Murray State University Top Questions

I would tell myself that college is not as easy as I thought it would be. I won't be able to breeze through it without studying or actually reading the assigned chapters in the textbook. Although at times you may feel that you are at your breaking point, confide in your sorority sisters, your teammates, your coaches, and your advisors and professors to guide you through whatever it is you need help with. Whether it is a shoulder to cry on, a smile to laugh with, or you are in need of words of encouragement, don't be afraid to let others in and allow them to help you. College can be scary, but it can also be very enjoyable as well. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, experience things so you can figure out who you really are and what you want out of life. Don't be afraid to fail, because you will. Take that failure, and learn from it. Don't let a bad test grade define you. Remember, just because you have a bad day, doesn't mean you have a bad life.

The first piece of advice I would give myself would to be to come straight to Murray State University after high school. I transferred from a community college and I wish I would have had the freshman and sophomore experience at this university. The second piece of advice I would give to myself would be to focus more on grades and the ACT test. The higher your grades and ACT score are the more KEES money you will receive. I would tell myself that all the KEES money you can get will benefit you in the long run. In all, I would just tell myself to be a better student in high school. If i was half the student in high school that I am now I would be able to ride farther along on scholarship money than I have already.

Hey Katelyn, You are doing just fine. There's more to life than the kind of car you drive, or who you're dating. Don't take anything for granted, savor every moment. Your parents are right more than you think. I know it's hard to look past the feelings you have, but you have just a little longer. The independence you dream of having, you will have and it will be just as wonderful as you hoped. But heads up girl! That car you'll buy in February, you'll wreck your first semester by rear ending a police officer on campus. Yeah, your luck! But you'll pull through keep your eyes on the prize which is your education! Finances are hard with the wreck and your visit to the ER caused by a horse accident. It will just make you stronger. You will still have a family that loves you and you'll adopt a new family at college that you never want to leave. Some last minute advice, overuse "I love you", you can't say it enough. You'll be fine sweet girl! The things you'll miss most are the little things.

I would tell myself to set more money aside, pick up more shifts at work, and plan ahead more responsibly. If I had planned better I would have know what to not bring or buy for school which would help myself save more. The shifts I wish I had picked up would have helped pay for my sorority dues. In other word I would have told myself to make better decisions.

Nothing is easy. If you want anything in life, you have to go out and get it. The only person watching your back is you. If you dream it and live it and breathe it then it can be yours. I want to dedicate my life to wildlife conservation, if I do the work, if I learn the lessons, than I can do it. No one is going to hand over the directions to life, you have to figure them out yourself and try to not get flustered over not having the right parts. Build what you can with what you have and you will succeed.

Go with your instinct and not what your high school friends are choosing. Vist each school or option and go with what you actually think, not what you want to think at the time.

One huge thing I learned when I came to college was organization. If I would of learned some of these tips sooner it would have been a lot of help. One of my biggest tips is a planner. The night before each day I plan every hour out. Whether it’s; working out, campus involvement, fraternity events/philanthropy, studying, and even hanging out with friends. By doing this I can make sure I get everything in that day and still get plenty of sleep. Without this you may spend too much time with friends or too much study time and you can get burnt out easy. Being organized is an easy way to help you succeed in college!

I would tell myself to be more confident and never doubt who I am. I would say not to change because of the people around me and to continue to get involved.

There are a lot of changes that high school students experience when they graduate and go to college. I know I did. I wish there were more things I know now that I wish I knew when I was a senior in high school. One thing I wish I had advice on then would be, don't procrastinate. Whether it be studying for a test, writing a paper, or doing homework. Get it done early so it doesn't stress you out or mae you fall behind. Another thing I wish I had advice on when I was a high school student is always stay determined. Meaning that you should always strive for success, and never settle for anything less than your best. There is plenty of other advice that I wish I had but these are the biggest ones. College is a learning experience and I'm learning everything as I go.

Making a 4 year plan get a totur and sick to it never give up or let doubt into your heart.

I would live on campus my freshamn year, enjoy the college life, stay focused on initial goals and tried to have gotten more interactive with my fellow collegemates. Got to more games and get more into the school spirit, maybe join a soroity

First I would tell myself that studying hard and making the grades are so worth it. You can get alot of scholarships if you just keep your grades up and concentrate on your studies. The transition into going into college from high school can get a little frustrating, but thats why you have people around you to help you transition. There even classes they require you to take as a freshmen so that the transition will be easy and comfortable for you. Knowing how college is and what i did in high school is not going to cut it at all. You have to put foward alot of effort to succed and its worth it. Just don't get distracted and stay focused on your studies and your career. Never do things at the last minute, its nothing like high school. You actually have to take the time out of your day to study and get the full understanding so your able to pass that test or even that course. Going to college is a good experience and it takes alot of effot if you want to succed but in the end its worth it.

I would have told myself to rush for a soroity.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self to slow down and smell the roses. I graduated from high school early to go directly to community college, after which I transferred directly to a four-year university in Western Kentucky, which shortly after completion will lead to a 40-or-so year career as a Special Education Elementary Teacher. While I do not regret any of these decisions it still seems as though life is flying by faster than I can look out the window. I wish while I was in high school I had capitalized more on my last opportunity to still be a kid. College may be full of new learning experiences and new people, but it also makes you realize more than ever what you are leaving behind.

I would tell myself to not give up. I had a hard go around my freshman year transitioning into a college setting and I was taking classes to hard for me at the time. I would tell myself that it is okay to change majors because the major I had choosen wasn't right for me. I would also tell myself to get out more and meet more people. I would also make a point to tell myself that the library will be my best friend and that college is not all fun and games but that along the way I would meet some people who would change my life and would become some of my closest friends.

Live on campus, apply for scholarships early, and ask questions. I do not live on campus right now, and I feel like I miss out on several things and I am not getting the whole "college" experience, so I would tell myself to live on campus if possible at all. To do this I would say apply for scholarships as early as possible and to apply to as many as I am eligible. Lastly, I would tell myself to never be afraid to ask questions. So many students dont get the answers they need simply because they wont ask. This can affect their grades, financials, and relationships. Plus part of college is being independent, therefore most advisors and teachers expect you to figure stuff out or ask if you cant pn your own. Be mature, and take things into your own hands.

if i was to go back into time, i would give myself the advice to take initiative to talk my teachers and crack down on doing homework and asking even the most simplest questions. i would tell myself to remain confident because in the end, hard work and effort pays off.

Don't stress out about college. There are tons of people who can help you with the transition and they are very helpful. Classes aren't as hard as you think they would be, at least your first semester. Take classes you need to take, but also take some that you will be very interested in or you will be dreading going to class every morning. Make sure you get involved on campus. No matter what interests you, there is most likely a club, team, organization, etc. that you can get involved in. You will make friends, even if you don't know anyone who is attending the same school. There are thousands of people on campus. At least one will like you for you.

Looking back now I would have definitely told myself to look further into the future, and to really give some thought as to what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. And I would give advice to myself to appreciate my family more, and to show them how much I love them.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self there would be a couple of things I would warn myself about. First I would warn myself that it is okay to get stressed out about the International Baccalaureate Program, but to keep my goals in check. I want to become an “animal saver” (or a Wildlife Biologist, as the degree states), and not to give up on that dream I have had since I was four. I would remind myself that although I might be shy, having someone to talk to makes everything better. And the most important thing I would tell myself is to pick the university I go to very carefully: make sure it has everything you want before you put it in stone… You might be surprised about which one has the right stuff for you. But I would also want to remind myself that when I get my degree that I will be the first person in my family to go to college and to get a Bachelor's degree.

College is all about organization. Each teacher expects you to keep their class ahead of your others. Take time out of your day to set up a study/homework time for each class, ensuring enough time to complete the assignments without feeling rushed.

If I could go back to school I would annoy myself with the drilling of the benefits of having a college education. I would tell myself that if I decided to wait after high school to go to college I would be blessed with a beautiful daughter with Downs Syndrome. But I would be raising her alone and I would have to put my life on hold and struggle every step of the way. I have no regrets because my trials have made me who I am. I would tell myself that going to college has inspired me and my daughter to never stop growing. The second greatest thing I have done in my life is going back to school. No matter the grueling nights it has been worth it. The best part of it all is hearing my daughter tell me how proud of me she is.

Never Give Up!!! Fight! College is going to have its challenges. Life has its challenges, but you can't give up. Remember, as a first generation college student you have the ability to help your entire family, including your own family when you start one. Always compete young man. Continue to be the best you can be and push hard to get the best grades you can. In the end, it will all be worth it. Continue to surround yourself with good people, and remember school is an investment. Live, love, and learn! Life is too short not to be the best you can be!

Even though you are leaving behind all the friends and family that you have surrounded yourself with over the years, the time you spend at Murray State will be some of the most memorable and rewarding years that you will experience. Going to MSU is the right choice, even if your best friend keeps urging you to go to school with her. Not only will you make countless new friends, but you will be able to have an extensive knowledge of agriculture and business that will have outside companies clamoring to have you work for them. The university will give you so many opportunities to excel and you should take as many as you can because they will prove to you how strong and smart you can be. Yes, they will push you, but that is how you grow. One day you will be walking through campus and you will realize that this has become your new home and just as it has been the home to many before you. When you reach your senior year you will probably think you never want to leave, but MSU has prepared you for whatever the world can throw at you.

I would say, "Life is all about choices. Every choice has a consequence. If you make good choices, there's a good chance it will result in a positive consequence. Your present situation is a direct result of those choices and actions. If you are unsatisfied with your current situation, change your choices and actions. Don't be afraid of hard work, and never stop trying. Anything worth dreaming is worth working for."

College is not going to be all fun and games like some people might have you think. It takes a lot of focus and determintation. Your parents and teachers are not gong to be there checking over your shoulder, watching your every move. It is easy to become distracted from work and school. Always put your schoolwork first. Do it in a quiet location like the library and not laying on in bed where you could fall asleep. Also, go to sleep at a decent hour so you will be rested enough and have energy for classes the next day. Do not skip classes. You may think "what's it going to hurt?" but it is a slippery slope. Missed classes are hard to bounce back from. Talk to your professors. It may seem daunting, but it will definitely be worth it. Remember they are there to help you. Do not put assignments off until the last minute. They pile up and become almost impossible to complete, and even if you do end up completing them, usually the job is not done to well. Finally, get a job and hold onto it! You will be needing the money!

My advice would be to start saving now and to listen to your english teacher when he said high school english is way easier than college english.

I would tell myself to never compare myself to anyone on any level. Learn to be happy with who you are and where you are and wherever you go, to go with all your heart. Coming to college I had a rude awakening. I faced financial struggles, personal confidence struggles, and academic challenges. I would tell myself to stop procrastinating and become more organized and practice study skills even though I didnt need to while in high school. I would also tell myself that no matter how many times you say "you will stay in touch" with people from your class or your close friends, distance does take it's toll on relationships. Learn to find peace and happiness in memories shared but realize how important new friends and relationships can be while in college and as you continue to grow. Life is alot easier with good friends on your side. Finally, I would tell myself to always remember where I come from... I would call my family more and remind them of how much I love and appreciate them.

This is easy for me although it might not be what you're looking for....REALLY delve into what you wanna be "when you grow up" and decide on what's going to make YOU happy, not what will make others happy. I know hindsight is 20/20 but if I would have realized football was not my entire life, I would have made different choices about my future and the college I was going to attend and that might have made this college transition easier and even shorter if I would have chosen my college on that information instead of taking a scholarship for football to a school that didn't have anything else to offer me EXCEPT football. Now I'm in the stages of transferring to another university and it has taken away from the planting of your roots at one school I feel. I'm starting a new school in my junior year but looking forward to it!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself a lot of advice. The main thing I would tell myself is to stay focused on school and not worry about anything else. My senior year of high school I quit studying as much and didn't put in as much as effort as I should've and when I went to college, I payed for it. In college you have to study twice as hard and put in twice as much effort than you did in high school. If I would've gave my all my senior year of high school and if I would have put a lot of effort into my work, I would've been more prepared for college. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stay focused on school and to worry about friends and boyfriends later on in life.

Never move for anyone but yourself, not all experience is good experience. And stop changing your major, pick something and stick to it, do not allow yourself to be blown around by constant new ideas, be constant in your own ideas.

Time mangement is the biggest part of college. Some time the best study time is the ten minutes between class. Sometime you have to go out and do things you don't want but you'll wnd up having fun. Be out going and make friends where ever you can.

The advice I would give to myself as a highschool senior would be to take school very seriously and create a time management plan for myself. Transitioning to college can be tough because you have gained alot of responsibility and also have a lot more time committments. You need to put yourself on a strict schedule to make sure you have time for everything you want to do. This can include class, homework, studying, eating, working out, extra activities, hanging with friends, meeting new people, spending time with your professors, learning the city. There are so many things to do in college but it is easy to lose track of time and get behind on the most important reason you are there, your studies. In order to help you stay on top of them it is a great idea to get yourself on a schedule in highschool and also start to pick up some responsibilities such as laundry and cleaning and cooking for yourself before you head off on your own. College is a great time where you learn to mature and really find out who you are and what direction you want to go in life.

I would tell myself that college is a lot different than high school. High school was easy and studying wasnt really necessary. College isnt like that. You have to work twice as hard to get half of the accomplishment. Theres not going to be anyone telling you for weeks in advance that you have a project due. The teachers expect you to have listened the first time they told you and have it done on the day its due. I would tell myself to not be so nervous and scared about the tranisition and to not buy as much stuff for the dorm room because its really unnecessary.

I would definitely tell myself to not go too crazy my freshman year. Life, especially college life, is all about prioritizing. Schoolwork has to come before anything; it's the entire reason you're going to college. Also, go to class. You can't do well if you're not there. Try not to be so close-minded about what your "dream career" is. It's okay to deviate from the original plan, so don't force yourself to do something you don't want to. Try to get your medical situation under control sooner, because those things really make it tough to succeed. I know there's not much anyone can do about it, but just be proactive rather than reactive. Go out of your way to make friends outside the music department. You spend so much time with all the same people, it can really suck you in. Last but not least, don't let your relationship with God move to the back burner. School is important, but you can't do it without Him.

I would tell myself to get ready. Murray State is a good school but the nursing program has way too much drama and the classes are overwhelming. Even though it will be hard, getting that bachelor's degree is going to be worth it. Do not take the easy way out! And also, get a job at a hospital or doctors office so you don't feel so far behind everyone else!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to GO TO CLASS!! In high school, we were forced to go, but in college, the faculty/University does not care; it is on you. By going to class each and every session because most teachers have an "easier" way of doing things, which make life much easier. Also, I would tell myself to not get caught up in the social life because beer and books do not mix. Many college students find it easier to go out with friends instead of studying for the week's quiz/test. Cramming information down the night before a test or quiz is not the right solution. The last piece of advice I would tell myself would be to learn everything you can, even if that means taking on extra credit work because the educated mind is a very dangerous one (in a competitive market).

I would give myself advice telling myself to get involved and meet new people around campus because it is your new home for 4 more years. I would also say put my studies first because once that is taken care of and out of the way I would be able to learn as well as enjoy social experiences that the campus has to offer its student to grow and learn as individuals.

Dear High School Self, I know you've wanted to go to Murray State since you could walk. Mom is an alumnus, so the decision was a simple one. High school is so much different than college, and it’s also so much better. Go in with an open mind, and don’t be nervous. All of the incoming freshmen are new to the campus as well. Give everyone a chance, and don’t judge a book by its cover. College is different than high school in that aspect. Everyone at Murray is different, accept that and move on. Go into recruitment with an open mind as well, really pay attention to the different sororities, you’ll find your home. College is about learning, making memories, and finding those lifelong friends. Live every moment to the fullest; the time will fly by before you know it. Cherish it and have fun. These are the best years of your life. Sincerely, College Self

My senior year is highschool I slacked off. I managed to receieve good grades but honestly I would of done way better. If i could go back in time and have a talk with myself I would say this: study harder for the SAT so you can apply to a 4 year University and have the college experience everyone craves. get better grades so you can qualify for bright futures and have your career paid for. Join more clubs because a lot of private scholarships base their awards on which clubs and associations you were a part off. focus more on school and less of everything else, because once you start college, your life will change forever, trust me.

Other than the obvious ways to make college life easier (save up as much money as possible and learn how to take notes- the right way) there are more then enough things to give advise to myself, even kids in school now, about preparing for college. If it were up to me I would go all the way back in time to elementary school and say straighten up, get in the G.A.T.E (Gifted and Talented Education) program, you are smart enough to do it! Minors these days do not have great self confidence, which was my problem, always being told “you’re stupid,” being made fun of for getting another “C” on a test, it was a daily battle at school to try to feel smart. The worse thing I did was listen to them. I would go back in time, grab my grandma pinching checks and say “You’re smart. You don’t have to do drugs and drink alcohol. Go home and study and prove those kids wrong.” Who knows if I would have listened but getting that point across then would have been easier then to have gotten it a year later.

The advice I would give myself would be, don't be afraid. Being scared is a natural part of life, however there is no need to be afraid when it comes to going to college. You've chosen the right school. It is an amazing place to be and so very inspiring. The people there welcome you with open arms and are willing to help you no matter your situation. The campus is like one close-knit family all trying to succeed in life. Don't worry about making friends. Everyone wants to have friends and people who care about them. You will find some of the most inspirational and thought-provoking friends as well as faculty there. You will find people who challenge you daily; you're going to enjoy it! Don't be afraid. These truly are the best years of your life and you're going to love every second of them!

I would have been for involved in highschool activities and highschool organizations. I wouldn't have been shy, I would have put myself out there and made more friends. I also would have studied harder and made better grades a priority. I would encourage any highschoolers to take college courses their senior year, as i did, if its available. It showed me how college would be and prepared me for it. It was a very good experience. I interned at the hospital and I should have volunteered more.

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would have a lot to say. First and foremost I would let myself know that believing "I can go to college anytime I decide to" is an outright lie. Time flies when you're having fun, and when you're forgetting everything you just spent your entire life learning. In high school I had a 3.2 gpa, it was easy and I never worked hard to earn it. Last year I took an entrance exam to get into a technical college and ended up in remedial classes because I had forgotten everything. Ten years later I have two children, husband, a full time job, and I go to school full time and I spend every minute working hard. So to state it simply I would tell high school senior self "work smarter, not harder" and waiting for the right time is only wasting time, and if that isn't enough please know that wasting time is ultimately wasting money; however bigger than wasting money is wasting the past 12 years worth of knowledge. Senior self please don't waste your life!

I don’t claim to have all the answers nor the knowledge to tell you everything you need to know to get what you want. I'm here to tell you that it isn't about you. In the past six years I've learned that your wants are so miniscule compared to the needs of the world. That selfish quality you possess is your biggest enemy, all it does is feed your pride. If there's one thing I can tell you it's that pride and power don't go hand in hand. You need to remain humble in order to love and serve this world the way you were designed to. You need to focus on the impact you can make on people’s lives. Your words can fall out of your mouth and walk into the hearts of men and women. You are a great salesman. Instead of selling products, sell dreams. You need to create insanely good experiences. Learn how to perfect the message that will kick start people's brains. Put a dent in the universe, change the world, don’t let the world change you.

Going back in time and giving yourself advice is a privelige most wish to have, however if I had that opportunity I'm not sure if I would take it. I love the way my life is now, and if I went back and spoiled all of this unforseen goodness...it wouldn't seem as grand. Everything in life happens for a reason, and my past has gotten me to where I am today. I wouldn't change things.

I should have selected Murray to begin with just because the first university that I chose was too large and plus it just wasn't the best place to start at. Murray State has filled me with so much excitement and a bit more spirit than anywhere else. The music fraternity that I have joined is full of a bunch of great guys, they are much nicer than the other guys in the other fraternity. All I do know is that Murray State was one of the best choices that I have ever chosen.

I would tell myself, not to attempt the medical field. I found out fast that it was not what I wanted to do. And it set me back and really hurt my GPA. I regret that first year because I went into college without an idea of what I wanted to do. My advice... to myself... would be. "Think this through, don't rush, and don't let the professor push you around. This is your life and your future. You've always enjoyed history. Take a look into that field, you will be surprised." I wish, sometimes, that someone would have told me that. Before I went into college. Maybe even suggest that I learn a trade to help pay my way through. Things would have been much easier.

If i could go back in time knowing what i do about college life and give myself advise i would tell myself to get more involved in the activities and clubs on campus because it can make such a difference in how you adjust to college life and affect the number of new friends you make in college. Academics are important i spent more of my first semester only focusing on getting good grades and i did well but i was not completely happy. my second semester i still focused on grades but i worked on becoming more involved in programs on campus like student ambassadors and my dorms art club. in doing this i meet many new people and became much more happy with my experience on campus. in my first year of college i learned that it awesome to have sucess but its much better when you have friends to share it with.

I would tell myself to enjoy college but don't get too sucked into the extracurriculars. Make sure you focus on academics and look at the extracurriculars as a reward for the hard work you've done academically. Also, join as many clubs and social groups as you want because that's the easiest way to make new friends even though you are a shy person. The social clubs and groups can help you come out of your shell and help you gain a new network of friends. Take every opportunity you can to join study groups or use tutors because they will help you maintain the gpa that you want. Last, but most importantly, make sure no matter how hard things get make sure you go to class. If you need someone to talk to go to counselling. Use your resources. They are all there for you in order for you to succeed.