way faster than you think it will and you should really research the schools you are considering and give yourself enough time to get everything you need to get done when finishing your applications. I would also tell myself not to let the little things come between your friends and yourself. Those things just build up and soon it is too late to fix them. You also cant worry about what people think about you; you will ruin your last year of high school if your always worried about being "perfect." Just have fun and enjoy the people your with while you can because more likely than not, you will lose touch and not see them again until your high school reunions.

Andrea

If I were to go back to high school I would tell myself that the most important things in life are finding out what you are good and and giving it your best shot, measuring and setting goals that are short and long term, being dilligent and consistent with study time and homework, and most of all remembering and spending time with the people you meet and love. Part of achieving success is not just finishing school with the most honors but having fun along the journey. Its also good to keep in mind that you will fail over and over again but thats okay, eventually you will figure it out and become a pro. So be committed and keep your eye on the goal, but don't forget the journey.

Amanda

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself that I need to take more dual enrollment classes because it is a great use of my time and, in the long run, it turns out to be a cheaper/faster option for me. I would also tell myself that I have nothing to worry about because the campus, students, and administration were all very inviting and cared about me and my well being. I also would have told myself to pack warmer clothes.....I'm not in Arizona anymore!

Stephanie

Change is inevitable, both in the certainty that it will occur and in the fear that it has always provoked in me. Nothing has ever been more frightening for me than the thought of leaving the home, city, school, and people I knew and loved to begin all over again somewhere else. Indeed, some of the most depressing and sorrow-filled days (weeks, months) of my life were my freshman year of college. Having survived and flourished out of that year, I know what I would say to my high school senior self: "It's okay." Not, "Don't be scared," or "It won't be that bad," or even "You'll get through it" because those sentiments would have been too grand, too cliche, and too illogical for me to have accepted. I have no doubt that who I am today is due in part to having made it through that year. My college experience has not been tainted by freshman year; rather it has been enriched. "It's okay" was what I needed to hear most during that year and as a highschooler it was the basic reassurance I needed to feel confident to face the challenges ahead.

Shay'l

I would tell myself to go to William Jessup instead.

Rebecca

In order to find the college that is right for a student, the best thing that a parent and student can do is visit each college campus that the student is interested in. It is important for the student to see what type of atmosphere they will be learning in and what types of students and faculty members they will be interacting with on a daily basis. In order to get the best experience at a college, the best thing that a student can do is live on campus and get involved with extra-curricular activities as often as possible. Students should try to make close, long-lasting friendships with their fellow students because college will impact their lives forever. In order to get the best education, students need to make sure that they get their homework done ahead of time and avoid procrastination. It is also very important that the student be willing to approach his/her professors with any questions or concerns about their classes and/or homework. Overall, students and parents need to start preparing before college in order for the student to choose the best school and get the best experience possible.

Angelica

Make a list of what you are looking for in a school in order of importance and then rate each school according to that list. Make sure to do college visits to get a real sense of what the campus is like, and talk to current students.

Jessica

Go to a place that AMAZES you, not just a college that is convient. If you pick a college that you really enjoy going to and getting involved with, your experience will be so much more fullfilling and you will undoubtedly learn lessons that can't always be taught in th classroom. Also, look at the relationships between the professors and the students. From my experience, having professors who I know really care about students has been one of the most supporting factors as a transitioned to living on my own and as I decided what would be my field of study. Lastly, if you are able to live on campus, do it! It is a once in a life time oppurtunity and you will be more likely to make friends, get involved, and feel like you belong at the school.

Kevin

When a senior in high school is looking for a college, i strongly recommend that you meet with differant staff and faculty in your program so that you can get a feel with the way the program runs. Looking at class breakdowns and syllabi is important to see the average work loads to compare with your capabilities dependant on working and social life. The drive should not be so far away from your living situation that you will not want to make the commute, and start missing classes. lastly, one should look for a college that has a social or sports life that fits your lifestyle.