Missouri Southern State University Top Questions

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

Jemimah

I would tell myself to only take class that will apply to my major or minor. To get a job before going to college not after. This is so I would not have became overwhelm. Talk to all your teachers and see what they are looking for in you as a student. Plan all class work out and do work according to what is due first. To save money try not to buy new college book that you cannot sell back due to a new edition (do research). Take a break now and then, do not work all the time, and find time to just rest. It takes longer but if you do not have to take 12 hours do not. Take the light load to really absorb all classes. During summer and winter break take some time work on self-project related to your major.

Mariah

Every thing that you are stressing over right now is going to be pointless in a year. Everything you are doing is just right, and even if you think you're behind from everyone else, it doesn't matter. Life is not a competition. There isn't a finish line, no one is going to applaud your accomplishements accept for you. Treat every victory the same, it will humble you. Dance with that boy at prom, because looking back at it now I ruined a great night. Be nicer to Danielle. She's the only person in your life that loves you uncoditionally; a pure soul such as her doesn't come around too often in life so cherish her. Don't wear your sandals to graduation, they'll break halfway through the day and you'll end up walking barefoot across the stage to get your diploma. When Kayla text you in the middle of your fight, read the entire thing before you do anything stupid. Spend more time outside, and with your sisters, and your only little brother.

Viktoryia

Going back in time and imagining myself as a high school senior, I would not change much. I would advice myself to get involved with student activity on campus more and go camping with International students in the beginning of September. I would apply for the Honors program earlier, and will try to find as many possible ways to get scholarship as I only can.

Kayden

If I had the ability to give myself any advice about college, it would definitely be to make the most of every opportunity avaliable to me, and to give my all in terms of effort. My first year and a half or so were not the brightest moments of my academic career and, as a result, I'm now struggling to get myself up to where I need to be. I've had some great experiences with internships and hands-on work in my area, but it doesn't excuse my academically poor freshman year. Going along with that idea, I would also urge myself to really reconsider just what major I want to pursue; I began college as a Spanish major, but switched to Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and haven't looked back since. Indeed, college absolutely is the time to explore your inner self and allow yourself to bloom once you find that one true passion - I wish I had realized that and started out in the field that my heart really was set on instead of settling due to fear that I wasn't "smart" enough. I am now flourishing both as a student and an individual.

alexis

As soon as you graduate high school dont hesitate to start college that same year because its always good to because you can get a head start and would love the college life. Always remember to study and make sure you are determined and have a positie mind set.

Paul

This is a fun question. In retrospect, I can say that I have made some really great decisions in the last few years. My choice of institution(s) for higher education, my decision to get married and start a family, and the determination to begin a career in management are all choices I consider to be balanced and right given the circumstances. I don't think I would want to go back and sway my high school self or influence his decisions in any way. That being said, I think the most useful counsel I could have heard would have been, "Everything will work out". In hindsight, I don't think I would have appreciated spoilers from my future self, but the assurance that, come hell or high water, everything will be okay....that would have been most welcome information as I faced the anxiety of the collegiate transition.

Tia

Truthfully, high school seemed like a miniature zoo. My peers were either going to parties every weekend or not focused on school related activities. Many people were trying to fit in with the popular crowd rather than focusing on their future. College is another story; no one is fixated on appearances or materialistic things. Students are driven to become an accomplished graduate with a stable career. Tuition and fees can put students in debt for a lifetime. I would recommend that students clear their minds of the negativity of others, and focus on their personal goals. When a class assignment or test is difficult, make an attempt to find a resolution. The best thing to do is to ask an instructor for assistance. If the instructor is busy, there are practice questions and examples on the web. For example, some tutors post free videos on Youtube. Any goal can be achieved with determination. And continue to believe in your dreams not matter what people think.

Bethany

If I were to give my high-school-self advice for college, it would be to take more duel credit classes. Then I could come to my university of my choosing and dive right into the field I have chosen. I would have more time to take specific classes in my major. Because I did not do this and I took an easy first two semesters, I will be graduating in five years instead of the typical four. I also had to relearn all the stuff I had just excelled in in high school. The first years of basic classes were so boring to me; I almost gave up on college to find something more exciting. Maybe I would advise myself to try to graduate early and start grad school younger than everyone else. As for the transition, social life, and career choice, I wouldn't change a thing. I would never change the groups I got involved in and the friends I made. If there are two things I love most about college, its learning more math and the people I call my friends.

Michele

Don't be afraid to talk to people and make new friends. People at the school you are going to are nice. You should go to the new and old gym on campus more. Your paying for it why not use it. Join a club and stick with it. It could be a very great experience. When your last semester in college comes up relax and don't stress yourself out a lot because GOD will help you graduate. Join some of the community service projects the school has so that you can have fun helping people. Go to more of the college's planned activities. Like movies and student picknics. And go to more of the international themed fall semester activities every year. They are really fun to go to.

Jasmine

if i could go back in time when i was in high school what would i ask myself? well first thing first i dont regreat any of the chocices i have made since i gradutated from high school. I went to a commutity college right after high schoool and got my pharmacy tech. licenese, but knowing what i know now i would have went to a four year college stright out of high school. The reason being would have been for the exprices of living on my own, meeting new people as well. You should not take a break from school either just go stright thur to get it over with, and that way you will have more time to work and make your money instead of being in schoool all your life. Any type of education is good for everybody, becasue in todays world without education you cant get anywhere. But honestly other then that i think that would have been all the advice i would have given myself. Iam a very young but smart person and think with Gods help iam going to be all that i can be.

Angela

If i could go back and talk to myself in high school I would tell myself to go to collage right after graduation from high school. Dont ever go to a vocational school like the one i am attending now it is the biggest mistake that you could ever make .

shelly

Research prospective schools and careers. Do not assume someone else will do this for you. In high school learn about finances, bill paying, and saving money. Use the internet to search for scholarships and other forms of money for college other than student loans. Do not go to a college just because your friends are going. Make sure it is the right one for you. Be smart in your choices. Have fun in college but do not assume it is all fun and games. Respect your teachers, put forth the effort needed to succeed in college and in life. Your future depends on you and no one else. Your life if your responsiblilty , make it the best it can be. One final note, speak to your high school counselor as ask for advice on careers and colleges. Let him know your interests and form an alliance with him to help you on your journey out of high school and into college. Walk proudly across the graduation stage knowing you have a well planned college career ahead of you.

Morgan

Some of the biggest experiences I have had at my univeristy is the friends I have made. Life-long friends. The events students have and the ones the school provides on campus have been awesome. Tons of people out having fun. Also the teachers are great. They do there best to give you all the instuction and help you need to learn. They also attend events and will help outside there office hours. All and all I love my school. I live off campus and have a fulltime job but I spend my free time on campus. the environment is amazing.

Ryan

I attended college right out of high school and starting my second year I had to quit to return home and work as I was expecting a child. I needed to work to pay for my son. My son is now 3 and I want to set a good example for him, I feel as his father that I need to finish my education and show him that he can be proud of me some day. I want to have a good stable home for him. I have always wanted to be a teacher/coach. Despite what happens in your life you can still fullfill your goals and dreams and I want to do that for him and myself. A college education is a valuable asset to have, I don't want to be a blue collar worker the rest of my life. Working as a haul truck driver for the coal mine the past three years has proven to me that a college education is something worth having. I truly want to have the chance again to experience that and get my degree.

Brittny

I have enjoyed my first two years of college more than I every believed I could, and to believe it or not I didn’t even really party. College makes me actually feel like I am not wasting my time. In high school I felt like it was a waist of time, but just in the two year of me doing my core classes I feel like I know so much more. I can not wait until my next two years when I can take classes that pertain to my major. Also it has given me a sense of maturity I use to not have. I would greatly appreciate this scholarship so I will be able to further my education.

Mykael

Going to college has allowed me to expose myself to all the opportunities that exist for me. While I at first saw being required to take classes I wasn't particularly "interested" in as a burden, taking required curriculum courses (such as science, math, language arts, etc.) at this university has really been very beneficial to me. In hindsight, I am very glad that I was "forced" to take some of these classes. Because of taking them, I have discovered some fields of study I never would have given a second thought to are actually the ones that interest me the most. Besides the academic aspect of attending college, being a university student has also opened my eyes to the great social and cultural diversity that exists in our world. Growing up in a tiny, rural town in the heart of the United States, I was not exposed to much diversity. Going to college has given me a broader understanding and compassion for people who are different than me. I am so glad I chose to go to college. I have learned so much more here than can be learned by reading a textbook.

Kortley

Although I have always been pretty familiar with who I truly am, college has really let me know my values and what I look for in friends and even a significant other. College has allowed me to grow and become more independent, which was one thing I worried about prior to college. Since attending college, I find that I appreciate the smaller things; I love visiting my family and being able to take a deep breath of fresh air and know I have a constant support system. Through the classes I have taken, I have gained much broader views of the world and the people in it. My cultural views and opinions have changed for the good. I have been able to experience situations, good and bad, and work through them on my own by being better educated. Knowledge is something that nobody can take away and I am very thankful for that. College is clearing a path for my future that would not have been possible otherwise.

Andrea

By attending Missouri Southern first, instead of the school I to which I plan to transfer, I have met some great instructors and acquired valuable experience. The professors have helped me decide on my major and provided me with ample opportunites to learn about possible careers. Another benefit of MSSU is the scholarships they provided me, as well as helping me find an internship I wouldn't have known about otherwise. While MSSU is not perfect, it has helped me a lot in figuring out what I want to do with my future.

Lauren

The most important thing that I have learned from attending Missouri Southern is the fact that it is crucial to develop relationships with the people around you. You never know where life will take you and the people that you meet, may be a connection to a potential career path for you. Not only do you need to network with your peers, you need to network with professors, and guest speakers to the university. These people will be good references for you.

Todd

I would tell myself to not doubt myself. That was the biggest problem I had last year, I had an idea of what I wanted to do but was afraid to go for it. What I've learned this past year is to just go for what you beleive in and if you try your hardest and focus on what you want that goal is obtainable. I would also tell myself to live in the dorms to get the full college experience. Living at home has its advantages; however it caused alot of drama in my family this year because my family is handling the transition the wrong way and want to treat me like the baby they remember me as. For the most part though I think I handled this transition very wisely and wouldnt change much because I am doing great in my classes and am on the right path to Pharmacy or Medical School.

Harold

Learn as if I were to live forever.

Autumn

College is like a job. You work hard in life to get paid. To be able to provide for yourself and maybe someday for your family. Right now in this very moment it may not seem like much but your decision to go to school will benifit you. College will become a roll in your life that you will take on. It wont always be easy and it wont always be hard. Just remember that slow and steady wins the race. No matter what happens keep on pushing. Every step will always get you closer to the finish line. Another thing to remember is that in college there is never a stupid question that you will ask. There will always be someone that is willing to help you only if you seek the help. Treat yourself like a sponge and soak up all the information you truley want to seek. This step will become your life. So live in the moment, laugh at your mistakes, and love every opportunity that presents itself. Trust me you of all people owe to yourself.

Jordan

Listen, I know you think what your doing now won't affect you later, but it will. You need to get serious and start thinking about college. You're a smart kid and I know you can do a lot better than what you think will pass. Don't just survive, thrive. Go online and apply for scholarships like crazy, look for a voice-over or dubbing studio, and get accpeted into a good college. Do it, kid. Trust me.

Samantha

I would begin by telling myself that I just need to be me. In high school, it is sometimes difficult to be yourself, but once you get to college, people want to know the real you, not the fake one. I would also tell myself that all the hard work that you do in high school is worth it, even though it may not always seem that way. It makes classes much easier if you remember the basic knowledge you learned all through high school. I would say that getting to know more people and putting yourself out there is a big step to becoming successful in college. Start early, so when you have to become more personable in the future, it won't be a huge stressor. One of the points I would stress would be the fact that people need to follow their dreams. If you go to school to be something everyone else wants you to be, you won't be happy. There are so many opportunities to find a career you truly enjoy. Finally, I would say that people need to keep good realtionships with their family and friends. You will need a support system.

Megan

If I could go back and talk to younger Megan, as a high school senior, I would be able to inform myself of so many different ideas and concepts. I think the most important information I would tell myself would be to be myself; not to conform to other people or societies ideas of what a college student should be. College years are full of self discovery and a time of personal growth. However, it is really hard to grow in a conforming environment. If you do what makes you happy then you are doing the right thing (usually). I would tell myself of stories about trying to be a different person. But in the long run, when I just acted as me, I was much happier. I would also tell myself not to worry about the friends you might lose after high school. I lost friends over-time and over issues I?m not even aware of. But the lifelong college friends I made have already shown me what a true friend is, and it?s not about sleepovers or movie nights; friendship is deeper than social events.

Brennan

One thing that I would have done differently is take AP and colleges courses that my high school offered. It would have saved me a lot of time and money if I would have done that. Also, my study habits in college are alot better then they were in high school, so I probably would study harder in high school. If I would have taken things seriously in my senior year, I think that I would have a better look at what the world has to offer me instead of being satisfied with the simple things in life. Because of this new outlook, I am looking to do bigger things in the next few years and take advantage of what the world has to offer me.

Jerry

As a student of life at 42 years of age, and now trying to get back into school for a career change; I would tell my former self to stay in school.

Kenneth

First I would give myself the words of wisdom i.e. "Life is a puzzle. Experience teaches you to recognize the pieces and tells you what to do with them." Then I would tell myself to get a blackberry and schedule everything, to relax and enjoy the moments when I wasn't studying, and finally to take chances, life is about acting in the presence of fear. (This includes dating.)

Delia

Knowing what I know now, I would go back in time and urge myself to "Go to school now and get it out the way. There will be so many advances in education that there is no reason why you couldn't go back after your first degree and pursue another. Embrace college with a higher level of maturity and understanding. See past the partying and "good times" and look at the benefits way down the road. When you get past the age of 28, you would bee so close to achieving so many goals that you set for yourself. So take the plunge, get into college, embrace every good and bad moment because it helps you to become a great person and professional.

Devin

I would tell myself to really not mess around when it comes to enrolling for an upcoming semester. It's really frustrating to find out you missed out on a class that you wanted to take because you enrolled too late. I also would tell myself to not skip any class because it can become an easy habit that can mess up your grades. Another big point I would try to make would be to seek out my advisor as much as I could when making enrollment plans.

Katy

We all have things that we would change if we could go back. However, we can?t go back. We can?t change decisions we made or tell our past selves what to do. Let?s face it: every decision each of us has ever made has led us to the places we are today. It may be good or it may be bad but it has developed and shaped us into the people we are. When I originally saw the question, I had several responses such as wait until you get out of college to get married. There is the part of me that says yes you should have waited but then as I thought about it I realized that I in no way regret marrying my husband. Is life as a wife and student harder? Well of course it is. The truth is that things would have been easier if I had waited but the fact is I love my life. I am perfectly content with my situation. It may be a struggle but it is also a blessing. So my answer is if I could go back and talk to my high school self I wouldn?t.

Kathleen

I was never a high school senior. I quit school when I was in 9th grade due to personal reasons. I went back when I was around 22 and received my high school diploma. The advice that I would have given myself would be that you are going to have to prepare to work hard. College is not a popularity contest between students much like high school can be. You are an adult now and you need to be prepared to take on the responsibilites and challenges that you will face. Remember to do the best you can, give it 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, be prepared to make mistakes, just make sure that you learn from them and be grateful, always, for the privilege of being able to be in college.

Lindsey

Fisrt thing that I would reccommend would be to talk to students who are currently at the college that you are looking at. Ask questions about the professors, work load, dorm life, campus activities and off campus recreation. I would also encourage you to ask about clubs that the student may be interested in and try to attend one or two (if school is still in session) if possible, and meet the leaders of the club. This will give the new student some familiarity when school starts. Another thing to look for is obvious, Major. Make sure that the school has the proper recources for the students major interests. Take my school for example: we have very limited materials when it comes to computers, so any major that has to do with computer programming, media, design, or video editing has trouble excelling because the resources are not there. So make sure that the school has a good, strong program with motivated and caring professors for the degree that he or she seeks. Last of all, make sure it is what the student wants. It is his or her experience, career and life, so let them make the final decision.

Jacob

Make sure you or your students feel at home when going to visit the school. The atmosphere of the school is almost as important as the creditials the school has. To survive the school you need help from friends and faculty so make sure they are very friendly. Make sure that the school has the major your thinking of taking, but also another major you may be interested in just in case you change your mind. The biggest question to ask yourself is, "Can I succeed at this school?"

Leslie

You have to find the school that is the right fit; one that fits the student's personality and goals.

Benjamin

To the student: Let's face it here, you have only a vague idea of what you want to do or what you are capable of. You should have some subject that you do slightly better in or that you enjoy more therefore look for a school that has programs in whatever you are interested in. Bear in mind your financial limitations when selecting said school but look for one you desire to go to. Parents: Help your kids find a place that will offer them the best education that falls within your fiscal parameters.

Luke

I would encourage all students to search out a school that has exactly what they want. If they want to spend little money, they should go to the cheapest university that they can find. If they want a good education, they should go to the best school they can find. I would encourage students to search out schools that have a history of quality in the field that they are interested in. I would encourage students to travel far away from home to go to college in order that they might gain life experience. I would encourage students to read scholarship applications closely, and if students have any questions about scholarships they should call the university's office and have their questions answered.

Aubree

Finding the perfect college for you definitely starts with the college visit. Each college seems to be way different than the brochure portrays. Also, a college visit allows you to actually meet a lot of the people you will be spending atleast four years with. This way you can really see how friendly and helpful faculty and staff really are. Once you go on the college visit you will know whether it feels right for you or not. You also need to make sure the college you choose has all of the necessities you need such as: Turoring, on-campus housing, sororities/fraternities, and disability accomodations if needed. Using all of these steps, you should be able to find the perfect college to fit your needs and desires.

Kelly

Don't be afraid to be who you are and do what you want. Pick a college that reflects what you want others to see in you. Pick a place where you can be comfortable and succeed. Don't be afraid to talk with personal counselors, financial aid counselors, professors, advisors, and former and current students to learn more about the school from different perspectives. Pick a city that feels safe, fun, comfortable, and conducive to learning. To make the most of your college experience, it is important to make friends. They make good study partners, proof readers, comfort/support givers and often provide comic relief in stressful situations. They are your family away from home. Have school spirit...it's more fun that way. Be involved in the community both on campus and off campus. Volunteer and join clubs. Utilize all technology availabel to you. Be respectful to all faculty and staff. Be your own person...Don't plagiarize, sheat, lie, etc. Learn how to cook using only a toaster, microwave, spatula, and plate. Enjoy this time in your life...It goes by way too fast.

Susan

Start loking early and go to lots of schools for tours and visits to find one with the class size and atmosphere in which you wish to be involved.

Melissa

I would advise students to find a college that is closer to home, if it has the major(s) you are looking for. Living at home is not that big of a deal when you are in college. You are guarenteed a place to live and food to eat. It helps take away from the stress of having to work so much a week as well as doing course work. If you attend a smaller college, chances are the classes will have fewer people in them and as a student that means more interaction with the professor. A better relationship with the professor is good for you. You then aren't just another face in their classroom. They will answer your questions and are more than likely to have more office hours. Most professors will welcome you to come to their office with questions and will help you one on one. Also be sure to find time with friends and to do activities on campus. It will make your college experience more fun and enjoyable.

Samantha

Don't settle for less. Go where you want to go, and make sure you look at all the options. You want a good college experience, so you have to have the best place to make that happen.

Bethany

Be sure to weigh college and university options in terms of what matters to you most. If the cost is the most important thing, go for a cheaper tuition, but there are many opportunities that cannot be had later on in life. For example, studying abroad and learning languages and cultures. This is invaluable, especially in the ever increasingly globalized world we live in. Weigh your options in light of what kind of future you want to live in.

Mark

In todays age of technology and expensive institutions the mindset is the more you pay, the better the education. But what most parents dont look at is their own children. A persons education is only as good as the work you put into it, you can go to class, do half the assignments and still pull off college with a degree. Now in some cases your child may go into a medical field, then you will want to look at the medical programs that school has, but just because that school costs more doesn't mean its a better school for your child. Class size, professor availability, (for one on one counseling), and institution facilities should be the no. 1 factors in choosing a school. A degree doesn't say you now know how to do that specific job, it means you as a student put in the time and effort, and had the determination to finish school, anyone can enroll and drop out. But to have the discipline to go to class every day, do sports, jobs etc. means you will have the determination in the work force to contribute.

Cindy

Never settle on the first college you get accepted to or the college your friend is going to. Tour each college and find out what they are really about. Financial aid, housing, and social life is very important. Does your college have this for you? Make sure the college is offering everything you want in your college experience. College is not just about academics anymore. It's about meeting new people and discovering yourself. You get great opportunities to join clubs and play sports. Plus this is a chance to really get out on your own and live life. You will develop life-long friendships and learn how the real world is. Even if you are a parent going back to school it will open to eyes to how you can really better your family with everything college has to offer. College can be the greatest thing you did if you give it a full chance and have open eyes about it. You will never regret your college experience when you have your degree and something to be proud of.

Rebekah

Look for how friendly people are and how close the campus is. Also look for class options, like more than one class of the same thing with small or few classmates.

Alice

When you are looking at colleges you should look at more than one school even if you have a school in mind. This will help you find the positives and negatives to different kinds of colleges and campus styles. Once you have found a mixture of school and campus life that you like then you can focus on those types of schools. To make the most of the college experience you should make friends on campus that you can have study groups with and can encourage you when you are having a hard time in classes. You should also get to know your professors, because it will help make you more comfortable asking them for help if you know them. To really get the best experience work hard, but not so hard that you miss the fun part of the college experience, there is fun to college, sometimes you just have to take a break to see it.

Whitney

Dont stress out, it will be fine. I know what i wanted to do with my life when i started high school and it was easy for me. I heard that Missouri Southern State University was a great school one that alot of people really enjoyed going to and so it was my first pick and when i went for a visit i loved it. My brother on the other hand has no idea what he wants to do with his life and is the opposite from me, hes driving my mom crazy, but we have different ideas and wants for our life and different ways of finding them. So its going to be hard, but be patient because if you dont know what you want to do, or your son/daughter doesnt know, it will come to you and you will go okay thats it. Go to school, you will love college, its so much fun. If you dont know what you want to do when you get there then trust me it wont take you long to figure it out.

Colby

Location is a bigger deal than it seems. The attitude of a campus largely hinges on its affiliation with the city around it and that city's personality. A school can have lots of clubs and activities, but if the town around it is boring with no student-aimed businesses, most students will spend a lot of time in their dorms and depresssed. So much of what is learned in college is from getting away from home and becoming involved as a new member of a community. When you send your child to a city with opportunities - for the arts, for culture, for nightlife, for volunteer work, for entrepreneurial experiences - you will contribute to a great experience for your son/daughter, and you'll see them more enthusiastic about what they study.

Glenn

Be involved with everyhting that happens on campus. You will get lost if not. Pick the school that feels right to you.