North Greenville University Top Questions

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

Amanda

Hey Amanda, I see you're stressing as exams are coming up ... don't! It's all going to be over soon, girl, and you will have survived. School is hard, but so much fun, and tests are just a small part of the college experience. Be sure and use wise time management, focusing on studying while still getting out with friends having fun. Treasure these memories, make the most of your days, but don't be stupid. Don't slack off and procrastinate on that big project, don't stay out until three every morning, and don't sleep through class. Take initiative and learn something! Also, be sure and talk with your professors - that's what they are there for. They want to help you, so let them! Have fun, Amanda!!!

Rachel

If I could go back in time and talk to myselfas a high school senior, I would say not to stress out so much and to enjoy my final year of high school. I was far too worried about choosing a college, thinking it would be the epitomal decision of my life, but it wasn't. I ended up at the perfect school for me, a school that I had nearly overlooked, and my months of stress were for naught. While it was important for me to be hardworking and studious as a high school senior, I should have also realized the necessecity of being flexible, instead of mistakingly believing that my entire life was hinging on a single decision. High-school-me thought that the choice of a college had only one correct answer and a million wrong ones, each leading to a separate hell. But that is not true. Life comprised of a myriad of decisions, and few turns will get you completely lost. You need to enjoy the journey.

Amanda

Hey Amanda, I know you are stressing out about this whole "college" thing, but it is going to be ok! Just remember when you get there to take time out during your hectic schedule to make time for yourself. If you work, work, work and never take a break, you are going to burn out. But don't slack off! Grades are important and you need to do your best despite all the distractions. The hard part is finding a balance between working hard and having fun. Don't tear yourself up when you make something less than an "A" on a paper or a test; it will be ok! Talk to your professors, because they are there to help you, and will do what they can to guide you through your projects. Good luck to you, Amanda, and treasure the memories that you make during these days, for you will remember them always. ~Amanda Friederich

Erin

If I could go back and give advice to myself I would have made myself learn how to study. Studying, in my opinion, is a skill that many high school people never develop. Some students are able to acquire good grades without studying and then when students reach the college level they don't know how to study. I believe learning how to study and learning responsibility in high school will help with the freshman passing rate. Being able to study is a key role and I feel that I should have learned how to do that.

Ashley

Due to my family living overseas during my childhood, I was not prepared to assimilate into American culture. It was a difficult transition for me to learn the ways of American life including social norms such as dating. I probably would have spent more time reading books and articles about America as well as spending more time with Americans that came to Indonesia. I lived in a bubble before coming to America! I was an American by birth, but inside, I felt differently. However, through all my experiences at NGU, I have assimilated well into my America. It would have been helpful to have had more opportunities to be independent as well as to work in the work force. I was limited in experience. Thankfully, my last semester of high school was spent in the US, and I spent one semester in a Middle School as a Teacher's Assistant. This helped me tremendously. A strong personal relationship with God has been what has sustained me through many life experiences. I did well academically in high school because I was extremely motivated. This helped me to establish good study habits - a must in college!

Frank

If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would have told myself to be more serious about my schooling.I blew my senior year because I thought I could do whatever I wanted because I was on honer roll.I got arrested and missed my prom and graduation so I realize that my education is very valuable.I do want a chance to be something in life so I plan on attending Columbus State University so I can be a productive man in my community.Thank You.

Edwin

I would tell myself that I need to learn my minor scales for trombone and look at the teacher education scholarship. Be ready for a change in time management because it is a totally different world.

Lydia

Try harder! You only get to go to high school once and the things you learn there and the grades that you make follow you for a long time. College is a whole lot less stressful when you don't have to worry about money all semester. Also, have fun. make friends and memories because once you're out of school, all there is to look forward to is work. Try out for sports, join clubs, go places with people!

Sarah

Find a school that will have a lot of people that share the same outlook on life and same outlook on education and your future.

Caleb

Don't go to a college because it is flashy and has a lot of extra carricular activities. be sure and find the college that best fits the student and can encourage learning and maturity.

Matthew

When choosing a school, students and parents should look for a place where the student will feel at home. This means that the student and parent must first decide the type of school they are looking for in the areas of class size, geographic location, religious affiliation (if applicable), areas of study, and student values. It is important for the student to observe students at potential colleges to see if they can picture themselves at that school. To make the most out of the college experience, the student should get involved in campus activities to feel apart of the community and make friends. A successful college experience is one in which the student grows academically, socially, and personally.

Tiffany

I would say that they should pray about their decision. God has a plan for each one of us. Its not all about the party and having fun in college. You there to get an education to make something of yourself so you decision should be based off who has a well educated program of your degree choice. Find out what is the best fit for you by visiting the college. I never once saw my university before I attended. I knew that was where God wanted me.

John-Mark

I think that parents should allow their children to explore and that they should be given the freedom to find what is right for them. I also think it is valuable to visit every where you can. When visiting try and meet the professors in your major and ask lots of questions.

Susan

Choosing the right college will prove to be one of the most significant decisions of an individual's life. This crucial decision should not be made hastily, but with careful consideration and extensive discussion. This decision should be a joint decision, one including constructive input from both the parental units and the child. Factors that should be thoroughly considered are student population, academics, career opportunities, location, safety, sports and athletic activities, and extracurricular activities. After applying to several schools and receiving acceptance letters and making the final decision about which one to attend, it is important to make sure that the student experiences college life to the fullest. In college, students learn what it is like to be on their own and how to be more responsible and make their own decisions. College should be fun, but should also be taken seriously in that students should participate fully in their academic careers and work to their full potential. After all, this is the most crucial time to make the most use of the opportunity to impress future employers and develop a lifetime of success.

Brent

Make sure you go where God is calling you to go. Forget your needs; Follow his desires. Once you do that, you will have peace.

Catherine

When searching for a college, it's important to know what the size of the school is and what the campus looks like. Make sure they have the classes and major you're looking for. Decide whether you want to go to a public or private school, and religious or non-religious school. Find out what type of extracuricular activities they have. It's always a great idea to visit the school or even stay the night and possibly go to a class.

Christen

First, I would highly encourage the students to work hard in high school. I also would want to encourage students to study and work hard in school ultimately to learn and not just for the grade(s). I would advise parents to also encourage such learning. I would highly encourage students who are looking for the right college for them to find out what passion they have or something that they love to do, and find a school that offers a major that will help them pursue that dream. In other words, I would encourage going to a college primarily for the academics, not for athletic or social reasons. I would encourage parents to continually love and inspire their kid(s) to find something they love to do and find a career that will pay their kid(s) to just that. Lastly, I would encourage parents and students alike to always be teachable, willing to learn, and challenged regardless of career or whether in school or not.

Hayley

Take the time to find a school that takes you in and makes you everything you want to be. Never choose a school that you aren't absolutely certain is the right one for you. Don't settle for anything less than what you want and need to make your college experience as beneficial and glorious as possible!

Zach

Students seeking to go to college should apply to several colleges that fit the needs of the individual. Many factors can determine whether or not a student should attend a certain school. Once the needs of the student are mapped out, a student can then determine which institution will work better. Students should choose a college not only for academics, but for social life as well. It is true that one can graduate after four years of college and go on to have a successful career. For most, this idea seems boring and is unnatural. The four years of college is the time in a persons life that should be well spent and remembered for not only having a great education, but also for having a wonderful time and meeting new friends. A student should not only consider academics or finances when choosing a college to attend.

Dustin

know you beliefs and the limist you can put on yourself and pick a school that will help support those

jason

to seek Gods council and follow where He leads. Pick the school that is best suited for you no matter the cost and know that it will be taken care of.

Laurel

Visit every college you're interested in. Stay with someone on campus. and take a guided tour. Come back and take a tour with out a guide and ask several students for honest opinions. Look into the department and professors for which your major belongs to. Be open but firm in what you're looking for : )

Amanda

When you walk on to a campus when visiting and feel like you are suppose to be there, that is when you chose to go to that school. Get to know everyone at your school, you will have more friends and openings to many unexpected opportunities will open.

Kelby

I would advise students to know what they are looking for in a school before the actually start to visit schools. Any school sounds get when you are hearing the perspective that that the representatives what you to hear. Know how far from home is too far or too close. If possible, know what you want to major in. Also, know how comfortable you would be in large school versus a small school setting. Ask yourself if you want professors that will know your name or if you like the feel of a crowd. Finally, when you do visit a campus, talk to students who aren't official representatives. Ask them about the cafeteria food, about their professors and about dorm life. If possible find someone in the major that you are considering and ask them about the program. You may consider visiting without making an official visit through the admissions office, they will only show you the positives things instead talk to actual students.

Irick

Go to the college that fits your personal best and fits what you want to do in life, do not settle, choose the college that is right for you. Remember it is the student's college experience so they need to be the one that decides the school that is right for them. Do not give up hope, the school for you is just around the corner.

Morgan

To find the right college, first figure out what type of learner you are and what type of atmosphere to you want to be in. Do you want a small school or big school? In the country or city? Private or public? Then you need to find one that has the classes and/or major that you want. Find a school that is strong in the field you want to study. Also, find a school that can offer financial aid where you need it. Then, visit, visit, visit. Visiting schools helps you get a feel for what it will be like and definitely makes your decision easier. After you have chosen your school, to make the most out of your college experience have fun. College is a great time to find lifelong friends and have a good time. But make sure to manage your time wisely and organize your time. Make sure you have the proper balance of school work and social time. College is an amazing experience and it can greatly prepare you for the future if you put effort into it.

Ava

Make sure you find out everything there is to know about the college that you are wanting to attend and what scholarships they offer.

Krysten

I would tell them to examine all aspects of the college. Make sure you talk to students of all different majors, different classes, different professors, and the different jobs available. Make sure you know that the particular college your looking at is the absolute right one for you! There isn't any taking it back, so just be sure. Another thing you may want to do, is get all of your general education classes out of the way at a technical school, where it will cost less and you could save your money for the big 4 year school. It would also minimize the amount of loans you need to get in the long run! But also, don't forget to have fun in college!

Daniel

Take the time to let the student explore choices in colleges or universities they want to attend. Let the student pick where he/she feels the most comfortable. Parents should be supportive of their young adults and willing to help with advice, however do not pressure them into making the choice that you want. Weight all the options from who has the best program, the best teachers, the best location, the best bang for the buck (scholarships, loans, etc). Remember that this is where your student will spend most of his/her life during the year, you only get four months at home, the other eight is spent with friends and teachers, this helps develope their social life and to experience new things. Make them stay on campus for at least a semester to a year to allow them the feeling of what it's like to be half way on their own. Let them know that you are always a phone call away.

Cheynia

In order to choose the right college, visit the top 5 choices at least. Make sure that you feel at home before signing any agreements. If a college doesn't satisfy you physically (i.e. it's layout, the people, or the food) you may not be able to do as well as you intend academically. Have fun, but remember to keep grades first. To minimize stress it's great to hangout with friends, but don't allow conjugating to become a ritual. The right college has to be fitting to the student's personality. There is not one truly right college for all students. For example, diversity may be a big deal to me, but you may like being surrounded by your own specific culture. It may be a great idea to just have "pop-up" visits with the school so that you can see how things really run around the campus, because it's always easy to "dress-up" when expecting company. (Meaning when the college has designated visiting days. )

Tia

I would say that trusting God into knowing what college to go to would be key. He knows the plan for your life. Finding the school that has everything you want is possible, there will be things that you might not agree with, but if the good out weighs the bad by substantial amount, its good. Making friends is something that will allow you to make the most of your college experience. It adds so much to it, and they will be friends for life. Just be open and allow yourself to grow!!!

Jordan

Visit the schools you are interested in to figure out the feel of the school and people. Decide if you would like a big university, or a smaller one.

David

When one is ready for college, it is crucial to chose the right school that fits you. It is important to see where the school is located. Is it in the state in which you live. Also look and see if they offer the courses you are interested in taking. You do not want to go to a school that does not offer your major of choice. You might want to take into consideration the size of the school, how many students attend. Some people do not like big places and if this is the case a smaller school would make a better fit. While in college, it is important to get the most out of it as you can. You want to have fun but at the same time do good in school. So to achieve this keep school and grades first. When that happens then making time for fun is not stressful and is more enjoyable. Meeting new people and making new friends is wonderful. I was nervous about doing so at first, now I have no regrets. College is a place where you will make good friends that you will know for a long time.