Missouri State University-Springfield Top Questions

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

Kwe'Shonte

Being back as a highschool student, makings transitions of getting ready to go to college, i would tell myself to look into scholarship programs at my local community college. Resources and connections are all around you so find out as much as you can about college and what you would want to persue in before actually making decisions on your on about college. always stay ahead of the game even when you know your going to transfer always do your research on a typical school. talk to multiple counselors or advicers. Don't limit yourself when you can get more answers. always, always be prepared no matter what. Keep a positive mind and try to prepare yourself for a challenge because in the end your going to wish you had known or had some ideah about the situation coming. Never let anyone crush your courage because it will tempt everything in your brain as far as School, friends, church, family, career ect,.. to go downturn and it will be hard to get back up on your feet. Have fun in school never work too too hard in school so you missed out on the pint of the fun in school.

Ashley

If I could go back in time and tell myself as a senior in high school what college life is like I would. I would tell myself not to worry about leaving home for the first time because even though it seems hard, it is well worth it. I would also advise myself to really just focus on why you are really there in the first place, which is to study and learn many new and exciting things. Studying is the real reason that you are attending school in a different area. Don't be afraid to let your true self shine through to those around you. I would also say that you should have the experience of living with someone that you don't know from high school (even if they are your best friend). College is a great time to find yourself and to explore your interests. Get involved in your residence building as well as in your school and get to know your neighbors because you never know when you will be needing their help. Never forget who you really are and where you come from. Don't let others get you down. Have some fun too!

Christian

Christian you are a high school senior now preparing to take that next step in life. Now is the time to focus and know what you expect of your life and of yourself. Continuing your education is not defined as what your parents want from you but what they know you can be. However, what do you desire in your heart for yourself you must began to seek no matter the challenge. You can lose things in life however, the more you increase self-esteem and allow yourself to know that you are a powerful weapon against your defeat the futher you will be. so KEEP GOING! It may be scary knowing that you might be in a strange land without many love ones but, know never stop asking questions and if you have fear of going to college don't not go; go in fear and do it scared. Confidence comes with a opposing opponent but, if you can have fear you can be tried as gold and made confident not giving up easily. GET READY to challenge your character for the reward of your success. Love, Christian

Justin

If I could go back and time and give myself advice in hindsight, knowing how college is...I would say prepare prepare prepare. Fill out as many scholarships as possible. Start applying for internships asap. The most important thing that I would stress to myeslf is picking the right major. I would pound into myself to pick what I wanted to do, because I wanted to do it. Right now as a college senior with 120+ hours and two years left I created quite a problem by switching majors so many times. I listened to all the wrong people, telling me all the wrong things like that my job must make so much money, or that there have to be so many jobs available for me to take. What I should have heard is that you should pick what you want to do, and love what you do no matter how much it makes a year or where it takes you. That's the advice that I still give college freshman to this day so I would certainly pass that on to my 18-year old high school senior self.

Zachary

I would tell myself to enjoy my time in high school, with so little responsibility, and to use the time to really listen to my teachers and learn as much as possible. I would really focus on study skills and time management. Those classes that were offered that were to instruct students on how to use their time wisely, take notes, and study would have been very useful. I'm doing well, but I wish I wouldn't have had to learn some of those lessons the hard way. Also, I would have developed my writing skills more. I'm a fairly decent writer, but I certainly could use improvement, as well. Lastly, I would have taken advantage of more of the college credit classes than I did. Especially regarding classes that I only need for general education requirements, those would have been much easier to deal with in high school, and a whole lot cheaper. If I had taken more of them, I could use more of my time in college to really focus on the areas that interest me and that will assist me in my future career.

Brittany

College is what you make it. You have to get out of your room, take a break from studying, and get involved on campus. Getting involved is a great way to make new friends, especially if you choose to go to a college where you do not know anybody. The more you get involved, the better your chances of getting a job while you are in college and after you graduate. Have as much fun as possible but don't forget the reason you are in college. Study hard and learn how to manage your time. Its impossible to study for an exam in one night and do good on it the next day. Take a few days to look over the information and you will retain it better. Also, get to know your professors, because they will be more willing to help you, and they can also be a reference when you're applying for a job. College is a great opportunity. Seize the moment and go for it.

Nicole

Visit several schools you are interested in and visit them several times. Also be sure to speak to current students that aren't the tour guides to get an honest idea of what the school is like because tour guides are paid to say good things about the school and will be fired for saying negative things so their opinion should be taken with a grain of salt.

Meghan

I would tell them that college is the best time of your life and you should make the most of it because you won't get another chance to experience it and expand your mind.

Stephanie

I think that I would have not followed what/where everyone else was going and gone to the school I really wanted to attend. Also I would have gotten more involved.

Patrick

Apply to more than one college and choose from the best that accept you in terms of their academics and not wheter it is a big party school or not. Don't go to the big college parties because they'll do nothing but get you in trouble. Don't forget to set your alarm clock...especially during finals week! Work hard but don't forget to play a little too! Apply for more scholarships beyond what the university offers. And call your mom often!!!

Jaclyn

Relax and be patient. So many events and new things will happen to you as you begin your college career. Sometimes things will go great. Homework gets done without any complications, test grades are good, your computer stays connected to the network and the cafeteria served my favorite food! But then there is the time when all your new 'friends' leave you out., your roommate is too messy on your half of the room and laundry has to be done. But in the end the good will outweigh the bad and all the experiences will make you grow. Growing into the person you were meant to be....stronger, smarter, and successful!

Tanya

Speaking from my own personal experience, I would do just what I have done all over again. The reason that I say this is because I am an adult student who has returned to college after a long absence, and my engagement in learning is so much richer and fruitful than it would've been when I was in my twenties. This is in no way intended to discourage anyone from immediately pursuing college upon graduation from high school. It is, however, intended to suggest that it might be in the best interest of some students not to pursure college right out of high school simply because that's what thier parents want them to do. And my reasoning is simple, a student who is only in college for his/her parents is probably not going to put forth the necessary effort to actualize full learning potential. For many years, I regretted not attending college sooner, but after years of achievement and actualizing my potential, I have since changed my perception. It's not so much when I do something, it is more important how well it's done and what is gained from doing it.

Jack

Dear Jack, I would say enjoy the time that you have at high school. There are going to be things that you won't have in college that you do in high school. Spend as much time with your family and friends as you can. You may think that you spend a lot of time with them now, but you won't know what you had until you don't anymore. Learn as much as you can in high school. That information will come in handy in college and it will help with some of your general eduaction courses. Lastly, don't hold back when you get here. Be spontanious. If there is an event going on the day you arrive, you need to go. If someone asks to do something, you should do it. Everyone there is in the same boat you are and the sooner you get to know them, the sooner you will become great friends. You won't regret a minute of it and you will have the time of your life. Sincerely, Jack Meyer Press On!

Meghan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give the advice of living up the college years. Just as high school went by extremely fast, college does as well. Although I am only a junior and still have a bit to go in the college process, semesters go by in the blink of an eye. Take time to truly enjoy all aspects of college from the ever stressful tests and exams to the great times of hanging out with friends and going to parties. Life is all about what you make of it. College is the same way because if you stay in your room all day and do not socialize with friends, you will miss out on all the exciting events going on around you. College is the most exciting time in your life filled with moments you can never get back. You will expand your mind with intellectual thoughts and practical ideas that the real world can never teach you. The college experience is scary and crazy and wonderful all at the same time. Make the most of it because if you do not, no one will..

Jessica

I would tell myself to apply to more scholarships and try to find a way to get more money for school. I enjoy school, but the stress of finding money to go back each semester weighs heavily on my mind.

Chelsea

Buy some rain boots and a good umbrella. Missouri State University takes care of the rest of the work, so don't worry about getting the right classes or the logistics of college life. Be willing to express yourself freely because it is easier to meet people you like when you act like yourself, and it is easier to get involved when you sign up for the things you want to try out and do. Also, Missouri State is HUGE, try new things and find out what else you like, there are so many new opportunities for you here, so don't hold back on what you want to do.

Dara

First, I would tell myself "good job". Yes, there were some bumps along the way. But looking back, those bumps made it interesting. I was always a straight "A" with the occasional "B" thrown in there kind of student. I took the AP classes, and did the dual credit enrollment when I could. I would let myself know that I made good decisions and worked hard and that it will all pay off. I remember being so worried about going to college though. I was going three hours away from home, so it was far enough away to be independent, but close enough that my parents could come save me should I get into trouble. Everyone at Missouri State made me feel welcome and at home. I even remember being lost my first day in a maze of a building and an upperclassman stopped and helped me. I was so thankful for his kindness, knowing that he easily could have just made fun of the newbie. So the most important thing I would tell myself would be to just relax, and that everything will turn out as it's supposed to. That and find your classes ahead of time.

Melissa

The best thing a student can do, or a parent can encourage a student to do, is to begin thinking about their college plans early. If a student begins early they do not need to feel rushed, but can instead take their time contemplating what they want in the college/university they attend. Do I want to go to a large public state university, or a small private university? Would it be more wise to start out at a community college and then transfer? Or do I want to be on my own right away and attend a college out of state? What will my financial situation be? Many high school students may not yet know what kind of school they would like. If that is the case, learning about different types of colleges or universities is crucial. Attend a college fair, speak with a guidance counselor, call up students who actually attend that school, visit and take a tour. Don't be afraid to ask questions! But most important of all, when it comes down to making the final decision, pick the school that best fits you. A place where you feel at home and are excited to be.

Samuel

To discover as much as you can about life through higher learning , a medium level college is the way to go. It is not the accelerated way to a career like trade school, and it isn't a back-breaking think tank like MIT or have a prestigious class of student found at Ivy League schools. And no one should be so rigid that there is such a thing as a wrong college, because every college offers the opportunity to learn something, which is not something to be taken lightly.

Ashley

Best advice about finding the best college is the benefits the college offers. The distance away from home, cost and the acadamics the school offers

Rebecca

The most important thing to consider when trying to find the right college is how comfortable you think you would be at each particular school. You may find a school that has everything you want, but find that once you visit the campus, you feel uncomfortable or out of place. You need to be able to feel at "home" while you are at school. If you don't, you will always wonder if that is really the place you should be. In order to make the most of your college experience, I suggest that you make alot of friends and step out of your box and try new things such as clubs or sports. Take some classes that interest you instead of just boring required classes. Work hard, but also make sure you have time to have fun too! College is about finding yourself and finding the right path for the rest of your life. Don't let it just fly by without enjoying the ride, but at the same time, don't be stupid and ignore the workload. Having a good college experience requires a good balance between work and fun.

Stephanie

One piece of advice I would offer a student is to always keep your door to your room open. My freshmen year, I had 1 roommate. The best way to meet people is to keep your door open . It was amazing how many people randomly walked in to my room the first weeks of school. In fact, that is how I met one of my best college friends. She stopped in and we clicked immediately. Since then, we have traveled to each other?s hometowns, took a weekend vacation to Branson, and even gotten involved in the same campus activities.. A piece of advice I would offer parents is to communicate with your child often. As a freshman, I found hard to be away from my parents. Living 3 and 1/2 hours away, it was even harder for me not being able to go back home. Keeping in touch with my family helped me enjoy college more. I would sayifamilies need to set up a schedule to contact each other. I found that by having this connection with my family back home, my college experience was a lot more enjoyable and made the transition a lot more bearable.

Jeremy

Make sure it got your major, it's an appropriate distance from home, and there are activities are interesting to you. Money and the such will take care of itself so don't worry.

Brittany

The key for college students to choosing a college today is finding a college that is easy to change careers, as many students do end up changing their majors. However, with today?s economy it is necessary to go to a school that has a good amount of its students receiving jobs after graduation. A place that is affordable, so that there will be as little debt as possible when graduation comes. It is also important to find an environment that fits your personality in size and the area around the college. It is also beneficial to have a college that takes their academics seriously with friendly and helpful professors, so you will feel more motivated to make the grade and it is easy to get help from the instructors. Also find a place where you can easily find hands on experience with your future career as employers will look for it on your resume.

Chelsea

Asking questions, especially about financial issues, degrees programs, etc is a big help in finding which college is right for you and your budget. It is also beneficial to visit the campus before attending. I visited several schools before choosing a college. Some of them put me off immediately and some of them made me like the school better than I thought. In order to make the most of your college experience, it is definitely best to get involved. Sometimes, I regret not being more involved in school activities. It's probably the best way, or one of the best ways, to meet people. College is about being on your own, learning to do things for yourself. Everyone else is going through the same thing, so meeting people, and developing a support group is really beneficial to you. Together, you all learn about life. Finally, study abroad! This was definitely one of the best decisions I made in college. Even if you don't know another language, there are definitely opportunities still. Studying in Spain, I gained a different perspective on the world, tried new foods, and met new people (some Americans!). I will never forget that experience. EVER.

Elizabeth

I originally applied to my state?s public university as a back-up, never expecting to go there. However, due to a plethora of circumstances, that was exactly where I found myself. I was disappointed at first; it was nothing like what I had pictured. But two years later, I could not imagine myself anywhere else. So, I have two pieces of advice. First, go for what you love. In today's economy, no jobs in any field are guaranteed, and life is too short to spend it doing something you don't enjoy. One of the reasons I have grown to love my school is its incredible acting program. I was able to look past aspects that were different from what I originally wanted because I was learning so much and having so much fun in my major. This brings me to my second piece of advice: keep an open mind. Life does not always work out as perfectly as we would like. However, that does not mean that it cannot turn out even better than we imagined. Do not be afraid to compromise. Never settle, but know that sometimes the unexpected can lead to great things.

Samantha

I think campus visits are extremely important. You get a first hand experience of what the community is like, how the food tastes, and what the people are like. Don't be afraid to test as many as you want out! When you find the right University, I would definitely stress that while at college, remember that you are there to learn. It is very easy to get distracted and fall behind. When you're done with school, whether or not you have memories from the biggest parties, or going out almost every night, the thing that matters most is your degree. If you do your schoolwork first, there will be time to go out. So just take it easy, enjoy it while you can, and study!

Amanda

I would like to tell students to start finding funding options in your area for school early. Try for as many scholarships as possible and do as well in high school as possible so you can have many options as for schools to attend. Parents: push your child to succeed. They may not like it now but in the end they will thank you. Make sure they start finding funding options early. Encourage them to do their best in high school becuase it will greatly affect them in college. Once you are in college, study hard and have fun along the way. College is a great time to meet new people that are interested in the same things as you are and that may end up being your friends for the rest of life. Enjoy the college years because they are your last "hoorah" before life in the real-world. Study hard, have fun, start early!

Benjamin

Look at all the campuses you can weigh the pro's and con's. Then go with your gut. Have an open mind about what you try at college. You are never above anybody. Dont be afraid to have fun and be responsible with school.

Nicole

Really think about what you want to do and go for the things that may seem hard now because it will be worth it in the end when you have a degree that will be useful to you and than you can get a good job. Life isn't easy and getting your degree will help even if it seems daunting. Go for it!

Nora

When you're trying to decide what college you want to go to make sure that it's a college that you really think you would enjoy going to. Don't just go there because it happens to have a really good program for your chosen major, especially since there's a pretty good chance you will be changing your major. When I chose Missouri State University, not only did I realized it had a good art program and spanish program, but I really liked the school (the campus, the atmosphere, the different activities and housing that it offered). I even really like the town. I think it's important to go to a good school, but it's also important to go to a school that you will enjoy. Because chances are that if you didn't enjoy school while you were advancing up through your chosen area, you might not like your future career very much. So pick a college you'll enjoy!

Tiffany

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college is to DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look the school up online, take a tour, walk around campus and try to picture yourself there, and ask questions; lots of questions. It is important to ask yourself; ?Does this college offer the classes I need to complete the degree of my choice?? ?Is this campus diverse enough?? ?Is the campus too far from home?, it is questions like these that are important to you and your educational experience. At the end of the day what matters is that you are happy with the college of your choosing because only you can determine your own happiness!

Brittney

Finding the right town is key in knowing which college is best for you. I encourage anyone to visit all the schools they have interest in. I have be enrolled in two different colleges in two different states and the community makes a big difference in how comfortable you are.

Gilbert

Be very familiar with the academic calender as far as when one can add/drop classes as well as receive refunds. Do not let professors or adminstration give you the run-around, as they will continue to take advantage of you if you are not persistent. Read outside of class! You cannot always depend on your professor to provide with you a comprehensive education and books broaden your imagination, thinking skills, expression, and make you a more interesting person over all. You'll find that if you read a lot, you'll always have an edge on other students. Do not be afraid to be who you are on campus; chances are there are several others just like you, but are still waiting to find one another. Grades aren't everything; all assignments are negotiable. Be familiar with your campus policies concerning discrimination. Visit with your professors during their office hours; chances are they'll end up offering to pay for drinks sometime at which point you can learn MORE about him/her and their specialties (and humor).

Brett

My advise is mostly to students who are planning to attend college. PREPARE EARLY in your hight school career. Start taking college prep courses during your high school years . Be sure to check the entrance requirements for the college you are planning to attend. Ensure you have all the requirements met and, if possible, go beyond the requirements. Take each class seriously and don't waste time thinking "I've got four years to do this - I'm going to have some fun." Work hard in high school to take the best advantage of any scholarshop money that is out there. Apply early and often. As far as advice for parents goes - I would start working with your student during the sophomore year in high school. FInd out what their interests are and try to be supportive in their career choices. Be there for advice and guidance. Once their interests and career choice is made - assist them in scouting college in that particular field. Be sure to pay particular attention to the tuition and financial responsibility that you will incur. College costs are skyrocketing and you must choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.

Kelly

Find a college that is comfortable to you in terms of location, interests, and size. Make sure you get involved. You will add so much value to your in class experiences if you experience the supplemental parts to your education. The sororities and fraternities are perfect to make life-long friends. However, there is more to the college life, such as organizations specific to your major and/or other interests you might have. Sports or music might be for you. If you are an arts person, make sure you find the college with all that variety. My college had all of these experiences, and I am glad I took part and tried everything.

Lauren

Do not let money deter you from going to the college you want to go to. I went far away because of a more economical college choice and I am not at peace with my choice. Go where you feel comfortable because it will be your home for 4 years.

David

The most critical factors when selecting what college is right for you are: field, prestige, and affordability. First, one must determine what career they want to pursue, then examine which schools' are strongest in that job market. Second, decide wheather the school is nationally recognized and will stand out in ones resume when entering the world of work. Third, and most critical factor when selecting a university is affordability. If one cannot pay the tuition, it would be futile to consider the school. In short a prospective college student should determine the strongest, most renown school for their desired career, then carfully decide if the selected school is within their monetary means. Lastly, visit the university, check out its facilities, meet some proffesors in your desired department and ask their opinions of your future plans; they are trained experts and most will be more than happy to assist you in any way they can, their advice is extremly valuable. If the college is in accord with your field, is a recognized school, and is affordable, then it is an appropriate school to attend. However, one should always vist several colleges before determining which school is the proper fit.

Anna

My advice on finding the right college is to take the time to research each one you are considering and visiting the campus, riding the shuttles, and talking with students. To make the most of your college experience you need to take your education seriously. There are many clubs and extra curricular activities to get involved in. It's OK to get involved as you need a social life, however, again take your education seriously and don't let social activities affect your performance. That said, balance is the key. You don't want to be so serious about your education that you lose sight of your needs socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

David

I would tell the parent that their child needs to visit the college and get feedback on how they feel about the campus and the surrounding area. They need to feel as the university is like there home and have the security from that when they are away from home. I would also say that they need to make sure that the school is available to help out wit hthe student has anyquestions or needs help. Also the school needs to have what field the child wnats to study in.

Curtis

The advice that I would give to parents and students is to first understand what they want in a college for their children and themselves. The parents and students should know what type of activities they might like to be involved in such as groups, organizations, social groups, etc. Then look at the schools that they see fit the bill the best. Once you have found that school, the parents and students should then expect the best from their decision.

Megan

My advice to a parent or student about finding the right school is to go visit multiple times if possible. I would also recommend talking to students attending. If you go on the campus tours many times the answers that those students give have been given to them by the university, so they might not even agree with the answers. Also making the choice for youself. If the school has what you are looking for then go even if it is farther away.

Kelli

Finding the right college is important to students because it can determine the direction of the rest of their lives. When looking for the right college, I would advise parents and students to visit as many college campuses as possible. It is hard to know if it is right if you have never been there. While at the campus, look around and explore. Explore the buildings and look in on a few classes, and explore the town the college is in. Make sure you feel comfortable in that town and on campus. Remember you will be living there for several years. Check out the academics, make sure the field you are interested in is offered there. To make the most of your college experience, get involved. Join a club or two, and make new friends. Don't stay hung up on all your high school friends, keep in touch if you can but make new college friends too. Live on campus your first year if possible, it is a great way to meet people. Don't become so social that you neglect your classes though. Afterall, that really is why you are there.

Alyssa

Visit the schools you're interested in, and do not base your decision on the social scene. Check out their academic status, sports rankings, and make sure the dorms are a place you can live in and the library is a place you can study in because that is where most of your time will be spent if you want to be a successful student.

Megan

When choosing a college it is important to find the right learning atmosphere for the future student. Small or large class sizes do make a difference in the learning experience, as does the availablility of study facilities and aides. One important detail to check into when college searching is the resources of the campus advisors. A student's advisor is an important aid in their college experience because they can help the student plan and build their future. Most students come to college undecided in their future goals but with the help of a good advisement and career center they are able to find something which suits them almost perfectly. Another good detail to examine is the dorm life on campus. Its important for students to live in the dorms for at least the first year of college because it is a great place to build friendships and a social skills. Dorms should offer a wide variety of social activities because they are great ways to prevent stressful and harmful lifestyles from forming. Also the campus should provide a wide variety of activities such as sports, plays, and concerts to build a well-rounded educational experience.

Tye

There are a lot of factors that need to be weighed by any prospective student. One of the few things that should not be taken into consideration is how good the athletics are (unless the student will be on scholarship for sports). Class size, campus size, amount of financial aid available, and overall cost are the four most important things to pay attention to when choosing a college. To make the most out of being a college student, you have to put yourself out there and join some organizations, they don't have to be greek organizations. Make sure you find the college that fits you best and then be yourself, don't worry about anyone else.

Erin

Know if you do well in a small or large class setting. Get involved!

Ashley

When choosing what university you will be attending, go with your first instinct. Ask yourself where you think you'll be happy, where you think you'll get the best education, what college you'd be proud to tell anyone you're attending or have attended. Forget about the name of the university, the prestige it has or doesn't have. In the end, the name isn't going to matter. What will mean the most to you is the fact that you spent four years at a university you feel supported you, a university where you grew not only academically but personally, a university where you would encourage generations after you to attend so they could have the same exhilerating experience. When you find the univeristy you can call home, be sure to make the most of it. Academics are important, no doubt. But, be sure to have as much fun as possible. Hang out with your friends when you're the most stressed; take a break from studying and have a dance party with friends randomly in the hall. In the end, it's during these times that you will make the memories you will forever remember.

Susan

I would suggest finding a school that will best suite your academic needs as well as a school that you or your family can afford. College is expensive so you may need to get a part time job so check into on campus employment as well as off campus employment. Look at the on campus social activities and make sure they have some that will be beneficial for you, because college work is hard you will need an outlet to relieve stress.

Allison

My parents made me go to an in-state school in order to save money, and due to my major, that only left one option. I feel it would have been worth the money to attend an out of state school in exchange for a more vibrant college expierence. Don't settle on a school just for the cost. With the amount of money you are already paying, you may as well spend a little bit more and make it worth it.