Northeastern State University Top Questions

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

Amanda

If i were able to go back and speak to my high school self I would remind myself to stay strong and to work towards a career that not only I love but can survive on. Passion makes a wonderful worker and with a dream and a goal you can go anywhere.

Lavada

I would tell myself to study hard and go to college now; because it only gets harder as you get older .It would have been a lot more enjoyable to attend college as a young woman without the added responsibilities of children to support. Take every opportunity to save money for your education, apply for every scholarship opportunity that is available to you and keep your grades up so that you are eligible for merit based scholarships. I would tell myself that boys aren't as important as your future. So stop chasing boys and hit the books before it is too late and you waste 20 years. If I had gone to college I would be financially solvent and own my home instead of renting. I would have had a marketable skill besides sales or waiting tables; and wouldn’t have struggled to raise my children. The future isn't promised nor is success a guarantee; hard work now will make your goals more attainable. My final piece of advice would be this live and learn and move on don’t dwell on negativity. Live your life in a positive manner and you will be healthier and happier.

Brandon

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about the future, I would tell myself that you need to pay attention more in class because you will be wish you had if you didn't. I would also say that time is going to be tough on you but remember to keep your head up and pray for the strength you need to endure. The last thing I would tell myself is that don't forget to enjoy yourself.

James

I would tell the aspiring James, who wants to play college football be aware of liars! College coaches will take advantage of you and your family to get out of you what they want, with no concerns for your future. Your head coach is the biggest liar of all. If you become a red shirt freshman, don't budge and let them put you in. Let your parents help you make decisions on and off the field, they only want to help you because they are the only ones who really care about you and your future.

Hillary

If I had known what I know about college life now, I would have told myself to spend more time studying and listening to my teachers. In college, your professors aren't there, watching over your every second making sure you do your work correctly. They teach what you need to know and if you don't catch on it is your job to go to tutoring or do whatever you have to do to make sure you are able to complete the assignment. There are no second chances in college, the teacher gives you the grade you earn based on the work you do, not based on how hard you attempt to do the work. Also, I would tell myself to spend more time at home with my family, because being away from them 24/7 is a lot harder than you ever think it is going to be.

Xia

Study harder and worry more about your grades and GPA

Kendrea

Kendrea, don't worry about attending film school in New York, it's not going to be the right time for you but in a year or so you'll be able to do it and it's going to change your life. Try to keep your friends memory alive as much as possible after his passing during graduation. People look up to you more than you think and you are stronger then you feel right now. After you get back from Film School, go straight to NSU. Do not think it's not a good fit for you just because you are scared. I promise it's going to do so much for you, you are going to do great things for this school. There are going to many many opportunites before you get here, take every single one of them but trust me, this is the place you need to get your education. This place will teach you how to be a stronger woman. You are going to be so proud of yourself and the things you have accomplished with NSU. Stop being afraid and go for it!

Cheyanne

I would tell my high-school senior self "Love yourself. Learn to appreciate yourself for who you are. Don't be ashamed of your uniqueness, embrace it. Don't hide your differences, show them to the world. The more comfortable you are with yourself the more comfortable others will be with you as well. Chase your dreams and your aspirations. Who cares if someone else disagrees with your studies or your goals in life? They're YOUR goals, YOUR dreams and it's YOUR choice. Chose something that will make YOU happy- because in the end YOU are the one who will be effected by YOUR choices. There's more to life than money and to fitting in socially. There's beauty in being the oddity. And happiness in being yourself. Do "you", not someone else.".

Jessica

If I could go back in time to my high school years, there are quite a few things that I would do differently. For starters, I would have taken more Advanced Placement classes to make it easier to get scholarships. Secondly, I would have started taking my college "gen eds" to get some of those out of the way. Lastly, I would have done more my senior year. During my senior year, I decided to slack off due to my severe case of senioritis. I only took blow-off classes that whole year. I regret that now because I am not used to such a heavy work load. Had I taken my senior year more seriously, it might have better prepared me for college.

luz

Luz, start preparing yourself for all the self discovery you are about to go through. College is the time when you are finally going to grow up and find yourself. High school stress will be nothing compared to the stress you will began to feel when you are on your own. The joke you have heard of college students having to choose between good grades, sleep, and a social life is not really a joke it will become your reality. Do not be scared though, you will be fine. As much stress as you will have, you will also be happy, college is so much fun and you are not only learning things that you find intresting but you are also learning about your self. Enjoy every second you have left in high school, you will miss it later. P.S. By the way, that boyfriend you have now isn't worth the tears. You will eventually meet way better guys, trust me.

Lydia

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to remember to be myself and to make as many new friends as possible. Friends are a good thing to have in college, for both the social aspect and for the studying aspect. The more friends you make, the more people you will have to help you with homework and to help you in a time of need. I would also remind myself that while making friends is important being a friend is just as important. If you are not willing to be a friend to someone, then people are not going to want to be friends with you. College is about getting a degree so you can better yourself in life, but it is also about learning lessons and meeting people to help you along the way. Friendships are something that every human needs and wants in their lives. Without friendships, we would all be lonely and depressed. I would remind myself to not judge a book by its cover and to try to become friends with everyone.

Daisy

It's not like high school, there is so much more to do and experience but be careful not to get overwhelmed or to try to jump into everything. Find out who your advisors and teachers will be and find someone you can talk to about your plans and how to achieve them. Focus on your studies (it is why you are here) but make time to connect with others and have fun.

Kendra

I would suggest to myself that I must keep patience in mind at all times. I would not say anything to change my attending circumstances, as the time and events I experienced after high school are precious to me and I would not like to change any of it.

Hillary

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be intimidated. College really is as fun as one makes it and although it can be tedious, it is an opportunity. A wonderful opportunity that some do not have so I need to take full advantage of this chance to better my life. I would express how my grades are truly based on the effort I put into each and every class. I would remind myself that it is ok to make mistakes and that getting a "C" does not mean that I am a failure. There will be some subjects that I understand easier than others but as long as I do my very best, there is no reason for me to be disappointed. I would start looking for scholarships early and take every opportunity I had to make extra money for school. But more importantly, I would remind myself that college is completely up to me. I can take my college career as far as I want and to never let anyone or anything get in the way of finishing my degree and doing what I love.

Koua

If I can go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the kind of advice that I will offer is to take college courses while in high school. Because I was a studious individual, taking college courses would had help the transition a lot smoother. Another advice I would have given myself is to look into scholarships, grants, and financial aid early. One of my biggest struggle as a college student was money. Although, I never held an actual full time job, I worked 35-40 hours a week while going to school full-time. When I had free time, I work on my assignments and I study. Now if I had look into scholarships and grants, I would had enjoyed the opportunity to join extra-curriculum activities and perform more volunteering works around my community like many other students. My last advice is to take advantage of the paid-testing program that high school offers to eligible students. If you had free-reduced lunch, you were eligble for free ACT testing. If I had taken the ACT more seriously, I could had earn a scholarship and had the opportunity to get into a more elite college.

Emily

I would advise myself to stay focused on one major. I would advise myself to reflect on what my end goal was and to pursue a field no matter how tough. I would also advise myself that there will be plenty of time to work and earn money and to take the next four years to focus on my academics more so than my career for now. I would also advise to be appreciative of family and friends because they can be backbones that will help you in stressful times and help give you the support and motivation that you may need occasionally. I would also advise to get involved more with the school's activities. The more people you know the greater assets you have for success in academics and in life. Lifelong friends and study partners/groups and be formed in college and they are a great resource of people all working to achieve the same success. I would also suggest becoming more involved within the community as well as with school events.

Toni

The advice I would give myself would be do not be afraid to be outgoing and making new friends. The best thing to do is have a good idea on what career you want to pursue and stick to the course requirements for that career in order to stay on track in your degree. I would also tell myself to get more involved with the university and the activities it has to offer students.

Mellissa

I did not start right after high school so one thing I would say would be don't wait too long to start college because I thinks it's easier making the transition from high school to college if you have people you know in the grade as you. Another thing I would say is try to fill out as many scholarships as you can because as we all know college is not cheap.

Alexandra

I was at work when I found out that I had been accepted to my dream school, Rhodes College. After months of hard work my dream came true, and I was about to be a college student. However upon arriving at school I realized that it was not as easy, nor as fun as I had imagined. I was at home when I learned that I was not welcome back for the spring semester, and was heart broken. Now, two years later, I have learned that I needed that semester to be the person I am today. Without that semester I never would have learned my true career goal, to be a restaurant manager, and I never would have learned that I need to want this for myself, not for others. I suppose the number one thing I got out of my college experience was that you have to have goals and something to strive for, otherwise you will be unsuccessful. I may have done poorly my first time around, but I learned the most valuble lesson; only I can do the work to succeed, and only I can make my dreams come true.

Tiffany

I have gained a lot from attending college this semester. I have made new friends, who I am sure will be my lifelong friends. I have gained new knowledge and a better understanding of myself. I used to be extremely shy, but ever since starting college, I have come out of my shell and am now more outgoing. I enjoy every day that I have class, and because of that I have not missed a single class time all semester. I have learned that my accomplishments are just that, mine. If I succeed it is because of the things I have done, not anyone else's actions. I have had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get where I am today and, going to NSU every day I have class I am reminded that it was all worth it. I now want to live on campus, but I need money to do it. I want to have a full college experiance. Thank you.

Ashley

As a first semester freshman at NSU I have already learned multiple life lessons. I have learned how to become more independent and how to rely on myself to push forward in life. NSU has already taught me that while there are hundreds of people who care and want you to succeed, the key to success is motivating yourself to achieve your goals. If I had not attended NSU, or college, then I would not be able to succeed in a society that is harsh in this day and age. I am thankful for every opportunity that is handed to me and I also enjoy the maturing I have done. I strive in each class and activity to do my best, because I know that my best is all I can do. NSU has motivated me to make a difference in the world, a passion I was not fully aware of before now. Without the college experience I feel I would have fallen down a dark hole in life and never been able to crawl out of it. I am thankful every day for this opportunity and plan on using in to better the world in the future.

Julie

It opens doors that wouldn't normally be opened. At the same time I have lost jobs because I was "over qualified".

Rebecca

I would tell myself that college is expensve and I am an adult now and i need to focus on how I would pay for college before it hits me.Also that your ACT is more important than your GPA , and definetly to do my research on colleges.

Levi

Explore more colleges, and try to get more financial aid. Don't transfer colleges, just go to one that offers a program in the field of study that you are interested in. You may not be ready to leave home but go for it anyway because you will be able to graduate faster and get a job to help you fulfill your dreams.

Dayen

I would tell myself to go ahead and buckle down and get your work done. Give everything you do all that you've got and don't procrastinate. But the number one thing I would tell myself is don't worry about not knowing what major you want to pursue, after you spend sometime taking classes you will figure out what interests you and you will be able to narrow you options from there!!!

Ashley

I would tell myself not to stress about college. If you focus on school and friends, then the little worries are not important. Save money, and make sure you be all that you can be. Life is hard, but being yourself makes the journey worth it all.

Rachel

If given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself about college I would tell myself not to take it lightly. I would say that school is too important to take lightly. College is not like it was at my high school at all so I would inform myself to study more and get ahead in my classes so I won't get overwhelmed.

DaJuan

Remember to utilize your summers to enrich your education experience to get an edge up on the way things will be. Also utilize any tutors you can having a good GPA is vital andwill help gain a better position in school, in terms of scholarships, and other financial outlets. Also get involved with community service until you graduate and also get involved with scholastic clubs and network building up a better oportunity for resources.

Cassandra

Make sure you know what you want and you chase it. Take risks but be smart about it. Don't stop so close to home go and discover the world and be your own person for yourself and not for anybody else. Do things you enjoy not just work and school, have fun and take advantage of every crazy oppurtunity you get and go at it full force.

Tiffany

I would tell myself to keep up with the school work and stay on top of all the assignments. No matter how hard you want to jskip an assignment because it is just worth 10 points. In the end, those ten points add up to a lot. I would also tell myself to look for scholarships and wother ways to pay for school early on. Class fees add up to a lot of money so you need to start earning the moneyh and saving the money as soon as you can.

Jessica

My graduating class only had 28 students in it, so starting college I was very nervous that college was going to be very different than what I was used to. If I could go back I would tell myself to not be nervous at all, and that get ready for the time of my life!

Nicole

I would tell myself not to be so absorbed in my Student Activities work and that I should put as much effort into my school studies. I would sit myself down and say that I am going to have an exceptionally hard time transitioning without my parents with me. That I am going to want to come home every weekend and that I am going to struggle hard from day to day without the necessities I had at home. Knowing how I was in High School, I wouldn't believe that I would miss my parents or call my Mom everyday while in college. I always wanted to live away from my parents and I would always tell them "I know everything." I don't even know a portion of the world and I'm far of knowing half of what my parents already know. I would look myself dead in the eye and say; listen to your parents they know what they are talking about and stay focused in school. Take your SAT seriously and prepare being away from your family and friends but know that you will still hold your morals and values strong in college.

Thomas

The very first thing I would tell myself is that I should have not moved out my senior year and during the hardest times I would keep myself motivated. Also, I would of told myself that I should of taken more campus visits and know what kind of degree program that I am willing to work for. I would have told myself to have a backup plan. Looking in the mirror and facing your own problems are much harder than your friends and/or family problems.

katelyn

If I could go back and see myself in the hallway of my high school during my senior year I would explain the importance of a degree plan. I would suggest the right advisor so that she may help myself map out my future plans and classses for my college education. With a broader veiw of the path I will take I would advise myself to start and finish my college education at Northeastern State University. The transition to a small high school to a large campus might seem scary but, believe it you will get the best education from Northeastern State University. I would explain to myself the damage of not attending every single class. Class participation is cruicial for my academic success. While giving myself advice I would explain the beniefts of particapating in school activites and social events. Friends that I have met through school activites have really furthered my academic progress by providing advice, support, and guidence.

Joseph

Dont put it off. I know it seems like "more school" after the first half of your life it seems was spent in school, but college is so much more. The matutity level is different. The friendship and fellowship and guidance is different. You feel like NOW you're doing something.NOW, youre an adult

CASSANDRA

If I could go back in time and give my younger self advice for the college transition, it would be to study more thoroughly and work really hard, because you need every opportunity you can to study to make the grades you want. I also would have told my self to save more money than what I did to pay for my tuition. This way you could be not as stressed about bills and would not have been without money through out each semester, having to come up with so much money all at once. I would have told myself to explore more of my strengths and weaknesses to help make a better decision on which degree plan I would have went for and to have stuck with it, eventhough it gets really challenging. Also, I would have told myself to join more organizations to get better acquainted with my fellow classmates, and to develop a social network . Finally, I would tell my younger self to get more involved in the community and volunteer more when I had the time.

Trina

I would tell myself, to really pay attention in class, take lots of notes, and also ask as many question as I can, to understand the material more in depth.

Lauren

I would tell myself to work harder in high school and make good grades. I would advise myself to get in the habit of studying for tests instead of just blowing them off. I would also advise myself to not procrastinate. I would tell myself to start working on assignments when they are assigned, even if I have several weeks before it is due.

Holly

I believe that i did a pretty good job the way i went about transitioning into college, but if there is something that i would need to say to myself it would be that everybody who starts college is just as nervous as you so make the most of it and make as many friends as you can because they will be happy to be able to share this new experience with you. Another thing is that you should wait until your second semester or even second year to become involved with lots of clubs and activities because it can be too much stress since you don't know how college works yet. Also, this is chance for you to become your own person so try out as many things as you can once you get settled before you commit and surround yourself with people who are there to get the most out of their education and not to just have a good time, because in the end it will be those people with goals of a better education that will always be there for you and give you the help that you are looking for.

Shannon

When I was a senior, I didn't care much for school. Much of my lack of effort was attributed to anxiety about my life after high school and what might happen to me in the "real world." I couldn't really envision my life after graduation. I didn't plan for college because it was almost like I thought that I would be in high school forever. If I could go back and give myself advice for my future, it would be to just go ahead and write that paper for English. Stick it out through math even though you don't like it. Most of all though, I would let myself know that there's nothing to be afraid of, that after graduation I'd be the happiest I've ever been. I'd say "You do great in college, despite the stress. You'll have the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and you'll be truly happy for the first time in years." I want my past self to know what a great experience we'll have and that coming into your own is the best feeling there is.

Elizabeth

I know that there is about to be a big transition in the way your life is running right now but try to relax. It's not as bad as you think it will be. College is a great experience and I know you're going to love it. There are things that you will have to get used to but once you do you will really be able to jump into your life and really make a difference for yourself. Be sure to stay open minded because if you do then college is going to be one of the best experiences you have. Try to always give it your all because in the end, if you can be proud of yourself, it will be a job well done.

Cody

I would tell myself that college life is an amazing time and you meet all kinds of people and make life-long friends. I would also say that college isn't for everyone due to the fact of financial reasons, college environment, stress of everyday life, and that person's work ethic. I would recommend that I apply for financial aid and get as many scholarships and grants as possible. Also another important thing I would remind myself of is to keep good grades and be involved in college. Other important things you should think about is how is the financial status of that university, what kind of entertainment there is to do on or near campus, how are the living arrangements on and off campus, and what facilities the college or university offers for extra curricular activities such as a gym for working out, playing sports, or running. Last but not least I would encourage you to talk to your professors if you have any questions at all and know they are there to help you. I hope my advice can benefit you some way or another in the future and good luck with your decisions about college.

Catherine

When I was a high school senior, one of the most exciting things to me about college was the freedom that comes with it. I thought it would be amazing to schedule my classes when I wanted, and to only come to class when I felt I needed to. And the transition to college has been very liberating for me (I love it), but I wish I could go back in time and give my high-school self this advice: Firstly, go to every single class that you possibly can. Whether it's "review day" or not, skipping class is an extremely addictive and harmful habit. When you regularly go to class, you feel more confident (rightly so) and you get better grades. Beyond that, you're more likley to develop relationships with your peers and professors. Second piece of advice: go to bed early! This makes it much easier to resist the urge to sleep in, and it helps you focus throughout the day. Establishing the routine can be difficult, but once implemented it's well worth it.

Dallas

Make sure you visit the campus before actually choosing a school. Also talking to the students who attend the college would be a good idea as well.

Tucker

Go to the campasses and see what feels best for you. Talk to students there and get their feel on it. Check what degrees and majors the college is offering.

Jamie

The biggest advice I would give to prospective college students and their parents is to visit many colleges that you think you would want to attend. Never just go to one. I went to other colleges and it helped me narrow down the list of things I wanted in a college. Also look very hard at the financials. Going to an expensive private school to get a degree that only produces low paying jobs isn't pactical. In these tough financial times you want to make absolutely sure that you don't enter your adult working life with more debt than you can handle. College is about having fun but ultimately it is about your future and you have to look at the education that you will recieve instead of the social aspects of the four years you will be there. Once you have decided on a college I would recommend that you get involved in activities quickly. Most friendships are formed the first few weeks of school, and getting involved will allow you to meet new people and will ease the transition of home to college life.

Cory

Students should take the time to really evaluate what it is they want out of college. In all honesty, a student can probably find what they want on any campus; I myself go to a school not renown for their academic standards, yet I still enjoy research and academic competiton amoung the science department's more elite students and professors. However, a student may want the best for their own higher education, and should not settle for anything less. You only get the chance to do this properly once.

Hillary

I think that finding a college that suits you and your individual needs has become easier in the recent years. Schools are able to post pictures of campus life, clubs and educational programs, as well as information on university websites. I would encourage you to find a school that has a specialty that you are interested. It is beneficial to enter a great program that is noticed as a leader among other schools. Don't give up when it gets tough. There are many programs that you would do well in that take extra work and practice. If you have a dream of attaining a degree and going on to a certain profession, give it your all. You don't have to be naturally brilliant to be an excellent physicist, surgeon or engineer. Those programs all take hard work and that is where many people stop. Utilize the on-campus tutoring if you have trouble. Even the smallest of universities are fully equipped to help every student succeeed. Finally, being active in campus life can take a good college experience and turn it to a great one. Finding your place on campus can transform your college years!

lacey

To make the best of it and study hard

Brittany

Visit the college campus to make sure it is the right fit. Once you get there, do not procrastinate so you can keep on top of paperwork and homework. There are a ton of scholarships but you have to put in the work to find and fill out for different scholarships such as this one. You never know, you could be one of the lucky ones and receive assistance with your education. Stay motivated because the end will be here before you know it!