Lewis University Top Questions

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

christina

if i could go back to talk to myself as a high schools senior i would have a lot of positive advice about college life. i would tell myself to be organized and to learn how to properly manage my time. i would tell myself to work on managing my stress and i would tell myself to have a routine sceduale to go by that would help me complete my work on time. it also would be a good suggestion to complete some of my work ahead of time so that i dont get overwhelmed or stressed out. another thing to remeber is its always good to ask for help. just because you ask for help doesnt mean you are stupid it just means you care about your education and you are mature enought to know when you need help. its always good to ask for questions when you are unsure instead of just assuming things and it always is good to verify information with your teachers. college life is all about being responsible and learning about yourself as an individual. you have more freedom in college which is a postive thing that helps you adjust to being more independent.

Elizabeth

I would tell my self to take college seriously. To take time out to enjoy my friends and family now. To be prepared to work hard because college is not the laid back party time your told it is. I would tell my self that anything is possible and if you belive you can succeed. I would also tell my self that you should listen to your parents and not try to gorw up to fast. When your in high school and going in to college you are always told these are the best days of your life stop and enjoy them you don't have to be an adult yet so top trying to be. At that time you really don't understand it and often try to grow up faster. Looking back at all my parents and teachers advice i would say listen to them. They know what they are talking about and all though you don't realize it now in a few short years you will and you don't want any regrets.

Brenda

I got pregnant my freshman year in high school at age 14. I missed prom, I missed all the fun things that a teenager should enjoy. Instead of being a cheer leader, I was a mom, in school, and working. Life teaches us many lessons - I can't say that I would change anything. I don't condone teen pregnancy, but I am proud to say my daughter just completed her bachelors in engineering at University of IL and is pursuing a masters. Since my daughter is on her path, I thought to finish my journey and get my bachelors. . If I could talk to myself during my high school years (in order to prep for college), I would have encouraged myself to finish college when it was $26 a credit hour as opposed to $600 an hour now.

Shannon

Re-take the ACT and try and get a higher score. Apply for more scholorships. Don't pick a major right away. Don't worry about taking AP tests, because most of the credits earned for them don't transfer over or let you not take certain classes, so save your money and don't bother with them. Adopt better study habits!

Marek

I If I could have made some suggestions and give myself some advice for my senior year in high school I would definitely work harder in all my classes and I would take a lot more honors and AP classes. These classes would prepare me for college. The honors and AP classes are structured more like a college class and the atmosphere is the same. The expectations are a lot higher, and you really have to work in these classes to pass. This same principle applies in college, but here in the high school you can prepare for the college atmosphere. Taking more of honors and AP classes in high school would help me make the transition a lot smoother and easier. This would be because I would be already used to the college atmosphere and work at an early is. The bottom line is work harder in senior year and don?t give up.

Jasmine

I would tell myself to take care of my health, as it is of utmost importance. Having suffered from then-undiagnosed bipolar disorder and an eating disorder, my health was in a precarious state for years and I nearly died. I would tell myself to reach out and get the help I needed. I would also tell myself to pursue my goals rather than listen to well-meaning people and pursue what they wanted me to do. Because i wanted to please others, I changed majors more than once. One of those majors, nursing, changed my life forever. If i could go back in time, I would major in English and attend a four-year university. Because of my circumstances, I am still rebuilding my life. Due to the medical help I receive, I am much healthier now. I am in better shape to achieve what I want. My goal is to return to school in January 2010 and complete my Bachelor's degree in English. Even though I am 26, I still believe I can graduate with a degree and work towards being a book editor.

Tomasz

I would tell myself to enroll in a community college in order to get accustomed to college and save a lot of money. I would than recommend that I look into 4 year universities with a well known business program. Once I know what school that would be, I should see what classes I can take at the community college that will transfer directly to the 4 year university so that I'm not wasting my time and can finish my undergraduate degree as quickly as possible. Lastly, I would strongly encourage myself to not drop any classes and take a class during summer break in order to graduate a semester or two earlier and save myself tuition costs.

Gina

Given that all colleges require hard work, Lewis is a very dedicated and encouraging school. The work load isn't small, but it is managable. Don't get discouraged by the intensity of your major. There are a myriad of teachers and advisers there to help you and to keep you focused on the big picture. Take advantage of the vast resources the university has to offer. Open your mind to the people you will meet and the immense learning opportunities there are - college is what you make of it. Going away to college is a right of passage. Enjoy it and don't take it for granted. Be excited at the possibilities that lie in front of you, and savor the memories. Time goes by fast, so don't waste it wishing for change. Be grateful for this opportunity, and use the knowledge you gain to your best advantage. Study until you can't study anymore. One day you will be glad you did.

Deidra

The best advice I would give myself, assuming I was a high school senior, is stay on top of your work. Allow myself an ample amount of time to get assignments done and realize what is more important, the television/entertainment or my eduaction. Being a senior in high school I was very poplar, but now knowing that popularity does not get your work done and done accurately, I have turned into the biggest nerd. Study! Study! Study! No one is there to pust you to do your work or look over your shoulder to see if it is done correct. Getting good grades pay off. Study! Study! Study! If you have real friends, they will be there when you are done with your work, or there helping you as best as they can; allowing thereselves to be better as well. Nothing is more important than your education.

Anne

During my first semester of college, I chose to stay in my room a lot instead of getting out there and meeting people! If I could go back, I would tell myself to enjoy the experience and to come out of my personal bubble. It is hard to start at a whole new school where you don't know anybody. In order to surpass that, you must go the extra mile to make friends and get involved in all of the activities that are offered. It will make your experience at college unforgettable.

Ayana

During my senior year I received lots of advice from many different people about what college life would be like. A great deal of these people told me that I should apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to pay for college. Of course as a high school senior extremely excited to graduate I never took heed to this advice. Knowing what I know now about the rough economy and the expensive cost of education I would most definitely go back in time and stress the importance of applying for scholarships to myself. I believe this is something that should be stressed to all high school seniors making the transition into college life.

Catherine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would have told myself to attend a junior college first. The reason why I would say that is because it is very cost efficient and it saves a lot of time. I believe that I could have received better grades in my classes, finished my prerequisite classes on time, and would have had a better chance of getting accepted to a BSN program sooner.

Rose

If you want to attend college, do it!

Kasmer

If I could go back I would tell myself to not be so scared. I would tell myself to open up to people and not be afraid to make new friends and join organizations. Being a Freshmen in College at Lewis isnt had because we have a class dedicated to Freshmen only. I would make sure to remember all my books everyday and just motivate myself to go to class everyday. I wouldve told myself to apply for more scholarship because having financial issues causes stress on your grades. If I would have known what I know now I would have been very relaxed and focused coming to Lewis.

Amanda

Hind sight really is 20-20. Knowing what I understand now about college, I could talk to high school seniors today and give them a plethora of advice due to my experiences. For example, I would not be so anxious about taking exams and writing papers. I would tell the high school seniors to just do it and not worry about it so much. I would also not be so worried about what major I to choose. Right out of high school, many people including family and co-workers said I would be good this one specific field and that I should obtain a degree that would lead to this field. I followed their instructions. Knowing what I know now, I would thank them for their advice and still pursue what I really wanted to do. with my life. Now that I am older, I know I need to get the degree that I want. The advice I would give to young college students today would be to not let anyone influence their decision in which major to choose. I would advise them to major in something they are interested in and go from there.

Elizabeth

Several of the classes that I took in high school are very close to ones I am taking now. I would reming myself to take better notes and bring them with me to college.

Bobby

To concentrate more on school, rather than the social aspects of college. Work hard in the classroom, and make time for friends and family.

Jill

Since you're heading off to college, take time to inventory your life and goals and know what matters most to you. This will be your compass and provide clarity in the decisions that lay ahead. Once you get to college, you will be bombarded academically, socially and emotionally with many different options and paths. Some of these options will be better suited for you than others and you'll be able to make wiser decisions because you'll be able decipher what lines up with your goals and matters most to you. While you're getting established on campus, line yourself up with a mentor or academic advisor who can provide you with direction and encouragement. The college staff is there to enrich your learning experience and provide help along the way, take advantage of their excellence! You're about to enter an exciting season in life. Enjoy your new freedom. Make new friends. Join clubs. Stretch yourself and your limits. Make a difference. Be determined to suceed. Recognize your strengths. Develop your weaknesses. Be true to yourself. And of course, have fun!

April

I would have told myself to become more educated on the transfer process so when I was transferring from my junior college to Lewis I would have been familiar with the whole fafsa process. Also I would have told myself that studying in high school and studying in college are different, and to start reteaching myself to be more indepth on a topic and not just know definitions.

Maggie

I would tell myself to have as much fun as possible for the first two years. Since I started my major classes in nursing I have limited time for friends, family and a social life. When the general education classes are getting done in the first two years that's when you have time to join lots of clubs and still have time to study. I wish I would have known to relax more before I really had to settle down and hit the books hard.

Matthew

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice knowing what I know now, would tell myself not to stress out about college. In high school, I thought it was going to be difficult to make the transition. In reality, it is not so hard after all. The hardest part about college is deciding what major I am going to declare. I do not want to declare the wrong major and end up mad all the time because of me hating my job. If i choose the wrong major, I could end up going back into school and declaring a different major so that I live a happy life. Also, in high school, I was worried about whether or not I was going to be able to make new friends. It turns out that making friends in college is easier then it was in high school.

Anna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would most definitely stress the fact that AP classes should be taken seriously. Knowing that I could've had college credit and saved myself a whole year of Physics seems so much more appealing now that I have to take the class all over again. AP courses really allow you to get ahead in credits and even graduate earlier. Having that knowledge now makes me look back at my senior year and see how immature I was in my thinking that senior year was a time to coast through to college.

April

First of all, it would be really hard to give myself that bit of advice because I never completed high school. I went to go get my GED during my freshman year. Although if I were going to give a high school senior advice I would tell them that college is really hard especially if all you are thinking about is how to party and have a good time. The one thing that makes college more difficult than high school is all the freedom you get. You have the freedom to make your own choices, and do what you want. Everything is not handed to you, you have to earn it. Don't procrastinate because it makes everything a little bit harder. Also, another thing is that you cannot rely on others because everyone else has a busy life, too. So try not to miss as much as possible because you may not be able to get the work from someone else. Also, always read the syllabus given to you at the beginning of the semester. The syllabus can be very helpful in teaching you how your professor is and what he/she is looking for in a student.

Erin

make the most of it!! it goes by fast, make sure to plan your future while you are in college and not wait until it is almost over

Roxana

As a freshman, I've learned that the transition from high school to college is not an easy path, but it most definitely is not an impossible one. If you truly want to succeed and know where you want to go, you can get through it without hesitation. Of course you are going to struggle and there might be a point where you feel like there is no way you can make it through another hectic school week, but you have to push yourself and not give up. One of the main things that you will learn through your transition is to manage your time efficiently. You will learn that there is going to be less time of fun and games and there's going to be more of reading and studying in the library. However, this doesn't mean that you will become anti-social, it just means that you will need to put more time into your studies hence time management. In the end everything will pay off, you will have the career of your dreams and had gone through amazing experiences. They do say college is the best four years of your life.

Bianca

Hello there Bianca, this is your counscious of tomorrow. Here I am to give you couple of advices about your future. From here I can forsee that if you engage in a sport team, just like a volleyball player that you used to be, you would get a brilliant scholarship to support your gear. Also, if you have never given up on piano, you also would have few arts and ideas scholarship to play in the band or just in some concerts that school provides. On the top of everything, while you are in class, do your best and focues in each single subject, because those are not just important to career but to your knowledge and wisdom. Everybody always want to have a talk with smart people, they fullfill you with sharing experiences. Now, when you get here, in the future, make sure you meet a new person everyday and keep in touch with them until life make you apart. We never know what the future holds for us and what those people could do for you!!! Believe in yourself more than you already do and give another step forward. You will definatellly success!

Kaitlyn

Keep in mind that once upon a time, you used to imagine your college days as the future that seemed so far off, such a long time away. When you were in grade school, college seemed like a million years away- a point in your life you just couldn't wait to live. That "long time away from now" point is now. Make the most of it. Maybe you'll be living the life you used to dream about. Maybe you'll be doing the things you wished you could do, taking the steps to get your dream job, your dream career, your top goals in life. Make the most of every day and give your best, because once upon a time, this life you are living is the life you only dreamed about. You're not in grade school anymore. The things you do now are the things that will shape your life and the person you want to be. Make good decisions and do the right thing because college affords you the opportunity to live your dreams, so take full advantage of your college experiene and live them and acknowledge that college can make your dreams reality.

Kourtney

I would tell myself that, if I don't know what my major is then I should get my general education classes done first. Once I knew what my major is I would dive right in.

Alexandra

If i had the ability to go back to my senior year of highschool and give myself advice it would be to start studying. In highschool i barely ever studyed. I would possibly look over things the night before but would always do fine on tests and quizzes. I tried that with my first biology test and recieved a C. I never got C's in highschool. I would tell myself to being learning study habits and to refresh myself on my mathmatics and sciences, especially for my major. I would tell myself that taking it easy for my senior year wouldnt exactly be the best thing I could do and instead take some more math classes to be prepared. My transition period from highschool to college would have been alot easier if i would have known then what i know now.

Tionna

I would tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible. These are hard times we are in and both of my parents are working two jobs just to help me get by. I would tell myself that the work load is much lighter than in high school so I should study more, so that I do good in my classes.

Jennifer

If I have the opportunity to travel in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would emphasize the importance of planning and time management, getting adequate sleep, and being more open to meeting new people. I learned that proper planning is very beneficial because it allows you to get everything done in an efficient manner without ever having to do something last minute or forgetting about the assignment completely. Taking care of oneself in college is also essential. Although you may not have class everyday, it is still important to be well rested because it helps you focus in your classes. I know for me personally, the more rest I get, the less anxiety I have as well. It is also imperative that you are not afraid to meet new people. I found that most people are open minded and willing to form relationships. Although I feel that I did not have an incredibly difficult transition, knowing these factors may have made this process even more fluid.

Brittany

Self: Stay focused. The goal that you are trying to obtain is more important than anything than all the things trying to distract you. Stay true to yourself. It's so easy to get lost in everyone else, in all that is new and in things that do not matter. Be sure to stay true to who you know you are. Save your money. College and college life is EXPENSIVE. Start saving now, do not waste money on things that will not aid you in reaching your desired goals. You are your worst critic, give yourself some slack.

Antonio

I would be more serious about my education goals and I would plan things ahead of time in order to receive scholarships and acceptances from school. Not only that, but I would also visit the different campuses to see what kind of environment they provide and what they have to offer. I would not assume that each college is the same since many schools offer different majors and even look at what the school is known for. Also, I would start saving up money for books and tuition. Not all scholarships give everything you need and sometimes I would have to pay out of my pocket. As a senior, I would knot know anything about college so I would have liked to receive some advice from my teachers, counselors, and family. I would have also been more outgoing and involved with school instead of quiet and always dedicated to just working at my job. In addition, I would make school my number one priority out of anything else and try to be in a sport team so I can join college sports to gain recognition and scholarships. Lastly, i would take high school courses that count as college credit.

Chris

When talking to myself and looking back to high school, I would say that you have nothing to worry about. You have found a school that will support your Catholic upbringing as well as foster new growth in the accounting major that I have declared. Lewis University also allows me to pursue my life long goal of becoming an airline captain. I will also tell myself that there have been struggles that I will overcome as well as friendships that will last a lifetime. Just remember to give it your all, and you will be able to find all of your dreams are within reach.

Kasey

If only you could know what is to come. Wait, I know! I?ll tell you! You?re going to finally get involved. You really should have a couple of years ago. What about joining a few groups in your last year though? It?ll help your transition; lord knows it would have helped mine. You?re going to become president of the human rights group! Surprise huh? That?s right, the loner is going to come back swinging. Don?t believe me? Just wait and see. Oh, you?re still teaching music too by the way! Keep practicing also; you?re going to get to play for school ceremonies and pick up gigs at receptions in the area. Why haven?t you gotten a doctor?s appointment yet? Do you know tests and vaccinations that you need? No? I didn?t think so, because either did, sure wish I did though, it would have saved a month long delay. Your girlfriend is not your fianc?e?, realize it before you separate and it?ll be more civil. Most importantly old friend, tell the fam. you love ?em before you leave, and don?t lose touch with real friends.

Seleny

If I were to have the ability to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would really push myself into trying harder. I would tell myself to take harder classes and take advantage of every opportunity I get. I would also encourage myself to try harder in all my class?s and put more effort into them. Although I got straight A?s I felt as if I slacked off a bit. I would look into different study habits to find one that fits me best. Another big aspect would have to be invest more of my time reading and writing. This as well as my study habits are the main things that I have noticed are bringing me down.

Samantha

Knowing what I know now about college, I would tell myself to stay focused on classes! Make sure you keep the syllabus and look at it daily to know when assignments are due. Those pieces of paper are like the Bibles of the class. Make sure you do your homework before staying up all night to watch movies with your friends. Also, you don?t have to go out every single weekend. It is ok to stay in and relax and do some work ahead of time. Please don?t wait until the last minute to do work because you will stress yourself out. Go to the Student Union often and attend organization meetings. Stay involved in a positive way. Remember, just because you don?t know someone, that doesn?t mean they don?t know you. This is a small school and words travel fast! Keep your business to yourself. However, the most important advice I can myself, is to have fun, but not too much fun. Remember you have a younger sister watching your every move, and a mother who wants nothing but to be proud of you!

Chante

I would say to myself two things, look for the money and you are responsible for you! Exploring various ways to pay for college is extremely important. While subsidized and unsubsidized loans help and student credit cards will be easily available, emphasis on easily, the long term debt may not be worth it. There are far more ways to get grant money and scholarships, based on everything from basket weaving to academic merit, than I would have ever thought possible. Save the loans and credit cards for emergency situations and last resorts if possible. The transition from high school to college is like walking a tight rope from one side to the other suspended over a river. It takes preparation, balance and the right resources to make it. Without these the potential to be swept away by the current below increases. Do research about your school, have fun but remember no one will be there to tell you to get to class in the morning and develop a support system these are the people you can go to if you are unable to figure things out on your own. Highschool gave you the basics college is about applying them!

Alicia

Study a week in advance for exams and invest in an Academic Planner. Also, go to a community college first and transfer to a 4-year school. You will save a lot of money doing so.

Jenny

I would tell myself to study more, don't procratinate, and then more then anything don't get distracted. In high school I always waited to do things, and in college even though its my first semester I learned that it makes the project or paper even harder. Also, in high school I always got distracted by others, I'd go out with people and not do my homework. But you do that in college and you get way behind.

Yessenia

To Me, Always remember who you are, and how hard you have work to get where you are today. Make sure you contiune to do your best and give it your all because you have been give the opuritnity not many people can get nor can afford. Remember also that school is not cheap, and yes you will struggle, but you will get through because their our ways. Seek grants, scholarship, and money that is out there that you can get and barrow to contiune your education. Also, enjoy this time of your life to the fullest. Get out there and join clubs, invest time in volunteer work, and make new friendships. Always remember what you are here for, and your goal of become a doctor someday. Don't let no one get in your way of your dreams nor for anyone to tell you, "you can't", because everything is possible if you just set your mind to it. Best of luck!

Cera-Sierra

If I could go back and visit myself in the past I would give myself key advice on what to expect in college. First, I would tell myself to get a summer job and save up as much money as possible. With the money saved, it could go towards books needed for class. By saving up, I wouldn't have to borrow supplies from others around the school and my studying skills would be better because i would have the books at hand when i needed them. Also, i would tell myself to prepare for a heavier workload. Compared to high school the work in college takes more time and requires great attention. The work isn't something you can do in a matter of seconds; it takes time and careful thinking. Last but not least, have a mind set when coming into college. Set a goal that you plan on accomplishing and carry through with it. There are times when you feel like giving up but just remember what can't kill you can only make you stronger.

Richard

I can honestly say to myself to not sweat the small things. Playing a sport and attending a college there are plenty of minor things that can go wrong day in and day out. At this point in my life I have figured to have fun and laugh it off. I am looking to have fun every chance I get. I am taking every opportunity at this point and making the best of it. I would also tell myself, be yourself. I have seen many people go to college and completely change who they are as a person. I believe chnge is good, but not when the change is happening because a person is not being themselves. I would finish with have fun, because I do not want to look back at my life with any regrets and the only way I can do that is by having fun with anyone and everyone.

Michelle

I would tell myself to be better prepared for the rigorous academics of college. Many people go into college and assume that it wont be that difficult, but it is. College life is also all about time management, procrastination can get the best of you! College is full of time consuming activities and distractions. Along with the independence comes lots of responsibilities! Adulthood is slowly approaching and college is supposed to prepare you for the real world, when in reality college is the real world! There are all kinds of different people and new opportunities, to fail or to succeed! Your life is in your hands and what happens depends on how dedicated or lazy you will be! You can't live your life based on the wants and needs of others, take advantage this is your life, make the most of it!

Jeremy

If given the chance to go back in time and give myself advice about college I would first tell myself that college is only going be what you make of it, nothing is going to be given to you. I would also tell myself that it will be tough but to never lose focus and to never give up on school. The last advice I would give to my past self is that there will be times where your social life will temp you to give your studies the cold shoulder but you have to understand that education is your number one priority. Your social life will always be there because if you choose the right friends they will understand. A true friend will be a part of your support in doing well in life, and that starts with doing well in school.

Ashleigh

The advice I would give myself is to get prepared now. Once you get into college, there are no baby steps. The professors expect you to be an expert at doing homework and studying. There is never a time where I get no homework. In senior year, I did not take the homework seriously. I wish now that I would have because it would have made the transition a lot easier.

Michelle

I would have much to say to myself as a high school senior. First off, I would tell me that I need to stay focused with my academics and put as much effort into my studies and homework. College is a serious matter for the future and I cannot blow it off. Secondly, I would tell myself to interact with everyone on my floor as a freshman, and to keep up with those relationships. There are so many amazing friends I became acquainted with as a college freshman, but when I moved into a different dorm for sophmore year, we all were separated and now I do not see them much anymore. Friends stay around forever in comparison to equations or formulas in my opinion and will keep you going during any life obstacle. Thirdly, I would tell myself that everything I put into my school is what I will get out of it. Use all the resources they have at Lewis from the interactive library to the tutors and study groups. Don't get behind if I don't know it, but go get help. These three pieces of advice are important for my success as a college student.

Hana

For one, make sure to learn how to manage your time. In college there is so much more expected from you in your classes and it will be very difficult if you don't allow yourself enough time for each class a week to succeed in those classes. Also, make sure to study, study , study! I did really well in highschool sometimes without studying, but that isn't the case in college. Exams are pretty difficult to do well in without studying and some of the material you're responsible for learning on your own. Although I think time managment and studying are most important to be succesful in college, I have to say make sure not to party or go out too much. I know it's very easy to get distracted and go out with new friends and party, but choosing that over your classwork and studying will lead to you not doing well in your classes and it's hard to catch up. College is too expensive to waste your money on classes you'll have to take over again. So make your desicions wisely!

Alexandria

If I were to talk to my self as a high school senior, I would tell my self to work even harder and get not only good grades but great grades. I would also tell myself to continue flying and work on my hours towards a private pilots certificate.

Elizabeth

If I had the experience and knowledge i do now as a senior in college and I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would have a lot advice to give myself. I would tell myself that the knowledge that you will recieve in college is the most important knowledge you will ever recieve. It will lead you to your future career and your future sucess. The last year in college is not the most important year, all four years are equally important. You need to start now and have your compete focus on school now. The classes you will take are very much focused on your future career, and you will use this knowledge at your future job. You will not be asking the famous high school question of "Where am I ever going to use this?" You will use this knowledge. It will be a very tough four years, but in the end it will all be worth it. Your dedication and hard work will pay off.