Mississippi University for Women Top Questions

If I could go back I would want to tell myself how beautiful I was, inside and out. After struggling with my self-image throughout high school, I made a lot of bad decisions in college so that guys would look at me. I never thought I was pretty, I was always overweight, but worst of all I believed that I didn't deserve to be loved. With this mindset, I put myself in a horrific situation by trusting someone I shouldn't have. I was raped my freshman year of college and because of this I went into a deep depression. If it weren't for the love and adoration of my mother who constantly reminded me how much I mattered to this world, I don't know where I'd be today. She also sent me into the kitchen, which helped me discover my passion for cooking. Cooking taught me how I could make something that was dirty and ugly into a beautiful piece of art. So whenever I feel worthless, I go into the kitchen and remind myself that I am beautiful just like the dishes I create.

I would tell myself to be more confident in myself. I knew I was very well capable of being successful but I think having so many nerves about the transition caused me to have less confidence in myself than what I should have when I first began. I would also tell myself to take every opportunity available to get involved with my college and fellow students. Friends made in college are genuine and friends that will be lifelong friends. There are always so many different events and activities that colleges offer and sometimes it is good to take a break from studying so hard and working so hard on school work and just relax and have fun with other college students.

In high school, I was among the top two percent who graduated with honors and with a high GPA compared to the rest of my class. (My class consisted of only fifty four students and only about fifty students graduated). During high school, I was enrolled in AP (Advanced Placement) classes and I thought the work was hard and even sometimes amusing. Even though I was considered "smart" in high school and I earned a 3.5 GPA, I know, compared to the school work that I'm doing now, I could have worked harder at studying, completing, and passing the school work and exams that I had in high school. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS and to NEVER SELL MYSELF SHORT. I would tell myself to go above and beyond and do exceedingly more than I would normally do because, in the end, it will pay off. As far as having a "social" life in high school, I would remind myself to never make having "fun" a top priority.

I would tell myself to have confidence in who I am. I have alopecia, and I used to wear hats to cover it up. I would tell myself that everyone knows I don’t have hair, so why does it matter? Love yourself and what you look like. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Be proud of it! I would also probably rip that stupid hat off of my head and throw it away. I could have gone without them the whole four years instead of just the last one. I would also tell myself to get involved in everything; talk to everyone and make friends right away. Don’t be shy. I would remind myself that I am the one who got me to where I am; keep on believing in yourself and motivating yourself to do great things. Do you what you love to do and stand for what you believe in, even if you’re alone. I would say that the first few weeks are the hardest, because you’re away from family and friends you had in high school; give it time and you’ll have plenty of new friends.

I have realized certain personal things about myself as a soul and as an academic throughout my time spent at MUW. It is valuable to attend college because you must be immersed in a simulated "real world" if you are going to make it in the actual real world. College is a simulation of the real world; there are dead lines to meet, people to please, and there is time to balance. You must learn to do all of these things efficiently, and if you complete a degree at your respective college, then you will most likely be able to make it in the real world, providing you find a job in the current economic situation the U.S. finds itself in. I feel like I have grown as a person throughout my time at this school, and if I could spend all my life as an academic, I surely would commit myself to it.

I would tell myself to live on campus for a year, and I would also advise myself to go to a 4-year university first instead of community college. Get involved in all the activities I am really interested in and take on more leadership roles for the experience.

I would tell myself to not worry about the price of the school as much. As far as public schools, you do get what you pay for. Look better into the department, and don't just worry about the traditions of the school. Things change, and some departments get better treatment during times when the funding is cut. Interview the schools while they are interviewing you. Look at the classroom, labs and anything else to make sure that the department has funding. Also, I would tell myself to be more assertive and self-confident. Don't assume you can't afford something, there are programs out there for me. Community college is a good idea, I would tell myself to stick with it the first time around so I don't fail out and have to become one of the underemployeed workforce for several years. The time helped me grow up, but it would of course have been nice if I had grown up before then. Don't be afraid of work, and don't stress little things. I have the power to solve any problem that comes my way, and I need to remember that.

I would most definitely tell myself to learn better study skills! I was a straight A student in high school without having to do much studying. I was almost always exempt from taking my exams, and when I got to college, I had a hard time learning how to study. After being out of college for 10 years and going back at an older age, I have matured and learned better study habits.

The advice that I would give myself would be to complete more schoalrship applications. Now that I know what to do, It's too late. I wish I was able to talk to myself. Things would have been totally different.

First, where is this time machine? Can I play with it? Second, I might pre-warn myself that the future me is coming back to talk to past me because the past me is quite jumpy. However, when I calmed down enough, I would tell the past me that people in college are not what they appear to be. The people that were riddiculed in high school will still be riddiculed in college. Don't let people bull crap you into believing otherwise. But at the same time, people can surprise you. Genuine people (who truly know who they are) make the best friends because they will be upfront with you. Always. Allow your heart to be broken. Don't be so shy. Experience the time you have with as much ferocity as possible because, even though these may not be the best years of your life like others would have you to believe, they are defining to your character. Make a difference. Smile often. Let the small things go. And above all, remember to never do anything that you would be ashamed of your mother finding out about because, make no mistake, she WILL find out.

I would give the students this advice, choose the best college for you, the college that supports your major and no the college that all your friends are goin to. Choose the college that is accredited an dyou will be successful. The best choice for you is to do what's best for you.

don't force a child to go directly into college from high school. I am an older student and am doing much better, grade wise, because I've settled down and can focus on school now. If a child is not self-motivated in high school then college should wait.

The best advice I could give to parents/potential students would be that Mississppi University for Women has made the transition to a university from a high school flow so smoothly. The classes are small and even though the work is college level, you are not threatened by a huge class where the professor does not even know your name. At MUW, social clubs are a big part of the campus. The Stark Recreation Center is full of exercise equipment for those looking to get in shape or maintain their weight and is also filled with fun recreational sports like basketball. I would recommend MUW to anyone who was looking for a good school. I've made great life long friends here and the professors have taught me well so far and will work with me if I'm struggling. This is a great school to consider for anyone, no matter the major.

Your academics are important. Find a great college that focuses on that and getting you prepared for your career after school. It's also important to find a place where you feel at home. It's vital to be happy and feel welcome while you're getting your education.

I would tell parents and students to keep an open mind. You are not always going to end up at your first choice school, and even if you do, you might not love it quite as much as you thought you would. Visit as many schools as you can, and go with your gut feeling. As silly as it sounds, I knew the second I stepped foot on the W's campus that that was where I wanted to be. And I was right. I get frustrated at times, but I would not trade my experience here for the world. As for making the most of your college experience, try new things. Something you never would have given the time of day in high school may be exactly where you find your niche in college. Do not close your mind to any new activity until you yourself have tried it. Study hard, but do not forget to have fun. You only have this experience once in your life. Make memories to tell your grandkids years from now, memories enough to write a novel. If you get through school, and all you have is a degree, it was not worth it.

I would say pick a college/university that best fits you. Visit the college/university several times, try to get to know some of the students, falculty and staff, observe a couple of classes, and see what financial assistance is available. Then pick the one that is right for you . Make the most out of your college experience by balancing the work load and social activity. Too much of either one is not good for you. Don't overload yourself with too many classes especially your first semester take time to learn how to study and learn what the professors want from you because they are all different. Seek help if you need it, don't skip class, and don't get behind in your work. Most of all make new friends, make good choices, study hard, and enjoy college life! It is very exciting!

College is a huge step in a person's life and should not be taken lightly. One should find a multitude of colleges that offer the field that he or she is interested in. Then mark out the ones that don't have the "right" price or my be too far away from home. Then visit the colleges that are left on the list and apply to the ones you feel are suited for you. Apply to your top choice first and then work your way down the list and wait to see what happens. After being accepted you then must make the most of your college experience. Always remember the reason you are at college is so that you may obtain an education. Yet that is not the only reason you are here. You are also here to make life long friends and learn how to live on your own. One way to do this is to get involved on campus. Join clubs and get involved in events that are hosted on and around campus. Make not only friends yet conections for your classes to come. College life is not all about studying, but about haveing an adventure.

Its okay to change your mind half way in. Who knows what they want to do when they are eighteen?

Visit the schools you are looking at. The one that you are meant to go to will just shine to you. I was afraid to chose the school I'm at now, and then I spent a weekend on campus living the college life, and I fell in love. It's my home now, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Parents and students, there is a secret in finding a college that meets the academic, social, and career goals for prospective students. Do you want to know what that secret is? Well? OK, here it is? According to Education Research Institute at UCLA, college freshmen seek: -Academic reputation -Job placement success -College size A good starting place is the location of the college. Is the college close enough to home? Being far away may not be the best choice for the newly independent college student. Size does matter. Research tells us a main cause of student dropouts is due to the lack or the ability to ?fit in.? Students from small high schools may have difficulty in large colleges. How approachable are the instructors? Not only does size matter, but also student support. Does the school offer student services, especially for new students who are adjusting to a new environment? Besides the academics, does the college have a variety of social activities that engage students to be a part of the ever changing world. Now, you know the secret. Visit the college campuses to get a good feel for the environment, and then go and share your secret about college.

My advice to parents and students would be to visit schools on non orientation and non college days. I believe that OL leaders and staff put on a new face on these days to of course get the students to come to that university. I visited a few times on days where no activities were planned and i fell in love with this school i attend. I knew on my second visit that MUW was my school of choice. Making the most of college is simple. GET INVOLVED. i took three years off school and coming back now and getting involved has really opened me up to many new ideas and diversity. Orginizations are a great way to enchance your college experience and the more you are involved with the better your college experience will be