Menlo College Top Questions

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

Caroline

I would tell the high school senior in me to not be afraid of what was to come and rather accept this new chapter with open arms. My first few weeks in college were difficult as a result of the transition, I even cried when my parents left. It was such a terrible feeling that I didn't expect. With this knowledge I would prepare my high school senior self of what emotions to expect. Going into college I wasn't well informed of the many options of how to offord a private university such as Menlo College and now knowing of the importance of being aware financially, I would stess to myself the importance of working and volunteering to be able to get the needed support to afford college.

Taylor

From one year attending Menlo College, I have learned to take control of my time management. I have become very efficient in my school work and have learned efficient study skills that help me retain the information that I learn in class. I have learned to make friends easily use communication skills learned in the classroom outside. I value these skills because they are helpful in the world, when applying for jobs and internships, as well as simply expressing ideas. I have gained networking skills by talking with upper-classmen and faculty members. Menlo has prepared me for taking on many mature challenges that adults are faced with during and after college, and I feel comfortable meeting these challenges.

Lorena

College for me has been one of the most challenging, inspiring and life changing phases of my life. When being dropped off at Menlo, my freshman year, I truly had a very hard time adjusting to college life; academically, socially and emotionally with the distance from home. My rough start made me so appreciative the staff and faculty who welcomed me and made my transition easier, along with helping me meet an amazing group of friends. I am presently a junior in college but due to unfortunate financial difficulties last semester, I had to take a semester off. You never know how valuable the gift of an education is until the opportunity is taken away from you. I do not believe I would still be a junior in college or have this outlook if it wasn't for the staff and faculty at Menlo who changed my life and made me feel like I had a family so far away from home. For people to succeed today a college degree is almost necessary and not only do I believe I am receiving an education and tools to succeed but I am also experiencing relationships that will change my life forever.

Josef

I've earned great work ethic and the willingness to work hard to learn. It has been valuable to me because it's giving me the skills I need to succeed in my next college, which is academically demanding.

Christopher

If I could go back and give myself advice as a high school senior about college, I would advise myself that the most important thing about college is to be thoroughly organized, systematic, keep on top of your academics, pay attention to details, and observe carefully what your professors expect and give it to them as best as you can. I would tell myself to practice these things in high school so it becomes second nature by the time you get to college. In making the transition, I would advise myself to take things seriously and pay attention to details because you will be on your own for the first time. that means be careful with your money and keep in touch with your family for moral support. Most of all, it is important to take care of your health, be smart about getting enough sleep get physical exercise, participate and believe in yourself. Now is the time to really learn your sklls and prepare yourself for your future. Last but not least, I would say to enjoy my college experience!

Chaunetta

Appreciate the time you are in college because it truly is a transition period. It is a time between being supported and supporting yourself. This relates to financial, mental, emotional and spiritual support. Use the time as best as possible to actually transition to adulthood. Use this time to explore what it means to be an adult, to better prepare yourself for the leap. In the process, don't ignore or forget the advice given and the lessons learned. Take all of your successes and failures, strengths and weakness as a stepping stone to a better you. No one is perfect and the lessson learned won't give you all the answers to what the future holds or exactly who you should be, but use the time for exploration for a better transition. It is college after all and no one is expecting you to have all the answers.

Emma

Get yourself in gear. College lif is a lot more challenging than you think. You need to stay motivated and stop slacking with the scholarship applications. Mom and dad aren't always going to be there to help you or hold your hand.They aren't going to be there to bail you out of a situation so make good decisions and think about the things you do. Remember that you are at college for school so don't forget to prioritize. But for now, have fun with high school it is the last few years of your life before you have to start worrying about money or a job. Don't rush it because you can't wait to live on your own, trust me its not as exciting as it seems. Let the people around you help you, stop being so stuborn and just listen to your family. They only want the best for you becasue they love you, and dont forget that no matter where life takes you. Never forget to strive for the best and never settle because it is what's easiest. Strive for excelence.

Kelsey

I would tell myself that the transition and college life will not be easy. I would warn myself that the journey will have bumps. No matter what happens, every situation will only make you stronger. Stay tough and focused. Always look into the future and look at the bigger picture, because I promise, it will get better. College will be different from what you expected, but give it time because you will learn to love and cherish the surrounding community. Embrace every chance you have to get involved with the community and meet new people. Take a risk because you never know how wonderful it may turn out to be. Relax and have fun because before you know it, you will be walking across the stage receiving your diploma. You will never remember the lecture you had in class, but you will never forget the memories you made with friends. The best nights are the one?s you can?t remember with the friends you?ll never forget.

Sidra

To focus, be open minded, and not afraid to explore is the first advice I would give myself if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. There is so much information available to us, so I would tell myself to research different fields and to see what suits me best. Then I would get to know and network with people from that field either through family, friends, or going to organizations in the area. I would also tell myself to be outgoing and being involved with activities. Being involved may be a good load of work, but the experience teaches the person. I would definitely tell myself to choose a small school because there are many great resources available in order for students to succeed. It is also easier to make a difference in a small college and to network closely because it'll be these classmates who will be the future leaders. I would also tell myself to work in my chosen field to build experience and to learn skills. All the learning will definitely ensure my success as a future leader in my major.

jessica

If i could go back in time as my senior year in highschool, the adviced i'd give myself is not to give up, and try harder and harder if you don't understand and complete every little thing as possible, because you will need it later in life.

Dallen

Dallen, as you embark into furthering your education make sure you use this time wisely. You should take the service/religious based leave to New York when you turn 21 because it will give you the greatest insight into life that you've experienced to date. If you want to attend a larger university, or try anything unique, or even anything out of the ordinary, don't be afraid to because you never want to say, "I wish I had . . . ." Apply your experience in basketball to life: your school had never won a state championship and you helped lead them to that through determination, hard-work, and continually learning the game. As you put that into affect through other aspects of life you?ll always come out on top. Also carryover the lessons learned from growing up in a rural community to help others succeed. When a community is united and striving towards the same goal no one can stay the hand of success, yet when it?s in a tumultuous state it disrupts any progress foreseen. Contribute in your college to give back what was given to you.

Shaunte

look at more options for majors and make sure you make all the right choices ahead of time so you can graduate.

Mary

If I were to go through my senior year in high school, I would tell myself that it is very crucial to always give one's best effort. The senior year of high school is stressful, but all that hard work does not go to waste. The grades one gets in high school are very important to colleges. Also, one must keep in mind that this is the year that most students take their SAT exam, and it is very hard to do well on that exam if students do not attend class everyday. The advice I would give myself going back to high school would be to give the best effort. Also, I would tell all high school seniors that the teachers gives the work for a reason, and that is to help the student to become more aware of what is expected of them in college. One may think that the work in high school is very difficult, but it gets even harder in college. The two hours one spends doing homework in highschool nearly doubles in college. One must always go to class, and pay attention, and always get help one one needs it.

Ben

I would tell my past self to not slack off for the year I did. College is the most important educational experience I have worked in and I have enjoyed all of it. If I had started earlier, say after senior year, I would have been a year ahead of where I am now and I would be out in the work force. I would tell my past self that if you want to get ahead in this world you need a strong education and dicipline. College life requires responsibility and resolve and I wish I had received a better pep talk as to how to properly go about life after high school because it took me a while to understand the importance of higher education.

Sarah

I would tell myself to save up more money in order to have more freedom in the activities I want to participate in. I would also tell myself to get more involved in clubs outside of athletics, to broaden my horizon and give myself another perspective on unknown issues. In addition, I would tell myself to look more into the sports programs available at other schools, and the requirements for entry and make it a goal to strive for the highest so I would have no disappointments later (although I hardly have any now).

Kristin

As a high school senior I was hestiant to apply for college, possibly because I just did not want to face the fact I had to grow up. Nonetheless, I applied to a few schools and my only real critera for applying was whether or not there was a womens soccer program and if I would be able to earn a scholarship. I was not to focused on the whether or not the major I wanted, English, was available. I assumed I would be able to pursue an English degree at any college, I did not realize it would not be offered at some schools. I ended up at Menlo College solely because I recieved a soccer scholarship to attend here. I wish I had paid more attention to the specifics of my major as well as negotiating a soccer scholarship and therefore applied to more schools. However, I have decided on a major, marketing, which in all actuality seems more pratical than and English degree.

Cody

Hey, dumbass, stop everything you?re doing right now and listen up. You think you know everything. Well brace yourself because what I?m about to tell you will hopefully alter the road you?ll be traveling down for the next few years. News flash: You?re poor. I know you want to go to college, but you?re all on your own and financial aid only goes so far. Study hard, take class seriously, and even if you don?t agree with the system, sometimes learning the rules of the system and capitalizing on them is a lot smarter decision than to do things your own way. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, the extra money will help you get by when you're in a pinch. College is a juggling act, so learn how to juggle, and juggle well. Most of all, enjoy yourself and know that in the end, all the hard work, self sacrifice, and dedication will pay off. There is an end to the long road ahead, and the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow will be well worth the struggle.

Kainoa

"Don't stop training for football, home will always be where it is at, you can return when ever you feel like it."

Ryah

I graduated St. Ignatius College Prep. in 2004, and I didn't have a care in the world. As a senior in high-school, I didn't follow through with the usual process of finding a college, applying with all the paperwork and essays, and getting accepted. Instead, I skipped the entire stressful routine and sat back as all my classmates did what I was too lazy and scared to do. I took a semester off directly after graduating, and I attended a junior college in the spring of 2005. I took almost 4 years to complete what should have taken 2 years for my Associates Degree. It was then that I started taking college seriously. It was also then that many of my high school classmates were graduating with their Bachelor's Degree. If I could go back , the one critical piece of advice I would give myself as a high school senior would be attend the junior college full time straight out of high school, finish in two years, and transfer to a four year college. If I would have done that, I would have graduated 2 years ago with many of my classmates.

Alesi

Dear Alesi, There are many things that I have to say to you. This is the last year of high school , and I know how worried you are, but everything is going to be fine. College is exactly like high school and yet so different. I know this doesn't make sense know, and that it probably seems like a useless piece of information, but it is not. College is not something that you can describe. It is an experience that has to be lived in order to understand. I can tell you that it is an amazing experience. College is not as hard as they make it sound, it is all about managing your time. You have to find the balance between work and play. I know that you are scared that you are going to miss your family, and you will, but you will be so happy that the time you miss them will be short. Do not be scared to make this change. You are going to start to become the woman that you always envisioned yourself to be. You are going to meet and make so many friends. Relax, have fun. Love, Alesi from the future.

Angelique

If I could go back in time I would tell myself not to second guess life. At first I did not think of attending Menlo because it is down the street from my house, but after attending a school in L.A., Menlo is the better choice due to it's incredible convenience. I would also tell myself to balance out college life. Partying is fun and you always want to have a fun social life, but if you lose track of what you're really doing (which is learning in order to expand your future goals) you can easily lose it all and even lose yourself. Boys do not matter in college, you're in college to better your life, and be sure not to let anyone get in the way of your future. Be sure to build close relations with your professors because once you graduate, they are your key to success. I would also say don't sweat it if you're unsure of what to major in, while in G.E. classes a professor or course will spark your interest, and when you discover that interest, go for it!

Jasmine

Most importantly, if I could go back in tme and talk to myself about college, I would say to not stress so much about the application process! I took AP classes, studied for the ACT and SAT and made sure I turned in my apps super early. Looking back now, I realize that whatever decisions I felt like I could have or should have made, what classes or activities I should have done or been more active in, I ended up in the right place. High school students are pressured so much these days by counselors, teachers, parents, friends etc. to "choose the right school" because that will be your whole future. It doesn't matter what school one ends up at, what matters is how well you do when you get there. If one is a good student, focused organzed and did well in high school, one will be a good college student too. Menlo College was not my first choice and I ended up here by a twist of fate. It has worked out well for me and the "everything happens for a reason" mentality rang true in my situation and it will for others too.

Tenea

If I could go back in time with the experience I have I would educate myself on what to prepare for. I would tell myself to stay motivated and work for my goals. I would say that i would have to work hard and know when to get help with school work. I would say that i have be organized and focused on what i need to get done. I would tell myself to prepare for the real world.

Ashley

I would tell myself to really look at where you want to go to college, and trust your first instinct. College is a huge step in life and you want to make sure that you are happy at where you are at, because if your not college life only gets harder. I have transfered from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to Menlo College making several stops at community colleges along the way. Now finally being happy at Menlo, I wish I would have trusted my first instinct when it came to choosing my college, if I had I probably would have not had to take 5 years. I would also tell myself to make sure to balance out having fun, work, and school. I feel that too many times I have had to miss out on the "college experience", because I have been to focused on school or work. College is where you make friends for life and I wonder how many I have missed out on. Stay close to your family or friends. It is always good to hear a voice from home, and sometimes when you have a rough day they can make it all better.

Cheyenne

If I could travel back in time to when I was a senior in high school I would give myself the best advice to make the happiest and most successful transition I could. I would advice myself to keep up my academic studies while working a job and completing scholarships. I wish I could go back and motivate myself to work more at home because I not only receive financial benefits, but it helps my parents out too. I wish I could tell myself to save my money and not waste it on silly, pointless objects or activities because I would need the money more when I entered the 'real world.' I definately wish I could tell myself to apply for scholarships and grants, because in college, most of my time is spent on homework and my job; I do not have much time for applying for financial assistance. I would tell myself to pack more pictures and objects to decorate my room with, it makes it feel more cozy!

Kaila

After being in college for a year and half, I figured out what the most challenging objective was; keeping my own identity and not allowing others to influence decisions based off of my education. The most important thing in not only college but life it's self is to never contemplate who you are but rather what you want to do for the rest of your life. If I could sit down with high school senior version of me I would tell myself to go into college with a positive attitude about everything. Make studying something fun, make eating the cafeteria food taste like a gourmet meal, and make your classes seem like discussions with friends. But the most important thing to tell myself would be never to lose who you are. Just because you are opening a new door into your life and are provided the opportunity to make new friends does not at all under any circumstances mean that you have to change YOU. We are all strong individuals with power to succeed and be great in life. Always remember to speak your own words and dance your own moves. Be proud of who you have become.

Bill

Find a college that fits your personality. Don't freak out if you don't get accepted to your first choice, I didn't and I am happy at the school I ended up going to. In fact I am glad the other school rejected me now.

Joey

When I was in High School I was told that I would propbably only be able to go to a 2 year college and I would never be able to go to a four year college away. As far back as I remember, I always wanted to go away to college to experience the independence and the challenge that I COULD DO IT. All during my schooling I was in special day classes as well as having my classes modified for my learning disability. I knew that there were several colleges that I could go to but I knew in my heart that I would not survive in a big university. I was not interested in a sorority , the rahrah sis boombah. I wanted an education, a trade and the feeling of being totally included. Well I found that place at Menlo College in Atherton California, a small college with teachers and staff and friends all there to assist you. I am so happy in this school that I can not tell you. I just want you all to know that there is always a school out there for what ever your needs are. I found that school.

Brittany

Make sure its what you want!

Ben

One thing that I would recommend to someone about going to college would be to work to apply to many so you have a choice. The selection portion of finding a good college is important. I know that if I could go back and really work my applications to the fullest of their potential I could have gotten into other schools. Make sure that when you do go to school that you find a healthy balance between party time and study time. Everyone wants to have a fun college experience and in order to make it worth the time and money you need to work hard. Menlo is fun and it has helped me realize that the college experience is what you make of it.

Matt

To find the right college you need to do research. Not everyone knows what kind of person they are when they graduate from high school, thus a wrong decision may occur. If you are high spirited and would love to open yourself up to many people from different cultures and views you may choose to attend a large school, although some small schools benefit from this too. My best suggestion is to check out campuses before you apply and dont be affraid to ask questions at orientations. The more you talk the more you learn. Almost everyone is willing to help new kids find their way.