John Brown University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to learn to be more organized. The main adjustment I have had to make is to have a set time to always double check homework assignments and e-mails. After that, I would tell myself to learn to study more. When high school is easy, you can get complacent in studying, but in college you must study well. It would be better to start the year overstudying and adjust down as opposed to understudying and having to adjust up. Next, I would tell myself to take advantage of free time and work ahead when you can, because It will seem sometimes that every assignment is due at once. Finally, I would tell myself to make sure you take time to make friends and get involved, it will help if you get homesick; and you will get homesick.

There are so many things i would tell myself, but a few that i would really drill into my head is learning how to study, and how to manage my time. In high school you have your parents constatly asking you about your homework and all that. But in college you dont have that. I really struggled with actually sitting down and studying because i didnt really know how to do. You have to learn how to study the right way and if you can force yourself to sit down and zone in on your work, then you will do just fine. Then in college you have more freedom, and you have countless options on things to do. But the important thing to do is make a schedule on what needs to be done. Homework first, and then free time after. Learning how to study and how to manage my time are huge things i would tell anyone, not just myself. College is so different from high school and it is a big adjustment, but if you fiugre out what it takes to do your best, then you will be just fine.

Don't rush through college. College is the last phase of being a dependant without having to join the workforce and being loaded down with responsibilites. While in college slow down and enjoy it. Join clubs and organizations to not only make new friends but also for the experience and good memories. Go for a degree that you know you will use for the rest of your life. Don't waste your time and money on a degree your heart is not set on. If you cannot decide what degree you want start the first two years in general education so you can get your core curriculums out of the way. When you do decide what degree you want you will only have to focus on the major courses. Start college right out of high school for there are more scholarship opportunities for high school seniors. Choose a college that best fits your goals. Don't just pick a college because it's close to home or the cheapest. Pick a college that has the degree you want and offers all your needs such as internship opportunities. The job you get with your degree will make up for the payments.

I will tell myself to start looking for scholarships, because going to college really is expensive. I will also advice myself to get more organize so that it will be easier to have time with friends and studies. It is fine to think about your freedom but also do not forget about your loved ones, there the ones making your dreams come to a reality.

If I were able to give myself advice I would encourage myself to take more advanced courses! College requires dedication and hard work. Even though I took several years of math, including Math IV, I would take the highest math course available. I would also take AP classes to help me increase my study skills. Studying can be a learned behavior. The more often you do it, the better you become at it. I was able to go through the basic courses in high school without very much effort. By challenging myself then, I would be in a better position to do college course work now. I would also not worry about how I would fit in at school, college is great - just hard work!

It's time to take off. You’ll make mistakes, but there’s always time to get it right. College is full of opportunities and getting involved is a great way to meet people and explore your own talents. Just remember, nobody can do everything, so do things that fit you well. In terms of making new friends, keep the door open: literally and figuratively. In dorms, people are always walking by and it’s easy to meet new people when you let them know you’re available. While there’s always time to make new friends, the first few weeks are important because everyone’s trying to make connections, so stick around on the weekends and put yourself out there. When you feel lonely, remember that nearly everyone around you has felt the same way in making their own transitions, so talk about it with some of them; most people will understand how you’re feeling. As far as majors go, don’t stress over it because there’s still plenty of time, but do make continuous efforts to learn about yourself and what will you were made to do. Everything will work out for good, so enjoy yourself!

I have gotten learning that extends outside of the classroom and into whole sections of my life. My current college experience has opened up a new world that I previously had never thought of before, causing me to re-evaluate my plans and goals beyond "just getting by" and thinking that I can make a difference in my small part of the world. I have used the disappointment of my previous experiences to research the best path for my future with a much higher expectation of what I can achieve and the expectancy of actually achieving the goals I have set.

The most valuable things I have gained from my college experience have been preparation for graduate school and for life through both academic and personal growth. I have learned both the basics of the sciences as well as obtaining a well-rounded education in the liberal arts. I have been well prepared for graduate school by challenging courses, laboratory experience, leadership opportunities, and experienced professors. Not only this, but I have also been challenged and have grown outside of the classroom through extracurricular, small group, and leadership activities. Speakers, faculty, and leaders on campus have promoted concepts and ways of living which have promoted personal growth and helped me to learn to function as a better member of the community and society. I have gained much from this experience and will have been well equipped for the next stage in life after graduation.

I am a shy person who struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder. At John Brown University, I feel comfortable. The classes are smaller. I am able to focus well. The teachers care about their students. There is no one attending class who doesn't want to be there. My goal is to graduate in four years with a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design. I also strive to be debt free. My parents are paying a portion of my education. The remainder is up to me. Therefore, this scholarship will help me achieve my plan. Thank you for considering me for the award.

College has taught me to be more responsible. Being away from home I have learned that I have to choose things for my life not based on what my parents say. I have learned more about myself and what I am most likely going to do with the rest of my life. I am learning more about Jesus and time management. Life has many obstacles and college helps me choose better ways to handle them before I am in the real world and I don't have a comfy campus to help me through.

If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would stress the importance of ACT scores, scholarships, financial aid, and how to obtain that information. I would provide myself with sources to find facts about what is entailed in grants, scholarships, and financial aid. I would tell myself to apply to every college that caught my eye, and learn information about what they offer, and what the community has to offer. I would tell myself to visit my top 5 colleges and spend time learning the area around them, so I would be able to choose a place that fit me and a place that I felt safe. I would recommend living on campus the first year to meet peers and begin to gain more responsibility on my own. I would encourage myself to get involved with an intramural activity to stay active and still have a hobby, while meeting new people. I would tell myself to always seek advisement on schooling and always ask for help with school. Lastly, I would tell myself to take career placement tests, which would allow me to follow a specified degree plan.

"Be open minded." This is the advice I would give myself as a high school senior. Thankfully, I was able to learn this throughout my time at JBU; however, this advice would have made the transition much easier. As a college freshman, I was so concerned with myself and finding friends that fit my "ideal" image, neglecting the thought that I could be friends with those that I would have never considered being friends with in high school. Unfortunatley, I thought that sticking to my social preferences would make the transition easier. It took me a couple years to figure it out, but I have found my truest of friends to be those that I would have never considered forming a friendship with. I am extremely grateful for the friendships that I have made in college. After all, college lasts 4 years but the friendships you make last a lifetime.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior I would tell myself to take things a little more seriously and really consider what I wanted to do with my life. Its important as a senior to really take the time and think about things, to really consider what you want out of life, and what type of life you want to have. You should never just settle for something that you know you can do just because you think that it will be the easiest route and that you will be making the most money at. You should really think about what will make you happy. When I was in highschool I really didnt give what I wanted to do with my life much thought and now looking back I wish I would have. I wish I would have sat down are really thought about all the things i could do with my life. So if i could go back I would tell myself to sit down, slow down. and really think about what I wanted out of life. Where do I want to see myself in the future?

College will not always be the best years of your life, however, you will have lots of fun, many changes and tons of challenges that will help you as you develop into an adult. Though college isn't something that you have in mind, it will be the best choice for you because you need structure in your life and without it, you have the potential to be what you don't want, another statistic. The transistion is just like another family move and won't be too hard you just have to press through the down times. You will make great friends and college is just like high school in some ways, so you will meed people who are fake. Be true to yourself and know that you will always have God on your side no matter what you choose.

I would tell my self not to think about peole from highschool because they really do not matter. Also I would tell myself that the onlything that matters in highschool is grades and not to let it get me down becaues it is almost over.

I would definitely recommend attending college when you are younger. I waited till I was 41 to begin attending college. I earned my AAS in Visual Communication/Graphic Design Degree while working full-time and raising two teenage children. I am now continuing my education and earning my BS in Business Operational Management. I am still working full-time while attending school. While attending school as an older adult gives me the benefit of understanding myself better, including my aptitudes and talents, I do believe it would have benefitted me in many ways to attend as a young adult as well.

There are very few changes I would make in my high school education. But one would be the method of testing. I would recommend that the students have essay testing to prepare them for writing. And do more writing assignments.

Think about where you want to go and who you want to be in five or ten years, and choose your college and major based on that, not based on who you are right now, as you will definitely change. Don't be afraid to take a chance or do something that seems terrifying. It will be worth it. You'll have more regrets if you take the more conservative, familiar route.

I would tell myself that you need to study hard and not waste your time so much on all the fun things. College can also be fun but at the same time it can't be all fun. Otherwise you won't be able to graduate on time. Academics come first and foremost in my book.

When going into college keep an open mind. The first month or so can be very hard. It is hard to find friends or your click but stay in there. I left the school that I loved because I felt lost and just didn't give the school enough time. Now I am really wishing that I could go back. It takes some time to adjust but if you just give it time it will all work out and you will find yourself where you are supposed to be.

Ask questions and continue to look. Look for a place where you feel you can succeed, that has your interests in mind. Take a college day and visit the schools you are interested in. A school looks a lot different when you visit it than on paper or over the phone. While in college, be dedicated in your school work, and choose a few specific activities/clubs to be involved in. Try to not make yourself too busy, but instead enjoy what you are involved in without stretching yourself to thin.

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience are some of the most important things in a young person's life. First, students must find the colleges with the right location, cost, programs, and size to satisfy their expectations. Then, they must decide how they want to spend their time during those college years. In the search for the perfect college, students must keep in mind their desires for their specific experience and how each prospective college may help or hurt them in that pursuit. However, it is important to get a feeling for the different colleges and go with one's instincts for the final decision. After students have chosen their colleges, they should think about what they want out of the time they will spend at their given college. Do they want to give their time to clubs, sports, music, or other extra-curricular activities? Will they participate in or attend specific school functions? There are so many options to choose from and the best way to make the most of the college experience is to take it one day at a time and one commitment at a time.

The college search can be stressful. It seems like such a momentus decision to make. You're asking youself, "what should I major in? Where do I want to be?" While it is important to look for a place that will best fit you as a person, in the end a place is only what you make of it. I have found that the small everyday decisions that you make matter just as much or more than those huge looming decisions. My advice to you is to get involved with campus events and organizations right away during your feshman year. You can handle it. It is a great way to get to know people and start forming life long friendships. Don't go home every weekend if you are going to college near your home. You miss out on campus life if you don't put down some roots and get involved. It's important to do your best on your school but it's also important to know when to take a break and invest in friendships. College can teach you so much about people. Grasp every opportunity to grow.

My advice that I feel would be most beneficial to students and parents who are searching for a college is to make sure they apply to many different colleges and completely weigh out their options. The most important thing is to make sure that the chosen college is a place where the student is comfortable and that the parents see it as a good environment for their kid. Another really important factor in choosing a college is making sure to take God's plan for the student into account. Make sure you pray to God and listen to see where the best option for the student is. I wish you best of luck with your option and may God bless you!

You should pick somewhere that is not a party school. You aren't paying oodles of cash to go have fun. You are spending it on a good education. Pick something academically based. You can party for free outside of the school.

Choose a college that fits you and your degree. Research and ask questions.

It is important to have some idea of what you are looking for in a school. The best way to find out is by visiting a variety of different colleges. As you visit make notes about what you do or do not like. It can also be helpful to list school qualities in order of importance. In my opinion, some of the most important aspects to consider when looking at a school are: academic excellence, faculty quality and interest in students, and the dynamics of the student population. It is the people that will make your experience worth while. In order to have the best experience at a school, it is important to invest time in relationship and involvement. Maintaining a balance between your socail and academic life should be your top priortiy. Asking for help and involving professors and friends in as much of your life as possible will help you succeed in both of these areas.

Parents know that finding the right college for their student is important. A specific college experience will have an effect on the rest of their child's life. But who's the say that there is one "right" college for each person? The key is to find the one that will best match the goals and personality of the student. Small, large, Christian, state, liberal, conservative, ect. Then, it is up to the student to take it from there. Students should do what they can to have the best years of their life while learning all that they can about the world and their future. They need to get involved in school activities and cultivate school spirit, as well as focus on their studies and do their best in every aspect of their college career. That way, they will not leave that phase of their life with regrets--only with a tangible way to make their dreams happen and a bright future ahead of them.

Ask lots of questions about the major you want to go into. Make sure you know what's going on in your program and anything else that inovlves you. Do not settle for less than what you can get.

I would tell students to look where their passion leads them. The school that the student picks will allow him/ her to grow for the next 2-4 years. College is a great place to grow into the person he/she is meant to be, learn about the world and their profession, and to interact in relationships that allow him/ her to flurish. College is a great experience, so look for a place that offers a wide variety of what the student is interested in. It is extremely important to learn, but it is also extremely important to engage in activities that will develop the student and make friends that will impact the student's whole person. Try new activities, meet tons of people, engage your heart, soul, and mind. Be wise, be intentional, and have fun!

Don't stress. There is no one perfect place for you. Visit a lot of schools and keep mental notes of things you like, then find a school that has the most things on your list. College is an experience, but it is school too, don't expect college to do everything for you, make your own fun!!

Parents- Be a part of your child's college selection experience by encouraging them to pursue education anywhere and everywhere. Go with them on campus visits and ask your own questions on the first visit, but let your students handle it at visits thereafter. Also, help your student(s) to find what they are good at and enjoy doing and help them to pursue their dream in that way. Do not, I repeat DO NOT choose their major or school for them! You remember what it was like at their age. Their independence and dependence on you will be shifting for the next couple of years, so help make the trasition as smoothly as possible. Students- Try to research as much as you can about your top choice colleges before you visit them, so you can begin eliminating without actually visiting. Don't just look at the college's acedemic program, but look into their extraciricular activities that you would enjoy. Let your parents be in control on your first college visit. This will set them at ease. At others, ask your tour guides the questions that your parents asked. This will shows that you are responsible enough for college.

Don't let your parents make the decision for you. A four-year, liberal-arts college isn't for everyone. You might want to consider a vocational school or... not going to college. If you're looking into a Christian college, think hard. Christian colleges do not treat their students like adults. You are a child at day one and a sill a kid until you graduate. The point of college is to finally get you out of your parent's house and live on your own. Find a college that will do that for you.

It is so important to visit the campus during a school session. You can get a feel for the atmosphere of not only the students attending the university, but also the surrounding community as well. If you can see yourself being a part of that environment and thriving it in, then that is the place where you need to be. Students already attending the university have nothing to gain by being overly polite to newcomers, so if they seem genuine to you, odds are that you have found a great place to further your education and prepare you for the future.

There are many aspects of a colleges that students and parents really need to look at when looking for the "right" college. The first is academics. There are many schools that have great academics, but how do you choose from there. I believe that finding the right college is not all about the education. It has alot to do with the faculty too. By having great faculty and faculty willing to work with students it makes for a better college experience. The most important thing to find in a college is looking at how the college feels and how the students interact with each. When at college there is learning going on but a student also is going to have to like the activities on campus. Although school is about going to get an education, to have a great college experience students must find a place to fit in and this happens alot of the times with the different activities on campus.

Don't give up when looking for scholarships! While I managed to get a decent financial aid package, it really was not enough to make me comfortable about my money situation, and too often I wonder how much better I would have fared had I spent longer searching for applicable scholarships. Don't overlook the importance of the social experience you are going to have at school. Many students meet people at college who will turn out to be lifelong friends (I think I've found a couple of those already). The experiences you have are only as good as you decide to make them, and college can be one of the most thrilling, enjoyable, and productive times of your life. Always be happy to accept advice and help. If someone on campus offers a service or just wants to talk, take them up on the offer! Most of the time, the people that are willing to give out advice and offer help are the people that understand the problems you are going to face and want to make an honest effort to improve your college experience. Most importantly: have fun, laugh, and don't sweat the hard times.

Students and parents need to find a college that suits them. Visit a school before choosing. My first choice was a dud after I visited it, I felt unwanted and the whole feeling of the campus was different than advertised. But, when I visited my current school, I felt wanted, loved, and I felt like the school was the best place for me. So, visit any school you plan on attending before you go and trust your instincts.

Every student wants to find a college that caters to their needs. Finding such a college is a difficult if not seemingly impossible task. In choosing a college one must be practical. Does the college have a good reputation in one's desired area of study? Will this college give financial aid comparable to what other institutions are offering? If a college does not fall under these categories it may not be a wise choice. However, enough with the practical. Having just completed my first year at a private university, I can honestly say (though it may be cliche) that there is so much more to college than academics. I would not trade the memories I have made with my friends outside the classroom for anything. Find a school where you feel you will be able to be yourself, a school that values similar things whether it be the arts, sports, law, or ultimate frisbee. Don't let fleeting things such as money, prestige, or homework get in the way of living life. In everything you do, give it your all. Take time to enjoy your life. Live everyday as though it were your last and live with no regrets.

If possible, it is SO important to have friends in the area or alums that can describe the atmosphere of the college. It is important for students to come in not necessarily with a ten year plan, but a willingness to be flexible, in terms of lifestyle, vocational bent, and general attitude. In my opinion, there is never the 'right' college. A person will make decisions as to whether or not they value where they are at. That consequently affects how much one will invest their emotions, time, and general perspectives into the community. For me, John Brown was the 'right' choice because I am walking away with life-long friends, an accreditted degree, great memories of the best dorm ever (J. Alvin rules!!), the knowledge that I pushed myself as much as I could each year in many aspects, and that my professors hold me in high esteem.

Make a wise investment in college by having in mind what you want to do there and choosing a college based upon your major, your religion and your friends. To spend this much money means your main purpose here is education so pick a school with good professors who teaches practical, hands on learning, not just memorization. However, being comfortable and having a good time is very important to any time of life and your learning experience so choose a place that allows you to practice and express your religion comfortably. Finally, choose the college based upon your friends, not only your current friends, but also those you wish to have. This means finding a college for example that is a smaller college with people of the same religion and activities which you enjoy doing. This will allow for you to have many opportunities to get involved and enjoy yourself, but relate to people who enjoy the same experiences and build great relationships while experiencing real learning and growth in all areas of life. This will allow for a good college experience that is productive as well as fun. It is difficult to enjoy college if money is very difficult.

I would advise students/parents to begin searching for a school in their desired location (near/far from home) with their intended field of study. Characteristics that I found valuable within JBU was the culturally diverse student population, the Christ-centered atmosphere, the academic excellence, and their hospitality/willingness to help in any way possible. Everyone has unique characteristics that they are looking for in their school, so make a list of what is important to you and do not be afraid to let them influence your decision. An important factor in making the most of your college experience is being able to balance your academics and social life. With a little discipline and time managment, I succeeded. Not only did I manage to earn a 3.9 GPA (by reading the material, taking notes, studying before tests) my first year, but I also found plenty of time to hang out with my friends and to relax. By choosing to study hard, to build relationships with fellow students, and to participate in campus activities/events, I truly enjoyed my first year of college. Your college experience is definitely whatever you choose to make of it.

Go to it! the only way to truly see and feel how a college or university would be for yourself or your son/daughter is to actually go there and talk to the staff and meet some students. i found through my searching that without being there yourself and seeing how things work, it is very hard to actually choose between schools. it is much better to physically be on the campus rather than trying to see it online. this is crucial in my opinion.

Make sure that the college you chose has the same priorities as you.