Liberty University Top Questions

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

Chris

Work much harder and get better grades so you don't have to hunt for school money on Google!

Adam

I have thought about this quite a bit and I keep coming to the same conclusioon and response that I would give myself three years ago. I would tell my hard headed self to be patient and to know that everything will work out no matter how bad things look right now. I would tell me how much life would change for the better and that I would meet so many diverse and interesting people while developing study habits. Study, study, study to keep the GPA up and apply for as many schlarships as possible so that you won't be stressed all of the time because of how hard it is to find them. Keep your head up and know that the future is bright and so are you.

Joshua

If I could go back and speak to my high school senior year self, I would give myself advice on how I should never procrastinate, finish everything that you start, and learn how to accept and fulfill the responsibilities that have been given to you. If I had had insight and advice on these issues before coming into college, I would have been able to avoid stress, detours to my college plan, and the lengthy progression into leadership positions.

Ciara

There are many things I have learned since being in college, and I wish I could go back and tell myself multiple things. First, I would tell myself to enjoy high school more, and to not constantly wish I could grow up faster. While being older does allow for more freedom, there is also much more responsibility that accompanies this freedom. Part of this liberty is deciding which college or university to attend and choosing a major for a degree program. Decisions that high school seniors make influence the rest of their life. For me personally, I wish I had though more seriously which university I wanted to attend and why. I wish I had researched more vocations and career opportunities so I wasn't constantly changing my major and doubting my career options. I wish I had worked more as a senior to gain more experience in the real world in order to discover my true passions. Lastly, I wish I had come up with a financial plan to pay for school and become more independent. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships so I wouldn't have to constantly worry about meeting tuition deadlines.

Christina

Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid of the change, or making new friends, of being challenged academically and of being pushed out of your comfort zone. College is a time in life where you are granted the opportunity to mature into your personality apart from the comfortable environment of home. This is a gift and allows you to find your voice apart from your family's voice. Yes, the food will be different, your routine will change and you will experience life from a new perspective. This is a gift. Recognize this gift the first time you look at it and not once you are finished experiencing it. This will change your experience entirely.

Pedro

If I was able to go back in time as a senior I would still enlist into the United States Army, the real question for me is what I would have done different while in the Army. I would have attended college the whole time I was enlisted. I realized after I retired that the biggest mistake I made in life was to not take classes while I was in. I should be finishing my Master’s Program instead of finishing my Bachelor’s Degree. I have realized as being older that education is the key and time is running out for me to achieve my future endeavors.

John

Don't rush but take time to select the right college or university that fits your needs.

Keree-Ann

I would tell myself to choose a college that is right for me and not based on what everyone else wants. For instance I went to Northeastern University for two years because that was the school that my mother wanted me to attend. I wanted to go to school in Florida. In the end I hated Northeastern and she hated that I went there. When we talk about it now she wishes that she had let me go. Now I am 34 years old, I did not finish college and I am struggling to go back. I would also tell myself to enjoy the whole entire experience. I would say stay on campus, go to the parties, and meet new people. This is your chance to go out there and learn how to take care of yourself with your parents help. And finally I would say not to be afraid to make mistakes because that is how you grow and develop. Whether that mistake is the major you chose or the friends you make. All of that will make you a better person.

Matthew

I didn't take high school seriously. I wish I would have. I would have taken Math a lot more seriously and I would have prepared myself for college and tried to get a scholarship to a really nice school. Having to go to college online to get my degree is not very exciting and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless you have to work full time as an adult. So take high school seriously, get good grades, plan out your life and go for your goals!

marshall

Be patience. Four years will go by extemely fast. Enjoy the college life and don't be in a rush to get through this stage of life. I would also tell myself to participate in as many student functions as possible. This will develop long lasting relationships.

Spencer

Dear younger me, First off, let me say that no matter what your so-called enlightened mind is telling you right now, do the following financially: don't quit your part-time job until you have another one that pays better lined up, search for scholarships relentlessly, and take Mom and Dad's advice on saving your money. Now, on to college itself. You are going to make amazing friends in college, but be careful, some of your "friends" will actually be terrible influences, don't listen to them. Next, you'll meet a girl, her name is Sara. ASK. HER. OUT! Not when you first meet her, but like a month or so in. If you don't, you'll regret it. Lastly, but most importantly, despite what everything is telling you right now, you are not going to be a lawyer, and it's OK. Not going to spoil it for you, but God's going to lead you in another direction, and even though you won't want to let law go, it'll all be worth it in the end, and you'll be more joyful than you knew to be possible Best Wishes, Future you

Katie

My advice to myself would be to enjoy every minute of high school. High school is such a special time in life. Your growing up, making big decisions, and finding out who you are. I would also have told myself to try harder to get higher grades. That also, is so important, especially in college. Keeping focus on certian goals you want to achieve will help you stay out of trouble and be more productive with your time. In college, being productive with your time is so essential. You want to have enough time to do your homework and study, but also be able to experience college. To meet new people and bond over things that you have in common. If we are dilligent with our studies, and kind to our peers, college would be something everyone would want to experience. Not everybody is able to attend college, and taking it for granted would be selfish. I would say enjoy every aspect of life, achieve your goals, and be the best you can be!

Richard

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give insight on what companies I should invest in. On a serious note, without a doubt I would advise myself to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. Besides the importance of becoming saved, it would prevent me from making many of the wrong life changing decisions that I have made. Listening to this advice I would have not had premarital sex and result in an unplanned pregnancy and instead, respected the sanctity of sex and marriage. I do not resent my handsome son and the beautiful relationship I have with his mother however, I would have like to have taken more appropriate Christian steps in building my family. Lastly, I would advise myself to listen to loved ones, teachers, and respected individuals when they give you advice because it will benefit your life and academic career.

Jessica

I would tell myself, remember to keep my eyes on the prize. You are earning a degree at the end of your college years. There are so many distractions that can cause you to go astray, but now is the time to consentrate on what is really important.That is learning as much as you can before it is your time to step out into the real world. Become more involved in your hall activities and serve more in the surrounding area of lynchburg. Studying is so vital and to start studying a few days before the test, it will actually help. Friends from home will be there when you get back, remember to keep you head up and learn to love all people. Dont set yourself up for failure by seculding yourself, make as many friends as you can. This is the time of your life, make it the best it can be.

Catherine

One thing I would tell myself is to not rush into decisions that will effect you in the long run. To not waste time thinking about what others have in their thoughts for you, and just go with your gut feeling. To focus on God and His plans, and be patient in the wait, and to not be driven by distractions. And once you find what you really want, to hold steadfast to them, and know that God will open doors. When it comes to your future, money is not a concern! It is more important to be passionate about something that you do! This can uncover a great develpoment for yourself and others--to understand that although money is a plus, passion and direction drives any kind of desire to influence, and with God's help, you will most certainly succeed in everything you set your mind to. That's the advice I would give my high school self.

Ashley

Ashley, I know that high school isn't all that you thought it would be. A lot of friends have come and gone, and left you pretty much alone. The whole high school party scene just isn't you, and that's ok. You know why? Because you're better off without all that. There are more important things to focus on, even if you have to eat lunch alone again today. You're already dreaming about college, and I can promise you that it WILL be all that you think it will be. The moment you step foot on that campus, you'll know it's where you've belonged all this time. You just had to be patient and wait for it. Making friends will be a breeze for you there, like it's never been before, but the workload might come as a surprise. It's ok to put people first sometimes, but you gotta keep up! One piece of advice I do have for you regarding the transition to college: work as much as you can now to help pay for school as you go. Student loans are the bane of your future existence.

Karina

Do not stress. You are going to be OK. God will take care of everything. Work hard and trust in the Lord and everything will fall into place. College is going to be awesome and you are going to make so many lifelong friends. God has got you and he will come through. Hard work pays off, do not be lazy because God will only bless what you contribute. The only advice I can honestly give you is to trust in the Lord, pray, and work hard. As crazy as that sounds I promise that the only reason I have gotten through this semester is because I have trust that God will provide and He will.

Amber

Hello former self! The road ahead of you will be long, arduous and rewarding. There are many things I’d like to say to you but I’ve chosen a few things I trust to be the most significant. Before you decide to ask mother if you may take a year off to save and prepare for college, think again! Every high school graduate deserves to experience university life the right way. To me, the right way is fresh out of high school, young and terrified to death! When you get to college don’t be an outsider! Make sure to build friendships. The friendships you have in college will continue to procure profits throughout life. One more word of guidance; SAVE ALL OF YOUR REFUND MONEY. Yes, that new iPad mini looks awesome but do you really need it??? If you borrow loans (which most students do), save any money you have left over! It will come in handy for books, internships and any study abroad opportunities that may come available to you. I hope that your college experience will be even more of a blessing than mine was and wish you the best of luck! Sincerely, Amber

Angelia

I would tell myself to put everything that I have into my education. Study hard, and set a goal of success. Make sure that I get a good college education as a Special Education teacher, and be sure to help special needs children and adults alike to succeed in getting their education as well. There are ways to teach children who can't do for themselves to learn the same things that we learned in high school and beyond. They too can earn a good college education. I want to insure that they do just that.

William

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give to myself as a high school senior would be not to rush into college. I would say I know you are feeling a lot of pressure from friends and family concerning what college you want to attend and what major you should choose, but you don't really know that much about yourself. Take time to travel, pursue different jobs and find yourself in different scenarios, whether they are difficult, fun, adventurous, or monotonous. It is through these scenarios you will learn about yourself; what your stregnths are, where you are gifted, where you find natural ability. You will also learn where your weaknesses are. After you have taken time to do this, then you will learn what major you want to pursue and what will fit your personality and personal interests, and abilities, as well as giving you experiances and stories that will be shared and cherished for a life-time.

Connor

Don't stress, don't struggle, and don't be afraid. I know you're scared about leaving mom and dad, and I know you're scared of taking that first step, but it's not as hard as you think. In no time, you'll have some great friends, and a good hang-out spot. The students in the School of Music or so great, and you will learn so much while you're there. And that Evangelism class, don't fret. Just be at the class and study, and you'll be fine. You're going to love Snowflex, by the way. Just try not to fall, because it really stings going down. You'll find yourself right at home on the east, so don't shut yourself out. Get to know your roommates, because they are pretty cool people. Soon enough, you'll never want to leave, and everything will be okay. This is God's choice for you, so don't try to fight back...He has a good plan for you.

Jennifer

I would advise myself not to take the freedom given in college for granted. In most cases attendance doesn't matter so much as learning the material, so when I didn't go to class alot I missed alot of the information. Going to class is a very important aspect of college because all the information being taught is crucial to the individuals major. So the information is needed.

Sara

My advice to my high school senior self would be to surround myself with people who show me who I am and how to become an even better person. As a high school senior, many want to engage in all the things that are depicted through television, media, and previous stories or experiences told to us by high school alumni. Though these things may be exhilarating, they often conform us. Someone once said, "Show my your closest friends and I'll show you your future." I surrounded myself with one group. When one friend fought with another, it distracted me from my school work and relationships that could be beneficial to me. I soon drifted away from this so-called clique and eventually got involved with things I liked where I found genuine people who wanted to see me achieve things I loved. This only made me look forward to my future more and develop the person I was created to be. High school friends don't always stick around due to unending scenarios, however people from college most likely do because they have passions and goals that encourage you to reach out. Relationships ultimately shape who you become.

Oscar

Make sure you do your homework. Most classes in college rely on essays and presentations. If you build up your will and want to do homework, when you get to college there will be no worries because you have already applied yourself and know how to succed when at home doing homework.

Terrance

The average students would probably answer “I would tell my past self to study for his SAT to get that scholarship”, “don’t blow off those essays until the night before”, or even “just ask the person out to prom!” For me, however, I know what would be the best thing to tell my past self if I were to travel back into the times of senior year: absolutely nothing. Why give no advice to prepare my past self for the challenges of college? I would give no advice because every failure, bad experience, or mistake in my past was a stepping stone for the satisfying life I'm living now. Those mistakes in life are guidelines that I learn from. Without experiencing them, I probably would still be making those past mistakes right now in college because I would never truly think about the consequences, nor how I'll feel about them, until they actually occur. But because I've came across failures and made mistakes, I have a foundation for my journey to success that reminds me to avoid the same mistakes as an adult. That's why I wouldn't change the life of my past self.

Rachael

Welcome to life outside your high school. From here on out, you're going to have to work hard and do things you don't want to do or feel like doing. Finances, classes, assignments, part-time jobs, cleaning bathrooms... It's just part of the deal. So prepare yourself by not complaining and being disciplined with your time and money. You're going to have lots of fun experiences, but don't forget you have to work to earn them. You're going to meet a ton of new people from all different places and backgrounds. Be flexible. You might be as different as night and day, but you can still be friends (or, at the very least, you can learn from them). Treasure your family. You'll realize how much they mean to you when you're states away from home. And, above all, strive for humility in every situation. Respect others, and act in a way worthy of respect. The more you know, the more you're going to see how little you actually know. Don't ever let a big head get the better of you. College grows and changes you. So embrace it.

Jean

Jean, college will be very fun as it has been talked up to be throughout your life. You'll meet a ton of new people, make a lot of friends, get grades you want and grades you don't want. As much as you can't wait to get away from your family that is one thing that will be missed abundantly. Another transitiion that will be hard to get over is self maintenance. You have to go to class yourself, in highschool it's easy because all classes follow the same schedule. In college you like to stay up late and play video games and often neglect those assignments due by 11:59. The nice teachers who accept late work are great in high school. In college Professors do understand you are busy, but when an assignment is due by 11:59 12:00 is late and will not be graded. So i want you to be strict about your grades, enjoy your family time as much as possible, and be deligent in your scholarship search. You will be in need of financial need and wishing you spent more of your time in high school chasing that scholarship money.

Peter

Ok past me, tip number one regarding college life: Do stuff! It sounds stupid but it is true. If you just sit in your room all day you will not make any friends, you will not have fun and you will not enjoy college. Number Two: The food so far has been pretty good, don't worry about it. Number Three: Do not worry about finding the perfect girl in your first semester because there are like two thousand perfect girls here and they will still be here in your second semester. Number Four: START PACKING EARLY! Don't start packing the week before college is supposed to start because it just does not work. Trust me, I know. Number Five: All work and no play makes Peter a very dull, bored and lonely boy. Take chances. Make mistakes. GET MESSY! Number Six: All play and no work makes Peter a very stupid boy who wasted thousands of dollars on a college education. Find a balance between work and play. Number Seven: Love and cherish mom and dad while you still can and appreciate them because soon you will only see them once a year. That's it. Love Peter.

Savannah

I would have told myslef to look into scholarships and schools earlier than I did. I would also have told myself to have taken the SAT earlier so that I could have tried for a better score.

Daniel

I would told myself to be confident and encouraged to make my own plans based on my own desires. I would have pushed myself to do things outside my own confort zone in order to learn and discover what life has to offer me. Most of all, I would have helped myself be influenced and passionate about my future. That way I would of had the motivation to be hard-working and independent.

Sarah

I would tell myself to not worry as much. During highschool I was always focused on having enough money to pay for college. I did everything in my power to make ends meet and be able to attend the college of my dreams. If I could go back, I would tell myself that in a few short years all the trial and pain would be worth it. I would tell myself that the world is so much bigger than my small town and I would be able to expirence it.

Emanuel

Oh how I wish this were true and I were really writing to my high school self. First of all, its been a long time. You're 29 now and don't have your bachelors degree yet, but thats ok. You chose to do Engineering. Noble, difficult, but noble. You see, over the past 10 years, its not particularly the coursework that you struggle with. You struggle with staying focused, dedicated, and disciplined through the whole thing. You have stacked the deck against yourself. You've jumped from going part-time at a community college for years to finally moving away to a different state, different everything, in an attempt to finally finish school. To be honest, you were trying to do too much. Working and trying to get a degree in engineering is darn near impossible without dire commitment. I know that you needed money to drive to school so you worked while attending school. The commute was long. You were afraid of student debt because you didn't want to end up like your dad. Just do it. Invest in yourself and take out a loan so that you can finish. Invest in you!

Sierra

If I could go back in time to me as a high school senior I would give so much advice to myself. After almost completing my first semester of college I have relized that I should of learned how to study and prepare myself for quizzes and test. As well as learning time mangement throughout college. Something I also should of given myself advice of is how to manage stress throughout college. Money is my biggest stress at this time. But I am so thankful for all the love and support from Liberty University for helping me find scholarships like this one.

Jorge

I would tell myself to start saving money and applying for scholarships immediately. Even at a "cheaper" university you will find yourself needing extra money when financial aid doesn't come through or additional fees and costs start adding up. Also you will want to have money for use recreationally; going to movies, taking vacations and trips, buying groceries and clothes. Another piece of advice I would give myself would be to room with a friend from your highschool if at all possible and learn about them and their study habits; whether they study in the dorm room, lights on lights off, does it bother them to have music on, etc. If you know your roommate well you will avoid many conflicts that can become annoying. One last piece of advice is to get involved with campus activities and communities. It will help you make friends and meet new people.

Sloan

If I could go back and converse with my high school self, I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy every moment. I loved high school but it flew unbelievably fast. So many major things happen in high school, such as getting your lisence, dances, and great time with friends. Above anything else, I would tell myself to treat every person more kindly than anyone would. I attended a relatively small high school and was well known by many people. I was always kind but I would tell myself to go out of my way to show love to people that wouldn't have normally talked to. There's no way that I could determine if that person was going through hard times, but if they were, kind words from someone outside of their circle of friends could have made all of the difference in that persons day, week or maybe even their life. Many people don't recognize the hurt of others. I would tell my high school self to have a keen eye and pay special attention to the possibility of others hurting.

Cole

If I could give advice to myself as a senior, the biggest thing I would stress is the ability to study on my own. College is a whole new level on studying and having to do it on my own makes it even harder. If I could have learned to study on my own in high school studying in college would be much easier. I would also tell myself to look for more scholarships. I never realized how much college really costs until I started paying for it. Every cent that I could have earned back then is one less cent I would have to earn now. Beyond these two things, I would encourage myself to stay on track with my grades and to enjoy the time I have at Rockford High School.

Evan

I would go back to my freshman year in highschool. I'd tell my self to get invovled in as much as I can. Also, visit colleges and begin studying for the SAT.

Oscar

If I could return to my 18 year old self back in High School as a Senior, I would tell him that this is your last chance to end your high school career off with a good note. I didn't take high school seriously, I thought my football talent was enough to get me to college. My grades were lacking and I never took an SAT or ACT. As a senior in high school, though I missed out on the chances I would of had as a Junior, as a senior I could of studied hard, make good grades, take the SAT and or ACT, and had a better selection of Colleges and Universities to choose from. I would of used that as my start to becoming a good student leading to college and then all the way through school, and then maybe even having a shot of fininshing early and being able to play football without school for a year. All I can say is I now know that my mental health and knowledge is just as important and beneficial to me as being an all-around athlete.

Jessica

Take your time! Life can change in an instant, and things completely unexpected happen. Just keep going, stay focused, and never give up. It's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes, but as long as you are persistant you will reach your goals!

Emily

Dear high school self, you should have went to college after you graduated. This year off from school seems like forever. You should have prepared much earlier than now. Taking school more seriously in the early years of high school would have helped so much. You would have been prepared to take the ACT and would have gotten the promise scholarship. You wouldn't be searching for hours for financial help to attend school. Everything would be so much easier if I would have done everything right instead of wrong.

Gerald

If I was my high school self again, I would tell myself to get all the help I could get with making the transition to applying for college and completing all the neccessary steps in getting comfortable with the college life. I would also tell my high school self to start looking for colleges asap and see what you are interested in doing with your life. Pick a major that is based on a occupation that your interested in doing. These are just some of the things I would give to myself. At the time, I was just focused on graduating high school. I had no forsight for college or where I would be at the moment.

John

Hello, high school self? It is me, well- you from the future, five years from now! I know everything isn't the easiest for you right now physically, mentally, emotionally and it's affecting your life's decisions and academic integrity, correct? Just listen and ill give you what you need. You must find purpose and focus. With purpose comes the essence of your life's meaning then the direction of where you must go and what you must do is illuminated. Find focus so to centralize your energies in your purpose. As you commit to this, allow yourself to submit to the counsel of your elders and always remain near for there is success in the instruction of the wise. This may be beyond your stretching point, but be quick to listen and slow to speak, increase in knowledge daily and take responsibility for all that you do. Be disciplined and prepare mightily for all things. When faced with struggle, remain with a good atittude, always discovering hidden opportunities. Be a friend and build trust through the development of your character and loyalty. I must go, all you must do now is take action. See you in five years!

dylan

As a new freshman, this wasn't two long ago. I would do quite a bit different though. I didn't really start taking college serious till my 10th grade year. Although my graduating gpa of 3.5 is not bad, I could have done so much better. In doing so I could have earned more scholarship money to help my family out in sending me to college. Also, I would have begun working my senior year to establish work history and credit so I would be able to apply for student loans. My other advice is actually things I did do, but they helped so much and that was visiting the campus of Liberty on several occasions, and getting to know the layout, the people, and area. Last as soon as I knew who my roommates were we immediately began communicating and on move in day this helped a lot. Last I'd remind myself to spend good quality time with my family before going, it's a big change for all.

Angie

High school dose count. Try your hardest and get the best grades you can. That was you will have more opitons.

Micah

The advice that I would give myself would be to cherish the times you had with family and friends where you grew up because it will be long time in between to be with them. Truly, cherish those moments and make the most of them. Your parents are going through a hard time with you leaving the house, understand that and know that it's not all about you, it's about them too because they're leaving their "baby girl" or "baby boy" (and you will always be their baby), in a place where they can't keep an eye on him/her and can't be right there to help them. So it's not easy for them and it's not easy for you. Just remember this: do good to others around you and think about what they are going through and think of others.

Austin

I would tell myself to get focused, to creat the mindset of a champion. To not spend money friviously. To make every day count, do something different every day. Laugh, have fun, talk to as many people as your can. Invest in the lives of the people around you and make a difference.

Kevin

If I only knew then what I know now, oh how different I would be. I am currently a senior at Liberty University and if I could go back to my senior year of high school I would tell myself four things. First would be, "Break up with your girlfriend. It won't last and you're not truly ready for a long term relationship." Second, "join the rowing team! The coach will push you harder than you think is humanly possible. You will survive. Believe in yourself" Third, "study your butt off and Ace all your tests." Having had a long term relationship my judgment about where I wanted to go in life was extremely clouded. I settled for what I thought was good. I would tell myself to focus on my relationship with God and my family more because both of them will always be there for me. Finally, I would tell myself to save money, live beneath my means, and bless others with what little I think I have. In reality I am extremely blessed to have all that I do. I have a warm house in winter, clean water, a loving family and so much more.

Jessica

I would tell myself to learn how to study. Coming to college, you are studying at another level. It is a lot harder! Learn how you learn and retain information. Transitioning into college life is simple. You will make friends quickly because of who you are. As far as friends, be sure you do not push people away even though you are going through a rough patch. Be sure who you know you can trust. Learn to trust in God more. He's got your back no matter what. He will be helping you!

Kerilynn

Kerilynn, you need to find a way to go to college right after high school. I know that the odds seem so insurmountable, but trying to finish college as first a full time employee and then a wife and mom of three kids is added stress that you don't need while trying to get your degree. It will be hard, and I'm sure you will graduate with debt (but so will I) and you will still be working a ton while taking classes, but you'll be able to start your career in your 20s instead of your 30s. You won't have to tell your girls that you can't play with them because you have homework, and you won't be staying up late to do schoolwork instead of spending time with your husband. It's so important to achieve this goal, and I know that you can make it happen!

Megan

My advice to my high school self would be to save as much money as you can. I knew college was a lot of money but I was not prepared for how much it actually was. So I would tell myself to do everything I can to save money and to look for scholarships so that I am more prepared for the money that it takes.