Mississippi State University Top Questions

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

Bessie

Preparing yourself well for the future it's very important. Always study hard and do your very best, don't let anything or anyone discourage you. To live a productive life study and work hard, and to get what you want in life comes with a good education and well paying job.

Jonathan

Make sure to weigh all the options of school, including going to a community college or a junior college. You may know what you want to do, but sometimes things do not work out the way you want them to, so it would be wise to go to a lower level university over a major university first. There will still be plenty of options when you get done, and you will have a better understanding of what you want to do with your life instead of wasting time and money on a field you decide you do not enjoy.

Justice

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing I would tell myself is to keep God first in my life. He will help me get through any hard times and be my guidance. Another thing I would tell myself is to get in the habit of studying everyday for at least and hour or two. Studying and going to class plays a huge role in school when it comes to making a 3.0 or higher. I would also tell myself not to procrastinate on homework assignments because I will never know what inconvience may come up and effect whatever plans were made before hand. Don't stress over things too much, relax, have fun and enjoy college because college may be one of the best times in my life.

Richard

Go and meet as many people as you can, don't be shy. Don't skip classes and do your homework. College is going to be a lot of fun but you are there for school, don't forget that. The first year of classes are easy; use that to your advantage by getting great grades. Find a job and take care of your money, it will disappear before you can realize.

Christopher

I would tell myself to reconsider. Thus far, college has been rough partially because I feel like I chose to come to Mississippi State University for the wrong reasons. Last year as a senior I was adamant about not listening to a word my parents said about searching for colleges, so I picked a college I did not think they wanted me to go to. Right now, I strongly regret my decision to do this; however, the key to it is making the best of a bad situation. In regards to the transition to college, I would tell myself that while I may have all the time in the world to game and not do anything, I am still here to learn. One of the most important thing about college is the ultimate product, your degree. Furthermore, I would tell myself that no matter how much you get down feeling sick for home, everything could always be worse. I would give myself the advice to not lose sight of who I am because that identity is an important part of who I am in the world. Moreover, no matter how down in the dumps I get, always come back stronger.

ford

Slow down, enjoy your days. Realize that the choices you are making are honestly going to impact the direction of the rest of your life. Listen to your parents - they are not as disconnected or unrealistic as you are sure they are. Begin asking yourself questions about what you want for your life, and where you see yourself in 10 years. Ponder how you plan to get from point A to point B and then ask yourself if you are willing to do the work necessary. My hope is that you not only will realize it is worth it, but that you deserve it! You are an awesome individual and have tremendous potential (which is why your teachers were always riding you)! You can do and BE ANYTHING that you set your sights on. Don't be afraid if your goals and dreams scare you a little - if they don't then they aren't big enough. Cherish every moment as it comes and realize that with God and your family, you are off to an awesome life! I love you...

Kristina

If I could give myself any advice, it would be to get out there more. I would make more friends and reach out to meet new people more than I did in the beginning.

Billy

While I have been in college for two years now, I have thought about what I would tell myself if I could go back in time. There are two things I would tell my former self, and the first thing I would say is to start taking my classes seriously from the get go. Coming from the background that I do, I am getting aid from Mississippi to help me pay for college and in return I must keep a 3.0 grade point average. I never studied in high school and when I came up here I really didnt take it seriously until after my first semester in which I made below a 3.0 and since then I have had to learn to study twice as hard to keep my grants and aids. The second advice I would give myself is to be who I want to be and not to change to fit in. I tried out the fraternity life, I tried fitting in, but when it came to it I got out of it. I could not be myself there and now I could not be happier.

Ashley

If I could go back in time, my best advice would be well prepared and do not take anything lightly. Start a study program and learn how you study best at a young age and study a little bit everyday, therefore that way you will know the information and not have as much stress. Also, stick with the community college transition first to get ahead on academics and receive more scholarships for the Universities.

Emily

I would tell myself that Mississippi State was the place for me and to not stress out about it. I would also tell myself to look for more scholarships so college would be much more affordable.

Simone

There I am sitting in my bed as if i do not have homework. Why? Because I am toolazy to do it. I can always wake up early and do it in the morning or I could get the answers from someone else. There I am again, letting the days go by without starting on my project that was assigned a month ago. Tonight is the day before it is do. Now I am rushing trying to get it done because I procrastinated when I could have done it ahead of time so I could do my best. Once again here I am, lying in the bed staying up all night. Out of nowhere someone appears in my room. It was me. "I advise you to step your game up because college is not a joke," future me said. I replied, "I know." "You should start taking classes more seriously and stop procrastinating because it is only going to hurt you when you come to college. Plan ahead of time to get your work done so that you will not stress. And stop staying up all night because it is not healthy," future me explained.

Thomas

I played baseball all four years of high school, and I let it make life decisions for me. I chose to follow my dream of playing baseball instead of attending the school that I thought truly fit who I was. I have always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon, and looking back, I realize following your dream requires you to give up other things that you love. I would tell my high school self to chose the school where you want to be and the school where you can surround yourself with others who push you to be the best you can be. College is not high school. College is where you grow not only academically, but as a person. Sometimes you learn the hard way, and it is tough, but here you learn who YOU are. I have been fortunate enough to have incredible friends and family. College is fun and frustrating all at the same time, but it truly is an experience you can look at and tell just how much you have grown as a person. Enjoy it all. Strive to make a difference in someone else's life.

Anna

Apply for every scholorship you can. It seems like a waste of time, but anything will help. College is expensive, you can make it less so. Don't be afraid to say what you feel and do what you'd like, within reason, in a few months you will be so far away from all of these people that none of it will matter. Charish the "last times." The last fooball game is going to be emotional, the last yearbook class more so. Don't be afraid to show those feelings. Spend more time with the people you won't see until Christmas, spend less time questioning everything. Have fun, because you are about to finish the easiest part of your life. It's going to be a fun year, make sure it is a memorable one too.

Lauren

Your twenties are the years which you build the foundation for your life. Your source of happiness shouldn't come from other people. Learn to spend time alone and grow to love your own company. Quit focusing on your reputation... focus on your character. You'll make choices because you feel in your heart they are the right ones, don't concern yourself with the ideas of others. People often go to college because they HAVE to. Go to school to learn. When you're through learning, you are through. Keep your childish sense of wonder. If you go through life seriously, you'll be miserable. Sometimes it is hard to laugh when you're in a tough situation, but it'll always pass. Don't let your emotions overrule your head. Set goals, and write them down. Open up a retirement account, and save some of your earnings. Believe in something greater than yourself. The crystal balls in your life are your family, country and health. Everything else is a rubber ball. While juggling responsibilies do not forget which will shatter if they are dropped. And last but not least... gratitude is the most powerful feeling in the world.

Hannah

"Hey, you!" The girl sitting in the desk at the back of the room glances over at me and widens her eyes. She looks around the room and I see the panic rising. I walk over and sit beside her. She's uncomfortable, I can see it in her eyes. I would be to if I saw someone who looked like me walk in. I lean towards her and say "I'm here to help you." She ask, "With what?". I answer "College." She nods, "Okay?" I lean back, "As you can already tell I'm you. This is advice. You have to make a really high score on your ACT and apply for a bunch of scholarships. College is way to exspencie and you'll strugle through it and not have any fun. See your school counslor and get extra help for the ACT, she'll help you make a high score. It's really hard in collge. Not the work it's self but the cost of attendece is out the roof. You have to try your best." She nods and I stand, "Now I have to get to class. Be good." I turn and leave the room.

Matthew

I would tell myself to not slack off and apply for Georgetown University like I wanted to. I would also tell myself to apply for more scholarships and play basketball very hard to earn a full basketball scholarship to a great college. In addition, I would tell myself to take advantage of the opportunities that was given to me that year.

Katie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I think that I would have to tell myself to exercise as much as a can. In no way have a gained the “Freshman Fifteen”, but I feel as if I am seriously lacking in energy. During my freshman year at Mississippi State University, if I had an hour or more between classes during the day, I would spend the break napping. Even after classes were done for the day, I would go back to my room, take a nap, then wake up and do homework. I was averaging around 3 naps a day! I think that if I had started exercising before I got to college, I would have a routine that would help me develop reserves of energy and stamina.

Valerie

If I could go back in time and talk myself when I was a senior in high school I would definitely tell myself that paying attention to your GPA is crucial. Allowing yourself to have a high GPA in college opens up doors to plenty of programs that would help you succeed. Something else that I would tell myself would be that college life is about working hard and enjoying yourself. To enjoy yourself, it is wise to do work ahead of time which would help you not stress out when completing assignments last minute. The simple advice that would be given would go a long way.

Maria

If I could go back and talk to myself as high school senior I would tell myself to go to a university straight from high school. Knowing now how much longer it actually takes to transfer from a community college than speculated I would tell myself to go for it and not look back. The money you actually save going to a community college first, does not recompense for the time that could have been better spend getting farther along in my education. Not having to worry to try to compete with other people for classes at a community college especially with students that are not even serious about their education and end up dropping within the first two weeks of school. Actually going to a university gives you the full college experience of being in an environment where education is actually encouraged. Yes, going straight to a 4 year university costs way more than the transfer route. But there is no better investment than the one you can do for yourself, for a better future. In the long run the benefits of going straight to a university outweigh the cost.

Lynlee

It's okay to not know where you're going. Get an education while you can and don't lower your standards for anything.

kelli

When I was in high school I thought my parents hated me. They expected me to go to church, be in the school band, run cross country, make honor roll, and about everything else for which a teenager doesn't have time. I felt overwhelmed and that my parents expected too much. My senior year a university, that I did not want to attend, offered me a rull-ride athletic scholarship and my parents made me accept it. In turn, I rebelled. I stopped going to church, started dating some randomn guy I met, and ended up getting pregnant. Looking back, I can only see love and concern from my parents. If I could go back and hit myself over the head with a book to knock some sense in me, then I would. My advice to myself would be that my parents know much more about life's hardships than I do. Trust in them. I may feel that they are trying to ruin my life but all they are doing is trying to make sure I am prepared for whatever life throws at me. I love my parents.

mayra

do not procrastinate, do not leave anything to the last moment, read, study and meet and learn from the people around.

Mehgan

I wasn't ever a high school senior. I got my GED a month after my class graduated because I dropped out of high school the year before. If I could go back and talk to myself then, I would tell myself to try to stick to high school, but if I really had to get the GED to do it and get to college sooner. Not to wait years to go to college, the transition would have been so much easier. I would already be done by now if I could have had that advice!

Samantha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would always push myself to stay focused and never give up. I would always keep myself pushig to make the highest grades that I could. I would search for and apply for as many scholarships as I could.

Carla

Be yourself - give studies your best - take life one day at a time.

Katie

I believe I would tell myself to pay attention to the little details of academic life. As a high school senior, I never gave a thought about how I spent my money. It seemed like every other weekend I was going to the movies or out to eat with friends. Also, all the expensive shopping or birthday trips I went on. I could have used all of that money a lot more wisely for such things as school books. Another important thing I would tell myself is to develop better study habits. In college, cramming the night before and memorizing a paragraph of a textbook is not enough to guarantee a good grade. Another thing I did in high school was halfway listen to the teacher’s notes in class. That method is now obsolete. I think the most useful advice I could give myself is to keep a planner up to date. I have missed countless homework assignments, project due dates, and tutoring sessions because I forgot to write it down. The little details in life have to be my weakness.

Danielle

My advice is that you should make sure that everything you need to be able to receive what scholarships you need is done. Also you should not wait to go to college and do the best that you can.

Brittany

I would save money I made from working and spend more time focusing on school and less at work. Good grades are very important.

Tia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high sschool students, I would not be a continuing student at MSU. Since I been at MSU I have had a hard time adjusting to people and the new environment, but it has gotten better. So, I'm glad that I cannot go back into time because over the period of time that I have been here, I have gotten use to it. College life is all about being in a new environment, just having a new experience all together. The transiting to a different place can be hard, but it well worth it because you meet new people and get exposed to new and great opportunities that you are not able to get from a small town like Yazoo City. I would tell myself that and do not be afraid to make changes.

Kamri

I would advise myself to study hard and make positive decisions. I would encourage myself to apply to MSU, get involved, and find someone to mentor me at my home away from home. I would tell myself to make sure I am properly prepared, make sure I meet with advisors regularly and do my best. School can be rewarding and a bit scarey, how you handle it and prepare yourself makes the difference.

Carnecia

If I could go back in time as a Senior in High School, I would tell myself to take full advantage of the education that is being provided for us, and make wise decisions that will enable me to take on challenges both mental and physical. I would also establish a correlation between my expectations and have nothing less than a 3.6 GPA in school. I will dedicate more time to my studies, and prepare for a changing perspective on life. I will seek HIGHER asiparations, GREATER confidence, and BETTER opportunities for the future . I would be more comfortable with my work performance and strive for excellence. I would constantly remind myself that I can do anything I want if I put my mind too it, and I have to step out of F-finding A-answers I-in T-the H-heart.

Blakelee

So you're a senior, and you're kind of a big deal. Well, enjoy your days as the big dog on campus but they will be quickly coming to a close. College is right around the corner. It's either going to be an awesome opportunity or a bumpy ride, and the way it goes is all up to you. So, quick - decide what you want to do for the rest of your life NOW. Just kidding. It may seem overwhelming to try and pick one direction to take your life, but it really isn't about deciding what you will be doing until you retire. It's about choosing a home for your next four years, where you will learn, grown, and become the person you want to be. You should pick somewhere that you can make friends and get the best education you can for your money. Most of all, I want you to know that college is a new place for a new beginning. You can make it whatever you want it to be. Choose wisely, kiddo, and then give it all you've got.

Megan

I would tell myself to not stress about standing out from the crowd. What I realized in college is that being different is ''cool." Much bigger than any high school, college provides an atmosphere conducive to creativity and indivudiality. The people are very diverse, and they accept and appreciate those who are unique.

Dana

I would tell myself to start preparing for college by developing more consistent study habits. I would also inform myself of what subjects I will be taking for my curriculum so that I could register for classes that would broaden my knowledge on certain topics that will be reviewed in my college classes. I would began filling out scholarship applications as soon as possible, while also planning a four year budget for myself. I would include my tuition cost, living expenses, and other fees that might be required. I would tell myself to declare a major before graduating high school so I could shadow specific jobs and gain a better understanding of the major itself. I would explain to myself what is expected of me and give myself tips on how to be a successful college student.

Kayla

College will be the best years of your life. You will make a lot of great life time friends, try various new activites, and learn alot of interesting material. What ever you do, do not slack off in school. Keep your mind on your studies but try new actvities when you can. If you get in a bind in a class don't hestitate ask your professor for help-that what they are there for. Study hard. Enjoy special campus activites when they are offered since alot of tiem they are fun and have free food. Speaking of go to ever event you can with free food- I mean hey you dont have to pay for that meal if it is free. Most importantly know that college is an awesome experience, don't get discouraged when classes don't go your way. If you are having a discouraging day count on yoru new life long friends you will make. Your life will not be the same without there continual suport and encouragement.

Sarah

Do not go to a certain college because all your friends go there, go to a university that interests YOU.

Megan

From my college experience, I have received a personal and educational transformation. I am a dedicated student who always enjoys attending class. Throughout my college years, I have grown more fully in my education and love of learning. The faculty at MSU are engaging and always enjoy interacting with their students. They have helped guide me through my educational journey. As I have grown into an educated adult, my friends and professors at this university have helped me transform. The people I have met here have truely touched me and enhanced my learning environment. The atmosphere at MSU is inviting and invigorating, making it easy to learn and grow into a successful educated adult. I have had a wonderful time in college and look forward to the opportunities MSU will bring me. I definitely would not trade any experience MSU has given me during my four years here. As a future alumni, MSU has gained my loyalty and respect with their friendly attitude toward education. Hail State!

Jennifer

I have learned many new things about diversity and acceptance. I have also discovered what I truly want to do with my life. College has continued my development into the person that I am today and who I will be in the future. My attendance at Mississippi State University will help me accomplish my goals for my life. This is an invaluable experience that I would not trade for the world.

Kimber

College has brought me the chance to learn. To learn because I want to, not because I have to. People do not know how fortunate we are to have been given brains, something so powerful is the thing we neglect to use the most. I try to learn something new everyday so that my brain stays stimulated because if you do not use it you lose it. So much could be accomplished in the world today if people would just set their mind to it. When I earn my degree it will support me financially so that I can accomplish the goals I have set upon myself in life. I plan on graduating with my associate’s degree then transferring to UTSA for my bachelor’s. With my bachelor’s I will find a good career that best suites my profession. The day I graduate will be a remarkable day; to know that I did it all on my own would be great accomplishment. I am aware of the drudgery it is going to take, but I am willing to put forth the effort so that I can get it done.

Alicia

My college experience has definitely been a roller coaster experience. I transferred here from a small community college in the fall of 2009. I originally chose Mississippi State University because I wanted to be a veterinarian. I have decided not to take this route and I am currently pursuing a degree in biological sciences. This will be my second year away from home and on my own. It can be really hard at times, but I am learning to adapt. I have met a lot of new and exciting people and I thoroughly enjoy being here. My first semester was probably the easiest and I am learning that I have to take responsibility for my own actions. Classes are getting harder which is beginning to make me realize what my priorities should be. I have learned how to take care of myself and not to be so dependent on others. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience college life. If I had the chance to do it again I would.

Yesemi

I attend South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. College for me has been an amazing experince because it has always been a place where I know I will find poeple I can rely on for not only knowledge but for guidance and support. I have been attending this college since I was a High School Junior thanks to the ACE program. Not only was I able to get ahead of the game but because of these programs I was able to have someone give me the answeres and allow me to experience college before I got out of High School. It was a little push, that I believe most High School students need and this college is an amazing place to get it.

Britney

College has taught me a lot, since I am out of state I grew up a lot faster then most of my friends, you have to learn how to budget, and take care of yourself. You are no longer sheltered by your home town friends, or especially your family. Of course you will always have your family to lean upon. It also taught me to try new things and go outside of my comfort zone, you will never get anywhere in life if you stay where your at.

Katie

I have learned several things from the classroom and and from my collegues also and they have been a joy to learn from. I'm a better person because of the challenges that I have experienced. It has been an honor to attend this school because there are alot of people that would give anything to go to the school but because of financial circumstances they havent' been able to attend and therefore, I take my education serious and I am using all of my resources that are available to better myself for the present and the future.

Brandy

The most valuable thing I have gotten out of college is the lessons I have learned from making mistakes. Although academic wise I have done ok, from past mistakes i have learned i need to do my best . There were many user errors, and I have gone to schools that nuture laziness and pamper procrastination,and I fell right into the life of a slacker. After all the fun and partying, I have nothing. Now a young adult. I was lost. No jobs skills or a degree was a harsh reality. I fell on my face. I realize how essential these things are for us to succeed. Now, I'm on the path of greatness. I have a new school, new attitude, a new lease on life, and I can give all the thanks to my prior college experiences. With all the new things i have aquired, I can now put the knowledge I have to use, and become an educator myself.

Ashton

The most important thing I've learned during my college experience thus far has been that I am different. Not in a bad way, but I know I'm stand apart from everyone at this school. I am my own unique individual that has strengths and weaknesses different from everyone else. And that is why I love Mississippi State. This university has helped me grow as a person in so many ways. It showed me that I needed to study more than I thought I needed to. It introduced me to friends I would have never met otherwise, seeing as I am from out of state. It helped me appreciate other people's views and standpoints. Mississippi State is the school who takes the abilities of all its students, alumni, and faculty and creates a community of friendship and love. That's why I love Mississippi State. No matter where I am, I can always find a State fan, and they are always the nicest people you'll meet.

Hailey

I have attended East Mississippi for almost 2 years now after one more semester, I have gotten so many experiences of being at this college. Community College is must easier in a way but it's a different choice to go then to a University. It shows that college is the way to go. This school has prepared me to go to a University and contine my education further. It is very valuable to attend East Mississippi Community College because it's one of the top schools for Mortuary Science. They offer more different major choices like welding and nursing and more. I live in Louisiana and there isn't that many schools that offer Mortuary Science as one of their choices to major in. I'm so glad the school has made it easy for me to attend by having a block schedule, so I can work while I go to school. I would suggest EMCC to anyone to attend.

Durell

What I have gotten out of the college experience is the importance of being independent and self-motivated to get the job done. And to carry what I have learn with me in a future career. It is valuable to attend college to better yourself in life to be the best you can be know matter how hard the challenge may be. What I have learn most importantly in school and in life that is better to try and fail than to not try and fail. You should never give up on your dreams know matter how long it takes.

Amari

Through my college experience I have made new friends and matured as a person. I have truely learned responsibility and what it takes to succeed. I now know what it takes to be a professional and I will not stop until I reach my goal. It has been a pleasure meeting new people from different places and different countries. I feel like my collge experience has rounded me more as a person. I have been exposed to many positive things that will catapult me in the future.

Cameron

College has been a learning and growing experience. There have been many experiences that would not have been possible had I not been here. I have been able to explore career options and opportunities, making decisions with confidence. College has shown me that if I am willing to apply myself to the work set before me, that my future will be bright. The things my parents have told me are correct, and I now appreciate their guidance in a way I had not been able to understand before. I am not sure I would have realized this without having the experience of college. My college experience thus far has been valuable culturally, educationally, spiritually, and so many other ways that I have yet to realize. I look forward to the next two years to grow even more and become a productive member of society and our great nation.

Taylor

We are protected from the world our whole lives by our parents. During high school, we are sheltered from the responsibilities of being an adult. This shelter broke down for me in college as I was exposed to all kinds of knowledge. I had to learn how to be on my own. Yes, we have friends and professors, but I am not talking about being alone, I am talking about being on our own. Students have to bear the burdens that come with college: studying, getting up and going to class, eating well (sometimes making our own food), and getting up to go excercise. We have to start managing our own time, whereas before, our parents helped us by what we lovingly refer to as "nagging". Being on my my own and learning how to deal with it has to be my greatest college experience. College is a valuble experience because each person experiences college differently. My experience was life-changing, and I am not even finished, so I would definately say I am proud to be a college student.