Rollins College Top Questions

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

Cassandra

As a rising college senior, if I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would recommend taking better care of myself and making better decisions. My first three years of college, I struggled with severe health issues which impacted my academic success and my social life in addition to my finances. In addition to health issues, I took on too much each year whether it was 28 credit hours in one term or even 4 classes, an independent research study, and 5 jobs to try to make ends meet. I love challenging myself but looking back, I pushed too far and barely managed to get by with good grades and still struggled financially. The best advice I could give to myself would've been to enjoy college because it flew by faster than I wanted it to and to also not take on so many things and feel pressured to work as much because of my financial difficulties. Everything happens for a reason and looking back on my decisions, they have made me into a better person but had I not taken on so much, I would not have faced as many difficulties.

Marc

Advice I would give myself is to trust that the new friends you make, especially your R.A./teammate and Sushi, genuinely care about you and your wellbeing. Open up to Sushi earlier. Tell her you're entire life story, including the bits you havent told anyone else because If you don't do it fall semester, you will after you land yourself in the hospital in the spring. Answer your Big brother honestly when he asks if you're ok. He loves you like the little brother you will end up being after you rush his fraternity so nurture that relationship in the fall. Petition to switch roomates before you get caught up taking care of the emotionally unstable and broken drug addict you were assigned. It is not your job to be his caretaker. College is the place you hoped to find a boyfriend but it's not important. Understand that now or, in the spring, your hyper focus on your own loneliness will send you off the path and over the deep end causing you to lose your scholarship and end up in the hospital. Be open and honest and you will save yourself from mistakes.

Affan

I would tell myself to be more optimistic and less pessimistic about the future of my education. Although the United States is declining in terms of economic prominence, I believe that there still is great opportunity out there with the amount of technological devolopment there is still yet to uncover.

Stefan

If I could go back in time I would urge myself to take part in activities that are challenging because you never know how great you will be at something until you try. Participating in Varsity Cross County is challenging and YES it is a great. Now, take that leadership role as a Captain and bridge that into a leadership role in a school organization, club, or volunteer opportunity. "I don't have time," is not a good excuse, buy a planner! Managing your money is equally important. Open a new bank account with a bank that services your area. This will help to avoid unnecessary service charges. It also makes deposits, transfers, and reporting lost/stolen cards much more manageable. Remember, plan according to your budget NOT others. My parting words would focus on my future career as a family lawyer. I would say that people are going to rely on you for help with life changing events like divorce, adoption, emancipation just to name a few. Think about this every time you attend a party where underage drinking is present, when you witness domestic voloence, or theft. These are all situations where your chracter will be defined.

Kylie

I would tell myself to study what you really want to study instead of what you felt everyone else wanted you to study. I would also tell my self to try to study abroad and find something you are really passionate about that you can be involved with outside of school that could give you a break from academics. I would tell myself to be more open with people and to try new things that you have never tried before even if it makes you uncomfortable. College is a time to try out being someone new and you have to put yourself out there to find out who you really are and what you really want to do with your life.

Patrick

Dear Patrick, You are going to face a number of challenges and decisions that are going to shape your life in the future. I am here to tell you to be confident in what you believe in and know that your decisions are the right decisions. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in and always remember to act in congruence with your beliefs. You will be tested on this socially, academically and during co-curricular experiences. Take advantage of these experiences and don't be afraid to speak up. Also, always remember to be creative and innovative. You are the future and it really needs fresh ideas. You are full of them, so utilize them to the best of your ability. Never take any opportunity for grantite and take in all you can. Never forget that if you are feeling alone or scared you have a supportive group of friends and mentors to guide you along the way. Never feel like you can't open up about issues you are facing, they'll listen. You'll make a lot of people proud in the future. Remember that most of all. Regards, Your Future Self

Bailey

Other than the obvious degree and knowledge in my specific field, I've gained new insight and perspectives due to being exposed to students and faculty from all over the country and the world. I've gained an intrinsic motivation to learn and I have been given the tools to be an effective learner that has been valuable throughout my graduate career. I also gained travel experiences I would not have had normally. Their emphasis on globalization offered me the ability and support to travel to many other countries in order to gain hands-on experience and to broaden my worldview, which has been a real advantage for me. I also gained the ability to multitask my different life roles, like social life, school life, and work life. I never felt "lost" at my school and gained a great sense of pride in my school. The most important thing I got out of my college experience was a sense of self-efficacy, worth, and identity.

Jazzmyn

My college experience has taught me about community engagement, independence, and responsibility. The campus environment permits me to concentrate on my education, while gaining emotional and physical support from my peers. In high school I was not aware of college, or its opportunities, so I did not make any preparations for college or my future career. I am now in my sophomore year of college planning to graduate with my BA degree in 2013, to continue onto my masters at Rollins and then my Ph.D. degree at University of Central Florida.

Sonia

So far in my college experience I feel that my writing has improved so much since high school. I have also learned a lot about being independent and realizing that college is more than just studying. It's a bout learning how you are as a person and it really helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses and how to get through difficult situations.

Shellie

I learned German during my tenure at Rollins College. I also developed my IT skills by working in the IT department at Rollins while I was studying.

Milda

The first year that I was in college it became very clear that the classes you sign up for should be classes you are not only interested in but something you can truly dedicate your time to so you are there every day on time. It becomes valuable when you can not only remember but be intrested by the subject you are learning. I tend to choose classes that are either relevant to my major or I do not know much about. I have learned a great deal about myself and become more aware of the people around me and how they react to different things through my religion and psychology major. I advise anyone who is starting college to explore different subjects that seem intruiging and keep and open mind. It is important to learn about different cultures and different ways of communication because you may find that the person who seemed to be hard to reach just had a different way of responding to situations than yourself. In the end, variety breeds tolerance and understanding and I encourage anyone who is new on campus to keep their classes fun and memorable.

Charles

My college experience has opened my eyes to the larger world. The journey ive had so far has helped me become more independent, observant when listnening, and more critical of information I recieve. The journey has given me experiences, knowlede, and connections that will help me as I follow my passions in my future career.

Sarah

I have grown a lot so far and met people that have helped shape who I have become. I have so many great opportunties in a short time period and am taking full advantage of them. I have been able to study abroad and will do so in the future which will give me real world experience in International Relations, my major. Rollins focuses on critical thinking which has allowed me to open my mind further and see things from all perspectives. I would not have received the same education and experience at another institution.

Louisa

My college experience has given me to tools for success once I graduate. Rollins has shown me that believing in a social just world based on equality is not a naive thought to carry through life, and therefore I proudly hold our mission statement close to me and say that Rollins has helped me become a global citizen and a responsible leader. I could have gotten a similar experience anywhere else I attended since I know that a lot of my experience came from what I put into the college, but college experience at Rollins gladly facilitated my ideas and motivations to make a difference and be the best person that I can be. Now I feel as though I will enter the 'real' world with the equiptment needed to continue striving for higher heights and a better world.

Christina

My college experience so far has been extremely valuable. A large priority of mine has been to take full advantage of my time at a community college. I have made an effort to explore many of my interests, taking a wide range of classes, in an attempt to discover my true interests, and gain an ecclectic education. I had the opportunity to take many academic courses, along with courses of arts and music. Community College has allowed me this large sense of exploration and preparation for my time at a university; something that high school could not provide, and that would be limited by the extreme expenses of a university. At college, I have learned to be more independent in my education, and am forced to work hard and keep myself focused. There are many resources available in terms of help with schoolwork; however, college had taught me to be driven and motivated, in my own independent education. I look forward to continuing my time at college, and furthuring my education.

Kylie

College has helped me to become the person I am right now. I have become far more outgoing than I have ever been; I introduce myself to people instead of hiding in the back of the room. I have also learned the value of learning to stress about the bigger things and living to find what makes you happy as a person instead of trying to live up to others' expectations of what should make you happy. Before college, I was laways worried about how my grades would make my parents feel or how my decision would be viewed by my family but now I have found that it does not matter what they think becuase I'm the one that has to live with my decision in the end and as long as I'm happy with them then what everyone else thinks should not matter.

Mollie

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a fresh start. I feel like college has really shaped me into the person I knew I could always be. I feel more fufilled in life now, I know I am doing the right thing by going to school. I have learned so much and now people look up to me and my knowledge of the world, people can tell that I am a self assured woman who is paving her future and not looking back. When I was in grade school I was never the intelligent student, I felt like I was stupid and that is how I acted. But, when I started college I was looked to as the smart student in class, I understood concepts and would find unique ways to apply my new skills. I have never been sure of myself untill now, I would not trade my college education and knowledge of the world for anything. I know I am not perfect but I am going to try to be as perfect as I can be, and finish my studies and get a promising carrer.

IRENE

Financial aid was not on my top priority but as a junior I look back and realized I should of pay more attention to it.

Cindy

I would say to myself, "Cindy, you are really smart and you don't yet believe in yourself. Go back to your guidance counselor, tell her that your mother can't read, and would she please help you complete the paperwork. You want to be a math major but that's because you are afraid to try new things. You have supportive friends who would cheer you on if you give them a chance. Tell them how afraid you are to be the first in your family to go to college. You have a very deep faith which will carry you through the times of self doubt and insecurity. You also love to learn which is not a popular opinion among seniors girls focusing on boyfriends and partying. In your first few classes you will feel like you made a mistake. You didn't. Doing anything new is scary and that's normal. Being the new kid makes you feel inferior. You have so much to offer the world. Continue to nurture friends who believe in you and have similar goals. You won't be living on campus so let them be there for you. Good luck."

Jeffrey

If I could go back in time, I would have told myself to take things slow. The college experience is one that will shape who you become, what your future will be. I loved almost every minute of my college experience and I feel I took advantage of many of the opportunities available to me. I would have told myself to continue keeping an open mind and to welcome new opportunities when I arrive to campus. I now realize that I knew so little about Rollins when I made the decision to study there. Even though I had visited, toured, and researched the school, knowing what I know now is far different than how I saw the school as a high school senior. If I could go back knowing what I know now, I would have made the same choice. Rollins was an amazing academic home for me and I feel it has prepared me well for my next step: graduate school.

Kerem

If given the opportunity to go back in time and advise the shy high school Kerem about college life I?d tell her that just because something is traditional is no reason to do it. As a senior, I was set on completing a pre-med program to please my parents even though I was not fond of science. The mere suggestion of considering another field of study would bring on scowls and negative remarks. It took many counseling sessions and soul searching to realize that just because medicine is regarded as a prestigious and financially secure field, is no reason to pursue it if I?m not being true to myself. With that being said, I?d tell myself to become involved in music and theatre from the start. As a college senior, I?ve come to realize that those are the courses I?ve enjoyed the most. Currently, I?m enrolled in a music theory course meant for freshmen. The professor has even taken extra time out of her schedule to teach me how to play the piano. Overall, I?d tell myself to do what I want because I have nothing to lose.

Alexandra

I would advise myself to sit down and fully research everything that the school had to offer and once I knew that and was attending the school I would immediately plan out my four years so that everything would fall into place and I wouldn't miss out on any experience, intership, research, or study abroad opportunity. Rollins College has so many services available but I haven't found out about them until this year and it would have been wonderful to know earlier in my college career. Also, I would advise myself to plan my schedule out in an intelligent manner so that I would not be overwhelmed any specific day or semester during my four years. Besides that I felt an easy transition into the college lifestyle and couldn't be happier!

Margaret

I advise students to find a campus that will fulfill their academic wants and needs as well as finding a camus that they can turn into their home away from home, students should feel safe and comfortable on their campus. Students should stick out their freshman year, it is the hardest and it is a huge adjustment but by the end of their first year they will most likely find that they love their school/campus. Students should look into a school's extracirricular activites and find a group to join or research and work with their school to create a new group. Get involved, it is the only way to get the most out of your college experience.

Jonathon

First off never look at the cost of the college first. Many students and parents make the mistake of looking at the cost of the college first and make a quick decision that they can not afford to go to that college. However, many colleges that have substantial costs also have some of the best financial aid packages that can really off set the cost or even cover all costs of the college. I know this first hand because Rollins College is a really expensive college and my family had no idea how I was ever going to afford to go to the college. But, when I showed them the financial aid that I would receive, they were all for the college because the cost at that point equaled that of a standard college. To make the most of your college experience, you must be involved. What you take out of any college that you attend will only be equal to the amount of work and involvement you put in. Once you arrive at the college try to obtain as much information about all of the clubs and then join as many as you have time for.

Shannon

As a rising college student so many people will tell you that college is what you make it. Do not shrug this off. College will be what you make it, no matter where you go, so make the most of it. Know what you want and see what schools can offer that to you. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself and your beliefs. You will no doubt end up a stronger person for it. Go to a college that can offer you this challenge, but find what will be your comfort at your school as well, for the times when you will need to take a step back from the chaos of change. Tour your top choices before making your final decisions to see what life is really like on campus; it makes a bigger difference than you might think. It could be the deciding factor for you. Trust your gut... and your financial aid. Pick a school expresses as much interest in you as you do in them; they have seen your records and extracurriculars from high school, there is a reason they think you are as good a choice for them as their school is for you.

Brittany

Look carefully. You need to find a college that suits you in as many ways as possible. Don't go to a large school with 10,000 students if you want smaller class sizes for instance. Find a school that you'll enjoy going to day after day. Get involved in extracurricular activities if at all possible, you'll meet new people, get different outlooks on life, and different opinions all together.

Ann

Keep an open mind -- look for the differences and trust your instincts. In the case that you do start somewhere that's not perfect for you, transferring is a worthwhile process. There is no such thing as a "perfect" school, so find one that has oddities or inperfections that you can deal with.

Richard

Apply to a variety of colleges and make finances and quality of the education a major part of the decision. Attend a college that will allow you to be financially comfortable with. This will save you from many worrisome nights and constant headaches. Remember to factor in the cost of books and the cost of living. The first week or two tends to be the most hectic financially, so if you need to, be sure to brace yourself before it all comes crashing down on you. Also, attend a college that appeals to your interests; one that you can learn from and grow in. This is the time in your life you learn how to become independent and when you learn what types of obstacles will lie ahead of you in your future. Other than that, keep you?re grades up, but have fun at the same time.

Alexandra

The only way to find the right college is to spend time at the prospective college and see if you fit in. Sit in on a class, talk to students, professors, administration, take a tour, and walk around yourself. Don't be shy to ask questions. Never think that money can stop you from going where you truly want to go. Don't pick a school just because your best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend is going there. Do what is best for you, where you feel right. You are going to spend the next four years of your life there and you need to make sure that you will be happy. If you aren't happy getting accustomed to the university and doing well in your classes will prove harder that what you bargained for. Most importantly, never discredit a college because of something you heard, visit and determine for yourself!

Renee

While money is always a great concern for families nowadays, attend the school where you will be happy. I made the decision to go to a school because of money, and now I'm miserable. As much as I would like to leave, I cannot because of money. What you do after college is more important than the type of school you attend, so do not let money concerns hinder your overall decision. Also, get as involved in the community on campus and in the surrounding area. There is always someone out there who needs help and who is impacted by the good you do in the world. Good luck!

Sam

Make sure that you choose a school that is fun. All schools try to look academically sound but lie about what life is really like. Student written guidebooks reveal the secrets and real social life of the university. Also make sure it is not too hard to stay academically focused at the school.

Natalie

I would tell student that finding the right college is about focusing on what makes you happy as a person. Not everyone can thrive in a large state university setting, others will feel too out of place at a small liberal arts institution. It's important to focus on the aspects that make you happy and alow your personality to flourish. The more comfortable you are in an atmosphere, the more engaged you will be in the learning process. When at college one should jump headfirst into every opportunity that looks interesting. Joining clubs and going to sporting events opens your social world up to different kinds of people. In the end quality is more than quality, and you will be happy that you took the time to make the best decision for yourself.

James

Be flexible, you can get a fine education at a public university. Its more about what you put into college then what the college gives to you.

Kate

Visit the college first and interact with the students there.

Shannon

no comment

Kerri-Ann

I would advise them that college is a time where you do truely discover who you are and what you want to do with your life, so pick a school where you could see yourself not just living, but existing and making a meaning a meaningful contiribution to not only to your school but also to your life. Pick somewhere where you'll have fun but where you can also have the ability to cater to what you'd like to do. Where you think you could have fun and still learn all that's important.

Meeghan

My only advice would be to do what really makes you happy. If you decide three years into undergrad that you don't want to go to medical school, don't do it. You only get to live once, do it for you.

Margaret

To make sure the size of the school is right for you, especially if you end up going to a small school when you are meant to go to a big school!

Mariel

go on campus tours!!!

Sarah

As most students have probably heard by the time they are starting to look for schools: It matters less which school you pick and more how you take advantage of the opportunities your school has to offer. Just because a school has a strong fraternity and sorority life does not mean you have to take advantage of it to have a wealth of happy like-minded friends. Get involved in the activities that you are passionate about. Parents, along the same token, although your child's school may be reported by some website to have strong drug use or alcohol does not mean that your child is neccesarily involved.

Denard

Vist the campus, before you choose!!!

Priscilla

The biggest piece of advice that I would have for anyone would be to do you research. Make sure you knoe everything and anything about the institution which you will be attending because thats where you will be for the next four years of your life. I know academics are very important, but make sure you know about the social too to make sure its the right fit for you. When it comes to actually being at school, choose your friends wisely because you coe to depend on them as a freshman in a new environment andgood friends are important in adjusting. And lastly, have a good academic advisor and consuld with them before aking any big decisions course wise because the classes are too small for you to make a mistake and end up in the wrong class.

David

The name of a school may be extremely attractive, but in the end it is about your experience and the money you have left in your pocket.

Melody

I would tell them to research, research, research. If the school has an evening degree program, I would tell them to seriously look into it because it is often quite a bit cheaper. I would not tell them to focus so much on visiting the campus, because a campus can be beautiful but it does not always mean that it is the place for you. You need to speak with students who have gone there, and who are still currently going there. Speak to someone who has lived in the community of that university and ask them what commonly known about it around the area. I would tell them to start applying for scholarships as soon as possible and as many as possible, college is so expensive it could potentially take all the money you have.

Kellyn

Make sure to visit the campus and talk to people who attend there. Attend class if possible. Make sure to take class that you enjoy. Take chances, have fun.