Saint Martin’s University Top Questions

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

Samantha

Stay true to who you are, be relentless in the pursuit of your dreams, and don't give up on your own education.

Christian

The strongest advice I could give myself would to not wait for college. Yes I had many amazing life experiences that wouldn't have happened while in college, yet there had been many financial struggles due to not getting a degree. Do not wait to find what you are passionate about. When you feel you will be missing out on part of life while in college, you need to consider that college life is also worth considering. The friends that will be made, the experiences gained, and the connections are well worth the time put in. Now having a son of my own, I wish I could have had that college degree before he was born. Now I struggle, at times, to support his needs. If I could have completed college years earlier he and I would have all our basic needs met. I would be able to provide a good life for his opposed to currently having, at times, to choose homework or my son. I go to school for him but must choose school, at times, to be able to provide him a better future. College straight out of high school would have been the better choice.

Resie

Don't think you can't acheive your goals. If you believe you can do it, go for it. Make sure you're truely motivated and give your all to what you know you are capable of. You do belong in higher education and don't be nervous you gain so much.

Lauren

If I were a college senior about to transition to college again, I would have told myself to look into more schools. I say this because I feel I limited myself while looking for my dream college. Unfortunately for me, I could not afford my dream school, but I feel as if I made the best choice. I love my school, and would not transfer. I think though that if I had broadened my horizons and looked at schools a little bit further from home I may have found more schools that I was interested in. Also, I would suggest visiting a school while it is in session to get a good idea of the school during the school year. Visiting a campus over the summer or during a break may give you false impressions as to what happens during the school year. If at all possible, set up a visit to stay with a current student over night and see what the campus is really like. This way, there will be no surprise about campus life when school starts up.

Kelsey

I would say to myself, that although there can be many unexpected events, everything turns out well. So continue to work hard and do not worry about the stress or feeling tired because all the work you put in now will prepare you for the experiences you will later encounter. Do not be afriad to ask questions and spend time reflecting on the difficult answers. Independence and a lot of patience will pay off. Take the time to apreciate the blessing for the opportunity to advance your education and expand in personal growth so that you can positivley impact the world.

Darren

Seeing how I am in a dual-enrollment program, I am still "half-a-senior". However, the best advice I could give anyone, myself included, would be to manage one's self well ( this includes time management and personal desicions). With management comes organization and punctuation. With those skills, any class can be undertaken and completed with success. Hidden within these skills are also personal developments. Punctuation is a key factor when applications or interviews are required. If correct management is implemented, there will be time for one’s personal interests. Personal interests are what really drive a good education. Management is what allows doors to be opened.

Aleksandra

After the experience I have had with transferring into a college environment and being a college student, I realized that when the time came for everything to actually happen, I wasn't really ready. My teachers prepared me for the academic side of college but not the transition into college. My advice to myself would be to always accept help from whoever offers it. By not accepting help, you make everything harder on yourself; and while accepting help, you could learn something new that will benefit you on your college journey. Also, no matter what, always try to get involved with campus life and activities. Don't just go to class and then back to your dorm or house. The people you will meet and the friends you can make will last you a life time and make college that much better. My last piece of advice to myself would be to never be afraid to take a leap into something new. The more fear you have, the smaller chance of accomplishing something and in the end, you will just be holding yourself back from being the best person you can be.

Iman

I would tell myself to study more and focus more in class. Just because you understand the basis of the material and what the teachers are talking about, that doesnt automatically mean that you are going to do well in the call. To get the grades you want, you have to do more work than just going to class and taking notes. Although the books may be boring, take the time to read them- it helps.

taylor

if i sould go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, i would tell myself to start applying for scholarships as soon as my senior year started. when it was time for me to really start getting my things for my room at school, i was very stressed out and depressed. being raised in a single parent home it has always been just my mother and me. so when we got my finicial aid pack and it told us that we needed to come up with 10,000, i was heart broken. i knew there was no possible way that my mother could come up with that money in the little time we had. i would also tell myself that college is not all they you expect it to be. coming into college i thought it was going to be so difficult with the transition from high school to college but i feel like i handled it very well.

Andrew

Going back in time, knowing what I know now, what I would tell my high school senior self is to tell him to stay at Saint Martin's University, focus on school, and don't date until you gradute.

Danielle

I have gotten to meet so many different kinds of people, and to learn so much stuff. It has been valuable to attend because i have learned so many different things, and it's just a different kind of college experience, than any other college, especially with the abbey on campus.

Amanda

Through college, I have learned how much I have changed. I have learned better time management skills, and I have also learned to prioratize better. My grades remain excellent through my new study tactics and priorities. I keep a calendar now to make sure I don't miss any due dates or important events. I have also started my own student organization on campus. The University of Oklahoma now has a Harry Potter Club called Hogwarts on Campus. I'm really pleased that through this group, I have learned leadership skills that I would not have gained otherwise. I truly feel like an adult now that I have left my parents' house and felt only a portion of the responsibility that they have. College is like a job, you have to go to work and excel or else you get fired. By treating it like a job, I feel that I have succeeded in my grades and my goals. I have opened so many opportunities for myself, and I am so pleased that I chose to attend the University of Oklahoma. BOOMER SOONER!

Audrey

As a college freshman, I have been slightly exposed to the information I would be able to attain in four years. I have finally stopped procrastinating with my school work, fortunately, because it seems like more and more assignments will be piling up. Although the amount of work has increased significantly since high school, I understand what is being taught in classes more. The professors do not have a "you're-on-your-own-if-you-don't-understand" type of attitude and are willing to make sure your question is answered. I supposed it may be because of the small faculty to student ratio at Saint Martin's, which suits my learning style. I do not feel intimidated to approach my professors with a question in or out of class. In comparison, some of my friends who did not attend college do not have a clue what they want to do in their future; they do not know how to obtain their dream careers. Getting a college education expands one's knowledge and is worth the expensive price tag.

Sasha

I havent yet started college. But i do know what i do expect to get out of it. I expect to get lots of experience in sports such as Track & Field. The current event im doing at this moment. Gain plenty of experience interacting with various people all the way up to international students. How theyde be valuable?... Ide say the things i stated would be valuable to the college experience i expect because it would help me become a better person but not only that. It would help me gain new knowledge about certain things in track and field such as the secrets to Long Jump and Triple Jump, how to correctly throw Javlin. Ide help me learn about international students and how there familys are and there customs. All sorts of stuff. But in general ide have to say ide help me have a widespread view of the world and see things in a different way and not just in one view but in various.

BERLINDA

DO NOT LET BAD FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOU.

Crystal

Just try.That is my advice. What many students should remember is to take a chance. Just because you feel you would never be accepted or think a school is too expensive, it does not mean do not apply. I would tell everyone to take a chance, that is what I did. I took a chance, even though I thought I would never be able to afford a private university, away from Oahu. My dreams came true, I got an assortment of scholarships and finacial aid. I came to realize that the cliche, you never know untill you try, is true. One last thing that I would say is that College is a great experience, but a lot of people need to remember that college is also a privledge. Don't go to parties every night or avoid doing work and just because going to class is a option, it does not mean do not go. We need to step up and take control of our future and not throw away a chance of a lifetime. We should remember, there are millions of people that wish they were in our shoes. College is a privledge.

Lyubov

The first thing that I would tell myself, would be to stop skipping classes. It's a bad habbit that once tried, it's hard to get rid of it. Pay attention in class and do not fall behind on anything. Keep a strict schedule because it will come in handy for college. Stop procasinating or doing the bare minimum, instead learn to think outside the box and be creative, get in the habbit of being toughtful and participate in class. One of the main way that teachers in college decide on which way to swing your grade when unsure about your work, they think about your participation. Parctice with meeting your high shcool teachers, make sure they know you in their class and that it is a pleasure . That way out of the 200 hundread other students, they can remember you and that you care about your education. In addition the most important lesson is to practice to read a book per week because in college every professor will assign you textbooks and expect that you will read them, pace yourself, do a little bit of studing every day and college will not be too difficult but interesting.

Michael

I seen people drop out of school and had nothing to do with thereselves. I seen people graduate at a college/univeristy and wish they could go back. So my adivce is do all you can at school because it really is the most important part in life and when it is over there is no goin back. I learned that not to long ago and now I understand what my teachers and parents were telling me now. Another advice I would tell myself is to apply to more scholarships. I have been accepted to Penn State - Hazelton and if I had more money I would be there now. But instead im in Washington, Lacey attending Saint Martin's Univeristy. Not to put down this institution but Penn State is my dream school. Currently I am calling into Penn State admissions and getting information on what I need to do in order to enroll for next fall semester. If all goes well and I am able to attend Hazelton I would be greatful.

Sarah

If I could go back and give myself advice on college, the number one thing I'd tell myself is to work on scholarships. I totally bombed filling out scholarship applications 101. If myself in highschool and in community college had filled out scholarships, I wouldn't be worried about how to pay for school next year. I'd also give myself the advice to go out and interact with peole. You can't make friends by hiding in your room. Approach people who seem just as lost as you. Sometimes the first move has to be made by you. Especially when I consider the kind of person I am, I really wonder how I made it my first semester out. I had really only one good friend, and I'm used to having several very close friends who are my support group. That was a hard change. The other thing I'd tell myself is to be assertive when it comes with dealing with roommate issues. I would have gotten a lot more sleep if I'd just been very clear with my roommate or even chosen to talk to housing sooner. But I've learned what to do.

Kathryn

I would tell myself to open-up. Being a freshman in college is such an amazing experience. It is your chance to become who you always wanted to be, but were too scared to be in high school. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to be the real Kathryn Simpson, not the facade that I had created in Junior High School. In Junior High, I told myself to hide the true me to fit in, but now I can finally see that the real Kathryn Simpson is an intelligent, confident, and outgoing individual that does not need to hide under a facade any more. This is what I would tell myself as a high school senior. Do not be scared of who you are. The real you is amazing, and your future friends will adore you because of who you are.

Christopher

In high school I wish I would have started filling out registration forms and scholarships in the very begging and not waiting last minute. With my family not having a lot of money I Just expected that I would attend the local community college so I didn't fill out University registration work as soon as I should have done. I did fairly well in high school graduating with a 3.6 GPA. I also earned my Eagle Scout Award in 2008 from the Boy Scouts of America and I participated in the National Honor Society. I almost gave away a University experience but thankfully I was able to get my act together and turn in my paper work. Learning from my experience on move in day to the dorms i set up an interview for a work study job to help balance some of the costs of college. I got the job in the finance company to help balance some of the costs. I'm now trying to plan ahead knowing classes will become more difficult to hopefully earn some scholarships to help lift the burden of high college expenses and study for school.

Mackenzie

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start filling out scholarships as soon as possible. I would fill out more college applications to all schools I was interesed in and not rely on my parents as much. I would convince myself that taking ceramics instead of chemistry will help in the long run. I would tell myself to work hard but make time for fun because in college you need to study to get good grades and there is no time to slack off.

Katherine

The most important advice I could ever give myself is to go with my gut feeling. Going from high school to living in the college dorms was a huge transition which was really hard for me at first. In college you are faced with many more options and tempations, having no parents to restrict you. I feel that if you really listen to your gut feeling then you can make positive choices throughout college that will lead to a successful college career.

Kayla

The first thing I would do is start applying for more scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of College . I would go to every College and ask what the class sizes are and check out all sports programs that I was interested in . Then once I had decided on the school I would attend I plan my overnight visit to make sure that I would be happy there .Then break up with my boyfriend . I would then start enjoying College life and making new friends on campus .

Brittany

Dont slack! This time is one of the most important times of your life. What you do now will effect you a lot in the next few months. The transition from high school to college is by no means easy. In high school you are constantly babysat and followed to make sure you are completing the tasks at hand. Where as college you must be an adult, no one is here to tell you to go to class or to turn an assignment in. Realize how important this part of your life is, become serious about your responsibilities. This is the time where you figure out who you want to become, what it takes to become that person, and then become that person. Keep your head in the game, and always do the best you can. When you look back on your life you will never regret a moment of making yourself the best person you could be, everyday.

Ninalynn

My advice for myself as a high school senior would go something like this: "You have the choice to be who you are. If there is one life lesson you will witness through your college career, it is that people are responsible for themselves. You are going to feel so strongly about this, that it will annoy, frustrate, and upset you to no end, because people don't realize it. People are always trying to blame others when something doesn't turn out a certain way. This college that you chose, you chose for a reason, even though you were accepted to several other academically-challenging institutions. You're going to have doubts, but you need to decide what you think is best for yourself. Your future fiance--he also chose this same school for a reason, for himself. It is true that he could have gone to a far more prestigious institution, and all of your friends think it's silly he's going to the same school with you, but it isn't your decision to make. So whenever you're unhappy, remember that you need to decide that being happy is where you'd rather be."

Angela

If I could speak with myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for more financial aid in the form of scholarships. I would also say to just act naturally and socialize with different types of people. Most importantly, I would suggest studying a larger variety of subjects. Since I mainly focused on humanities courses, I feel like I missed out on a lot of the science and mathematics field. Beyond these things, I would not change anything about how I acted and what I did when I came to college. As for the transition, there were not very many difficult things to adjust to.

Tanya

I would tell my self to not worry so much on transitioning into college and to just have fun. To Enjoy my college life and to also make sure that I get all my homework done as well as enjoy my social life on campus. I would make sure i know that when you start college you start a new beginning of your life which will be the start of the rest of your life :-)

Amber

You have so much going for you! Don't EVER think you are not going to have chances because so many amazing and wonderful things happen to you in your first semester! You are going to meet some amazing teachers and one of them will become your mentor. I can safely tell you that you are going to become your own person and you will find your way through some hard times; you will be better because of it. Keep writing everyday because eventually you'll be a part of something bigger than yourself. Stay true and fly with your own wings.

Katie

I would give students and parents the advice to fully check into each school before making a decision. I would recommend visiting each school during the day and at night. Sometimes schools are completely different during the day and night. Most schools have overnight stays in which you can really get a view on how the school is. You need to also take into consideration the surrounding areas of the school. Keep in mind the city in which the school is located because this can have a huge impact on how the school will be. I would also say to look into reviews online to see what others have to say about your school of interest. While visiting it would be nice to ask students their opinions of the schools. Ask them if they would go here if they could go back in time as well as their likes and dislikes about the school. Choosing a college to go to is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life so be sure to really think over your decision before choosing one for sure.

john.templeman

location is key. I went to my safety school because it was only an hour drive from home. That doesnt mean I nastalgic for my house and family, but I like the region I grew up in. I lived 2,000 miles away from home for two years and it wasnt fun.

Resa

The advice that I would give parents or students about finding the right college and making the most of that college experience is to find one that fits who you are. After you have found that just make sure to go out and try a lot of the activities and events that the campus offers. This will help you find the things that you like, and you will meet the people that will make your college experience the fun and exciting time in your life that it should be.

Amanda

I would let parents know that finding the right college for you son or daughter can be very difficult. I would say that it is a must to visit every college that they apply to. when you find the right campus, the campus that makes your son or daughter feel most comfortable, you will know. It is very important to look into the programs that are taught at the school and see if they correspond to your son or daughters interests. The most important thing in helping your son or daughter find the right school for them, is to listen to their requests and what they want. You have to know what learning style fits your child, and make sure the college aids and caters to their needs. Just listen to their wants and needs, and be there for the ups and downs, the acceptances and declines and go with them on their campus tours. If you are there for them the entire way of the search, then all should be fine.

ericka

visit the college, stay for a weekend if possible, meet the professors if possible, and PLAN IT FINANCIALLY AHEAD OF TIME!

Jacqueline

It seems like, at this point in your life, everyone has an idea about who you are and what you should be doing. Your parents, your teachers, your friends, older brothers and sisters may all be approaching you with earnest advice about what you should do with your life and your college experience. Most of these people mean well, but that doesn't negate the fact that, at the end of the day, you are the one who controls your life, just as you are the one who feels the consequences of your actions most powerfully. There are probably others that have a stake in your success, such as parents who may have supported you financially and emotionally, friends, and loved ones, but you have to make sure that you're making the best decision for you. The choices you make now have the potential to impact the rest of your life. Take everyone's ideas into account, and thank them for it, but make your own decisions, and make them with yourself in mind.

Shieryll

Do your research and have a clear idea of what kind of college you want to be in, and choose a college closes to it. When you get there, get involve and do your best in all your classes. Never settle for an average grade, study hard, but also remember to give time for yourself. Grades are important, but so are building a strong relationship with people around you. College is a time for learning, growth, and creating that network that will carry you through after school.

Ninalynn

Finding the right college takes more than just looking at the U.S. News top-ranked colleges list. The right college depends on the person and what the person feels fits them. However, this doesn't always come easily, nor instantly. For myself, this school wasn't my top choice. But with how involved I am in the school, I really feel that college is what you make of it. My school feels like home and I had to grow into it, rather than be right away thrilled and excited. Granted, there is going to be something at every school that a person dislikes and wishes would change. I've been to several colleges after being enrolled in the one I am now and of course, I've made my comparisons and had my wishful thoughts. In the end though, my college experience depended on the people that I met who I chose to stay part of my life, the activities I made myself known for, and more. I have known people who attended the same college as each other and all had mixed feelings. The college life has everything to do with taking part in it.