Meredith College Top Questions

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

amy

Our of my current college experience I have gained knowledge that will help my continued studies within the nursing field. My current studies have also given me the many avenues in which I can use to ensure that I am able to score the grades I need to be eccepted into a very competive nursing school. I have three children that are seeing myself attending school and setting goals for my future and thiers and it shows them that no matter what the age is that you decided to attend college the most important fact is that if you set goals for yourself you have to work hard to acheive them but they are obtainable.

Margaret

Attending college has always been a goal of mine. However, with the economy my parents are suffering financially. I do not want to be a burden upon them so I have kept a part time job and am living at home to try to help. They want me to finish so they are depleting their savings which bothers me a great deal. I have always been willing to work hard. I was Captain of my soccer team and won a National tournament so I know the dedication it takes to be a success. I was elected by my peers in high school to the highest levels of leadership. I have never been in trouble and possess strong morals. I always try to be a good example and assist others. When I tore my second ACL and could no longer play soccer I stayed with the team to encourage them and help coach even though I was devastated. I was up for soccer scholorships. I need this college degree to be a well rounded individual who can contribute to society. I want this chance to complete my education and myself! Thank you for your consideration.

Lisa

I have gotten a new way of learning and how people should be treated in school. Instead of becoming a number I have become a person at Meredith. It hasn't been easy working full time and going part time, but my professors and my advisor has encouraged me to fight and keep going forward. Before I started Meredith I did not think an eduction mattered, but I have learned that the price of an education is worth more than anything is the world. The one thing I have valuled most of all is how careing and understanding the proffesors and advisors have been. Before Meredith no one knew what energy it took me to work full time and go to school part time. I have really felt honored, to be going to Meredith.

Rachel

I have made life long friends at this college that feel like members of my family. The small size of Meredith has allowed me to get to know my classmates and my professors on a deeper level than I be able to if I were at a larger school. I love this school and the opportunities that I will have because I chose to attend a small college. My relationship with my professors will allow me to have more personalized references and people that are in my field of interest to guide and support me. The friendships that I have made will last a lifetime and will offer support that I could not find anywhere else.

Rosanna

Making the transition to college life is a new and often difficult experience. I have learned several key things that, in retrospect, I wish I had known before I embarked on the transition. Looking back, I would say that it was comforting to know that when I moved to college I was not alone; everybody else at my school was in the same boat as me. Everyone faced the same challenges of making new friends and getting the hang of college for the first time. Secondly I learned that it is important to take advantage of every opportunity in college. It is important to take initiative to meet your professors one-on-one and to make a priority to take advantage of clubs and campus events. Choose a way to contribute and work to become a part of the campus community. Becoming a college student is a life-changing experience and can have its share of challenges. But if you come with an open mind and a positive attitude, the transition will be much easier. College can be an investment with lifetime dividends if you endeavor each day to take full advantage of all you are presented.

ashley

Enjoy your senior year, however study hard. Preparing your self for the transition will be hard but your strong enough to handle it. When you get to that point you will fill more independent and confidient. You will know then you' ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.

Samantha

One thing I would change if I could go back to high school is advising myself to take more advaced placement classes in order to further prepare myself with good study habits and a workload that is compareable to what I would experience in college. I would also challenge myself to become more spoken and outgoing in the classroom. Participation in in-class discussions and oral presentations are key to having success in any course in college. Back in high school, I wished I would have pushed myself more to fulfill those attributes and to also achieve better practicefor college. I have found that being an involved, rounded, and academic student looks great on any college application, and I would encourage any high school senior to not be afraid to take risks. For example, they could run for an office that they never thought they would win or maybe try out for a sport. I wish that I had learned to set myself appart from the normal student when I applied to college. Being different can never be such a bad thing.

Hannah

My advice would be to know that college is not as easy as it can sometimes be portrayed. Meredith is a very difficult school, but the trials and hard work is definitely worth it. I would have went with a random rooming assignment. I would have not given up on my calculus class. In fact, I would have taken a much easier math to get me started in college level math, instead of jumping right into calculus. I would have put more effort into my english papers so I would have made an A instead of a B in the class. I would have spent more time in the books than socializing when I should have been doing work. But I am a freshman, and I knew I needed to make friends quick to survive in college. All in all, I would have been more studious in my first semester of college.

Lindsay

I would tell myself, to not only apply to private schools but also public schools. I would also tell myself that college is a lot harder than you think, It may also be posssible that an all girls school may not be the school for me. I would tell myself to get farther than 20 minutes away from home. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships. Do not for any reason leave college applications to the last minute( the night before they are due). To focus more in psychology. To not get upset on senior day because everything is going to work its self out. I am sure there are smaller things that I would tell myself but these are the big ones that really would have made a difference.

Mallisha

Talking to myself, as a senior in high school, the most important thing I would say is to trust yourself. No matter what people tell you and no matter how you think people will act, always believe and trust yourself. At the end of the day all you have is yourself and you cant listen to people for the rest of your life. Only you know how you feel and what you want out of life, making hard decisions are apart of life. You have to keep yourself and your thoughts together. Doing whats right for you might not be the right thing in someone else's eyes but at the same time you have to make mistakes in order to learn from them. Do not hurt those around you but live your life and listen to the little voice in your head. Its there for a reason. right?

Alexandria

If I could go back, I would tell myself to really think about what I wanted out of life. As a high school student, you often do not realize what the world has to offer. A high school student usually doesn't see past the latest gossip and what the popular college to attend is. I would ask myself what clubs, greek life, and other extracuircular activites I might be interested in, so I would look for a college that offers them. Also, look at what colleges have the best program for your major, college will prepare you for the rest of your life. For the transition process, I would not live with friends with high school. I would say to fill out a pot-luck rooming form with true answers. When you live with someone with the same interest, it is easier to get involved without feeling left out. Find friends with the same values and interest as you, these friends will be your family! But, mostly, I would tell myself to make sure I'm living my life to the fullest and to seek oppurtunities to improve myself for the future.

Jessica

Advice before entering College: 1) FOCUS- be mindful of the work that is before you. Stay on top of your work schedule. If an assignment is given, make sure that you right it down in a place where you can see it and follow up a week before it's due. 2) STUDY- don't think that you have all the information because you are smart; studying is very important. 3) HAVE FUN- above all still have fun, but not too much.

Brittany

When I was a high school senior, I was very nervous about college. I was the first person in my family to go to college, so I did not know what to expect, and I wasn?t sure I would be able to adjust to the transition. If I could go back, I would worry less and assure myself that everything would be ok. I would tell myself to work hard on my school work, to forget being shy, and to participate in class discussions. I would encourage myself to take different classes that interested me so that I could find my passion. I have learned that in order to make friends in college it is important to be outgoing, so I would tell myself to participate in different clubs and attend college events so I could meet new people. I would tell myself to be open to trying new things but remind myself to remain true to who I am. I love everything about college, and I wish I had put more faith in myself. College isn?t always easy, and it is important to never give up and to do everything to the best of your ability!

Karen

Dear Karen, You are about to embark on a new journey: college! This new experience will be one of the best in your life; the people you will meet and the professors you will have will change your life, literally. These new people and experiences will challenge you, make you reconsider your beliefs, and broaden your perspective on so many subjects. Right now, you are scared and excited and all this is completely normal. So many things appear daunting and many more are questionable. Will you make friends? Will you get along with your roomate? Do not stress because one thing remains true: hold on to your beliefs and always invest time and love in others. And everything will fall into place. Most importantly, keep an open mind as you learn things about yourself. I know you have a plan for life, but sometimes plans change for the better. It's scary not having a plan,I know. But college challenges you to figure out what you really want in life and provides oppurtunities that change you. Do not reject these chances thinking that you already know everything in life. Embrace them and eventually, you will see their value.

Jessie

Hey! You with the bum knee! I knew that would get your attention; it's all you ever thought about most days. I could tell you so many stories about your days to come, stories that make me want to hit you, to high-five you, to curse you out, and to cuddle you closely. But I won?t divulge those secrets. You?ll find out soon enough, and the discovery is quite beautifully rendered. I will, however, give you one suggestion- LIGHTEN UP!! You waste precious time worrying about soccer, schoolwork, and your size. If I could make one change in your life, I would free you from this prison. I would tell you that you will make more mistakes. You will have regrets, but your worrying won?t make the slightest difference. You are about to embark on the most fulfilling years of your life, and I cringe to remember the uncertainty and fear for the future that now plagues your soul. You are a beautiful, strong woman, and I am happy to report that this fact remains unchanged. Let your fears rest. Enjoy being young and free. I know better than you that these days are numbered.

Jordan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior it wouldn't be far back enough! I would tell myself to apply to every college I possibly could, just to see where I could go. I would teach myself to rub elbows with people, in order to create good connections for later in life. I would tell myself NOT to slack off at all; you're almost done so just get through it! Be sure to have fun! Don't worry about the trouble you might get into with your parents; if you stay scared of them now, you'll be scared of them for your entire life, so do it NOW! Don't do anything stupid; use condoms, don't do hardcore drugs, and be weary of who you hang out with. Trust people; if you don't, you will find it very hard to make friends. Do your best at everything you do and ace French, you'll need it later!

ashley

study harder and save for college

Jordan

As a college student, if I could go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior,what I know now, I would talk about a lot of things. Being at a private college, financial responsibility and work ethic are both very important. I didn't work as hard as I should have in high school, making the transition to college harder. I would tell myself that the work in high school was actually preparing me for the college challenge. In college, no, you don't have to go to class and you don't have to do your homework, but it is something that you are paying for, making you more appreciative, and more focused on being successful. I would also tell myself to be more open minded coming into college. I came from a small town, and my college is very diverse. In becoming more open minded, I have made so many new friends and established more relationships than I could ever have imagined as a high schooler. I have made friends with people that I normally wouldn't have associated with, which I feel is a huge accomplishment, and a step towards growing up.

Enobong

THE MOVE TO COLLEGE CAN BE A MAJOR ADJUSTMENT.IN ADDITION TO TOUGHER COURSEWORK,A FOREIGN ENVIROMENT, AND A DRAMATIC NEW LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE,SOME OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES A NEW COLLEGE FRESHMAN WILL FACE HAVE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS.FROM FIGHTING HOMESICKNESS,TO BEING PREPARED FOR A NEW SITUATION,TO GETTING TO KNOWAND LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHOM ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU,CLLEGE GIVES YOU THE CHANCE TO REALLY SHINE.

Courtnee

I would have myself know to be prepared for what change that is about to occur in my life and take it serious than I did when I was a high school senior. I would set my goals and not wait so late. I would know what schools that I am willing to attend instead of waiting at the last minute. I will study more harder for the SATs so that I could have been in a popular University. I wouldnt have started my college year in a public college. I would decided the things that I am going to do and not listen to anyone elses ideas so that I would be happy when I do start college instead of being in a college that I just decided to go to to get away from home.

Tonia

Enjoy the experience and all activities that go on within your school. College is a great time to delvelop acedemically and personally into a young woman that has received strong skills from Meredith that will last them a long time. Meredith is a very diverse school both acedemically and culturally and I would recommend this college to all of my sister's. College is a serious time and a fun time, but know that life expands beyond school so stay focused and make sure to enjoy each of your classes.

Katrina

I would advise myself not to worry about the application process as much as I did at the time. If one does one's work and works hard in high school, colleges appreciate that when one applies. I would tell myself to focus more on spending time with friends and family both during the last few months of high school and at the beginning of college. Creating balance is tough but worth the effort - an effort that will pay off in lifelong relationships.

Lindsey

If I were to have the opportunity to travel back in time to "warn" myself of the things I may get in to in the future, I would most likely decline this opportunity. I've found that every move good and bad have assisted in creating the person that I am today. Had I not come to Meredith College, or College at all, I would not know the responsibility and self conifidense that I've come to obtain over the years. As inviting as venturing back in time sounds, it would affect who I am today, and I quite like the person that I'm becoming. Therefore, I would have to decline the offer. This was a really fun and interesting scholarship opportunity. Thank you for allowing me to participate in it.

Darcy

Pick what feels right, what you want to get out of college, and make sure you have back up majors, because chances are youll change your mind several times. As you go through your educational journey.

Libby

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience are two very important subjects. Parents: be very supportive of your child's decision on where to attend college, but also give them guidance since you have been through that step in life. Communicate with your child about all the options and make the final decision together. Students: finding the right college is so important. Look at college websites, visit the college, even take a tour of the college; when you have found the right college you will know because it will make you feel like you belong. Always talk with your parents about where you want to go because they will help you make the right decision. When you get to your college, not only should you focus on academics but you should also get involved and make new friends. Join a Bible study, a sports team, volunteer, or even form a study group. Being involved at your college will give you the total experience and provide you with life long memories that you will never forget.

Tyasia

THe best advice for a rising undergraduate is to develop your intrest/major, find a schol that offers it, find other activites that you can benefit from, find the cost and see if there are any offered scholarships/ grants.

Suzanne

If the student wants extra attention and quality help, a smaller school is the best way to go. If the student wants to broaden their horizons and get out in the world with less guidence, a bigger school is key.

Susan

Choose a college or university that suites you and your needs. Don't choose to go somewhere just because you know more people at one school than the other. If money is an issue, always remember that there are scholarships and grants that you can get, even while you're attending the school. Be open-minded to the people around you, and keep in mind that they are looking to have a good experience as well.

Jordan

When looking for a college, decide on somewhere that you think you will fit in well with. Choose somewhere that won't be too big to handle, but that won't be too small to have fun and enjoy yourself. There are plenty of things to get involved in on every campus, so don't miss out on any opportunity to make the most of your college career. Your education is very important, but your college experience is what you make of it: don't hold back from anything.

Shante

Have an idea of what you will major in. Select the institution that is well established in that area. From there, choose the school that fits with you after you visit it. At that school, participate in all you can.

Carmel

College guidebooks are as useful as a marketing postcard. They sell you an idea about the place, but you really need to do your own research! In addition to visiting campus, I would suggest sitting in on an actual class that might be of interest. That way, you can prepare for what kind of professors and teaching styles you'll be dealing with. Also, ask around for a school's first year retention rate (if it's less than 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, I would be extremely weary). A college is no good if it can't convince its students to return for another year. Check out the surrounding area also. If it doesn't seem supportive of the college lifestyle, or to your own personal lifestyle, chances are you won't be happy. Choosing a college is a tough choice, but have confidence in finding the right one! Good luck!

Kristen

Always look at the campus before you decide. Also make sure that you know the backgrounds of the teacher in your prospective major. Parents, Meredith College likes to screw you over in the accounting office. Don't let it happen to you!

Melanie

I would tell parents to allow their child to visit the college for a weekend or stay with a friend to see what the school is really like and to stay in one of the dorms, because when you visit colleges and the administration is showing you around, of course they aren't going to show you the bad stuff. I would just advise the parents to make sure they are getting their moneys worth because I do not feel like I get what I should for 30,000 tuition here at Meredith College

Jennifer

I would advise that parents should look into the colleges that their sons and daughters are planning on attending. I feel it is important for the parents to know what environment their child will be in and to make sure that they will be in a safe and learning place. Students should ask all the questions that they have about college before going there and finding out they don't like it. Talk to alumnae, professors, current students, counselors, etc to make sure you are going to the right place. For the parents and students to remember: applying and going to college is NOT an overnight process and takes careful planning to complete and to be satisfied.

Natasha

I would say to research the school. Make sure that school has the majors that you are interested in. Know if that school is an Liberal Arts college and if it is accrediated. Just know what your getting into.

Katelin

My advice to future college students is to understand that there is not a perfect fit for anyone. You will always have doubts in your head about the choice that you made, but you must understand that you must trust your heart. Only you know what is right for you, do not cave to peer pressure or family pressure. This is your life, and you should live it the way that you want to. If you want to go to an expensive school, figure out how to pay for it and just do it! Nothing is set in stone, and there isn't a set path for anyone. Do not just do a major or go to a college that your friends are doing, find what makes you happy. If that means that you have to take a break from school, go far away, or stay home, the best answer is the one that you decide for yourself.

shae

1. spend the weekend if possible and you really find out whats going on at a school and if you like it or not. 2. get involved once accepted in a school 3. dont get too involved find things/hobbies you love and really commit to them because if your in many organizations that can be really stressful and demanding.

Kate

Really look into the college and see how easy it is to get a job after you graduate. Also, go somewhere they have the major your interested in don't choose a school and assume you will find a major.

Elizabeth

Finding the right college for yourself or for your child many things need to be in the back of your mind to think about. Do you do better in a small community or a bigger one? Is having a close relationship with faculty, and staff important to you? Other things need to come into play - but if you want a college that makes you feel at home and as if you are apart of something, then Meredith College is the school for you.

Sarah

Choosing a school is a decision that should not be based on the wishes of your parents or even what school will give you the most financial aid. I ended up choosing Meredith after applying to almost 7 other schools. Even though the cost of tuition at Meredith is close to 4 times what I would have paid at a state-supported school, I feel I have definitely benefited from paying the extra money. The quality of the education I've gotten at Meredith is worth every penny. Classes are no bigger than 20 students and professors are therefor able to attend to each person individually. College is about being in the best environment for growth and becoming the kind of person you will be proud of.

Mary

I would highly suggest taking classes at a community college right after highschool, so students can get a better feel of what exactly they want to do. I would suggest that students branch out of their comfort zone and research colleges for their variety of majors, geography, cost and organizations. "Just getting a degree" is not the only goal, but go for the entire experience!

Jessica

I would say to the parents is to let their child choose where to go. You will know when the school feels right and you will know when you feel that it is the school for you.

Leanne

Touring college campuses that students are interested is the best way to make a determination on where one is to further his or her education. Feeling safe and sound with the environment can make or break a decision.

Laura

Make sure and have a four year plan.

Holley

To the parents: allow your child the freedom to look at as many colleges as possible and encourage them to start looking early. Be prepared to make a lot of visits and have many questions prepared about the school. To the students: take your time and make sure you know as much as possible about the schools you are interested in before you make your choice. Learn study habits that will help you concentrate and manage your time so that you can study and have fun! Keep the grades up, but try not to be a recluse or you will miss what is going on at your campus. Work to make your campus a better place-if something needs to be changed, be the one to go out and do it. You'll remember being a part of it for the rest of your life.

Nicole

To visit the college for a weekend and ask students what they honestly think. Once attending try every group and organization-don't limit yourself.

Afeefa

Speak to students on campus, including commuters, residence, and student workers. Look at the facilities and observe your possible majoring departments.

Jessica

Take your time. The right choice will happen when you need it. Once you get to college, try different things and seek new experiences. Meet as many people as possible and make friends, because they'll stick with you for life. Do you homework; it really means something in college. Don't tak eon too much, but get involved with things you believe in and where you have interests.

Danielle

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their college expierence is to explore their options. Visit and apply for any colleges that fit your basic wants and needs. If a college does not fulfil those wants and needs, the sudent should not consider it as an option any more. The student should get a sense of comfort when visiting the right collge and should go with that "gut" feeling. Parents should not exactly rule out schools for their children based on price of tuition or location of campus. It really should be the student's choice in order for them to be fully content with their college experience. Students should pick a school where they they can be themselves and feel comfortable being involved in campus activities. College is one of the most important times in someone's life, and should be the most enjoyable time as well. Students should take everything into consideration and pick the college that fits them as an individual.

Kimberley

Make sure that your child really explores campus life and has good understanding of the classes offered at the school. I would encourage parents to encourage their children to join as many clubs as possible and to get involved with activities off-campus that are productive. Parents should also encourage their children to talk to professors when they are having problems in class or if their having other types of problems.