Montana State University Top Questions

Susie, don’t be afraid to step away from your group of friends and go to see your counselor for scholarships talks and opportunities. Don’t take for granted the free education you have because it is not always going to be there. Take more dual-enrollment classes. For community service keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing great. Try for at least 400 volunteer hours, you just need 100 more. Talk to your career counselor about colleges that you’re interested she is smarter than you think she is and will know what she is talking about. Finally, when you’re walking down the Austin Field in your cap and gown, look at the people you spent 4 years with because they too are about to start a new episode of their lives. Smile at every foreign step for it’s a new challenge for you to beat.

I would tell myself to study and stay awake during my standardized tests, because they matter!! And I would have tried to convince my parents to let me stay at home for school. Being so far away sucks! And I would have taken summer classes so then I wouldn't have to load up so much on classes during the school year.

There are so many things I woud love to share with my high-school-senior-self. My foremost advice would be to tell myself to relax; everything will work out just fine. Everyone is in the same boat as you are. No one knows anyone, and we all miss our family and friends back home. I would remind myself that college is a time to shed old "high school stereotypes." You can be whoever you want! I would leave with a reasurance- and a reminder-that there is a great, big world outside of high school, just waiting to be explored!

Go look for scholarships early, invest some time now and later you won't need to work so hard. Look at school as a step, not a door you have to get past. School can be such a blast, you just need the right perspective. Have fun and resp God in all you do, live in His peace!!!

I would advise myself to join the Military for the minimum time and come to Montana State University under the POST 911 GI Bill.

If I could talk to myself as a high school student, knowing what I know now, I would have many things to say. I would tell myself to pay attention in biology more, and don't expect college to be as easy as high school. I would tell myself the teachers in college are not going to harass you to turn your work in on time, and missing assignments can really account against your grade. I would tell the eighteen year old Ashly to learn some better study stratagies!

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and not sell myself short. Don't diminish your accomplishments because you really are good enough. When it comes to making the final decision, it's your decision. You're parents, teachers and friends aren't the ones who will be attending, you are the one who is attending school. Make the final decision based upon what you want in a school. When it comes to moving, you really do need a lot of stuff that you won't ever consider. Enjoy the journey, it only happens once. College isn't nearly as scary as it seems; there are so many people in the same position as you, so don't be afraid to get out there and make new friends. Everyone else is only a skype call away. Look forward to the new opportunities that college has to offer. Get more involved in your school activities and remember to cherish every moment because senior year only comes once. Most importantly, make every moment count. Put your best foot forward and don't quit the race until you complete the race.

Hey. Listen. I know you're scared. I know that you're worried and stressed. But, hey, look at me. I promise you it's gonna be okay. I know that you don't know where you are going right now. I know that you don't even want to think about life after you graduate. But, hun, you need to. I promise you, you're gonna make it. I know that you are sick right now. I know that you don't want to plan for life outside of high school, or apply for schools and scholarships because you don't think you are going to live that long. I'm here to tell you that you do. Despite your mental illness, and despite you're insecurities. You make it. Plan for the future. Dream for the future. Don't laugh at me, I'm serious. All those people, your friends and family that tell you that you can do anything? They are right. It's okay to be scared. It's not okay to give up, though. Listen to those supporting you. Don't let your fears and worries prevent you from dreaming. You got this, kid.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice my senior year of high school I would tell myself the following: Attend class everyday, study your notes each week at least two times, only pack the essentials to the university, there is not a lot of free time during the semester, the language used is "adult" language, do not procrastinate, stay away from the party and drug scenes, get involved in the community, make friends with your professors, and be prepared for lots of stress during finals week.

I would suggest to freshman that they find a teacher or advisor who is easy for them to communicate and get along with. Once they have found that person, whether or not the teacher/faculty is in the specific area of study they want, talk to them as often as you can. Having a great advisor is key in your success throughout college. I would also suggest volunteering with different organizations on campus. Making friends becomes easier and there are neat opportunities like travelling abroad to work or go to conferences that can come across your path when you join different organizations. And finally, my last suggestion is to find some kind of research. That will help later on if you are interested in going to graduate school.

My advice to myself if I were to go back would be just to never give up. This college experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is meant to open doors for you to the rest of your life. Make some good friends your freshman year, and expand upon your friendships throughout college. Don't work to hard or you will quickly tire yourself out and find that college was not all that it was meant to be. When the teachers tell you to sign up for scholarships, do it. Scholarships will make the transitions through school easier and it will allow you to lighten your workload along the way. This is an experience that you cannot get back, so make the most of it before it is too late.

I have recieved an excellent education while being able to enjoy the outdoors and maintin a great social life. Everyone on campus is so nice and outdoor oriented. There is always somewhere to go or something to do. The professors are also very helpful and just as outdoor oriented as the students. They know how to provide a proper education while still supporting the active lifestyles of the students.

So far in my college experience, I have received the chance to explore people and courses that challenge my thinking, ideas, and views. It has made me look at situations from different points of view; my compassion has doubled since high school and I have been able to test my freedom in a safe and fun environment. It has been so valuable because this is the prime time in my life to mature into an adult and learn from myself, peers, teachers, and friends. The freshman year at college has allowed me to grow and change as a person that prepares me for the rest of my life. Without this experience thus far, I would be stuck in a rut with lack of maturity and knowledge that has provided me with the change I needed to jumpstart my life and figure out what I really want and need to be happy and healthy. It has also allowed me to challenge myself in ways that has made me a believer in things I never understood before. College is the way for me to deepen my soul and knowledge that makes me a better person in the world.

College has offered many valuable lessons in my short time attending. I have learned not everything in life is fair; those who try are rewarded; and college is not about intelligence, it is about patience. At college I have seen many individuals who have been given all of their expenses from their parents despite their only appeal being the parties. Their are also those who go into debt paying for school because society says this is the only way to get a decent job. To do well at college you must try hard. Professors are much more willing to help if you seek them out plenty in advance and seek their assistance. They have little simpathy for those who do not help themselves. There are plenty of people in college who are not the brightest, but are persistant. At the same time there are many smart individuals who drop out because they do not have the patience. College rewards those who are patient enough to stick with the program for the full four years.

Going to college is extremely important to me. I have transferred from two community colleges and now attending a 4-year university. Being away from home , I get a chance to show family and myself that I'm capable of anything. I'm a special education major with an elementary liscense and an english minor. All the professours at my university are extremely helpful and are there for students to succeed. College has been valuable to attend for me because neither of my parents has graduated from college. They both began and then dropped out. It’s so important to me to graduate with a degree to give myself a better chance at life. Currently my mother is a daycare provider and my father works for our town. As you see without a colllege degree they do not make a lot of money. Not only am I in college but my sister whose 22 is attending a university and then I have 2 other sybings on the way. College is not a question in my family anymore. I feel it is natural and to give myself the opportunity that my parents gave up, inspires me.

I love the college that I attend. I am the associated student body treasurer and from that I've met many people and done alot of networking. I have gained so much just being in school; I have a new found confidence and pride, I have developed a desire to study more about politics and law, and most importantly I can show my children how important it is to be educated especially in todays economy.

My college experience has opened my eyes to what is out in the world waiting for me. My parents and peers have tried to prepare me for this experience, but until you are actually in your dorm room, you really don't know what it is going to be like. I know that the classes I am taking, the friends I am making and just the every day happenings of college life are going to prepare me for my future in the work world and in life in general. I hope to make the best of every class that I participate in and every relationship that I forge while on this campus. I know the degree I gain will provide me the stepping stone to a career that will make me an independent and self-supporting citizen and hopefully, along the way, I can make a difference in the world.

I have attended college for the two and a half years and have achieved associates in an automotive degree. I have learned many aspects in this field, but decided to switch my career to criminal justice. This experience of changing my career has made me more reliable and has opened me to many more opportunities. It has landed me as captain for the Custom Border Protection Explorer Program for Post 306. It has also helped me be more reliable for being on time and understand that school is my first priority. Also, achieving good grades has shown me that I understand the material that I am taking for my career of criminal justice. I am interesting in taking more classes in this field and I think this scholarship will help me in achieve my future career.

College has been valuable to me because it has opened my eyes to new thoughts, experiences and opportunities that I never could have imagined. I have had the opportunity to read and listen to the lectures of top experts in varies fields, which I’m certain has only inspired my further growth and development. I’ve also gained many friendships and connections which I hope to keep throughout my career. The underlining value of my whole college experience is my education. The importance of a college education today can be compared to that of a high school education forty years ago. It serves as the gateway to better options and more opportunity all around.

From my college experience I have attained self confidence. I wasn't able to attend college right out of high school because life had other plans for me and I had always wanted to attend but I always found new excuses why I couldn't go. Finally, I just did it. And although it was one of the scariest moments of my life that first day, being 30 years old and stepping onto college campus for the first time, it was the best day of my life! It gave me the confidence to know that I can face almost anything head on! It has been one of the most precious gifts I have ever given myself and I truly am grateful that I forced myself to register and attend. I am not sure that I could ever put a dollar amount on the value of attening college, because for me it has been invaluable! I am getting something that no one can ever take away from me, my education!

So far in my college experience I have gained valuble knowledge from both wise and passionate instructors. However, more than that I have gained independence and many skills that will benefit me throughout my life. I have learned valuble study and research techniques that will no doubt be useful to me in my future career as a teacher. I have also learned to motivate myself and my piers to excel. My college experience has taught me to think more critically and explore ideas beneficial to my own personal growth and development. However, I have also discovered that it is okay to make mistakes and that there is no need in sweating over the little things. One poor grade, rather than causing undue stress, should instead be used to movtivate you to study harder or modify your study technique. College has been an incredibly valuble experience to me, providing me with skills and techniques that I can use throughout my life and my career. The knowdedge that I have gained can even be passed along to my future students so that they might be prepared for the same amazing college experience that I have had thus far.

Network, the biggest thing that i have gotten from my one semester of attending MSU is a network that covers all over the country from the West to the East people say that one of your greatest assests is your network and the way you network and i believe its true.

I have obtained alot out of this college experience. I have encountered many oppurtunities that were otherwise closed to me. The other students and professors are immensely helpful and friendly. There are various clubs and groups that an individual can become involved in also.

My collee experience has only just begun, and I feel as though I've experienced more in under a month here than I did in all four years of highschool back home. I've gained tons of self confidence, built stron healthy and genuine relationships with peers, and I feel like I have more close friends in school today than I ever did before I came to college. I've had more opportunities to succeed here than ever before, and people around me truely care about me. I've also learned tons of things outside of scholastic learning that I never knew before. I feel like this experience is one of the most important, and valuable experiences I've ever had the fortune of foregoing. I know that after school here, I will, not only feel more confident in myself, but I will also be much better prepaired and equiped for success in the "real world".

I love meeting new people and testing my knowledge, so that someday it will come in handy and I will get far with my goals. I think its one more precious time you have with friends before you have to start being a full time adult. Some may have to be an adult in college, but I think all of us know the difference between a college student and a full time working adult.

My academic background was enough to propel me into college , and now with so many potential avenues I'm filled with curiosity that will keep me there. My college experience has proven that I can work and live independently. Financially things are tight, but I've worked multiple jobs during the academic terms and in the summer because I'm motivated to stay in college. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and befriending like-minded people in an abundance that could never be matched in my hometown. I feel like I belong there. I applied, and got accepted, into teh Residence Hall Association. They believe I can lead and nurture the next round of students. Just ahead of me lie advanced classes and research opportunities that certainly add to the intrigue. Academically, I remained an honor roll student during both semesters and held onto the scholarships I had competed for so intently back in high school. I have to believe future employers will see that I have the maturity and stability to contribute and lead. I will succeed.

There have been two aspects to my overall college experience. One of these includes my social life. I went to college to further my education, and while achieving this goal I met the love of my life and also my best friend. Along with a great social life, I have learned enough to help me take the MCATS with confidence, as my professors all taught with interesting techniques which spoke to me. Even in those particular subjects I always dreaded to take, the professors helped to get me through with excellent grades, as they made the material interesting. Without attending Montana State University in Bozeman, I may not be in the situation I am right now. Going to college has helped me meet new people who have had a large impact on my life, and it has also helped me to become one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a surgeon. This university will help me to be accepted and prepared in order for me to achieve the last step on my goal list, medical school.

My college experience has been great at South Plains College this past year. This College is very supporitive as are the proffessors. I have completed almost all of my college hours online this past year. South Plains College is just fantastic they do an outstanding job with the students.

Somewhere in the time that I have attented college, my tendencies have shifted to think more critically and create in ways that are influential to everyone around me. My propensity has changed from living in ways of procrastination and inaction, to making decisions swiftly and rationally. My disposition is to always, and has always been, to do good for people; in many ways college was, for me, the inception stage for learning to bolster that way of living. Perhaps in the near future, I will be able to use the things I've gained from college in big ways, not because I share the same dreams of grand tendencies that so many young people my age do, but because my general goals in life are propelled by the ideal that I live to help people, right things that are wrong and support general welfare.

It's been great.

What I have gotten from my college experience is that how fast you can grow up. College is a place for experimantion and it also helps you to grow up. Besides growing up I have also learned how to manage my time wisely and to decide what is important in life. It is hard knowing what to do and how to do it your first year. College teaches you how to do these things, for me it was easy but for others it is not always that easy. Everyone should attend college for these reasons. These techniques will help in the real world and will be professional in your career.

Have't started yet but am looking forward to starting and furthuring my education i look forward to becoming an architect some day and with this scholarship it will help me focuse more on school because i will have money for living expenses and wont have to worry about work .... Thank You for your time and consideration .

This is my second full time semester in college after graduating from high school ten years ago. I feel more confident and responsible now that I am in college. When I was younger I had low self esteem, doing well in college is helping me build my confidence. I am meeting positive students in school and the professors are very helpful. I enjoy learning new material and subjects. I've had alot of jobs and I know that when I am done with college I will have a degree and a respectable job. I want to become a teacher so that I may inspire children to want to continue their education, and have fun while they are in school.

I have gotten a more wider understanding of the world and how it works in a everyday life. To better understand my community and the diffrent ethnicities and cultures all around me. College has given me a better perspective in life. Through these new knowledge it would be a essential help in my career as a social worker, since I would meet diffrent cultures and ethnicities. The opportunity the college has given me as a student to learn and gain better social, people, and team working skills would better equip me in managing the career I plan to do as a social worker. I believe that it is important to help your own community in any way possible especially if you could make it a job. Making your life have a perpose such as trying to improve your enviroment would be a important and valueble task.

My college experience allowed me to become the well rounded, educated and informed citizen that I am today. I was able to study abroad while I was attending college which gave me a global perspective. I met international students from all over the world and intimately studied a new culture and system of learning. I also actively participated in pursuing my degree in Geography by studying abroad. Attending college also taught me how to research new ideas and become an innovative and independent thinker. The value of a college education lies in the journey of completing a task that is not easily accomplished. Values and life skills such as tenacity, hard work, study habits, time management and multi-tasking are just a few of the abilities and competencies that many college graduates aquire. These skills are valued in the job market and can be extremely helpful in maintaining work relationships. College has been and will continue to be a worthwhile, rewarding and necessary experience for me.

No matter what a person goes to get a degree for they take so much more away from their college experiances than what they origionally though. You generally become a more independant person, ready to make decisions, and ready to take on the true responcibilites of being an adult. I have definately recieved this gift and everyday it continues to grow. Each day I realize there is so much to know and so little time to learn about it, what my weakenesses are and what my strengths can be. I look forward to what life will through at me next, good, bad or indifferent. Thats what I believe is the core of any educational experiance.

It's February tonight in Montana, and I look out and think of how much has changed in me since I arrived at college. I had so many expectations, including the snow I'm watching fall outside, and many of them have materialized. However, the ones that come to mind right now never materialized. I thought I could do it all myself, that I didn't need anyone's help to be successful here. I thought being an adult and being on my own meant that. Ironically, it doesn't. It's the one thing I wish I would have understood when I first set foot on campus. No one can do everything in this world on their own - you need a support system. A system consisting of new friends, faculty, staff and associates who, if you rely on them a little, are there to witness and contribute to your success. I went from knowing that I could do it all, to thinking I could handle nothing (when reality hit), to finally seeing how capable i am. Making this happen - my education - and solidly knowing that I CAN be successful has been the most valuable thing that I've realized.

The lessons I learned in college is to stay focus on your dream and not to allow others around you affect your dream/goal. The reason why I learned these lessons was to make sure I accomplish everything I want to do that to me was important and not allow my friends to influence me on bad decisions. I realize that friends arent going to give you money and a job will. To get a job you have to learn and college is the place to go. I went to college to get a better career and learn lessons I didnt know about. College changes people and makes them more knowledgeable which is the reason it was important for me to go to college.

By attending MSU I have been able to dive into the sciences. I love my geology and geography classes and am currently in biology and have reveled in the research associated with science classes. I have been building relationships with professors, graduate students and other students that I hope to foster for the rest of my professional career. I hope to become a field researcher as I spend all of my free time in the beautiful mountains of southwest Montana, northwest Wyoming and noth Idaho. My passion is for geology and ecology and I hope to be able to combine these into a viable career. MSU attracts so many intelligent and talented people due to our geographic location and proximity to so many unique recreation opportunities so I feel fortunate to be able to interact with some of the best minds around. And of course, Yellowstone National Park is only about 45 min from campus and I visit everychance I get to study the unique geology and ecology of the area. I will take from MSU some valuable and lifelong friends and a greater appreciation for the beauty of our natural environment.

I have learned many things from college. Quite a few of these things have to do with my studies. I have learned to manage my time, and not to procrastinate. I have learned that studying everyday actually does help, it is not just a lie to get you to do you three hours a night of homework. I have learned that it is important to attend class and learn the material, or else you really can not move on from the class. Though, I think the most important thing I learned in college, is about family. Being in college made me realize how much my parents did for me, and what they have taught me. They taught me how to live as an adult, how to take care of myself, and do what I need to do to survive with out the reminding me. They taught me how to help others and accept help. It also taught me that my time with them is important and visitng them is not punishment but a pleasure. Although college has taught me a lot, I think what I reealized about my family is what matters most.

If I could only go back with the wisdom I have now to impart upon my younger self. The mysteries that I have uncovered, the experiences I?ve had told me one thing. Follow your dreams. True happiness isn?t found through ascribing to an agenda made by someone else; true happiness is found in your own passion. Surround yourself with what you love, and involve yourself in this world. It is in the colors of this world that I discovered mine. To draw, paint, sketch? to create something greater than yourself. Once that passion is discovered, embrace it. To meet like-minded individuals will only help to foster growth in your passion. Continue to embrace your passion, use it to your advantage, and never doubt yourself. Open your eyes, smell the flowers, travel the world. Never give up on what you love, you?ll be happier. Put your goals on happiness over everything, life is to short to spend miserable. Above all else, commit yourself to something and through that allow your life to become rich with experiences and relationships. That is what I would tell myself.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself two things; if something doesnt feel right with your major or your social activities then change it right away, and be very positive and social on the very first day of college. If I would have gone with my gut after the first semester of college, I would have saved myself many nights of worrying and confusion due to the difficulty of my engineering major. I always had a gut feeling that I should be doing something else but I chose to ignore that feeling and wait another whole year before I finally changed majors to the one I love. My second comment to myself about being more social and confident would have helped me tramendously in making more friends and being an overall happier person. Now I'm not saying I'm an unhappy person, but if I would have been more outgoing during my first couple weeks at college I think I would feel a lot more cofident about my future and the life I'm living. Overalll i love my college and college life.

Dear Alli, High school is almost ending and you need to make your plans for college more clear. It's okay to not know what career you want to find yourself in yet, just find yourself in college first. It's also not too late to fill out financial aid forms. Someone out there would love to help you get a college education, you just have to look for them. When your scheduling your classes don't overwhelm yourself. It is only going to be your first semester, take it kind of easy and get the feel for everything. Your Friend, Yourself P.S. You'll make a great teacher.

Please be prepared for what the future holds. It may change dramatically from you expect. If you are flexible and get a sound education, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way over time.

I actually have lots of food allergies (I'm a lactose intolerant celiac), so the best advice I would have given myself would be to make better contact with the Housing Dietician. I know we have one now, but I never talked with her about how I could work around the food options on campus or maybe work out a more flexible food plan (MSU has terrible food options for students). I would also tell myself to research more scholarship options on the school website, because there are many out there that I wasn't aware of when I was a high school senior or even a college freshman.

If I could go back and time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would offer myself not only great advice but vast opportunities. As a high school senior, I had my heart set on a single, highly elite college in southern Missouri. Unfortunately, I did not apply to any other colleges simply because I had my heart set on this college. When I received the admissions letter and saw that I was on the waiting list and had not been admitted, I was devastated. I had no backup plan and it was too late to apply to Montana State University. Consequently, I was stuck at a local community college for a year sharing math problems with classmates the age of my mother, until I could attend Montana State University the following term. I would have told myself to apply to at least two in state colleges and two out of state colleges. There is so much opportunity for high school seniors to grasp. Being able to choose which college to attend is a privilege; take full advantage of it.

If I could go back in time and prepare myself for upcoming years I would say enjoy life; stop rushing. I would say enjoy every moment that you can with Mom and Dad; talk with them and ask how their day was. Also make dates with your brothers to go out to eat or to the movies. Have fun with them; they grow up so fast you soon will have to look up to them. Most of all I would tell myself to be happy. Get a postive outlook on life and don't let things bring you down. Enjoy life; you are young and need to brighten peoples day. I would say that over and over. Another thing I would emphasize is take that postive outlook and meet new people! Surround yourself with fun, energetic friends and make as many as possible. I would also warn myself that college is harder and to just try your best. You will succeed.

Apply more for scholarships. College is expensive and you shouldn?t put that off.

The advice I would give myself is that I need to study as much as I can. It is not as hard as everyone thinks that it is going to be. If you put your mind to something you can do it. Just pick something that you love to do and stick with that. Also remember, college is totally different than what people make it out to be. It is a time to learn new things, No goofing off should be done. Yes you could get laughed at by keeping your nose in a book, but whatever you need to do to get the studying done, do it. I have learned what kind of skills are needed to be a good study techinque for me.

If i could go back to being a high school senior I would have focused more on preparing for college than I did. I would have applied for ever scholarship instead of thinking everything would take care of itself. Other than that I think I made wise choices being a high school senior. I was school president, class president, president of the prom commitee and i attended part time college while raising my son. I think I surpassed expectations as a high school senior so I am definently more proud than upset of myself.