Mount Vernon Nazarene University Top Questions

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

Hosanna

I absolutely love college life, but am sad to be seeing it slip by so quickly. I was so eager to leave highschool, I wish I had enjoyed my friends, teachers, and the environment I had and not rushed off to college as quickly as I did. Academically, I would tell myself to practice studying and not just the night before a test, as well as to train myself to take good notes. I've learned studying and notetaking are key in doing well in college classes. If I could advise highschool senior me, I would advise not to take my last year in highschool for granted and to enjoy each day for itself rather than wishing it were over with. I would encourage myself to be the best and do the best I could and not just the minimum to get by. I would tell myself to love, encourage, and lead my fellow classmates by being an example in all areas of life.

Megan

Small-town high schools do not have much diversity. At least mine did not. It was like I was viewing the world with blinders on, only seeing what was directly in front of me. College yanked those blinders off my eyes without hesitation or remorse. Before I even began my first class, I was talking to people with different habits, different pasts, and different values. I was experiencing life for the first time in someone else's shoes. No longer was there only one way to look at the world, one way to think or act. I learned that there is beauty in diversity. If I could tell my high school self one thing, it would be to embrace the world. Experience it in all of it's diversity. Look beyond the curtains and see the world's true identity. I would tell myself to stop judging others because they were different, but to appreciate them because of these differences.

Shaharra

If I had the chance to go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior my advice would be to have more fun. I would tell myself not to wish high school away or stress out over the future. I speant my entire senior year trying to get credit for college that I didnt get to enjoy my last year of high school, and if there was just one thing I could go back and say, it would be to just enjoy your last year because this is the place that sculpted you and these are the people who pushed you and before you know it, it will all be over. I believe that everything that I went through my senior year put me in the position that I am in today and I am thankful for that, but out of everything, I wish that I would have had more fun.

Brittney

I would tell myself to take AP classes and get more involved in community service and volunteer projects. I would tell myself to be more invested in the classes that I took because they would all matter later in college. I would tell myself not to worry about the high school scene and what was going on there, because college is gong to be a whole lot different. That this will be the place that I will discover who I am and find people that I will be friends with even after college. I would tell myself that highschool is no reflection of how college and life will be. That I will grow to be a muh better person and will find myself. I would tell myself that everything will be ok.

Tess

You may be scared for college, but you shouldn't be. College will be the best four years of your life. But instead of sitting around waiting for college to come, you need to be proactive and work hard on everything from your current classes to scholarships. College won't be cheap and it won't be easy, but it will definitely pay off. Also, it's ok if you don't want to major in Spanish Education when you get to college. Take time to explore what makes you happy and what will make you happy in the long run. There are so many different majors and minors, don't limit yourself just because your'e comfortable. Study abroad! Take every chance you get to travel and see the world. Lastly, cherish every moment you have with your family, because eventually, everyone will be separated and it just won't be the same.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself not to worry about getting into school and getting the financial aid needed. I would also tell myself to be the social butterfly I now know I am and not to be afraid of branching out of my dorm room and meeting new people. I would also tell myself to not worry so much about my academics and give myself a chance to have fun.

Christopher

It is easy these days to get connected. With social networks and cell phones, it is easier than ever to find friends at the school you will be going to. Go to all of the school's events for future students and don't be shy! Introduce yourself to many people, and a wide variety of people. Don't become satisfied when you've met one person that has something in common with you, because you could be missing out on a great friendship and it is important to have these friendships before coming to school, so you don't have to worry about that on top of the stresses of classes and getting used to a new environment. In other words, take advantage of these situations and get involved on social network groups ahead of time, because friends make the transition so much easier and relieve the stresses of feeling alone at orientastion and during the first several weeks. Get involved early and often! Make yourself known and show that you are a good and reliable friend!

Erika

If I could go back and give myself as a high school senior advice about college life, I would tell myself that the transition ot college life is easy as long as you pick the right school to go to. If you pick the wrong school you will have the urge to transfer to another university that is to you better than the one that you're planning on going to. It is best that you try your hardest and not to let anything get to you. If you let stuff get to you, you will stress out and feel like you want to drop out of college. Just stay calm, get your work done, and always study. Good Luck in the rest of your senior year.

Emily

One of the biggest things that I have recently discovered that I should have done differently was how I related to my roomate. She felt that I did not talk enough and would find reasons to leave as often as possible. I felt that I was simply being a good listener. If I could redo that time I would definately try to talk to her more and otherwise push myself to be more social.

Tracie

College has helped me learn many things. I have learned independence, I have learned how to schedule my time around classes and get all my homework done in time for class. I have learned to recognize what professors want, and have learned much more about human nature. I have made wonderful friends and have learned more about responsiblity. Going to college has been a wonderful experience for me, and I am so glad that I was able to attend. It has helped me to really grow as a person.

Felisha

I first viewed college as something new, unknown, and exciting. Now it is hard to believe that half of the school year has gone by quickly. College is no longer new to me, yet I feel as if there could never be dull moment in any part of the day. I love the routine that college life can have and find that having a schedule for each day of the week works best for me. Planning for classes and study time is important to me. Without a goal in mind, I will always miss my target. It is most important to find a balance in everything and when I do have balance, it helps to eliminate undue stress. It has been valuable for me to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University, because of the positive and encouraging atmosphere that it brings to its students. I feel that the college has helped to increase faith in my beliefs and I also find it encouraging that most students there are well behaved, which has made the school easier to adapt to. Over all, I feel that the help professors give to students personally has been the key to most students’ success.

Sarah

Mount Vernon has helped to shape me as a person and academically. I have grown and matured in ways that wouldn't have happened had I chosen to go to a public university. MVNU has helped to challenge my ethics and how those should play out in real life.

Holly

I have gotten several things out of my college experience. In general, I feel that I have learned a lot of basic lessons about living as an independent person. College has given me an opportunity to begin making educated decisions on my own. I also feel that I have learned a lot about who I am and what direction I would like to take my life. My Social Work classes have provided me with important information and field experiences that have allowed me to know for sure that I am in the right field of study. My professors have helped me begin to narrow down my desired area in the field of Social Work. I have been able to be exposed to activities and events that I would never have come into contact with outside of college. It has been very valuable because my experience so far has opened me up to a world that I would have otherwise never been exposed to. I believe I will continue to learn in my upcoming college years and gain even more insight and direction as I strive to make the best life and career choices.

Aubrey

College has taught me what it means to have a worldview. I have learned about myself and what I really want out of life. I have had the opportunity to travel to Papua New Guinea and volunteer in a hospital, as well as spend time in inner city Orlando and volunteer with the homeless. My other adventures have taken me on a 1,100 mile bike trip down the coast of California for a psychology class and to inner city San Diego for Diversity Student Teaching. As you can see, MVNU has given me not only opportunities to flourish in my major, but also as a student, community member, and overall spiritual being. It has been valuable to attend, not because of simple things like great friends and good times, not that those are not valuable, but because of the person I have become. I now can enter the real world and try to find a teaching job with confidence. And I can continue to challenge myself and take risks discovering how I am to evolve in these next steps of life. My worldview has expanded and I have become enlightened about who I want to continue to become.

Rachel

I have gotten a great education as well as a challenge to grow in and understand my life as a christian and my relationship with Christ. I have also recieved a strong sense of the need to serve others above self through my education. Some of the lessons I have learned here have been incredibly valuable to my whole self, not just my intellectual self. I value my education and experiences at Mount Vernon Nazarene University very much.

Melissa

My college experience has taught me that the size of the school really does not matter. In high school I was convinced I had to go to a four year university my first year or it meant I was not smart. At IVCC I have learned so much both in my classes and about myself. I really decided what I am going to do with my life thanks to the help of the awesome counselors here. All of the classes are so indiviualized the teachers really do care and make an effort to be available as much as possible. I wish I could go to high schools and tell the seniors how good commnunity college is for me and explain that it may be right for them too. It is hard to go to a university, surrounded by all the new things and still stay focused on school. Especially when it's your first time living on your own. Community college has been very beneficial to be by helping me decide what I want my career to be and what university I want to transfer to without having to rush into things like I would have done in high school.

Heather

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a greater appreciation, for higher education in a Christian liberal arts university. For I have come to see the importance of a well rounded education, for it helps the person to become more experienced in all areas, therefore helping them become more marketable for the job market. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University to major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, because I know MVNU is helping me get ready to impact future generations of children in the classroom through a well rounded education.

Kathy

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would advise myself to focus on my likes and dislikes. I would search out my passions, things I would want to do even if I would never get paid to to do it. I would make sure I went to college right out of high school and finish early and not wait (like for me now at 45) to go back to college later in life. I would not do a specific focus at first, but allow time, life and experiences direct my destiny for specifics. In life, your perception and ideas change so I would have to know and be willing to adjust but to have that foundation of a Bachelors degree early in life would allow me to then add the "spices" to make my job and passion come to life. I would tell myself to go for it, don't feel inadequate or sell myself short. I would begin with the end in mind, set a goal and make it happen -- no matter what.

Julie

Dear Julie, you're about to enter a period in life that is different than any other you have experienced thus far. You will be living with someone you don't know, taking new classes, and eating new foods. Take the following advice to heart and you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams! First off, don't bunk your bed so ridicously high! You're clumsy and will fall out-guaranteed! Second, leave your door open as often as possible to get to know people on your floor. Third, if a professor allows unexcused absences, by all means take advantage of those! Once you reach higher level courses you won't be able to skip and still succeed in class. Fourth, become friends with everyone; however, make sure you have two close friends you can trust with your life-college life can be crazy and you never know when you will need them to maintain your sanity. And finally, as gross and rubbery as the chicken patties look on Saturday in the cafeteria, try them! They are delicious and they're served EVERY Saturday. You can only afford to go to college once Julie, so enjoy it while you can!

Abigail

I would give myself the advice to not be scared of the environment and to not hold back and be shy in order to make for friends. I would say go for what you want to do and do not let money circumstances or what you think everyone thinks you should be doing hold you back. I would say to not slack off and to try my best in school. I would tell myself to not life go too fast but to notice the small moments and the beauty that I am surrounded by. I would say to not be hesitant about the change to college life and to not be worried about being accepted. I would like to tell myself to be confident and to hold my head up high and to not let anything stop me but to also remember that school is not the most important thing and to make sure not to forget the ones I love.

Lauren

Knowing what i know now about college i would make sure i tell myself to make sure that i have fun and meet new people, but also at the same time to take the time and get all my work done and study and take in what is being taught in class. I would tell myself to make sure i prepare better for classes and get things done ahead of time and not wait till the last minute to do things. Most Important i would tell myself to not be nervous the first day of class to relac and have fun and enjoy it and take in as much as you can.

Sabrina

Do not be nervous about moving in! You don't have to carry any of your heavy belongings up to your dorm room. There are volunteers that carry them for you, and get it done faster than you can figure out what's going on! There will be little welcome notes waiting in your dorm room. The next day you will wake up to find little chocolates sitting outside of your door! Of course, this is only if you attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Make sure to bring vitamins, and get some sleep before exam days. It's better to sleep and study in the morning rather than stay up all night studying. Don't wait till the night before a project is due to start working on it. It is A LOT less stressful to break it down over a period of days or weeks. Procrastination may be the easy way out for a lot of things, but it really just adds a lot of stress to your daily life. Finally, have fun! Take some time to go mattress surfing, or play in the snow. A little break from studying every now and then can be good for you.

Jessica

I would tell myself about the importance of sleep. When I first started college I went from school to work everyday so when I got off work I would stay up late with my friends. Yes it was a lot of fun, but I paid for it acedemically and mentally. Not getting enough sleep and having an 8am class the next morning made it had to focus and stay on task. I would take naps during my breaks, which later put stress on me about finishing my work. This seemed like a repeating and never-ending cycle. I was always mentally worn down and tired. It was not until this last summer when I saw the true importance of getting enough sleep at night. So far, this school year has been much better. I feel rested, and less stressed about my piling up class work. I now see that there really is enough hours in a day to get everything done; even on top of working 30 hours a week!

Woodline

If I was able to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior I would encourage myself to consider attending an out- of-state school because I might regret that I didn't that opportunity when it was given. I would let myself know to apply for as many scholarships as possible (for example campusdiscovery .com). Furthermore, do research about the school/program by looking at the prequisites for my major and take college courses offered at highschool if availabe. Another thing I would let myself know is do not delay on applying for financial aid. Try the best I can to meet all deadlines because if sent early there is a possibility that I can recieve more funding. When accepted and decide to live on campus, if unsure on items to bring look through the college website for a list of what's needed and already provided in a dorm. Become familiarized with where your classes will be and seek tutoring. Be prepared for studying and pulling all-nighters, study with a group or at the campus library. Purchase used college textbooks, use a planner and eat healthy. Most importantly enjoy the college life!

Christina

Think with the end in mind. When you're 18, you're thinking about a major; when you're 22, you're thinking about a living.

Katelyn

If I could go back in time, I would tell my self to calm down and not worry too much. Don't stress out about not having all the answers. It's nice to know what you want to major in and where you are going to be in five years, but you have time to figure it out. Take time to enjoy your senior year. Have fun with your friends, but don't worry about not being able to find new ones. College is a whole new world. You can be whoever you want to be. College is a place to prove to yourself that you can be successful away from home. Always be thankful for the way that your parents raised you, but you will make it on your own. So enjoy the rest of the time that you have in high school and relax about the future. You are going to be just fine!

Richard

Take in the information that is being taught to you, study. Do not get bothered or anxious about what other people are doing. Just be yourself and focus only on you.

Jennifer

Knowing what I know now, I would have told myself to take more challenging courses throughout high school instead of taking it easy. As a junior in college I find that there are some classes I struggle with that I really should not be struggling with because I should have learned it in high school. As far as making the transition from high school to college I would say that I would tell myself to expect the best of things rather than the worst of things. When you worry about how things can go wrong you don't focus on how they can go right, or how to make them go right. My experience with a roommate my freshman year turned out bad, but I feel it was really because I let myself go into the situation thinking the worst of things. If I had just told myself that everything would turn out for the best, I would have had a better first semester. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to break out of a shell, to make friends and to talk to people more than I actually did.

Luke

When it comes time to make the decision of what college one is going to attend, this person needs to take some serious time and consideration. I?m not trying to scare students or their parents but this decision affects the rest of their life. I personally believe that one should pray about this matter, that God will guide them though the decision. When choosing a university see if there are opportunities to get involved with the community. You want to make sure that the school has spirit, for if not it could be quite a dull experience. The student to professor ratio is another detail to look for. With fewer students in a lecture the opportunity to learn and ask questions increases. Once you are on the campus of your choosing make sure to get involved in activities, try to leave a mark. Yes, learning is what you are there to accomplish but if you just shut out the world and study all day long you are not going to get far in life. If you are active in your society, your character will develop and in return people will have respect for you.

Rebecca

Parents love being part of their child's college-choosing process. The thrill of helping your child choose where he or she will study, make friends, and live during these important years is unexplainable! However, sometimes parents get caught up in the frenzy. They tend to forget that they themselves will not be the ones attending the school, but their child will. Some parents even refuse to pay for college unless their child goes to the school they they (the parents) have chosen! Parents, you should remember that .. your child needs to be the one making the final decision. Although a school may have everything you're looking for, if the student isn't comfortable there, they will probably not succeed. Your child will know which college is the best fit for them. Making it all the way through high school is no small accomplishment; to be blunt, your child is not stupid. They'll know. Trust me... they'll know. Let go and allow them to make their own choices.

Amy

There are many factors that contribute to any college decision and, as a student you must be sure of what you're looking for in your higher education. I asked some very important questions that helped me find the best university for me and ultimately made the entire process easier. The questions that I asked were as followed: How close do I want to be to my high school friends and family? What degree do I want to strive for and in what field? Do I want a small or large campus? Class seizes? Should I attend a 2 year or 4 year college? By asking myself these questions I found the perfect college for me. After answering them and narrowing your college decisions down, I strongly suggest you to follow this: Never let money decide for you. Higher education is not just the amount of tuition; it is worth so much more. You make life-long friends and gain tools that can be utilized throughout the rest of your life. Lastly, I strongly encourage you to be greatly involved in your campus community. It is a great resource and by doing so you have fun and learn even more.

Samuel

Start early, especially when it comes to applying for financial aid. Spend time at prospective colleges and get to know some of the students. Find out what employment opportunities are available for graduates. Plan to work hard, but take time for fun too. It helps relieve the stress and keep you going when it gets tough.

Brittany-Lee

Make sure the people are as friendly as they appear, make sure you find a good enviorment because that is just as important as academics, and try to find a place with a great community and high graduation rate.

morgan

Don't be afraid to be out going. College can be lonely at first, but if you are willing to be open and friendly with others, you have the potential to make friends very quickly.

Emalee

1. Don't worry about the cost, God will handle that for you: somehow. 2. Don't just go where your friends are going. 3. Have fun but don't loose sight of the work you need to do.

Leslie

I don't think that there is any advice to give someone when finding the right college. It is basically letting the parents encourage their child's abilities and talents and whether or not their child wants to continue their education. All I can really tell you is that the college you chose must be a reflection of yourself or how you want people to view you. Whether you attend the largest party school in America or a small school in the middle of a cornfield, the overall college experience is something you make for yourself.

Danae

In finding the right college, I would suggest that both parents and students consider visiting colleges within the students? junior year of high school. Senior year goes by quickly and deadlines for applications and scholarships approach without realization. Secondly, I would suggest that parent and student sit down together and form a list of what they look for in a college. With this list, it will be easier to narrow down which college is best suited for the student and is within the restraints of the parents? wishes. Lastly, while visiting colleges, do not be afraid to ask questions and participate. Make sure the student takes part in what the visitation has to offer, such as a meal in the cafeteria, a chance to sit in on a class, or a chance to spend a night in the dorms. All of these will better display the characteristics of the school. My advice in making the most of the college experience is that the student attending should get involved in activities as soon as they can. Friendships form quickly. Also, the student must learn very quickly to balance social life and schoolwork. Stay organized and conscious of when schoolwork is due.

Emily

Hey high school grad, believe it or not but how far away from home your school is will matter to you so distance is something to keep in mind. Also, how much financial aid is available is a huge deal. Even though a school may have a reputation for being the most fun, if that school isn't helping you out to your level of necessity, then you may reconsider you enrollment. You don't want to be paying on school loans when you're old enough to have a knee replacement do you? Making the most of one's college experience should be based not on how high one's GPA is nor how many friends one has. Instead, surrounding oneself with genuine people that care for you enough that they would come running at three o'clock in the morning if needed is important as well as actually learning the material that is presented. All those assignments will do no good after graduation if one has forgotten the purpose of those assignments. Purpose is the foundation of an ultimate college experience and purpose can only be created by the help of genuine friends and the use of wisdom.

Sarah

I would tell the parents and students that it is important to visit the college campus before choosing a college, taking a visit day really does help especially if you can visit more than once and talk to the students about their experience. It is important to talk to more than one group of students though because their answer may be biased depending on their situation.

Allison

I would suggest that you go with your gut feeling! I know this sounds too simple, but when you know, you just know! I loved my school and it was the first school that I visited! I would also suggest that you think seriously about the tuition cost. I have a lot of student loans, but my educational experience was completely worth it. Make sure you know for sure that your experience is something that you are worth paying for!

Jennifer

Visit the campus and pick whichever one feels the most at home to you. If the campus does not feel comfortable to you do no pick it, you will be miserable the whole time you are there. If you feel at home at the campus you are attending you will feel so much better about yourself and the education you will be obtaining.

Sarah

To find the right college, look at what is right for the student. Look at the professors and their level of caring and how much they will do to help the student. Look also at social aspects, because the college years are supposed to be the best years of one's life. You want to go to a college that has a social atmosphere that challanges you to be a better person and to grow in your life's purpose. Make the most of your college experience by getting involved. Make friends that will last a lifetime. Get to know the professors and don't be afraid of going to them for help. Be wise and remember that life is only just beginning.

Robert

Finding the right college is a daunting task, and it is not an easy one to complete. As a student, you must find a college that offers the degree program that best fits in with your ultimate career plans. After that, you must find the college that you will feel most comfortable on. If you were raised in an urban area, try to find a college that has that same urban feel. If you were raised in a rural setting, try to find one that has that same rural, small town America feel. You must feel comfortable on your college campus. Thirdly, to make the most out of your college experience, you must become involved in your campus community. Join college clubs and organizations that revolve around your specific hobbies and/or interests. Get involved, and stay involved. It creates for you a web of friends who have the same interests and hobbies as you to turn to when times get tough. When you become involved in the things you love doing, you will love the college that you are at, and you will remembere these days forever.

Stephen

My mom didn't want me to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She said it was "too expensive, and wasn't culturally diverse enough." Both are true. But now in my junior/senior year, looking back over the course of my experience here at MVNU, I couldn't be happier. You see, college is more than the simple statistics: retention rate, demographics, athletics, ect. It's deeper than that. At the end of the day, I try and image the type of person I would be if I had attended another school. I can't. My college experience has been one full of irreplaceable memories, invaluable lessons, and life long friendships. Picking the right school is ultimately about following your heart. With faith, the rest will fall into place. As far as this pivotal moment in a person's life called the college experience, the process is extremely delicate. Over the course of the next 4 years (or more), a world full of opportunity will be thrown at your feet. It's up to you what you do with it. College is life changing. It could evolve you into a person that will do extraordinary things. My advice? EMBRACE EVERYTHING.

Michael

Make sure you check out the campus on a normal school day. If you go on a day specified for potential students, you might not get a clear picture of what the school actually runs like when there isn't pressure on all the students to behave because of the new people. Also, Don;t choose a school because it's close or because someone you know is going there. Just because someone else may like it, doesn't mean you won't hate it. And as for living close, unless you absolutely can't pay to live on campus, it's a bad idea for that to be your only reason! :)

Aimee

When I was looking for a school my mom told me to find a place where I could see myself walking around and working in that environment. When I visited MVNU, I could see myself belonging there and it felt right. It also helps if you know someone who has attended the university that you would like to go to. I wouldn't worry about making "the wrong choice" because this is college. And in college if the school isn't giving you what you need, you can always transfer. After being at MVNU for the past 3 years all I can say is to get out there and try it. Coming in as a college freshman you can change the lable you were given in high school. You don't have to be the geek or the slacker or the pot head any more! You can be whoever you want to be, hopefully for the better. Best of luck!

Justin

The first thing you should look at when looking at colleges is the kind of majors and minors that the college offers. The next thing to look at is if the school is a reputable school. Some questions to ask are: Does the school have a high placement in the job market of recent graduates? What kind of reputation does the school have with employers? The next thing you should look at when looking at schools to attend is the campus life. The campus should satisfy most if not all of your social and living needs and desires. The last thing anyone should look at when looking at colleges is the price. There should be no price tag on a good education. There are plenty of scholarships and financial aid out in the world for any student to go to school. Once the student gets to school they have to live their life. Have fun but also think of the future. You are there for an education first but you have to have fun or the experience won't be all it could be. College can be great, but it can be bad. The choice is yours.

Minister

Start early! apply to all scholarships that apply to your circumstances and financial situation. The competition is stiff so hang in there and dont give up.

Alisha

Tour the school. Pray about where God would want you to go.. Where he is leading and calling you. Talk to other students about the school.

Emily

College is one of the most life-changing experiences you'll ever get, but it's no cakewalk. Choosing the right college will come to you: look at the ones that match your most important criteria, then go with what feels right. Once you get there, I have two warnings for you. First, you'll face some difficulties no matter how great of a college you choose. You may have a stubborn roommate, a tough class here and there, maybe some mid-term blues, but it's worth it, because here's the second thing: you will become who you are in college. You will grow, change, stretch and learn; you will discover your personality, your passions, your confidence and your potential, and suddenly, you'll notice that you're becoming the whole, balanced, beautiful person you were always meant to be. So no matter what you face, I promise, it's worth it.