Messiah College Top Questions

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

Matthew

For the most part, you'll do fairly well in college. The only real advice that I have for you is to get involved in a club as soon as you can, even if you have to start one yourself, and ask around to see if you can find a church that you like. Also, you might want to try just being part of a small group before taking a leadership role.

Matthew

I wouldn't give myself any advice. The point of life I was at at that time and my general situation were what influenced me to pick Messiah College. As with all institutions, there will we nit-picky things wrong, but overall this is the perfect place for me. The only issue is how expensive it is, though it is a great education. I am growing a great amount as an individual and a social worker, complete with field experience at this early time, and would not have it any other way. Why have regrets anyway? If I wanted change I would certainly seek it. Thanks for reading.

Julie

I would not have made my decision solely on athletics. Instead I would have focussed on the person who I sought to become in life, rather than the athlete I wanted to become.

Rosette

Dear Rosette, it's almost the end of a chapter of your life and now you're preparing for the next chapter in your life. You must know that life is not easy and that you'll face different challenges and you'll win battle, but one thing to remember is that you are the one who decide who you want to become. You're the one living your life and making it worst or better. So take time to know exactly what you want to do and don't be afraid to say that you've failed and ready to make a change. Don't be afraid to go back to ground zero and start all over. It's better to finish the race last doing it the right way then finishing first and not doing everything correctly to be disqualified in the end. I know that you're an over achieve, do things the right way and on time, but you have to learn how to balance your social life, school and family. You spend so much time doing school work and sometimes you complain of not having a social life. Take every opportunity you have and enjoy.

John

I learned pretty quiclkly that there are lots of ways to experience your college career. My best advise is to try them all. Dont be afraid to seek out new opportunites. This can be through clubs, coffee houses, professor chats or study groups. Being a part of the campus truly enhances the whole college experience. The cost is daunting and you must be extremely diligent to keep searching out scholarship opportunites. It is always a real possiblity that I may have to return home as the financial climate changes for our family. Each day is a blessing and acknowleging and accepting that fact makes all the learning opportunities more intense.

Brian

The advice that I would give myself is to do everything exactly the same. I would make sure I signed up for "The Religion of Football" as my First Year Seminar, and I would make sure that I lived in Hess, just like I did my freshmen year. I loved every moment of being a freshmen at Messiah. I would probably tell myself to focus more on Encountering the Bible, but other than that to just live in every moment, because freshmen year was the best year I have had at school. I would tell myself to take it easy through Sophomore year. I did way to much work in that year, and wish I had spent more time keeping connected with my friends. I would also tell myself to get involved in Rec-Sports sooner, as it has been an absolute blast. If I had the option to talk to myself as a high school senior, I probably would wind up telling myself to simply not worry about a thing, and that college was going to be great for me.

John

I would absolutely make sure that I visit all the schools I was applying too. One of the schools I was applying too was +1000 miles away and I couldn't afford to visit the school. I was rather busy my senior year, so I never took the time to visit the other schools on my list with the rational that there was no point in visiting because I would have nothing to compare it to for the other school. It turned out that the atmosphere was really not to my liking. I went back and visited the other schools I had applied to and loved them but was not able to get in the program I wanted as a transfer. I am now at a third school that I never planned on attenging. While I enjoy it here I often regret not visiting those other schools as I may be there right now.

Alyssa

If I could go back and talk to myself, I would tell myself to learn how to study and apply myself more. College is much more difficult than high school and requires one to apply themselves much more. I would also tell myself to make better use of resources available to help students learn the class material.

Tara

Tara, Stop listening to your high school teachers, friends' parents, and the nurses at the doctor's office. Where you choose to go to college is NOT the most important decision you will make. The college you choose will not determine whether or not you succeed in life. Those who view it that way do not understand the true value of college. College is not about a name that you get to flaunt on the back of your car for the rest of your life, it is about getting an experience that will surpass just four years of your life. Choose the school that will allow you to explore yourself, and your surroundings further. Choose the school that will challenge your beliefs and ways of thinking. Upon graduation, you will not remember all the information from every test you took throughout school, but you will remember the relationships you made and the experiences you had. Dare to pick the school that no one has heard of, if that is the school that will inspire and encourage you. College is what you make of it, don't expect it transform you without effort and a positive attitude.

Andrew

Do not worry so much about the college decision. Look around, check out various colleges, but be open to selecting the place that feels best and then going from there. You don't have to know your major right away. You will make friends and form connections there, or you can fairly easily transfer schools. Take it seriously, but enjoy life!

Elizabeth

I would simply say to my younger self: do not compromise what you want for anyone else. I decided where I went to school simply because the school "looked good" to my friends, church members, high school teachers. I also knew it would please both of my parents. But because I made my college decision to make others happy, I ended up going to a school where I just coped and my heart wasn't fully in it. I knew that Messiah College was my school the moment I stepped on campus, and I never should have doubted my instinct. Just because others may not initially be impressed by my school's name, they will be impressed when I am able to tell them how much I enjoyed my education and how much I learned.

Dustin

I would have to tell myself to be more trusting and caring of others. I get to distracted by things that ultimately don't matter, I would tell myself to let things go.

Hilary

My college experience is probably a little different than some. I did my first two years at a community college before transferring here to Messiah college. I wouldn't change anything about that, community college was a good choice for me, while going there I realized that my orignial major and plan was not the right one for me. So I hadn't wasted all of that time at Messiah College, just wasted some time there. I think it was a very smart move for me. I think I would start in high school to make better and more productive study habits that could continue on to college. I would also tell myself to go out and try new things and take whatever opportunities life throws at you, you never know which path you might go down in life. I would also tell myself to stay positive, life will through curve balls your way but it's important to be positive and accomplish everything you can to the best of your abilities. I am very happy at this point in my life and I wish I could go back and tell my high school self everything will be okay.

Michael

Don't be nervous, but be excited. Get ready to work harder than you ever have, but also prepare to be rewarded in an incredible way.

Catherine

To find the right college, the only advice I can give is visit! Visit! Visit! And, oh yeah, don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't just ask the tour guide (their job is to sell the school to you). Ask a regular student, specifically in the major you're interested in. Ask people in the dorms. See if there is a way to contact students through the school. Be proactive. Try your best to get a real picture of the school. As for making the most of your college experience, don't focus on just one thing like academics or your social life. This is the only time in your life you'll have this much freedom and this little responsibility. Try new things. Don't be afraid. Don't keep yourself in a box. You don't want to look back in 10 or 20 years and think, "I wish I did this or that". Try new things! Please! Oh yes, get out of the house. Become an adult. Mature. We don't want you to be the same person that walked into school...oh no, we don't.

Jordan

When looking for the college that fits you best do not be afraid to explore your options. A lot of people like going where their friends go to college or stay close to home. This is not always a bad idea but do not forget that college is arguably the most important time of your life. A lot of times when people think about going to college, they think all about partying and having fun. It is good to have fun but make sure you work hard and put all that money you are putting into your education to good use. It is also good to find a college that fits your budget. For myself, I decided to choose Messiah College because I was able to play basketball there as well as have the money to pay for it. One last thought to keep in mind is that you want to choose a college that is strong in your field of study. By doing some research and looking at schools in-depth, you will be able to find the school for you and look to graduate with a wonderful job!

Nathan

The advice i would give to students is to take your time and look. There isn't as big of a rush as people try to say there is. If you get put under pressure, it makes it more likely you will regret your decision. So relax.... and take your time.

Sandra

As a parent you need to encourage your kids in their junior year to atleast browse through colleges. As a student you need to make it a priority to have a list and be proactive in your search for colleges. I made the mistake of looking too late and running out of options and time. As a student you definitely need to visit the campus to get a good feel of it, you will get a gut feeling if it feels like home or you feel really insecure. I think to make the most of your college experience you need to step out of your comfort zone your first semester especially to make friends because most likely they will be the ones you stick with for the next three years.

Valerie

Parents and students should know that happiness is the number one important factor about choosing the right college. The academics could be award-winning, but if the student is not content with the current situation, then the true college experience is lost. The college might be a little pricey, but if the student is enjoying himself or herself while obtaining a good education, then the price is certainly worth it. There is definitely more to college than the classroom; this is where socializing, extra-curricular activities, and perhaps a job could help the student enjoy those hours outside of the lecture hall. Make a solid group of friends who will stick by the student at all times. Lastly, know that there are always second chances. Perhaps the first college is not what the student is looking for--that's ok! Switching colleges is always a possibility. It is only when the student finds true happiness will he or she obtain the true college experience.

Charity

Remember that college isn't about the degree or graduation, rather college should be considered a gradual experience that prepares you for life and gives you the moments that force you to escape your various comfort zones. Choose a school that follows an ethic and whose professors live lives as admirable as you would like you or your son/daughter to live. These four (or more) years prepare you for real life and provide you with an opportunity to be both generous with love for your community and selfish with the knowledge that you attain both in and out of the classroom. When you have matured enough to understand how that wisdom can benefit others you can freely apportion out your refined talents without expectations of gratitude or repayment.

Danny

Make visits to your top choices, and talk to the students about the questions you have. Most students are willing to answer questions and will be honest, and visiting will give you a feel for the ins and outs of every day life at the college Give thought to school size- it plays heavily into the experience, socially and academically. Think about location- your distance from home will affect how frequently you're able to return on long weekends and breaks. Consider the climate of the school- a consistently cold environment can really bring you down if you're not up for it. If you're sure you know what field you want to study, research which schools are best in that specific area- just because a school isn't on a top 20 overall list doesn't mean it isn't excellent in your area of interest. If you have an interest in studying abroad, make sure they have diverse programs beforehand. Once you've chosen, take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered by the school. Most schools have trips and activities freely available; keep your eye open for them and if you're interested, don't think twice.

Sloan

To Students: Reach for your dreams, and don't let anyone tell you what you can't do. Apply for every school that interests you. It's better to try and to not get in than to always wonder "what if I had applied?". Study hard, but don't be afraid to make friends and have a social life. Pick a major you love, and stick with it even when it gets tough. Forge relationships with your professors, they will be your most important friends and mentors. Don't fall in with the wrong crowd, remember, you're an adult now and need to act like one. And stay in touch with your parents, because when the going gets tough they will be the ones to back you up. Most importantly, enjoy the experience, you only get this chance once.

Andrea

The best advice I could give would be to visit the schools that you are thinking about attending and if possible stay with and talk to actual students who are attending the school. Make certain that the school you are considering is strong in whatever area you want to study and if you are uncertain then try a liberal arts school that has a lot of options and is not adverse to students trying different things. Also, don't give up on a school because it seems to be expensive; their is financial aid available if you are willing to search and work for it.

Ashley

Go to a college that has many activities that you can do, especially on weekends.

Laura

College is what you make of it. You can make it a really fun, creative, stimulating, inquisitive time or you can make it boring, miserable, and dull. It is up to the student to make the college experience into what that student wants. One way to make the college experience great is by choosing a college that fits the students needs. This means considering what size college and what type of college (public/private) the student would like to attend. It also means considering things such as what majors, sports or clubs the college offers. If a students that finds colleges that are generally what he/she is looking for, choosing between schools becomes much easier. It is a decision that should be thought about seriously by the student buy it should not be a decision that is stressed over needlessly. As long as the college meets the student's basic needs then it will be a good fit for that student. College is what you make of it.

Leah

My advice is to look beyond the numbers. As high school seniors, students and their parents are bombarded with teacher to student ratios, diversity percentages, the number of clubs, how many majors are offered, the acreage of the campus, and so forth. Although college is an important next step after high school and a stepping stone to a bright future, it's also a once in a lifetime opportunity, and students should use it as a growing opportunity. Every college has professors, every university has classrooms and dining halls. Ten years from now it will not have mattered which college or university you took your general education courses at or where you got your degree. What will matter is the person you are. At which school are you going to be a better person after 4 years? Where will you make your life-long friends? Where will you make the memories that you reminisce over years from now? Where will you find your character developing along with your intellect? To make the most of the college experience, students should live in the moment and take each day in stride, because it's the small things in life that count.

Megan

Forest Gump once said that "Life is like a box of chocolates." I believe this is true. You cannot know what kind of chocolate is in the box unless you open it up and try them all. And yes, you will get chocolates that you don't like and ones that dry your mouth out, but you will learn for next time which ones to avoid. There will also be those chocolates that are so good, you wished that they filled the whole box. College is like life (and chocolate). You never really know what you are going to get. You may chose colleges or activities that are like the bitter chocolates. They may leave a bad taste in your mouth and make you not want to try another one. Keep trying though! College is full of the good chocolate times and bad. It is only through trial and error that you get full of wonderful memories...oh, and chocolate.

Brittney

Choosing the right college to attend is one of the most important decisions you will make. At this college you will be trained in the profession you choose and most likely work in until you decide to retire. Something that may seem scary at first really can turn into a nightmare, or a dream. To find the right college, I would have to recommend getting as much information that you can about colleges that fit the requirements you want. If you are interested in a college in your state, with a certain tuition, and certain major, do the research and find the schools that match. Upon researching the matching schools, write pros and cons, which will help you put down on paper all the randomness that is flowing through your mind. The college years are said to be some of the most memorable times of your life. Making good decisions is an important part of this experience, the first decision about where to go. If you don't have a certain major choosen, don't stress. Academic advisors are available to help you make the deciison about a career. Most important, make friends, but choose them carefully.

Karly

I would advise parents and students to start the college search early and to make sure to visit the college before making a final decision. Parents, be sure to listen to what your child is interested in so that they end up at the school where they want to be. Distance is also a crucial issue when it comes to choosing a school. I would advise students to go far enough away so that there is a feeling of independence yet close enough for the comfort of security. To make the most of your college experience make sure you put yourself out there and meet new people. Classes are important and so is making friends and building relationships that last a lifetime. Work hard but have fun at the same time.

Whitney

Deciding which college to attend is an important decision for the student as well as the parents. In order to ensure the right decision, it is essential that the parents and student communicate with each other early on what they want from a college; level of academic standards, proximity from home, religious/cultural affiliation, cost/financial aid, etc. The student and parents should make a joint decision about the right college after visiting multiple campuses and determining which would be the best fit for the student, as well as which college the parents are comfortable with. This process takes time, and the parents and student should start it as soon as possible. Once the student decides on a college and moves in, s/he will want to make the most of the college experience by making friends and participating in extracurricular activities. students should join as many clubs and activities as possible that cater to their favorite hobbies. In these clubs, students can find lifelong friends that share their passion and enjoy their company. Building relationships while succeeding academically at the college chosen by parents and/or students will help the student make the most of his/her college experience.

Erin

When I was a senior in high school, my mother and I went "college shopping"; she told me that I would just know when I was at the right school. I rolled my eyes and sighed, but when I stepped onto the campus of my Alma Mater, it just felt right. It was also very helpful for me to make a list of my top priorities in what I was looking for in a school. I'd rate each school based on those priorities, and then schedule visits. Once you know what kind of school you're really interested, stepping on campus is a fun and exciting experience that (at least for me) made the choice instinctual. Once you have chosen your school, try to take your gen-eds first - you never know when you might decide to change your major. Also, take advantage of studying abroad: It will change your life! As you get ready for that first semester, be prepared to work hard! College is a lot different from high school, so don't beat yourself up if you don't do as well as you thought. Overall, take EVERY opportunity you can and LIVE IT UP!

Kawila

Visit the campus and see what you think. talk to students about the campus climate, take a tour of the academic halls as well as the residential buildings. and make sure they have the major you'd like to work toward

Kaitlin

In the pursuit of the best school, make every possible effort to visit. My ultimate decision, even with all of the logistics in my mind, was based on how I felt when I was on campus. When I walked around the Messiah Campus, I immediately felt as if I belonged. As a college student, one should try to be as involved as possible- don't overbook your schedule with endless meetings and clubs, though. "Involved" as I define it means to invest oneself in things that will encourage personal, spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical growth. This could mean community service, joining a Bible study, playing rec sports, going to on-campus lectures, or just hanging out with a different group of people from time to time. The main thing: do not have any regrets. Learn and live as much as possible from and with those around you!

Emily

Instinct has a lot to do with looking for a college. Even though a school may seem to have everything you're looking for, visit it and pay attention to your reaction to small things. Don't settle. Once you find a school, remember that this is a fresh start- an opportunity to reinvent things yourself. Be open to change, don't be afraid of it, and find friends who encourage it. If at all possible, study abroad.

Tessa

Selecting a college is difficult. Finances, location, and quality of academics and the learning environment is abig list when considering a school. Give yourself options. Don't be set on only one school from the start-you could cut yourself off from a great opportunity that comes along. Go with your instincts. I was accepted to two good schools, both of which I liked very much, but when I accepted there was something that pulled and told me that 'this was it'. I have no regrets. How do you walk that fine line between acadamia and still having a life? Certainly giving your time to academics is important, but you also need time for the experience. College is a huge period of growth - not just academically. You will learn more about yourself as an individual outside of the classroom with peers and one-on-one interactions with staff and faculty than class could ever provide. Going for that 'A' is great!....but don't sell yourself short by hiding in your books. Embrace the experience. Find your passion and your vocation, and live it out.

Ashley

visit the colleges

Alyssa

Follow what your heart tells you and allow time to figure it out. When I started searching for the right college for me, I didn't even know Messiah existed. I also expected myself to go to a much larger school. After beginning my search however I discovered that I enjoyed the Christian atmosphere of a Christian school and found the small school much more inviting.

Ryan

make sure you like the campus setting and the dorms. it helps to have an idea of what you want to study, but that is not always important.

Ryan

Apply to schools you normally wouldn't. You never know if you might change your mind, or how much money they might offer you.

Kathryn

College truly is what you make of it. It is important to visit school and look for a good fit, but a flexible, excited student should be able to succeed at a number of school. Don't obsess over making the "perfect" choice: there's no such things as the "perfect" college. Find one with alot of things you like. The things you don't like, you'll find that you just deal with. The little details don't wind up being a big deal. The point of college is to get a good education; make that a priority. Yes, the social aspect of college is significant, but it shouldnt be the focus. Any college will offer a fun social setting more the mere fact that you get to meet tons of new people. Think about how much you can afford and DON'T dive head first into taking out tons of students loans. Youll regret it later when the bills start coming a month after you graduate!! Go with your gut. Trust yourself and know what kind of environment you need to succeed. Worst case scenario: you transfer! No big deal!

Heidi

When finding a college, do your research and be informed about all stages of college: applying, attending, and post-graduate life. Make sure that you can afford college and try to take out as little loans as possible. Also, make sure that the college you attend prepares you for a job or graduate school after you obtain your undergraduate degree. Make sure your college offers things that you enjoy doing or really want to do, such as theatre, music, sports, studying abroad, etc. Attend a college where you have some freedom in the classes you take. Allow yourself to take a class solely because you would enjoy it. That way class will not always seem to be a burden but also enjoyable. Find the college that suits you best and you will be able to make the most of it. If you like small settings, choose a small college. If you are very social and do not need one-on-one attention from professors, choose a large school. Lastly, make sure when you are attending college you do not take for granted having friends in such close proximity. No time in your life will that happen again.

Michelle

Really figure out who you are and what you are looking for in a college. A small college? A large university? A city or the country? Lots of extracurricular activities? Close or far from home? The questions are endless, but each and every one is important. Once you've decided what you really want, start researching different universities. Searching online, as well as visiting an adviser at your high school, are the best places to start. Then apply to the schools and wait for the results. Once you pick where you will ultimately go, get excited! College is a wonderful time, where you will learn some incredible things in all areas of study, as well as make friends for life. Go to lectures and artistic performances outside of class. Broaden your horizons by getting involved with sports teams or extracurricular clubs. Make friends. And take charge of your education by reaching for the stars. College puts a world of knowledge at your fingertips, knowledge that can be used to make the world, and your life, a much better place. Learn as much as you can. And love every minute of it. The education is yours for the taking.

Malinda

While money shouldn't be the key factor in one's decision, it should be an important one. Once you're at college, make the most of the opportunity. You'll never experience another one quite like it. Be careful with the cafeteria food. Just because it's served buffet style, doesn't mean you need to "eat our money's worth."

Katie

I would say that parents need to allow their son or daughter the chance to arrive at their own conclusions regarding their college choice. The best kind of support is to ask questions that will guide their son or daughter towards having a better understanding of what they want out of their education. Parents should have an open mind and validate all of the feelings that their son or daughter processes through on their journey towards choosing a college as well as exploring options once they arrive. Some advice for students would be to relax and avoid feeling overly stressed out about the situation. Don't make decisions about your future under pressure - after all, it's your future. You're going to be okay, just take your time and consider all options. Don't choose a school entirely based on cost, because the best school for you may appear to be more expensive than you'd like, but you can't put a price on the best college experience. Get involved as soon as you arrive on campus, and surround yourself with supportive, positive people. You have control over your circumstances in college, so make it what you want.

Vienna

Find a college you like, you are going to be spending four years there! But also SERIOUSLY take into consideration the finances, I think that if I could have done it over I would have done a 2-year college and then transfered. I didn't know much about loans and didn't have a good idea of money. I wish I had. Other than that, don't take yourself too seriously. So many people I know have changed their major more than once. College is the time to discover yourself- your likes, dislikes, talents, and challenges. Know that the emotions, fears, anxieties, and excitements you feel are totally normal! Embrace them!

Frederick

Go onto campus where you or your young ones want to go and get a feel of the community. If that's where you feel comfortable, and if the price is right, go for it.

Ben

2 years community college 2 years at the best school you can find

Alicia

Definitely prayer is an important thing to use. Look at a large variety of schools, and see what seems to fit best with your own personality. Sometimes you're right, and other times you're wrong. Belonging to a school that has a similar faith to the one that you practice is very helpful. It allows students and faculty to help and understand each other since we experience and struggle with the same things in life. Remember to let God have a role in the decision making and he will bless you.

Rebekah

Most colleges have good proffs, most colleges have good programs and facilites... talk to the students about their own social experience and see if that fits, because really you want to make sure you can make friends here.

Kristen

I believe the most important aspect of the college selection process is an overnight visit. You need to be able to see yourself attending the college, grabbing a snack at the student union, studying in a corner of the library, and relaxing in a floor lounge. If you feel comfortable with the environment, with the other students and the professors, then you just know if you belong at a particular school. Once you choose your college, develop a healthy sense of pride in your institution. Buy a couple sweatshirts, attend the sporting events, and volunteer in local ministries. Play a sport - whether varsity or recreational, play a musical instrument - whether it be the electric guitar or the recorder. Be a friendly face on your floor; when in your room, always leave your door open and remember to keep a jar of candy on your desk for sharing with visitors. Becoming an integral part of your campus is the best way to enhance your college experience.