St Andrews University Top Questions

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

Emily

If I could go back in time to my high school senior self, I'd warn myself that it's a bumpy road ahead. Times are going to be tough, unfair, wrong, demanding, stupid (but there will be some good times). I'd want to prepare myself with a few experiences, and hope that I'd be able to knock some sense into myself, (if not then explain that it will be okay and I will grow and learn from the experience). I'd tell myself to stay true to who I am and not to change for anyone.

Amy

I would tell myself to really rethink my views on school and to just get with it and let myself know of all the positive outcomes that could have been accomplished a lot sooner in life than waiting till it became mandatory to have a degree in order to get a decent job and not be the screw up I turned out to be, which makes it very hard to turn your life around but it can be done.

Shannesse

Have you ever wish you can go back time and talk to your yourself as a high school senior? I do. I would go back in tell her to not worry and be free. Life will go as course if you just believe and be positive about life instead of always being negative. In you will have a wonderful fiance at age 21 who would buy you your first car; Your family would be a very big impact on your life. Its not only because you would work hard with five hours in between school and work, Its only because you would be the first in your family to graduate college and be extremely successful. College wouldn't be so scary and difficult at all if you stay focus and on track with your school work. Please stop being shy and make trustworthy friends who you can trust. Do you remember that Math class that you had nightmares about once you started college you will fail is really no big deal. Make sure you do all your homework and projects on time and don't forget to stay focus and wear your glasses because you will need them.

Ahmad Waleed

I always advice to myself that I should be an engineer in construction field to help our poor people and also help myself in future and this faculty is very reasonable for me and I must study hard and I want to study this fcaulty in foriegn country because in our country afghanistan there not good universities and there is not chance for me to go there because I am a poor person and I can't pay much more money and I will wait untill I get a good scholarship but I believe on God that he will help me soon. Thanks Ahmad Waleed Jalali

Sarah

In high school I was always set on becoming a Veterinarian. As I became older I changed my mind multiple times; so when I graduated I was unsure of where I wanted to go. I attended a community college for a year so I could find myself. Finally, when I visited St. Andrews University I knew it was where I wanted to be. I could pursue my love for horses and art; and be in a comfortable, diverse environment. If I could go back I would tell myself to explore more options rather than focusing on one decision . I don’t feel like I wasted any time at community college, but I wish I would have found St. Andrews earlier while I was in high school. I would also advise myself to become more prepared for college by saving money. Community college was a cheap fall back so I could save money for university. If I would have started saving earlier I could have started my journey earlier. I have no regrets and I believe that things happen for a reason. My choices over the years have walked me into an optimistic future.

Stacy

Start early to learn time management. My Mom always told me this and she was right. No matter what your workload, as long as you don't get behind and plan your time properly, you will always have time to finish your work, take a nap and have fun. It's all in the planning process. I tried very hard freshman year to stay on top of assignments and it worked! Thanks Mom!

Brittany

My greatest strength is probably my ability to socialize with different types of people. This trait would greatly help me be a great student at St. Andrews University. Being able to interact with people, I believe, is top priority for college and classroom interaction. I’m very down to earth; however, I know when I would have to take charge and stop being “nice” when the time is needed. I believe I have great time management skills. I deal with sports and academics well. I only save things for last minute when I know I can complete it with ease. Usually, I try to do my school work a few days before it’s due so I have less stress and more free time. Time management is a very important skill that should be considered in your transition to college.

Federica

Knowing what I know now about college I would tell myself to visit more schools and when I do visit I should sit in on classes and talk to proffessors about their expectations and guidelines. I would advise myself to talk to the director of my major to see what type of jobs I can get with my major and degree from St. Andrews. I would ask students to be truthful and tell me what really goes on on campus. I would tell myself that when choosing friends don't compromise yourself and be true to yourself and you will find true friends that will complement you not bring you down. I would tell myself to behave the same way I did in high school repectful, funny, and hardworking. I will tell myself not to compromise when choosing a school. I have to be ok with the majority of the school before I commit and lastly I will tell myself to let loose some time and enjoy the college experience in moderation ofcourse.

Hrisoula

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the big transition I would tell myself a lot of advice If i were able to go back in time. First I would tell myself that work whether its in the classroom or on the court comes before anything because that is the main thing I am going to school for. Hardwork definetly pays off in the long run and it also brings out yourtrue character. This is something I failed to understand until I was done with my first year of college. I would also tell myself to know who to trust and who has your back as a friend and who will not. When you are in college you lack the presence of your family so it is essential to pick friends wisely because you will never know who will be there for you when things get rough.

Kirsten

Alright Kirsten, this is what you need to do so you are more prepared for college. You need to take a Spanish class instead of French, it will definitely help you out in the long run. Secondly, when Dad sends you all of those scholarship opportunities, fill more of them out, this way you can help out not just Mom and Dad but yourself when you wan to bring down your horse. Also, flash cards will be your best friend, start making them now. When you take Microeconomis your first semester MAKE FLASHCARDS! It will help you out in the long run I promise. Be prepared to have to try new things, making friends is always key. I promise though, you will find a few who are really close to you by the second semester. Be active, join more groups, and riding all summer is going to benefit you in the long run. C4 is something you really want to do, so do it. Don't be afraid of doing new things, it will help you figure out not just yourself but what you want to do. Oh, and like always study! Do that and you will be set.

Alanna

Listen up, I know you have had a hard time lately with moving schools but everything will get better in time. You will be in college soon and let me tell you, it is going to be an awesome time but there are some things you need to know before you jump in. St. Andrews is a great place full of great people so don't be scared, show them your true colors and let your true self shine through. You and your roommate may have some problems along the way but let it go and everything will turn out for the best. You are going to make many new friends and get some great opportunities that you have never gotten before so be confidant in yourself. But, don't get too sidetracked, this is school afterall and you need to keep your grades up. Oh yeah, just one more thing, you are going to meet an amazing guy that is going to steal your heart and take you on adventures that you have never imagined before, so let your heart soar and show him the girl that you are on the inside because being yourself is all that matters.

Laura

If I could go back in time where I was a high school senior I would tell myself to be more invested in my schoolwork. I've realized that if you're more invested in what you're learning you will have better grades. I would tell myself that I should choose friends who are invested also in their school work so that I don't fall behind. Falling behind in school work leads an incompletion of works that leads to not making good grades. As a college student looking back into my high school days I feel as though I wish I prepared myself more educational wise. I have realized that I should have focused more on reading and writing because that plays an enormous role in college. I have proud though to say now I am much better and ready to succeed.

Kristen

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to just relax and everything would be okay. The transition is a hard to get use to especially if you choose a college far from home, but once you learn to manage your time appropriately it gets easier. I would also tell myself that I need to focus on the future and set goals for myself, both short term and long term. The long term needs to be graduating knowing that you put everything you had into school to do your best and then some. Short term should be to get through each day succesfully and come out with something positive at the end of each day because if you don't then you will burn yourself out too quickly. Also don't stress so much about things. Just do your best and try as hard as you can and college will be hard, but with determination and goals any one can do it.

Jeffrey

Get ready to see a whole new world, and be prepared to experience a lifestyle that is extremely different without parental consent and constant advice. The life of a college student, at least a successful one, depends on being able to manage your time effectively. Meaning that you must be able to balance out school work with being social, remebering that you came to college not to make friends but to gain an education, even though it is almost guaranteed that you willl make new friends because of the length of time you will be spending with others. Take as diverse of a range of classes as possible to make sure that you get the most out of your education. Find out what you want to do, but also think of the practicality of your major, and consider if the job market you are opening yourself up to is growing or decreasing. Have fun. College represents some of the best times of your life. There will most likely not be another time in which you are given the opportunity to learn instead of having a job. However make school your job, and make your social life relaxing and involved.

Nasra

When considering my choices for my colleges, my main and primary concern was to eliminate any negative traits holding me back from accomplishing my goals in life. I believe that St. Andrews has accomplished that. While attending this school, I feel as though I have grown to become a stronger individual. One of the greatest impacts this school has had on me is improving my work ethic. The professors continuously reminds us just how much we have on the line because of studies and because of that, this inspirres other students to work hard at achieving our goals. This is one trait that I know will be with me even after I graduate and will continue to help guide me through any obstacles that I face in my life. Attending this school will not only give you the experience of a lifetime, but wil also prepare you for what lies ahead of you in the future.

Jessica

I have deep regrets concerning my choice to attend St. Andrews on account of accademic and financial set backs. However, I do not truly regret attending St. Andrews as I met the very best people while attending. I made friends with professors, community members and fellow students that I will cherish throughout my life time. St. Andrews, for all of the school's faults, is a place where anyone is free to grow and discover themselves and is welcomed with open arms. While attending, I was not given accurate advice as pertains to my major and so I have been greatly set back in my plans for my career, but I was given excellent advice on how to live a life with value and how to be a well rounded person. Attending St. Andrews was valuable, if nothing else, for the experiences I had that taught me about myself.

Ariel

What I have gotten out of my college experience is the value of friendship as you learn more about the roommate that you didn't know at the beginning, the late-night cram sessions that you have with your teammates as you get ready for a big exam the next day, and the early morning workouts that you enjoy doing as it makes you have more life afterwards. I have not yet experienced this feeling, but as I imagine this is what it would be like. The valuable part of college is getting the education you need in order to be something in this society and learn about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Its a long process, but in the end it will be all the worth while.

Karen

As a high school senior I was looking forward to leaving home and going away to college. I was also very stressed about being accepted to colleges and then making a decision on which one to attend. Looking back now I would tell myself to relax and not stress as much. Taking Advanced Placement classes in high school has also helped me be a better student in college. I would tell myself that even though the classes are hard and you have to spend a lot of time studying it will all be worth it when you get to college. Studying and riding horses took up so much of my time that a social life took a back seat in high school. If I could go back I would tell myself that school is important but to take more time for myself and to be better at balancing fun and school because once you get to college not having an active social life is not an option. I have learned that having a balanced life is the most fulfilling, and that would have been the best thing for me to change as a high school student.

Alex

If I could go back in time and tell myself something about college life, it would be to relax and not worry so much. In high school I was so focussed on grades that I scared myself into thinking college was going to be much harder than it actually is. Now that I am actually in college, I see that choosing the right school was critical. I am a straight A student here at school and I realize it isn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I thought that I was going to need tutoring and extra help, but I realize that if I just focus and try my hardest, the professors will see it and take it into consideration. They don't need you to be a genius, they just want to see you trying and doing your best. Now that I know what to expect, I would most definitely tell myself to relax and not worry so much about failing and simply focus on doing my absolute best. In life, doing our best is really all we can do.

Sarah

First I would figure out what you want to do. Then narrow the school down to what really matters to you and your education. What do you think you'll get out of this college or that college? Make personal campus tours and have a whole bunch of questions to ask. Talk one on one with the college counslors and students and see what they have to say. Get alot of infomation from the school and ask others about what they think about the school. To make the most of the college experiance, make friends, keep in touch with your old friends. Find activities to do around campus. Work hard in your classes and if you need help, ask for it, because the teachers arn't going to know if you need help or not if you dont ask. Get to know your professors and let them get to know you. They will be there every step of the way of your education even if they dont know you. Make sure you have a social life and dont be stuck inside all day doing homework/studying. Get out and have fun and enjoy college. It only happens once for some.

Christine

While reputation and facilities of a school are important to many people they should not be the deciding factors. Identifing a college that is the right place to grow as a person requires more than just a quick tour. The student should spend a Friday and Saturday on campus so that the student can attend classes in their desired major. The best time to get an idea of the student body is to attend a meal or two with a current student and ask them about the various groups of students they see in the dinning hall and how they feel about interacting with them both inside and outside of the classroom. It would also be a wise idea to speak to some of the professors to see if you like their prospective on both the academic and social lives of students and future direction of the school. If the prospective student has trouble communicating with the school about setting up a tour, financial aid, campus life, or campus security it is a likely sign that when an issue arises in the future it will take serious effort on the student's part to take care of the problem.

Christina

First, think about what you want to get out of college. Do you want to study abroad? Do you want live in a certain part of the country? Do you want to participate in a particular sport or activity? Do you learn better in small classrooms? Would you like to live off campus? Use everything that is important to you to make your decision and do not settle. With thousands of colleges in America, there is a place for you. Once you get to college, do everything you wanted to do! As long as you keep academics a priority, don?t be afraid to try new things and take risks. Make sure these are your decisions. Don?t let anyone tell you what you do during your college years.

Jessica

When you are looking for a college to go to, one of the most important things to consider is the size. Both small and large colleges have their advantages and disadvantages. Weigh these when you are making your decision. While large schools offer more diversity, smaller colleges can offer more one-on-one attention from professors. It is easier to take the time to figure out what you want before you decide on a college than it is to transfer later.

Carrie

I would tell parents and students to choose the school that calls out to them. The ivy league schools may be nice and all, but is it what you really want? You're told to follow your dreams, whatever they may be, and that should include choosing a school. Visit as many prospective schools as you can. Talk to teachers, students, faculty, anyone that can give you a view on the school you're thinking about attending. As for college experience, it is what you make of it. As much as you may think you don't have the time to go out and meet new people, do new things, you really do. Being adventerous and open-minded while keeping up with your studies is the best way to maximize your college experience!

Holly

Going to college is a wonderful experience and a decision that should be considered carefully. As a student, you will probably spend three to five years at the school you choose with other people who have made a similar decision. When considering schools, be certain to look at class sizes and listen to what current students have to say about the faculty members. Having professors who really care about your education can make a huge difference in your success as a student. Set guidelines about what you will and will not do before starting college. It is easy to thoughtlessly compromise your values unless you first make a conscious decision not to. For example, the consumption of alcohol is very common, and underage drinking is not dealt with harshly by school adminstrators. It is up to you to decide how much your education is worth to you. It has been said that one night of heavy drinking can impair the ability to think abstractly for up to 30 days, and yet numerous students choose to drink irresponsibly. Contemplate what you want out of your education, and realize that what you are willing to put into it is just as important.

Courtney

visit campus first

Esther

It's important to find the school that fits your needs. Some people like the idea of a large school and some like the idea of a small school. Check up on the college's history and academic standing. Look at the surrounding location of the school. Make time for social experiences but do not let them take priority over your academics. Keep in touch with your family while away at school, but do not go home every weekend. The longer you are there, the sooner you will adjust to the new environment.

Madison

Choose a college that has a diverse selection of majors just incase you decide to change your major while you are there.

Melody

To make the most of your college experience, you should always contact actual students attending the university because they might be more truthful than the faculty/staff. Another idea would be getting the school to let you stay for a weekend just to see if you would be comfortable with that environment. It's hard to figure a place out just by passing through it on foot or by car. If you can stay a weekend and you feel it's a good learning environment and you are comfortable, then try it. Durring the semester if you begin to feel uncomfortable you might want to stay off campus or transfer. Also, sitting in on some classes before you enroll to see how professors teach their course will help as well. I feel that a professor can either make you or break you. I learned that the hard way. Definitely find the college that you are most interested in and ask questions to students and find out important facts about the daily life and weekend life on campus.

Jerry

I recomend the parent and the student to veisit the school once or more, ask many questions, get a fell of the class rooms, the professor and the students

Jessica

Please make sure that you investigate the college before you decide. Sit in on a class, and see what the professors are like in real classes. It is different when you come for open houses and things like that. Also, investigate many different college settings. There is something right for everyone, and it may not be the first colege you look at, but it is out there.

Andrew

I would say always research the school and make sure you make a visit if possible. Visiting a school allows you to really get a good look into what that school is about and has to offer socially, academically, athletically, and culturally.

Dani

I think when students and parents are looking at colleges you have to take many things into consideration. You have to look for the school thats going to fit your persoanl, educatinal and career goals. I think a college tour is key. You can look around on campus and see how things look. When your doing this i think its important for the student to ask a current college student about campus life. Do it when the parents arent around and get the college student to just be straight up with you about everything from the professors, to the partys on the weekend.

Samantha

My advice would be to pick a school you think is best for you. Also, don't be scared to try new things, and meet different people. Also, make sure you are prepared to pay for college or will have ways to pay for college. Never wait last minute and always keep contact with the faculty. Don't be afriad to have fun either, let loose and still keep your values. Don't be afraid to make friends. Just go out there to live, learn, and experience different things.