Lees-McRae College Top Questions

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

Casey

Start saving money as earlly as you can to help out with your living expenses and books for college. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and make new friends and try new things. Study hard every night and take every test and quiz seriously. Become friends with your professors and make sure to stay on there good side. Oh and make sure you buy a lot of winter clothes, it snows a lot up here and is rarely over forty degrees.

Cynthia

I would tell my younger self to think about the choices she makes very carefully, because the choices we make today will impact our lifes in negative or positive ways in the future. I would also warn myself that life is filled with unexpected trials and hardships, and education is a gift that opens the doors of opportunities to overcome the obstacles in life, so we can reach our goals and acheive our highest potential in the future. I would then stress to my younger self that I know what the path ahead of her holds, and I want only the best for my younger self and myself today as well. Therefore, I would ask that she take my advice to continue her education, because she has hidden talents and abilities that she has not realized yet, and through education and life experience, she will be an asset to society and will inspire others as well. Before parting ways with my younger self, I would encourage her to believe in herself, and never listen to any discouraging words that others might speak, because she is smart and strong, and she can achieve all goals that she sets in life.

Amanda

I would tell myself to pick one school and stick with it. Make sure you do plenty of research and go to a four year university right out of high school. Being twenty two years old and seeing all of your friends graduating, while you still have many years of school left, is pretty upsetting.

Rosalind

If I could go back in time and have a talk with my senior self, there would be a fairly interesting conversation had. Getting to see myself before the overwhelming consumption of Top Ramen, I'm sure I would start this conversation with a "Roz, ya look good." And then I would go on to say, "Roz...what were you thinking?! The slacking and the procrastination you so enjoy in high school now is definitely a step and a hop down the wrong path if you want to make it big in college. I, you're future self, forbid you to finish one more essay, project and/or solve your last equations at 11:59pm the night before it's due. Because doll, if you think your professors will be just as laxed as your high school babysitters, you might as well just stay home. Oh and for future reference, when you get your car (which will be soon, calm down) getting to school on time means getting there 20 minutes before (parking lots are killers). Oh and kid, be yourself. Remember, everyone here is trying to make it! That just means you have to do your best BETTER.

Sheila

I would tell myself to make better grades and care more about my education. Also, I would tell myself to continue my education.

Somber

Hello dear, I know you're eager, excited, and terrified, but please here me out for just a little while. You're about to embark on a roller coaster of an experience. Think the most twisty-turny-topsy-turvy roller coaster you can imagine. Think Frodo's journey to Mordor; It's going to be difficult! There are times when you are going to feel depressed. You will have panic attacks, and they will be scary, but you will make it through. You will find out people are not always what they seem, for better and for worse. You will get your feelings hurt, and your heart broken, but I will tell you something; you will make it through! You will make friends that will lift you up. You will surprise yourself and do things you didn't realize you could do. Most importantly, you will discover how strong you are! I know that sounds crazy, but you will see. Believe that you are strong, because just like Frodo, with the help of your fellowship, and the strength within yourself that were unaware of, you will make it through!

Joshua

Man those were the days! If I could even begin to think of what advice that I would give to myself it would be to go above and beyond my expectations, even more so that I was doing. I was always a people pleaser and wanted to achieve high grades in anything, as I was very competitive. I would now look back and encourage myself to attend an early college program to go ahead and get some college pre-requisites out of the way, that way I would go into college already taking college classes, which would assist me in knowing the college process and put me ahead of the "pack". I would also be more active in clubs and societies as the majoity of scholarships require you to have this under your belt and it would give me a sense of understanding of why the club was put into place. I would be an advocate for students with disabilities and encourage them to persue education to the fullest of their abilities. When I was in school we were pretty much apart from this population and I feel that they need to be intergrated to learn more.

Rebekah

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far would have to be great friends. From the very first day we met we all have gotten along really well. If you act different from them and do not always have the same view on things, they still accept you for who you are. College has been valuable to attend because it has already allowed me to grow more independent and step away from my parents protection. College has also allowed me to become my own person and has shown me who I really am away from my comfort zone and how well I stick with what I believe in.

Lisa

I have learned so much from the college atmosphere. When I started attending college I was fresh out of high school at 17. I saw it to be a relaxed environment and I only had to attend when I 'wanted' to. I then got a full time job and stopped going to school to start working and supporting myself. I now value hard work and strive for only excellence in my classes I currently attend to acheive the A grade I am capable of receiving. It is only from going to college and supporting myself that I see how much of a struggle life is. It is not as easy as we would like it to be, but going to college and bettering myself has been an eye-opening experience. I only hope to pass along the knowledge that I have learned and have yet to learn when I continue my education in the Nursing field, to my children. I have also learned from going to college, the importance of comradery amoungst my fellow peers and learning have a direct influence on eachother and that people can bring many ideas to light.

susan

Lees-McRae offers all students to be what they want, if they are willing to work for it. I have enjoyed my classes and my teachers. I appreciate all they have taught me and how they've worked with me when I've needed help. It's a great place to learn.

Amanda

Don't worry about what anyone else thinks of you. Do what makes you happy. Be proud of yourself and lead your own life.

Elizabeth

Do not procrastinate. It is easier to lower your GPA than bring it up. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there to others, if they don't like you, who cares? Do what you dream about doing and not what other people want you to do, after all it is your life. Lastly, never settle for good enough.

Adam

College is like starting highschool all over again. You are no long a super star on the football, basketball, soccer, or baseball team. At a big college, you are a number. At a small college, help is readily available. You will make new friends and keep intouch with a few outfriends. It's your life so make the best of it, but make sure you can look yourself in the mirror the next morning.

Tiffany

Don't go to a school because of a sports team or just because a bunch of your friends are going. Pick a school that you like as a student because you are the one that will be there for four years. Going off the school is an amazing experience. You do not need your friend from home because you will meet lifelong friend in college. When deciding on a school, pick one for its academics and what will help you meet your career goal. Choosing a school is overwhelming if you make a pros and cons list of all your choices it shows you which the better choice is.

Brittney

Visit every college you apply to, and spend a weekend with an existing student if you can. Students can really help you get a feel for how the campus really is. Go to a class or two with a student if you can. Also make sure you're aware of the school's credit transfer rate just in case you change your mind about where you want to go. You don't want to be stuck at a school because the majority of your credits will not transfer. And lastly go with your gut, if a school doesn't feel right then it's not the right school for you!

Alex

I think that it is absolutely necessary that you and your parents visit the school you are thinking about attending. From this visit you can get a feel for the school and whether you think you can be successful there. Also, choose the school that fits your stlye the best. If you like small classrooms with lots of one on one interaction with your proffesors, choose a small school, or if you prefer lots of people choose a lager school.

Krista

My advise would be to start looking during the end of your junior year of high school for colleges that best fit what you would like to study. Make a list of at least 10, then during the summer arrange college campus visits inorder to take a look and to talk with staff. I found this most helpful , even though my second stop was the college I wanted to go to. Once you have narrowed down the list of possiblities as soon as you start your senior year of high school send transcripts to those colleges. Develope a line of communication with someone in admissions that can help you. The advantage of a smaller college is that they get to know who you are . You have the chance to make closer friends if your at a small college as opposed to a large one., therefore making your whole experience enjoyable. At least that is how I feel.

Laura

Always stick to your gut choice. Money and other issues will fade in comparision to an issue of being unhappy at a certain college.

Jamin

Lees-McRae is one of the best schools to come to, to get a good eduation, make new friends, and to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.

Mindi

Having gone to a large university right out of high school then dropping out as a senior, then at age 35 deciding to go back to school and go to a small college, I have seen both sides of the coin. People do not appreciate what is handed to them. Students in college really do not understand the full effect of the college experience if they are not the ones paying for it - they take it for granted. As far as choosing a college, find one that is the right size for you and also in the right area. If you like to party, do not go to a little out of the way mountain college. Most students right out of high school do not know what they want to do with their life so I suggest going to a community college to get their associates, decide on what they want to be when they grow up, then find a college or university that offers what they want. Once you get to college the student must learn time managment skills. They need to learn how to juggle classes, homework, social life and usually a job. Set priorities, but have fun.

Stephen

Make sure that the college is you. Students you're the ones who are going to spend 4 to 5 years of your life here, make sure you enjoy them. But also remember why you're there. Partying is great! So go party, but there is currently no major in it as far as I know. Parents let them choose for them. You may not like the school very much, but you're not going there. Make sure its safe and a good learning environment for your kid, but make sure they really like it. Remember Tuition, Room, Board, Books, etc. are expensive (mine cost us about $30000 total) and an you kid dropping out because they don't like it is too! And advice to all, ASK QUESTIONS! You don't know unless you ask, unless you read it in the Brochure. Ask Admissions, ask Finiancial Aid, ask Professors, ASK STUDENTS!