Mount Mercy University Top Questions

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

Breanna

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships so I would not be in as much debt. I also would tell myself to get ready for the difficulty of some of the classes. So I was more prepared for the difficulty. I also would tell myself to volunteer more, because it is very important and very rewarding.

Josie

I have attended too many colleges in my time, and I have learned quite a few lessons on the way. I have learned that I will not be able to succeed in this world, doing what I want to do, without having a degree to show. I love challenge, and have decided that research psychology would be best for me, since the human mind is the best challenge out there! I want to use everything I learn into my research at some point!

Melisa

Although I have been a business professional for the past 24 years, going back to college at the age of 41 helped me to broaden my views about society and learn more in-depth theories of sociology and why the world is the way it is today. It has been valuable for me to attend classes because I have become more accepting of others and less critical of myself in the process. I think there are a lot of ways that I have applied what I have learned in my classes to improve my work environment and will continue to do so as I delve even deeper into the psychology and behavior of people in today's ever changing world. My goal is to merge my professional experience with a college degree and to make a difference in the community where I live through a combination of technology and sociological studies.

Lindsay

College helped me become a stronger person emotionally and mentally. When I first began at school I hated it. I cried all the time and went home every weekend, it was even tough for me to make it through the school week without going home at least once. Then troughout the first few months of my constant complaints of having no friends, always being bored and feeling like an outsider, I began to realize that I needed to make a change. I knew that I had to make it atleast through the rest of the year and honestly I didn't want to look back on my first year of college as a failure. It became my goal to push myself out of my shell, away from my comfort zone and make the best of it. If 1500 other students enjoyed the school why couldn't I? I started saying hello to people in my classes, going to school events and even stay through the weekend. Suddenly I felt like I belonged. I was able to creat a new home. I became a stronger more outgoing person and now I feel like I could adjust to any situation.

Ellen

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would say "calm down, there's nothing to worry about!" I would tell myself that senior year is not meant to be a year to slack off and forget about grades. I would also tell myself to enjoy every last bit of the year, because once high school is gone I can never get it back, but to not be nervous because college will be an even better experience. I would mention all of the great friends I would evenutally meet, all of the crazy experiences I would be lucky enough to go through, all of the priceless late night dorm room chats with the girls, and finally everything I would learn about life and myself that I would have never been able to pick up on as a high schooler. If I ever really had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would mention all of those things and leave one more quick word of advice to myself; Plastic does not belong in a microwave!

Shelby

i would tell myself to attend all of the first week activities. that is a way to create a group of friends and no mattere what it can benefit you in the long run.

Kyle

Chosing a college is has a lot to do with personal preference: size, distance from home, loction, etc. Finances are also very important. Make sure you know if scholarships are renewable or if they are only good for one year. Once on campus, get involved in some groups or activities, but make sure you keep your grades up too!

Sara

Before you decide on a college, make sure you go on a campus visit there, preferably when school is in session. That way you can see what campus is really like. When you are there, talk to current students to get an idea of what college is like for them. Try to arrange an overnight visit if possible, so you can see what really happens on weeknights/weekends. Once you decide on the right college, make sure the school has a few majors that you like. If one of them doesn't work out, you aren't wasting precious time trying to find a different one. When you move in, don't just sit in your room. Go out and meet everyone on your floor and in your dorm, its the best way to make friends early on. Take advantage of the school's services. Don't be afraid to ask for help, talk to the guidance counselors if you need to. It may be helpful to use the library or academic center to study in. Not much productive studying can get done in your room, there are too many distractions. After studying, don't forget to have some fun!

Michelle

Don't be afraid to look in several places. I was scared to move far away from home, however, I'm glad I went a little ways away. My school was three and a half hours away from home and, with work and school, it was difficult to get home; but you have to have good time management and set your priorities. When at college, put effort into all of your classes right from the start and it'll make the rest go a lot smoother. Live on campus for at least the first year to meet people and have the dorm experience, it can be hectic, but you won't regret it. Learn to take time away from studying for fun, it'll help you keep your sanity!

Michelle

My number one advice is that the environment of the school is equally as important as the program you will be attending. If you aren't comfrotable in the environment you will not excel. I encourage going on multiple campus visits, including overnight visits. Attend campus activities, sports events, sit in on some classes and eat in the cafeteria. Get the full feel for the college before making any decsions. Also, once you start attending, GET INVOLVED. This will be your home away from home, so jump in and make it the best experience of your life!

Tyler

Do campus visits that arent sponsored by the school because the people you deal with are paid to make it look good so its not an accurate view of the school.

Stanley

Scam.

Kristin

When looking at schools, look for something you are comfortable with in terms of class size, professors, financial aid, etc.

Lindy

Find a college that fits your interests. I chose Mount Mercy because of the small friendly atmosphere, ability to be involved, the academic success, financial aid, and closeness to home. I came from a smaller school and that was something I continued to want, others may want a complete change. If you are undecided on a major try to start out at a community college to get your required classes out of the way (make sure they will transfer to any school you may choose later down the road). Don't make a choice based on if your friends or significant other is attending, but if it is hard for you to find friends see if any have decided to attend the same school you have chosen and room with them. This will make the change from high school much easier on both you and your families. When you have chosen your school try and talk to everyone you can, it's not what you know, but who you know. If you also get involved you are less likely to become homesick, but remember to write/call your family because they miss you too. Keep your studies first! Good Luck!

Lindsay

College is a tough but important decision that we all should think about. In order to make the decision that is best for you, you need to take time to weigh the pros and cons for each college you're considering. First think about what you want to do in your future, and it's ok if you aren't sure. Do some research on the computer and when you find some colleges you think would suit you, schedule a visit or even an overnight. Whatever you do, don't get stressed out about these decisions, it wont help. Talk to your parents about what is going through you mind as well, and also get thier input. Finally, picture yourself at the schools. Do they offer you exactly what you need, and can you picture yourself learning as much as possible while having the time of your life. It's a life changing experience, so enjoy it!

Randi

When selecting a college it is important to visit the college not only once, but a number of times. Everything is changing and expanding and it is important to see the changes that go on over time. Also drop into some classes, the professors at Mount Mercy are very welcoming to visitors and we often have parents and students sit in on classes to see what it is like. Meet some people in the area and ask about the school, but don?t base the decision on one person. In addition, look into the scholarships and grants the colleges offer, many parents and students turn away a college based on tuition, but by not asking an great opportunity could be overlooked. The college experience is what each individual person makes of it, personally it has been the best some of the best years of my life, meeting knew people and getting an idea of exactly what I want to do in my years to come.

Kayla

I would go to the college that makes the most sense academically for you, and the one you feel most at home at. When I first visited my school, I thought that it would be a very catholic-driven school that wasn't open to diversity. I was very wrong. Although my school is catholic, there are probably more non-catholics than there are catholics. Everyone, including Faculty, is very diverse and open to new ideas. When I walked around the campus, I could completely see myself there, and that's how I knew it's where I wanted to go. It's hard to leave your friends if they're all going to the same school but in the end it's worth it because you meet more people with the same interests as you and you also build new friendships that will last forever.

Audrey

I would encourage students to get out there and try to get involved. I know that it will seem that you have too many commitments and too much to do, but there are not many other times in your life you will get to experience new things and new people in such an accessible way. I also recommend living on campus, at least for a year. You might get a roommate you hate, but you will learn a lot about your classmates and yourself in the process. Learning to compromise is a huge benefit in life, and living with a stranger is a great way to learn. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand something in class, or about your financial statement, find someone who knows. This is the time of your life to get over your fears and be independent. So when you are nervous, or feel dumb, or think you aren't going to make it remember that everyone else feels the exact same way. Just take a breath, smile, and pretend like you are confident in what you are doing because before you realize it you won't be pretending anymore.

Heather

Don't stop after looking at one...the more you look at the better options you get.

Morgan

Go to the campus and check it out, not just on the tours that they offer either. Really get to know what it's like before they try to glitz it up, you never know what tricks they may pull on those tours to make it seem better than it is. Once you find the campus that, in their actual form, is right for you: Get scholarships! it makes things much easier for the student if they don't have to work all the time while also attending classes.

Melissa

I would take as many college days as you possibly can. Visit as MANY colleges as you can before making your decision! Make the most of the experience by getting involved as fast as you can. Not necessarily in A LOT of things but just a few things that you can stick to for all four (or however many) years.

Katy

Look for the college that feels most like home to you. You cannot just tell by looking at pictures or hearing stories about campus. You need to take more then one tour, and try to imagine what it would be like for you to live there. Its best to spend at least your first year on campus in the dorms. Its gives you the true taste of college life. Parents, encourage your kids to stay on campus for most weekends, that is when most activites take place. Invest in a good solid alarm clock, usually in the form of a friend who is always on time for classes, they will make sure you always get there. Find friends for everything, eating, exercising, studying, hanging out. There is someone for anything.

Matthew

Find a school where you can be comfortable and still learn what you want to learn.

Jessica

Finding the right college is very important. One needs to make sure they know what they are going to school for and find a school that specializes in such a program, and are nationally known for that program. I also feel one needs to know whether they want to go to school in an enviorment with a lot of student and big lecture halls, or a college that has small class sizes and a one on one basis with the professors.

Rachel

I would tell them to definitely visit the school they are seriously considering so they can get a feel for the campus. Also, get to know the faculty and staff in their major because they will be a huge help when it comes to academics. I would tell them to try and get involved as much as their schedule allows because participating in activites helps to ease the transition from high school to college by making new friends and getting to know how the campus runs. Make sure you find time for yourself and focus on your studies as much as possible. Try and find a group of friends that don't distract you from your studies and support and encourage you throughout the year.

Chelsea

Do what feels right. When you know you . Don't go home for the first month because taht is the time you meet your friends. Be open to new horizons and new people!

Bre

I would make sure that you visit the college often. Also, be sure to talk to the students who attend the college. During the visits they allow you to talk to the ones who work with admissions, etc. but i would try to also try to talk to normal students around the campus and get their views and aspects about everything.