Rocky Mountain College Top Questions

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

Dakota

I was a high school senior in 2010 who was doing something rather untraditional, I had decided to study abroad from 2010--2011 as an exchange student in Per Brahe Gymnasiet (High School) located in Jönköping, Sweden. During that year, I repeated life as a "high school senior", and came to learn a lot about myself, my family, and the country I was currently living in. As I look back upon that year and my last year in the US, I would make myself realize how important it is to take care of finances, and plan ahead. I still struggle with this to some degree, but as a teenager we think of only the immediate future, not what could happen further down the line. I would make myself understand the concept of planning and saving. I believe it is a skill that everyone should learn, people need to realize that sometimes immediate gratification is not better long-term preparedness. Instead of buying whatever I wanted, I should have saved the money I earned, and taken better control of my finances. Thank you for your time, Dakota R. Karlsson

Shaelyn

If i were to go back to my high school self I would tell my self to let it go and belive in yourself. No matter what anyone says to you or what you hear through the rumor mill, you need to belive in yourself and know only you can shape your future. I would also say to myself that take every experience from your parents divorce and become stronger, don't doubt yourself. Use the common phrase "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" to get through everyday and be a leader and example to your friends to help others. Live every day for that day and dont hold on to the past just live and let go.

Marisa

If I were to go back in time to when I was a high school, I would tell myself that I should focus more on school and the time I had with my friends than slacking off. I would tell myself to save up money because when you go to college you are broke, period. I would tell myself that the people that are your friends now change in college and that they might not be your friends anymore. You become an adult so fast and are thrown into another world that you are not used to. Sure the freedom is great, but the things that come along with being an adult are not always what they seem. Get cracking on applying for scholarships there is zero time to be goofing off now. This is your life and you now make the decision for your future.

Bryan

OK pal, future self here, listen or suffer. First: Stop. F*cking. Procrastinating. Seriously, it does neither you nor I any favors. Second, you know as well as I do that piloting is fun and all, but trust me, actually going to school for it drains all the life out of it. Go for a history major instead at RMC, and a minor in aeronautical science would be really easy from where you're standing. Being an aircraft mechanic is more suited for you, ask the mechanics at flight ops about it, they have good advice on how to get started. Third, stop being lazy, be a man, and get help when you know you need it. The faculty here are pretty good, and Mom is more understanding than you might think. Alright, those are the main things you'll be concerned about a few years from now. Don't have any advice regarding girls, sorry to say. No lottery numbers or anything like that either. Oh well, perhaps 25 year old us will visit you or me at some point with better advice. Now stop whining about your self esteem and go do something about it. Future you, out.

Aubyn

I already have a love of the science fiction genre, so I am certain I would have no problem opening a letter from my Future Self and know it was genuine. I would let Freshman Aubyn know that even though she had to have an untimely foot surgery just a week before starting college, to go ahead and move into the dorms and not return home for the first semester. Your new roommates will freak when you try to move in the second semester. One girl will cry because she can no longer use your area for storage. Another roommate (who will become a good friend) will escape to Santa Barbara to be a nanny because she isn’t connecting with anyone at school. Freshman Aubyn could have been that connection! I would re-assure my younger self that she has the tools and capabilities to meet the challenges of college, academically and socially; however, prepare for some incredibly awkward and hilarious times! My post script would suggest hitting the gym more often to release stress.

Dusti

If I could go back in time to talk to myself about college, I would tell myself to get my head out of my romance novels, and apply for more scholarships. Talk to people, I never have before to get advice, on the best way to apply to scholarships. Don't fear what other think about you, go out and Work! Don't make up excuses about everything, Go out and start saving for college, you can't comprend how much that extra money will help you. Voluteer, I know you were always willing to help if someone asked... Don't wait to be asked... Take action. You can do it, When life gets tough, you won't be able to shove your head in a novel, and pretend you don't exist. Do everything you can to get a car, don't worry about how amazing it looks, just if it's durable enough to get you where you need to go, Lastly, spend ALL the time you can with your family, because when push comes to shove, and you are in your dorm feeling like your all alone... or confused a call home makes the world of diffrence.

Alexandra

Going back in time to my senior year I would have given myself the knowledge of the financial situations to come, the work load to expect, the level organization needed and to be more involved. First off, enrolling in a four year college with a high dropout rate should have been a red flag and should consider a two year where I could have gotten Associates in Science that was transferable to a four year university. Doing so, would have prevented me from accumulating a few thousand in debt on classes that are non-transferable. Secondly, I would have warned of the heavy work load and late nights that where to come and would have gone a lot smoother with some organization skills used. Thirdly, as a commuting student it’s key to be involved in clubs and organizations to meet new people around school and develop relationships that are vital to life after college.

Shelby

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would emphasize the importance of becoming more assertive and confident. In college, it's easy enough to find resources for educational struggles, but it's difficult to make friends without jumping in head-first. What I would specifically say to myself is to cut off the toxic friendships that led to a lack of self-confidence in my senior year and carried into my college life. Because of my shyness, it's been difficult to make friends or talk to classmates, which plays a large role in satisfaction with college life. I would also tell myself to start saving as much as possible and as soon as possible- instead of taking that babysitting job out of charity, I should have found something that would allow me to help people while also taking care of my needs. Financial stress is a huge issue, and since I have to pay for college myself, I should have gotten a job that would actually have helped make a dent in my current debt.

Chualeng

If there was such thing as going back into the past and just to talk to our "highschool senoir" version of ourselves, it would be so dam awesome. My question to myself now is, where in which time peroid during our highschool senoir year? That, my answer to my own question is, start from the very first day at the start of my highchool senoir year. Knowing what I'm capable of now, and if it' even possible to go back into the past just to talk to my highschool senoir version of me, honestly I would be very glad to use as much time as I can talking to my highschool senoir version of me. What I will do is, I'll give him more than just advices, I'll just guide him so that he should force himself to better himself. Something very basic like studying very hard and always never fall behind, and even if he's a little behind, then I'll tell him, " hey you get caught up so you don't fall too far behind". Hopefully this should help my highschool senoir of me to be prepared before he actually get into a college.

Janice

College is a difficult transition. From a life of comfort and support you enter a life where your success or failure over the next few years determines your future. That is a heavy load to carry. However, there are people around that want to see you succeed. Your parents, friends, professors and school counselors want to support you in making your dreams come true. Many people start college with a preemptive plan. Once you become immersed in a different lifestyle and constant knowledge being thrown your direction plans change. Changing your future career path during college is totally normal. The American education system is designed for you to find yourself and your dreams. The best advice I would give myself is to never shy away from help and seek it when needed. Trust your gut, it will take you in the right direction. Ultimately, remember to breath and take it one step at a time.

Alex

If i were to go back and talk to myself in my senior year, I would encourage myself to pursue scholarships more. Pursuing scholarships early will help you out in the long run, so as to avoid back-breaking loans. I would tell myself to apply left and right for scholarships and to seek other ways of getting money for school. Also, I would try and convince myself to not look at the price of attendance and more at the quality of the school. I believe I let some opportunities go because of my skepticism towards the cost of some schools. I realize now that there are endless ways to get money for school and that I should've taken advantage of some of them.

Renee

College is a new start. Allow yourself to wander. I thought I had it all figured out going into my freshman year but I didn't and that's ok. You are allowed to change your mind. Take fun classes, interesting classes, even classes that you think you'll hate because you might be suprised what you fall in love with. Allow yourself to branch out. Try new things. Be adventrous. Find yourself. It's not about the destination it's about the journey.

Paige

Learn how to study!!! As a high school student you can get good grades without putting much extra time into your studies. College classes and tests are so much more indepth and time consuming than anyone realizes. They say that each hour of a college class equals 2-4 hours of studing, but no one believes that in high school. Learn how to study in your own way and keep up with it. Take dual credit classes or AP classes while in high school. Taking these classes in high school are usually easier and much less expensive for the same amount of credits. I did take some dual credit classes in high school and my parents were very thankful. Save your money and apply for scholarships. College is expensive, but so worth it and so much fun. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. They are time consuming and nobody likes to write essays, but receiving free money for school means that you can spend more time studying and playing and less time looking for a job. Last, but not least - have fun!!!

lyle

never stop learning, learn from everything. Learn from your teachers, parents, friends, school, books, travels, and most importantly learn from your mistakes. Life is too short to live not knowing what youre missing.

Cortnee

Hey past self hows it going? I see that you are getting ready to graduate high school and are considering which college to attend. You may feel like you should try for an online art degree to stay in sidney mt, but consider this do you want to leave montana forever when your older based on your career choice? I know I didn't and so after putting time and money towards a degree I didn't want, I switched back to my original idea of becoming a veterinarian. I am now pursuing a pre vet degree with a bachelors degree in biology at RMC. It has been long and hard, and I wish I would have started sooner. I am running out of FAFSA aid, and I now have to pray for scholarships and private loan acceptance in order to finish my degree. If I would have just went for my vet degree to begin with I would have been done sooner and had enough to pay for undergraduate. You should start volunteering and getting experience for veterinary now, and start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. This will save you both time and money in the future.

Lynn

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself to be open minded and confident in my decisions. Coming out to school in Montana and majoring in Therapeutic Horsemanship and Psychology, I realized that if I expect other people to accept these changes, I need to be completely open to their ideas. With that being said, even if people are not open to my changes, it is important to have the outward confidence in these decisions regardless of if people are going to be nice about it. Be who you want to be and have the confidence to show when you truly believe in it. If you think about it, no one has the right to make you feel inferior or to flash judge you. With this attitude, pride is important but so is humbleness. In the end, keep on helping people and enjoying life along the way.

Rose

Although it sounds like a cliche` you really need to put yourself out there and make new friends because there really are other people just like you out there, and believe it or not your roommate just could be one of them. Don't be fooled by your new classmates appearances; although it might not look like you belong in the same crowd that they do, you'll find yourself making friends with a number of vastly different people, and that's okay. I won't tell you that it's going to be easy because those first goodbyes might make you want to turn right back around, but you have to know that you made the right decision and you will be surorunded by a new, loving community of people who will be with you every step of the way. Although sometimes it may seem hard, know that you are never alone and you'll do great. Just remember to breathe as you step out that front door into your future.

Rebecca

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would encourage myself to seek opportunities to grow and to learn skills that will make me successful in college life (like budgeting!) because college is a completely new world compared to living at home with Mom and Dad; the variety of people you meet is astounding and they come from all walks of life. I still can't believe the people I'm friends with now and how unique they are! I would tell myself that it is essential to be genuine with the people you meet because drama flares up easily and to be trapped in the midst of it is a stressful thing, and friendships could be ruined as a result. But the most important thing I would tell my 17-year-old self would be that the people you meet at college, at Rocky Mountain College, will be there for the rest of your life- that is how great your friends will be in college. And on the first day of new student orientation, you will meet your greatest friend yet and she only lives 30 minutes away from you now.

Cassidy

I know you are worried about college right now. And I know you hate yourself for screwing up in high school. Community college is literally the worst possible option in your mind right now but let me just tell you it changes your life. It is the best decision you ever made and you will thank yourself every day because of it. You'll see all your friends go off to college and I know you want that to be you, but if it was I am almost certain you would have lost the person who you are. There is a lot to regret about how you treated high school but it doesn't have to be that way anymore. You have a fresh start. This time make it count! Get involved work hard on your grades and find what really makes you passionate and happy and take it head on. Right now you know no one believes in you. But I'm telling you, you can prove them all wrong. So go out and do it.

liddie

I would saved up money to pay for school and learn a lot in school mostly to learn more things about college why i could got prepare for school but i do wanna do things in life at least be somebody and make people proud of me why i can say i did something in life . I see most of people aaround my age they not trying to things in there life why they can now .

Shelbye

I would have gone to RMC first! If I was a senior in high school again I would have put in more applications to small schools, and worked harder on scholarships. RMC has been great cause no one gets lost in the shuffle, at a bigger school the shuffle is large and you don't know the teachers personally and you have to work hard to get noticed by them. So I would have came to my priavte school first, and then the other piece of major advice I'd have is to apply for more scholarships and take even more college credits in high school. College is expensive, many use their senior year to goof off and chill, when they should be applying themselves even more, and applying for scholarships. Taking dual credit courses is great cause it costs less and it counts toward college and high school, so you can get some pesky gen eds out of the way on half the price. In conclusion my advice to my former self would be to apply myself harder, take challenging courses, and consider school size as a major factor.

Lori

If I could re-trace my steps and go back in time to give my high school self advice, I would begin by saying that everything happens for a reason and that persistance will take you where you need to go. If I knew then what I know now, I would have focused more on creating friendships and self growth. I know now that in order to be successful in this life, you must come to truly know yourself inside and out. I was always quite studious and academic work came easily to me. Even so, I put many hours every day into perfecting my work and accomplishing my goals. I believe that I may have put too much emphasis on this aspect of my life, and not enough on my personal well being. I have come to know the person that I truly am and now realize, and would say to my high school self, that the journey of personal exploration is the greatest feat one can ever accomplish. I would tell my younger self that, even though you do not know it right now, you have overcome a painful past and will have a bright and successful future.

Allanda

Make sure you know what you want. Think about your future and where you want to be after college. Which school gives you the most opportunity to learn and work in your field? You will need as much experience as possible when looking for a job after college. Look for a community that can give you that. Also, your social life is a huge part of college. A smaller school will give you more social opportunities. College is very different from high school. There is no need to worry about peer pressure. If you don't want to do something, simply don't. No one will bother you about it. But don't be afraid to try new things either. College is the perfect place to live and learn before you enter the real world. Have fun and have as many experiences as you can. If you're dedicated, you will make whatever school you chose work in your favor.

Cameron

I have not started college yet, I am looking to start this coming spring semester, so i would tell my senior self not to worry about rushing things, that you want to wait it out and find the perfect college for you. After all it is all about you and you're going to be spending a lot and time and energy there, so make sure your choice is everything you want .

Andrew

I have learned how to manage time and I have created lasting friendships that I will have in the far future. I know how to succeed in college and I know that I can make it in four years if I put my mind to it

Kayla

Through my college experience, I have greatly expanded my knowledge in psychology and therapy. I have developed better team-working skills and am able to express myself orally and in writing more effectively. I have become more outgoing and confident. The classes in my major have taught me a lot about my desired career field, and I am confident that I am going into an area that I will be happy and successful in. It has been valuable to attend because I have made connections with people in my career field because my instructors are knowledeable and helpful. They have helped me find internships and careers. The professors are always willing to help students improve their grades, understanding of concepts, or even help you in other classes.

Brad

I am a graduate of the 2007 highschool class and have no clue what road to take. I am a transfer student and am currently attending my 3rd University. College has been a great opportunity for me to try new things and try to figure out what path i want to take my life. It has given me choices that only I can make and challenged me to rely on myself to push myself through adversity. I have made friends that will last a lifetime and have learned so much useful information that will help me to choose a career that is right for me. I am also in College athletics, i have learned to work with so many different personalities which has given me patience that i lacked before. After i finish i will have a degree and a purpose in life that i may not have figured out without my experience. To attend college was the smartest and most rewarding decision i have ever made.

Bethany

For me, college provides a nice transition between my teenage and adult life. In college, I learn how to make the right decisions while living on my own, which isn't as easy as it sounds! These decisions can be as simple as whether or not to spend that $20 on a cool t-shirt I see in the store, or something more serious like who I choose to call my friends. Luckily, I've met students who I am proud to call my friends and they will remain so for the rest of my life.

Shelby

First I would tell myself to have a more oppen mind to all the schools I'm looking at. When I was a senior I had my heart set on going to only one school, at a last minute decision I decided to go somewhere else. I would also tell my self to not be scared, that college is an amazing experience and that i should take it all in. I would tell myself about all the people that I'd met and how great eveything is. Before I left I would tell myself to learn how to study correctly because I would need it.

Catherine

If I could go back in time to give advice to myself while I was a senior in high school. I would tell myself to keep going and save money for the purchases I would have to make in the first semester. I would also let my former self know that I need to keep a decently clean room for the convenience of my room mate. I would tell myself that there are tasks I will not want to do but I have to do and to not complain when I have to do those tasks that lie ahead of me. I would also advise myself that I need to keep in contact with my mother and not give her an attitude when she tries to give me some advice that may and usually will prove helpful.

Ashley

College life is not as horrific as a lot of people try to tell you. The teachers are there for you when you need them, and whenever you need help they will take the time to get you through your problem. As long as you keep up with the school work, and don't miss more than one class day, it will be easy to keep your grades up. The people you will meet in your classes will always be there for you when you need them, even in non-school related situations that break you down. The physical labor of the Equestrian program may be overbearing at first, but eventually you will realize that it was worth all the pain. Just relax and do what you have always done. You'll get through college alive, and your life will be better because of it.

Gretchen

To parents: Begin to treat your student like a "practice adult." Make him/her responsible for his/her own laundry, do some family meal preparation, manage money, hold a job, set his or her own schedule, etc. Give your student the skills to be independent. Do not hover or micro-manage. Let him or her "sink or swim" while still at home. Give your student more and more responsibilty for themselves and others. Stop "taking care of them 24/7."..even though you are just trying to be loving and supportive. To the student: Start taking charge of your own life before you leave home. High Schools and parents still have a tendency to hover over you and manage your life. They still "wipe your butt" for you. Get a grip and grow up NOW while you still have them to catch you if you fall. At school, it's ALL up to you. You gotta (sic) have the skills to survive on your own BEFORE college. A lot of kids "wash out" (fail) the first year at school 'cause they have never had to take care of themselves.

Brittany

College is a once in a life time opportunity so get out there and meet new people and do not be afraid to ask for help.Try not to waste money on material things. Remember nothing is free and you are doing this on your own. Apply for more scholarships because you are smart and capable of getting more. Working hard is very important but remember to work equally hard at work and at school. Work may seem more important at the time because there is an immediate reward with a paycheck but after college life will be great as you are able to have your dream job. Keeping up with grades and homework will improve the rest of your life. Getting a college degree will keep you from being like the rest of your family living paycheck to paycheck wondering how to get dinner. Right now you are working at a veterinarian office and you could not be happier. In order to help more animals you need to continue with your education so you can further your abilities. You are smart and you can do this!

Amanda

If I was to actually go back in time to give myself great advice I would say, "Don't quiet keep going and never give up." The reason why I would say that is because I attended college right after high school and I never got to finish. I wish I never took time off, but now I have a second chance to prove myself and everyone else wrong. That I can make it and this scholarship would make it one more step closer.

Krystal

I think that I made a good decision. It was a really tough decision, because I decided to attend college away from home, and it made me feel really uncomfortable at first, but now I'm realy glad that I made this decision. Being away from home has helped me find out who I am as a person.

Ben

The most important advice that I would give a parent or student to making the most of college would not fully be to look for the perfect academic school, but a school where the student can grow into a good person, while achieving there career goals. College is not completely for what you want to be when you are older, it is something so much more. You create who you are and make friends that you will always have with you. College molds you into who you will be along with what you will be doing. I am not saying just choose a school because it has a great program of study, but to be happy there needs to be a range of things that includes diversity of culture, social life, religion, if the professors actually care and know their field, and pretty much anything that will make you feel comfortable so that you can learn your program of choice, while still figuring out who you are and will be as a person. College should not be limited to just the academic life, but the life of how you will live. This will truly define what college should be.

Alexandra

Students :Whatever college you choose to attend, have a positive attutide and appreciation for the process of becoming a college student. Be constantly looking for ways to get involved and meet new people. Parents should be responsive to the needs of their children, and understand that college is a full time commitment.

Rebeccah

Make sure to visit the colleges you are considering, sit in on classes and stay on campus if you can. Talk with the students, not just the guides getting paid to try to convince you to go to the school. Once attending your school, go to all your classes, getting the most out of your money. Attend concerts and plays, and take part in other school programs, join clubs, socialize. Take advantage of school services like tutoring and a student activities group. Participating is the best way to learn things and to meet people, don?t be a hermit!

Marki

Find a school that will help you throughout your college career. Also, make sure you find a school that wants to make sure you graduate in four years. A school that helps you find a job after college is also helpful.

Kaytlin

If I were to give a high school senior advice about choosing a college I would have to tell them to go with their heart. If you want to visit ten colleges, vistit ten colleges, but go with the one that makes you feel. Don't base your decision on what your friends are doing or want you to do. Going away to college and having the new found freedom is one of the best feelings. Being on your own and away from your comfort zone is what it is all about. Embrace every new experience offered to you. When you start to feel home sick or times get hard, don't succumb to the pain, push through it. You will never regret going away to college, it is truly one of the best experiecnces of your lifetime and there is no wrong way to go about it. Choose a place that makes you comfortable and happy and the rest will fall into place. As far as the parents go, let your child make the decision, no matter how much you want them to stay close. Just support them in every way possible.

Megan

Find a college that suits your needs and also fulfills your extracurricular and social interests. You do not want to spend the next four years of your life in a place where you don't fit in or don't feel confident at. Find a school whose programs are reliable and professors who have a thorough knowledge of their subjects. Decide how large you want class sizes to be; I've heard of class sizes ranging anywhere from 4 students to 300 students just within the state of Montana. Basically, find a college that suits your personality and your goals. When you get to college, take part in whatever sort of orientation your school offers. You make great friends and meet new people, which will make your transition from high school to college a lot easier. Keep in touch with old friends, but remember to spend time with your new classmates. You never know when those new connections will come in handy down the road--whether it is for notes or study groups. Put your best effort into your studies, but remember to have fun and enjoy yourself--you're only going to be in college once!

Crystal

Make sure that you visit the campus! Try different events on campus and make sure you actually can picture yourself at that college or university. Otherwise, you will be in for a rude awakening when classes start up. Apply to various schools, don't limit yourself to just one or two: "The more the merrier"! Talk to your admissions representatives and tell them what you feel and think, they can try to see if they can help you so make sure to be nice to them they have MANY connections! Good Luck!!!

Kyle

Start early and visit many.

Jade

When looking at colleges remember to be yourself and think about what makes you you. The next four years are very important and you want to be in a place where you can have fun and learn as much as possible. Look at schools that you wouldn't normally consider, step outside you box a little and really look at all the possibilities around you. Listen to your parents advice but remember that it is your life and you must make the decisions for yourself. Don't be afraid to try out for a college sports team, a lot of people don't think they are good enough to play on a college team but you just might be. Also being on a team is a great way to make new friends and ease your way into a new school and possibly city, state or even country. When it comes time to move into a new school dont be shy, try your best to be outgoing, and last but not least if someone asks if you need help take it, cause you never know that person that helps you carry a box could turn out to be your new bestfriend.

Krystal

School size is very important when looking into colleges. If you went to a large high school, then a smaller campus, such as Rocky, would probably be too small and you would be better off in a larger school. However, if you went to a small high school, then a large college would probably be too intimidating and you would have a better time at a smaller school. Campus size is related to class size also; It's easier to learn in smaller classes, so if you have a tough time paying attention in class then I would suggest a smaller school. No matter what, make sure that you feel comfortable on campus and that you can fit in. If you're uncomfortable and feel out of place, then college could be a potential nightmare for you.

Brittany

Think about how close you want to be to home before you decide where to apply for colleges because a lot of times its harder to leave than you think it will. Also make sure you look into what classes the college offers, and if they have activities you are interested in. It may not seem cool at the time, but take in every experience possible during your freshmen year to find out what you are interested in and so that you don't miss out on anything. Try to meet new people, and allow yourself to try as many new things as possible. The college experience is of course to get an education, but at the same time it is an adventure into finding who exactly you are and what your goals are. Go to class everyday because it makes it that much easier to pass classes and retain information.