Methodist University Top Questions

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

Nicholas

I would tell myself to not get wrapped up in the sterotype college lifestyle of partying and drinking because it will only slow you down and do terrible things to my studies. My freshman year I was into the party scene and I began to slip up because i wasnt putting the time in to study and learn the material that was needed for my Bio major. This led me to drop the major because I fell to hard behind. I had to start from scratch in a new major which is now making me graduate late and not with my intended class of Spring 2016 . Overall, I would tell myself dont be a slacker and get your stuff done because these next four years affect the next 60 years after you will live, so dont you regret it.

Bryan

There is no reason to spend your time worrying! I too felt like college would be a greuling experience, but instead it was a time for me to grow. Yes, growing does sometimes come with growing pains, but wouldn't you rather grow up around people who are experienceing the exact same growing pains and emotions as you? I know, that can be a hard question to answer, and I know I would have been afraid to answer it when I was having to face a university for the first time myself. I have found one of the most amazing things in life is no matter how alone you feel, you are never truly alone...feeling alone is a perception that we have made for ourself. What I mean is this: no matter how alone or stressed you feel, there is always someone else around you expereincing the same things. Never feel like your problems are too big to overcome, because someone else has overcome them just the same as you will overcome yours! Stay strong! You can do it!

Forrest

If i could talk to myself in Highschool i would go all the way back to the summer going into 9th grade and tell myself to start looking for grants and other ways to pay for school and to study the work not look over it because it was easy. I would tell myself that i will go through a lot of hard times but i am capabile of pushing past them with ease and the good times will over come the bad i just have to be patient. I would defently tell myself to play football instead of just basketball baseball and soccer, i wish now that i would have at least tried it. College is very expensive and we need help, Papa wont always be here for us he will pass away after your first year in college before he could finish paying for the school. If you can prepare your self for that unexpected tragedy andf have a back up plan to pay for school you will make it in life, if you dont you will be siting here applying for loans to get the money for school like me not knowing if you will make it.

Danielle

I would have told myself to apply for more scholarships and grants. I also would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff. Throughout college I have found that people and problems come and go but if you always keep your eye on the prize and stay commited you will get where you want to go. Things happen for a reason. Looking back I can see how everything that happened needed to happen to get me where I needed to go. Also I would tell myself that staying in shape will take a lot of work but it is worth it because it is a lot harder to get back into shape. The same goes for studying, if I keep studying I will do better in my classes and be more ready for the real world.

Jennifer

If I could go back and talk to myself I think I would tell myself not to be so scared of the hard courses, to embrace the learning and be willing to take risks. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships, get a better handle on money, stay out of debt and learn to be open to opportunities. The fear was what held me back and I think that specifically would be something I would benefit from leaving behind.

Kerry

Study harder! I would tell myself to learn as much as I possibly could to achieve higher grades so I would have a better chance at more scholarships. Listening to Mom would have paid off. As much as life is meant to be lived, school is meant to be taken seriously. Doing what you have to do to get a decent grade isn't enough. You must rise above the average and strive for always doing better. You deserve to let yourself be successful and you are the only one holding yourself back. Dream it, Believe it, and you WILL Achieve it!

Hannah

If I could go back and give myself some advice for making the transition into college I would. I would tell myself to focus solely on my studies and not to worry about my socail life. Your education will get you a lot further in life. However, do not shut your social life out completely because you need diversity. Find a balance and stick with it. I would also tell myself that your professors are there to help and will help if you go to them. They are very helpful and useful, you just have to show them you care and need the help. The last thing I would tell myself is not to stress over the little things and take life as it comes, and above all else enjoy it while you can.

Dillion

If I was to go back in time and speak with myself about college, I would emphasize the importance of taking on each day and obstacle slowly. Since I have been in college, I have immersed myself in clubs and organizations. I am an SGA senator, the lead staff photographer for the school newspaper, a member of SoJu (the Social Justice club), and a member of SLAM (Student Leaders at Methodist). In spite of my eagerness to be involved in nearly everything, I have had issues with balancing my vast array of activities. In short, over extending oneself is not constructive to a pleasant college experience. Therefore, I would tell myself that being involved is important to the college experience, but overexertion isn’t good for one’s emotional and physical health. Prioritizing and being organized are both great characteristics for a college student.

Chelsea

First I would say to attend a community college. Community college is cheaper than a university and helps get your general education credits taken care of. Prepare for sleepless nights and learn how to make every minute in the day count towards something. Make friends in class and out these people are going to help you get through the rough patches. Come home often and do not forget about the friends you will leave when you go away. Do not attempt to be part of a relationship it will only distract you and if it is meant to be he will be there later. Most importantly stay at an in state school, live close enough to home that your family is still a apart of your life but far enough away that you can grow up and become a responsible intelligent adult.

Trevor

In your senior year of high school, all you're thinking about is having fun your last year and what college you plan to attend. College is not a time to joke around. When classes start, that's where the hard work begins. Constant studying and doing everything you can to pass your classes will get you a long way. Don't be ashamed to ask for help when you need it. The staff are always encouraging you to do your best and they will do what they can to make sure you succeed.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the most important thing I would stress is to do your research on the schools your looking at. Look at other schools that have the major your looking for; do not put all your faith into one school. One of my biggest regrets is that I did not look at very many schools when deciding which school I wanted to go to, which resulted in a poor decision that landed me in a lot of debt. Other important advice I would give: -Search for as many scholarships as possible outside of the school provided scholarships. It's free money, do your research! -Save up as much money as possible before you leave for school, so you do not have to worry about working during school and you can focus on your school work. -Do not change yourself to fit into a group of people at school. It is important to stay true to yourself -Always call your mother! She's your biggest supporter -Find a group of friends that share common interest and keep them close -Put school work as the first priority

Idus

well its so different from high school, and you have to adjust quick. I think what I have gotten out of the "college experience" was "experience" itself. Knowing the opperations of how things work. All of your classes arent one after the other like high school too. You have more freedom and time, but with that also comes more responsibility regarding to one's work and other etra curricular activities. The thing that won me over though is that college and high school might be different but when I first stept on Methodist campus, I had a strange feeling like i was home and as i toured the campus it felt like more and more like I am ment to be here. I hope that I can get a work study at school when I attend, because America being in a recession and me never having a job, I believe that having a work study will make me much more responsible and I will be more ready for the work field after college and know what its like looking for a job.

Jennifer

Do not be so nervous about college. You are gonna do great. Study hard, but make sure you have time to do the things you love as well. Find a few clubs on campus that you are really interested in joining. They will make college so much more enjoyable for you. Make sure you always get your homework done on time so that you are not stressed out nearly as much. Set some goals for yourself. Your grades are important to you, but do not let them control your life. Study and do well in your classes, but do not freak out if you get a B on a test. It is okay. Meet as many people as you can, but make sure you also find that close group of friends as well. They will help you get through everything. Go on some adventures. Try things you never thought you would before. You may surprise yourself. You have a lot going for you. Do not give up. Remember the importance of perseverance in your life. If something does not happen the way you expect the first time, just keep going. Kid, you will move mountains.

Tia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would like to tell myself to keep working and go for what I want, do not let anyone tell you your dreams are to big, and never give up on anything. Transition is a big change now that you are living on your own but you can always make that phone call home just to talk, do not be afraid of change and doing something out of the ordinary. College is a eye opener and you will find out who you really are or find out who you are capable of becoming. You will find somewhere to fit in and with the freedom you will learn how to manage your time and decide what is important and what is not to you.

Josh

I loved highschool so much and I know that highschool was the best years of my life so I didnt want it to end at all. Most of the first semester I wasnt myself. I wouldnt reach out and try to become friends with other people because I was too busy moping in self pity wishing I could go back to highschool. Luckily now I realize that I cant bring the past back, but I can always remember it. So now what I do is I just make everyday one of the best days of my life and now with this attitude I have so many more friends. I am myself again, I am alot busier spending time with friends, in groups, and doing activities I love. I almost talked myself into going somewhere back home after the first semester because the beginning of college was so miserable. Luckily I didnt and if I could go back and tell myself something as a senior I would tell myself enjoy the days I have as a senior but once there done move on and enjoy the days of the future.

Eduardo

To take College more seriously and apply to more than one college. Take the time to explore every avenue open to me. Examples scholarships, grants, and majors.

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself just to be more outgoing with others. Living in a North Carolina hundreds of miles away from home I can not just go and see my friends back home whenever I want to. At Methodist it has taken me some time to meet and make friends so I would tell myself to be more outgoing. I would also go back and tell myself to start being more proactive and start getting my assignments done ahead of time because if you procrastinate in college you will soon become extremely over whelmed with the work load.

Rachel

1) Own your education and make it work for you. Up till now you have submitted to a process where others decided what books you would read and what subjects you would take. I want to tell you that college isn't like that, and in fact no one can look out for your educational needs better than you. So push your professors as much as you push yourself, ask questions, read everything, and don't be afraid because you can't fail if you honestly try. 2) Your favorite professors will be the ones you strongly dislike at first. They will push you hard and ask you to think in new ways. 3) Don't make excuses. If you mess up (and you will) a simple, sincere "I'm sorry" will do. 4) Value the people around you. Try to notice the things people are good at rather than the things they're not. Knowing how to work to people's strengths will help you as a manager in the future. 5) Be kind to yourself. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise. Breathe.

JESSICA

SAVE MONEY TO PAY FOR TIUTION. I NEED TO HAVE BETTER STUDYING PLANS

Rachel

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to listen to my heart and trust God. I battled back and forth between different schools, whether or not to play volleyball, and I struggled with what I wanted and what I thought everyone else wanted. As I look back on it now, I only wish I could tell myself that if I would just be patient, I would soon realize that God had a wonderful plan for me if only I would wait! The thing is, when I get stressed out and start trying to make decisions on my own, I tend to forget that God has already gone ahead of me and planned it all out for me, and all I have to do is trust in Him, and His plan will unfold right before me! So, if I could do it again, I'd tell myself that everything will turn out perfectly, even better than I could even hope for, so just wait!

Lindsey

Advice to self two years ago: Self determination and setting a long-term goal. As a high school senior you had seen a lot, since the beginning of high school you felt overwhelmed and worn out. Not necessarily because of the work, but because of your ever changing life around you. Come on, you moved every single year during your high school experience! You met amazing people, and learned some of the most important things about life. But it is nothing until you get to college. College translates into one meaning as a young adult..."Freedom." You know what freedom felt like early on, but nothing can prepare you mentally for the first two years as a college student. You have to be prolific in your college life. You will learn that setting your goals and showing self determination will get you far. College is a wakeup call alright, and it strives for you to make decisions on your own that WILL impact your future. People can tell you over and over till they are blue in the face, but if you don't actually do things yourself, it will never be done and you will never learn your priorities.

Cindy

The advice I'd give myself, is to chose the best college that supports my interest in my major to be studied in. Because you can never be too picky about the college that has your major. Also, to check how long they have been teaching your major. It is a key factor in your decision making about choosing the college of your choice. You wouldn't want to go to a university that has taught your major for two years, because then you wouldn't get the best educational learning experience.

Jessica

Please go visit the college before you make your decision. I knew my college was right for me when I walked in the door they knew my name, major, high school, and my parents name.. I felt like i was more that a number I was actually known in the thousands of people. I walk around campus and the administration know my name and will speak to you all the time.. That is how colleges should be. Just visit the school and see if you fit the campus.

Ashley

Tour several colleges and universities of your choice. Attend the place that best suits the student's wants and needs. Choose a school that offers a major that interests you. Be mindful that college is expensive, so try to choose a place that you can see yourself attending for the next few years. Once your college career starts, get involved in extra-curricular activities, whether it be Greek Life, clubs, organizations, study groups, student government, or sports. Although it may seem difficult at first, try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes the most unpredictable experiences lead to the best experiences and opportunities, and possibly lessons learned. Take advantage of the staff at places such as career services and tutoring services, besides your college tuition is paying for it whether you use it or not. Most of all, when choosing a college and beginning your college experience, remember that the next few years are what is preparing you for your future. Study, learn, meet new people, try new things, and have fun!

Paul

When choosing a college it is important to ask students on your visits about the pros and cons of the school you are visiting. Making sure that you ask for the bad parts of the school force s attending students to give you something compare with. Also visit the places on that campus that you will be using priamrilay!

Victoria

Some advice that i would give to parents and students about finding the right school would be follow theirheart. Plan to visit the college campuses you are interested in to see how you like the environment that you might be living in. find a school that provides all the things you need to succeed. once you have been accepted and you start college make the most of your college life by being involved in campus activities that are important and interesting to you but never let your social life take away from your education as that is the reason why you are in college. the most important thing is to have fun, don't stress, work hard and do your level best

Christopher

Students and parents my advice to you on choosing the "right" college for you would be as follows. Do your homework, select a school that will accommodate your indivdual needs. There are many schools out there and many of these schools tend to make great promises to incoming students. If you are an individual who does not do well in a large group enviroment, then research the smaller schools that fit your needs. Research the climate and visit 2 or 3 of these interested schools. Climate can definitely be an issue. Sometimes students from the south think thats it great to go to a school in the north, until they get there and have a difficult time adjusting to the weather, this also goes for the students from the north, summer in the south can at times be brutial.Also, take into consideration the distance away from your family, family support is extremely important. In conclusion, I suggest again to plan and research the right school for your academic, social, and financial needs.

Christopher

1. Be informed, vist a varitey of different schools before making ur decision. 2. Make sure u have or can have the money for college for ALL FOUR YEARS its horrible to see someone attend a university for 3 years and not afford to graduate 3. Research on and off campus activites to see if what your intrested in is avaible 4. Research a major being undecided is just a hassle 5. Find surrounding airports train stations etc. because you want it to be as easy as possible to make it home 6. Get out and do things make friends and memories, HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Daniel

Look into not just the school but the surrounding area ask the current students question about how they like the school, advisors will tell you the good things, only the studnets will tell you the bad. These things will help you better decide about the school, also think about the distance, I live 800 miles away from my home and it is expensive to travel back and forth, in the childs first year they are going to want to travel home more.

Ashley

My advice to students is to visit several colleges before you graduate from high school. Go on the internet and look up a college you are interested in and see what days they give tours and go to the college on one of those days and check them out. Inquire about professors for your interest major. Inquire about class sizes and the living situation. Also ask about scholarships, loans, and grants availiable. Don't just go and nod your head. Take part in what may possibly become your future life. Once you have chosen a college if your first semester or even your first year doesn't go well don't give up on college altogether. Look for different professors, look for a different living situation, look at the different opportunities the college offers. If all of that fails look at another college. Don't give up on college and potentially your life just because you have one rough year.

Kelly

Making the right decision for college is very tough, especially for the first time. During my college search, I knew exactly what I was looking for in a school. I wanted to play soccer and do my major, while saving some money. Three colleges, of the three that I applied to, accepted me. I knew money was an issue with my parents, so I picked the college that would best suite them, and my needs. It turns out that Methodist University was that pick. I couldn't have picked a better school. I'm able to do all of the things I want to do in college, while helping my parents out a little bit. So my advice to parents and students is to mind a medium. Both parents and students need to be able to agree on the college, especially if the parents will be on ones paying. If they can agree, then everyone is happy, and the student can do well with the transition and the parents can cope with the finacial part.

Josh

enjoy every minute and take nothing for granted

Shelly

Find the college that works for you. Visit the college multiple times if need be and meet the instructors. Buckle down and study hard and know that what you do in college today leads to the friendships and careers of tomorrow. Parents, support your kids and give them some space but still stay involved in their lives and grades. College can be an exciting experience but remember first and foremost, you are there to prepare for your future.

Treniece

Finding the right college is so important for everyone. It's important to know what school has a particular major and/or minor and what extra-curricular activities are available for more of a hands-on experience in the desired field. That, I think, is the easiest part. Making the most of one's college experience should be easy but honestly it is not. Every student wants to fit in or feel like they belong. He or she will get involved with a group of people, for some good and bad reasons. The most important thing is to find a group of friends that one has similar interests but at the same time remain focused on school and anything else he deems important ie religion, family, or work. Keeping a positive attitude each and everyday will only make things better for the student. There will be bad days, and of course good ones, but as long the student remembers why he or she is here, they can get pass the "in-crowd", peer pressure, and the bad roomate who gets up before 7 every morning...they will see the bigger picture and be happy with their daily choices.

Mark

You want to have a college that you feel comfortable to attend. Not everybody is meant to go to a D1 school and party all the time. During your time at school, be serious have some fun and enjoy your life. Make sure you talk with some of your future professors to get a better idea of what you may expect. Go to an orientation course and meets some of your future classmates and dont be shy about it. Try your best during high school so you can be accepted to as many schools as you can. After you are accepted visit these schools to see what they offer. Remember this, college tuition is just a number, and just becuase Harvard or Yale cost so much dosent mean they are the best schools. Their are great schools out there and I consider Methodist University to be one of them. It is a small school but offers so much more. That is what parents and students should be loking for, the hidden gems!

Courtney

Just follow your major and look mainly at the school that will be the best in that field. It will be so much easier to follow what you love to do then be stuck with something your never going to use ever again. Once you find that perfect school, everything else will fall in place and you will have the best college experience ever.

Lakeisha

I recommend making a visit to each college applied to.That makes a really big difference in the places,especially if you go during their school year,so you see what the class sizes are and how well students interact with each other. I also recommend doing research.Find out about the history,call a few staff members.Most colleges have a website with email addresses to people you can talk to and ask about life on campus and classes.Finding an upperclassmen with the same major as you're going for will help, and also talking with a professor that teaches for that major. Try to be involved as well.It's not much fun going to college just for studying.Being involved is fun,and it's great for your resume.

Staci

The best advice I could give a parent and a student is to realize what kind of person they are before they choose where to go to college. If the student is very independent and responsible, then they may want to look at going away for school right away. If they tend to be less independent or not so responsible, then maybe a school close to home would better suite them until they feel ready to do it on their own. Sometimes being close to home is the best recipe for success. It is also very wise to start deciding on what type of school the student may want to attend. If they are aware of what career they would like to pursue then that makes it very easy of what schools to start looking at. If the student, who is probably like the majority and has no idea, then visiting campuses is probably the best bet to finding one that fits just right. So again, the best advice would be to realize what kind of person the student is and tailor their choice of a school to fit them.