Liberty University Top Questions

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

Melissa

First of all, just relax! All the freshmen are in the same boat, being here for the first time. There are going to be so many people on campus, but that just means that there are more people for you to meet and make friends with. Freshman year, the classes are not that different than high school because there are many introductory classes that you are required to take. Living away from home is a lot of fun because you get your first taste of independence. Although there are more responsibilities, its not overwhelming and other people are always there to help you. There is always something fun happening in college, so you have to make sure you find time to study and do your work. Never underestimate the power of a nap. When you're studying or out late then getting up early for classes, an afternoon nap will be your best friend. And finally, avoid early morning classes at all costs. You will never ever want to get up early, and when you do, you'll wish you could be sleeping (and it is never good to sleep during class).

Gillian

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be a very important piece of advice that I would give myself. This piece of advice would not only be important to know my senior year, but years before and years to come as well. I would advice myself to save more of my money. Although I knew to save my money, and have for a long time now, it should have been more of a priority in my life. Since being in college for only one semester, I have watched my back account dwindle down on a fast pace. Buying food, going out for social acitivities, and paying for printing ink are just a few of the things money is used for. It costs more money being in college than I thought. If I were to go back and give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would definitely tell myself to save more of my money and use it more wisely.

Peter

I would tell myself to relax, because college life, although it is not a "cake walk," is a place to meet people who really care and want you to succeed in all aspects of life. I would tell myself that the chances of finding a wife are exponentially great due to the ratio of women to men. I would tell my younger self that the teachers are available and willing to help with whatever questions or concerns that you have. I would tell myself about the great living conditions and how the campus is not overcrowded while there is plenty of social interaction. I would comment on how incredible the football team is winning Big South Championships. I would tell myself about the scenery that takes your breath away. And finally I would remind myself that, although it is a bit of a drive home and that I would miss family, the staff and especially the students become like a second family enough to where I call it "school home."

Alysha

I wish I had known that not everyone makes the transition quickly. I also wish I had known that not every person goes to college to get an education, and that not everyone is academically-focused. I would have told myself that the first one or two semesters may be frustrating when taking general education courses, but one you get into your major courses, you see the true quality of the university's academic programs. College is a different experience for everyone, so just keep yourself focused on your goals, but also be open to new ideas and opportunities, and you will grow beyond your greatest expectations.

Ashley

If I could give myself adivice as a senoir in high school I would like to tell myself to remember that even though life from now is going to be different and contain many challenges, nothing is more important than staying focused on my goals and remembering where I came from. Also, I would remind myself that even though situations may seem difficult, do not give up on school work or any other aspects of life. Another point I would like to make would be to take advantage of opportunities and not take for granted two of the most important aspects which are time and money.

Mark

I would not waste half of my life thinking that knowelage was unimportant. I would tell myself that in order to be happy you must have some sort of education. I would encourage myself to get in school and stay there.

Jessica

Don't be set on what you want to be when you grow up. Use those first few semesters to take classes in different areas and find something that you really love. Don't forget that you can't avoid all math classes so quit daydreaming during calculus. Inevitably, you will find a department that you feel at home with and it probably won't be what you thought you were going to college for. It makes 8am classes a lot easier to handle when you are looking forward to learning the subject.

Hannah

"Hey Hannah! I know it may be difficult to believe this, but I am you, just about 7 years down the line from now. Don't believe me? Well, I know that you are captain of the lacrosse team, you are taking Shakespeare with Mr. Sullivan, and that your sister drops you off each morning on her way to student teaching. Does that help?" "So, thinking about college, I also know you are not really expanding your options or really preparing. But you should!! Looking back, I wish I (you) had put more effort into planning for school. How, you may say? You may not realize it now, but scholarships WILL save you in the long run! I (you) did not pay attention when in school, and now we have considerable student loans. It is going to take years to even make a dent, let alone get rid of it completely. And, you should work during school. Save that money! You'll be able to get a much better car, without a payment, and you will have much less stress later on about transportation. I would put in a word about studying, but you are a pretty big nerd already."

Amanda

I would tell myself to take more AP classes and really work to get the credit for them! I would tell myself that the work load is much more, and I have to get organized to prepare for it. When I was deciding schools, I was concerned that the networking would be limited if I attended Liberty. Now I know that is far from the truth! I would tell myself to definitely go with Liberty University and not worry about it not being an Ivy League school, or not as well-known, or that opportunities for prestigious work post-graduation will not be as likely because it is under a Christian name. Jerry Falwell had a dream, and when He allowed God to lead his life, his dream for the university, the school, and church came into being and the outcome went beyond his expectations. I would tell myself that no matter what I wanted to do or become in life, it does not matter so much of where I go, but that if I have a dream, and I keep my first priority centered on God, He will get me where I need to go. And, He is.

Tazjanique

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior based on what I know now as a college student, I would have told myself to push myself a ittle hard. In ollege all of the cool kids are the smart kids, not the kids that wear the nicest clothes or have the hottest cars. My mentality as a high school student was revolved aound just graduating, having the nicest clothes, travel the most, and maintaing popularity. As a college student know I realize, there is more to life than just high school and if want to be something in life you have to have a good education. If I would have known in high school what I know now i believe I would have done things a lot different.

Jedidiah

It?s senior year and my high school days coming to an end accompanied by the strong desire to be on my own and away from my parents. Hard headed, excited, and mentally growing like a weed I am very similar to most seniors. It is hard for me to think of good advice to someone who is on this path. Even still there are a couple things that stand out to me as something I wish I did more of. Your parents are extremely important and often very wise and helpful when choosing a college good for you. They are good at helping you find scholarships, and preparing you for what you think you already know about independence. If you are lucky enough to have parents that care, ask them for their opinions and actively listen. I was independent and had no idea what I needed to have and take with me to college! Looking at a list provided by my college I had to get more stuff than my bank account allowed. This will almost always be the case. Make a list of the stuff you used daily for about a month and bring that with you.

Lilian

If I could go back in time I think I would let myself know that the process of transitioning to college is not the worst thing possible. I would let myself know that the hardest thing would be finding last minute money to go. I think I would also advice myself to not give myself time and instead go to college straight after high school. I'd let myself know that college life, especially at Liberty, is not that hard, but I think I'd advice myself to watch out for those bad roommates. I'd reassure myself that everything in that area would be fine. I'd let myself know that classes although they will get harder are managable.

Jonathan

Hey High-School-Jon. Nice hair. So here's the deal about college: It's harder than high school. Remember all those lectures on time management? Listen. You won't be able to coast for long. That means it's time to buckle down and get to studying. Actually read the textbook. Start study groups with people who take good notes. And don't, DON'T procrastinate on major projects. The good news is you will never find another group of friends like the people at LU. Talk to people. Get out of your room and mingle. Ask people questions. Take initiative. And for goodness sakes, don't eat alone! As far as picking a major, find out what you love to do and do it. Don't get trapped in a box of what seems the most practical. If you hate being practical, what good is it? Find motivation doing what you're passionate about. Your professors know a lot, so ask them questions and get to know them. So that's college. Don't be discouraged if it's harder than you thought. It's worth it.

Shana

Although my college experience is undoubtedly different from many other students my age, I feel that my obstacles could positively impact another young woman who may be in a similar situation. During my senior year of high school, I found out that I was expecting a baby. I had already been accepted to a college three hours away from home and had my immediate future planned. Realizing I was pregnant changed everything. Obviously, I was unable to begin college the fall following my graduation and it was my responsibility to create an alternative plan. If I had had the opportunity to redo some things differently at that time period, while I was creating my "alternate plan", I would definitely have done so. First and foremost, I tried to do things all by myself. Today, I can unequivocally say that there are individuals, (family, friends, teachers, mentors) who would have gladly helped me had I asked. I actually made the transition much more difficult because I was afraid to ask for help. Had I done that, that period of my life wouldn't have been so terrifying. My advice other prospective college students, (or myself), is: You are not alone.

Julie

As I look back over the course of these last six months, I cannot help but be thankful for two key components that brought me through my transition to college life. Moving half way across the world, facing a foreign culture and an unknown environment, I made sure to pack a positive outlook and a solid understanding of truth. For the last four years, my family has extended love and compassion to the people of China. During my senior year, I was not only nervous about finances, picking a school, but also transitioning back to the American life. Despite my fears, I was determined to see this new journey as an adventure. So upon graduation, I said goodbye, moved half way around the world and was dropped off to a campus I had only perceived online. I had to trust in what I knew to be true and choose to see this next stage of life as an exciting adventure. Thankfully, with these two components, I have greatly enjoyed my first semester at Liberty University. It has not been easy, yet I am so glad that I went with a positive attitude and a secure basis for determining truth.

Rosanne

If I could go back to when I was in high school, whether it be in 9th grade or 12th, I would tell myself a lot of things. Don't play games, don't cut class, pay attention, don't slack off, etc. I would make sure I tried my hardest and do my very best. I also would've made sure I got all the scholorships and financial help I could. Life is so much more difficult when you are an adult and you have a family to take care of. Life generally isn't cheap. I would also tell myself to never give up, never stop trying, and that I'm not the only one who believes in me. I know now that if I try, I can do whatever I want.

Trisha

Make sure that you love your campus. Learn about the activities available both on and around your campus. Invest time in establishing whether the professors are invested in your education or invested in their pension. Really consider where you are coming from financially. Don't go to a school just because of the name especially if you can't fathom a way to pay off the debt you'll incur. Before you start college, know what you want to do, even if it means taking a year off to figure it out. You want to make sure the school you're going to offers the right degree for you. Find out if you can get into classes when you want to regardless of your class level. Make sure you're at the right school. I can't believe how many friends have upwards of a hundred credits that wouldn't transfer schools. Be realistic. Don't get a degree in something you can't find a career in. Make sure you agree with the vision of the school. It's not really cool in college to hate your campus, you are paying to be there and do well.

Henry

The advice I would give myself regarding college is to: get informed, get counsel, and get started. First, take the initiative to visit a college nearby, or an online school if you don?t live near a college, and gather the information concerning what you have to do to get started. Finding out about what is involved in registration, possible class schedules, how much it will cost, what help is available etc. will remove much of the mystery and apprehension from the process. Secondly, I would suggest seeking the counsel of others who know more about the process than you do. This would include admissions counselors, academic advisors and friends that have (or are currently) successfully navigated the college process. Experience is a valuable teacher and these individuals can steer you both to helpful items and away from troubling obstacles. Thirdly, and paramount to the whole process, get started. Take the first step even if you can?t start classes right now. There is no value in delaying the process. On the contrary, every step you take toward obtaining your degree is progress and no matter how small, it will add to the total which will eventually culminate in success.

Brittany

I would tell myself not to worry about making the transition to college. It is very typical to worry about change and about events that you cannot control. However, when you enter as a freshman, there are multitudes of other students feeling just as nervous and unsure of themselves as you are. They too worry if they'll make friends or if they'll find their classrooms or if they'll get along with their roommate. As long as you remain true to yourself, you will make friends. Beyond the social transitions, the transition from high school academics to college academics is rather challenging, but your friends and teachers are there for you along the way to help you. There is more studying and writing, but there is more learning and understanding as well. Overall, I would tell my foolish high school senior self to quit worrying over the things that are in the future that cannot be controlled and to enjoy my last year in high school, because although change is at first challenging, it causes you to grow and flourish as an individual.

Manuel

Do your best in classes and learn to gain healthy study habits so studing does not become an issue in college.

Ryanne

One of my problems with the transition from Highschool to College is that in Highschool I could get a really good grade without putting much work into what i was doing. I'm really good at testing well and doing well with procrastonation. I wish someone had told me when i was a freshman that the good grades are not worth sacrificing just so that you don't have to do the work. The work is deffinantly worth the trouble.

Laurie

If I could go back to my senior year of high school I would tell myself to stop procrastinating on homework. I would also tell myself to take some AP classes so I could have figured out my major sooner. There is not much else I would tell myself because I applied for Liberty University my sophomore year of high school, so I did not have the stress on my shoulders that most seniors had.

Rachel

Going back in time I would tell myself to develope better study habbits. Studying is the key to success in college. I didn't have the best study habits; however, they did get me through high school fine. The study habbits I had in high school, with a little refining, would help me do better in college. I would also tell myself to study harder and try harder on the SAT because it will help me in the long run.

Davana

I would love to have the opportunity to talk to my younger-self. The first thing I would tell her is that you are much more than you think. You are a strong young woman and can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. I would stress that a good education is worth all the time and effort required. It would be important to let her know not to let the people around her define her. Although I love my husband I married him when I was to young. I would want her to know that although a relationship can be very fulfilling, it is ok to be alone. Her education can be just as fulfilling as any relationship. I would tell her to not be afraid to move away from home, even though my parents cannot afford an out of state tuition, get out there and apply to colleges, do whatever it takes to get scholarships. There is alot of money out there for a college education it may require extra time and effort but it will be worth it all in the end.

Alexcia

As a senior in high school, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was going to college. However, the doubt crept in when it was time to decide where to go to college and with what money. I spent much of my senior year worrying about these decisions. If I could go back in time, I would tell my senior-self to spend less time worrying (for worry accomplishes nothing) and more time praying. When I finally relinquished ?control? of these decisions and laid them before God, He opened doors, providing exactly enough money through scholarships to fund my first year at Liberty University. He also granted me a peace that transcends all understanding. If I had devoted myself to seeking God?s will for my future sooner, I could have saved myself much time and emotional turmoil. In addition to prayer, I would remind myself to listen to and trust my parents. When my mother found Liberty University online and informed me that it was the perfect school for me, I did not trust her judgment. However, she proved to know me better than I know myself, for Liberty turned out to be my perfect match.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and give advice to myself about college life i would tell myself that college is insane. There are so many people attending Liberty so don?t worry about fitting in, there are clicks for everyone. Don?t stress about classes the professors are nice and they genuinely care about the education of their students. There are so many different activities here at Liberty you will never be bored; as long as you put your school work first you will be fine. It is kind of a culture shock the first couple of weeks being away from everything you are used to, this isn?t high school anymore so things are bound to be different. Your major concern will be your scholarships, apply for as many scholarships that you can because college is expensive and you can?t concentrate on your school work if you?re worrying about paying for school. If you apply for scholarships you will at least have some peace of mind that you will be able to continue getting your education and you really can make a difference in the world.

Christy

As a college freshman, I would tell myself and others multiple things to make the college experience easier. First, I would tell myself to start saving immediately for college. Money is a huge issue in many college students lives. Scholarships are hard to find and loans are extreme debts that I do not look forward to paying when I graduate from college. Second, I would tell myself to work harder to raise my GPA. GPA's are an excellent way to receive great money. At Liberty University, by the scores on your SAT or ACT as well as your GPA score you will receive a certain money in scholarship form; the higher your scores the more money you receive! Next, I would tell myself to take those college courses I was able to take in my high school! The more college credits you have entering college, the less college classes you have to take. All this adds up to a lesser payment because you are in college fewer years. Last, I would tell myself to not be afraid to meet new people. Everyone freshman at college is new; you're not alone! Finally, I would say to just be yourself!

LaVerne

What proclaim to High school students is search yourself with this question: what happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags lie a heavy load or does it explode? When I look at lady in the mirror I see person who allowed her dream to be deferred. However today the dream that once was deferred is no longer. I believe it's a dream that has no limits, . Always remember this if you believe it you can achieve it!! The struggle is over once you believe dream is attainable! Now friends take the wall of your past down remember The Word of God states: forget those things that are behind me reach for those things that are before me. Once I was a child spoke as a child now that I became a man I put all childish things away. Now dust off the past move into your destiny.

Amy

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to not focus on the things that are superficial. The things that seem so important in high school are not as important in the real world. I would also say that making a difference in this world is one of the most important things that you could do with your life and to pick a career where you could really impact people's lives for the better. I would tell myself that only a select few of the friends from high school would last through life and not to worry about the fads and trends of high school, as they will go away and be forgotten quickly. Helping people be better people in this world, making a difference in people's lives and living a good, moral life are the important things to focus on.

Jesse

Back when I was in High school as a senoir I was giving the chance to become fulltime at work and make money. After 26 years later and the same job, I wish I could of finish college and become someone better for my family. I don't regret what I have done in my life since I have the same job for my entire life so it shows how honest I am with my job. At this time I am having so much fun going back to school and working. I am very lucky to have a supporting family but when it comes to money it is tuff paying for school. I wish I had some help to continue my goal on getting my degree and giving more to my family. Thank you for giving me a chance.

Michael

So much has changed since I graduated high school. At that time, I had no direction nor any desire to attend college. Now I am much older and wiser and attempting to pursue my degree. So, what would I tell myself if I could go back in time? I would tell myself to go to college shortly after high school. It is the best time to do it. I would also tell myself to focus on my strengths and weakness' and how those relate to school. When you learn those, you can use them to your own advantage and it allows you to get the most out of school. Finally, I would tell myself to continue doing my best, even if I failed a test or project. It is so easy to get discouraged and I would tell myself just to keep going in spite of the difficulties. Always stay focused, study hard and it will pay off.

Wendy

Make the effort to stay in college even if it means that you have to go to a community college for awhile. Your future will be bleak without that education. You will face very serious economic hardships if you don't get the education needed to get a good job. Seek God's guidance early and stick with Him - he will never fail where others do. Look deep within yourself for strength - you have it and you know how to use it. Make plans now for the future ahead. Save and invest some money, even if it means sacrifice. You are fit for college and you can make it!

Karen

Complete college before kids and family committments. It is hard adhering to the family committments as well as a demanding course schedule.

Angela

I would tell my self that just because I grew up poor and under privledged does not mean I can not succeed.

Justin

Take the time to find out what it is that will truly make you happy in live. Even though you may have thought you knew the career you wanted to pursue, you need to make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. For some people, money is the deciding factor for their career choice. Others decide based on their strengths or because it has been a family job and they feel they need to keep the tradition going. I believe I could have benefited greatly and saved myself a lot of trouble if I would have taken more time to simply consider what it is I am looking to get out of my life. You most likely will not have all the answers going into college, but the great news is there is nothing wrong with that. Though choosing your college has a lot to do with the career and degree you want to learn, it is equally and possibly more important to know if that college is morally in line with what you believe. You will get the most out of your college experience by being at a place where it is okay to just be yourself.

Kevin

I would tell myself and other students to not be afraid to challenge themselves with harder classes even if you think you may not do well or you may struggle. College is going to challenge you in every way, and we need to be prepared. Sometimes as seniors, we want our senior year to be easy so we can have fun and not have to work very hard. This is doing us a disservice. When we get to college, we will need to have the knowledge of working hard and challenging ourselves.

Denise

Everyone has 24hours, use each day to prepare for your future. Take small steps daily, such as apply for scholarships, grants, learn more about loans, talk to a financial planner. Find someone who is what you want to be and ask questions about priorities. Read more books about the struggles and victories of great men and women. One day a week is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} rest with no compromising.

adam

I would tell myself to keep at it. I quit school after my freshman year at Methodist College in North Carolina. I would probably go back and stay in state (FL) and not go to school so far away from home. Had I done this initially I think I'd be done with college and a few years into a sports medicine career. Now I'm twenty seven and having to work full time and take twelve hours of classes as well. It's tough but I will suceed. I know that if I could go back I'd be at a better place financially in life and a bit happier with my accomplishments.

Katherine

If I could give myself one word of advice, I would tell myself to go jump off a bridge! Or course, I dont mean literally, it is more figuratively. College is fun, but it is tough. I would tell myself to take advantage of living with my parents instead of wishing I was gone. I would tell myself to explore all the unknown that I can get my hands on. Go on missions trips, roadtrips, or go skydiving. School is very important, and I believe that with all my heart, but it is okay to have fun every once in a while. This is something I learned in college, but I didn't really understand in highschool. Exporing introduces you to knew things, and people. Nothing can prepare anyone better than exploring. College is about making mistakes then fixing them, making friends whether they are good or bad, getting a few horrible and amazing grades here and there, learning exactly who you are, and experiencing wonderful new things. College is about jumping off a bridge, and taking a leap of faith. I would finally ask myself if I still dared to proceed. Knowing all that, I know I still would.

Judi

Judi, you are smart and you can do it. Don't wait until you are a 37 years old single mother coming out of a bad marriage to go back to school. Do it now! Go now! Don't wait! You can acheive anything in life you set your mind to. It is not going to be easy but it will be worth it. Get your degree, you will be grateful you did. You will be so proud of your accomplishments. Love yourself enough to give yourself the gift of education. Just think you will be the only one in your immediate family with a college degree. That is huge Judi. Don't deny yourself. The example you will be to your future son will be amazing. The opportunities you will afford having a career that pays well and takes you seriously will be wonderful. Go for it girl! SHOOT FOR THE STARS!

Brandon

Responsiblity!!! You will learn that. You are an adult now and will be making adult decisions. You must be wise and be an adult. You can't slack off in class because they are easy, you must manage your time, and you must pay attention. Cherish your friends because this is not like high school you may never see them again, but also enjoy this time in your life because it goes by way to fast!!!

Bryant

To take more class on how to study and more dule in rolement.

Annqunett

If I could go in time I would choose Liberty for the whole time and would finsh before I was 38, but neverthe less there is no turning back and I will finish before I am 50 and that is good enough for me.

Tricia

Remember to balance your studies and your social life. And have a social life! Don't allow yourself to be secluded, whether with just studying or being by yourself. Make friends, with people in your dorms and those in your classes. The people in your dorm will help your social life, the friends in your classes will provide oppurtunities and help to study.

Samuel

I would just advise myself to thoroughly research the school's policies a little more. I would have also traveled to several more universities in person and interacted with the students before making a final decision.

Donald

I would better myself in my books and in the classroom so I would be better equiped to make this move to college. I would have told myself be in my books more then ever. I would have told myself to try my best at all times to try to make good grades.

Kelsey

College is an amazing opportunity to grow in your academics as well as building your future career. While in high school take time to prepare for your futureby learning good study skills and how to balance responsibilities. As an individual preparing for your future, take responsibility as soon as possible to know what you want, work hard by doing your best, and watch your dreams unfold before your eyes.

Philip

I would first of all tell myslef to listen to your authority. I find out day after day that my parents and my teachers were right about almost everything about life. As a senior I was very stubborn and hard to be swade one way or another. So if I could go back I would tell myself to just obey them. The second thing I would say is save your money now for college and save as much as you can. I found out very quickly tha money will be spent fast at college, weather it would be for books or for gas or extra classes I wanted to take, it all costs money that I don't have. As a seinor I thought that I wouldnt need like any money in college and spent it un wisely.

Shawn

my senior year in high school was fun. Not that many resonibilites. Hanging out with my friends after school and during school. The food was much better. Me and my friends all played on the school sports team together. Act stupid in class, the prep rallies were fun. the parties we always go to. The underage drinking that we were doing. It was a great time period where I wish my university was like, but it doesnt even come close to sometime.

James

I would go back to tell myself first to start saving all of my money. I wish I had saved more of the cash that I wasted in high school. Secondly I would tell myself to take my schoolwork more seriously. I have spent countless hours trying to make up for wasted tiem in high school. I wish I had applied myself more and developed better study and writing skills, when I was in high school.