Purdue University-Calumet Campus Top Questions

I would tell myself that in order to succeed, you have to be completely and utterly focused on your future. In high school, all I focused on was school work and that got me a $46,000 scholarship to Valparaiso University, my dream school. When I finally got to college and experienced freedom of choice for the first time, I was overwhelmed and didn't focus on school. I ended up failing my classes and dropping out second semester. I've always been academically successful and had the chance to go to my ideal school, but I wasn't focused. After losing my scholarship, I had to find a school that wasn't to my "standards" but cheap enough for me to attend. I'm going to Purdue Cal in order to rebuild what I lost at Valpo. I know now that I have to commit to school, go to class, and plan ahead. I wish I could go back and tell myself this prior to making one of the biggest mistakes of my life, but as we all know, mistakes are a learning experience; and I've learned alot.

Dear Jacklyn in 2007, things are extremely different now, but you should be proud of yourself. All of the work you did in high school has helped prepare you for many things in college. Knowing how we both like a little bit of a surprise in life, I'm not going to tell you the minor details (you can enjoy those on your own), I'm going to tell you the major ones! First, always have your financial aid figured out on time, even if it means you have to wait in line for three hours. Second, don't forget to order your books within the first week of classes, and make sure you consistently have a pen, and paper with you. Lastly, be on time for all of your classes, a wise woman that you will meet soon has a favorite quote that I respect very much: "You snooze, you lose." Good Luck, and don't worry, you will do great things! Sincerely, Jacklyn from 2010

I would instruct myself to participate in more activities, seek and apply for scholarships, and develop my study habits. During high school I was an active member of the army Junior Reserve and Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Through this program I was able to participate on the armed drill team. I gained much experience and memories as I traveled to different cities and states competing for exhibition and regulation victories. JROTC also volunteered at places such as funerals, senior citizen homes, and schools. I did not realize the value of extracurricular activities until I was in college. Participating in sports and other organizations in high school can prepare you to lead those same societies in college. It may be known that scholarships are free money for college, but how to find them are not as obvious. Many scholarships are offered to students in high school through their counselor?s office. These scholarships range from local to state. Other scholarships are found via internet or awarded from the government or the college itself. Most importantly, I would tell myself to develop good study habits. After entering college, I understood that learning was a lot of studying and led to good grades.

I would remind myself of the goals that I have for my life. I would focus on completing my degree by staying focused and not allowing myself to get distracted by my social life. I would plan wisely of how I studied and spent my time. I would seek tutoring without embarrassment. I would only take out loans that was needed and apply for more scholarships. I would seek a college close to home to avoid unrelated costs and loss of support by my family. I would find a major that would give me joy to do until I retired. I would apply myself to the fullest extent.

I would definitely tell myself not to take senior year for granted. Knowing what I now know, I definitely could've given my last year of high school a better effort. I didn't do bad, but I definitely could've done better. In essence it would've prepared me for what was to come in my honors English class that I had to take freshman year. I thought that maybe I could get away with some of the things that I did in high school, but I was wrong. There was no coming to class late, even if there was a good reason. I would also say pay extra close attention to your surroundings, because everything you come across is not always for the best.

i would first kick myself good and hard. i would tell meself that i cant do it alone and to stop thnking that i can. sometimes everyone include myself needs help. i would say get as many scholarships as you can because your going to need them school isnt cheap and nor is supplies. and finally i would have to say dont ever give up, if things get rough and you feel like your going to fail, just email your teachers or your friends form school and ask them for help because they all will in a heartbeat.

I would say to stick with the studying! The first couple of years, I slacked off and took for granted the fact that school usually came pretty easy for me. College is a whole different game. But you have what it takes, so just stay focused, don't get distracted, and keep your chin up. You're going into a field that you love, and you will have lots of opportunities once you are finished. Just stay happy and confident, and everything will work out for the best. Never give up, and never take your brain for granted. Things come easy for you, but that's not how it is for everyone. Be grateful, and use that brain to advance yourself, and eventually your world.

I f I could go back and talk to my self as a high school senior knowing what I know now , i would let my self and friends know the importance of getting good grades while in high school. Like me since most of my friends are not rich I would just stress the fact that college is not easy to pay for and strive to acheive some sort of scholarship to help pay for school. It does not matter if it is a partial or full scholarship anything helps because you do not want to pay for school. Paying for school and taking out loans is the worst thing ever because you have to pay it back and theres nothing better than free MONEY! But really the most important thing is to take school as serious as job that you need to survive because once you get put out you have to deal with the real world problems you parents have to deal with and for the most part no one is ready to deal with that coming out of high school.

If I was able to go back in time I would give myself encouraging words. I would tell myself that I have what it takes to succeed in school and the world and not to let anything or anyone hold me back. I would tell myself to relax and to focus. In high school I spent so much time worrying about situations that all worked out in the end. I think that if I knew everything would end up okay in high school I coculd have had a better time there. I would also tell myself to study hard, join a club and take more chances. I wish now that I would have studied harder in order to achieve the grades I needed to receive funding for college. I also wish I would have participated more in school activities and functions. If I would have known how rewarding it is to help out and voluteer then as I do now I would have been much happier.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to take advantage of my counselors and advisors that can help me and give me the best advice for my future. Had I talked to somebody about what I really wanted to do in life, I would have been more determined and dead set on my career choice. I would also remind myself of the competition in the work world and how competitive it can be when it comes to getting picked for a job. With this advice I would have worked harder to be the best student I can be. I would also tell myself to appreciate my challenges as a student because it would make me a better and more successful person. It is better to accept those challenges and be more determined and focused on what I would make out of my future. I would also have told myself to be more involved with school and extra-curricular activities and get to know other students and staff so that there will always be an open door and oppurtunity to possibly seek advocacy if needed.

I would advise myself to pay more attention in class. I feel that in high school, as well as college, there are so many distractions that get in the way with one's academic performance such as sports, leisure activities, friends and family, and other issues with one's personal life. Likewise, there are also many distractions within the classroom at both the high school and college level. In order to beat these distractions, I would advise myself to pay more attention in class; study more; work harder; listen more attentively to my teachers; be more responsible; and be more determined to succeed. In high school, I always wanted to take the easy way out, and I did not work that hard to get good grades. In college, everything is a lot harder. I would advise myself to work harder in high school, so that I am more prepared for the huge work load in college. Another thing I would advise myself to do in order to succeed is to have better time management. In high school, you do not get as much homework and you have more leisure time, but in college you get stock-piled with homework.

1. Don't take study hall. It is better if you take a full course load. 2. Don't take "fluff" classes they will not help you for college. 3. Take as much math as you can. 4. Get involved, this is your last year embrace it. 5. Study for the SAT. 6. Don't worry about fashion! In college no one honestly cares what you look like, especially if the class is at 8:00 AM. 7. Apply to more scholarships. 8. Prepare your self for college, Merrillville Highschool couldn't do it. 9. Be prepared to get work done. No more of this procrastination. 10. Pay more attentinon to the markets, you want to be an Economist. 11. Pay more attention to politics. Gotta love Economics! 12. The education you will recieve at Purdue University Calumet(PUC) is horrible. Try to get in a diffrent school. 13. The teachers are fine, it is just if you want to learn on a college level don't come looking to PUC for it. 14. Prepare to pull all nighters. 15. You should never pull all nighters before tests. 16. Get used to drinking caffine. 17. Pay more attention to typos.

The many things that i would say to myslef as a high schol students is first study hard and pass all your classes to make it easier for you to get in to the colege of your choice. I would also tell them to do your homework and dont slack off it might feel like a waste of time but its not. It just sets you up for college. Also dont do thing that you are going to regret later just be good and do not make crazy decisions. And that there is plenty of time to party so do not think that you have to party to be cool in high school becaseu all that will do is get you in to trouble. Also, do not be into a rush to grow up, high school is the best time you will ever have in your schooling career.

If I were able to talk to myself as a high school senior I would just tell myself that I am the only one that is making his decision. While advisers and teachers know a lot about education, they don't know what is best for you in the long run. Listen to yourself, apply for a ton of scholarships and you will be happy and successful in your university endeavors.

When I was a high school senior, I was very concerned that I didn't know what I wanted to study. In fact, after getting about 50 hours of college credit, I still did not know what I wanted to do with my life, and ended up taking a break from school. In retrospect, I would have been better off continuing with my studies, and if I couldn't decided on a specific career, I would have been better served getting a degree in liberal studies, or in the humanities. I've worked with a number of people over the years, that do not really use their college degree with their original intended purpose, but got their jobs because they had a college degree and it showed an employer that they had the ability to stick with their education and complete it. When I was younger, I was sure that I did not want to get a degree in business, but ended up getting a job in that field and really learned how diverse a career in the business world could be. One could be a salesperson, work in marketing, finance, accounting, etc. The sky is the limit.

In high school, my options were really limited and I felt that college was not an option for me. Coming from a poor family, and knowing that I had to rely on myself if I needed support in making school decisions hindered me from wanting to go to college. If I could go back I would make sure that the Federal Pell Grant options were fully explained to me in away that I could understand. I would tell myself that I am smart and going to do well in college, but my best effort has to be applied. I think today's students have a better advantage then when I was in high school. There are more programs developed now to make sure students succceed in education, but i would go back to start this process of becoming informed earlier than when the information was available to me.

I would go back and tell myself to Plan Plan Plan!! It is very important to realize that no one is going to hold your hand and guide you through college. High school counselors tell you what classes to take, whereas college counselors tell you, "its your choice". Sitting down with the requirements and planning out the semesters one by one would have made me get through college cheaper and in a timely manner. When it comes to college planning is essential. Without planning, one wastes time and money and If I could I would go back and speak to myself as a high school senior and tell myself to plan!

If I had known what college was going to be like as a senior in high school, I would have taken school more seriously. Just from taking notes in class, asking my teachers questions, and ESPECIALLY spending more time studying. Studying for tests in high school doesn't even compare to the amount of studying necessary for tests you take in college. Although I was a decent student, I've learned now from being in college I developed lazy habits. It's very hard to study because I don't use very good methods. There's so much reading to cover in college and when I study I try to re-read everything which is nearly impossible. I've come to realize that taking notes and highlighting the focal points is so key when studying. Also, you need to take advantage of class time. While you're there ask away with your questions, because afterward when your're alone and stumped you're going to wish you would've taken advantage of the time you wasted away in class. I would've just been a more serious student to help prepare for success in college. These things are so important.

The advice I would give myself as a senior in high school would be to give it my all. In high school I tried to do my best, but I never tried my hardest. I would explain to myself that trying my hardest really does pay off in the end. I would also give myself the advice of applying for every shcolarship possible. I now find myself in financial trouble and wish I would have signed up for a lot more scholarships. The last thing I would advise myself to do was to never give up and never let someone else tell me what I can be in life. Too often I let myself be bothered by this in high school and now that I outgrew that fear, I am doing better than I have ever done before. This past semester I got straight A's and done it thanks to my perseverance. All in all the advice I would give to myself would be to try my hardest and to give it my all no matter what I was doing in highschool.

The advice I would give to myself is keep participating in sports. Ice hockey and golf will be at college too. Unfortunately Purdue University Calumet doesn't have a hockey team, but they do have a golf team. Keep ahead in classes, don't fall behind or else you will struggle to keep your grades up. Also, make lots of friends and study with those friends. Those friends can help you through your ups and downs. Be yourself and don't try to be different to make people think your cool, it won't work. Most importantly, stay focused and don't let you get yourself down if you have to repeat a class. Everyone has struggles and some have to repeat classes, so keep your head up and stick with your major.

I would tell myself to find a school I really want to go to for myself and my education instead of following some friends. I would also tell myself which items need to be bought for college and which ones don't, and buy them much earlier than I did.

Stay at home and then go away. Wait until you have established more maturity to become independant. Always take responsibility for your actions and make sure your mistakes are ones that not repeated and you have SERIOUSLY learned your lesson.

I would tell myself to focus more on my studies and grades. Paying attention to what was really going on in classes. Using all the resources avavilable at my school. For instance talking to counselors to see what my true interests were. Trying to get them to help me apply for financial aid and scholarships.

There are three points that I will make to myself clearly about my future life of college. First, I will let myself know that I will be accept in the college because I waste too much time to worried about whether or not I will be accepted in college. Then, I will give information about the Purdue University Calumet as far as what I knew about. I will give myself the suggestion of major so that I am not wasting my one year to remain undecided. Also, I will introduce the courses that I need to take for my first semester and best professors on those courses. After all the vital information given, I will warn myself about challenges that I will be facing during my college life and convince myself to start study hard right now. I will give myself a good way to study, tips of time management and the reason why I have to be more positive. Finally, before I leave myself, I will suggest him to read a lot of books, ask many questions as possible to teachers, be aware about my grade on high school and encourage myself to be a good student.

I would tell them that it is essentially to know yourself in order to figure out which college to attend. If you like small settings then do not attend a large school. If you do not like partying then do not attend a school known for that. Otherwise, you will have a horrible college experience.

The advise I would give to students and their parents is to apply to just more than one university because you may not get accepted into your first choice. Start going on college tours with groups of people to see what the campus life is like so you will know if that campus is for you or not. Apply for as much financial aid as possible because college is very expensive. You should also consider diversity within a campus. You want to be on a campus where people are not just like you. You can learn alot from a person who has a different culture or background as you do. Meet with staff to see how friendly they are and how goal oriented they are. You should also research and see if the college is well known or recomended by people who have been there before. Look into activities and get involved while you are on campus because the more you are involved, the more you will learn about the campus.. Be open minded to new things and activities. Take electives that interest you and make sure your major is something you see yourself doing for a lifetime. Have fun.

I have a very important piece of advice for anyone in the process of picking schools: follow your heart. Even when it seems impossible, if you have a "dream school" in mind, apply. Do whatever it takes to make your dream come true. For the first two years of my college career, I felt stuck in a school that I didn't want to attend. My dream was to move to Indianapolis for school. But, because of financial issues, I decided not to apply. It made me miserable. I am now attending my dream school after gathering the courage to move far from home, and have never been happier. I feel that it is very important to listen to your heart and to folow your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem, because usually it's not as difficult as you think it will be. I believe that this alone makes the best of a college experience, because you will be exactly where you want to be. And happiness is the most important part of any life decision.

The best advice to give parents and students about finding the right college pertains to the individuality and drive of that student. Sometimes one feels more comfortable being on a smaller campus or vice versa. For example, one can feel more interactive with the teacher by being in a smaller classroom or feel more independent being on a bigger campus. College can be similar to high school, but there is a stronger uniqueness that it holds all on its own. It is more than passing or failing a class. It is more than meeting new people and going to parties and events. College can touch a student on a personal level in which one discovers who they really are in life. No matter what college you choose, a student has to want to learn and achieve for him or herself. In the short run, hanging out and skipping class just because there is no one there to tell you otherwise may seem fun at the time. Overall, at the end of the day it is the student and his or her own education on the line. One can truly learn that no one else can get their education for them.

It is really important to pick the best school for your interests and your circumstances. There are so many choices nowadays that you absolutely have to research each school to find out if it offers everything that you want academically as well as for your social/extracurricular life. College lasts about four years and those are the most important years of your life. They mark the beginning of the rest of your life and will determine the level of success you're bound to receive. Make the most out of these few short years, for they will fly by you. College is the transition from being a teen to an adult. These are the years that will mold you into the person you will be for the remainder of your career, so take this seriously. Be your own person and life up to your own goals and standards.

PUC is a full service campus on a smaller scale. Students with large campus anxieties should attend. It's a great learning environment with helpful faculty, staff, and other students. I think 95{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the people on campus will help a new student if needed. Purdue Calumet offers online classes as well as a distant learning location. Tuition isn't that expensive, even with the cost of everything going up. It's a great place to be!

It's very important to consider what you want for your future when choosing a college. One must not choose a major solely because it sounds fun. While enjoying what one is studying is nice, it is much more important to one's future that the college and major chosen are going to be practical for the future. Having said that, I would strongly suggest double-majoring and poking around in other departments. The college experience is best when it is expansive. Learn things about all subjects. Make friends and connections that will last beyond a course. Know what is available. I have been at my campus for 7 years and am just now learning about opportunities I may have missed because I was not involved in or even aware of things that were offered on campus.

Parents, you should be supportive and helpful to your child, but do not be pushy. Your children should be allowed to follow their own desires when it comes to college. Students, make sure you consider all sides of the school you want to attend. Do not go for the most well-known or prestigious school and ignore financial costs. Everything matters in your college decision. Once you are in school, do not take any classes for granted. Every class is expensive, so you want to make sure you do well and make sure the money was well spent. Also, do not overload yourself with classes. Even relatively low level classes assign large amounts of work, and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Know what you can handle, and it's better to play it safe. Remember that your primary goal in college is to learn, so keep socializing and parying under control. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions. Asking the professor or another student can make all the difference.

My advice to students would be, when visiting colleges, choose the one you feel that you belong at. When you walk through the campus, you should feel as if you cant tear yourself away. You should be able to see yourself there and doing well. Your college should become your home away from home, and you should feel as if it is a perfect match. My advice to parents is, what is right for some is not right for all. Let your children make the choice mostly on their own. They may feel comfortable with a place different then you had in mind, but remember, they are individuals and they will grow up to be great. No second guessing, you raised them right.

When trying to find the right college for yourself it best that hear other students voices who are currently students. They will tell you the truth. Also, compare the finanical aif packages to see which ones are for you. Apply to as many colleges as you can that you like, don't like a college just because you favorite fast food joint is on campus but see what that campus has to offer to you socially and academically. To make the most of college experience do not take more than 12 credit hours your first semester, you are just starting to adjust to the change of environment. Also, get involved in something you like such as theater or athletics, discover something that you may be want to know more about. College is a time to find out about what you like and dislike so take classes that are fun. If you are staying on campus, do not settle for hibernating in your room for all your years in college, go find something to do. College is a time to learn, grow, meet new people and have fun.

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take advantage of college fairs & once in college checkout job fairs.

Finding the right college can be hard and my advice to parents and students is to apply to a variety of colleges and visit all of them. I made my final decision after I saw each campus and visited with staff and other students. I think another important part in the decision process of finding a school depends on the student's major. There are many schools who have excellent programs for different subjects. For example, I attend Purdue University Calumet, have been accepted into the nursing program which is one of the top three in the nation. It truly has changed my life! College experience is very important to think about. In college, it is almost like you get a new start. You have the chance to meet new people and try new things. My advice to students is get involved! From experience I can say that I have made my best friends in college. By interacting with others in activities or sports, you get the opportunity to meet new people. I believe your college experience is what you make it, so make it a good one!

Dear Prospective Students and Parents: This is a simple suggestion guide, created by Saba S. Mohammed to assist you in your college search in order to maximize your college experience. When selecting a college or university start your search with colleges you know will enhance and reinforce your current interests while simultaneously affording you the opportunity to expand on subjects you never seriously entertained as possible curriculum. Open your mind to the selection process. Do not rely on the name of the school alone as a decision sounding board by assuming the name of your college; alone; will provide for your academic needs, but rather make sure that your ?well-known? selection will be the institution that fulfills your academic hunger and entertains or quenches your personal interests. There is no sense in selecting anything based on prestige alone. It is important to remember a name is only as good as you individually perceive it, so make sure your perception is not clouded, influenced or rose-colored. The truth of the matter is this is your FIRST, REAL, DECISION and should be made without pressure...period; after all you will be the one going to class everyday. Best regards, Saba

Look up the academic programs. If your young student knows what he or she wants to major in, check and see how many professors teach in that subject. More professors means that more classes will be available and your son or daughter will have an easier time finding the classes that he or she wants and needs.

Look into what you're getting yourself into. Make sure they have the programs you want even if you start off undecided. The more options you have the easier it is to decide what you are doing. There is nothing tougher than being a student with so much pressure put on you to pick a major! Find information about the professors that you may have. The more information you have about the professors the more knowledge you have about what kind of an education you will recieve. While your in college dont let yourself down , always make the most of every class and dont think about the negative aspects of it or how much time your losing with your friends. In the end you will appreciate the time put into school because the feeling that you get when you will finish nobody will be able to take away from you. Having a degree is having something alot of people do not have. This is your time to make a difference and may be the only chance you get. This is when you should be trying harder than anything this is when you can show off your talent this is college.

the advise that i would give in finding the right college for you is first, if it has your course of study. second, if you like big schools or small local schools.

A child has only one chance to be in college, if they know what they want to be and they are going to work on being sucessfull in that job, then they should go to the college they want to. Money is a sevre problem with college but if they want to go to a more expensive college, sometimes that means job placement is better and paying off loans wont be as bad as you thought. WIthout the true college experience at the college of their dreams they will always think what if. So choose the college you want to go to, and I mean dream about going to, apply, and go! If you do not you will always regret not taking that chance, money or not, this is a once in a lifetime freeing experience, and every child that wants to go to college should have the chance to go to the one of their dreams. The money will come later, but if they are a smart kid with a set path then the deserve to go to a college that is going to challenge them and make them happy. If not whats the point in going?

My advice would go around to colleges that offer what you are interested in or might be interested in. Get a feel of the campus and talk to people who have been in college. Some of the people can be a little older then you and some older then you. This gives you ideas and experiences from others. Follow your heart and take into account cost and distance. Go wherever makes you happy because to go somewhere you don't want to go can be a heavy regret.

I would begin by telling the students don't just choose a college your friends are attending, choose one that you feel you can become successful in. Look into the colleges that offer those extra-curricular activities that you are interested in, the job-placement numbers, and by all means the services they offer such as tutoring, counseling etc. As far as the parents go, you should never try and push your son or daughter into attending a college they don't want to attend. They are transitioning into adults, you are not going to make their decisions for the rest of their life. This is a decision they must make on their own, they will need advice along their journey and who else better to give that to them is you, the parents. College is a journey you can go for 2 years, 4 years, 5 years, or even 10 years, but how you spend that time is entirely up to you. Make the most of your time wherever you go. Make friends, have fun, and most of all gain the knowledge and experience that you will be using 10, 20, or 30 years from now.