Maranatha Baptist University Top Questions

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

James

Try to do a better job of getting projects done on time. Learn to think outside the box and adapt unforeseen circumstances. Develop strong interpersonal skills. Most of all, choose a school that treats its students like adults.

Linnea

learning to write more papers and set a due dates for them would be a great skill to aquire. also learn how to work well with other people and learn how to be quiet but strong. learn how to survive without sleep without being grumpy the next day. learn more patients grace and kindness and learn to give others the benifit of the doubt.

Grace

If I were to go back to myself as a high school senior, I would remind myself that academics at college are not everything; people are everything. I would tell myself to make friends and make relationships deep, not shallow. It is a good thing to do well in school, but if I am not impacting peoples' lives, I will have no relationships after college. I would advise myself to allow people into my life, even during my busiest times of the semesters, so as to encourage and help them with their problems. Take the time to care about people; don't just take the time to care about your schoolwork.

Christina

Be yourself. Don't worry about the mistakes you made in high school. College is a new beginning. College kids are not the same as high school kids. Somewhere in the transition from high school to college the kids matured enough to not be so stuck up. Collge is about having fun and gaining the tols you need for a career. Also, don't judge people too quickly. Relax. Accept people for where they are. Don't try to force your beliefs on them. Know that not everyone is going to agree with you. Be there for people. A lot of times all people want and need is a listening ear. Don't try to fix everyone's problems. Simply be there to listen and cry if they need to cry. Focus on your studies. That is the main reason you went to college. But don't forget to have fun and enjoy the other precious moments college brings. Be friends with everyone. Sometimes your closest friends might wind up being the people you never suspected. Don't worry about finding a guy. If it's the right guy, he will find you.

Linnea

I would tell myself to look and complete some online college classes at the college of my choise and to work very hard at finding scholarships.

Hallie

Sitting across the table from me sat a young, impressionable face. I looked into those familiar eyes and wondered what advice I should give. If I could go back to my senior year, with all the uncertainties and planning, what advice do I wish I had recieved? I would not change much about that time, it was an exciting experience that developed me into who I am today. But I would tell that face looking back at me to be true to herself, to never fear others, but instead focus on her dreams. She should enjoy the moments that have been given to her, but never get caught up in the moment. The future is a scary thought, sometimes filled with uncertainty, but when looking in those blue eyes I know that she will succeed if she takes everyday of that transition as a challenge. A challege to overcome adversity, strive for her goals, and never give a second thought to the bad times. As those words left my mouth I realized I recognized the face sitting accross from me. Those blue eyes were mine, younger and innocent, but still mine. So I left myself with one thought, be true.

Aaron

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high shcool senior, I would tell myself to not take community college as a joke, because it is your future that you'd be messing with. I wasn't mentally prepared enough to transfer from high school to college. Mainly because all of my friends were going away, and I was staying home, I didn't feel like it would be any different, and that it wouldn't be as fun not being able to take that next step on my own, not living with my parents. I would make sure that my senior year self would be focused, ready for the world.

Daryl

I would encourage myself to go to Maranatha. It is a good choice. To make the transition easier, I would encourage myself to study a little more during the senior year. Also, I would tell myself to read outside of school work to get ready for collegiate level homework. Finally, I would tell myself to make more friends right when I get to college. These will be great friends for my entire college career.

Nathan

I have gotten so much from my school, even though I will only be a sophmore. The students and teachers around me have been an incredible encouragement to me, and have helped me to put my feet on the proper path. I have grown in character and in music, and in my knowldge of the field I hope to enter.

Sarah

I would tell the highschool me to be yourself. When I first came to college, I let others define what and who I should be by giving in to peer pressure. The only way you can be sure to be happy is to be yourself and be happy with being yourself. Don't compare yourself to others-everyone is different and you will always make yourself come short in some way. Make friends have fun and enjoy yourself, college only comes once. Don't let others change you-Be who you are.

Joel

Pay close attetion to what the teachers say. They really prepared me for what challenges I would face in college. Learn good study habits, because they will really be used in college.

Kristi

Don't focus only on what career you want training for. That is a big part, but the even bigger part of your college experience is not academic. The friends you meet, memories you make, and lessons you learn outside of the classroom will stick with you long after you've forgotten those dates you memorized for history class. You're getting experience to help you live in the real world, not just academic training for a diploma. So take that into consideration when you make the college decision, and research the staff, student life, surroundings, and atmosphere of the school as well as the academic standing.

Ezekiel

The first piece of advice I would give is not to make the decision to quick. Do not rush into the process, but instead take your time, look at all your options and then go with the college that will give you the opportunity to be the best you can be. College is a lot different than highschool and more work will be required. College is a place to have fun and to make friends that will last forever, but remember why your actually there and that is to work. One thing i would recommend is to get involved. If your not atheletic and do not enjoy playing sports than join a club of some kind like speech or chess. This is one way to make friends and to open your horizon to new things and maybe you will find something that your really good at that you never knew. The last thing i would like to say is just to simply have fun. Take the time to study and make good grades, but do not be afraid to take a break and have a good time, with your new friends.

Kristin

People always told me that college would be the most fun years of my life. I would find my future mate, make life-long friends, learn incredible lessons, and discover my future career path. I would like to offer some other advice. College is not a bed of roses. It's been difficult, stressful, heart-breaking, and laborious. And through those dark, difficult times, I have learned the greatest lessons. College has stretched me far more than I ever imagined. I've been pushed to new extremes in academics, relationships, and extra-curriculars. It took four majors in 2 1/2 years for me to finally figure out what I was supposed to be doing. Finding that right college is of utmost importance. Atmosphere, people, location--it's everything. Find a place where you can make great friends, learn in the specific area you desire, and blossom into an accomplished adult. The college experience is unlike any other. You'll face situations you never expected, and realize that college is not a solely academic experience - you learn about life, about yourself, and about people. Take in as much as possible, and run with it. You only live once.

Matthew

The most important thing in choosing a school is personality. In the process of looking for a school the school's personality is key. This is of course beyond the obvious things like facilities, course offerings, extracurricular activities, etc. You can find a school that has great facilities, great profs., and great activities. But if you don't fit there you will be miserable. One thing to keep in mind though is to also find a school that will stretch you. So, really it's a balance between finding a school that is enough alike you but yet not to much alike you as to not stretch your thinking.

Chrissy

First, research the schools that you are thinking of attending. Do they offer the programs you are interested in? Do they have a variety of extracurricular activities that you would enjoy? These are factors to consider carefully. Second, visit the schools that you are seriously considering. You will find that it is helpful to make take a tour of the campus and talk with advisors, students, and other faculty. This really gives you a feel for the campus. Once you decide on the college you will be attending, there are many tips to keep in mind that will help you make the most of your college experience. One tip that is crucial to succeeding in school is to keep organized. Buy a planner and use it! Another tip is to find extracurricular activities the school offers that you would enjoy and get involved. These can include sports, volunteer work, band, etc. Getting involved in these activities will allow you to have fun and to meet new people that share the same interests as you. A final tip is to have confidence in yourself and a positive attitude. These will truly be the best years of your life.

Laura

Finding the right college is an important dicision. It's important to look around at different options like price, religious affiliation, and accademics. Find a college that you're comfortable with. Comfortable in size and location. Personally, I think it takes a lot of prayer to figure out what college is right for you.

James

Research what job you want before you go to college, and pursue with all your might.

Sam

Know what you are looking for. Determine early whether you want a big school or a small school. Your interests will play a big role. Also, decide if you want a positive environment or one that is wild and party oriented. Affordability is a serious concern too, as entering life with huge school debt is not fun.

Esther

Trust in the Lord and talk to wise counselors.

Jeremiah

Research. Visit. Choose

Anna

Pray about where the Lord wants you and then trust in him to get you through the year.

Brittany

Look for colleges that fit the career you are looking at going into, and then visit the campus to see how you fit in. Also, consider colleges that are accredited and will transfer to other universities or colleges with similar, or more advanced programs. You want to enjoy your time on campus making friends and getting involved, but you are paying for an education, therefore academic quality should be pivotal. Finally, if you are athletic or have other special interests in college, find a school that will suit those interests.

Holly

Be ready to be challenged by MBBC academically, spiritually, ethically, and morally. This school has strict rules, but they make a safe, Christian environment to focus on academics and lasting, mature relationships. The faculty is also very understanding of students who come in at a lower performance or academic level and work with students to grow in the areas the struggle with.

meredith

The college search should be fun and educational for parents and students alike. 1. Be Organized Much frustration during ones college search is due to a lack of organization. Buy an expandable filing folder and organize each section with tabs of important qualities such as student life, financial aid, class size and faculty, ect. This will allow you to quickly compare schools. The short: Don't freak out! - find what you want to know and organize. 2. Be Realistic Many students are overwhelmed by the quantity of possibilities. If a school has qualites you despise, then give it no futher consideration. The same applies for schools lacking qualities you consider important. Many students wait to weed out schools and are left with stacks of information. The short: Don't let it pile up! - throw out the unconsiderables. 3. Be Involved Most colleges offer several groups for cultural interest, majors, and strange hobbies. Your closest friends are found not in classrooms, but through student groups and dorm activities. Get involved with something "bigger" than you - giving time has lasting rewards. The short: Get out there! - video games and shopping are great, but college only comes once (well, for most of us).