Mississippi State University Top Questions

I have gotten a lot from my college experiences. I have met a lot of wonderful, different people. I have learned how to begin preparing myself for the real world after college. Mississippi State is simply great for a varity of different things.

My college experience has been incredibly valuable to me in countless ways. Mississippi State has been a family for me. It has provided a strong technical background that has prepared for my future graduate education. Also it has given a network of friends that I never thought I would attain. My undergraduate degree was in Civil Engineering, and the faculty has always been helpful in academic advising, job notification,s encouraging us to join professional societies, etc. In the classroom, my teachers always stressed practicality, so I will be able to take away a realistic idea of the Civil Engineering field. They also heavily stress integrity in all areas of life, and that will impact me for all my days. I praise God that I made the choice to go there, and that is one decision I will never regret. The friends I have from college will probably be the greatest friends I'll ever make, and I think I'll have those connections for the rest of my life. As a whole, the student body is very genuine, and I can't put in words what I have learned from simply observing my peers. My experience has been invaluable.

A few things that I have gotten out of my college experience are a stronger work ethic, renewed ambition, stronger self-esteem, and perserverance. For me, these things have made it valuable to attend Mississippi State University because I've learned not to underestimate the challenges in which I partake and that I should do my very best and then some no matter how trivial a task seems. By meeting all kinds of personalities on campus, from the warm to the surly, I've gotten a small-scale view of "the real world"; this has taught me to keep on being who I am by loving myself and bettering myself, even if others don't. I feel like all the life lessons I have learned on campus thus far will strengthen all other aspects and later experiences in my life.

Mississippi State University will be a leading public research university that is globally aware and involved, accessible and responsive to the many constituencies it serves, and fully integrated with the intellectual, social, and economic development of the state, while delivering excellent programs of teaching, research, and service.

The last year and a half that i have spent at Johnson County Community College has allowed me to grow, not only as a person, but as a student, too. I went into college with little organizational skills, poor study habits, and little desire to attend class. During my time at school i have become more orgainized, a better studier, and have obtained the drive to go to class everyday. College has allowed me to find who I am and decide what i really want to do with my life. After graduating I enrolled in college because it was what society says we should do when we get out of high school in order to live a fulfilling life, but I have learned that college is a place to learn and develope skills to help later in life.

I receive a better job with better pay. I met great people and learned how to be independent. You will learn a lot about yourself. I developed great people skills and social skills. If you can go to a college, you need to in order to be a productive person.

College is always a challege for me because nothing is easy in life. I have to continue to work hard to gain and reach my goals. During my setbacks I always encourage myself to do the very best you can and never give up. I gain a lot of education in just attending my classes and enteracting with the staff. It never fails when you don't apply yourself you dont' get the best results. My college years has taught me to grow up fast. And it has helped me so far to prepare for my future.

education is the cornerstone from which i make my life decisions, so, therefore, shouldn't i strive to obtain as much knowledge as i can? from my current college experience, i have gotten the determination i know i will need to make it all the way, and the motivation from my peers to never to give up. in my group, i am supposed to be the 'smart' one, and despite how much i hate this genralization, i must say that i humbly try to live up to it. college, so far, has been an invaluble part of my life, and i know that my future college experience will shape who i am to become tomorrow, and, because of this, i am responsible for it today; however rough times may get financially or stress-wise, i know that i must persist and overcome in order to rise above and try be a better person for it. it is only now, as a current student, that i can say or think or do anything about my future education, so why say and think and do all i can?

What I have learned from my college education is that in order to get any where in society you must have a degree and flexable to continue to elevate you education to a higher level. That is why I am going back to school to continue my education.

I have learned that college is about you and learning what you can improve on. The first semester I was not use to college and I messed up in some classes that I could have done better in but I learned from my mistakes. As a college student you have to do everything when your assigned and not miss class. Attending college has been valuable because I have figured out more about myself and what I can accomplish. I am more sure of what I want to do then I was as a high school senior.

I would tell myself to not get involved with the Greek life. I would have told myself to get involved with campus crusades and area churches.

Make sure that you remain focused and dedicate yourself to the upmost understanding of every school class that you go through. Though at times you ponder the use of some information from certain classes you will undoubtedly use it in any walk of life after graduation. The absorbtion, memorization, and understanding of concepts from every session you take here at Mississippi State University will put you in a position of awe by your peers and advisors that in time will put you ahead in the area of success and bring you closer to the field of learning and pride within ones self. Many people are confused when they first enter this university. They ask themselves where to go, what to do, how to become useful in life. Listen to the ones that tell you the possibilities and goals of becoming apart of the working field and excelling in everything that you do no matter where you go because of the important life lessons that are taught by your peers and teachers here at your uiversity. Take pride in your work and drive yourself to succeed by dedication and determination. The path starts anew here and takes your foward with college.

If I could go back in time, the advice I would give myself would have to be, making the decision to go to the school of my choice and majoring in the field that I wanted to go in. I would not let anyone choose the school and my major. I would give this advice to myself because, this is what happened to me. The university I am attending is not my first choice; to be honest, I did not plan on going to this school at all. I allowed some people to choose this school for me. Do not allow people to tell you where you should go or do, concerning your life or college. College is apart of finding yourself and your dreams. Do not allow anyone to make that decision for you because they are not living your life for you. Rather they are trying to live their life through you. If you allow someone to make that decision for you, you will only end up with regrets.

Don't worry about making mistakes. Attending a college prep school and living at home place a lot of pressure on you to succeed. Work hard and do your best to be sure, but don't fret over making small mistakes. They will happen, and the best thing to do about them is to learn from them and move on. Life away from home will be unregulated. While seemingly amazing at first, this comes with its own problems. You're going to have to learn to sit yourself down and work. No one will tell you to do so, and even if the homework isn't graded it should be done. Your friends will be your new lifeline. Sure, Mom and Dad are only a few nanoseconds away thanks to technology, but they're not experiencing what you're experiencing. They haven't been to college in years! Your friends are there with you, sharing every hardship and victory. Make them your new family, and enjoy what they bring to your life. Just remember to keep in touch with home, or they get angry. Your friends may be your new family, but the old family still counts.

After the transition from high school to the college life, the amount of self discipline and time management was different from anything I had ever experience. Knowing now what college classes and campus life are like, I would inform my high school self about the responsibilities of college compared to those of high school. College requires one to make sacrifices for school work, and to be open to other?s ideas and beliefs. The first year in college is especially difficult because moving away from home, away from friends, and to a new environment is stressful, especially if it is a school where no high school friends went. I would advise my high school self to relax and talk to people even if it?s the first time meeting them. I would also stress how important putting school work before extracurricular activities is in order to keep grades up and keep scholarships. Also, as one last word of encouragement, I would ask that my high school self not be afraid to show how smart or athletic he is because he is afraid someone may judge him. College is a place to make friends and grow.

The advice I would give myself would be to focus more on my work, connect more with the teachers, and do not be afraid to ask for help when I need it. I would also tell myself to concentrate on the things I want to accomplish in college, be more dedicated to b successful, and prepare myself for the long, challenging, hard work that will have to be done.

If I could go back and tell myself anything it would be to not take on so much at one time. Leave time to relax so that I wouldn't be so stressed. Also be opened to the new possibilities that college brings and be open to meeting new people. As well as opening myself to new situations. Look over the class material once a day at least for an hour. Be willing to meet other social groups and join social clubs. Be prepared for everyday things and make the best out of every situation. Also to take better care of myself that I woont get sick or my medical situation wont occur so often. Also to take and deep breath and accept the things that I am unable to change and continue to work hard.

College has taught me many things?not just academically. First, just because I was raised in a great home, with great parents, and learned to do things for myself, doesn't mean everybody else did. College is harder than high school ever was. I rarely studied and did great. Now, if I don't study, grades are not pretty! Nothing replaces a homemade meal and your home church. I love my college church and their college ministry, but there are some things my home church has perfected; I miss that. I was worried about making good, Christian friends. That has been the easiest thing I've done. I bonded with a great group of people--my BSU family group. They are pretty awesome. When used to sleeping in a queen bed, a twin just isn?t right. I almost rolled off every night for the first week. Nothing replaces the feeling of driving into your neighborhood after being gone for a while and know that you are loved, and a good meal is sure to follow. This is just indescribable. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but they never bother to tell you how hard it truly is.

If i could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself to take things more seriously and have a plan b always.

Make sure you stay close to your family because they will be your rock in a time of transition. I moved almost three hours away to go to college and it was lonely at first because only one or two people I knew also came here, and I wasn't very close to them. It took me a while to get plugged in, but it would have been easier had I talked with my family more and kept them in the loop. Also, I had to learn to be outgoing and just get out there and try new things. It was hard at first to meet new people and try new things because of the fear of rejection and the unknown. If I could give myself advice a few years ago, I would say trust yourself and your instincts. Jump out there and try new things, make new friends! You'll regret not doing it.

Time management is the most important thing in college. Be active and join clubs and meet differend people instead of the ones you hung out with in high school. Do community service and help out the surrounding community. Attend all sporting events, they are fun and its a great way to support your school and meet new people. Study and go to class.

If I could start my college carry over I would keep a few pieces of advice in mind. First of all, college work is a challenge. Several people I know, including myself, did not work hard through high school and still managed to make good grades. College is very different in that one cannot just sit in class and expect to pass. I wish I had works harder in high school to be more prepared for the workload I have now. Secondly, I wish I had learned better skills in time management. Without a parent to set a curfew or make one finish homework before he or she goes out, it was difficult to prioritize my obligations when there is so many events going on around campus. Finally, college life in general is stressful. I wish I had known to just relax and enjoy the change from home life to living on my own. Moving has given me a new social life and a new idea of who I am and who I want to become. I have finally accepted that college is a time for change and plan to experience this time in my life to its full potential.

I would have told myself to move out of my parents house so I would be able to receive financial aid. I wouldn't be strruggling like I am now. I would have somewhere quiet to live and study. Also, I would not have taken so many hours that I graduated from Jones County Junior College so early. I feel like I am losing the whole college experience because I am flying through my classes so quickly. Since I strive to make all As, I don't have time to go to the gym or get involved in campus organizations. If my living conditions were better I would be able to go to bed early and focus on my work when I am awake. That way I wouldn't struggle so much with my studies and have to spend double the time on them. I would be able to experience college.

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would prepare myself in budgeting my money better than I have. Advice that I would also give myself is to keep my academics ahead of all other things such as parties, and hanging out with friends.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would simply tell myself to expect to study in college. I never had to study during high school, so I assumed the same would go for college. I was wrong. Even though I have done well in college, I know that I could have done better my first semester of my freshman year if I had studied more. College events, recreational sports, student clubs, friends, parties, and just everyday college life kept me away from the real reason of going to college in the first place. I do not necessarily regret doing any activities, I still participate in as much as I can, but I do regret not spending an equal amount of time on homework and studying. Expecting the best out of every situation would also be good advice. To sum it up: work hard, don't procrastinate, and have fun at the same time!

If I was allowed to go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell myself to take thing seriously. I goofed around in high school and did not realize how hard college would actually be. I would tell myself to listen to my teachers and pay attention in class. If I would have payed attention in class, I would have learned how to study properly and made better grades. I would tell myself that winning the big game actually was not bigger than my school work. I focused on things I should not have in high school, things that did not help me prepare for college. Last, I would tell myself not to sweat the little things. There is not time in college to worry about the latest drama or the "he said she said" stuff. College is supposed to be the best years of our lives, and if you relax and get your homework accomplished, everything else will work its self out.

If I was capable to travel back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior i would inform myself of some tips for college. The main thing i would tell my self would be to take as many college credit classes as possible in high school. Having those basic core classes out of the way and already taken care of would have been wonderful. I did have some and I was greatly appreciative that i did that. But i would definately tell myself to take even more classes in high school that count towards college credits. Being able to look and your tentative class schedules, it is a great feeling to look and say, "Hey, I already took that class. I don't have to." That is one less class needed and more time avaiable to focus on the classes based for my major. If i could travel back in time, i absolutely would inform myself of the great advatange that is available to me at that time.

If I could go back to my senior year with the knowledge I have now, I would tell myself not to be worried about moving away from home, and that going back home almost every weekend is not the best idea. I would explain that I would endure consecutive sleepless nights and illness, but that it will pay off because hard work always does. Since my major is Architecture, I would tell myself to start reading books and researching famous architects who would inspire me. Involving the money issue, I would definitely tell myself to apply for more scholarships, quit going out to eat, and work more often. I would tell myself to do what I can to earn more money because the supplies and other expenses associated with my degree will become overwhelming. Overall, I would tell myself to smile more and stress less because even though college is difficult, each day only happens once; therefore, I should do my best to make the most of each day.

I would have asked my teachers to challenge me more and tried to have more experience in different areas I am interested in. I would also focus more on friendships instead of focusing solely on myself.

I would tell myself to manage my money because in college it goes fast. It always seems like there is a million things you have to buy. Another thing I would tell myself is to keep a planner on hand so that I can manage my time better. You tend to lose track of time around test time.

There are many things I wish I could go back and tell myself, as well as every other high school senior. I would tell myself that college is nothing that you think it will be. Your friends will change, but there will always be new and better friends. Not only will your friends change, you will too. You will have to become more responsible and manage your time better than you did in high school. Next, I would tell myself not to let anyone else make your decisions. Don't do things just because your roommate does them. Do not let anyone hold you back from what you set your mind to. Finally, I would tell myself to have fun. Stay up late with your friends watching movies or just walking around campus. Be spontaneous and do new things.

The most important advice I would give myself in making the transition towards college life would be to take what I learned as a student in high school to discipline myself to study hard, make the right moral decisions, respect those around you , and to never ever forget the two most important people who helped me become the person I am..My Parents! The decisions I made in life are a direct reflection on how I was raised and why the college life transiton will be an enjoyable experience. It's a lot like getting up in front of the class to give a speech, if you are prepared in life as you are in giving the speech, lifes changes come easier but being unprepared can lead to consequences. I will prepare myself and enjoy the transition!

The year is 2003. I will soon be departing from the friends and classmates that have seen me grow into a young adult, and I will soon start new relationships with those that will watch me evolve into a woman. I am becoming my own person, independent, free, and responsible. I am about to embark on a journey to the rest of my life. Prior to graduating I receive the following words of wisdom from a more experienced me, which has a major impact on my future college life. Extend your studies outside of what is in the text or lecture notes, as much knowledge can be gained from additional findings outside of what is presented in the classroom. Do more research on potential careers. Do not set your mind on only one career path, as there are numerous jobs that may meet your interest criteria. By doing so, you can make preparations preceding college enrollment to establish an appropriate background that can be applied to various fields, putting you on the same level with other students in your intended major. Lastly, keep an open mind, be opinionated and inquisitive, and most importantly do not be afraid of a challenge.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to take full advantage of the classes and available scholarships that my school has to offer. Don't wait till the last minute to apply for scholarships and even college. I would also tell myself to be selfish with the decision of where I wanted to go to school. I wouldn't let anyone, friends or family, influence my decision because this decision affects me for the rest of my life. I wish I would've done alot different to prepare for college, but luckily, everything worked out for me and I love where I am and what I'm doing.

Stop slacking. The grades you make now will greatly influence how much money you have during college. If you keep skipping Calculus, and not making A's like you can, you won't get scholarships, and you will have a harder time. Student loans can get you through school, but you will have to pay them back eventually. If you have a high GPA in high school, you can get scholarships - that means free money for doing good in school! High School may be easy and boring, but you must pay attention in College, and you must do the work teachers assign. Some work may seam tedious, but do it and get it done, then you can go play and goof off. Your GPA is incredibly important, something I didn't beleive when I was your age. Do what it takes to maintain at least a 3.5. Its not hard, but you have to put in the hours. The rewards in the end will be well worth it - a good job, money, and stuff.

I would say just be yourself and help whoever needs help. Work hard in all your classes and study everyday. When the opportunity comes to help out the environment or make a friend, jump on it in a heartbeat. You only go through college once, make the best of it, but most of all just be yourself.

Get ready to really study! This is one of the best places to be and will be one of the greatest experiances you will ever have.

I would tell myself to take the ACT more than once to get a better scholarship and start out as a communication major instead of engineering.

If I could go back in time and give my pre-Mississippi State University any advice, it would be to really get involved in all of the campus activities as soon as possible. As a freshman, I was invovled in some activities, but I realize now that there are so many wonderful and exciting things that I missed out on the first time around. Now that I'm a senior, I often reflect on my time here at Mississippi State, and I realize that I was a little overwhelmed by the whole situation, by getting out of my parents house and making big decisions, that I turned down opportunities that now I wish I had explored. I wish I had taken part in the Day One community service program that aims to get new freshmen involved in working in the community. I wish I had applied to work at The Reflector, the campus newspaper. I'm glad for the activities in which I did get involved. I'm glad that I joined the BSU and was able to meet students that would help me grow here. I would give myself this advice: don't take this experience for granted.

I would definitely encourage myself to get involved as a freshman. Don't wait until you feel comfortable because college is never about sticking to a comfort zone. If you don't stick your neck out, if you don't try to give back to the college, your experience is going to be less than what you deserve. Change can be a scary thing, but have courage and faith in who you are as a person and change becomes exciting. Lastly, never, EVER, EVER, forget who you are, who you represent, and who you want to be in the future. College is a time where you make your own decisions and mom and dad aren't around to protect you anymore. Therefore, bad choices are always knocking at your front door. You'll be able to stand up for yourself and make an impact on your campus if you don't give in to the peer pressure and bad choices that are presented to you. GO STATE AND GO DAWGS!!!

I would advise myself to save, save, and save, college expenses are no joke. Also to stay focused and be prepared.

Going to college is a challenge and it can be very expensive so save money

The advice I would give myself would have to be, learn a lot but know how to live your life to the fullest. You never know when it might be taken away from you. I have taken a lot of things for granted in my life since I have been in college. If i knew then what I know now, I would definitely be a different person. I would learn how to love unconditionally, learn everything that is possible to learn and just be myself and not worry about all the little things in life that won't matter in another lifetime.

I would tell myself that I did a good job preparing. I would have studied more in Chem. and the other science classes.

Stay focused on work, slacking is not acceptable.

I think I would encourage my high school self to develop better study skills. Studying for classes in college is a lot different from studying in high school. You have to put a lot more effort into studying for classes in college as the instructors do not give the extra credit work, re-teach if you are the only one who does not understand, etc. You have to find the resources to help yourself succeed. You also have to learn to advocate for yourself, since mom and dad are not there to do it for you.

The best advice that a high school senior can receive would be to always work hard. College is a lot different from high school, professors are not going to baby you or assume that you need help. We are now young adults who have to ask for assistance and take the time to listen in class and study. Your mom will no longer be there to wake you up for school, it is now up to you to decide whether or not you will go. The most important thing to remember when going to college is that you are there to get an education first and no extra-curricular should interfere with that goal. Always remember to utilize all resources available on campus the career center, the tutoring center, and your peers.

Get focused. You need to start buckling down now and learn how to study before it all comes back to you and hits you in the face.

I've always thought about what went through my head as a senior; I was lucky enough to have people older than me who helped me adjust before my freshmen year. I would tell myself that the best thing you for you to be in yourself and never give up on the reason why you came to this college in the first place. It gets extremely stressful but you have to remain focused and remember how proud your family will be of you. College is a place where your dreams can come true; where you make a future. In the end I would remind myself of how much support I have and all the chances that I can make out of college. Just keep dreaming that same dream I have had since I was a kid.

Apply everywhere you even think you want to attend. Take tours of each campus and find out which one is right for you. Do not rely on sports loyalty or whether or not the University is a "party school" or not. FInd out the statistics on graduation and acceptance into your career of choice. After choosing your college, try to make friends! Facebook and other networking services have groups for students that are attending the same University. It's easy to make friends, and it makes Freshman year that much smoother. The most important thing about the college experience is going to class. Good class attendence and making an effort at the homework are two ways to ensure a high grade in classes. Making an A doesn't require as much effort as many think, and you can have fun while making the best grades! The key is good time management and proper study habits. These four years will go by so fast, and they'll never happen again, so make them worthwhile!