Johnson C Smith University Top Questions

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

Miranda

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice I would give myself for college would be to never give up and never forget the real reason you are there. No matter how hard situations can get it will always get better. Also, you are there for one reason and that is to get an education. College will be fun and you're suppose to have fun but dont forget about all the money your paying and why you're paying it. Books first, fun later. Learn from your mistakes. Dont get caught up in the wrong crowd. Finally, I would tell myself to appreciate everything you have and how easy you have it, you never know how bad it can be.

Xahnn-Georgia

Please set your clock a hour or half hour ahead because freshman classes are early in the morning and you are a doozy waker. If you must idle in the student union, please complete homework before you go because you tend to go overboard and then have to stay up throughout the night to finish assignments. It will a new experience living with roommates but bring your own lock and key and you will be fine. Bring only you necessities from home to your dorm room as you have minimal space in the rooms. The school is tolerant to students of all sexuality, do not stare when you see homosexuals and bisexuals because they thought you were homophobic at one point. Your professors are absolute brainiacs and they will test you so do not be afraid to go 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in your coursework, if you slack off they will know. Once you slack off , you will be slapped with extra assignments. Budget budget budget, the school is the uptown area so you need to know when to spend and when to be a miser. P.S you will love it, students are charming so dont worry.

JoAnn

If I could back to my senior year in high school I would definitely encourage myself to study harder. I would encourage myself to work on getting a better GPA and better scores on my SAT and ACT. My mother was always on me about studying harder. She would consistently remind me how smart I am and how important it was to finish the senior year on a high note. Socializing was my main objective in high school and grades were secondary. I did not realize that the getting a really good GPA and SAT/ACT scores translated into scholarships. I would also remind myself to thank the teachers I had in high school for their interest in seeing me do well. I now realize that the foundation they gave me has given me the skills to study, ask questions, to seek out study partners if needed and the ability to help those in subjects that I am strong in.

Dametria

Dear Dametria, If you don't do anything in school, FOCUS. That's all I want you to do is make the grades to get a scholarship. As an adult you did an awesome job with growing up and handling your business. I give you credit on setting goals for yourself and always achieving them. Granted there was a set back in your education path, however you did an awesome job at finding ways to make sure your education was taking care of. Great call on joining the miliatry now 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your college is paid for the rest is covered in loans. As much as you hate owe people money, this is where I need you to do better. A 2.0 is not the best GPA, in college you manage to get a 3.2 and then droped to a 2.77. Not bad however it could be better. Now that I know that you can achieve these goals and maintian a job and full study schedule. I'm extremely proud of the woman you have become due to your detemination and hardwork, you are exaclty where you want to be. Remember focus on those grades.

Whitney

Dear Soaring Senior! Guess what? You are beautiful, smart, and intelligent and you radiate like the shinning moon. People can see how smart you are so don’t act erratic all the time, be serious, sometimes people will forever look down on you and never take you seriously if that’s all they know. Don’t apply for a major just because mom wants you to; wait until something comes along that actually feels right. Strive for success; never waver from a path that feels right. It is okay to change majors, changing is actually normal. Lastly mom is not the ruler of your future! Fight for what you want! Neither you nor mom will agree on every decision you bring forth, but follow what you feel is right, not the path she chooses. Take internships, let your opinion be heard, become the leader you know you are! Always remember you are forever loved, there is always someone uplifting you even in the times you feel the loneliest, you are so much better than that. I see this bright future ahead my love, always walk with your head held high, emit confidence through every smile! Love always, Your Future Self

Shanice

Stay on top of your workand make sure everything is in order as far as fininacil aid and school work. Dont get behind in class because its harder to catch yourself back up. Remember to also ddo your best at everything.

Shaketa

Select a school that is far enough from home that you are missed but close enough to travel home for the holidays. I would inform myself to be prepared to grow and keep all of my old notes from high school. Save as much money as possible because books are expensive.

Shanae

Stay focused, its really easy to lose what you came for in school. Education is one of the most important things, get to know your professors very well. Keep striving for a high gpa and your grades will reflect and make it happen

Markita

The advice I will tell myself is to be more open to my surroundings. I also beleived I could have worked twice as harder and recieved scholarships a long time ago but at the same time I wouldn't change my life because it has taught me to be the person I am today. At this moment I have been more confident and outgoing then any other year in my life. The struggles I have gone through made me stronger.

Katilynn

If I had the chance to talk to myself my senior year I would have quite alot to say to myself. For one I would have told myself to stop goofing off and make more of an effort than I did. Even though I did take a A.P English course I had the potential to do more. If I knew then what I know now I would force myself self for to enroll in every A.P class I could to better prepare myself for college life. I srtuggled my senior year because I was so ready to be done with high school and I was also pregnant, making going to school everday almost impossable. Now I would say to myself you need to be more willing to learn because you dont get many second chances in college. I would also tell myself you want them to treat you like an adult then act like one because they certaintly do when you get to college. No more exscuses! College is hard and you have to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} commited to doing your best or you will fail and you will regret it.

Dorothy

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study more, do scholarships, and stay motivated. I would tell myself to study more because it would pay off in the end. In high school I was focus on school work but didn’t really have a good study habit. I would go to class after school go to band practice then go home and do nothing. Now that I’m in college I wish I have had a stable study habit because managing homework and free time would have came easy to me. In high school I didn’t take doing scholarships serious. I use to do the scholarships when I felt like it and/or would not do them at all. I would tell myself to do more scholarships it is well worth the hard work and help you save money. As a senior in high school I was motivated to go to a four year college but as time went on I settle for a two year college. Looking back I would tell myself to stay motivated, believe in yourself, and the sky is the limit.

Tiffanie

I would say when get ready for college have a definite plan. Do different activities so that you know what makes you happen and know what you want to be going into college so that you know what you want to major in because college courses are easy or cheap and you dont want to take courses that you later dont need and end up having to take other classes you need and you waste time and money. Also, know everything about the school before you get there. KNOW THE COST, KNOW THE PEOPLE IN THE OFFICE, KNOW THE CLUB/TEAMS, EVERYTHING YOU PLAN TO BE INVOLVED IN DURING YOUR COLLEGE LIFE. Be prepared and go in being active and involved in a variety of things so you get to know people and so you start your own network of people for your future investments.

Ally

If I were able to go back and talk to myself in high school I would advise myself to work harder and focus more academically rather than socially. I would also tell myself to choose Lancaster Bible College over Eastern Mennonite University instead of transferring. Going to college is a big life change and it is difficult but it is worth it. College is a time where you get to find yourself and become the person that you want to be. You can grow and mature but it is also a time to learn, college is about academics. Sports are a lot of fun but you need to remember that your career will not be soccer so it is vital that you take time for your school work. It’s not easy, and sometimes you will wonder if you were cutout for it but you can succeed. There will be people around you to help you, teachers that truly care about you and your well-being. Take the time to ask questions and learn as much as you can.

WILLIMA

TO STAY FOCUSED, ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST GRADES.

Nina

Be focused. Dont take being in college for granted. Always go to class and pay attention. Keep your GPA high.

Kiera

Hey, I know you think you're ready for college. Yeah, it's something different and you can spread your wings. You're right! I'm not doubting you there. You're going to have that chance to show the world who you're made of, gain friends who are willing to stick it out through the end, and make connections with people you never thought you were capable of even talking to. Yet, I want you to know these ideas because I don't want you to mess up. I want you to be better than me the first time around. Stay focused. The devil is going to give you so many diversions and distractions. Stay on the road of righteousness and on your acadmemic prowess. Don't stray from your goals. If you're going to get a job, get one close to campus. When you're friends act crazy, love them back hard anyway. Don't let boys corrupt you with their games and behind-the-scene thoughts. Oh, yeah, and above all stay true to yourself and what you believe in. I love you girl. Know that. I truly love you and God loves you, too.

Kwanique

My advice would be to submit as many scholarship applications as possible and volunteer in your field of study. Find out as much as possible about the schools you are applying for and the history\background about the state that there in. Go on college road trips to visit the schools of your choice. Meet all deadlines for applications (eg..Financial aid, scholarships, admittance) Be active in your community (letters of recommendations are helpful.)

Jessica

It’s funny when I was in high school and adults would talk to me I would hear what they were saying but I wouldn’t really be listening. If I could advise myself about college life and making the transition, I would simply tell myself work hard because it pays off. Not only does working hard pay off but you don’t want to spend countless time attending college when you could be focusing on your career. I would tell myself “Listen College is the most rewarding and liberating experiences you will ever undergo throughout your life, live it.” To sum it up I would tell myself “Jessica wake up!” This is the time you are able to make mistakes figure out who you are, but you need to do well in school because when you take school seriously, people take you seriously. College is scary and exciting and you’re going to meet people you can experience that with. College is a place of experience, learning, failing, and meeting people. College isn’t high school it’s an institute of responsibility, yes it seems scary, but you’re ready for it, so take it head on.

Amanda

Knowing what I know now, I would definitely have taken more UHS (university in High School) classes, I would have done IB when it was suggested to me, I would have still gone to the community college I attended but I would not have taken the same classes, I would have first looked at the classes offered at Saint Rose and made matches to the Community college classes, so I would have a general idea of what I could transfer in or not. I would also have already looked into places in my field of interest to get a job or internship in. Other than trying to be a little bit more prepared and trying to get ahead and stay ahead, I think I did a pretty good job with the transition.

Danielle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have a sit-down talk about college life and the transition from school in NY and college out of state. I would explain how important writing essays are because that is the main way of applying for scholarships. I would remind young Danielle not to trust everyone; go with her gut feeling so she will have less regrets. I would tell her to keep her priorities in order. I’d convince her she needs to become her advisors closest advisee so that she has more of a chance to graduate on time with as many opportunities as possible. In the summer before attending school, I’d let her know she needs to write up a few resumes and make sure the school’s career center has it on file as soon as possible. I’d probably tell her a few other personal things because I have seen what she has to go through to get to her dreams. But, even though as a college student I’ve made mistakes, I don’t think I’d tell her to change too much.

Annette

While going to a community college I have had the chance to have a wide variety of classes, times, and teachers. There is many choices to be made and that is the best part. It makes it possible for you to not only go to school at a good time for you, but also have the time to schedule classes around work and other activities. Multitasking and community college goes very well together and I'm so very happy for that. It's been the most valuable to me because I can go to school for nursing and still be able to work a full time job. This has allowed me to pay out of pocket for all of my schooling education so far. I am half way done with my schooling and couldn't be happier that I couold get the education I need to be a nurse.

Jotoria

I have learned that no matter what your situation is, there is always someone that has overcame it in some kind of way. I did not apply for college because I felt I could not afford it even though I maintained a 3.45 GPA in high school. However, there was a program called the mid-mester program that I am in, that got me into school, and as of right now, I have a 4.0 GPA. I am trying to apply for all types of funding to stay here at JCSU because my professors were there to help and guide me and always have an open door policy to help any and everyone which I love so very much. I went and told my advisor and somone from admissions and they have been trying to help me every since they find out about my issue. IVE LEARNED TO NEVER BE ASHAMED BECAUSE IF YOU GO TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE, YOU CAN GET HELP :)

Rashelle

In my college experience, I have learned to budget my money. It was very important for me to learn how to budget my money wisely because there would be times where I did not have any money at all due to spending so much. This school has been valuable to attend because one can get the true HBCU experience.

Bryant

College can be the most stressful place, and at the same time it can be the most peaceful, advantageous part of a student's life. I enjoyed my college experience and can't wait to get back. Johnson C. Smith University has plenty of successful students who have graduated and gone on to be successful within their majors. However, what caught my attention the most were the people who graduated and went on to open up a business doing what they enjoyed doing while they attended the school. From seeing those people, their image was engraved in my memory and because of them I know that I can achieve whatever I want provided I take the necessary steps and accept opportunity with an open heart and open mind. Also, I feel that only Johnson C. Smith University could have provided me with those sources of motivation, and because of those sources I am now a better more focused student.

Isabel

The college that I attend to now is a community college in which I did some dual-enrollment classes while I was still in high school, so I was somewhat familiar with it. So far through my experience with college, I learned that being responsible and being yourself is key. Unlike high school you are in controll of what classes you want to take and when you want to take them. I learned the hard way that if you do not register for the classes you want right away, then you will be stuck with the classes that you don't want. The saying "The early bird catches the worm." really kicks in. Also, being yourself is important and I learned that no one cares about high school cliques. In college, there are a range of different ages of students who are generally focused on trying to get an education. I have met a mother who is in my speech class that wants to gain higher learning in order to get a job that she enjoys and that also pays well so that she can provide more for her children. Through that mother I gain a better appreciation for education.

Jaymie

When I was growing up, I was able to see and learn the value of college before even attending yet. My mom had gone to college to get her AS, and BS and is a Supervisor at Butte County Probation, with a great salary. My dad, on the other hand didn't attend college, and hasn't held a steady job for more than 5 years. I am currently working towards my AS, and then will continue on for my BS in Nutrition studies. College helps an individual branch out and really experience every option that they may have other than struggling to find a job after High School. Without college, I would still be in my tiny hometown wondering what could have been. Working towards my education, though at times very challenging, is so fun, and gives me something to look forward to about my future, and gives me something to be proud of. I hope to possibly work at a hospital making meal plans, and helping families work towards a healthier lifestyle. I couldn't possibly do that without college.

Amanda

Having been attending a junior college, I have learned how to properly acknowledge and obtain things I was misguided about, my goals. I have also learned that I cannot always man the controls. Mostly, I have become better prepared for university (and after) life, better able to handle good things and strife. Yours, Amanda Vanderpoel

Whitney

I have got so much out of college i could not even put in all in words. School is the best thing that any person can accomplish if they put their minds to it. And now-a-days you cannot get a good paying job if you do not have some kind of college degree. My major is business management and the teachers here are excellent, they teach everything there is to know in the business world and how to move on in the real world. It may be difficult at times for me but I have to let myself know that I have to strive to do my best. I am also a first generation student and it is a great opportunity to experience something that will help me in the long run. My family encourage me to stay in school and do my best no matter who tries to bring me down. Yes, I enjoy school to the fullest. Education is the key to success!!

Betsey

I started my college experience late in life. I was in the military and enrolled in courses while i was in but it was not like actually going to a traditional school campus. I work full time and go to class two to three nights a week. I have been pursuing my Business Administration degree for two years now. When you are working full time it takes awhile going at night. I really like the experience of going to school and the atmosphere. It is alittle different for me because I am considered a mature student but that does not bother me because I have a 3.94 GPA. Everyone respects me for being a smart student. I have gotten so much from my college experience. I have learned that i love going to school and i am good at it. I want to pursue my Bachleor's degree after i receive my Associate's degree. It has been so valuable to me because I have learned so much about topics, people and just the joy of learning. I have had some great professors that have taught me so much. I really enjoy the college experience.

louisa

college work is hard but im able to maintain good grades such as A's and B's. Also i love experiencing independance and responsibility in my life. It's been valuable because i'm learning how to interact with diverse minds and people and learn new things that I havent before.

Alexus

I have gotten that it is good to be yourself. In highschool most people changed themselves for their friends but in college you learn independence. It is very valuable to go to college because you learn a lot about yourself.

LAUREN

I WILL BEGIN COLLEGE THIS AUG SO HOPEFULLY I WILL LEARN ALL THE ASPECTS I NEED TO KNOW TO GROW MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY

Jacki

I have not has any college experience but I do hope to get alot out of what I would like to learn. I have alot of interest in the careers that I have chosen and I have found one that seems to catch my eye. I would like to be a medical assistant, but the cost is what is holding me up. I help support a family of 3 on a budget that is around 30,000 a year right now. I would like to further my education and I would like to move up in the job world. If I had already attended college I would know that the college experience for me is going to be great. I can't wait to start pursuing my dreams and I hope that you understand that.

Shantell

The things that I have gotten out of attending college is life experience. I was allowed to find out who I was, what I was capable of doing and handling and learning what it meant to be a productive member of society. The value in attending a four year college can't be measured accurately, because I am still finding value in receiving my education especially from a HBCU. I learned history and pride in myself and I learned to make good use out of each opportunity presented to me.

Tyree

I would tell myself to change some of the classes I took and take the initiative to actually pay more attention to what's been taught and apply it more to my work instead of fooling around. Joining more community and clubs on and off ca,pus can look good on resumes and when you apply for schools, which can helpwith receiving more grants and scholarships. The way to make sure everything is paid for in college is to put your work first, which will ultimately pay off in the end when you need it most. Use the advice counselers, educated peers, pastors, people who want you to succeed, etc and don't take it for granted.

Laquilla

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time to speak with myself as a high school senior my first advice would be always make my academics my first priority. This would be a major guidance I would focus on as your GPA is like your credit score in a sense in higher education. The higher your GPA is the more opportunities are open up to you as in you receive more scholarships and financial aid. Advising how to use social networks to an advantage to advance myself would also be an advice to me. This would be important since when applying for a job or educational internship employers check social network sites. So my main message to myself would be stay focus on my academics and always hold myself at a professional standard.

Christin

If i could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself so many things. The first thing I would say is, "HEY CHRISTIN, you really need to start studying and stop taking school for granted. You need to care more about your GPA so that you can get more scholarships and not take out as many loans." Since I did not work as hard as I could have in high school I suffered greatly. I know have alot of loans out and I take school more seriously. My GPA is currently 3.31 which is a great improvement from high school. I am also more determined to get more scholoarships than my freshman year in college and show myself and my parents that I can do what I set my mind on. This is my mission to be above average, to be better than I have ever been, and most importantly show myself that I can do all things as long as put my mind to it and be persistant.

Natalia

To make sure that they are ready to make a huge step to leave home for a college that is 2000 miles from home where there is no family! To understand that no matter how smart you maybe everyone can get caught up in being on there own and not focus on what they are in school for. Even though you should have fun understand that your main goal is your education and it is not free, somewhere along the line you will pay for the grades that you did not take seriously!!!

Percy

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to study more independently and to manage my time wisely because their is nobody to tell you what to do or how to manage your time.

CHANTAL

Going back in time is something we all have wished for at one time or another in our lives. Knowing what I know now as a freshman in College,if I could go back and talk to my High School Senior self,I would school her on a few things. The first being take your classes and grades very seriously. Your grade point average has a tremendous impact on what scholarships you are eligible for and the choice of schools you can apply to. The next area I would concentrate on with my Senior self is start a savings account. We know College is expensive, but the incidentals add up as well. Personal items,transportation, books ,toiletries ,these things are essential and sometimes get overlooked in the budgeting process. The last piece of advice I would give my Senior self is to embrace the new chapter in her life. Its going to be scary,but welcome the challenge to grow and succeed!

Lance

I would tell myself to not waist time. Don't slack off just because its different and you want to live the college life. it dies down after a while but your grades never do. Start your first semester with a high gpa so you don't have to try to pick it up so much and catch up. Keep in mind that you will be on your own so a source of money is very important. Even though you will have your parents try to find your own income.

Gregory

I would make sure that I'm ready for the transition academic wise. When I first came into Johnson C. Smith University I was more focused on making new friends and partying rathr than studying and going to class on time. Now that I had to pull my GPA back up I realize the importance of studying and being attentive in class. College taught me alot of very important things that will take me a long way in life. I've learned one important thing and thats making sure my head is on straight at all times, meaning when I move on into the work force insted of making new friends I will focus on the task tht will make me a better business man.

Jazmin

If i could go back to my senior year i would have had as much fun as possible and work alot harder in my classes. I would have kept nothing lower then a 3.0 each grading period since my freshman year and was in every activity i could possibly join. I would have started visiting colleges earlier and making sure i really like the school i chose because some credits does not transfer to other schools.. I would also pick a school that will give you financial aid and somewhere afforadable to where you won't have to worry about paying a lot of school loans back. Make sure you keep intouch with your close friends because they are there forever and be greatful of the ones who's in your life because you never know who will leave this world after graduation. Don't have too much senior idis! I know your ready to leave but later on in life you will look back and miss those things. Go to prom i can not stress that enough because that is the last function you will remember and see all your classmates at so take lots of pictures.

Candace

To answer this question I would have definitely payed more attention in high school. I would worked harder and stayed out of trouble during my adolesence years. Therefore I would have made sure I chose the right college or university for myself and kept moving forward. In addition to that I would also save up a lot more money then I did because now I realize I cannot take out any more loands to continue my education. Now i realize the power of scholarships, in high school i didn't understand why I needed them so much but now I am learning my lesson .If i would have did what I was suppose to do in high school maybe I would not be in this situation now.

Rashelle

I would tell myself to gain more knowledge about loans and how financial-aid for the school i am applying to , operates. I would also tell my self to make sure I read the school catalog and be more up to date on the rules and regulations of the college i am applying to.

Karen

I would write a letter to myself: Dear, When you enter school as a freshman keep your school work and your social life seperate. Always put your school work first and then party later. Don't step a foot outside until your work is done unless its to go eat and then its back to work. Don't let the freshman boys or the upperclassmen corrupt you because it will get to your head and then all you would want to do is party hardy. Now im not saying be single I am just saying choose wisely who you talk to. College years are suppose to be the best years of your life so have a good time and take a lot of pictures. Go to all of the games and student activities that interest you. Spend your money wisely because you dont want to be like you other peers and be broke all the time. And lastly listen to your mother and father when they say stay on campus please do so and do not go behind their backs and move off campus; tell them everything that is going on. Sincerly

Jasmine

Make sure you can find a school in the right location. Make sure you are comfortable with it's size and tuition cost. Although you shouldn't put a price on education, tuition can put you in dept. Be mindful that school parties, peers, and events can sometimes through you off therefor always stay focus!!

Christina

At the end of the day, you must know for sure that you made the right decision concerning you and your circumstances and not let outside influences affect such a crucial decision. This is your life and with the voice you have and footprints you leave behind, take presidence of how structured your life is and what you want to do for yourself.

Tometria

To find the right school that is best for you child take him/her to the school and get a better understanding. explore the city that it is in take a listen on a couple of classes compare to another school and go from there. But dont choose the first school .that accepts you

Alexis

Take your time choose the correct school that you feel fits you not the parent.