Northern Kentucky University Top Questions

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

Rachel

The first piece of advice I would give myself is to take high school more seriously. I should have better prepared myself for college and not taken high school as such a joke. College is a lot of work and I have worked hard to get where I am today. I wish I could have better prepared myself for the transition from high school to college, and made myself study more in high school and take my school work more seriously. School is not a joke and I figured that out my first college class.

rolla

As a high school junior I would have taken more classes, I was doing a program called "school to work" where you receive credit for working. I took about 2 classes a day only. I would try to take AP and college level courses while in high school.

Alexandria

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself to focus on school , and only school, not to worry about the little things in life. I would tell myself to study hard, and try my best, and to not give up. I would tell myself not to worry about making new friends because that's the easy part of college. I would basically tell myself to not stress about everything, because it will all work out in the end. The only thing i need to concentrate on are my grades, gpa, and studies.

Zuri

I would tell myself to work harder and try to do my best at getting the best grades. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships and make sure I'm financially set.

Shyanne

Take as many classes as you can! High school is free, so try to take advantage of every oppurtunity given and take none of them for granted. Electives and AP classes are crucial; they help define what you enjoy and AP classes may not only challenge you, but help prepare you for future college curriculum. Reach out to as many people as you can because you never know when you will see a familiar face at college, and you wish you would have gotten to know them; study buddies are the best and advantageous, too. Make sure you research your college and set up an appointment to find out extra curricular activities, like Student Council, to get involved in. Lastly, send your high school teachers a thank you letter or email. Looking back, you will definitely appreciate all their time and efforts in teaching you things you will need and use during classes; they have truly done a lot for you. Good Luck and never, ever give up!

Amparo

I Born in USA but i move to mexico when i was young thats why my first lenguage is spanish, right know i have a awesome level of english but 2 year ago, my english was not really good. This is the advise for me if i could go back on time: study english every day and study as hard as you can because things in college will be better for you.

Mustafa

Advice i would give my self is to never give up and keep on chasing what i'm after. Life has its success and failure stories and know that God(Allah) knows the best for you and your future. Succeed with God(Allah) in your time of struggles as well as in your time of success.

Lydia

Don't stress about the distance, your boyfriend and friends won't forget you. It kind of makes it better actually. I know living on campus seems scary but it's actually awesome and you'll love it. Your room mate turns out to be a fantastic girl who you love! College grants you so much more freedom, but don't worry, you're still a good student. Greek life is amazing and you get almost one hundred sisters who love you and think you're the best. Sometimes it sucks, nothing is perfect all the time. You're going to be alone, a lot. Things aren't always going to work out in your favor, such as cast lists, but you'll get through just like you always do. You're a strong independent woman and you are in control of your own destiny. Trust me, I'm living it. :)

Brooke

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be more patient. I was so ready to go off to college I forgot to live in the moment. I would say to have fun the summer before you go off and to enjoy the time you can with your family and friends becuase once they are so far away from you it is hard to take back what you could have done. Cherish the things you have and anticipate the things you don't. Do not be too eager to grow up becuase it is a lot more than you can handle.

Jon

The power of the question is huge, feel free to go out there and ask what seems to be the dumbest question, run around the campus asking questions to anyone who is involved with anything you have an interest in. Don't be afraid to do the things that you think you can't, including traveling, if you look in the right places university life lends itself to travel. Study abroad and immerse yourself in another language, possibly declaring a minor in foreign language (not Spanish). Follow through with ambitions to play a sport, but don't hang your hopes on it. Really look into all possibilities to fund school, asking questions and staying glued to cranky financial aid people will pay off in the long run and will keep you from wasting money. Above all, go big, don’t settle for mediocrity, you’re at the beginning of your life; no path is the wrong path unless it causes you to sit in class wondering when your next break is so you can go back to your room, sit on your ass and play video games.

whitney

If I could go back and talk to myslef as a high school senior knowing what I know now about the transition to college, I would have to tell myself to do some more research on colleges and what they have to offer. I would tell myself to take the time and fill out the university applications and explore my options. I would aslo tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible to elivaite some of the fiancial hardship. Looking at college from your senior year in high school is very different then acually entering college itself. I wish that I would of know then what I know now so I could of been that much closer to getting my RN instead of having to start over 3 years later at a different college.

Valerie

To learn how to study!!! I was lucky enough to be able to obtain information very well throughout high school, even in tough classes. However, in college I had to learn how to study, before I was actually able to study effectively. It is a good thing I faced this challenge because it showed I was advancing my education level, however, it was a hard hump to try and quickly get over.

Sarah

As a senior in high school, I thought I had it all figured out. I was majoring in Respiratory Care for an associate's degree, with the game plan being to get my bachelor's in Health Sciences immediately after my graduation. Looking back, I wish I could tell myself to be open-minded to other majors and to do things for myself, rather than doing things to make others happy. As I reflect on my career path, I find that I was choosing Respiratory Care because of peer pressure to do so. While I think that healthcare is a noble career, I am now finding myself less-than-happy with my decision. I am in the process of switching my major to Early Childhood Education. If I could talk to my senior-year-high-school self, I would tell myself to really think things through, and to pursue a degree that would make me happy, not that would make others happy. I would love to be able to tell eighteen-year-old me to use the opportunity of going to school as an opportunity to fulfill my dreams, not other people's dreams.

Connor

College can be an intimidating environment, but with the right guidance it can be the most successfull, and the most fun time of your life. There are endless possibilites to learn and grow not only in the classroom but outside of it as well. Getting involved is the best answer to tackling the intimidation aspect of college. Joining organizations will build up your confidence and ensure that you're making the most of your time. Additionally, knowing that each class is passable as long as you put the time and effort into it. Which means forming relationships with professors, not being afraid to ask for help or raise your hand, studying, doing homework, and utilizing the resources that a university supplies to you. These are all detrimental pieces of advice but the best piece of advice is to find a balance. When you find a balance between school (studying, classes), your organizations, your friends, and yourself then you will find a comfortable routine that will help you reduce stress, and conquer your fear of college. Balance is the key, and takes time to acquire but will lead to a successfull college career, and a successfull life.

Promise

Always try in highschool, don't ever horse around. Try your hardest at all times and always do your homework. Study is important because college isnt like high school. It is alot more challenge to the mind then highschool. Surround yourself around students that want to have a life. Don't surround yourself around students who don't care what happen in they're future. The most important is always have a nice attitude and always work hard.

Emma

Hey Emma! You're a senior in high school, and although these AP classes and all of this homework is stressful and you hate it, you will be so thankful that you did it. I know that the whole prospect of going to college seems really scary and intimidating, but don't worry, you are going to love it! You will meet so many new and interesting people, and you are going to really like your professors, they are not as frightening as your imagination is making them out to be. You are going to have to study a lot and work hard, but it will pay off. To make things easier for you once you get there, here is some advice: Stay away from the student union at lunch, give yourself enough time to get to your classes, and don't fret over who you will talk to or if you will have friends - you will! Also, you will find that parking is a nightmare, so give yourself more time to get ready and get to school. You will be repeatedly late to math class before you learn this lesson! Stop worrying, everything will be fantastic.

Rodnesha

Apply for many different colleges, and don't be afraid to stay home and go to school.

Alyson

If I could go back to high school and give myself advice, I would tell myself to search high and low for scholarships and not depend on financial aid. I would also encourage myself to get involved in campus activities earlier. I would advise myself to start networking and making connections across campus as right away and not to be intimidated by doing so. I would tell myself that the best way to make friends is to just talk to people and not wait for them to talk to you first. I would tell myself that I will be making a great decision by coming to NKU and not worry about fitting in, because I've found a place that I can call home and I know that through hard work, determination, I will succeed and earn my degree.

Lydia

If I could go back and talk to my High school senior self, I would tell myself that college isn't all that scary. All throughout high school, students complain how terrible it is, that they can't wait to be done with it. I used to say those things, but before I knew it, school was done. At that moment, it seemed like that four years had gone by in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, I went into panic mode. I was so nervous at the thought of having to go to college and be independant, something I had always wanted when I was in high school. However, knowing what I know now as a college freshman, the transition was made quite smooth with the help of parents, friends, professors, and counselors. I would tell myself to relax, college is a great thing to experience.

Michelle

Go to the college you want to from the get-go! Do not waste your time going to a community college first. Study when you need to study and have fun when time allows. Passing classes isn't really enough, strive for the Dean's List, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable! Some really rough times are going to come your way, things you are by no means prepared for and would never imagine. When these things happen, stay strong, lean on those who love you, they will be there for you and with them you can get through anything and carry on with school! Going back to school when you are 42, have 2 active kids and a very active life yourself is not easy at all!!

Courtney

One major piece of advice I would give my high school senior self, is to dedicate more time to applying for scholarships. While senior year is meant to be fun, it is also a time to prepare your self for your future and for myself, that meant college. I would stress that you can never apply for too many scholarships because the more you apply for, the bigger the chance you have at winning more scholarship money. I would also tell myself that all of the stereotypes about poor college students are definitely true, and that I need to save more money. While studying to get that higher education, it becomes very stressful on a college student that money is such a huge issue. Whether it's getting more money to pay for tutition, or money to buy gas when visiting home, as a college student you really start to see how money effects your everyday living and the struggle to find a successful balance of work, school, and what little leisure time you may miraculously have time for.

marlon

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would give myself advice-not only limited to the college life and experience, but also pertaining to life in general and the experiences and the knowledge derived through those experiences. Looking back I notice that the main focus, up until my senior year of highschool, wasn't really about 'school'. It was about the social aspect that came along with school (inside of the classroom, and out). I would tell myself otherwise and express the importance of school and doing it the right way. I would tell myself to know and to trust in 'work hard, play even harder' and only in time will I grow to understand 'WHY'.

Brittany

I would tell myself to not be afraid to branch out of my small town and that sometimes it's the best way to find out who I really am. I would tell myself to actually try for scholarships and not assume that they will fall into my lap. Trying to pay for college is really tough and some times impossible. I would want myself to know that just because all my high school friends are going to a certain college doesn't mean I have to follow. I will find more and truer friends than the ones in high school. I would also tell myself that everything will eventually work itself out and finally fall into place.

Ashley

I would tell myself to do not suffer in silence instead of asking for help. I know I want to do everything on my own and how I feel that I need to do everything on my own without help for others, but I am still young and there are people who love you and want to help. If you do not let them, you will make several failures in your college years. You need to admit when you need help and ask.

Kelsey

If I could go back and tell myself anything as a senior, it would be to relax and major in what I love. I started out as a nursing major in order to please my parents, but I quickly realized it was not for me. Now I couldn't be happier with what I am majoring in, Social Studies Education, and I wish I could tell myself that my parents are okay with it too.

Sara

Have fun. Get to know yourself. Go against the grain. Give 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} - always. Use the resources your college provides for you. Get to know your instructors and the other people in your program - they will be there with you every step of the way; no matter how hard it gets, they'll understand. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things! Look at the world through open eyes often. Study abroad, even if just for a couple of weeks. Take life slowly - don't try to rush these years. Be grateful for what you have and give back by volunteering. Head home for school breaks and have deep conversations with your parents. Learn about every single thing you can. Study hard and study smart, but don't forget to take time to enjoy college life. Exercise - you won't have a free gym available forever, plus, it makes you feel good! Stay grounded but know that you are special and irreplaceable. Be graceful. Love and respect yourself!

Sarah

I would tell myself to make more connections. Now that I'm in my second year of college, connections are everything. I wish I had networked more and took advantage of my high school's resources. I would tell myself to go the extra mile to connect with teachers and faculty (these people are valuable for both letters of recommendation and life lessons in general). I would tell my senior-self, as well as others, to make valuable connections during this final year of high school.

Marcia

The first thing I would say to myself as a senior is not to put off going to school. I would tell myself not to let the fear of failure stop me from doing what I want to do in my life. I would really encourage myself to go to school and enjoy the wide variety of activities that were available and to enjoy life. Most importantly I would tell myself not to set limits on what I could accomplish and what I could be.

Ja'von

As a college student , the advice I would choose to give to my past self as a high school Senior is to network with the small class around me. As a college student finishing up the first semester I realize networking is a tool used to make life alot more beneficial and easier, I believe its the secret to discovering oppurtunities, such as jobs, internships, and even love and friendships. I would also add on to work hard on scholarships, paying for college isn't as easy, earn more credibilty, build on reccommendation, and draw and practice alot more. Lastly I'd tell him, don't to be a sucker for love, when you meet a female companion.

Ernesto

Follow your dreams, it will be an easy adjustment from highschool to college. Do not let the nay sayers around you bring you down and change your mind. Follow the path you have worked so hard for, your family will ultimately thank you for making your decisions to continue your education. Do not try to carry the weight of the world on your own and abandon your future endevours. You have the skills and knowledge to succeed in college, just do it and finish it. Dont stop, dont get side tracked, keep your focus, and all will turn out better then you know.

Brittani

Be persistant. Don't think that just because most of the professors don't take attendance that it doesn't mean you don't have to go to class. And use your resources. Many of the professors tell you all the homework needed to be complete in their syllabus but it's up to you to use your resources to complete other assignment while you aren't busy. Not only can you look over your syllabus, if you start struggling GET A TUTOR, don't think of it as "it's free tutoring" think of it this way you have already PAID these people to sit and help you, and you would be WASTEING MONEY if you don't allow them to help you pass your classes. And lastly, there is NO REASON to fail, you live on capmpus all your resources are availiable to you and you are smart effort to succeed. And if your'e anything like I was... I know you will make the right decisions (; Good Luck Kid!

Ming

Prepare for SAT and TOEFL as early as possible. Do not focus on the exam for enrolling the universities in China.

Tiffany

I would have paid more attention to the scholarships and oppurtunities out there. I live in a tiny town where most people graduate (some doesn't) and go straight into working at factories to make a living. That's the only thing I knew. I never really considered higher education. I wish my high school pushed going to college and get us better prepared. I wish I tried harder in high school as I am in college.

Catherine

If I could go back and give myself advice for starting college I would tell myself that I need to start out as a geology major instead of an education major so that I could get the jump on the program and start where I should have with the right classes. Join the Newman Club right off the bat because you will make some amazing friends in that group that you will have for a good while. Study better for some of the gen eds. But mainly, stay calm, have fun, and you will do just fine. However, with all that in mind, you will be better off starting in education than geology becasue you are going to learn an quite a bit about yourself and you will finish your gen eds sooner and make some really special friends in those classes that you wouldn't have otherwise. Start where you to with college and explore it. Don't change a single thing about the experience, because it is going to make you a better person.

Tessa

The advice I would give myself is even though there may be a few subjects that seemed as if I didn't need to study for, study anyways! In college, there are a lot of quizzes, tests, and exams, and I feel as if I would have studied more in high school, I would have better studying habits in college. Even though I may not have needed to study for things in high school, I could have used that time to learn more efficient ways to study and to develop more effective studying habits.

Crystal

There is no time limit to when you can go to college and get a degree. But, if you do know what you want out of this life and you are ready to make that committment, don't delay. Get started, buckle-up and enjoy the ride. The will be roadblocks and detours but you will find a way to reach your destination if you choose to.

Brandon

I would tell myself about how to get involved earlier and to try and get myself living on campus. I would tell myself of all the oppertunities and scholarships that are out there and how when i graduate if i did take full advantage i would need to pay for college and that when i live on campus i could have more fun then ever and even could get a job on campus. The best advice is no matter what happens don't loose sight of the prize and fight through what ever it takes to stay concentrated on school and graduate in the near future.

Brandi

The advice that i would give myself is to go directly after you get out of highschool. The one thing you need not to do is take the time off then go to college, that you should do it straight out of highschool. You have two beautiful kids that look up to you and that you need to give them a good life and make it to where they are proud of what you have accomplished. Make your husband the most happiest man ever by going back to college while also taking care of the household, two kids in school and just juggling life all together. Make sure that when you do get into or go to college that you put full focus into your school work, but to also keep in mind that you do have a family that needs you just as much. Never neglect your5 homework for school, because if you do you will never succeed in life and you need to succeed for npt only youself, but for your family, friends and life all together. Just remember that your family and surroundings will be proud of you for the steps you are taking to better youself

Adam

I would tell myself to not be afraid to embrace who I am. I never used to be proud to be gay and I tried relentlessly to hide it. However after starting college, I realized that it really doesn't matter. Your friends and family are going to accept you for who you are. I would tell myself to be more confident in myself and let my true self shine. In the grand scheme of things, being gay has little impact on what you accomplish inlife. So why let it hold you back from being who you are and realzing you full potential?

BreAnna

Stick it out! That is the advice I would give my high school self. Extracurricular activities are a big deal in both high school and college, the difference is the extracurricular activities in high school prepare you for leadership positions in college. As you become an adult you no longer have the desire to just be a member; one in a number you want to be a leader and it’s hard not to want to take on more responsibility when given the opportunity. But if you didn’t have the proper training as a member, how can you be a leader. In high school I joined clubs to be with friends and to have something to do. I didn’t realize how much responsibility I took on even just being a member, so many of the clubs I quit. Now as the vice president of one organization, and the treasurer of another, I tend to become overwhelmed. Although I am learning how to handle the responsibility of being a leader ,I fell if I had just stuck it out in high school, and learned to be a member, being a leader wouldn be as hard.

Abigail

Always work hard. Don't slack off. In college, it's extremely easy to get lazy, but that's no excuse to do so. Now more than ever, your good performance is important. You don't have your parents around to kick you into gear, so you have to do it yourself. Also, studying is way more essential than it was in high school. In college, it is practically a requirement; you may not have needed to study often or at all in high school, but you will now. Having fun is important, too, but be sure to always set aside time for school work, even if you have to lock yourself away from the rest of the world.

Alycia

If I could go back and talk to myself I would tell myself to work even harder than I did to prepare for the drastic change in how hard I needed to work. I would tell myself to look into different ways of studying because in college the same way will not work for every subject. I would also tell myself to be prepared for the different social aspects of college. They are not the same as high school. You can make friends in high school just like that but in college you have to be ready to put yourself out there a little more in order to make new friends. Finally, I would tell myself to just work through it all because in the end it will all be well worth while.

Greg

In knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, the advice that I would've given to myself as a high school senior would be to talk to current college students in the major that I was looking at to find out what they liked and didn't like about it. I would also tell myself to allocate hours dedicated to studying over the material learned during class. One important thing I would tell myself would be to find out from professors if there was any extra work I could do to get more practice especially if it was a subject I was struggling with. Another important piece of advice I would give myself would be to be absolutely certain about the major I picked instead of settling. This could've been done by looking at possible jobs that I would've been interested in post-college. I would definitely tell myself to have fun in college, whether it's going to sporting events or playing intramural sports, but not so much that it takes into my time of studying.

kayla

Kayla, I know you have no idea what is about to happen to your life in the next four years but believe me when I say that it's goin to be the best experience you will ever experience. You will have many ups as well as many downs, but you will always rise above it all. It will be events that will try to hold you back from accomplishing your goals, always remember that this is bigger than you, it's for your family as well. I know that right now, there is so much pressure, stress, and anxiety, getting accepted in schools, prom, work, and life in general, stay strong but also enjoy it because it will happen so fast. Once you are in college remember to stay focus on your studies but also have s good social life. I know that some people are saying that you need to rush and decide a major but don't listen, it will come to you, when the time is right. Kayla, it's so much more that I can say to you but I want you to leave with this message always keep God first and keep the faith.

Angel

Be sure to live up your college life. Things will be difficult and sometimes you may feel like giving up, but don't. Live at home with mom and dad as long as possible. Do not rush yourself to grow up, you have the rest of your life for that. Northern Kentucky University is a great place. Do not second guess yourself, you are going into a great profession and the profession that is best for you. Everything works out by graduation. Quite worrying and just enjoy your time there.

Kyra

"College is a fresh start; expand your horizons, meet new people, take advantage of opportunities, have fun, but on top of everything- stay dedicated!" This is what I would tell myself as a high school senior, summed up in a nutshell. College is a time in your life that can really shape who you are. It is such a diverse and opportunistic environment that should be fully taken advantage of, but it is what you make of it. Take classes that you enjoy to help you stay focused. Get involved in campus activities and organizations in order to give you a break from school and meet new friends. Avoid procrastination as much as possible- it will come back to haunt you and steal your sleep! Enjoy yourself; these are your last few years to enjoy being a student before having to go off and get a “big girl” job. Most importantly, amongst having fun, stay dedicated to your school work and achieve those A’s. Learning is a privilege that you are paying a lot of money for- don’t waste it away by taking the easy way out!

Jenna

What I would go back and tell myself is that I should work to my fullest potential. All the bad things that happened during high school is just lessons that you would learn to help you with the future. I would also say that the major I chose was way more difficult then I thought but with my potential I can do whatever I put my mind to.

Derek

I would tell myself to go to the big college I got accepted to and worry about the money later.

Carissa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to do what my heart tells me. It's so hard not to buckle under pressure of your peers, school load, parents but do what I think is right for ME. I would tell myself to go for it. Try everything at least once. How will you know you like/don't like it if you don't try it? Meet as many people as you can. Put yourself out there and embrace who you are and who you have become. Lastly, I would tell myself to love who you are.

Stephanie

I believe that starting your education at a community college to start off, isn't a bad idea it's actually good. It's good for the following three reasons: save money, get your general studies classes all done, and it also gives you time to think about what you want to major in, if you're undecided. Colleges and Universities aren't cheap, so I believe by attending to a community college first it will help you save a lot of money. Before entering college, students aren't really sure in what they want to major in, so the best advice is to go to a community college and take general classes and by experiencing different classes you will figure out where do you find your best interest in. You will decide then if you want to continue your education in that field; so you take all your basics at a community college and then transfer out to a university and continue your career. So at the end you have made accomplishments, which are, saved two years of money, found your career, and you received a Bachelor's Degree in your field.