Mars Hill University Top Questions

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

sierra

If I could talk to my highschool self, there's definitely a couple of things I would tell her. The first thing I'd say is, even though you've taken A.P. and honors classes your entire educational career, do not think you can easily breeze through college courses, and do no sign up for more than you think you can handle. I chose alot of advanced courses my first semester that I wish I could take back. I'd also tell me to make sure I registered for classes early enough, that I didnt end oup forced to take an 8 a.m. class- they're the worst! But my most important piece of advice would be, to just be myself, and not try to impress others by drinking too much, and partying too much, because the same people I was trying to impress so hard, ended up flunking out of college, or on academic probation. Just be myself, and do not rush into friendships with people I do not feel free to be at liberty around. It will be better in the long run, in my relationships and in my classes.

Diamynde

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself to work extra hard for my SAT and ACT in order to get better scholarship offers. Also I would tell myself about what were to happen my first year in college, and how to fight back and focus on my studies. Lastly I would tell myself to get a job in order to make money to pay off what I would owe Mars Hill College that following semester. These are the things that I would tell myself from the past in order to be better prepared.

Lexus

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to budget my money and apply for as many scholarships as I can. I would tell myself that budgeting money is very important because pell grant may not be enough to cover everything. Sometimes students may have to use their own money for tuition, fees, and books. If a student does not pay all of their tuition and fees by the chosen deadline, it may cause them to be dropped from their classes. As far as books go, they are not as cheap as one may think, even at community colleges. Students really do need them in order to pass their classes. It is important for future college students and current college students to apply for scholarships as well. Scholarship money is very beneficial. No matter what the amount is, one should still apply. There are numerous scholarships out there for everyone. All in all, as a full time student, I have learned that it is important to save up and get as much help as I can.

Joseph

Every class matters. They are expensive, and you should never take a failing grade, even if you don't need the class. That aside, stop being so arrogant. You're about to find out the world is very good at showing you how miniscule you actually are. Lastly, keep in contact with your professors. They are adults, just like you, which means you can form long lasting friendships that will benefit you in social and career focused situations.

Nicole

If I could go back to my senior year of high school with the knowledge that I have aquired about college life and making the transition I would advice myself a couple of different things. Being more organized would be one of them. I wouldn't have packed so much to bring to school, the rooms are not as big as I had thought they would be. I would also advice myself to start pushing myself harder in high school. The work in college is much different and is required to be done in a shorter amount of time. Always trustin in God, at first it seemed like college was something I just wasn't going to be able to accomplish, but in the end God was by my side the whole way and he never gave me any thing that I couldn't handle.

Sarah

If I were to go back into time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would talk about classes, time management, and opportunities. Now that I am in college, I am realizing how difficult it is to be on your own and using your time wisely to do homework, studying, sports, extra curricular activities and having a social life. What I should know is to study atleast one hour for each class every day and to do homework on time. Using time management is a key part of being able to survive college. If not, you may fall behind in classes and possibly fall into academic probation. If I need any help with a class and cannot find a tutor, student support services will provide me with a free tutor. There are chances to earn extra credit in a class by going to the writing and math center for that assignment. There are many opportunities that students should know so that they may go learn more about it before joining. These are key things that I should know as a high school senior before attending a college to learn what I should do to make that transition.

Jalen

First, I would tell the very naive and somewhat immature me to prepare for college earlier. I would encourage myself to take full advantage of all of the prep courses and other services offered to dy students become college ready. Second, I would rethink some of the choices I made as a high school senior, and take a more direct path towards my post secondary education. Last of all, I would submit and apply for scholarships and grants, and participate in more community service activities to help me qualify for financial aid. If I could go back in time I would tell myself, "Jalen, college is vital to your future. Stay focused, set goals and most of all press forward with discipline and reslience for no matter what obstacles you may encounter, you can do all things with God as your helper."

Sara

As my High School self, I would say "Just go for it anyway!!" When I was in High School, I had excellent grades but my social life was unstable. I had people surrounding me that were not supportive and even blocked my attempts to go to college. I also had a great job in High School that followed me after graduation and I felt like it would be a career instead of a job. However, the unsupportive people eventually faded away, as did the career opportunities at my workplace simply because I did not have a degree to support the higher positions. As a High School Senior, I was not able to see the benefit of going to college right away, whereas now it is so plain! I wish I would have known to follow my heart and not listen to those that steered me away from successfully achieving my degree at that time.

Katerina

Be yourself. Do not let peer pressure of upperclassmen influence you because it could get you into a lot of trouble. If you think you shouldn't do it, don't! It's okay to say no.

Cori

I would tell myself not to hold on to the people who drug me down in high school and discouraged me from following my dreams by going to college. I would also tell myself to put more thought into choosing my major so that I wouldn't have had so much confusion about what I wanted to do.

Grace

Grace, this world is vast and expansive. It is ready for you to take it by the reigns and make the most of what it and you bring to the table, so stop worrying about what others will think, or if everything will work out perfectly and go for it! Try new things, even if outside your comfort zone. This life isn't for worrying. You are going to get homesick, but the only way to see this grand planet is to leave. Its waiting, go and experience it.

Sara

As a high school senior, I believed that college was a daunting, paperwork infused task. To solidify my irrational fear of higher education settings, I was offered a full-time position at the bank where I worked through high school and took them up on it immediately. My rationale was that I would work at this decent paying job until my anxiety subsided and then I would waltz forward to college. Bad idea! If I could be my High School self today, I would scream, "GO NOW AND DO NOT WAIT!" Suddenly, I was an undereducated adult with an unfulfilling job. I now know that college is an amazing experience. The students are diverse, the subjects educate in areas unprecedented, and there is nothing that is impossible! My professors have come from a myriad of different backgrounds expanding my borders just from discussion. The college experience has helped me fill in holes of the past and understand my ever-changing world. I am so grateful and lucky to have the chance to get my degree now but definitely wish I had spent my younger years pursuing education toward a valuable career. Thank you for your consideration in awarding this scholarship.

jacob

First I would tell myself that I am making the right detection with this school. Second, I would strongly word that I should look into scholarships more.

Pouyan

The fisrt answer that comes to mind when asked the question: "what advice would you give yourself?" almost everyone will say that I would ahve studied alot harder in High school. Everyone goes through a different life style and different situations while they are in high school. My situtaion was different from most of the stdents because of the financial struggles that my widowed father had to go through and I had to be there to give him my support. The advice that I would have given my slef would be that I could have studied harder of course and could have gotten a btter GPA to transfer to a good school. Its never too late to realizae and I am glad that now i'm working to imporve my life style by getting a college education and trying my best.

Austin

Austin I love you so much. Please do us a favor and don't attempt or even think about awful ways in which you could end our life. You meet the best people in the world. They love you for you, and you don't have to pretend anymore. Be who you are. You are gay and you have to accept that. College is so much better than high school. You have more freedom and more time to meet people who love you. I won’t lie to you. The college you attend is a bit on the conservative side and being gay will be frowned upon. But Austin it doesn't matter because you have gained so much confidence in yourself it’s amazing. You are so revolutionary, so awesome that you deserve to live. I know that high school was difficult and obstacles seemed to only build up with no way through. But please remember what your brother use to say “you are no different than the ones that surround you, who are they to judge.” Austin life gets better trust me, you meet someone special who loves your personality, wisdom, creativity and he especially loves your heart.

Nathaniel

I would tell my younger self to study more. Grades are trually verny important. You are going to take your honor of Eagle Scout everywhere and to follow the scout law and the leadership skills that were learned in the proccess of earning the award, will be used for the rest of your life. Enjoy life and study hard.

Austin

Dear, Austin Davis Hi my name is Austin Davis, because I am you from the future. Well unfortunatley you were not accepted to Chapel Hill. But thats besides the point. You were accepted to Mars Hill college. Its a great school don't get me wrong, but its not every thing you hoped for. They don't have Botany as they forgot to update their website, but they do have Biology. But the best part is you make lots of friends ( don't believe me just as your two knew besties Val and Bethany) who think you are totally awesome LOL. The number one rule that both of us seem to always break is being too hard on ourselves. Please do not stress about making friends, or if people are going to judge you. Its life, there are ignorant people around you 24/7. Secondly, Austin put back that paper shredder it not needed, our dorm is not an apartment LOL. also don't be worried about your roommate he's pretty decent and NO austin he is not stuck up, or abnoxious. Relax Austin. college will be just fine, and no I am totally not lying to you !

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about everything college, the main points that I would address with myself is that college isn't cheap and to do more to help pay for it. I could tell my past self how it stinks that I can't hang out with my friends when I want to because I have work-study and I have to work t help pay for my education. I would tell my past self that money doesn't grow on trees, and that all the scholarships and money that I could have applied to from my high school to help pay for college. Another topic that I would discuss would have to be looking into more colleges that suited me and my "conditions". I would tell myself to do more investigating on every school that I applied too. I would tell myself about some basic college information such as it's okay to ask for help when I need it, whether its asking for help in a class that I'm failing behind in or something as little as to where I can find the Dean of Students.

Melissa

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would have three pieces of advice. First, grades are important! There are great scholarships available for students with good grades. And, much of what you learn in high school is used in college. Second, focus more on your future not on your weekend plans! Although, having fun and creating memories is important it needs to be in moderation. And, third, pursue as many leadership rolls as possible. College is a expensive and is a privilege not a right. Therefore, you should do everything in your power to pursue scholarships in order to lessen the burden on your parents and reduce the amount of student loans you will have to repay.

Melanie

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be mature. My first year of school wasn't the easiest for me. I hated the school I was attending, I disliked my teachers and I didn't feel like I was making many friends. All of these things were odd for me because school always came easy, and I'm a people person. Because of my dislike of the school I didn't want to go to classes and I didn't do any work. In the end I dropped out of school. I spent the next semester working and it was during that time that I really started to appreciate school. Since I no longer had the comfort of education I craved it even more. It's because of the things that happened that molded me into the student that I am now. Even if I dislike a professor a class I know that in order to stay and get my education I have to be a mature adult and do it anyway. After a year of failure, and a semester of longing I am now back in school with a 4.0!

Cristy

I would have told myself that I needed to be more prepared financially. I should have pushed the advisors to help with more scholarship information. I would have said to make sure that this is the career that you want to go into. I have changed careers twice already and know that I want to be a teacher for sure now.

Ashley

Dear Self, I hope this letter finds you in time, because it is a few things I would like to tell you before you step into a new chapter in your life. Let me start of by saying, continue to be focus and it will award you in the near future. Never give up on anything including track and field. You may not want to run anymore or the coach may not be what you thought. You do not want it to be a regret. Keep education first. Set your alarm, because mom is not going to call every morning. I must warn you she does get upset when you do not go to class. Some professor will push you, but most of the time you will have to push yourself. Do not be afraid to try new things. Have fun, but make sure you do your homework first. Take my advice, do not wait for the night before to start a five pages paper. You are about to graduate, and you more than prepare. You will make mistakes, but to become an adult you must learn from it. Just never give up. Love, Future You

Magan

As a high school senior I always knew what I wanted to do with my life and what I wanted to get out of my college experience. Now, however, as a college student I have become more aware of things around me, people I meet, and place I go as well as the impact I can potentially have on all of them. If I could go back in time in order to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to no be so naiive. When coming into college I felt that everything was good and I never boldly questioned those in authority positions. I followed the rules always and did it with a closed mouth and mind. In college I have learned that authority may not always have my or society's interest in mind and as a high school senior I think it would have been better for me to know and understand that coming into college as a freshman.

Elisha

Back when I was just an eighteen year old high school senior there was a lot of advice I needed. I was more involved in my social life and reputation to where I stopped worrying about school. I decided to just go to my local community college until I got my life figured out. I wanted big things, but I didn't feel like working for them. Nowadays I'm living on my own in North Carolina tweleve hours away from home while attending my dream college in my dream state. If I could go back I would simply tell myself to keep my head up and assure myself that all the hardship I was going through would all pay off in the end. I wouldn't go back and tell myself to change anything. I am very happy with where I am and who I am today. If I would go back and change anything that would most likely alter where I am today in my life. If there's one thing I've learned is that you have to learn and grow from your mistakes. That's exactly what I do and have done.

Alicia

Everyone is looking for a different experience. In order to make the most of yours, make a list of the things you want to with your life, future career goals, current social life ideas, etc, and compare it to the schools you are considering and what they have to offer related to these things. Talk candidly with students at the schools before making your final decision. Once you have selceted your school, go and don't hold back! BE YOURSELF! Rememer that everyone there is or was just like you. Your the new kid, but so are all the other freshman! Make friends! Do all the cheesey get-to-know games and oreitnations and social events held the few weeks of school! Don't be a recluse! Do your school work but also make time for extra-curricular activities, football games, open gyms, book groups or whatever club you might be in to! Dig around campus and find your niche, but don't stop there! Constantly expand your circle of friends and activities! Also, it's ok to call mommy every once in a while!

Hannah

I believe you need to pick the college that you could see yourself living at. Make sure you take a tour of every college you are interested in and get your applications in on time. When you tour the school, picture yourself for instance in the cafeteria eating with your friends, or on the quad just hanging out and see if it feels right. Also, never go to a college for someone else. Don't go to a school cause your parents, a significant other, or even a friend. You should pick a school for yourself only. There are a lot of ways to make the most of your college experience. One of the main things is to get out of your dorm room the first year! You may be a little apprehensive about meeting new people and trying new things, but I think thats a great way to get an amazing experience. Play a sport, or if your not into sports, join a club or group. Also don't just take classes from your major. Take ones that you might just want to take for fun. And be willing to explore strange and new beliefs. It might be fun.

John

Ask random students their opinions of the school, not the administration's hand picked students.

shamira

follow your heart and talk to the lord about it

Allison

Make sure that a visit to the school is made. Try and notice things outside of what they show you on a tour beacuse that really tells you what the school is like. Make sure that the school really makes you feel good about being there by the time you go home, if you don't feel like you would be happy then don't choose that school no matter how much money they offer you. The four years spent in college will be amazing if you are happy and there will be a desire to perform better. Find places that will help you get involved in the things you like. If they dont have clubs you enjoy see if you can start some if you attend there. Mostly though, I would tell parents and students to be critical because no school is as perfect as it seems. It is easy with today's networks like facebook and myspace to find currently attending students and find out how things are going on campus from someone who isn't trying to sell it to you.

Kathryn

First, think of who you are where would be the perfect place for you to discover yourself. I think going to a smaller school gives one the chance of standing out and making a difference on the campus, and finding his or her self along the way. Second, what is your career goal. A lot of the time just knowing what you want to be when you "grow up" can eaisly check off some of your choices. Finally, what is your extra curricular activities, and what sport do you play. A lot of times just the extra curricular activities around a campus can make or break a student. So by thinking about those three simple things, one can have a little easier time when it comes to deciding the perfect college.

Tabitha

Make sure that you visit the college, and try to do an overnight visit if it is possible.

Patrick

Make sure that you feel comfrontable and at ease at the college that you pick because it is very important to feel at home at your school because it is crucial for your academic success to feel safe and confrontable at school.

Frankie

Where ever you decide to go, always remember that your education is the main priority. Maintain focused and work hard. Never get discouraged because things will get tough and fruststrating. College is a whole new ball game that will give you some of the best and most trying times of your life. You will make life long friendships and spend more hours studying for your classes than you would have ever thought to be possible! Though your studies will be very important, you will also spend a large amount of this time discovering who you are as a person. I urge you to get involved around campus and attend soical gatherings to open your mind and experience the hidden diverse cultures of the world around you. By making new connections and engraving those eternal bonds of friendship, your college will feel like your new home away from home.

Mariya

Students need to know what they want in life. Parents need to let the students choose a college, and a major.

Tabitha

Make sure you visit the college and if you can try to stay the night with someone who live on campus so you can get a better feel of the school.

Mark

A student who is serious about his education will be able to choose the right school for him/herself. Parents should be supportive in the students decision.

Jamie

The advice I would give to parents and students would be to always tour the campus of the selected school and the town the school is located in to be sure your going to like it. Secondly, If you like to go home on the weekends, try to choose a school a little away from home but not too far so it takes more than 2 hours to get home. Lastly, choose somewhere a little far from home to be able to develop into your own person without the family orientation of what you grew up into. All the experiences from college will create a better you.

Holly

The most important thing when choosing the right college is going to it! Walk around it, see it, meet people, and sit through classes. See how welcoming they are and what they have to see if it even meets your interests. Never settle for the one school or the first school you get into! Always look around, see your options and then that way when you decide which school you want you know you will be happy there!

Jared

Get away from home and learn how to survive on your own! The farther the better; it is the best way to become your own man or woman, independent of your parents.

Sarah

First of all, make sure the academic setting is right for you. If you learn best in small classrooms, a large university probably isn't the right school for you. Make sure the library offers everything you think you would ever need for research projects and papers, and that the school has a dependable network and internet access. Once you've explored all academic aspects of the school, make sure that the extracurricular activities offered through the school and the community-based activities relate to your interests. If you can't find a place to plug in an get invovled, you may find your social life suffering and you can typically then become unhappy. Find a school with a lot of school spirit. Speaking from experience, it is not too much fun to go to an athletic event and only be surrounded by twenty of your fellow classmates. Get excited and be proud of your school. Choose a school that offers your desired major, has good academic settings and programs, offers extracurricular activities that interest you, and has a sense of school pride. Chances are if you find all of these, you will be happy during your college experience.

Sara

Narrow down your college search to specific things you are looking for such as size, religious affiliation, distance from home, majors and minors. After applying to many colleges within your interest range compare how they respond to your admission. See if there is a personal caring response and if your questions can be answered before you make any decisions. Once you move into school attend the orientation and social events set up by the school. You may have to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people, but it is totally worth it. Attend a variety of social events and be out in open areas instead of staying in your room to meet new people. And don't go home on your first weekend at school, even if it is really tempting. Staying at school will help you make connections with other students at your school.