Missouri Valley College Top Questions

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

Christina

In High school, I focused way too much on my sport. Of course, I did achieve my goal in winning state, but I regret not working during the summer and pushing myself academically. If I could go back and tell myself to keep writing and to push myself the way I did with wrestling, I could have gotten an academic scholarship as well. If I had worked during the summer instead of train, I could have made some money to help pay for school instead of struggling now to make enough.

Amanda

I would say watch who you hang out with and watch what kind of parties you go too.

Johanna

Be unequivocally committed to finishing your education; for it is the key to a successful and happy life. Your pursuit of knowledge will be a valuable asset not only to you and your family, but to your community as well. You will build from the foundation of a college education to encourage others to strive toward their best abilities. From this foundation, you can help people to connect to resources in order to obtain maximum opportunity for a quality life. Believe in the value of volunteer work, not only as a benefit to a community, but because the personal reward is priceless. It is important to lead by example in hopes that others will follow our cues. Develop your leadership roles and encourage others to be global citizens. We need to treat our world as one community and also understand that the choices we make as individuals impact the collective.

Jennifer

I would tell myself to study and stay dedicated to my school work. Listen more to your teachers and participate in as much activities as you can. You should take those harder classes and not take the easy way out. Always try something new, go out of your comfort zone. Be more freindly to everyone, there is no room in this world for haterid. Practice more on your golf swing it could help you out in the future. Ride your bike more, and leave the car at home you will thank me for that when you get older.

Sarah

I have been going to college full time at Lansing Community College in Michigan for 2 1/2 years. I have had an excellent experience with this school. All of the professors are extremely encouraging and willing to help you in many ways so that you succeed in their class. The financial aid department is very helpful and always has everything on track so that you don't have to worry about classes being dropped or anything. Reigistration for classes is easy and can all be done online. There are multiple campuses in different cities, which makes going to school very conveinient for people who do not live in Lansing. In addition to these campuses, there are tons of classes available to take online as well. This school has many transfer agreements with major universities so that you can complete much of your undergrad work at the community college and then all of those credits are guarenteed to transfer to the university. Other student support services are also available such as tutoring, childcare, study help, etc. I always thought that community colleges were kind of a joke, but since attending this one, I wish I didn't have to transfer.

Sarah

For me personally, college has been a great adventure. The experiences that I have been witness to have lended me life skills that I would not have developed anywhere else. I look forward to furthering my education by obtaining another MA and eventually my PhD. Education is the key to new possibilities which open doors to new adventures. This is what my college experience has provided for me and continues to provide.

Devon

If i could go back in time i would tell myself to consider the fact that i am leaving home for the first time, i am playing a sport, and i have a full courseload. I would tell myself to focus on transitioning from high school and college. I would tell myself not to try to get involved with females until i have made that transition well. I would tell myself to go to EVERY class and do not fall into the temptation of sleeping in. I would tell my high school self to start getting into better study habits now, so that i would be better prepared for college.

Katherine

There is one thing that comes to mind if I could go back in time and give myself advice. That would be that I need to save some money up for the future.

Charlesia

I would look for a college that offered more job opportunities and also had a sorority for black students to better relate to. I would look for a college that fits my personality and my budget to be able to live without the struggles of being a college student and having to worry about extra money.

Stephon

there are alot of colleges you can go to that are cheap. Parents and kids/students should take their time to decide . when its time to choose a school. I can just tell the student dont waste your oppurtunity its not hs anymore you pay for it. just make the best oif it

Megan

1.) Do not choose a school because of a boyfriend or girlfriend. 2.) Do not be afraid to venture out of your home town. 3.) (Parents)Trust your children to make the best decision. Do not try to force your child into the same path you chose. Everyone is different, and just because you were successful, does not mean your kids want the same things out of their lives you wanted from your own. 4.) Go out and meet new people!!! I had it narrowed down to 2 schools. My deciding factor: the school where I did not know a single soul. 5.) Go with your gut feeling. It is probably correct.

Yalimar

Do your research and visit the campus. Look around the area and talk to people outside of the tour. Don't ask people about the school as an incoming freshman, just ask. Never be afraid to ask questions. If they don't answer your questions directly ask some more. IF people give you the run around about everything- call them out on it.

Karen

I believe that parents should go to each college to discover the true aspects of each one. I think that the prospective student should ask enrolled students about their experiences at the school and their likes and dislikes of the school. It is very important to understand what the prospective students wants out of his/her college experience and to make sure that the college can offer that to the prospective student. I think that the best way to discover if a college is right for someone is to visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes, try and see the campus and students away from what the adminstation wants everyone to see. Make it a priority that you are not just given the tour that highlights all of the bonuses of attending the college without seeing the true aspects of the college. My best advice for someone looking for the school for them is to truly discover what the college is like without the adminstration leading you on a tour or planned activities., try to spend some time with the students during an average run of the mill period.

Christine

List out the things that are important to you about school. Is it location? Is it tuition? Is it extra curricular activities? Then, assign a rating to it, as to how important it is. Use this rating scale when you are considering locations. If it doesn't fit in several areas, it's not the school for you. Do not ever rule out the small colleges either. You may not have the vast amount of extra curricular activities, but you are not a number. The professors know you. The classes are small. You have a lot more opportunity to get involved in sports and clubs that you wouldn't have access to at a major university. Finding a job after graduation is also something people think you can't do if you enroll in a small college. I had a job one week after graduation- the exact job I wanted. So don't rule them out- it can be a really awesome experience. I tried the large university first and ended up transferring to the small school because of more scholarship opportunities and smaller classes. I loved the smaller school. Study hard ALWAYS! Take your time choosing the right school!

Kathleen

Choose what is best for you- if you love the city life a larger state school is probably best, but if you like having a lot of very close friends and knowing everyone on campus a smaller school is best. Look for activities and how involved most people are. If you love to throw yourself into everything a smaller campus is great b/c you can more easily juggle multiple things. Small class sizes are also great for interaction with the professors. There isn't so much competition in smaller schools so you don't feel to much pressure. Whether you choose a large or small school you need to come prepared to balance school work with social life.

samantha

i would give them the advice of following there heart. college should be a fun experience with alot of life lessons learned. college is not military school or prison, yes studing is important but so is living your life while you are young!

Elaina

In order to find the right college, visit the campus and it's surrounding areas for about 3-5 days. By doing so, it can give you a sense of how you can adjust to the environment. Also, talking to people in the city or town will give you a stronger sense of the people. Along with talking to people in any clubs, sports, or activities you may like to become involved in could help you with your decision. Being at a school that is going to help you become successful should be your first priority. However, what is going to make you feel comfortable and at ease are the people. Meet with some of the professors in the area(s) you are interested in majoring to find out more about the program(s). Lastly, go to a school where you feel you will strive to grow and learn.