Shepherd University-Shepherdstown Top Questions

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

Allison

Knowing what I know about college now, I wish that as a High School Senior I studied more. As cliche as it sounds, I did not study as much as I should have during my senior year and it really hurt me going into college. I was not prepared to do things on my own without my professors holding my hand, like my previous ones had done. If I had learned peoper study techniques and actually used them during high school, I think that my grades during my freshman year would have been a lot better and I would have been a lot more happier with them. Not only would my grades have been a lot better, but tests and essays would not have given me as much stress as they did, becuase I would have known how to properly handle them.

Rhonda

If I could go back to be a high school senior, I would definetly take more advanced placement courses and prepare myself better for the final exams. In my senior year of high school I took four AP courses and only received credit for one. The three that I did not do well on were english, spanish and environmental science, which are particularly difficult subjects for me. I think that if I would have taken more basic science and math courses, then I would have been more successful. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken physics, calculus, chemistry and biology as advanced placement classes. By having completed more advanced placement courses in high school, then I would have been able to transfer to my four year university faster. Plus, I would have saved a significant amount of money since AP course exams are a fraction of the cost of university credits. Lastly, it would have better prepared me for the complexity of science and mathematic courses, which in turn would have made the transition from high school to college easier.

Kaila

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I would give myself so much advice just from the expericance I had gained from my first semester at college. I would tell myself to work and save all money because so many little things that you dont even think about add up and empty your account. I would tell myself to get used to being more independent and realize what is more imporatant when it comes to friends and studying.

Colleen

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to start looking for a college sooner because I feel like I didn't give myself many options when it came to applying. I also would tell myself to pick a school that didn't cost as much and gave me more financial aid rather than loans. Lastly, I would tell myself to visit schools more than once before deciding if that is truly where you want to spend the next four years of your life.

Joshua

Going to college is an important investment every individual should consider, in order to receive the proper credentials needed for performing a particular career. Even though the rapid increase of college tuition costs may seem quite overwhelming, there are many opportunities available for gaining enough money to afford a college education. Despite the vast amount of prepartation I did to prepare for college, there are some aspects I wish that I considered before attending college. Because of my superlative athleticism throughtout my high school career, I was given the opportunity to accept athletic scholarships to remarkable Divsion I universities; however, decided that pursuing a lawyer degree and participatiing in a college sport would be difficult to perform at the same time. First, if I was to give advice to myself I would have definitely said to apply for as many scholarships as possible, because of the superb accolades I was able to achieve in both academia and athletics. Secondly, I would have recommended myself to read daily, and to do exercises that enhanced my critical thinking, listening, and memorization skills. Therefore, I strongly believe that if I had focused more on these aspects, my college situation would have immensely improved.

Travis

"Travis, listen up! Remember how mom and dad told you you would blossom in college? Well, they were right. But you need to take a few steps yourself before that happens. You know your girlfriend that you just started dating? Break up with her. You are going to waste your entire first year of college trying to keep her happy. And when you break up, you'll finally get into the gym and lose those fifty pounds that you need to. You are going to hear of this club called Young Life. Get in there as soon as you can. You are going to make the best friends of your life there - and just maybe meet that special girl you've been hoping for. Dude, seriously... APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! When you get so involved on campus you are going to suddenly decide you want to live there but you won't be able to afford it. Get a move on! You are going to be so busy with sports and leadership responsibilities that you won't be able to work. Get ready. You are about to start growing exponentially. The best version of yourself is right around the corner."

Noel

IF I could go back in time, I would tell myself that it is not a race and that you do not have to rush through schooling. It is a great experience and that the greatest things are worth the vast amount of time invested. I would had make sure that I knew to check out other universities and colleges. Not all colleges are the same. I would provide the advice of applying for every scholarship available and to take advantage of the Promise Scholarship to attend a four year university. I don't regret anything I have done, but there are a few things that could have been made easier.

Cassandra

There you are, sitting in the back of Coach Brown’s civic class. I understand the thrill and the excitement you get from debating with your classmates. I understand the joy of getting the best grade and having Coach read your opening statement to the class. The bell rings and off you go to your Young Medical Professional’s club meeting, and you feel the same excitement thinking about the upcoming Pre-Medical program at WVU. I remember being in those shoes. The confusion about your future and what route you should take is nothing new; it is something that has been in the back of your mind your whole life. However, after going through two years of college, I can tell you that you were wrong; medicine is not your future. You missed out on opportunities, like interning at the court house, chasing a medical dream that is not for you. My advice to you, my high school self, is follow your heart. You’ve always known that, although science interests you, you love law, history, religion, and politics. You can do more good for society if you follow your dreams and not your analytical brain.

Jordan

Before making the decision of a lifetime, ask yourself these questions: Do you like the campus? If you have not seen the campus, you must visit it. Do you know what you want to study? If yes, does the school you're interested in have that major? If not, do they have something similar? Do they accept transfer credit from AP classes or the local community college? Are they helpful and friendly? You need people around you that want to help you succeed. How many kids do you want in your class? Can you sit in a lecture hall with 400 kids or do you want your professor to know your first name? Are you going to commute or live on campus? If you plan on living on campus, the most important questions to ask yourself are, Can you see yourself living here? Do you feel safe? Be prepared to walk a lot, live with unpleasant people, and eat bad campus food. Never lose sight of your goal and the bad food, all the walking, and the bad roommates won't matter.

Lauren

Now that I have made the transition from the high school life to college life, I have realized it is an overwhelming alteration. The most essential advice that I would give myself as a high school senior would be prepare for the future. This includes: challenging yourself academically, staying motivated, and never giving up on yourself. To challenge yourself academically, you as a student should schedule for standardized tests as soon as possible. The sooner you get your scores back, the sooner you evaluate them and decide whether to retake the test or transfer your scores to colleges. Take classes that'll make you work hard and study. If you put the time and effort into your classes, then you will be prepared for the college life. Motivation is the key to success during your senior year. The lack of motivation leads seniors down the drain. Staying motivated will make your senior year and college years more productive, enjoyable, and successful. Life is continuous and never ending, so never give up. There are different stages in your life and you must keep your head held high. The way you view yourself is the way you live your life.

Richard

I basically had the same mentality as a senior that I had now. See, it was in my senior year that I realized I needed to crack down on my grades, and therefore i maintained above a 3.5 in my senior year. My previous years however, I wasn't as dedicated. Now that I'm in college, I'm still maintaining above a 3.5, and I'm sure that I can do better. Regardless, if I had to choose something, I'd say to realize that yes I'd be losing a lot of my friends when they went to different colleges, but that I'd see them quite often, and that I'd make a lot of new friends very quickly.

Rebbecca

My college experience at Shepherd University has opened my eyes to how valuable a college education is. Since Shepherd University is a liberal arts college, every student is required to take general studies classes such as art, music, history, etc. At first, the thought of taking classes that may not directly benefit me later in life did not interest me. However, after taking these courses I understand the need for them. My knowledge about various cultures, historical events, our world was widened. I feel as if I have tested my own abilities and achieved new heights with my education. I would have never enjoyed the classes or learned so much if I were attending a college other than Shepherd University.

Crystal

My college experience has shown me the value of money. Coming out of high school I knew college would be a pain to pay for, but I didn't fully understand. Now, as a sophomore, I really understand it's importance. I am applying to as many scholarships as I can trying to help me get through school, and help my parents stay out of debt as much as possible. I also already have over 10,000 dollars in loans, and that's not including the one 7,000 dollar loan that my parents paid off already. My parents are trying hard to keep me in school, but I can't let them use the money they need to live in order to give me a future; I need to do the best I can to help pay as well. It's been valuable to attend college because of the experience it is giving me for my future. By getting my bachelor's degree I can go to medical school; the job experience I have obtained will help me get a job after school and help me recieve the hours I need for medical school. Overall, it's been amazing.

Lillian

When I graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to work in a library because I want to assist the people of my community. I researched the field and realized that I would need an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. Because of financial circumstances, it took a lot longer to reach my goal of graduating, eight years actually. I worked, sometimes two jobs, to pay my tuition and bills. Having to fight to finish school has taught me perseverance and problem-solving skills which will help me to meet my next goal to get my graduate degree.

Michael

I have made new friends, learned from some of the best Music Edcuators in the world. My Professors have alot of experiences to share and with this they bring excitement and the anticipation of what lies ahead for me. I am excited to be in the Music Education field of study. It began in High School for me and the Professors at Shepherd University have only amplified my love for this field. I am anxious to teach and extent the love of music to the new generation of musicians. I highly recommend Shepherd University because of its standard of education and quality of professioners.

Rozann

When friends ask me if I think it is wise to continue on to college rather than begin working I tell them my person experience of college. This is my response: High School life is nonstop work, work, and more work. When students in High School consider whether to attend college, they are often overwhelmed by the idea of more school. I felt this way too. Once began college though, I realized that college life is a quasi-adult life. The demands of parents are gone. Professors take on the roll of mentors rather than traditional teaching rolls. College weeks break into 8 hours of class time, 15 hours studying with friends, and the rest is freedom. Rather than rushing into adult life, college students loiter in the student center with friends. Sure, there are times when students rush for finals, but this short period of stress is meager compared to the stress of adult life. College is a time of freedom, enrichment, and changes that will shape your entire future. The value of college for me has been memories that will last my whole life, mentors willing to guide me to success, and ultimately learning to enjoy learning.

Joanna

I'm enrolled in a two-year nursing program and I have been fortunate to receive an education directly from some of the best nurses that New York State has to offer. I have already begin to apply that knowledge hands-on in regard to patient care on my clinical experience. I have helped to heal patient wounds, ease their anxieties, monitor labs and vitals and in some instances even caught irregularities that most likely prevented an acute disease from occurring. Furthermore, I have met some of the most genuine, helpful and overall caring students, teachers and hospital staff. I have attended many colleges and have never been in an environment where everyone is so helpful and invested in the success of others. My college experience has always been rather selfish in previous programs, but here, it is really a team experience and having such high regard for others and others for me, really makes for an optimal learning and college experience. If all aspects of life always had such a great support network, then I daresay the world would be a much more cohesive place to live!

Jeremiah

My overall experience at Shepherd University taught me to think critically, engage in careful research, refine my writing skills, and expand my horizons. In particular, the development of improved study habits, along with the necessary skills to assess and analyze material, was facilitated through specific papers, projects, and assignments. The library facilities, combined with accessible computer labs, provided the necessary tools for research and project preparation. Additionally, my studies fostered a greater understanding and appreciation for differing perspectives on complex social, political, and economic issues through exposure to new concepts and ideas. Opportunities to participate in the community were extant in the form of fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, poetry-reading nights, open mic music performances, and attendance at stage plays. A love for literature, music, poetry, and art were especially enhanced through my experiences at Shepherd. Outdoor activities were available through hiking, caving, biking, and rock climbing, thus providing occasional breaks from academic pursuits, and the beautiful campus provided an ideal environment for study during the warm months. In the end, the most beneficial aspect of my experience at Shepherd was that it encouraged me to pursue higher education while refining my dreams, goals, and career decisions.

Benjamin

I would tell myself to prepare for major study habit changes from what high school had prepared me for. As well as highly recommend I find someone I know to live with on campus, random roommates can turn out frustrating. I would also advise that I find a job on campus before moving here, so that I would be better adjusted to the area and not looking for a job while taking classes. I would give a warning that everything I once knew about interactions among people could be false, high school was not an example of the real-world.

Danielle

When I was a senior in high school, all I dreamed of was to go to a private all women's college. I pulled off the grades, even got lots of scholarship money, but it still wasn't enough. I wanted it so badly, that I didn't mind putting myself into $20,000 debt (it'd be worth it in the end, right?). Actually it turned out to be a huge mistake. I realized after a year at the private college, that the education/living costs were just not worth it. I've transferred back close to home and now attend a public university. Overall, the quality of education and class sizes are about the same. If I could go back, I would tell myself that it's sometimes better just to stay home and go to the cheaper school - it's better than making those loan payments!

Tiffany

Dear Tiffany, Take it from me, college is not easy. Just because you did well in high school does not mean that you will succeed in college. Get ready to work, girl, because World Literature at Boonsboro High has got nothing on Shepherd. Oh, and trust me, your motto ?work smart not hard? will only get you so far. Here is the best advice I have for you: buy your books early so you can get them used (have you seen the price for new books? They?re outrageous!) and know how much it will cost you to park at a meter (that is if you do not want to have to walk across campus everyday). If you are wondering about making friends, do not worry too much about that. For the next four years you will take your core classes with the same people, so you are bound to be friends with them eventually. Perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give you though is to have fun. College can get stressful, but if you make the best of it you will do just fine. Good luck!

tylerr

I would tell myself to be more prepared and to use my time more wisely so I could get the correct amount of money when i needed it.

Ruben

Money suddenly becomes very valuable once you get into college. Yes, it's easy to pay all your bills now because you're only in high school, but once you get into college you are going to struggle a bit. Books are expensive, and you'll have to buy food and gas, car insurance, toiletries. Also, you really need to set a lot of time aside for reading. The more you read, the better you can comprehend what the author is trying to say. The readings they give you in high school may be easy, but once you get into college the easiness goes away. There is a lot more critical thinking involved in these readings. Use your time wisely, spend wisely, and make the best choices. Sometimes, there's no turning back.

Melanie

To start off, I would like to say my high school didnt prepare me for my freshman year at Shepherd University. In high school I had also took all college prep courses and passed with excellence. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior I definitely would assure myself to get into the schedule of taking excellent notes and reading alot more than I did normally. I would prepare myself for the changes in the professors role in my education also. I say that mainly becuase in high school most of my teachers were laid back and let a lot of work slide and compared to college where they care but only care if you put forth a 100 percent effort too. Finally, I wouldnt rush your high school education because college is only a harder and much longer and dedicated process.

Jason

Stay in school and listen to mom and dad.

Thomas

I would tell myself to take my classes more seriously, rather then just try to coast through high school. If I learnt more in high school then college would not be as tough/I would also tell my to take more classes to learnt more even though i might rarely need them, If i looked at high school that way I could, I could then look at college that and get more done. If I looked at college in this way, I can then look at the rest of my left. In this way i hope to advance through life.

Dwight

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not stress so much about how different college like will be. It is very easy to fit in and meet people who share the same beliefs and outlook on life. I would also add that I should stop being such a procrastinator, because that causes many problems when you're free to do what you please in college. Personally, I think that there was too much stress put on me to get into college, because if you work hard and don't slack off, good things will come to you regardless of if you strained or not.

Anna

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to focus more on school. I have struggled in college because I never thought I had it in me to attend. If I would have had the push from people when I was in high school, I would have tried harder and got better grades and tried for scholarships. I have been in school for three years now and have had to pay for it all out of my pocket. If I could go back in time, I would have also told myself to save more money. Another thing I would have told myself is to take some classes on time management and on learning how to study correctly and efficiently. I would have also told myself to be strong during my struggles because the friends that I have met have helped me out so much and they are the ones who have pushed me the most to better myself and follow my heart into becoming a teacher.

Arthur

Act like school is your job and passion now.

Rachel

While in highschool, I wish I would have recognized how important it is to do well in each subject.

Laura

I would encourage students to figure out what their interests are first, for instance, social work, psychology or biology. This makes a difference when searching for a college or University to attend. Second, I would suggest to visit the school and to have the future student envision themselves attending there. Finally, I would also tell parents and students if they encounter a problem of liking numerous schools and can not choose; then, they should make a list of the postives and negatives of each. Then the decison will be easier and the student can figure out what meets their needs.

Megan

Make sure that the child feels safe and at home at the campus. It will be their home for the next few years.

Jannette

I would advise high school students and their parents to take advantage of any college credit classes that they can while attending high school. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do my last year of high school and as a result had to take many classes to catch up to the other college students. Research the colleges you are looking at. Go visit the campus. I am fortunate that I can live at home and commute to school. That is what I like. It may not be right for everyone but I enjoy my family life. I am putting myself through college with financial aide and working 20 hours week. I attended a technical school my first two years and did not mingle too much, at the university I have meet and made alot of friends of all ages. Be yourself and enjoy these days, they will go by fast.

Kristie

Visit more than one college. Never settle for anything that doesn't seem best fit for you! Start loking for colleges while in 11th grade or earlier. Starting earlier will help give you a better idea on what you are looking for. Also, have the student do most of the financial aid paper work, and speaking. It helps them learn more about their college if they do it themselves! And if they are interested in playing a sport, have them speak to the coaches and work out whatever needs to be done. It's a growing up process that gets the student ready for college just by knowing what to do and questions that need to be asked!

Julianna

When going through the process of choosing a college I would suggest that parents find out from their children what they truely want from their college experience. As a junior in high school I was sure that I wanted to go to a small school and stay somewhat close to home. My parents really wanted me to go to a more well-known and bigger university. They also encouraged me to go wherever I had the largest scholarship. Shepherd, where I go, is a very small liberal arts college, and they origianlly offered me no scholarship. I applired to eleven schools, mostly all large schools, and was given full scholarship to three of the schools. I had my parents take me to each school, and showed them why I liked Shepherd the best. They let me choose the school I was most comfortable with, Shepherd, and two weeks before move in I was a awarded almost full scholarship based upon my GPA and SAT scores. I have been very happy and done very well at Shepherd. The people whose parents chose Shepherd for them have not done well, and have been miserable. So my advice is to just be happy.

Tamra

Choosing a college for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make together. It is very important that you consider not only the academic standing of the institution, but also the little things like the surrounding areas, and the school size. Your child should feel comfortable and be able to respond well to the area that you choose. It is also imperative that the professors at the institution are engaging and willing to help. When students feel like they have someone to help them out when help is needed they tend to perform better and be more productive. The last thing that I feel should be looked at is the campus life. College years are meant to be full of new experiences and life-long memories. A good and well varied campus life is essential to making your childs college experience a great one.

Nicholas

The advice that I would give to anyone pursuing higher education is to always follow your dreams. Too many students go into college with a "this is just the next part of my life" attitude. I believe it is important to be exposed to alll sorts of subjects before choosing a school so that you can truly find what you love. In choosing a school, other than making sure it has your desired area of study, make sure it is a location where you have always wanted to go. After all, you will be living there for four years of your life, so make sure the location will stimulate you throughout your life.

Victoria

The studensts should make their decision and not let their parents pressure them into making a decision they dont want to make.

Katie

Take time to figure out what you want in a school and visit that school and ask about these aspects. To make the most of the college experience, get involved in student actvities, both school sponsored and with friends. But, always allow yourself to complete your schoolwork.

Alex

Things always work out for the best.

Lisa

Chosing a college for many students can be a little nerve racking. No one wants to make the wrong choice and regret it later. I am one of the many students that waited to the last minute and just chose a school based on very little research. I stayed at my first college for a year and a half. While enrolled there, I gained a lot of experiences I will never forget; however, I was unhappy with my choice. My parents could see this and told me they would support me if I chose to transfer. Thankfully, I was able to transfer to a school that I have fallen in love with. I have learned through this experience that students shoud research their college options and even visit the college numerous times before making their choice. When in college, try to get involved in orginizations and sports that you care about. There is always something for everyone if you just take the time to look. Cherish every moment of college, because one day you will look back on it and smile. Parents just support your child in whatever descion they make after all college is a time of growing up.

Lisa

Finding the right school is important for both parents and students. At Shepherd University I have experienced a warm, welcoming transition from being at home with my family to being on my own at college. The staff, facutly, students, and people of Shepherdstown are very outgoing, kind, and helpful. This is important for the students to have in a time when so many changes are being made. It is also important for the parents to feel good about where their children will be. Shepherd University has a very strong police unit who monitor the campus and surrounding town at all hours of the day. They are also very considerate and will give people rides if they are walking from their car to dorm room late at night. I have learned so much at Shepherd and will certainly stay for my graduate studies. The faculty do everything they can to make sure the students understand what they are teaching. They also geniunely care about the students needs in life and are always available to help and share advice.

Katie

It's important to choose a place that will make you happy, definitely visit the schools you're interested in and get a feel for the area and the type of life you will have there. Walk around the campus and drive around the surrounding area as well. It's also helpful to talk to current students about their experience at the school and how satisfied they are. Also, once you are a student, don't be afraid to get involved! College is the best place to discover who you truly are, and they normally offer all kinds of extra-curricular activities, so join clubs and explore all your interests. Professors are normally very helpful so if you're ever having trouble with a class, ask them for help, and explore any tutorial services your school offers. You can also form study groups with other students in your class because its a good way to study and make friends at the same time. Most importantly, while it's important to have fun, don't get so caught up in your social life that you forget that your primary goal is your education.

Stephanie

Find a place that suits you, not your friends. Different People thrive in different environments, sometimes smaller schools are better. And dont settle on your first choice or major even, it takes a while to get into the groove of things. Keep your options open!

Jason

I'm going to keep this short. Parents let your kids go, they are adults. Future students, let go and be yourself make these few years the most unforgetable fun with the proper balance between academics and fun.

Katelyn

Look into many different colleges. Check into the requirements for the actual program you wish to enroll in.

Trina

When looking for a college the best advice I can give to both parents and students is to look at all your options. I found out about Shepherd University by completing a college search on collegeboard.edu. The survey asked a variety of questions in reference to my likes and dislikes, as well as my expectations and standards for my education. I had never heard of Shepherd until that day and I am so glad I did. Also, dont be afraid to visit every college that even slightly captures your interest. Being there is alot different then seeing what a campus has to offer just on online. I fell in love with Shepherdstown the moment I entered it and it puts a smile on my face just to walk outside every morning to such a beautiful world.

Amanda

I would tell students looking for a College to not judge a college by the way it looks on the outside or by its location. Also, I suggest to not be afraid to talk to people and meet new people because 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the people you meet are probably awesome. College is the most fun you will have in your adolescent years so don't hold anything back because you will regret it. But most of all, I think everyone should be themselves because you make the best of friends when you're comfortable in your surroundings, and environment, but mostly when you're comfortable with the people around you. Surround yourself with happiness and you will be set.

Kevin

Visit different colleges to experience the social and academic life at that institution. Have a general idea of what field of study you want to pursue while attending college.

Misty

Think about yourself. Don't worry about what your parents will want or what will be closest to home, just think about going somewhere that you can sufficiently get classes and jobs that coincide with your major, and somewhere that you can have a good time with friends. If your school is not near anything fun, you're not going to have a fun time going there.