Lynchburg College Top Questions

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

Katherine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior, there is a lot I would say. I would tell myself that college is a lot harder than high school, and things aren’t spoon-fed to you in any way, shape, or form. However, you do get to study what you want to study, which is probably the best part about college. I would give myself this advice: get involved in everything. It’s a good way to make friends and find out what your other interests are. Talk to people. Again, you make friends this way, and expand your potential network of colleagues. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Taking eighteen credit hours might sound like a good idea now, but it’s really not. Be open. Be caring. Be determined. Study hard and success will come, even if it isn’t in the form of an A+. Also, the library is a great resource, so use it!

Derrick

I would tell myself to not be so wasteful going into college. Save some money to pay for books and tuition instead of relying on finding a job and using that money. I would also tell myself to really buckle down my last year of high school because it is important to stay focused and get good grades in all your classes, not just the ones you find interesting. My last piece of advice to my high school self would be to be sure to find something you love to do. I was a history major for a couple of semesters and switched to sports management pretty late. If you are majoring in something and realize you don't like it, don't be afraid to change.

Brittany

Really explore all your options college will always be there and it isn't your only choice. Sometimes you need to do some soul searching first and find yourself bedore you make life decisoins. Also, you are going to do stupid things that is inevitable, so just learn to accept it and move on. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and look like an idiot, life is ther to be lived so don't let it pass you by.

Alexis

I would tell myself to focus more on my education rather than my social life. Just because I don't feel like getting out of bed doesn't mean I shouldnt, I need to force myself into the habit of going to all my classes every single day. I would also have told myself to get into the habit of applying myself more to my education rather than just "breezing by" like I often tried to. I know I am smarter than I acted and I could be further in my education if I would have known this bit of information rather than learning it later in my education.

Kirsten

The advice I would give myself is to have more confidence and to not be afraid of trying something new. Freshman year is hard for everyone but it is important to get involved with community activites around campus and the people you live with. Having a support group is the best way to get through the transition of the first year of college. Plus, the friends you make your first year are the friends you graduate with.

Anne

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would give myself advice to take more college credit courses in high school so that I would be able to have more accomplished before entering college. The nursing program in particular is a rather long program and the prerequisites took me longer than two years to complete and many of those courses are offered as high school AP courses. I would also tell myself to seek the advice of counselors regarding college career planning instead of trying to plan it all myself. Now that I am in the later part of my degree program I am finding that there are courses I could have completed earlier and I will now have to add them to a heavy courseload in order to graduate on time.

Katelyn

Study, study, study. There is time for fun, but college demands a heavier work load and more devotion to academics. Fun comes after these are done, but remember to stay balanced. All work and no play makes for a drained and unhappy college student.

Kaitlyn

Starting out at Lynchburg College i was a little insecure. After about three weeks I felt right at home. The small gorgeous campus has certainly been a great home away from home. Unlike most schools i have toured everyone is so nice at Lynchburg. I love the small class sizes Lynchburg has, I find it much easier for me to succeed in a smaller class. I have finally been able to move away from home, and not miss it all the time. I cannot picture myself at any other school.

TIffany

I have learned the value of a dollar, the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed in your program of choice as well as in the job market, and i have learned to balance my extracurriculars with my academics. I wouldn't have changed my decision for the world because at a smaller school i am able to play my sport as well as be a part of kappa delta sorority.

David

Not to sound like I am exhagerating, but I have learned how the world works and operates. I've come to understand the fundamentals of how our society, economy, and technology are sustained, cultivated and created.

Elizabeth

I have learned from my college experience that you can be yourself and start fresh. Since I started attending Lynchburg College I have been able to show my true colors and be accepted by my peers and have found support in finding the balance between school and lesiure.

Terri

I have returned to Daytona State College, and have obtained my HIgh School Diploma. It is my believe that higher education is needed, especially in today's economic downfall. For me, a higher education would allow me to return to school, achieve my degree, and would further benefit our community, by providing a postive, professional, and goal oriented role model, whom supports higher educational goals.

DaYarna

I have gotten the experience of living on my own. It has been valuable to me because I have the ability to learn my responsibilities as a college student while getting my education.

Nicole

Currently I attend a private college. When I found out I had been accepted, I moved by myself to Auburn Hills to become a dental hygienist. As I sit in class, I am in awe of how far I have come today. I never thought I would move away and to think that I have been away for nine months. I have a 3.58 GPA, and have worked so hard to be here. The only way I have maintained my grades, was by attending every lecture, and they're not as boring as I thought they would be. I have never missed a day of class and I have wrote everything my professors say aloud to the class. This has had me study for things that I haven't needed so far, but one day in the future if the question every arises, I can say the answer, becasue my professors have taught that to me. I'm so thankful that my family has supported my decision to move. I have many study partners and college has taught me, the more time you put into your school work the better the outcome, (my grades). I will stay focused.

Matthew

To say I am a non-traditional student is an understatement at best. Growing up, my father and I did not have the greatest of relationships. In fact, upon graduating from high school, and shortly thereafter turning 18 years old, I left home. My father was an educated man with multiple degrees, but there was no chance of gaining assistance for my educational efforts - as so many of my childhood friends were afforded. My path in adult life started as survival. The military gave me stability, and I took occasional classes when I could afford to. Events of the day included military service overseas, a new wife, and children a couple years later. When my service time ended, I fortunately had determination and an outgoing personality, because it helped me attain jobs which I probably had no right to acquire competing against degreed individuals. Relying on creativity and artistic abilities, I succeeded in each position - always desiring to earn my degree someday, however. Furthering my education is something I treasure, and want to pass on to my children as they are now pondering college. I would like for them to understand what it means stay determined and succeed in life.

Garrett

I've always wanted to become a master chef! And I feel like it's now or never. My love my for the culinary arts will take me so far, I need the formal training to really advance my chances in becoming the chef I know i can become.

Elizabeth

Being a navy brat and having moved many times I thought that being far away from my family would be a snitch. I was suprised to find that it was a challenge I really had to work for. I ended up dropping the sport I loved and played since sixth grade with the knowledge that I had to focus on my grades. I have gained a ton from attending Lynchburg College and will miss the school and people deeply when I transfer next year to Iowa State University for academic interests in which Lynchburg doesn't offer. I have had the fortune of being exposed to different worlds with the people I have met from Columbia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and fellow New Englanders. The personality mix and interests have opened my eyes and mind to new experiences I never before thought of or would be a part of my life. I will admit that I was ignorant in many things that I thought I was prepared to. Once I got here and away from what I knew and was familiar with I realized how little I really know and how much there is to learn as I enter the world.

Lysha

I would say be open minded to what is ahead and to not be afraid to get involved and to try new things. The school functions are not as lame as you might think and they're a great way to meet different people that are not in your major or an athlete. I would say to not stress about the little things because life always has its way of working things out and to remember to stay in touch with your friends from home because they are your friends for life. I would say be loyal to those who have been loyal to you and for those who have not been loyal, stay loyal because that makes you a good person and people will see that you are a good person and you will do well in your years at Lynchburg College.

Marley

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself some advice that would make my transition to college easier. I have always been somewhat shy, but easily made friends in certain situations. Once at college i buried myself in my work as well as practicing for the varsity sport I was trying out for in the spring. By the time second semester rolled around I realized that I was not having fun at all and had no friends. While I am extremely proud of the grades that I have received, if I could go back in time I would tell myself to not be afraid to meet new people and try new things. It is good and in the end beneficial to step out of your comfort zone because everyone is in the same situation as freshmen.

Carley

The advice that I would give myself as a college student looking upon my high school self would be to leave any bad relationships behind. Before coming to school, I was in a serious relationship that definately took a toll not only on my college experience, but also my family life as well. Looking back, I would tell myself that focusing on what really matters, such as my career and new friendships, is more important than any relationship. The fact of the matter is that in the end, he is not the one that is going to get you your big break or make friends for you. If I went to Lynchburg without a relationship, I feel like I would be more open minded to join a sorority or other activities on campus. Now, I'm playing catch up on those few months I wasted pining away in my room talking on the phone trying to ease my boyfriend's troubled mind. As any teen may know, breaking up is never easy. But if I could go back in time, I would have talked myself out of any relationship if I knew how enjoyable life at Lynchburg College would be.

Jeannine

Academics should be your prime focus although it should not be the only thing you are worried about and make time for. Having a social life is very important because that is one way to meet people and develop great friendships. Start getting involved on campus right away because that will make the transition easier since you will be with a group of people you have common interests with. In high school, senior year is suppose to be fun and sometimes a lot easier than the other years. Do not lose focus and not do your work because if that happens, school work in college will be a lot more difficult since you have to put much time into it. The work may seem hard but it is managable. Going out on the weekends are fun but make sure you know your limits and be careful. Make sure your priorities are straight because it is very easy to get distracted from schoolwork and do other things instead. This could greatly effect your GPA. Just have fun but know when you need to be serious. It is an amazing experience that is unforgetable and life changing. Get to know your professors!

Emily

If I could go back and be a high school senior again with the information I have now I would first of all tell myself, to study because that is a major factor of being a college student. I would also tell myself to apply for as many grants and scholarships possible to help with the cost of tuition. Overall, the advice I would give myself would be to work as hard I a could and that would help with what was to come in college.

Lynn

The best advice I could give myself would be to take advantage of everything infront of you. When I graduated from highschool I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life , but I knew that my parents wanted me to go to college. So I went to UNC Wilmington. The campus was beautiful and there were so many new people to get to know, but I kept thinking to myself I didn't really need a college education to get a decent paying job. These thoughts lead me to failing out my first semester. I never went to classes, stayed up all night and slept all day. I didn't try to meet or get to know anyone on campus. Ten years and two children later, I realize that I missed out on an opportunity of a lifetime. I missed out on the possibility of a career and more importantly, I missed out on getting to know who I was on my own. It is extremely important to have self discovery. Give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} and you will be amazed at what you get back. I am seeing the reward now and I wish I hadn't waited.

Ashley

Just because you are on your own does not mean that you have to go crazy. Concentrate on your school work and make sure you get it all done before you go out and socialize becuase two years down the road you do not want to look back and be dissappointed in yourself for the grades that you recieved. Also become active on campus it is a great way to meet people and help your transtiion move for smoothly.

Jasmine

The best advice I would give my former self is get all you can. Take advantage of the dual enrollment that your school provides, begin applying and looking for colleges as soon as possible and also fill out as many scholarships as possible. Get all you can while you can.

Thomas

Never settle for something that you haven't been to/. Go to every campus and see how it feels. Never let moeny get in the way of an education. Work your butt of to pay for what you can, and take out loans if you need to. But never allow money to be a restriction on your future.

Key

It most definitly has to be the students decision to decide the right college for him/her. The student knows deep down in their hearts what types of environments are right for them (small cities/ large towns). It's also a good idea for the parent to help make the decision because most of the time they are the one's who are paying but it's the students who have to actually attend the big/small classrooms and live on the campus. The student should also enjoy every minute of their college experience. They will engage with people from various ethnicities/backgrounds and learn new things everyday that will become a part of them for a lifetime. It's a great opportunity for a successful future and life.

Jessica

Do not just look for a college that is close to home, pick something that when you get there you know for a fact it is the right place for you!

Amanda

Get as much information about prospective schools that meet your career goals then visit the campus and see how the students and faculty interact. Talk to staff members and counselors and review the curriculum. The best school is the one that will not just get you the degree you need, but it's also the one that will allow you to grow socially and become a responsible, successful young adult.

Amber

On finding the right college I would suggest trying to visit every scool possible that the student shows considerate interest in and explore the surrounding area. I would also recommend a hosted sleepover and class day for the student's top choices. Most important: do not to be frightened off by price tags. There are a lot of scholarships out there, and setting aside at least a few hours a week for scholarships could prove to be very helpful. Also, many schools give away huge chunks of financial aid (not to mention state and national aid). On making the most of college I would advise students to try the different activities or clubs that he or she is interested in and explore the opportunities that his or her school has to offer, because it helps with meeting people, and becoming more responsible and motivated when you have non-academic goals. Take advantage of the tutoring facilities and communicate with professors if there is a problem. It will be hard, frustrating, and defeating at times, but take them as lessons and never give up on yourself because just about every other student has felt that way at some point in time.

Chris

Its simple really and does not need an essay to be explained. Be yourself, get involved, and stay on top of your school work. My professors always say "short and sweet, why drag out an answer when it can be answered in a few sentences." Follow those three points and you will be just fine.

Lauren

I would talk to students who went to that school for insight. I would encourage your child to work as hard as possible so they can go to a great college. My biggerest regret is going to college in a rural area, I would encourage parents to not let their child compermise.

Shannon

We all associate certain feelings and emotions with words. When I say the word fuzzy, what comes to mind? When I say the word bark, what comes to mind? When I say community college what comes to mind? What about Harvard? In my home town, most of us are pretty well off. We have houses, we have food on the table every night, and when we grow out of clothes our parents can find the money to purchase us new items. There is also a fixation with name brand items; this includes colleges. I never thought that I would do well at a big school, I am very easily distracted and need help concentrating. Whenever I would mention this to my friends I would be made fun of or called stupid for wanting to try a smaller, less known school. Lynchburg College is the best thing that has ever happened to me. If I had not gone there, I would have been a number with a mediocre G.P.A.. The best advice I can give is: do not pick a school because of the name, pick a school because of your needs.

Melinda

Make sure you visit the campus on weekends as well as during the week. Students may appear to be studious and hardworking, but when the weekends hit everything changes. Also, make sure your roommate is someone you can honestly live with. That means talking to them in person away from parents and teachers. You don't tell your parents everything, I'm sure they don't either. Make sure you know and trust them. Studying in your room is hard to do when your roommate comes home drunk 6 out of 7 nights of the week!! Try to get a roommate with the same academic path and goal as you, it helps with study time and help! Good Luck!

Ryan

I would say that it is very important to find a school that fits you. Don't go to a school and try to fit into it, find a school that you fit into and makes you feel comfortable. Also take your time in trying to figure out what you want to do while your in college and let that help determine where you are going. Go to lots of schools, even though you know you don't want to go there, go anyway to get the experience and see what you don't like about it.

Kaitlin

I think once you tour different campuses, you will find that "one" and know it's right for you. You have to go by what is the right fit for you and not what is right for your friends or your family. Let's face it, this is going to be your home for at least the next 4 years and you want to make sure that you are happy. Once you are on campus, make the most of the whole college experience. It's that time in your life for you to try new things and discover who you are and what completes you as a person. There are a million different clubs to choose from and it's a great way to discover something new and exciting, not to mention a great way to meet new people. College is only going to be as good as you make it. You want to be able to look back fondly in years to come and feel good knowing you made the most of your 4 years by meeting new people, trying new things and really discovering who you are!

Nicole

Do your best to decide what you want to do/be early on. Saves money. Everyone is in the same boat as you. Learn how to not set off the firealarms. Don't enable drunks, slackers. Don't take anything consumable from people you don't know or look suspicious. Don't drink alone. Listen to your real college friends and home friends because they care about you and don't want to see anything bad happen to you. Your true friends are looking out for you when they say you shouldn't do that. Listen to common sense. Trust yourself. Don't lose who you are but instead add to who you are with everything that happens. You are your own best friend and when you are on your own, you are an adult. Act accordingly but don't forget to have fun, too. Study hard, be smart as my parents always say. Love always. Keep the peace.

Cassandra

For students and parents and the way to find the bet college would be to go and visit the school, get the first hand experience. Go! Sit in on classes, talk to current students, professors etc. Take into consideration the location, atmosphere, cost, majors offered etc. Always remember, college is a place were you not only get a degree, but a place where you make life-long friends and grow into the person you will eventually become.

Scott

Explore any and all options before signing on the dotted line. Give every possible option a fair chance and refuse to settle for anything less than a place you feel you could live at for four years (or more). After you get there and get a feel for the place, explore everything that makes that place special. If, after giving the place a good fair shot things don't feel comfortable--explore options at other schools for the coming year.

Jordan

I think making the correct decision on which college to attend is probably the biggest choice you have to make to that point in any young person's life. There are several huge steps I would always take when making that decision. The first one is to really try to see yourself at whatever school you are looking at. If that means wandering around campus aimlessly or stepping into the classroom, do whatever it takes so that you have at least a small idea of what it might mean to be a student there. Also, stop a random person and ask them what they think of the school. They are always going to tell you something unique and powerful, that can very well make or break your decision. My last piece of advice would be just taking a deep breath and trying to see what school feels more comfortable. I think most people get a really good feeling from the school they should be at, and if you don't really allow yourself to see that, you might miss out. The best school is not always the most prestigous one, but rather the school that allows you to be yourself.

John

Do not be drawn in by the beauty of the campus. What matters in the long run are the classes and the quality of the classes. I would suggest that possible students sit in on different class sessions and they do some of their exploring of campuses both with and without their parents. Social life, I'm sure for many, is very important but college needs to primarily be thought of as the place that is to prepare a person for an independent life. An independent life needs social connections but more importantly it needs preparation. These are my priorities. I guess it is important to know priorities and have them written out so that a persepctive college student can find a college that most closely fits what they are looking for. Don't let others have too much of an influence on the decision and try to keep a balanced perspective on where you pull influences from when you are asking around about colleges. Try to find people who had good experiences and bad ecxperiences at the colleges you are looking at and ask them why it was so.

Amanda

Make sure you visit the school before you decide on where you want to go. If the school offers an overnight visit for prospective students I highly reccomend them. It lets the prospective student experience college life first hand and it lets them get to know the type of people on campus. Contact coaches if interested in playing sports. If possible go see one of that sports games. Look at ways that you can get involved on campus. Look for what types of services there are for students. For example, health center/counseling, gym access, finanical aid, tutoring services, etc. The student needs to be able to feel comfortable where they are going to be spending the next four years of their lives.

Laniera

I would suggest that the students take the time to think about what they would be interested in studying. It is not important to make a decision right away but the student needs to have an idea of what they would like to study. Then, research needs to be done by the student as to what schools offer the program and they also need to have in mind how far away from home they would like to be. For me, the most important thing is to visit. Lynchburg College was not my first choice but after spending a day on campus, I loved it here and wanted to stay. Visiting can tell you a lot about a school. Lastly, it is most important for the student to keep an open mind. Without it, the student will not be receptive to the school. With an open mind, the student in able to embrace their institution and become proud of it.

Melissa

Students, let your parents be part of the process. Althought it is ultimately your final decision on where to attend, your parents have supported you all through your previous schooling and know a thing or two about what you will need when you get to campus. They are just looking out for you and it is always difficult when a part of the family starts a new journey. When you get to a school, don't worry about being nervous and fitting in, just be yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions. Make the most of your time wherever you choose; go to parties, try-out for the sports team, join a sorority/fraternity or club. You have four years, less sometimes, and it flies by so fast you won't know where it all went. Never be afraid of achieving your dreams, no matter how out of reach they may seem, your advisors will make sure they put you on the best road to that dream, so put your trust in them. Have fun, stay out of trouble, and work hard, thats the best advice i can give to anyone based on my own personal experiences.

Jenny

Don't worry about the academics or the professors, look for a place that has things your are pasisonate about. If you are concerned about the environment find a place that puts a lot of emphasis on being an environmentaly concious and responsible community. If you look for a place that provides oppertunities for the things you are passionate about the rest falls into place. College really is what you make of it!

Courtney

I would suggest that you do well in high school so you are eligible for certain scholarships. You should follow your heart and go to the school that would best fit you because you do not want to have any regrets about your decision in the future. I would tell parents to agree with the decision that their child makes, and to include them in financial discussions in case there is a problem in the college selection process. While in college you should take advantage of every opportunity that you might have. If you were good at a certain sport, instrument, or had a unique talent in high school you should see what your college has to offer you. You should also go out and meet new people, because there are so many people with different backgrounds on a college campus and you should absorb all they have to offer and you never know what you could offer them.

Gregory

Most students will describe that "feeling" that you get when you walk onto the campus that just fits. Keep looking until you get that feeling. Once you find that college, do everything you possibly can that interests you. You only have four years, so make the most of them! Work hard in classes, and outside of classes. Utilize the resources around you, and by all means make friends! The people at your college should, by all means, be extremely kind and open to making new friends as well. These are friends that may last you a lifetime. Also, never be afraid to ask, whether it be for help, for new activities, or new programs. Change is bound to happen, so why not influence it? Remember that everyone else is scared and intimidated as well, so don't think you're the only one. Finally, walk with your head high. The college world greets you with a plethora of opportunities, but you can't see them if you're always looking at the ground.

Jordan

When it comes to finding the right school, I think it boils down to where you find yourself most comfortable. If you can see yourself somewhere and happy then that is certainly the place to go. It took me three visits to Lynchburg to be sure I was making the right choice, but something always stuck out to me about it. The atmosphere and comfort I felt while I was on campus, just visiting, was exactly what I was looking for. Comparing schools is so important also; seeing two schools back to back helped me make my decision as well. When you do decide on a school it is so important to dive into life on campus. Getting involved, joining clubs, sports, intramurals, greek life, or whatever appeals to you will be critical to really enjoying your college years. However, it also comes down to time management: studies versus the rest of your college life. Getting to class and really learning is just as important as any organization. Academics and balancing or even combining that with everything outside the classroom is the tricky part. Yet if you find that balance, you'll probably never want to go home!

Amanda

I think the most important advice that anyone could receieve about finding the right college is to make sure you do an overnight visit to the college. Get to know everything the college has to offer for you. Find out the different academic and social programs. Make sure you look into everything that you want to know about before making a decision. By making multiple visits, if possible, to the college, you are able to feel if that college is a right fit to you. Do not make yourself go to a college that you are uncomfortable in an way at. Do not just go somewhere because your parents or friends are going. Make sure that the college is right for you. By liking the college you go to, your college experience is already off to a great start. College experiences are about being safe and enjoying yourself.