Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Top Questions

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

Brigid

First of all, I'd tell myself to take a deep breath and reevaluate my first day of school outfit. That thrift store dress was absolutely aweful. Then, I'd tell myself to sign up for scholorships early and sign up for each and every one. Don't slack off and don't forget your goal. I'd tell myself to take the job at Forever 21 and not Macy's cuz managements nicer. Finally, I'd give myself a kiss on the cheek and say "You can do it" because i really needed to hear that around Christmas break.

amber

Don't waste time procrastinating. Take everything slow but work efficiently so that the outcome is better. When it's time to apply for colleges take the time to go over your choices with an advisor and your parents they will most definitely help you and relieve some of the stress you will feel. When you're deciding on a college remember to find a place that feels comfortable to you and has a program that you are passionate about. Don't just choose a college based on one factor like cost or proximity to home. This is your time to leave home and flourish as an adult. It may seem scary but you can do it and you are never alone. You have friends family and school officials supporting you and helping you every step of the way. When you've finally decided where you want to go have fun along the journey as well as study and work hard to achieve the success that you have dreamed about since you were little. You can do this and everyone you know loves you and wants to see you succeed so get out there and grab life by the horns.

Mary

The college process can seem overwhelming but it is important to remain calm. There are several schools out there so you need to narrow your focus right from the start. Even though out of state schools appear picturesque staying in Massachusetts is a better decision. Looking in Massachusetts there are several colleges and you have to keep an open mind to all of them. Each college has a unique design and one of them will fit what you are looking for. For your first four years try to find a college you will enjoy going to that has a good reputation but is affordable. College is expensive and you dont want to be in too much debt before you even get a chance to work on your master's degree. Finally don't be afraid to ask for help during the college search because there are several people out there to help you through it.

Jasper

High school can be mastered, and vastly completed, via mentally cramming information for long enough to complete tests and assignments. I received some of my best high school grades and GPAs this way, however if I could talk to my high school self, I would strongly advise against exercising this method. Although I often received the desired grades, at the time I did not recognize the insubstantiality and counter-productivity of cramming. The revelation came to me in college, while taking courses that were similar to classes I had previously taken in high school. I noticed that my knowledge of subjects that I excelled in throughout high school was insufficient, as I did not retain much of the information. This was particularly evident in my college business course, as I needed to spend much of my personal time in my professor's office learning about the stock market, despite attaining an A+ in a high school class that looked into the topic exstensively. Advising myself to truly learn, rather than cram information, could have potentially saved me countless hours of studying in college; hours that could have been spent learning new things, as opposed to revising information of the past.

Siobhan

I am a firm believer that the past is the past. I believe all mistakes and events led to a person’s character. I have made more than a few mistakes. If I could go back to my senior year and tell myself anything, I would not say much. I would say relax. I would tell myself you will make friends – friends so great that within two months you will forget you ever lived without them. Moving into a room you will share for the first time is not as terrifying you think it will be. Remember to eat breakfast that day; there is no need to pass out, so seriously eat a muffin. Though the passing out story did gain some laughs and make you a friend or two… so maybe skip the muffin. The most important piece of advice I can give is enjoy your senior year. From National Convention to your job to prom to graduation, the year will fly by – make some memories.

Damon

To go back in time and talk to myself as a High school senior I would resist the urge to explain to my younger self how uneducated and unexperienced he is, and would instead say one thing which would provide a lifetime of benefit, saving myself my making poor choices. My words to my younger self would start with an explaination that he must listen to himself, even if it is an older self who comes back in time. However listening to yourself is not always enough, sometimes you can give yourself bad advice and make poor choices. I would explain to my younger self that you need to strip away the emotions and desire which warrant and require this choice, exposing the for what it is really worth. Then you can see this choice in it's raw form and determine if their are any side effects or bad consequences which may come from this choice. Poor choices happen in the blink of an eye, but their consequences can have a lasting effect. It is better to know that you missed a lifetime of poor choices, than to miss out on a lifetime because of a poor choice.

courtney

I probably would have told myself to have graduated earlier. I had all of my credits halfway through my senior year but I remained at school for the rest of the school year. I really wish I left earlier. In college I am not bullied everyday, people care about their education, and it is just a better environment. I also would have told myself to sign up for a lot more scholorships because a lot of themk have a deadline of having to be under 18. I would have also started taking a college class during high school because it is a great way to adjust yourself into that environment. You learn to enjoy school and want to learn and want to write papers.

Erica

Stay focused. Yes, your parent's divorce will take some time to get used to and get over with, but the process is temporary. College is four years of your life - don't lose sight of it. The time you and your parents waist on this battle is time you lose focusing on getting money for college. Time spent agonizing over high school drama within your circle of family and friends is time better spent pinning down what you'll need for college. Losing your focus your senior year of high school can only spell trouble your freshman year of college. And believe me, there are problems. So like I said, stay focused.

Joselyn

The first thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself is to smarten up. I would tell myself to be prepared because the transition from high school to college is much greater than what some make it out to be. I would give myself the advice to be putting effort into school work and caring about school now, not waiting until college to start caring. I would tell myself high school is a big stepping stone into your college future, embrace it, cherish it, and do well.

Lindsay

As a high school senior, I wasn't very involved in extracurricular activities. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to participate in activities beyond the classroom. By getting involved in clubs and various extracurriculars at college, I have established lasting, lifelong friendships. Furthermore, I currently hold executive board positions in several campus organizations; I never would have seen myself holding any leadership roles as a high school senior. I would also advise myself to ask for help whenever I needed it. As an intelligent high school senior--and an academic role model--I was too embarassed to ask for help. At college, I learned that I'm only preventing myself from learning to my fullest potential when I do not ask questions. I shouldn't have been so ashamed to raise my hand, as many other people may have had the same question (but were also too afraid to ask). Fortunately, I've learned these lessons now. However, if I could have learned them sooner, the transition to college would have been much easier.

Jessica

So much to say so few words. First take the time to thank all of the people who have helped you over the years, right now it seems like you will never and could never grow apart, but time and space changes things. Thank them while you can. You do not need to worry about these changes, the people you are going to meet will have more things in common with you than you think; you just need to get out there and meet them. I know you're shy, but really the quicker you can shed that shyness the better; its the only regret I have from my four years at MCLA. Also things are not as concrete as you like to think of them and the earlier you realize that fluidity is key the better, your life has much less stress after that. Understand that what you learned in high school is just the tip of the ice berg, the subjects you will study are much more intricate and interesting than you ever thought. You just need to be willing to go the extra mile. Unlike highs chool here you will be respected and your opinions will count.

jorden

i am in my second week at itt tech in lex ky. they experience is gr8t and with me taking computor drafting and design it will enable me to make my future and not let my future make me.when i get my associates i plan on going into the marines to finish getting my bachelors. me, i find that this college offers me the opportunity to not only better the future for myself but for my family also for my father is 68 in poor health and my mother is 49 who is a breast cancer survivor and has ms.if i am given this scholarship it will help take some of the burden off of my family.my school has everthing thing that i need to help me succeed and everyone there is willing to help me in everyway that they can.the school had graduates that have went on to the service to help our country in their field.i look forward to the next two yrs there and know that it is the best decission that i ever made.

Rebecca

My college experience has only begun. Ive done over night visits and orientation to my college and know prior students and my college experience will be filled with sports, education, learning experiences and a lot of firsts for me.

Andrew

Firstly; break up with her because she is going to cheat on you in two months. Second; turn in the rest of your homework and don't be so afraid during orientation because after you realise that everyone here is pretty cool you will make a lot of friends easily. Third; don't worry about housing because the dorms are really nice but make sure you study more freshman year and don't take that philosophy course because the teacher doesn't know the difference between Lucretius and Epicurus. Fourth; relax, do your homework first before hanging out and read the books assigned because they are actually really interesting. Lastly; get more sleep because your sophmore year here you will change your major to education and have to get up at seven every single day. Most important of all though; don't be afraid to go out and do whatever it is you want to do because you only have this one life and you shouldn't waste it by being afraid of anything.

Samantha

If I had the ability to go back in time and talk to myself I would tell high school me to relax and to stop worrying. That I don't need to know what I want to do in my future yet. That I don't need all the answers. There is plenty of time to decide. I would tell myself to stop and have fun.

Lauren

If i had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, my advice would be very mature and responsible compared to my seventeen year old self. I would explain how nothing should be taken for granted because no matter how upset or mad you might be, it is not that important. Especially when it comes to your parents and family, because they truly are the glue that holds you together. Also, do not take things lightly when it comes to your future. I would say, you need to realize that right now is the begining of everything. This is the begining of not only your future but your freedom and independence. Take yourself more seriously and realize that this is the most important transistion period of your life, so take advantage! Seize the opportunity by looking for ways to explore and expand your horizons. Lastly, i would tell myself that you are the only barrier when it comes to succeding. Believe that you are limitless.

Sara

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that college is a lot of work. College expectations are much higher than at Lee High School. I would need to learn how to manage my time, keep excellent notes, and be involved with as many things as I possibly can. I should apply to several colleges? because students don?t always get accepted to the college of their choice. Now that I am a senior and planning on college I should make sure to have college prep courses in my schedule. It's up to me to get good grades and stay away from drugs and alcohol. I must get plenty of rest, have an open mind, and maybe even join a gym. It's important to learn to be fair, make good friends, and seek advice when I need it. I shouldn?t depend on anyone else but myself and do the best work I possibly can.

Katherine

Don't be afraid of anything. It's okay to be nervous--after all, going to college for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. But there is no excuse for letting fear stop you from preparing yourself for this new chapter in your life. Ask the right questions, learn the campus rules and policies, and have the courage to walk up to a professor you think you might like to have a class with and introduce yourself (without your parents holding you hands). Be proactive in attaining as much information as you need to feel comfortable at your new home before you leave for campus at the end of the summer. The connections you form at open house events and overnight orientation sessions will help you make the best of your first, and toughest, semester at college. Oh, and remember to call your parents every few weeks--you're still your mother's child, no matter how old and free you feel.

Kelsey

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself how integral harnessing your independence is, how managing your time can make or break your experience, that you will meet a lot of interesting people and make the greatest friends. You're an adult, and you must choose which values you want to stick by, nobody else. Use your downtime wisely, keep in touch with home, don't be afraid to break out of your shell and meet other people. Explore the town more. Pay attention early in the semester, or it'll come back to haunt you later. Don't spend all of your time on Facebook; it's a terrible addiction and a great tool for procrastination. Forgive yourself. for the little things. Try activities that seem out of your usual style. Talk to people you normally wouldn't. Smile even when it's difficult. Laugh. Don't eat the chicken marsala.

Amanda

The best thing to do when looking for schools is to go visit the campus. Sure, you can look at pictures and think that it's a nice place to further your education, but you can't beat the feeling of visiting. That way you will know your way around and will be able to see every aspect of the campus. Usually the college will send you housing papers over the summer telling you who your roommate will be. I suggest finding them on facebook or even calling them so that you feel like you at least know one person before you move in, and it also helps so the two of you don't bring doubles of anything. Get involved on campus, especially as an incoming freshman because this will you help you find a bunch of friends with common interests. The best advice I can give to someone going to college for the first time is try everything once. College goes by so fast and you don't realize it until you're a Junior, like me. These are the best years of your life; don't let them pass you by.

Nathan

MLCA is great for a general education. The school seems at times to focus mostly on a social environment, but education is still important. Some of the teachers don't really seem to know much about their subject, but really want to help. If you're really set on a specific area of study, this is not the school for you. The curriculum is really based on a general area of study.

Robert

If I could give any advice to parents and students on finding the right college and making the most of a college experience, I would highly suggest that they tour as many campuses as they possibly can and see firsthand what the college is like. I have gone to two different colleges and it is amazing to see that students were completely unaware of how college life would turn out. Experiencing a college campus first hand should be the first step in choosing a college and understanding what life will be like there. If the parents and students tour a few campuses and engage the various college personnal, I am sure that their college experience will be fantastic.

Ryan

Do not necessarily look for schools that reflectyour major. Look for schools that reflect you, because, no matter how good a school's English or science or anthropology program is, it will not mean anything if you are not happy.

Kate

Apply to as many colleges you want, and really really think about every aspect of the school before you decide to go someplace.

Tim

The most important thing when choosing a college is to look at all aspects of your future, and base your decision on that. Firstly, you have to know what you're interested in academically. Then you should know your hobbies, including sports. Once you know this, decide the size of the school, and then the number of students and whether you feel that you learn better in smaller classrooms or bigger ones. Then you should look at the price if it concerns your budget. Then you should look at whether or not you'll be comfortable with the enthic backgrounds of the people and the surrounding area. Also figure out if it is too difficult to get to the school. Lastly, you should find the school that closest fits you, and sometimes even if it doesn't sound like your best option, it just might be.

Natasha

My advice to parents in regards to finding the 'right' college is to allow their children to make the decision for themselves based on how a visit to the campus makes them feel. I strongly believe that picking the right college all depends on a students initial reaction to it, so every parent should make an effort to shuttle their children around to every college that poses an interest. Picking a college can be one of the most important things, and keep in mind that big name colleges and universities does not guarantee a successful career. Your child has to be happy and comfortable at a college in order for it to be beneficial. The advice that I would give to students, apart from what I have said to their parents, is to do as much research as possible. Make sure you have options with your education and that there are plenty of extracurricular activities to keep you busy and stress free. In order to make the most of your college experience you need to get out on campus and enjoy it, both academically and socially, so be ready!

Amey

When it comes to finding a college, go and look. Schools are very different in person then they are on paper. Plus when you go to view a school you are able to get a feel for the campus community. Its like buying a new house or a new car, you go and look at it first and take it for a test drive. As far as making the most out of your college experience: Get involved. You don't have to get involved with everything, even if its one thing that you like doing go out and find it and join. If there is nothing that you like doing create your own club. It is a sure thing that you will find others on your college campus that enjoy the same thing. Last but not least, have fun!

Megan

Choose what you love, and run with it.

Deborah

I would make a list of all the things that you think are important to you, and a list of all the things that have been helpful in the past/you KNOW are important to you. Don't overlook the importance of visiting a school and getting involved in a summer study program or an orientation program. These programs really help you get involved in campus life right away, without the stress of classes!! Don't be afraid of new things, and don't be afraid of making the wrong decisions. You have your whole life to figure out what you want to do. A Note to Parents: You just want your kids to be happy, right? What's the point of life if you can't enjoy it! These next four years will be some of the most memorable and life changing, make sure they're not going to be full of regret or "I wish I had done this instead."

luis

apply to more colleges than you think you should, and try to get as much financial aid as possible. dont let your parents tell you what school to go to. dont be a dick.

Laura

Go on every college visit you can. If you get a chance to attend an overnight, do that as well. The more places you experience the better you can understand where you fit.

Darsa

The name isn't as important as your child being comfortable with their surroundings. Some students like big schools where they become a number in the masses and not stand out, others like small schools where they can be an individual and learn more one-on-one with their professors. Since going to MCLA I've already done internships with Harvard and NASA, so I guess small schools work great for me.

Angelina

When looking for a school, always make sure that the school you've chosen is going to cater to what you want. That might be difficult, beause you have to take in financial considerations as well. But if you're into the night life, it might not be the best idea to go to a college in the woods. As for making the most of the college experience, make sure to join organizations and take many longs walks around the town where your college is located. Get to know the area and the people around you.

Fayla

Theres a lot of advice to give students and parents both when looking for the right college. definately tour the campus' more than once, make sure they have everything you are looking for, find out about all the clubs and organizations on campus, talk to students who live there, get a feel for how far away from home you are and if you can handle it. see what surrounds campus. if your in a boring town with nothing to do maybe that specific school isn't right for you. make sure it has majors and minors your looking into..and ones you can possibly switch to. if you are thinking of joining a fraternity or sorority check them all out. you can never be to sure which one is right for you. and most importantly enjoy it

Dale

You first should look at what type of college are you most interested in. Do you want a 2 year college or a 4 year college. You have to see if the size of the school is what you want not to big or not small. Does the school have a good reputation and how do they look for student graduating in the area they want. How much does the cost of tuition and everything cost. Will your son or daughter have a good liveing inviorment. Are they looking for a good sports programt do they want a quiet liveing area or a stimualting fun exsiting liveing area. How far is it from your house or how far away is it from store like pharmisy, grosry store, mall, theater. You have to look in what you child wants and also do you like it.