Muskingum University Top Questions

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

Jonnie

STOP worrying Jonnie. You have a 3.6 GPA and a higher then average ACT score. All your hard work is going to pay off. Try to lay off of some of the worrying, or else you will give yourself an anxiety attack. Post secondary will help alot. You should've done it both years instead of just one though. You were better at it then highschool anyway.

Kathryn

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior and give myself advice on transitioning I would say that you should know that college will be tough. You've never spent more than a week away from your parents and it will be very hard. That during the first semester you will be spending seven weeks away from your parents. I would say that you got through it and made so many amazing friends by just being you. That you will be overwhelmed during your first year, but that its all a part of the college process. The food is not the greatest, you'll adjust. Don't be afraid to get involved because there are so many opportunities available on campus. You'll meet amazing girls and eventually join a sorority. That you'll be okay, don't be afraid to go away. Because in your heart that's what you know that you want. And don't give up on that becuase of going away you will grow and mature and love every second of it. One last thing choose Black and Magenta...

Tanisha

If i could go back in time and talk to myself about college and use what I know now to give myself advice I would tell myself that there is a lot more to college then what I really thought. I should have prepared a lot sooner with filling out scholarships and looking for grants in order to try and stay on top of paying or ahead. Also that you have to think more about yourself in collge then you did in high school becuase there is so much to do on campus that sometimes people forget about there school work and get carried away with other actitives. Another thing I would tell myself is that you have a lot more freedom and no one there to hold your hand and tell you to get our homework done or anything so you have to be more dependent on yourself to motivate yourself to get the work done. But we all learn from our mistakes and we learn as we grow!

Carol

In college there is no one telling me what to do and when to do it which is a great but can get easily get me in a bind. Being a full time student, working when I can, and going out with my friends is hard to balance it all but after some time I have learned to organize my time and balance school, work, and fun. Being able to organize is a skill to be learned it is not innate; for some it comes easier than others. My college experience so far has taught me to grow up and take responsibility for my actions. I have enjoyed my experience and would not trade it for anything; I have learned so much! I know that I will be ready to face the world when I am finished with college. It is valuable because so many are not ready to step out into the world and my experience has prepared me thus far. I am thankful for what I have experienced and I am excited to see what is in store in my future.

Donye

I have not been to college yet i start in March 2011 to get my CNA license and after that i will continue on to get my RN. I need help paying for it though I am a single mother trying to do right and i know that i can give my son a good life and all the things i never had if i go to college and get a career. Not only that i will be helping people, i had a job as a CNA and i have never felt that good in my life the woman i use to take care of, her eyes would just light up when i started my shift. Being a nurse is a meaningful and fulfilling career and i know that i will be great at it i just need help getting started!

Tanner

My college experience has opened my eyes to many new people and places. I come from a conservative, small town and that is so not me any more. Ever since kindergarten, I was very studious, which paid off over the years as I grew and learned new things. In high school, I strived to be valedictorian. While excelling in school paid off for me, I sacrificed new activities because I was so focused on academics. When I started college, I finally felt free to branch out. In the first week, I joined an improv troupe and soon after auditioned for theater productions. I am now working on a computer science/math major with theater and French minors. I have made so many new and true friends who accept for the person I am becoming, not just to be known as the "brainiac". I feel free to express myself at this college and don't feel that I have to conform to fit in. After the first year, I learned to handle campus issues on my own. My mother comments on what a responsible adult I have become and college has helped me to become a better, more tolerant person.

Brooklynn

College has been an amazing process for me, and I attribute the fact that I got to go to college early as the sole reason I did well in high school. I began attending our local community college full time my Junior year of high school. Before this time I was just scraping by in boring classes, reading ahead of the book waiting for the rest of the kids to either stop messing around, or catch up. It made me lazy it made me not care, but when I got to college it was the most amazing thing in the world to be challenged again, for people to care about ideas because let's face it by age 18 you should know where to put a comma. I'm more prepared now than ever before, and going to college early gave me the courage to choose an out of state for school, my dream school, because I already knew the work load and was used to it; so I could afford to make the huge social change without fear. And those crazy hard years made me unafraid and ready for the things my peers are still figuring out.

Lindsey

Overall my college experience has been interesting. I feel like I have a second family from my college and feel that the college will help me in almost any way they can. I have joined a sorority and I feel that this is a big reason why I have made so many close friends, my social life at the college is a big reason why I stayed here. College can be very stressful and has its bumps along the way, but getting through it is the main goal. My one goal since middle school was to attend and graduate college. I can't say I would pick Muskingum again for acedemics but I would for the social aspect because of the people I have met. My experience has been good so far but my concern after I graduate is if I will be quilified enough to be accepted for a job in my field and the biggest concern of mine is paying back my student loans. It has been a valuable experience because I have expanded my education level further than expected. I am very proud of my hard work and my accomplishments that I have achieved.

Jennifer

If I were given the chance to go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would first and foremost tell myself to not be afraid to live each moment to it's fullest potential. To step out and get involved. Join clubs and societies. You only live once, and if you live your life in fear, in the end, you will have regrets.

Xuezhi

The suggestion I want to tell him most is, ?Do Not Be a Typical Chinese University Student?! Somehow, I really feel kind of frustrated when I gradually become a part of this American University, even if I really do better than most of American students in my class. I would let myself think about what is the most eager thing in heart, except the pride for a good exam grade. I will also tell him this world is more interesting and meaningful than a good score, good attendance or remember formula in text book. Have friends, play with them, and be aware of defects in my personality. This world is so large. A marvelous country at the other end of the ocean called United States is somewhere I should go and see, no matter what kind of peaceful and common life I want. To know a different lifestyle will save me from an instrumental society fact. But hold myself; unhappiness is from this materialistic world.

Heather

I would tell myself that I should save money from my (then) job for my upcoming 4-year college career. I would tell myself to look for more scholarships. I would explain that life at Muskingum is expensive and without having proper funds, I could face the possibility of having to transfer. I would try and stress the importance that, no matter what the institution says, the financial aid they offer is never enough. I would say that otherwise, I am academically sound and I will fit in very well with college life - I just have to be able to fund that life and that is where many of my problems arose.

Suzanne

Stay focused through everything you do but don't forget to have fun. Study hard to make good grades not only to pass but to feel good about yourself. Make friends and study with them. Learning is much easier and more fun with friends than alone. Volunteer in activities related to your field as much as possible and get to know possible future employers. It pays off in the end and is a lot of fun too.

Linsi

Make sure you buy all books used and study study study, that's the hardest thing to do.

Megan

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would first off tell myself to get the best grades that I could possibly get because grades matter in college and it could eventually help you get better financial aid and more scholarship money to help pay for college. I would also tell myself that being away from home the first couple of weeks or the first month is not that bad at all once you get involved with the campus and meet new people. The people you meet could potentially become life long friends and they are great people. I would also tell myself to study very hard because there is no way I could be passing college right now if I did not study at all, passing tests is a major part of college and it will determine a lot about your future endeavors. I would also tell myself to relex and just take one thing at a time, college is a part in your life to have fun but also to learn some things to help you in your career path ahead.

Rachel

Study hard, be involved in the activities and clubs on campus because it looks awesome on a transcript, look at vet college requirements now!! Don't ever loose faith, yea it's college, it's supposed to be hard.

Audra

The most important advice I could give parents and students in finding the right college is simply. You have to look into several colleges before making a final decison. Don't just settle for one school, because it may not fit your needs. From my experience, I learned the hard way, and now I'm facing the consequences. Don't make that same mistake, do research on the schools your interested in attending. There are three main factors you need to look at : 1) Location. How far do you want the school to be? 2) Size of college. 3) Cost of attending. This is the most important factor. Once you take into consideration all three of these key factors, you'll find the school that best fits your needs. My advice to students in getting the most out of college life is to first off enjoy it. College is about preparing yourself for the future and growing as an individual. Get involved on campus, by doing this you'll meet new people and become a part of the community. Finally, don't take anything for granted. Before you know it you'll graduate. And remember this is for your education.

Skye

I would look at what interests you most both extra-curricular activities and your favorite classes to help narrow down what school offers the both of best worlds. For example, if history is your favorite class but you love photography try to find a school that offers classes in both areas. This will help especially if you do not know what you want to major in.

Kelsey

Visit schools of all different sizes and locations. Once you have seen many different types of colleges/universities, then make sure you visit the top two or three schools multiple times to ensure that you really know what living on campus will be like when you move there. Campus visits and overnight stays are a great idea but keep an open mind as well as smile, be friendly to the students already on campus.

Tiffany

I would recommend going with what school you are most drawn to. Don't just pick the cheapest, unless you have to, or pick the one that is the most pretigious, because one it comes down to it you're going to be there for four years. When you go visit a school look around and see you the students are interacting with each other and how they are interacting with the professors. To get the most out of your college experience I would recommend just having fun and making friends. You can never have too many friends. Find a group that you enjoy hanging out with and they will be friends for the rest of your college career, and hopefully your life. And of course you have to study and do well in your courses! Speak up in class, ask questions, and talk to your professor in their office. Professors do not mind you coming to them after class if you have a question or if you just want to chat. Good luck!

alitza

When trying to find the right college, look at the community. I think having a small community helps one feel more comfortable. You have a chance to get to know alot of people in college. Take time to talk to professors and other students on campus to get a feel of everything. A great option would be to stay the night on campus before you make a final decision. Being on campus in the college life can help you see how the college is and if your going to like it. Drive around the community and see if it is something you are going to like. Some like small communities while others make like big communities. Safety is also another issue. You might feel safer in a smaller college/university. However, make sure you look to see if the college has safety polls when walking around campus. Check on the safety statistics on the campus also. Overall, there are lots of things that can affect a decision. Take your time and look at each campus carefully. You will find the right one for you!

Scott

First off, when looking for a college, look for a school that addresses all or most of your needs. You want to go to a college that makes you feel like you have a role on campus. Also, look for a school that has what you may want to go into. Be advised, however, that, if you choose too specific a major at the beginning of you time in college, you may end up changing your major because you r feelings about the major changed, which may change your opinion about the school. As for making the most of your college experience, GET INVOLVED. College is the perfect time to get involved in things that you have never had the opportunity to get involved in before. Take some risks and try new activities. Through these activities, you may find something that you want to continue doing even after you leave college. Also, in addition to your required courses, take some courses that sound interesting to you. While you are taking a course that sounds fun to you, you may also be fulfilling class requirments for graduation. Have fun, but also do not fall behind in your work for your classes.

Jeremy

have fun but work hard.

Stephanie

The most important part of finding the right college is to keep in mind what you as the student needs based on your personality. The purpose for going to college is to learn, study, and grow, with the goal of getting a quality job after graduation that will become a career. Therefore, you want to find a school that is known for having a quality program in the area you are interested in. Also, keep in mind the size and location of the school based on what will help you succeed academically. A larger school will have larger class sizes and that may not be right for everyone. Don't choose a school only because your boyfriend or girlfriend is going there or only because it is close to home, that may only hinder you. Whatever school you choose should be the best for your academic success and career goals, but don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone as well. If you are willing to step out of that comfort zone you may end up learning more about your self and the world than you ever thought possible, and it could end up changing your life.

Amanda

My advice to parents would be "please allow your children to make their own choices about what college they will attend." It is very important to allow young adults to make their own choices. To students, make sure the college you're wanting to attend actually has everything they are portraying to you. Once you get to school, be social! It is important to get involved because that is how you make friends and I have seen a lot people leave school because they have no friends and feel left out! Being social doesn't mean joining sororities or frats. I made my best friends and met the love of my life, now my fiance, by being meself and doing what I love. That happens to be theatre. Just make yourself known on the campus. Make a name for yourself by being yourself and you will thrive in college.

John

Make sure to check out all the aspects that a college can provide. This includes, financial aid, student life, extracurricular activites, and more.

Mary

Each and every prospective college student needs to take the time to figure out what they want to do. Research for schools yourself and really look at them. Don't go somewhere because your friend is going there. Go somewhere that can offer you what you're interested in; mainly academically. Get and keep parents involved because this is their choice too, not only may they be paying, but they will be making lots of trips there too. Ask for parents' opinions as well as other friends, relatives, and teachers. The decision of college or not and which one will impact the rest of your life. Don't worry, it is possible to make mistakes with classes, majors, and schools, but that is easy to remedy in most cases. There are all kinds of people around to help, take advantage of them. Once you get to school, get out of your room! Go to class, do your homework, attend clubs and make new friends. If you happen to have preexisting friends at the school, don't stay with them, it is a handicap! And try greek life, it's not all bad. Be involved and do your best!

morgan

Do everything humanly possible and have NO regrets!

Brian

Make sure you visit every school you are interested in and determine where best you will fit in. You have to start your new life at that place for four years, so you need to be sure thats a place where you can thrive.

Victoria

Go with your heart.

Elysa

Don't judge a book by its cover - I know very cliche, just make sure to interview the current students prior to choosing a college!

Sara

Be sure to tour the campuses of the colleges you are considering and get a feel for them. You'll know a good fit when you experience it. Also, talk with professors if possible along with students. They can open up a lot of doors to better understanding the colleges. Look for what fits personality both socially and academically.

Christopher

Visit the schools and talk to students who actualy attend the school, the people in the administrative offices sometimes are not in touch with what is going on in the the actual school or what issues the students are facing. Talk to the the students and see how much financial aids is gerneraly offered to the students.

Allie

I would say to make sure and visit many different colleges and compare them with future goals more then athletics and other activies.

Debra

First off, I chose the wrong college the first time around. I attended a school in Kentucky when I lived in Ohio. If you are a family oriented person I don't encourage you to attend a college more than 2 hours away. That was my mistake. Now I am attending a small college in a very small town (similar to how I grew up). It has been the best decision I have made so far in my life. I am also involved on campus by playing for our softball team. Many people at our college are involved in some sort of athletics whether it be Varsity sports, intramurals, or even attending the sporting events held on campus. I strongly recommend it because it is a great way to socialize and get exercise at the same time. Also, I would recommend that you keep up with your schoolwork, especially during the week so that you have the weekend for some much needed relaxation. I hope this helps students and their parents choose the perfect college! Best of luck!

JOSHUA

MAKE SURE YOU GO ON SEVERAL VISITS BEFORE MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION. GET INVOLVED WHILE AT SCHOOL, MAKE AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE. REMEMBER COLLEGE IS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE SO WORK HARD AND PLAY HARD..

Caitlin

Finding the right college is like shopping for jeans. Some styles are fashionable, some pairs are a better price, but it really comes down to which jeans are the best fit; the ones that you could see yourself wearing outside the dressing room. While some colleges may be affordable or prestigious, if the college doesn't offer what you're looking for, then it's not a good "fit." If you visit campus and you can't see yourself living in those dorms, going to class in those buildings, and eating dinner in those dining halls, then it's not a match. Choosing a school is a personal process, and no one else can tell you what is right or wrong for you. Of course, trusted family and friends can help guide you [Do these jeans make me look fat?], but only you know what feels right. As for making the most of college once you are there, it's the same deal. Don't let friends pressure you- just do what you know you want to do, regardless of what others are doing. Study hard because that's what college is for. And get involved. Why wouldn't you?

jteare

Look at the school. Do not go into college knowing your not going to join a serten social group.

garrett

visit all the schools that you can

Katrina

Visit all the colleges you are seriously considering at least three times. Visit in the fall, when classes are in full swing, during the winter, to get an idea of what it would be like to walk to and from classes, and in the spring, once again when classes are in session. During these visits, talk to the people at the college. You won't learn anything about the colleges if you don't talk to the people who attend/work there. Do not be afraid to ask questions. This is one of the most important decisions you can make, it sets the path for your career, so learn as much about the colleges as you can. Then, make a list of pro's and con's of each college, in your opinion from what you observed on your college tours. Know what you are looking for in a college. Even if you are almost positive you want to go to a large college, visit a small one, just to compare the environment and attitude of the students. Don't wait until the last minute to do your college search, or else you won't have time to enjoy tours!

Spenser

When looking for colleges make a scheduled visit and see how friendly they are. This will gage how bad they want you to come there. You should also just drop in on the campus and just walk around, see if people will talk to you and how friendly they are to an unfamiliar face. This is the best way to gage how accepting they are of new students and how helpful the college community is. Once you get to school your first semester, stay there. Don't come home on the weekends, you don't get the whole experience that way. Get involved, there are groups on campus that will be perfect for you. Be friendly and open minded to everyone. College is a place where you will meet people who are very different from you and it's a great opportunity to learn other cultures and embrace your differences. Grab opportunities! Go abroad if you can, join a club, go on a trip, take an interesting class and do community service. There are all easy and helpful things. The last piece of advice is CHEERISH EACH MOMENT!!! It's over too soon, so make sure you live it up.

Kayela

The most important aspect of finding a college right for you, is to make sure you are comfortable there. In all honesty, that level of comfort cannot be reached with a parent by your side telling what is good and what is not. The initial visit should most definitely be with the parent, but if you like it, take a few friends a visit together, without your parents. You will see things you never saw before and that is how your comfort level will form. Also, be yourself! When you have to fill out any type of form or application, don't pretend to be someone you are not. If you don't like playing water polo, don't answer that you do. Without being comfortable in your own skin, you can never be comfortable in a new school. And most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Nichole

The best advice I could give someone about finding the right college is to consider all the possibilities. Think of all the reasonable options that are available to you and then visit them. Just because you like the school on the internet, it is convenient, or all your friends are going there does not mean that it is the right fit for you. You could learn all you want about a school through emails, websites, brochures, and people who go there but nothing will tell you if it is the right place for you like a visit. I fell completely in love with a school based on its website and materials that I was sent in the mail. However, the second I set foot on campus I was shocked to find just how wrong I had been about the school. As far as making the most out of your experience at school, my suggestion is to get involved in things. Do not except college life to be amazing and adventurous while watching TV. in your dorm room. You have to make it happen yourself. Get out there, meet people, and do fun things!

Leah

I think finding the right college for your son/daughter is about, not necessarily what the parent wants, but more what the student wants. Whether it be smaller classrooms, a fantasic engineering program, or a gorgeous campus, make sure they encorporate what they prefer and what they need. Don't let it be about how good the food is, or how nice the dorms are, make sure that the program they have for their interest is a good one and if the dorms are nice, then that's a 2-in-1 deal, but don't let something like that hold them back. And, I would say that you should never let money be an issue; because if your student is striving to be what they want to be, they will enjoy making the money that helped earn them their position. Everyone is in debt when they graduate, I don't think the tuition of the college will make much difference as long as your son/daughter is happy with what they have accomplished.

Kelsey

If I had to give a parent and/or student advice about making the right choice on selecting a college, I would say that the student as well as the parent need to start big and start early. Look at several different schools which are made up of different demographics. For example, choose a big state school like Ohio State , a little smaller school such as Ashland, a community college, and a school with a small population like Muskingum College to visit. Once you have visited the schools, narrow your selection down and do overnight stays or classroom sit-ins. Make sure you also apply to your top three schools immediatly. The earlier you apply, usually the better chance you will be to get scholarships from that school. Make sure you get to know the school the best you can by visiting multiple times. Also, ask questions and get involved with the tours. This is your living enviorment for the next few years, so know if it will fit your needs.

Douglas

look at as many colleges as you can. Do not just pick one and apply to just one college. You may think that you would like acollege prior to being a student however once you are astudent you fin things are different. Look at a few colleges so that you get ideas about what you dislike and what you do like.

Allison

I would tell future students to find the place that feels like home to them. Going to college can be a scary and exciting experience, so as long as you choose a college that give you that "comfy-cozy-almost-like-home feeling," you'll feel as if you really belong there. After that, adapting will be that much easier. Once at college - get involved! I can't stress enough how much extra-curricular activities can really make you feel busy, happy, and productive. Part of a fantastic college experience is really feeling as if you made an impact there, and left your footprints behind in a positive way.