Millsaps College Top Questions

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

Zoey

Don't worry about what everyone else thinks of you. In high school although I proformed rather well academically, earning honors every quarter and making it into the national honor society whilst taking all accelerated and AP courses, I didn't allow myself to revel in those accomplishments. They didn't feel like enough- I was so worried about whatever one else thought of how I looked, how I dressed, how I spoke that I didn't appreciate the fact that was a gifted student. I would tell myself that my personal accomplishments, accomplishments I worked very hard for, weren't enough. If I could go back to my first day of my senior year I would urge myself to enjoy it. Senior year is the culmination of twelve years of grade school and it shows you the direct results of all your hard work (end of the year honors, college acceptances, getting to look over letters of recommendation) and it's a very important and exciting time in an individual's life and I didn't allow myself to revel in the experience.

Vanessa

I would definitely just tell myself not to freak out as much about every little thing. Sure the transition to college is immensly stressful, but there will always be people there to help you along the way. Also, don't convince yourself that you're the only one who doesn't know what's going on during the first couple of days of college. Chances are most people are just as clueless as you and don't already have friends on campus, some people just do a better job of hiding it than others. Lastly, I would tell myself to not be afraid of a little change. Whether you like it or not, college is going to be a lot different than high school so there's no use fighting the change. Instead, embrace it. Go with the flow, talk to lots of different people, join a lot of clubs (you can always quit them later if you don't end up enjoying them), and get to know your professors as much as you can!! This will help you a whole lot in the long run.

David

If I were allowed to give myself advice on how to make the transition to college, I would definitely tell myself very helpful tips about how the educational system is completely different to the reguar high schools. First off, the classes may be either much longer or much shorter but the work will always be more difficult. Studying and taking in as much as you can is the key to college because of the classes expecting so much out of you. It's pretty simple to keep a good GPA as long as you do your work. Being an average student will actually keep a 3.0 if all goes well. Choosing the right classes is also an important factor because some may waste their time with classes that are not necessary for their majors. Try to always have atleast one person that you can talk to in each class so that you can have someone to help you in case you do not understand something. Overall, the best decision you can make is to simply take all of the classes very seriously and never let your grade drop so that you can achieve some thing great in life.

Joshua

I would tell my high school senior self that I really need to explore the things I like to devote time and energy to. I would pursue that particular area of thought through college education in order to receive a degree in that field. I'd tell myself to really devote more energy and mind-power to my high school education and take it very seriously. I'd explain how the work I did during the summer leading up to my Freshman year of college is intended to gather as much funds for college expenses. Since I would have followed previous advice and have entered college to pursue a field that I'm interested in, I would have the drive and motivation to devote all of my time, energy, and resources to my college career. I would understand, as I do presently, that my time should be centered on spending energy on studying, schoolwork, and really wanting to explore the education that I'm receiving from my classes in college. In conclusion, this advice would ultimately come from the true desire for knowledge, and yearning to learn and pursue my dream work, that my present-day self is currently experiencing.

Alexandria

Congradulations on graduating! You will definitely miss high school. College is really hard, so pay attention in the classes you have left. Practice writing a lot and make sure you take note of everything you use on a daily basis. If you're going to live on campus, you need all the comforts of home in order to feel welcome at college. You may not get the best roommate in the world, but you can always switch rooms with someone. There is still going to be drama and people in your business, but don't give up. You will make friends, there will be a lot of peer pressure, and yes, the cafeteria food progressively gets worse. Don't worry. You can make it.

Melinda

Of the three semesters of college that I have experienced so far, I have gained a new idea of college. Before I began my first year, college was just a way to get me where I wanted to go, the Peace Corps. I had my fears when I stepped onto campus, but I was open-minded and receptive. Once classes were in full swing, I realized this was my opportunity to really learn. After being forced to attend school for so long, since I was 5 years old, the learning experience was really in my hands now. I could learn what I wanted and the expanse of my mind was my only limit. In this short period of time, only a year and a half, I have found a new perspective. I am being afforded with knowledge for which I have been unknowingly thirsting for years! The trough of knowledge is laid out for me, and all I have to do is lap it up. Now I know when I walk off this campus, I will have the experience and the knowledge to be an effective volunteer in the Peace Corps and a successful adult in my field.

Jeffrey

College has taught me to be self modivated and organized. As well as how to meet deadlines. College has also taught me how to get through stressfull times because coleege is always stressfull.

Courtney

My journey at Millsaps started off rocky because my focus was directed more towards having the neccessary funds to remain at this school. Sadly, my grades slipped which was depressing to say the least. In the process, I discovered a personal strength; I do not accept defeat and I am not afraid of a challenge. Success does not come easy and Millsaps has taught me that. It is in my heart to work in Obstetrics as a way to give prenatal services to underprivileged, rural areas in Mississippi who do not have the services needed to have healthy babies and to provide services to improve women's overall health in MS rural areas. Millsaps has strengthen my desire to give back in ways not yet know. I am more focused than ever because older and future generations depend on it. My school is not perfect but I am so thankful for the reason that brought me here: community service. Ultimately, we are responsible to each others well being; my life goal is to do what I can to better someone else's situation. I thank Zinch for the opportunity to apply for scholarship!

Jordan

The diversity of Millsaps is probably why it is so valuable to attend. Being able to listen to so many different people's opinions from different backgrounds has really changed my view of problem solving.

Mary

To go back in time and talk to myself at the high school senior, I would give myself the advice to maintain a balanced life throughout college and the transition. High school is all about the balance between friends, family, academics, athletics, faith, relationships, etc. If students in college continued using the time-mangagement skills to balance their life as they did in high school, the transisiton would be much smoother.

Gabrielle

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important piece of advice would be to trust myself. I remember the difficulty I had in making choices and in considering the ins and outs of various schools, and for me, what the whole decision truly boiled down to was my confidence in myself and trust that my path would feel right when I encountered it. Now, I am not advocating that one should sit back and do nothing at all, expecting your dream school opportunity to fall into your lap - no, that is not how it works. You have to hussle, you must push yourself, you must take advantage of any and all opportunities that come available during your application and search process. However, I strongly advise that you pay attention to your gut instincts when choosing a college; stress as little as possible and trust that out of all those possibilities in front of you, the correct opportunity will present itself when the time arrives. After all, college is a process, but it only begins when you truly accept that you're ready to have faith in yourself.

John

I would tell myself to prepare to study much more than I could have ever dreamed of in high school. I would explain to my younger self how to study and how much to expect to study. I would also tell myself to be ready to spend long amount of times studying and to prepare for long nights working with differents types of people on projects.

Pandora

I would tell myself to recognize that Millsaps is nothing like high school. I would tell myself that although I am going to college to have new experiences and to widen my horizons that I should never loose focus at Millsaps, because the courseload can be overwhelming at times. I would remind myself that alhough the transition will be hard at first, it is only temporary and that great things will come my way.

ginsie

first and foremost, not to worry. i was too nervous about college as a high school senior to really enjoy the time i had left with my family and friends at home. since i go to school about 5 hours away from home, it is harder for me to go home as much as i would like, and therefore im not able to see my friends from home or my family as often as others are. i wish i had not made such a big deal out of going to college. i went to the same school, all the way from kindergarten to senior year, and so it was my first time starting at a 'new school'. i think i was too nervous and anxious the first couple of weeks of college to really enjoy them, and sometimes i wish i could go back and live them again, knowing everything would turn out fine.

Joshua

The best piece of advice I could possibly give to parents and students is financial and research-based. What I mean by this is that you should never consider money has a factor in pursuing that ideal education. There are scholarships available if you look in the right places and nothing can replace the education you always dreamed of. In order to be sure about a college the best way is to visit the colleges and think about the little things such as the campus,classes, food, and students. The attitude and demeanor of the students attending a college say a lot about that college. Like Ralph Waldo Emerson once said ; "Character is higher than intellect." One college may have more academic credentials or years under their belt, but the character of the school could still be severely underdeveloped. All of this advice is what I considered in selecting the college I currently attend.

Amy

I'm a huge advocate of campus visits! Parents, let your students get a real feel for the colleges they're considering. For me, college visits made all the difference in my final decision. Choose a place where you feel welcome, and where you can see yourself being happy the entire time you're there. Get to know upperclassmen and go to incoming Freshmen events. The more people you meet before you make your decision, the more people you can talk to to help make your decision easier.

Dwight

Know who you are! Go into college with confidence and expectancy to do great things. Get to know people who mean you well and if people don't like it, dont take it the wrong way, just keep on moving. If you go wanting to learn you will.

Griffin

Choose a college based on YOUR experience with the college and not someone elses. Try to take not only a formal visit to the college, but also an informal one, where you go and stay with a current student who shows you around. Campus tour guides can make any college seem like the best place in the world but a regular student will tell you like it is.

Ashley

When deciding upon a college, first it is important to create a list of attributes that you desire your potential college to possess. Once you have created the list and evaluated your academic capabilities and financial situation, it is time to start researching which colleges seem like a good fit. Once you have compiled a list of a few colleges, the most important thing is to VISIT each of them. One will never know the true atmosphere of a college without visiting. I believe after visiting, one will know where he or she belongs. In terms of making the most of the college experience, just be yourself! There is nothing like meeting people and showing them your true self and having them respond positively- it's called making real friends! Also, don't hesitate to try new things and take advantadge of everything your school will have to offer. College is a great period of time in an individual's life, live it up!

Charlotte

Visit several colleges! And start early! Only by walking on the campus, talking to students and professors, will you be able to feel if it's the right place for you. Before you narrow your list, it helps to visit large and small campuses to get a feeling of the type of school you would feel most comfortable attending. Weigh all the factors - distance, size, and cost, but remember that investing in a solid undergraduate education is the best investment you can make!

Ekaterina

I would tell them to let their kids spend the night at the colleges of their choice and start looking for schools earlier rather than later. Spending the night at a college can determine whether or not the school works for you. Also, apply Early Action - it is non-binding and it often gives more in-house opportunities for scholarships.

Abbott

Don't try to find a mold for your children, but rather allow them to find it themselves. I think too often parents push their children towards a certain educational environment, and towards a particular career when if they had no influence they would choose to pursue other endeavors, and go other places.

virginia

To high school students, i would advise you to start looking early. it never hurts to simply walk around a college campus in your area, just to get the feel of the atmosphere of the school. although your interests may change from when youre a freshman to when youre a senior in high school, it still helps to figure out what youre looking for or not looking for. also, dont think that you have to follow your friends or your boyfriend/girlfriend to wherever they go to school. they may not have the same interests in further education and career options as you do. wherever you end up going, youre going to be able to meet people who share the same interests or opinions or abilities as you. to parents of high school students, i would only say to support your son/daughter in any decision they make in colleges. whether its where they or what they want to study, its their time to explore other communities, ideas, and activities, as well as exploring themselves.

Ashley

First you need to decide what kind of school is right for you. I needed small classes and Millsaps was the perfect school for that, averaging about 7 students in higher level classes and 25 in lower level classes. Next, you need to fill out the FAFSA and send it to all the schools you are applying to. Then, apply, get everything turned in early and sit back and wait. It is a really fun time when the acceptance letters start rolling in.

Thomas

look a t yourself and then visit the school and pick the one the closet fit yourself.

Jennifer

The choice should be ultimately be the school that the student feels most comfortable at. It is easy to be discouraged from a particular place by tuition and living costs, but if the school is the right fit, it would be wrong for the student to go anywhere else.

Stephanie

While you're looking for a school be sure to explore all your options. Visit schools far away, close to home, huge, small, Liberal Arts colleges, state universities, ones with Greek life and ones without, campuses spread out all over the city and those contained in a defined area... how a school looks on paper might be very different from how you experience it once you're there, so get an idea of all the schools you might be interested in and then plan to stay the night and get to know the school and the people there. Once you are starting at your new college you have the opportunity to make a fresh start for youself, a feeling that can be both liberating and intimidating. Get involved and meet as many different kinds of people as you can. Take chances with classes, clubs, professors, and even parties that you might have never considered before. Definitely study abroad - the knowledge and experience you gain while away cannot be taught in a college classroom. Have fun and be careful not to OVER-commit yourself. Involvement is good but only if it adds to your sense of fulfillment, not to your stress.

Melanie

First off apply early;visit schools, spend a few nights; always stick with the first choice college.

Emily

Visit first while school is in session. Think if you could imagine yourself living there, or about where most of the people who go there come from. You make a lot of important connections in college that are valuable later on in life. Consider your ideal class size. Do you like the anomity of being lost in a crowd, or do you prefer the personal attention a smaller school can provide? Most of all, try to figure out if you will like it. If you don't, school can be a miserable and lonely experience.

Katie

Go where you feel comfortable. That's the biggest thing. If it doesn't feel like a place you are going to feel comfortable and happy keep looking! There is a school just right for you!

Kelly

I would tell them that always go where you want to go and where it feels like home because that is where you will pretty much live and grow for the next four to six years of your college caree. And always be yourself and do what make you feel good, so don't worry about what everyone else may say or do because in the end... You will ALWAYS be yourself!

Rachel

Overall, I'd tell parents to relax. This is the best time of your child's life. At first it is challanging because we are in a new enviroment and have to make new friends; however, it always works out. Choosing a college is a big deal. When I went off to college my first semester, I was very unhappy. The reason for this was because I was not at the right school. I transferred to Millsaps and this was the best choice I had made in a while. We all like to partying, but we have to get our work done. College is necessary to all kids. It teaches one how to live on their own and be responsible. Students you will have a great time and it will fly by. Good Luck.