Mount Saint Mary’s University Top Questions

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

serrina

I once heard a song by Trace Adkins where he spoke of his young daughter who stressed employment, marriage and children. As a father, he warned her to slow down and enjoy life. "You're going to miss this," were his exact words. I am now twenty, engaged, working two jobs and efforting to get through college. If I was given the opportunity to talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself those exact words Trace Adkins told his daughter. I would imform myself of the reality of being an adult: bills, college, marriage and kids. Life is fun when one is settled, but in order to suppot a family, they must have a job, and to obtain a decent job, one must have some sort of degree. When a senior, I had a four hour school day and an eight hour work day. If I could go back and talk to me, I would force myself to focus on the later, college, and not just the now, money. I would demand myself to take necessary, free classes that I now pay to take. So yes, I do miss hig school life, but I also learned a ton.

Taneshia

Advice i would give to myself would advise myself to study harder. To not take high school for granted and establish good study habits then. Do not worry about going out with your friends or trying out for all the clubs. College has plenty of time for you to join clubs. Advise myself to establish time management and also prioritizing things better. I would also advise myself to to choose a college that is more financially reasonable for my family then to choose the dream college because money does pose a problem. Overall i woudl tell myself to work hard and focus.

ebenezer

Choose wisely, do not feel forced to accept

Madis

Do not make hasty decisions due to lack of time management. If you think any college will do, that is wrong, you have to enjoy this time in your life and it is definitely worth doing your research. If possible, contac students that currently attend the college(s) you are interested in so they can give you an accurate description of what it is like to be a student there.

Briana

The advice I would give myself is to enjoy senior year in high school as much as I can. My senior year I never attended school dances, events, or joined clubs. Now I wish I had so that would be another advice to myself, to get involved in school as much as I can. Another advice would be to pay attention in my AP classes so I can pass the AP tests. Having to take some of the classes again in college is not good because it's only making me fall behind. The summer after senior year it's going to be a busy and hard summer. Realizing how hard it was to get the money to pay for tuition since fafsa didn't cover everything was hard. I would tell myself to limit how much money I spent my senior year and not buy stuff that isn't neccesary. The last advice I would give myself is to not slack of the last semester of high school. I would tell myself to keep my grades to be A's instead of B's because it will increase my chances of winning scholarships.

Lesby

Finishing high school was one accomplishment but getting into great schools was another. Before going starting college i should have warn myself that money was definetly going to be a problem. I really didnt know that my first year in college was going to be so much responsibilty. In college your on your own and professors are not always going to be letting you know when cetain assignments are due like they did in high school. I would absolutely advice myself that college has a lot of expenses and you have to be your own agenda to be reminding you when certan things are due. Going to college can be an awesome feeling yet hard at times. Things dont come easy when you live in a house hold with a single mother trying to help you pay tution. I also wouldve advice myself that financial needs are always going to come in the way of school.

Samantha

As a high school senior I would have motivated myself to work on my time management and procrastination. In high school students can get away with turning in assignments late or studying the night before for an exam but in college that is not the case. I would tell my high school self to start preparing earlier and get on top of my school work. My high school was a college prep school so I feel like I was well prepared with everything else going into college.

Bianca

Bianca, when you are in college I suggest that you put your hard hat on because you will not be reminded to do assignments, you will have alot more responsibility. Also never fall behind in readings it is dangerous. Know that meeting with teachers and creating individual relationships with them is beyond important. It is also important to have good manners in class and be incredibly polite to those supplying you with an education.

Sabrina

The best advice I could give would be to ASK MORE QUESTIONS!! I made the process of applying and transitioning to college much more difficult and stressful than it needed to be because I was too stubborn to ask questions. I had to deal with late clearance fees; fear that I would not be able to start school because my tuition was not fully paid; and frustration that I did not have a work study job because I never asked about the process. Now, I am proactive about asking questions before something awful happens. I realize how much easier it is just to ask someone. Here's why: I can usually get an answer a lot quicker; I often gain other important information, which I can ask more questions about; and lastly, I am building relationships with those around me.

Jasmine

As a high school senior, all I wanted to do was stay close to my friends, hang out and I had no set career goals. I was the type of student who settled for minimum achievements. I would tell my high school-self to focus on improving my grades and to consider making decisions that affect me in the long run instead of the immediate satisfaction. This includes financial and educational responsibility. When it comes down to it, you are the one responsible for yourself and it is necessary to make decisions and sacrifices that will help get you where you want to be. If it means attending a university in another city or state, the experience will help mold you into the person you want to be. Do not settle for the minimum, because there is something greater that you are meant to achieve. Don't be afraid to take chances and go outside of what you are familiar with. This will only help you to discover your full potential and where you want to go in life. Have fun and make it happen!

Daysi

I would advise myself to begin reading more into the subjects that i was going to be studying in school. Also, creating an hourly schedule of 5 days a week and planning what needs to get done. Essentially a better form of organization is vital in college. Another thing that would be very helpful is the goal of having a car. transportation is very important especially if one plans to become a commuter in the near future. It would be very difficult to become more independent without a vehicle.

Michelle

I have obtained a sense of independence and responsibility from my college experience. Independence in that, I can try to control what I can control in my life such as how many hours I study, what I should eat, what I can do to stay healthy, etc. The things I have just named are also tied to responsibility because I have a responsibility to myself as well to my professors to keep up with the learning material. I have responsibilities in the clubs I am in and responsibilities outside of school. Both independence and responsibility come hand in hand and what I've really gotten out of my college experience is, how to balance both.

Ladonna

I am a freshman at Jones County Junior College and as a freshman, I have felt a sense of accomplishment. I realize that with out a college degree i am not going to find a good paying job. Since i been in college i have been on my own and sort of get homesick, but i see i can makeit on my own if i think positive about life. Everyday campus life gets better and better. I have developed friendships with people here that share the same things with me. I have gotten involved in campus activites and it makes me feel like i made a right choice in life.

Linda

Returning to college as a working adult was a daunting prospect. I wasn't sure I’d be able to compete and actually retain information after an absence of over twenty years. I proved to myself that I was capable of being a successful student. My self-esteem was improved by the college experience, and that it an invaluable gift. Intellectually, college has been a succession of new world experiences. I have a new outlook on myself, literature, and past and present cultures. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue my education. I find the experience fulfilling on a personal and professional level. Initially, I returned to school to acquire my Bachelors degree, and discovered my love for academia. I knew before I completed my courses that I’d be continuing on for my Graduate degree. At this rate I don’t rule out Post-graduate studies, and it all started with that initial step. For whatever moved me to try, I am forever thankful.

Taylor

When going to college, I've had nothing but positive experiences. I've met many people from different backgrounds and learned how to work together with many different kinds of people. College has challenged me and has made me realize that I am capable of much more than I could have ever imagined. It has encouraged me to become more involved with my community and the people surrounding it. as well has entricing others to consider higher education after graduating high school. If it weren't for my choice of attending college I wouldn't have gained the new skills I have today. Attending college has been very vaulable, and worth every penny and I am very thankful for having the oppurtunity to attend with the scholarships that have helped me throughout the years.

Akela

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Sayra

I have learned to use my voice. This is an all girl school in the first place so when freshman year started we were to enroll in a SPR class which is introduction to college studies. It really helped me know what to expect and how to deal with stress and anger also it taught me how to study. Also in one class our teacher got us in a group and asked us are we the rule or the exception meaning are we going to college because we can and have our familys support or are we going to college and not have our familys support answers depending on our ethnicity. and family morals. Well this taught me to use my voice and value my sexuality because just I am a woman does not mean I am limited it just means I can do so much more. I am the rule not the exception I will be the first to graduate from college for my family and I will be the first with a career. This school has taught me education is power and with the key of knowledge I will be able to do anything.

Amber

Community college has helped me tremendously into becoming a more successful and independent person. I originally wanted to start off at a University, but because of my financial situation I was not able to. Even though Community College was not my first preference, it has taught me to be grateful for having an opportunity to continue my education. Before attending community college I believed that it was just another year of high school. Soon enough I found out that my classes were challenging and I would have to work hard for my grades. With community college I have become more responsible and have tried my best to excel in every class; hence my 3.75 GPA. I have also gained a great friendship with the student body and staff. I have learned that it does not matter where you start in life but the most important thing is where you end up. I now realize that community college was the best way for me to start off because I am still gaining an education but I am also saving money in the long run. The experience of community college has been great and I do not regret taking this step.

Vanessa

Having attended college for almost a year now, I can honestly say it has helped me value the gift of education a bit more. Although money has been an issue, I?m trying to find a way and not let that stop me from reaching my goals. I am fortunate to say that I have a very loving family who supports me. I also have a great role model, my sister, who will be graduating this year from Occidental College. I am very pleased with my college experience so far, it has taught me that there is more to simply physically growing up. I have developed certain visions of where I want to be ten years from now, and I now know that the effort I put into completing my goals is all in my hands. Due to the fact that I live on campus, I have grown to become more independent and rely less on my parents. College has truly served me as an eye opening experience; it has taught me that there is more to life than partying and being young. You have to set priorities along with goals and maintain them.

Elizabeth

I'd tell myself to keep it up. "Hard work really does pay off and it's good that you got started in high school. Now as a senior in my final semester of college, I know you can do this! Keep to it and your dreams do come true. Finding my niche in nursing has been a wonderful experience and I've learned so much about myself along the way. The road isn't always smooth, but this road takes you on an amazing journey. College is a hard hike up the homework, financial aid paperwork, pinching pennies, late nights, and endless careplan mountian... but wait til you make it to the top!! It's never felt better. Be proud of the person this experience will help you grow to be."

Jenna

If I were able to go back in time and speak to 18 year-old Jenna, I would actually just pat her on the back and tell her to carry on. Mistakes and rough experiences are what bring life lessons and character. Though I struggled financially at the beginning of my educational career, I would never go back and attempt to "avert" the obstacles I faced. The volatile years of the young adult in transition to a life of responsibility are precious; those of us that had to learn the hard way and fight through those years will become strong, self-sufficient adults. We will value our education more highly because we earned it each step of the way.

Dejzenelle

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior to relax. In many cases including my own people get very nervous about college. You have all of these expectations and all these pre-college jitters. My college experience so far has been great. The teachers and staff have been so welcoming, I've met plenty of new people and my classes are running pretty smoothly. I would tell myself to unwind and calm down, because all the worries I have are completely wiped away in my first week of college. I would tell myself that there are people to guide you along the way and not to worry so much about money and how to pay for books and schooling, because there are so many cool scholarships, grants, and etc to help me. I would also tell myself about this awesome sholarship for $5000 by campusdiscovery that will make a great difference and help me pay for the materials I need in this next semester and that because of it things will work out just fine.

Jennifer

First off, I would tell myself to focus harder on my school work because it will pay off when it comes to taking college courses. I would tell myself to start working on my time management skills because they WILL come in handy when trying to juggle classwork as well as a part time job. Although it seems like a lot of hard work there will be many friendships and memories that will last forever. Adjusting to living in on campus housing is easier when you have friends to pass the time with. Living on campus is the best choice you could make. It allows for more independence and allows for you to show your parents that you are a responsible adult. The most important piece of advice that I would give myself is to be happy with what I am doing. Do not let others influence what classes you take or what your extracurricular actitivies are. Do what makes you happy, and what you enjoy the most because that is what is important.

Cynthia

When I was a senior in High School, I was worried about my future and I was going through a very hard time. This sort of affected my grades and they began slipping. If I were to go back in time and talk to myself, i would tell myself not to worry about what happened in the past but focus and live life as its fullest. As for talking about my transition to college, I would tell myself to get out and talk to everyone. I am happy as where I stand but I wish that i could get out of my shell and try new different things. Also, I would tell myself not to feel sad when mom called crying on the phone. She will eventually get over it and sometimes even forget to call...

Jann

If only I really could go back in time and talk to myself my senior year, then that would have helped me out a lot for college. Going into college, I did not know what to expect. I knew what I wanted to do and what college I was going to, but that was it. Once college started, I realized that I was not prepared whatsoever. I would tell "Senior Year Jann" that I should start getting used to studying skills. I would also tell myself that I should buy more school supplies so that I am more organized. Furthermore, I would want to let myself know that I need to try my hardest and to not get distracted with other things around me. I am paying for school now and I need to be serious.

Angela

My Grandfather and I went for a walk once. He told me to grab one high heel and a pair of tennis shoes. He asked me to put on the high heel and one tennis shoe, and to carry the other in hand. As we embarked upon our adventure, I immediately began struggling not to twist my ankle or lose my balance, along the rough gravel road. After walking and talking for hours, we turned around. He joked, "Do you realize that you've been working very hard down this path? See, you're working twice as hard to prove you can walk with that high heel, and YOU haven't improved whatsoever. In fact, your knee, back, and neck are in pain. Why, you had this other shoe with you the whole time?! You go ahead, put it on, and stop working twice as hard AGAINST yourself?" We laughed ourselves home. Going back in time, I tell myself, "Please, pay closer attention to Grandpa's life lesson. Prioritize importance in my life: school, work, and then friends. Know, improve and embellish my interests and skills, by joining clubs at school. Work WITH me and love myself more to succeed! "

Daushae

I would tell myself to keep looking for scholarships because you'll never know how much they will come in handy. Also, I would tell myself to look for other schools and to stay on track of everything you do involving your school, which includes communicating with teachers, student , and councelors. I would keep telling myself to don't be afraid to ask for help with essay's and homwork because those essay's will give you a opportunity to go to a private college and the help on your homework will help you pass your classes. Last, I would tell myself to never give up your dream, no matter how hard it is, you can do it. You have people that love and care about you and want nothing but the best for you.

Anita

If I could back in time knowing everything that I know about the college life, I would strongly recommend students as well as myself to attend college or a university in order to become successful in life as well as accomplishing ones goals and dreams. Knowing what I know about Mount St. Mary's College, I would encourage many students to attend this college for all the services that it offers to students equally as well as finding a much more friendly enviornment and or community in this college. Being a senior in high school, many students panick about which schools they should attend and which will fit their economic status. I have learned in life that no matter what the economic status is everyone is able to receive financial aid either by the institution one will be attending or by the scholarships and grants that are offered by the state of California. Becoming a senior in high school is the best feeling tht one can feel specially graduating and receiving the high school diploma. Everyone has a chance to move forward in school by accomplishing the goals that we have.

Christal

"The future lies before you Like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, For every step will show." ~Author Unknown Ah, to be able to learn what life has to teach us before we have to learn it the hard way. As a senior, I was scared of college. I was terrified of how I would do, what it would be like away from home, and if I would fit in. Unfortunetly, I allowed these fears to make excuse to delay my college education. I entered into marriage and began a family. It was at that time that I realized that I could fall under the pressures and not attend at all, or step up and continue my dream of being the first person in my family to go to college. I chose to attend. Now, I adore college! That ability to spread my own wings and control my own future that once scared me now is my reason to continue. Regrettably, I cannot go back in time. But if I could, I would let that girl know that college life will be the best experience of your life, don't let it pass you by!

Paola

Watch out for the COYOTES! When I first came here I seriously did not think I would even see wildlife, but boy I was wrong. I have seen so many wild animals skunks, raccoons, deer and even possums. I would probably tell myself to be ready for the animals. Raccoons are fierce, skunks are scary and don't run away from the snakes unless you want to get bitten. I would be more prepared for that. I would also tell myself not to commute until my senior because it has been truly chaotic going from resident to commuter in the middle of junior year. I would also tell myself to go for more scholarships that way I don't have to worry so much about paying for school.

Stephanie

I would advise any high school senior to make sure you are prepared for college. Use all the resources you can for studying and learn how to manage your time. Time management is the most important tool to being successul in college. When choosing your classes try pick 2 classes that you would find difficult and 2 that may not be so demanding. Find another student in each of your classes to partner up with so in case you are not able to attend a class session you can still be able to know the assignments and retrieve the lectures from class. The transition from high school to college can be a difficult one but keep in mind that you are doing this for the greater good and that it is only a short period in your life.

Joanna

do not procrastinate! Work really hard and enjoy yourself it going to by very fast.

Gabriela

Focus on school completely, although working is important to pay for school, grades and keeping up witht the homework is so much more important, you may struggle financially now but focusing on school will make your life much better in the future. Also just relax, dont get streesed out because of all the school work you will always find a way to get through it and get good grades if u relax and focus on the assignment.

Yesenia

Going back in time to my senior year of high school i would tell myself to prepare for a long road ahead of me, and that it will become more difficult the further i get into my major. I would tell myself to get use to studying more and getting use to the loads of material i had to read. Then personally, i would explain to myself that i need to become more responsible and to be on top of things. This way i would not get any hidden or surprising fees from the school. Plus, to learn to make smart choices when it come to school and life; theres will be times that the choices i made allowed me to learn how to ballance school and my social life. Then i would explain my mistakes and hope my past-self would take it into consideration, where my past-self would have better results. lastly, to never give up and always thrive for what we want.

Barbara

I would advise to allow the student to attend the school at whixh he or she feels most comfortable.

Fahd

The right college for a prospective college student varies from person to person. Choosing the right school can be tedious but it can be easier if one know his/her dreams or goals in life. If still undecided, do not panic because schools have counselors to help you or you can just take general education classes which everyone has to take regardless of one's career. Taking this classes help you explore different fields of study that should be interesting. Once you know your major, list several schools that offer your field of interest. Then, you could narrow down your list to your number one & two schools of your choice based on several factors such as: its reputation, financial stability, diversity, size, environment, access to transportation and facilities. School's reputation through word of mouth can greatly impact and make your selection easier but to experience it first hand is better. So try to make an appointment for campus tours of each school in your list to observe and experience how each schools are like. Find out if the faculty & students are multi-cultural because this reveals how the school prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, disabilities, etc.

ruth

Send your daughters to the Mount St. Mary's College. Most of our school's student is very safe, tolerant, and respectful.

Janet

For prospective college students and parents, I give you this advice. GET INVOLVED!!! For your first year, live in on-campus housing. You will meet new friends of all backgrounds. Take your education seriously, it goes by so quickly. Be diligent and proactive in all areas of college life. Get involved in extra-carricular activities. It can open the doors to so many opportunities. Make sure you choose the college that is right for you and don't worry about where your friends are going. Make this the best experience it can be.!!! The world is yours, grab the bull by the horns and go!

Nicole

As high school ends, the season of college applications arrives and a surge of questions accompanies school advertisements in the mail: What major do I want? What college best suits my needs? The entire admissions application seems a feat in itself, with essays to write and test scores to send and fees upon fees to pay. Hence, it is no wonder students and parents become overwhelmed with deciding what college to attend. The most important component in this decision is the particular major the student desires. However, if the person does not know what to study, he or she should focus on personal preferences in a school: its emphasis in education or internships or extra-curricular activities that best suit the individual. The student can therefore adapt better to transitioning into college because he or she would look forward to attending. It should be able to mean more than just a school; it should be a place that becomes a part of you as you become a part of it. In addition, I would recommend living on campus for at least freshman year; it can make the transition easier by meeting new friends and becoming accustomed to living independently.

Alma

Make sure to really research a school before deciding to go there. Look it up online, visit, plan a tour, maybe even sit in on a class to get the whole experience. Or if you know what your major is, see what school is best for you. See whether you want a large university or small private school, check out every detail to make sure you pick the school that is right for you and that it's a school you can be happy with.

Jena

Everyone's college experience is unique; just like every person is not exactly the same. Finding the right college may take some time, but it is important to research the schools in consideration. There are websites that can help match students to a college, and those are wonderful; sometimes you find a school that you never heard of, but is the perfect fit. Another important thing to do is go to the campus and take a tour. When you are at the campus talk to students that go there and ask questions about dorm life, financial aid, and classes. Get all the dirt on the school that you can. As for making the most out of the "college experience", the best advice that anyone can give is to simply take every opportunity that you are given and run with it. Whether it be an internship or a party, make the most you can out of college; it's the only chance you will get.

Nicole

I suggest that the parents should listen to what their child says. It is important for the student to be comfortable in the campus. But, students, listen to what your parents say because they most likely have been there before and they are willing to share their experiences. In the end, the students will appreciate their parents more because of everything they have done for the past 18 years.

Samantha

Students: Enjoy the college life! Parents: Listen to your kids, its not the same as it was before.

Sue

follow your own goal and dreams

Rosemary

One thing that I would advise parents is not to hold a college accountable for their tuition . They should let their children choose what school it is that they wish to attend.

Roxanne

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to do their research. Find a college that fits you not a college that you fit into. See if the college that you are interested in has all the resources you need like tutoring, sports, classroom sizes, and other criteria. It is crutial that if they are interested that they go visit it because they need to get the sense that they feel comfortable and at home. If you feel comfortable and you know that you can grow there, then your college experience will blossom with you. For students, take advantage of all the programs and clubs that your campus has to offer. Network as best you can because you never know when you will be needing something that someone else can help you with. To parents/students, don't let money stop you from attending the college of your choice. There are so many way to pay for college that should not be the reason to hold you back.

Jaimie

do your research and find the school that fits your personality. find a place where you will work hard for a degree in your fielod while making friends with the people around you.

Sarah

I would advise both the parents and the students to take a campus tour so they can get a feel of the campus. I would also advise the student to spend a night, or a few nights on the campus so they can experience the classes, food, atmosphere and faculty/staff first hand. Prospective students should also talk to the current students at the campus they are interested in. They should ask older students general questions about the financial aid package. Does it stay consistent over the four years? What happens if I earn/am awarded a lot of grants? Can I apply my work study directly to my tuition, or can I recieve a check for spending money and books? Etc. Prospective students should also inquire as to how the faculty interacts with the students. Are they friendly? Available? What is their teaching style? They should also ask questions about meal plans if they are planning on becoming a resident. Students should ask if the meal plans are enough to enable them to eat enough during the week, and if it isn't, then who should they talk to? What is the general quality of the food?

Ruby

You must choose the college that you want where you will be proud to say you got your degree from. The college you choose should also be right for your major and fit to your environmental needs.

Alice

Don't pick college based on the popularity of the school. As long as the school offers a good program for the anticipated major, then its the right college for you. Many people end up going to ivy league colleges but end up graduating with majors that make them question whether it will secure you a job. Most of all, don't judge a college by its public popularity rating. A small private college may not sound as appealing as big ivy league colleges, but do give equal attention towards smaller colleges when researching for your perfect college. Who knows, you just might be even more successful attending a smaller college.