Springfield College Top Questions

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

Stuart

I would be more involved in high school and realize everyone has a story. I felt that in high school, I was very quick to judge, but no having a year of college under my belt, I have to realize everyone comes from somewhere and everyone is here for a reason. My worst day might be someones best day.

Candice

Although you probably think taking a break in between you bachelor degree and your Master's degree is something you "deserve", it is so much harder to go back to school after stopping than you would think. I guess you don't anticipate circumstances that occur. It may sound cliche, but "life happens" and school may not be a priority anymore. The economy changes and there is more competition for what jobs there are out there. Get you education done early and market yourself. Get in the field you are interested in and then you can retire early. Don't put it off because you will regret it later.

tonia

I would not have waited to attend college so late... however I believe that it is better late than never to continue your education!

Jessica

If I could go back in time to talk to myself senior year in high school, I would give much words of encouragement. I will tell myself to keep up the great work, because I realized once I got to college I never gave myself enough credit. I’ve always known I had the potential and thrive to succeed, so I always pushed myself to keep doing better. When I would struggle on a project or in a certain class, I never gave up. I picked myself up and kept going. If I would go back in time I would tell myself to still do the same thing, but to stop and acknowledge all the greatness I have already achieved, smile, pat myself on the back, and then get up and try again. In high school I was so hard on myself, instead of looking at all of my accomplishments and acknowledging them, I looked them over like they didn't mean anything. I will tell myself from senior year when transitioning into college, admiring your accomplishments especially something you struggled with and work hard on is nothing to look down upon. Acknowledging your achievements is something everyone should do.

Haley

I would tell myself that there is no need to be nervous about making the transition from high school to college. Springfield did a great job of making new students feel welcome and comfortable and it was very easy to make friends once I got there. The work load is tougher so I would of told myself to study over multiple days instead of trying to cram everything in the night before. I would also tell myself that college is nothing like high school and there is no pressure to fit in or do anything that you do not want to do. There are so many opportunities to get yourself recognized by teachers and peers if you try your hardest in everything you do and it will not go unnoticed so try your best at everything.

Abigail

The biggest advice I would give to myself, being a student who would do well in school but only do enough to do well (I didn't go above and beyond), would be to take the risk of AP or college level classes in high school that fit in a subject you are interested in. If you do well in the class you can get college credit and save yourself a lot of time and money when you get to college. Additionally, even if you don't do as well as you hoped in the class, when you take it again in college you have a solid background of the information that is covered in the class. College level courses can be difficult and having previous exposure is a huge help for when you get to college, you will find yourself a step ahead and the feeling takes the stress off!

Chukwuka

College is not as difficult as people make it sound if you manage your time wisely. lot's of people go into college with the idea of how much partying they will be attending and how much fun they will be having. My advice is why take out 20-40 thousands of loan just to party for a year? If the main reason of wanting to attend college is to party, why not stay home and party. College is a expensive party to attend if that’s the main reason you want to attend college for. The biggest advice I would give myself or anybody I know is work really hard Monday thru Friday on your studies, then you can have all the fun you wish to have during the weekend. Last, try attend all your lectures. Do not miss a class unless it’s something really serious because once you start falling behind it is hard to catch up with missed assignments, lectures and labs. In Conclusion, the main three points are work really hard Monday thru Friday in you studies, so you have the weekend to have fun and do not skip classes because you are been lazy.

Virginia

Dear Paige (self), Knowing how difficult my college classes have become, I would have taken some business and more advanced math classes during high school. High School was so easy as compared to College and I could have accelerated my learning while in pre-college and used the free tutors and attentive teachers to help me learn advanced level information and form much better study habits.

Victoria

If I had the chance to go back and live my senior year again I would take the time to really learn the material in each of my classes rather than just studying the notes to do well on the tests. Most of the classes I took in my senior year are very similar to the courses I will be taking throughout college. I would also tell myself to just relax a little more about the college choice, I was constantly stressing over which school to choose and what major to enroll in but the stress only made it more difficult. The best thing to do is get real life experience. Visit as many colleges as possible and take opportunities for internships in different fields. Theses experiences will help tremendously with the life changing decisions. Finally I would remind myself not to procrastinate, the sooner you get things done the less you have to face at the same time.

Jennifer

I have never allowed myself to have regrets in life, and I still do not have any. My transition went smoothly from high school to college because I was definitely ready to make that change. If I did go back though, I would tell myself that this an experience to take full advantage of, always try your hardest, stressing out is not worth it, and to have the best time as you possibly can!

Briana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have a lot to say. I gained a lot of knowledge about college life and making the transition during my freshman year of college. I would tell my high school self that staying focused on school is the most important thing to do. There isn't any time for messing around or playing games. I would also tell my high school self to stay away from peer pressure, drugs, and alcohol in high school so that those bad habits don't carry over to college. I'd tell my high school self to get involved in activities, such as clubs and sports, to make my college application look better. I would also tell my high school self to volunteer in a field that my major is in, so that I can get experience and know beforehand what I'm getting myself into when it comes to college. That is the advice I would give my high school self and I believe I would be a lot more prepared if I had known this information.

Jennifer

The transition from high school to college is a great step that I think no one can truely prepare for without just experiencing for themselves. Socially and acedemically college is so different, but I feel it is with in yourself in which you either make the transition an easy or a hard one. Personally, I was ready to move onto college, and although I was nervous and did not know what to expect, I would not change a thing about how I went into the situation. Experience different chapters is an important part of one's life, and I believe that everyone needs to go through those unexpected life choices and take chances at least once in their life. College is a chapter in my life I will never forget or regret; if I was to talk to my high-school-senior self, I would keep my experiences secret. Adventuring through life without negative expectations is exciting and I would not change my decisions for the world.

Kathryn

Take school seriously. Study hard and take the time to fully understand the material. Do not be afraid to ask for help with school work or whatever else you may need help with. Get yourself out there and take chances. Join clubs, be a leader, and stand out. Be open to new experiences and do not shy away from the unknown. Be loyal and honest. Be a good friend. Be proud of your accomplishments. Learn from your mistakes. You only get four years so make sure you make them count! And of course, GOOD LUCK!

Alyssa

Prepare for college as early as possible. Get all applications, financial aid, and any other paperwork done on time. Don't procrastinate. The more you put it off, the more you're hurting yourself. Sit down early with your parents and discuss all your options. Make sure you are all on the same page, have a realistic plan, and are working together. Do your research, especially with financial aid. Grants and scholarships are the way to go, and loans should be the last option. You want to enjoy college without going into thousands of dollars in debt. You don't want any problems to arise because of poor planning. It's important to pay bills on time in college, and it gets serious if you don't. Overall, prepare and plan early!!!

nicole

Never second guess yourself. Always go with your gut instinct and just stick with it. Life is too short to look back and wish you did what you wanted. Go for your dreams and never settle.

Maisha

Although it is very challenging, I feel as if I have gotten a lot out of college. I was able to start fresh and make new friends, meet new people, and engage in positive activities that I wasn't able to experience in high school. I also feel as if I have grown academically because I managed to achieve a 3.8 grade point average my first semester, which was my goal. I also feel I have grown academically because I am learning more about the field I want to go into and applying it to real world situations. I also feel as if I benefited through attending college because I was able to network and meet a lot of meaningful adults, who I now use as resources. I also learned that college isn't all fun and games, as many people mistake it to be. I study a lot, and party a little, and I have learned to manage my time extremely well so I can be academically and socially successful. College has definitely made me a better person and I look forward to the person I will be after graduating and obtaining my degree.

Danielle

Springfield College has been not only educational, but life changing as well. I've grown tremendously as a person, even in the few short months I've spent here. When my father passed away in 2004, I didn't think I would ever have a relationship with my mother. Thanks to Springfield College, I'm closer to her than I've ever been. Springfield has given me the motivation to pay it forward in the world and to start now. What better time to make a difference than right now. I'm young, I have connections and resources, I have energy, and most importantly I have the greatest support system. Springfield College has inspired me to make a goal for myself to accomplish within the four years I'll study here- to create and run an inner city teen drop in center in inner city Springfield. But my service won't stop there. I made a promise to myself after seeing the Freedom Writers speak- I will be the change I want to see in this world and I'll use every moment I have to make that happen. No moment is too small to make a difference.

Courtney

I have gained friends who will last a lifetime, and an education that is preparing me to excel into my career path. I have been introduced to a variety of new people, and ideas that have led me to become a better, more well-rounded individual. I feel college is valuable because you are forced to learn how to balance your life. With so many decisions to make, you quickly determine your priorities, and they type of person you will be. This is very important for your future. As you age and mature, you have more and more responsibilities to take control of, and college is a chance to gain some experience in juggling multiple things at one.

Deron

I have gotten a great deal out of my college experience. Making the transition from a small high school in the ghetto to a private college in another state was never easy for me. It was like someone picked me up and threw me in another country where they spoke a different language. I was forced to adapt because everything was so new to me. I was a baby again. In my high school the majority of the kids where Black with some Hispanics students as well. When I started college the majority was now Caucasian. Intially I felt a l ittle uneasy and more than often intimidated just walking around on campus. But as I started to make friends I began to feel more comfortable. I no longer had cold feet, and I started to branch out and meet new people. Turns out I had more things in common with my new friends than I thought I ever would. Just completed the fall semester of my sophomore year and I bonded with more people than I did before I started college. Looking back at where I came from, attending Springfield College so far has been an utmost experience.

Kerry

While attending college has been important to me academically and professionally, I feel it has been most valuable in helping me grow as an individual. Going away to school I was no longer living under my parents supervision and this allowed me to explore who I am as an individual. I also was able to meet new people from more diverse backgrounds than myself. Talking to them has helped me grow as an individual. Lastly, the responsiblities that I took on by attending college have helped me to change and mature the most. I was forced to become more independent and self-reliant. These changes have helped to prepare me for life after college. I have a few more years of college left in which I hope I will grow even more as a student and individual.

Philip

It has provided me with a great ongoing learning experience. Also, I was able to make great friends and mature as an individual. I feel as though I will be strongly prepared for my future career as an athletic trainer.

Amanda

As a high school senior I was scared to go to college far from home. I was considering going to school only 30 miles from home. If I could go back in time and give myself some advice before heading off to college, I would probably tell myself to not worry about what I am leaving behind because it will still be there when I come back. I would also tell myself that I shouldn't even worry about leaving anyone behind because I am going to meet even more amazing people at school. I was pretty worried about the work load and I was really worried about making the soccer team in college. I would definitely let myself know that the work load isn't anything that I can't handle and that soccer will take a lot of patience, but I will make the team. I would also encourage myself to get involved in sports and clubs. They are a wonderful way to meet people and to get involved in the campus scene. I feel that I have learned so much since I have been here and it is truly a blessing that I chose Springfield College.

Eileen

If I could go back to senior year with the knowledge I have now things would be very different. Instead of goofing off because it was senior year and barely making the grades I would concentrated more. It is difficult going to college when you have to take remedial classes because you didnt pay enough attention in high school. It is costly and it doesnt count toward your degree. I would take the same advice I give my boys. Study hard because eventually it would pay off. The economy is in a fragile state and if you think your going to just find a great job with minimal education, you are wrong! A college education is very important and puts you in the competitive market.

Amber

A Letter to Myself: Research every college you think you are interested in. This is important! You will meet so many people and have numerous experiences that impact your life at college, more than any other stage in your life! Make a list of everything you could possibly want in a college and next to it write down everything you like about yourself, key points in your personality which you really stress, and things about yourself that you would love to express but maybe haven't had the opportunity to up until this point in life. Use this list to find the perfect campus and community for yourself. Remember: you are the most important person in this life-altering decision! Once you have decided which college/university is for you, "go into it" with a positive attitude and open up to people. Join clubs you think look interesting, be a volunteer, try out for athletics and attend events. You will meet people and stay active! I truly believe that college contains the best years of life! An enormous part of that belief reflects on the people I have met and the friends I have made: my lifetime friends/future bridesmaids!

Emily

The first thing I would tell high school senior me is to save more money. As a young person and living with your guardian, you don?t understand how much everything costs until you enter college. You are really truly a poor college student, so definitely work hard during the summer and save as much money as possible. I would also tell myself as a high school senior to volunteer more. Volunteering is not only great for the community, but it teaches you amazing values. You learn to be independent, grateful, and more responsible. Give as much back to the community as possible, because you are extremely lucky to be attending college. The final bit of information I would give myself would to be to expand my horizons. In high school, you only know really what is at home and in your high school. You are in a little enclave; however in college you are surrounded by a diverse group of people. By branching out, try new things, and meeting new people, you are able to prepare yourself for the ?real? world. There is way more than your enclave and nothing should hold you back from discovering the world.

Vanessa

I would tell myself that I need to stay disciplined and know how to manage my time. There is so much free time that I have on my hands and I need to be disciplined to do my work on time first then do all the fun stuff after my work is done. I would need to be discplined to not get distracted with wanting to hang out or the internet. I would also push myself to search for more scholarships because there is nothing better then free money and all I have to do is fill out questions and or write essays.

Michelle

The advice I would give my self would be as my college advisor has told me "grow up" High school to me was some sort of a joke and really killed my chance of getting into my dream school UMASS Amherst, it devastated me and made me realize what I should of done to get noticed; I know everyone say's the same line but it's the straight truth! Taking all art classes my senior year did not help what so ever, it made me seem like a slacker thinking hey it's my senior year I deserve some fun but that was the fantasy I was living in. I regret the lies I had to tell my mother just so she would get off my case but realized some day college wasn't going to be so easy as high school and needed to really "grow up."

Kevin

If i could go back in time and tell myself what i know now, the first thing I would tell myself is to work hard and the work that is done will pay itself off.

William

I would tell myself to learn how to manage my time and priorities. When you?re in college you have to be responsible for you and your actions. So it is always good to get to know your professors so they know who you are. This shows them that you are willing to put the effort in to see them so they will put the effort in to help you. Also, get involved in on campus activities because, it will help you expand your outlook in many aspects of your life. There are many opportunities that will be presented and you just have take advantage of them. The more you involve yourself the more opportunities will come your way. College is an everyday learning experience that comes with many challenges, but this are the challenges that will prepare you for life. These things will help you have a better college experience over the next four years.

Lauren

I was in the bleachers, wathcing myself receive my diploma. There I was in a white gown and a toothy smile. I even watched myself with a smile on my face, because I knew what the next year would have in store for me. As they ceremony was coming to the end, I pulled myself aside. -- "Lauren, don't be afraid to ask others for help, you will need it." "But I have always asked others for help, and I will be fine. I have done well here, and will continue to do well in my future. " --"College is a new time. You see yourself differently, others differently and your preception on education and relationships will change." " Whatever. I don't even know who you are..." I know this is how I would have reacted, but I wish I would have taken advice from others. The transition from high school to college was a very difficult one, that was filled with many tears. When I decided to listen to the advice from others is when I went to the counseling center and got the help that I need to make my transition just a little bit easier.

Alexis

Apply to as many scholarships now as possible! You do not want to have to work alot in order to pay for school. Rather, you want to focus most of your time on studying and learning because in the end, all that matters is your grades. There are many long nights of studying ahead and your journey is just beginning. However, it will all be worth it.

Chelsea

Finding the right college is like finding a new home. It's somewhere you're going to spend a lot of time, and it has to be somewhere you know you can be yourself. You don't always needto know what you want to be when you first start your education there. Eventually, you will discover what it is that you want to do. When looking for a college, don't always go with what others tell you. Do your own research. Visit the campus, talk to the professors you will be interacting with, think of what extra-curricular activities you would like to get involved with. Don't make a sports team a complete deciding factor, but if it matters to you, look into it. Look at the cost. Will you be able to make it work? Will you take it for what it's worth and get everything you can out of your education? Look into where the campus is. Are you interested in the perks of the city or the peace of the country? Does the school have a good alumni association and are jobs available upon graduation? Take your time in searching, it is worth it.

Amanda

Go with your gut, yes it's a big choice, but if you feel a school is right then it probably is. Don't let what others may think or say get in the way of your dreams. It's your life and college is the first chance for you to really figure out who you are and what your future holds. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because you will make them. Call you parents because you will miss them, and they will miss you more, so call them. Make your freshman year count, because it really sets you up for the rest of your college career. Make friends, and when you do, they will turn into your family. Live your life, order out, stay up talking about everything and anything but remember you're paying for an education, so do your homework and go to class. Don't wait to the last minute and you will succeed.

Alison

I would tell parents and students that finding the right college is all about finding the right fit for the student. I would tell parents to help guide their children when making their decision, but not to make the decision for them, as it is their child's experience. I would tell students to look for things that they like about the school that makes them feel comfortable and at home as well as to ask as many questions on campus visits as possible and don't just let their parents do the talking. Students should GET INVOLVED and this will aid in making the most of the college experience.

Bethany

Finding the right college for everyone is different. The best advice I can give to a student is to make sure you really look into a lot of schools you are interested in and know a lot about each school. Visiting your selected schools is one of the most important things because once you are there you will immediately know which school feels right especially for you. Once you have chosen your school, you really have to make the most of your college experience. This is going to be one of the best times of your life and you only have one shot at it, so doing your best and giving it your all is extremely important. I believe you can make the most of your college experience by getting involved. Make friends, join clubs, go to sports events, and volunteer in your surrounding community. Becoming a part of your campus and making your mark is key to having the best college experience. However, you are there to get a great career and education, so focusing on your school work and classes needs to be your main priority. First do your work, and then it is time for play.

Billy

I would encourage parents to take an active involvement in their child's college application process. Make sure that your child has the opportunity to visit each campus of interest, and really get the experience they need in order to make a strong decision of where to attend. I would encourage students to not fall victim to "senioritis." Make sure that you stay on top of your academics because senior year counts!

Christina

Take your time and explore different types of colleges.

Samantha

The best advice that I could give to a prospective college student it to listen to their hearts. There is nothing worse than being stuck at a second rate school because your parents think that it is the smart choice for you. Go where you feel a strong sense of pride. Go where you think that you will fit in best, and where you can expand your mind. I suggest picking a college in which you can get involved in extra-curricular activities and you can broaden your horizans. Personally, I picked a school where I felt like the administration cares about me, and wants me to be there. It was the best choice that I could hae made. Financially it worked for me, but that was not the main reason for my going there. My main reason for attending Springfield College was the atmosphere. I feel like these people I am going to school with really look out for me, and I will be friends with them for life. The faculty are amazing as well; they are always looking out for students and making sure that we get the best education possible.

Steven

The best things to keep in mind when considering a college are size of the school and atmosphere of the college. It is a usefull tip to compare your high school size to the college you are thinking of attending. If you are confertable in a large classroom setting with little personal attention, then a large school is for you. Obviously if you do well with more attention from the instructor, then a small college is a better choice. Also the atmosphere of the school is important. When visiting schools make sure you get oppurtunities to talk to students and ask them what the majority of the students are interested in. Focuz on the arts, politics, sports or academics mayb help individuals fit in socially and acedemically to certain colleges. For many students, being a student athlete is how they identify themselves, and finding an atmosphere that contains many similair peers helps social and acedemic success.

Matthew

The right college is something that you personally need to feel. So do research on different schools in high school and remember the cost of the school as well as the education it offers. You do not want to go through college constantll thinking about the cost and debt you will have while attending college so pick something that is in a respectable price range. And also select a school that will offer the best education to you in the four or more years your there. DONT just go to a school because your friends or girl/boyfriend is going there. Do research!!

Daniella

Finding the right college is like finding a partner. You are scared at first trying to determine and anrrow down what specifically are your interests, and where you see yourself in a few years. It will be a crazy fours years of your life, with sadness, laughter, anger, confusion, joy, stupidity, and wisdom stemming from it. However, no one knows what is best for you to choose except yourself. Finding the right college takes a bit of soul searching. You go into college have a certain perception of your self and four years later you're a completely different you, for the better. It's a scary committment, but once you step foot onto that campus you are at peace, because you know this is where you belong.

Jillian

To have the best possible college exprience someone should focus on their goals and what they want out of life day to day, and in the future. The college search process is difficult but thinking about what you are going to leave with once graduated is especially important because of the investments of time and money. Being open to change and differences is also crucial in that personal growth should be a large point in your education, career, relationships, and other aspects of life.

Olufunmilayo

Make sure you find the right size college for you and try new things in college because it's the most fun you'll ever have. You meet friends for life at college as well.

Gina

I would advise students to determine why he or she wants to attend college. It is important to know what your goals are. Even if you aren't sure what your major is, choose a college that offer courses helpful for determining a major. Look at what interests you, whether it be sports, extracurricular activities, or facilities, and determine your college of interest based on what is important to you. Also, find a school that will make you happy. Your college years are the best years of your life. Focus on your studies, but also be sure to balance school work and your social life. It is your job to attend class, study for exams, and write papers. At times you will feel overwhelmed with classes, sports or whatever personal or academic issues you are having. The most important factors are to have fun and work to your fullest potential.

William

To the students I would suggest not only looking at how freshmen life is but also to look down the line towards your junior and senior years. Make sure to go over your possible major's and make sure the school has what you would like. The outside community will also play a huge role in your comfort at school. So if your not comfortable with the surrounding environment then you may not be comfortable at school for long. To the parents always make sure your child will be financially sound so they can stay comfortable at school and not have to constantly worry about what they are going to have to do for money.

Daniel

After attending two other institutions and not being very happy with these decisions, I have come to realize that my parents are a great part of my life and decision making. I only regret not going to my first choice school, which would have been a stretch financially, and not to where my parents wanted me to go, which was not the right fit and I knew it. I now have transferred into Springfield College and majoring in the Physician Assistant Program which I am totally dedicated to and focused at! After working two summers in the recovery room in the hospital, I know what I want and am striving to accomplish my goal of graduating from Springfield College with a Masters in Health Science /Physician Assistant. I know it will be hard work but nothing comes easy in life and I know my hard work will pay offf.

Gregory

A college degree has become extremely important for one to obtain over the past decade. With a record high 3.3 million high schoool students graduating in 2007, and the unstable economy parents and students have to look at every aspect when determining the right school. First, students and parents should decide on a school based upon the enviornment. Students today should visit the school before making a choice on where to go. The campus, surrounding area, facilities, and other areas of importance to the family should live up to the cost of tuition. students searching for the right school should also make their decision based upon a desired major due to the ever increasing number of college applicants. Everyone knows college is not cheap, and the cost of tuition is only going to increase year by year. Parents and students really need to sit down and research in full the best schools for the best price. This does not mean one must choose a less expensive school, but make sure one is getting the best college experince with the money spent.

Nenia

Finding the perfect college is all about that gut feeling you get when you walk onto campus. If it doesnt feel right, it isnt. You cant make your self like a school just because a friend is going there or a family member went there in the past. When you walk onto the campus thats right for you, you know. You feel like you belong, even though your just on the tour. You have to trust your gut and your heart. Remember your looking for the place where your going to be spending almost all your time for the next four years. It should be perfect for you, everything you've ever dreamed about. Dont settle for a school your unsure about just because you dont want to visit any other schools. Go on hundreds of visits if you have to, just follow your gut. When its perfect, you'll know.

Rachel

I would tell them to make sure they go see the campus first and meet with students and see if the campus actually fits them when they go visit. Do not wait until the actual semester before seeing if the school fits them.

Travis

I would tell the students that in picking the right college you will just know. The feeling you get when u go to that special college is unbelievable. The unexplainable comfort that comes over you will tell you what college is right for you. When you get to college do not be shy. Go out and meet new people. Everyone is in the same situation as you are in and are looking for someone to talk to. Be that person and introduce yourself. Enjoy yourself in college but remember that school is more important than parties. Study, pass, and have a great future.