Saginaw Valley State University Top Questions

Really look into all of your options for your college education. There are so many options out there both in state and out of state. It is also important that you put time and effort into looking for scholarships. There are so many availble to you if you just take the time to look around!

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to focus more on my studies in college than my social life. Upon my arrival in college, I did not make good decisions in relation to my studies as I was far more concerned about my friends. By choosing my friends unwisely, I became involved in many activities such as underage drinking. As a result, I could have performed much better that first semester, but I also could have done much worse. Thankfully, I changed my friend group and made better decisions resulting in much better grades and a much healthier, happier social life. However, continuing with that lifestyle could have significantly damaged my future and ambitions. By telling my high school self to choose my friends shrewdly and focus more on my studies than social life, I could have avoided a substantial amount of hurt and heartache.

On the last day of school my parents asked me what I wanted to major in once I start college. At that moment I realized I was completely clueless of what my future would hold and what I wanted to do with my life. If I could go back and give myself advice on the future I would tell the scared clueless girl in front of me to look long and hard at yourself and listen to your own mind. Once you figure out what you truly love you will find the confidence in you to succeed at anything that comes in your path.

Looking back on the good ole days of high school, I would change a few things I did or didn't do. I would force myself out of my comfort zone more. I would talk to some classmates I'd never uttered a word to before, get to know them and maybe even make a connection with them. I would tell myself to do more crazy things, take a chance, even if I were to make a fool of myself, I would have more stories to tell. I would have more memories to tell my future grandchildren and they would be amazed of all the experiences Grandma Sarah had. I would also tell my high school self that every terrible thing that happens isn't the end of the world. Yes, you will get a bad grade, and of course a thought-to-be great guy will break your heart, and if they both happen on the same day, that's even worse! But it's not the end; you'll move on. I would remind myself that everything happens for a reason, people are always changing, and the best is yet to come.

The advice I would give myself is that I would need to take senior year more seriously and to apply for more scholarships. Also I would tell myself to take basketball more seriously and to do the work to get colleges tapes of my games. I would tell myself that I should still have fun, but to not lose focus on my learning.

I've done pretty well in my college career so far. I'm a member of the women's basketball team and have earned a 4.0 GPA. If I could go back to high school, I would probably have tried to be more involved in community service. Right now, I'm on my way to being appointed as the VP of our Student Athletic Advisory Committee and I'm so excited to continue producing more ideas for community involvement of our athletes. I believe that if you go through each day being able to put a smile on someones face, then you're living a successful life. That being said, in my college self would have told my high school self to get more involved in different community projects and make a lasting impression; to go above and beyond. Making the transition to college, I wouldn't tell myself too much more. I came left high school and entered college the same way, very focused and determined to make a name for myself and to help people along the way. And thus far, I believe I've done a pretty good job. There will always be room for improvement.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior about college, I would have a lot to say. The main thing I would emphasize is the importance of being responsible. It is a big change from living at home with your parents and living on campus. You may think that at college you can do whatever you want since you’re away from home. The truth of the matter is that you have to do everything for yourself now. You no longer have your parents to wake you up and stay on you about doing homework or attending classes. The transition from high school to college life can be difficult. You have to stay focused on the reason you’re in college in the first place or you will not be successful. You have to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources on campus. You can’t be afraid to seek assistance when needed. You have to maintain good grades in order to stay in college otherwise you could face “Academic Dismissal” after the first semester. College life can be a great experience but you have to be dedicated and give it your all.

You do have to study sometimes! I never studied in high school because everything was easy for me. I don't think my high school prepared me as well as they could have for college. College courses teach you some new information, but there is also more of an emphasis on real-life applications, and the expectations of your work are much higher than high school. I did get good grades, but I really had to work hard sometimes. I was used to not having to study to get A's, and that doesn't work for most college classes. You have to be able to fluently express what you know and show your understanding.

I would have told myself to relax and go in with confidence. I know how dedicated I am to my schoolwork and my self-success. I am not one to push aside my obligations. I knew this going into college and I should have never doubted that I could succeed in whatever I was committed to doing. There are so many opportunities out there and sometimes in order to make them happen you have to push yourself and go outside your comfort zone. Another piece of advice I would have given to myself would have been to not try to change who I am. In my freshmen year of college, I often found myself trying to fit in instead of finding friendships that would help me stay true to myself. It is never easy to make the transition from high school to college and no matter what advice I would have given myself, I would still be where I am today because I am confident in what I can achieve and where I want it to take me.

First of all, college is not like high school. People participate in class discussions and you won't be that weird girl who always knows all the answers anymore because your classmates actually care. It's wild, but you'll love it. Second, everyone says it, but it's true: find an activity or two that sound interesting and get involved. You will not make new friends by just appearing on campus for a couple hours of class and then going home. It's not just about making friends, either, because I know you're rolling your eyes and telling me that you're going to school to learn, not to make new friends or party. It's okay that you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life; college is there to help. By getting involved with more than just classes, you will learn more about yourself and about the things you didn't know you loved. I would suggest getting involved with Alternative Breaks your freshman year, yes, even if Mom did say you should. Maybe most importantly, ditch that boyfriend. He's really holding you back. You'll be just fine.

High school was a frightening process of constant change yet constant consistency at the same time. There were bittersweet moments of realization that life would never be the same after this, and we must soak up the end of an era. If I had been thinking ahead, I may have been more prepared. Therefore, my first words of advice upon entering the college world would be to really pay attention to your surroundings. No one is around telling you where your classes are or pushing you to get there on time. Therefore, listen to the people who are trying to help. Listen to peers around who may know better than you. Pay attention to things that may interest you in the future. College marks the evolution to an independent, adult life; your path begins here. Make wise decisions, have no shame, befriend those who you would not normally talk to, and explore options outside of your comfort zone. These are the beginning steps to really getting to know yourself as an individual; by going into college with a fresh, open mind; you will develop into a wise, well-rounded adult who has passions in life and knows what they are.

pretty much dont worry to much about having a socail life and just pay more attention to you school life and keep your grades up because you will always have people around to talk to.

College is not what I expected. When I started I thought that the main goal was to experience the freedom. What I realized is that in college you need to express your maturity. You are held accountable for being on time, doing homework, and for being professional. If I could do my senior year of high school to prepare me better for college I would tell myself to challenge myself with taking AP classes. This would not only give me college credit but also prepare me for the workload of a college class. Also i would tell myself to take more summer classes. Spacing out the credits is helpful to reduce the stress load. Finally I would tell myself to look at scholarship opportunities because college classes are not cheap and neither are books. I am proud of how well I have done in college but if I prepared more in high school I could have succeed better.

Knowing what I know now, if I was given the chance to go back in time and speak to myself the advice I would give myself is simple. Do not mess around when it comes to grades. I would tell myself that because yes schools look for outstanding things in other area besides grades but grades is what gets your foot into the door in the first place. I would advise myself to stay focus on what counts and what matters and leave all other things aside. Going back in time to tell myself that would surely impact the outcome of my college life. Yet I wouldnt change how strong the struggle has made me as a person.

Create some balance. You must study! Sometimes skills which seemed to come so easily in high school take a lot of work in college. Don't be satisfied to slide through, but work hard to achieve your potential. You'll obtain pride that can never be taken away from you. Be involved in college life. Take the steps to know what is going on within the campus, and make time to participate in activities. Remember that you will only have this opportunity once. You should take advantage of it. Living off campus is no excuse to miss out on the experiences that will be available to you. Realize that college is not only about attending classes but also enjoying the atmosphere and the people. Try something new! Trust yourself. You're the only one who knows what is right for you. Don't necessarily follow the road that someone else laid for you, even if it's the easy way. Sometimes you have to take the path through the forest. I believe in you!

Don't waste your Freshman year in college drinking and partying! Your Freshman GPA will greatly affect where you need to be when you apply to grad schools.

Learn to sstudy better, just blankley looking into the book does not help, learn to take notes and do not be afraid to ask questions i know this sounds like something from a book but it really isn't, the professors love to answer your questions and they care more than they did in high school. Plus learn to use the internet better, most of my classes are graded online, papers and assignments are all submitted electronically as well, so that is the only things i would tell myself, oh and as well learn to step out of your comfort zone, someone else in the same large room if not most of the students feel as awkward as you do, break the ice and start off with a smile.

Dear Morgan, You're only a senior in high school but you think you've got a good grasp on what college is going to be like. You imagine that it's going be like high school, but bigger, right? Well, you're sort of wrong there. The biggest difference you'll have to prepare for is the fact that you're paying for your education directly now, and that means that--at some point--you'll need to get a decent job. Mom can't continue to pay your tuition for the next four years, so remember that. And secondly, study for exams--especially math. They won't all be a breeze. Good luck.

If I could go back in time I would have so much advice to give myself. For starters I am currently a thirty year old single mother with no prior college education. I have wasted so much of my post high school life on menial jobs with no real future. I would scream to my high school self how important a college education is. How much easier it would be to go straight to school instead of having years just pass you by and have to go back to school while having to work and take care of a two year old as well. I would also focus on how important it is to have good grades and to take pride in working hard in school. It feels great to have good grades; I currently have a 4.0 and love the feeling of accomplishment it brings. I would make sure that feeling was conveyed to my past self. I certainly cannot go back and start over but I am currently making it happen, and as they say “better late than never”.

I would tell myself that whatever it takes you have to teach yourself how to study. No matter how good I was in high school under test circumstances. College is an entirely different ball game. I would also tell myself that every assignment is important. Don't skip a single one. The last thing I would tell myself is that online classes are a blessing. They are challenging and you can get so much from them because you'll be teaching yourself the lessons, and you won't have to worry about distractions when doing course work.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would tell myself to be sure you go to school for something you are truely passionate about, and not just something you think would make a good job. I would also tell myself not to be shy about getting involved in campus events, fundraisers, etc. Not only are they fun but they allow you to make new friends and open doors. Voice your opinion and speak up when you have a question. Even if it may cause some controversy, you will learn something... maybe something invaluable. Be open to leaning outside the classroom. Get to know your classmates. This will give you real life experience that you can't find in a classroom. I would also tell myself not to be afraid to ask for help, because where there's a will, there's a way. Lastly I would tell myself a little sunscreen never hurts, but a sunburn sure does. Live life and have fun doing it.

If I were to go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to look for more scholarships. I now know how expensive college is and the rate of tuition is rising. I would tell myself to look up more colleges and universities in my area, and also look up all the different majors and degree plans offered at those different colleges and universities. There are many other school I could have receive acceptance from and this could have put me on a different path to reach my future goals. I would remind myself to be more proactive and get things done on time. I believe if I could go back in time, I would be much more happier and I would know the what goals I wanted to achieve and when I would achieve them.

I have always had a solid path for my future. However, if I could go back in time I would advise my high school self to enroll in early admissions instead of dual enrollment. I began taking Advanced Placement courses right away in high school. After completing five, I also began dual enrollment my junior year. I found dual enrollment to be extremely beneficial and financially savvy. I wish that I had realized the advantages of graduating with an Associate’s Degree sooner. Instead I turned up my nose at the thought and assumed universities would snub community college credits over AP credits. I was blindly misled by advisors who convinced me that AP was the best path. I am very grateful for my experience with AP courses; they taught me discipline, dedication, and determination. These are core values that will benefit me throughout my education. During my senior year, I decided to dual enroll because I still wanted to be a part of the Patient Care Program at my high school in order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. This was valuable for directing my career, but I would undoubtedly instruct myself to graduate with an AA degree instead.

Plan the classes out before you take them. It’s very important not to take classes that don’t matter for anything. Taking Logic will suck but it helps out so much when you transfer from GVSU to SVSU. Also, try harder on Psych 100 at GVSU because that holds you back by the time you get to SVSU. Depression will start to feel really bad when you start school. Tell someone about it so you don’t have to suffer for three years before getting treatment for it. Make more friends at school and don’t depend on people from home so much. You need socialization. Don’t smoke. It just ends up making you sad because of money troubles. Every penny counts; don’t throw your money around. You really don’t need to buy anything, so don’t. You don’t need that extra food, muffin pan, etc. save your money because there’s hardly any of it left and that makes life really stressful. Get a job and be independent. Money issues are the biggest concern really so watch what you buy. Don’t be so rigid and don’t over think things.

Assuming that i could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, the advice that i would give myself would have to be: To keep focased on the school work, don't worry about the girls because they will get you in loads of trouble, and keep thinking in advance ( always have an alternate plan for if some reason your origional plan back-fires.)

I would tell myself what I am working toward now. I am 37 years old and stopped at an Associate's degree in Business Management. I find myself more technologically knowledgeable now than I was when I was getting out of high school. I still would have joined the US Navy, but I would have chosen a career path in Engineering and had the military help pay for regular schooling. I also would have encouraged myself to take advanced courses earlier like Calculus and Physics. The main reason I didn't choose Engineering early was because I thought I couldn't do it. Now I know better. Oh, and don't mess around. You meet your future wife when you turn 23. Wait for it!

After high school I believed that I knew a lot but after attending my first semester of college I realized that there was so much knowledge still to be acquired. I was humbled and inspired by some of the older class mates I’ve gotten to know. The people that dropped out and are now working full time to provide for their family and attending school full time. I want to follow their example and work my butt off now so that later I will not be struggling to provide for my family. The life lessons I have learned from furthering my education are far more valuable than just being a check mark on the attendance list. The responsibility in being that check mark on that list is so much more than I could have imagined. Each stressful day is one step closer to achieving my goal in becoming the first in my family to graduate from college. I’ve learned that even though times are hard and it seems as if the world is against you, one must fight the tide and do what at sometimes might not be fun because it will pay off in the long run.

My name is Shamir Webb. This scholarship would be a great deed. I think that I am qualified and should receive this scholarship because I am African American male that dream is the better myself through education. I think that it would give me a greater opportunity to advance and follow my dream. Throughout high school my dream was always to go to finish high school go to college to follow in the families path of graduating from college with many degrees. This would also be a great experience to better myself for a better future for me and my family one day. I want to graduate from college with my degree in Finance and International Marketing. The goals that I have set for myself to become a very successful black man, soon after finishing undergraduate school, I plan on going and finding a job in Accounting and Finance. As I am doing so, I want to go on and study for my graduate’s degree to become Finance Consultant. I am willing to do everything that it takes to have a successful future, to better myself, my parents, siblings and one day a family of my future one day.

My college experience so far, as a sophomore, has been liberating. I have been able to learn the true meaning of independence and responsibility, something that probably would not have happened if I was still living at home. More than that though, college has given me the great opportunity to have a second family, another place that I can call home. As scary as some people may make college seem to seniors in high school, I have learned that college is welcoming and a very warm place to start the next big chapter in your life.

I have learned to become independent by being on my own. I also learned how to be more responsibility with keeping up with my grades and classes. Saginaw Valley State University makes an easy transition from high school to college life.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience at SVSU. The campus is always buzzing with things to do, there is never a dull moment, and I am always with friends. WIth the class sizes so small I am able to actually talk to my professors and get to know them which makes the enviornment in class better for learning. The other students in my classes like it this way aswell, it makes my college experience more personel and I like it that way. I would hate to go to a large university where the professor wouldn't even know my name. SVSU is the perfect school for someone who wants to have a name not a number.

When I think about what I'm learning most so far in college two words come to mind: work ethic. If anything that's what I'm learning. How to work hard for the things I want and to truly appreciate the things I get because of the time I put into getting them. Work ethic is something you have to learn from experience, it can't be taught. The lesson is more important than almost any other one, and I value it dearly. It's been a great value to attend college because of not only the education I'm receiving but because of the subtle lessons of life it is teaching me. I am so appreciative of this experience, and I'm holding on to it for dear life.

From my college experience, I have gained a sense of independence. Although I was only an hour away from home, I lived on campus and it gave me the chance to make decisions for myself without the input of my parents. I also have gained a sort of drive because I need to be doing something all the time; sitting around is not something that I can take anymore. It has been valuable to attend Saginaw Valley because it is a campus that is high in campus involvement. I joined two organizations on campus and have branched away and made new friends that have a more lasting quality than high school friends. I have found my "home" at Saginaw Valley. "It's a GREAT day to be a Cardinal."

With my college experience I have been able to make many life long business contacts. I have been able to develope my skills in the sport of Bowling with the best coaching staff in the nation. My college experience has helped me mature expedentially by giving me an unsheltered view to the real world. I consider myself lucky, knowing that I chose to attend college instead of find a job right after high school. College has helped shape who I am today and I would not trade that for anything!

Prepare as early as possible,expecially for finantial aid. Make sure you take the ACT's before graduation so that the first year after graduation is not wasted when applying for college. Knowledge can be diminished. Hold on to any job you might find, they are less often everyday. Don't give up. And most importantly, keep up the good work.

If I could go back to being a high school senior I would have made a few changes. First of all, I would have chose to live off campus my first year instead of living in the freshmen dorms. I enjoyed meeting new people, but it took away some of my learning because of the idea that I lived with seven other females. Also, I feel that I should have went into social work from the very beginning instead of teaching. I have a passion for social work. I love teaching, but social work is my main focus. I feel that my BA in Education will benefit me, but I wish I would have started out in the social work program.

Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! My advice would definitely be to catch up on your sleep. During my senior year of high school, all i wanted to do was to get by with my grades and have fun with my friends. Unfortunately, this required long nights. However, in college, I found out that instead of staying up all night with friends, you are staying up all night studying for that exam that is tomorrow. My transition has defintely been a hard one this year with working part time and going to school full time, but I know that in the end my long hours will pay off. In addition to cherishing that precious sleep time, I also would have advised myself to work harder towards my grades and make that "B" and "A".

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, the most important thing I tell myself is that college is nothing like high school. In college, you are treated as an adult. You have to know when things are due, the requirements of assignments, and most importantly you are responsible for your education. The professors do not ask you if your on track or if you are having difficulties on any materials. They expect that you are doing everything you can to succeed. If you have any questions about the material you're studying in class, you need to go to their office and ask for help. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to take risks and be outgoing. One of the benefits of college is the amount of opportunities one has. For instance, you can join numerous clubs and organizations, study abroad programs, community service programs, internships, and so on. By being risky, outgoing, and taking advantage of the opportunites available to you, you can make new friends and develop more interests. Finally, I would tell myslef to keep in touch with the most important people in your life; your family.

I would tell my self not slack off and to always keep my goal in focus and take core classes and really study to learn the material because I will need to apply it later on in life. Also to not just settle for getting by, even if you have been accepted keep reaching higher. Also look at the classes that you might have to take and try to take some while in high school so it is fresh in your brain.

I wish that I would have known that it's not terribly different from high school. Yes, living away from home with other people is very different but as far as school goes it's a lot similar. The course work is not very much harder or harder at all than that in high school. There is usually less homework. The only big difference is the amount of reading/studying time that you need to put in. I would also advise myself to try not to be so shy. I was very outgoing and involved in highschool but now that I got to college I feel scared to join clubs or meet new people. I wish that I could have kept that spirit and outgoing attitude when I came to SVSU. Now that it's more than a semester in, it feels to late to join clubs or meet people. Most of all I would like to tell myself not to stress about what college was going to be like because for the most part I transitioned very well. There were too many sleepless nights worrying about something that I am handling very well!

Never give up. Always wake up and go to class with a positive attitude, and remember where you came from. So many kids go to school and get lost and drop out. But just stay positive. The best thing about falling, is always being able to get back up and dust yourself off. Do anything and everything to succeed in life and achieve your dreams. Always do what is best for you, and never, never, never give up.

I would advise a high school senior to remain focused. College is a big step towards maturity. Success in college will demand organization and prioritizing. You have to want to be successful as college is a give a take. What you give towards making it a success will surely be given back to you in high grades and GPA. Not eveyone learns on the same level so visting your professor's office hours is absolutely an option that should be taken advantage of often. Put forth an effor to make friends outside of those that are similar to you. College offers a sea of people with diverse experiences, backgrouds and opinions. Use your college life as a time to find out not only about you but about how others view the world. Also get involved. Join a group that offers positive results on campus. Volunteer in your community or join an organiztion that promotes campus and community involvement. Or join a social group that promotes academic success with study groups and tutoring sessions. All of these things will make your college experience a success as well as memorable.

I would tell myself that I shouldn't worry so much about college life. I found out that going to college is a lot more fun than I ever thougth it would be. I have made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. College has changed me. I have matured.

If given the chance to go back in time and give myself advice, I would have taken AP classes, saved money, and not have cared so heavily regarding my social life. I should have taken Advanced Placement courses in high school, as they were free of cost and would have shortened my time in college. Instead, I chose to do an intership but ending up switching my anticipated major anyway. I should have saved my graduation money as oppossed to spending it other materialistic items, I now find myself struggling in the financial department. Tuition is not the only cost that you come across. A social life comes with fees, and when you no longer live with your parents, money becomes very tight. As I transitioned into college, I have realized that the people that I attended high school with are no longer a part of my life now. I spent too much worrying about how many friends I had or what my repetition was, this effected my academics. I do wish I could change somethings regarding my high school career, but I focus on the present and do not let the past interfere with my success at the university.

Look for a college that is just right for you. Do not go for the first one you are accepted to and make sure you check out the campus beforehand. Class size is important, make sure the class size is just right for you. The teacher availability and knowledge is also important too. Go to a school thats right for you not just because your friends go there. Make sure you save up money for all the essentials and for other things you would like to be able to do. Make sure you stay focused and ready to learn in a field that is just right for you.

If I could back in time and tell myself anything about college, I would warn myself to study extremely hard once I got here and don't worry so much about the clubs and social life. It's all about the work. A social life won't get me to where I want to be in a couple years but the grades and the degree will.

If I were able to travel back in time and visit myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that the things I gave up in order to make academics my number one priority were worth it and that taking college courses as a high school senior was one of the best decisions I ever made and I would explain to myself how much those courses helped to prepare me for college in ways that high school never did. High school doesn't prepare you for the amount of outside the classroom work you will have to do or the amount of studying it takes. You truly have to earn your grade in college and sadly that is not always the case in most highs chool classrooms.

Just get through this last year. College is everything you dreamed of and every time someone made fun of you or someone demanded they were right even though they had no idea what they were talking about its all worth getting through to come to college. They accept you for you. Also you will realize that you can be yourself, no longer do you need to worry about hiding behind facades. BE YOU!

First, and foremost, DO NOT GIVE UP! Life is tough, but it is supposed to be; there are reasons why people have to face challenges and ways to overcome them. These challenges do not happen because "life isn't fair" these challenges come up because "life isn't fair". They are all reasons why we are shaped to become who we are and what we will be. Next would be mistakes, yes, there are stupid mistakes. Stupid mistakes are those mistakes that are repeated and repeated numerous times. Each and every mistake has the potential of being good as long as you learn something from them and how to take what you learned from such said mistake and apply to a new situation. Third is the ability to balance. Be sure all of your time isn't slated to heavy towards one activity. Time management is the key, the key to studying, the key to relationships, and the key to extracurricular activities only to name a few items to have a successful experience. Finally, listen to Mom...she does know what's best for you!

If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a senior I would definitely have alot to tell myself. I feel that I was not well prepared for college so I would have made myself focus alot more. I actually would not want to go back to my senior year because that was actually my best year in high school. I feel that I had grown mentally in senior year and was almost prepared for college but 9th through 11th grade I really was not prepared. Looking back on things now if I could go back I believe I would simply tell myself to never stop believing in your self and never stop trying your hardest.