Regent University Top Questions

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

Miranda

If I could talk back to myself as a senior, I would tell my self to work hard. I should take all my tests, especially SATs very seriously for they will come back to haunt me when college comes around. I should not stop everything and be totally focused and not enjoy senior year, but be more committed to my work.

Madison

One of the biggest things that I wish I knew when I was in high school was how unpredictable the future will be. When I was in high school, I believed that I had to have my whole future laid out. This caused me a huge amount anxiety in my freshman year of college. Once I reached my sophmore year of college, I began to realize that the lack of certainty I was feeling was a normal part of life. I wished I had realized that sooner. I would tell my past self to enjoy the unpredictability of the future. I would remind myself to keep working hard, but to not worry about the things that are out of my control.

Courtney

During high school, I stressed a lot over this life transforming decision that was choosing a college. If I could go back and tell myself one piece of advice, it would be to trust. Instead of incessantly worrying over which school I would get into, or whether it would be the right one, I would tell myself that it's not in my hands. There is no use worrying, because you will end up fine. No place is going to be perfect, but you were placed right where you were meant to be. Also, do not worry about high school. Once you get to college, it does not matter. No one cares if you got straight A's or lost that debate tournament. College is a fresh slate where you can be less uptight because you did not know how to in high school. Just remember that no matter what happens, do not worry, everything will turn out alright and shape you into the person you are today.

Rachel

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school self of the importance of scholarships. I would warn myself of the expense of college and that if I can get free money I should be doing everything in my power to get it. College isn't cheap but when you get there it's worth it. Also, I would tell myself that it's okay to spend money while you're there. Even if college will burn major holes in your wallet it is still okay to have fun!

Carl

Don't procrastinate! Use your social time as a reward for getting homework done. Also, pick and choose what film projects you work on. Being on set is great, but being to exhausted to study is not. Learn everything you can, especially from the graduate students. Don't still around for graduate school yourself, though; move on to learn even more and challene yourself. Above all, never give up, and don't sweat the small stuff!

Serena

Dear high school me, Cherish the moments you have with these friends and classmates and make sure to spend some time with them this summer. Stories about the memories you made with them are the best way to make friends in college- especially with your roommate. Additionally, take some time to stretch your mind; read a few classic works. While you're still in school, stay true to your deadlines and don't put off your assignements, not even the little ones. Staying on track with what's due and when keeps you from getting too stressed. Snag a few of your favorite recipes too, before you leave. Nothing's more comforting than a meal that reminds you home when you're sick or trying to survive finals and midterms. Praticing the use of a budget now will help you be able to afford healthier groceries as well as a few treats now and then. Most of all, though, take time to think about what you love and why you're doing this. It's easy to get lost in college, but if you take time for yourself you'll never forget who you are and want to be.

david

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would offer words of encouragment more than words of direction. I graduated from high school in 1995 with plans to become an architect. However, in 1996 I became a Christian and decided to dedicate my life to working amongst those who were most needy and broken. My path has taken me from inner city ministry to church planting to working in a mobile home community in Rocky Mount, NC. and now to an intense desire to complete my education all the way through, by the grace of God, to a Ph.d at Duke or Princeton Theological Schools. In light of this, I would tell my high school self that it is good and important to make plans and to dream dreams but in the end, my life is not about serving myself but, rather, serving others. I would tell myself to be strong and not to fear the unknown. That it is alright to not know what the next step is going to be but that it is essential to keep walking and to keep knocking on doors until one opens.

Aaron

In all brutal honesty, if I were able to go back to my past self taking his first steps onto the University campus, I would tell him to, in my own words, "get off your butt and start doing things." There are a host of opportunities which I missed out on because I deemed them too silly or not worth the time I would need to invest in them. Student activities and scholarship opportunities were not incredibly difficult to come by, and while they did require a significant amount of work, the time invested in them was better spent than the many hours at home simply spent on the couch with a bag of chips and a frighteningly long Netflix queue. These are the opportunities which I am undertaking now, and seeing all of the opportunities I could have collected on, it's not without a level of chagrin that I look back to that first day of college. With that in mind, however, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities which were taken up, and the experiences which carried through my freshman year of college are ones I will not soon be forgetting.

Kayla

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to place much more importance on school work and getting involved in clubs and student government and other similar activities. Now that I am in college I realize how askew my priorities were in high school, as do many of my peers. I feel as though too much importance is placed on the social aspect of high school rather than the educational aspect; teenagers are much too connected to media nowadays and they're too attentive to the so called "drama" in school. I would advise any current high school student mainly to prioritize; realize what is actually important in life-- you only get one chance at being successful in high school so don't mess it up. You must do your absolute best because if you don't give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort, it will greatly affect you in college.

Courtney

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to remember who I am, and not to lose my identity. When I entered college, I was having a hard time making friends, so I changed who I was to try and make friends. When that happened, I got involved in some things that I really didn't like, but my "friends" were doing it, so I did it. A few months later, those people left the college that I currently attend. Not only was I friendless again, but I also had no idea who I was anymore, so I went back to my old personality. To my surprise, I quickly started meeting people that liked me for who I was, and they had been in several of my previous classes. If I had just been myself from the beginning, I wouldn't have met so many bad influences and lost my identity. If I could go back to talk to my senior year self, this is what I would tell me.

Erica

If I could tell my high school self what I know now, I would say, "You need to take this more seriously. You need to apply for scholarships and take your ACT and dedicate your time to this." I would tell myself that it's more important than I think it is, and that I need to stop putting it off. I never took is seriously, and now getting into college is even harder. I would say, "In a few months, the only thing you're going to want is to go to college, but you aren't going to because you haven't even tried. You're going to be applying for so many scholarships that your hands are going to ache from writing so much, and you're going to hope that you at least get one of them. You're going to pray that you get financial aid and that you get to go to the college that you love. So take this seriously, because you're affecting your future drastically."

Emily

I would tell myself not to limit myself. I've done things high school me would never suspect myself capable of - I studied for nearly four months in Costa Rica, I met a family who didn't speak my language and spent the night in their house on the same day, I rode a horse up a mountain while "helping" my Costa Rican family herd cows up the mountain to better pasture. High school me thought studying abroad was something the extremely studious/smart people did. College me has learned it's something anyone can do if they'll just give themself a chance. Since learning this I've done my best to let others in on this often-spoken but little-known fact. I don't want anyone to miss out on a wonderful opportunity like that because they didn't think they were good enough!

Leila

Past Leila you are never alone. When you go into college your first year as an off campus student it will be hard because all your friends are having different experiences since they are thrown into the middle of the action. But you can be there too! Don’t hold back and get involved on campus. Enjoy every moment and learn from it because it all goes by fast. There will be times when you are lonely or feeling defeated but look up and you will find yourself surrounded by new friends and loving family. If by chance that support isn’t there take consolation in knowing that you have future me looking out for you. Remember to give and do your best in everything, no matter what. When we give our best we never fail. You got this girl! Love you!

Denise

Don't waste so much time on AP classes. Often, they don't really count toward your major and you end up missing out on some great college classes. Yes, you may save money, but the experience is not worth it. Also, start out at a junior or community college until you have an idea of what you want to do. This saves money and if you keep your grades up, will help earn scholarships. Then you can attend a nicer university and just spend your time and money on the major specific classes.

Josiah

I would tell myself to take harder courses in high school. The purpose of high school is to prepare oneself for college, so I should have taken harder courses to prepare me for the academic rigor of college. I would have told myself to take community college courses in addition to my high school classes to help me transition between high school and college-level courses. College is drastically different from high school, and I would suggest that high-school-aged-me take steps to ease the transition. I would tell myself to acquire as many college credits in high school as possible. Universities are expensive, and I could have saved thousands of dollars by being a better steward of my time in high school. In addition, I would have been able to finish my bachelor's degree sooner. I dearly wish that I could go back in time and tell myself these things, but I cannot. Instead, I will bequeath this wisdom to my younger siblings so that they may not make the same mistakes that I did.

Josiah

Learn to work independently and work on strong writing skills. It's important that you learn to be disciplined in your work -- learn now not to put things off, but to do your work in a timely manner. Otherwise, you are going to get behind and it's hard to catch up.

taletta

I would advise myself to focus and choose a school strictly based on academics not social elements. I was way too socially involved and if I had been more focused on academia and not my social life, I wouldn't be 32 trying to finish my Bachelor's Degree.

Lubna

I would tell myself that college is wonderful and to hurry up and finish high school because there is no better education than a college education. I would also tell myself that when your in college money is scarce and that looking for scholarships and applying is necesarry in order not to worry about money. Living expenses are rising and I wish I would have known about my current money struggles so that I could have started applying for colleges in my senior year of high school. I would have also told myself tha other thanmoney issues, I was well prepared for college and very happy I started in community college and transfered because it really has prepared me for univerosty life.

Wendy

I would tell myself that college is not always like it is seen on television, it's actually a lot better! I have a fear of being in large crowds, so I never believed I would be able to get a college education. Then I found out I could get a degree in the area for which I was interested online! I would also advise myself to keep refreshed on basic subjects such as math and science, as you never know when you might have to remember what you learned in high school! Finally, I would tell myself not to jump at the first school to show interest, but to carefully research the moral beliefs and educational integrity of the places I want to go and make an informed decision. I spent 3 years at a regular for-profit university and spent too much money on too little education. Regent University gives me the education I desire, with the moral beliefs I hold close to me. I am much happier! (and smarter too!)

Clara

I have always had a strong apprectation for both biology and the arts. As a freshman, I thought about becoming a physical therapist and then changed majors to design. At that time, I thought dedicating five years to your education would be far too long! What was I thinking? Throughout my life I have always strived to achieve personal and professional goals and grown as an individual by challenging and pushing myself. I have many experiances since graduating high school. I moved to Yellowstone National Park at the age of nineteen to help facilitate park operations. I ran the Chicago Marathon and raised over 3,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society. I also have moved to Germany for two years and learned to speak German while working as a product designer. While working as a product designer I found greatest joy in designing products with a humanistic purpose. Interestingly, I found much more personal satisfaction in helping others than I found in actual product design. This realization has led me to my next goal - earning my masters as an Occupational Therapist. Today, I would tell myself as a high school senior to follow your heart of helping others.

Amanda

If I could go back to my senior year in high school, the first piece of advice I would give myself would be to be more prepared, look into the schools and find out more about financial aid. Education is important and you should put more time in finding out about your options. The other advice I would give would to not become overwhelmed. There are many things in life that are not going to go according to your plans. Don’t fret though. These instances in life are a great learning experience and there is always another door open. It is up to you to put the time and effort into taking a step in the new directions you are faced with in life. Keep your head up and persevere toward your goal because it is going to be worth it.

Leila

The first couple of months at Regent University have been fantastic. I have learned so much, grown mentally and spiritually, and have been having the best time of my life. I have been able to take on responsibility and leadership positions that I might not have had the courage to take on in high school. As an undergraduate freshman at Regent University I have already had on the job experience within my area of interest and have been taught lessons that will help guide me through life. The integration of the graduate and undergraduate population also gives the younger generation a greater respect of our education and the world around us that we are trying to change for the better. Overall, Regent University has been a great place for me to learn, grow, bond, and discover myself as an individual, a student, and a Christian. I wouldn’t want to be at any other university than Regent.

Aaron

When I was getting ready to graduate I had an attitude of procrastination towards my future. A year passed before I realized that my life had taken no leaps towards a better life, that I was stuck in the habits and practices of a graduate with no plan for the future. Days had passed and weeks came and went and I was still ?just waiting? for my life to jumpstart my potential. I didn?t realize that when people say ?your life is what you make it? they mean exactly that. These would be the words I would impart towards my younger self. Opportunities don?t just jump into your lap, and success isn?t something that?s owed to you. The successful actor Will Smith once said ?I do not have to build a perfect wall today. I just have to lay a perfect brick.? And this is true in many aspects of life. Your potential isn?t acquired in one day, and no one expects you to be your future self overnight, but if you live each day chasing a part of your dream then one day you'll wake up having turned that dream into a reality.

Latonya

Do it right the first time! I would tell myself that it is so much easier to finish college when you are young with no kids, a job or responsibilities of having a full time job and family. I would explain to myself that even though distraction may and will come you must always stay focused and seek help. Trust and believe in God first and check everyone else out. Set your goals, read them every day and follow through with the choices that will help you to reach them goals.

Amanda

Knowing what I know now, I would have to say, I need to take my school work more seriously and the drama of high school peers less seriously. I am glad that I worked as hard as I did in high school, but maybe I could have done more when it comes to my GPA. If my GPA was better then I would be able to qualify for more scholarships and maybe have an easier time now. All in all, focus on things that will last instead of the temporal.

Krystal

My first year of college was the roughest. Studying was like prison compared to high school, and the professors were drill sargets. There is no holding your hand in college and adulthood needs to come in effect rapidly, not only in the classrooms but in the dorm life as well. If I had the opportunity to go back in time knowing what I know now, I would have made sure to encourage myself more. Inform myself that the transition I am about to partake in my life would become difficult at times. I would remind myself that as a senior I should begin buliding focus and dedication in my character, to be able to endure challanges that college would present. Develop strong studying , organizing , and motivating skills. Lastly, I would of reminded myself to pay close attention to the company that I keep. Ask myself are they on the same mind set as I am? Or, are they going in the same direction of sucess? And remind myself to pay close attentin to the condition of my heart. To work hard towards a career that I would enjoy for the rest of my life, not someone elses dream.

Holly

If I was able to go back into time and give myself some advice is would be to get good grades. I would also tell myself that I should be a teacher which is what I have always wanted to be, but never believed in myself enought to do it. I would let myself know that I can do anything, I'm alot stronger than I give myself credit for.

Simone

Going back in time as a high school senior, getting ready to make the transition as a young adult into college, i wouldve done alot of things differently. Some advice that i wouldve given myself would have been to apply to schools early for early admissions, research and apply for scholarships early, instead of waiting until the last minute. Ive discovered if you wait too long, there will not be any money left. I also wouldve taken trips to visit different universities to see the pros and cons of being away from home for a long period of time. Last but not least, i wouldve made a better habit of communicating with my guidance counseler about the steps i should take in searching, applying, and settling at the perfect college for me. - Simone Heard

Deanna

Work as hard as you can. Be prepared for challenges and don't be afraid to spend more time doing your homework than socializing. Go to bed at a decent time. Get your homework completed before you head out to hang with friends. If you are at school, make that your focus; the time flies by and you'll want to remember doing well and applying yourself, rather than the time you nearly failed that class because you were hungover and forgot to study for class. Make friends with your professors and dean's. Their influence and experience is worth it.

Sarah

Sarah, college is so much better than high school, but it's also a lot more work. You have to stay focused and you have to push yourself- the professors aren't going to hold your hand every step of the way. Stop procrastinating so much, you'll thank me for that later. Don't hold anything back- if you get tired and want to give up, just take a breath and keep going. All of this work will be worth it in the end. But whatever you do, don't forget to enjoy yourself and to learn from those around you. There is something to be taken from every situation, so keep your eyes open. Good luck! Love, Sarah P.S. I would strongly recommend you live on campus. The commute from home is a killer.

Amber

Work harder and Trust in God even more

L.

Finding the right college is not simply a matter of finding a ?designer? college (a school with a well-known name). Making the right college choice entails finding the right institution that provides an excellent education at a reasonable cost, and one that also offers a great and safe campus life. Once a decision has been made regarding which college one will attend, it simply makes sense to make the most of one?s college experience. College life can be one of the most stimulating and best years of one?s life ? whether a freshman or older adult returning to school. Making the most of college means not taking college for granted, and taking advantage of all college has to offer: joining a student group or organization one is passionate about or even know little about, not being afraid to ask for help, and challenging one?s self to do the best in all he or she aspires to do and be. More importantly, making the most of college also means surrounding one?s self with a strong support network, and then surrounding the entire process in prayer.

Chad

Really consider what you want to do with your life before choosing a college. If you don't know what you want to do, consider going to a community college to save money and figure out what you want to do.

Alyce

To find the right college, visit the campus and ask questions. Take advantage of any opportunity to talk directly to current students and inquire about what they wish they had known about the college before they came. Also, make sure there are adequate resources for your intended major and any fallback majors you may consider. I enrolled at my current college intending to pursue one degree and decided I needed to change my major. Unfortunately the college I chose did not have a wide range of available majors and now I must choose another college to complete my degree. The ordeal has been a major source of frustration and has greatly inhibited my search for scholarships. To make the most of your college experience, choose a college you can relate to. Decide what is important to you, find people you're comfortable with, and do not be afraid to get involved. Don't wait around for people to come to you. YOU must take the initiative to get involved. If you don't step out of your comfort zone and get involved then you'll never meet people and will miss out on so much.

Randy

College is not only about education. College is about experience, new situations, new cultures, and new people. However, you have to choose the right experiences. Some colleges can give you plenty of experience, but in the wrong things. Make your education practical to your dreams. Make the college environment sutable to your goals. Find others that are like-minded, with the same dreams and long-term goals, and follow their steps. You do not have to walk the same road, but the environment that fosters success and encouragement will be far superior to one that is simply fun and easy.

Audrey

Always be flexible; remember that college will change students no matter what plans they walk in with to school. Be prepared to look at other options to get where you want to go, but don't compromise on a some things that you really want.

John

First of, I would tell them that they should know what they want to do. They need to find a program that they are going to enjoy. I would also advise them that they should pray about it. If they are not where they are supposed to be then it does not matter how involved they are or how good the program is; they are going to be miserable. God know's whats best and wants them to not only succeed in life, but also have agreat time living life. As for making the most of college... get involved. Help with your class mates community service projects. Join someting that promotes envrimental awarness or social Justice. If you are an Communication and the arts major, then help make movies, particpate in the theater. I would also say to hang out and be a friend. Just be there for others and eventually someone will be there for you. I know not every one is into this but I would also strongly recomend finding a good church. A healthy church will help provide added depth to your community life.

monica

Be on your game and be prepared to fight for what you want Regent University isn't a joke

Lateffa

Have an idea of what you want your major to be.