Stetson University Top Questions

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

Norma

There is so much to experience from the beginning to the end of the year. In college, you're halfway to independence and it feels really good to be in control of yourself. I have gotten so much out of my first year in college from the hands-on learning to the work-study experience. Attending college is valuable because it gives you a sense of accomplishment, especially since you are moving up from high school and was accepted into a university. It gives me great pride in my accomplishments and I want to continue on this road.

Rocio

As a freshmen in college, I have developed the ability to think critically and analytically, which was a radical change coming from high school. Through extensive research, I have learnt about issues occurring globally and in my community, which have inspired me to have an educated opinion and a need to make a change to make the world better. I have learnt to have civil conversations with teachers and other students, who have different perspectives on issues than mine, which have enriched my opinions and polished them thoroughly. I have come to understand the real value of education, which is power not only on the world outside but on my own life, to make informed decisions that have a personal and social meaning. College has instilled in me the incentive to become a better individual and to live a purposeful life. Overall, college has been a very positive experience with lots of potentials for the coming years.

Christopher

I have gotten an enormous amount of different things from my college experience. The ones i value the most are discipline, determination, work ethic, and commitment. I have aquired study habits that make it seem like there is no class or no subject I can not learn. It has taught me so much more about the world around me, and what i can do to make a difference. There are life lessons that I have learned in college that I could not have learned any other way. Some of those lessons have been how cruel this world can be at times. I have also gotten a knowledge base, that can help me in many different situations. The education i recieve now is essential for how fruitful my future will become. If I never began my college career and stopped right after high school I would not know half of what I know now. Going to the college is actually one of the most valuable choices I could make in my life time. I will cherish all that I have learned here, and use it the rest of my life.

Ryan

I am forever grateful for everything that Stetson gave to me, and it was bittersweet to graduate from such a memorable experience. Beginning college, I would have never expected to graduate with a degree in both Mathematics and in Religious Studies. It was this polarization of interests that only Stetson could provide to a student, like myself, that simply wanted to learn as much as possible. However, I knew I needed to make my interests more applicable and Stetson provided me with the resources to intern at the nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center. Stetson then noticed my unique interests and suggested that I study abroad at Oxford in the UK, which I gladly accepted. It was at Oxford that I finally saw what Stetson had taught me had universal value. It was at Oxford that I decided to join the rowing team, which rounded out my college career. My college experience shaped me academically, physically, and spiritually for the better, which, I believe, are the main elements of humanity. No discrete value could give justice to what college has done for me, and I can only hope that others share in the experience with me.

Jacob

i would have to say that even though i have been in college for only about a semester an half taking 4 classes and playing football, i have already learned and takin a from it. being there the first day so many different things went on and but i got all the help i needed to geet started. my first day i learned that life was about to change and i have learned how things are not always going to go as planed and how things are going to be hard in life and that i need to be ready for them and not be afriad to work hrad for anything because in the end working hard pays off most of the time

Alexandra

My college experience has provided me with a broader view of life and a greater appreciation of liberal arts and freedom of the mind to wander and ponder. I've been enriched culturally and have been exposed to different forms of thinking and different persepctives. Before attending Stetson, I was a tight-lipped and reserved student with very minimal self-assurance. Since attending college, I have become more assertive and confident and unafraid to express my opinions openly. I am much more liberal at heart as well. This is probably one of the grandest changes which could have befallen me and I am quite grateful for it.

LaTasha

My college experience has been very interesting and a very blessed oppurtunity. I am so very thankful to be attending college because no one in my family has had this chance to even get out of high school. I am now learning in school the many different things in criminal justice and even out in our world. Being a student in the criminal justice field and even just learning about people and how to help society from crime is my best interest and i love learing of more ways to protect our United States. This is a valuable experience to attend because the simple fact that i want to be a part in helping society and the world we live in. Coming from a family that struggled to even attend and finish grade school, makes me feel accomplished and the younger family members will look up to me and hopfully i will show them the right path. I could honestly use the extra help for staying in school because it has been a struggle. I promised myself that i will not give up and i will keep reaching for the stars. Hopefully later i will show youngens the same road.

Lauren

One thing i have gotten out of my college experience is that it is important to get involved in activities and clubs around campus. Not only is it fun, its a great opportunity to make connections in your field. It looks great on a resume and certain clubs could score you scholarships. It is valuable to attend college because not only will it prepare you for the "real world", but also that is where you make life long friendships and industry connections that will land you in a successful career one day. There are those lucky people who landed themselves in alot of money without going to college, but we are "everyone else". We are competing for the jobs . Having a "degree" can get you the job over someone who doesnt.

Kasey

Since starting college I have changes so much in a good way. I have grown as a person and have become more reliable and responsible. I have also learned how to fend for myself and not rely on my parents. This experience has perpared me for the "real" world and what it will be like to live on my own when I graduate. Steston University is a great college that provides the support needed to do well in school and graduate with a good degree. I owe everything to my college experience.

Hayley

I would be sure that I would tell myself that things will get rough but you will get through them. You will become friends with some people that you would never think you would be friends with. Also, i would tell myself that it will be tough to be away from home and you will miss it but you know it is the best thing for you and it will help you to grow into a better person in the end. You will be sad, you will be happy, but just know that everything will be okay and everything has a way of working out. Additionally,i would want to tell myself to keep up with studying and not think that the class is easy and that I will be fine. As long as I keep my head up things will turn out great. Just have fun and dont let the little things get you down. You will have a great time, and dont worry about money so much, there is nothing you can do to change it.. You just have to be prepared.

Rachael

If you easily breezed though high school don't expect to breeze through college. Lots of study time is required to do well and have a successful collge experience. This doesn't mean study 24/7, do give yourself time for breaks and time to hang out with and to meet new friends. Organization is a key factor to help stay on track with assignments and class schedule. Procrastination is not your friend, be sure to get ahead on assignments whenever possible. Don't be afaird to ask for help, the professors are there for you,m they want you to succeed. Homesickness will pass ad before you know it you will be deeply involved with life at campus. Don;t hold feelings inside if you are unhappy, find someone to talk to. Even if you fail it's not the end of the world. There will always be someone who is smarter then you, so don't feel bad if you are not getting the best grades possible. College is not as scary as it may seem, be sure to get envolved and enjoy it while your there.

dacey

I would say Self,This isnt going to be a walk in the park,You have listened to all your friends that have been to college and how easy it is,and all t he fun there having or had. But they dont tell you about the commitment , diciplene and devotion it takes.Then you realize that they went to school for 4 years and changed there major 10 times and they are working at taco bell. So self if you want to graduate and want to make it in this world, and i dont mean managing that taco bell he or she is working at then i would recomend that you know what it is you want from this educaton,stick with it and work hard.Because it isn't going to be easy,

Janelle

I would advise myself to go to a community or state college/university before trying to go to a private university. I could have gone full ride with everything paid for if I had gone to a community or state college; instead I went to a really expensive university which I cannot paid for by myself and thus have a ton of loans now. Due to the economy and the fact that my mother's credit is too bad for her to be a cosigner, I am currently unable to pay for my final semester of my undergraduate career and therefore, it is looking like I will be unable to finish my degree and graduate with the rest of my class this May. So, if I could do it all over again, I would go to a community or state college first.

Hilary

Do NOT pick a major yet. Picking one just for the sake of having one is not worth it, just go through an undecided/ discovery program if you are still unsure. In addition to that, just because a school is private, does not mean it is better! Bigger schools often have huge advantages in a number of areas, such as a large alumni pool and possible future connections, more extracurricular activities and clubs, and more opportunities for study abroad programs, but in the end it all comes down to what you are looking to get out of your college experience. Visit schools! Even if you think you have an idea of where you want to go, just keep browsing, why limit yourself? Really write down a list of what you are looking for before picking a school just because of its reputation or athletics. Look at where the school's alumi are now; is there a long list of success stories? Finally, college isn't all about studying, its an all around experience that only comes once. Pick a school where you will feel comfortable and where there are a number life enriching opportunities available to you. Live it up!

Kristine

If I were to go back in time to when I was a senior I would not give myself any advice whatsoever. In high school I made good grades but I was not involved in any clubs and am no longer in contact with any of my former classmates. Upon entering college I made a promise to myself to change. As of now I am on the school dance team, the secretary of HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Latin Awareness) and am an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, international pre-law fraternity. I also work in Media Services a branch of IT dedicated to helping students with technical issues. I made a complete turn around because I promised myself college would not be a repeat of high school. I have made so many lifelong friends and have had the most wonderful experiences because of my aspirations to become a better individual in society.

Ashli

I would tell myself to take more diverse classes and not be too stressed out about what my major was going to be. I would also advice myself to think about double majoring, instead of focusing on just one major.

Irma

Make sure to apply for Bright Futures, and any other scholarships for college. Know that you may have to apply for loans, and you can pay them back six months after you graduate. Get a Summer Job so that you have funs for college necessities ready. Always keep a 3.2GPA or higher so that you will always be eligible for Government grants and scholarships. Always do alot of community service to receive eligability for most scholarships that requier Community service hours. Always work very hard, smart, and diligent in school so that you go very far in you profession.

Felicia

If I knew what I know now about college, I would definitely tell myself to take it more seriously. I would make sure to tell myself that this is not high school anymore, I have to learn to study harder and make better grades. I would also inform myself of the many people there are to meet in college, there are many different personalities to learn to get along with so it is good to be open to new things.

nicholas

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Samantha

Some advice for college would be to study. In high school i never needed to study for anything, and now I have to study all the time. My freshman year I was not ready for that, and i tended to goof off. This year I know I need to study, so I study everyday. Get use to it, to do well at this school you need to study all the time. Also if you need help, go to the teachers. They will do anything to help you bring your grade up. They want to see you succeed as much as you want to succeed. My freshman year I was afraid of going to the teachers and asking for help. This year I went to two different teachers for advice on how to get my grades up, and they set me up with a great tutor and they also helped me out themselves. Some even offered a different type of test for me to take because I have trouble with multiple choice. To sum it up, don't be afraid to go to the teachers for help, remember to study, and just relax and have fun!

Charles

To really take advantage of the skills that you learned in high school, such as the study skills. Also to make sure that you find a perefect balance between your work and social life in the first month of college. To start to become independent in your own decisions, both academic and social. Also to embrace the tentativeness of going away for school as a learning process. Finally, to absorb every piece of information that your proffesor says because they truely know everything about the subjects they are teaching.

Sophia

As an advanceplacement student in high school, I took more than eight advanceplacement courses. I assumed that the transition from Highschool to College would be relativly easy, and so I didn't apply my self as much as I should have my first semester. I thought that beacause of the courses that I had taken I would have an advantage over the other students. But, students that go to college aren't laid back or lazy, when in high school they where just as determined as i was if not more. By the time that reality actually sunk in it was to late for me to save my self that first semester, and I ended up with the worst most schocking grades of my entire life . So if I could go back in time and give my self some advice, I would warn myself not to get caught up in the excitment of being a freashmen in college, and remember why i decided to come to college in the first place. College has been my goal for a long time, in high school I decided that I wanted to be a neonatologist and that notthing would stop me from suceeding.

Mary

I would tell myself to stick with the hard classes. The Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses you take in high school will be a great benefit in preparing you for college courses as well as providing flexibility in classes you will be required to take. Every advanced class you take now has the potential to remove a basic required class and allow you to move into the meatier college classes sooner. Keep your nose to the grindstone to earn those college scholarships which make going to the school of your choice a reality. Stay active in sports and community service so you are well rounded and a leader in your school. the academic excellence combined with the activites will make a difference in your options.

Roseanne

if i was able to go back to high school , the only advice i could possibly give myself is to learn to manage time more efficiently.

Paola

The best advice I can give to myself would be to financially plan, give yourself many options, make sure that your carreer is something that you really enjoy doing, and don't rush into a decision if you're not sure. In order to make this transition I think that's the best advice I can give to myself and anyone, because by making sure to follow, and listen to those four points as a high school senior someone can make a good decision abou college.

Robin

Go to Stetson University. You will really enjoy going there, and will get an amazing education. It is situated in this adorable town that has art festivals, dog parades, and a farmers market on Sundays. But start saving your money now, because college is expensive! Just be yourself, because like minded individuals always seem to attract one another, and it will be easy to make friends, and find people you have things in common with. Avoid all boys! They are a distraction, and very immature in their college years.

Lyndsy

I would advise myself to take the classes seriously and learn how to study before getting to college. School always came extremely easy for me so I assumed that college would be no different. I would tell myself to focus on academics more that my social life my freshman year and to not get behind in studying/class-work for it seems to take forever to catch back up. I would also advise myself to start preparing for exams about a week before hand rather than the night before as I used to do in highschool.

Jessica

Oh if only I could go back and tell myself not to go wild for the first two years of college! When I got to Stetson,I met all these really cool people and got invited to all these event for new students. Some of the event were school oriented, however other events were off campus and had nothing to do with school. I let fun times be first when and school work second, when it really should have been the other way around! I have learned my lesson though, I just wish I could go back and have learned it a little sooner!!

William

The rules for high school dont apply here. If you want to change your habits or your relationships with your frinds and parents, if you really want to become independent, you need to start taking REAL steps. make a plan, right down ten of your top goals on a sheet of paper, right down some measurable, time sensitive steps you can accomplish to get there. you dont have to be afraid to tell people how you really feel. And remmeber why you want to work in microfinance, why it motivates you, and then apply that to all your work. Keep your long term goals right in front of you and youll always have a way to feel motivated to organize everything day to day without being discouraged. and never be afraid to TALK about what's stressing you. keeping it all hidden throughout highschool isnt healthy, and you know you'll need the support for your first year. and dont slack off on your bible studies each night, they help you get to sleep, keep things in perspective, and remind you how each event in your life has a real purpose, even if you cant see it now.

Tamara

My advice would be to make sure I have as much control over myself as possible and to make sure I go for only what I want. The knowledge I gain should be up to me and on my terms. Also, do more independent projects and post them online and start contacting people for internships in the southwest and SoCal already.

Laura

I would tell myself to be the best I can be and to try my hardest to to meet my goals.

Khrystyna

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to apply yourself more. I would covince myself to stay focused and study every night. Then my grades would have been better and I could have applied to academic scholarships while I was in high school. I would also tell myself to start researching on colleges that would be right for me. I would try to convince myself to explore different types of scholarships.

Ashley

Make close friends right at the start. Dont get wrapped up in a social life, make grades your first priority. Get involved freshman year, dont wait till later, you will be missing out on a lot of amazing experiences and meeting great people. Make connections with upper classmen they will be a great resource for you. Remember to always have fun and learn as much as you can along the way.

Megan

Make sure you prioritize. Always place your classes before your friends. Keep in mind that your GPA follows you forever--friends come and go. When you are given an assignment, always go the extra mile and do research on the topic--even if research isn't required. One of the most important bits of advice is don't assume you know everything beforehand. Chances are you don't.

Jessica

Start early, and make sure you have an open mind to all possibilities. Make a list of your goals, and see what school matches up to them. Then make the dream into a reality

Katie

Have fun with your parents when you start looking for colleges. It is an amazing experience looking for the place you will spend the next chapter of your life, so enjoy every minute of it. Make sure that you visit the schools you are interested in, because seeing is believing. You will know when you step on that campus if you are meant to live there or not. Make sure you ask lots of questions. Talk to admissions counselors, professors, and even students. All of these people will give you different perspectives, which will help make your decision even easier. Once you are at school, make the most out of your college experience as possible. Learn with an open mind and soak in as much information as possible. It's a crazy world out there and you'll need to be as prepared as possible. But when you have spare time, live it up. Have fun with your friends, go out and meet new people. College is the best place to make connections and build bridges. Live without regrets and laugh at every chance you can. Not everyone can go to college, so appreciate the moments you ive in.

Kayla

Throughout high school I never knew where I wanted to go to college. I grew up in a small town where just graduating high school was a big accomplishment. However what I did know was that I wanted to find my own path in life. Don't settle for less when it comes to your education. Try things bigger than you thought you were capable of. I applied to many colleges and even though my SAT scores were not perfect I still made my application reflect who I was inside. Colleges really don't just view you as a test score. So get involved, show what your true interest are and apply for that Ivy League school even if you think your scores don't make the cut. If you are truly a great fit then they will select you regardless of your scores as long as your grades show that you have to foundation to do something with what you've learned. I got waitlisted at my dream school even though all my teachers and even my guidance counselor told me I didn't have a chance. I still gave it a shot, and it made all the difference.

Madison

My first piece of advice to parents and students is that college is not for everyone! Some students are not mentally prepared for the freedom and responsibility that comes with college. Too many of my friends from freshman year flunked out or dropped out because they realized college wasn't for them. So students: Be prepared! Along, with you extra long twin sheets and fake ID, bring some wisdom, some responsibility, and a drive to do well academically. And Parents: Be prepared! Your college students don't need to hold you hand anymore but along the way they will need your wisdom, your encouragement, and your approval. Please don't keep them chained to your hip and please don't drop them off at the curb with only a goodbye.

jessica

Study hard and play hard.

Ben

The college search is all about finding what is the best fit for you as the student. Make sure to look at schools of all sizes and compare them to eachother. This will help you notice the differences in each school so you can really find what you do and don't want to be a part of. Be sure to also focus on what schools are offering for scholarship and grant packages because you don't have to pay these back, however, for loans, you will. In addition, make sure that the school accepts outside scholarships from your high school, employer, etc. Finally, look at what majors and organizations are available and also consider how flexible the school is in creating new programs. A school that is willing to help you customize your future is a school that cares.

Ryan

Stetson University is a fantastic experience, and academically, it will NEVER dissapoint. Be aware, however, that the freedoms that come along with attending University and being on your own for the first time can be overwhelming, so stay connected and interested in the life of your children even when they are out of sight. With that said, however, don't assume that things are wrong just because they don't want to call you every day.

Sarai

It is helpful for the student/parent to keep in mind to do their best to find the right college but at the same time they mustn't stress or worry about it. When the right college comes a long they will know without a doubt that they are meant to go there. This experience involves much hard work, but at the same time there must be a relaxed attitude---in respects to not being stressed and letting that rule your life.

Katie

Take the time to visit the schools you are most interested in. Whether you take a formal tour or simply walk around the campus on your own, it is very important to spend some time researching the places you could possibly be living for several years. I knew the moment I stepped on Stetson University's campus that I had found my home away from home. You want to make sure you go to a college that makes you feel comfortable and at ease, because this will enhance your learning and social experience of being a college student. The four years would spend at college are suppose to be the best four years of your life, so make sure you fully research your options to ensure no sudden, rash decisions that you may later regret. Take the time to explore and discover new and exciting places. Make college an experience you will never forget by doing the research. From somebody who has been in your place before, it is well worth the time and research spent. I have found the place that is just right for me and I couldn't be happier.

Nathalie

Think about it and think hard. Where you start is a place where you would like to finish. College is expensieve but it is a wonderful investment for your future. You don't have to know now what you want to do for the rest of your life, but understand that your starting your life journey cause after four years or so your on your own. So just think about it and think hard.

Francis

I would say think of were you would have the most fun, choose the campus that would fit you best. I say this because, if you are not having fun or feel as though you fit, you are not going to want to work hard on you studdies.

Victoria

Take time in making the decision to attend college right after high school. Being a freshman at a university right out of high school can be overwelming and challenging. Having some work under your belt might help you to understand the challenges of paying for college as well as managing money. For a better and more thorough learning experience, a small university such as Stetson is great for challenging yourself.

James

First, advive for parents. Make sure that the school has a great program for what your child wants to do with his/her life. Most of the time these schools can be expensive; I'm not saying to go into a large amount of debt, but spending the money no is the best way to help out your childs future. For students, don't be afraid to get out there and get involved from the start. College can be scary and overwhelming. Like myself, some of you make come from small towns where you've known everyone since you were a small child. However now you might have to go out and actually meet people on your own and make friends. Get involved in the community and don't hold back your personality, it will pay off big time in the end.

Alessandra

I would tell parents and students to go visit the campus. See if the size and location is what they are looking for. Make sure that the school they are looking at will help them in their major in the future. Also make sure that they will receieve helping paying for tuiton, especially now since the economy is so bad. Look also at the organizations at that campus and be sure to be invovled. If you give to your school, it will give back to you in the future. This is what i have learned

Frank

For students unsure of where to go, I would suggest finding a college that not only has a very good reputation, but also a place where you would feel right at home. Don't just rely on tours and faculty recommendations. Ask current college students about their school to get a more accurate feel of campus life, because in the end you are the one that will be living there. There are all different tastes. You need to feel comfortable and be manageable wherever you are at. Success is the most important, and to be successful, good time management is crucial. Living on your own can be stressful, as well as finding companions and being social. It's time to shine. Break out and rise up to be better than the rest. Hard work will pay off in the end. Become involved with clubs and organizations, volunteer, play a sport, be an intern, there is always something you will be interested in. Personal experiences will mold you into a more skilled and more knowledgeable individual. Sharing those experiences with your friends and others, will leave some of the best memories of your life. Be happy and always follow your heart.

Jerilyn

In order to make the right decision about college, know what you what in a school and visit all of your possibilities. My first year of college was at a school that looked like a fairy tale on paper, but once I was attending and living at the university my life was miserable; my normal high academic standards and community involvement plummeted. Once at a school that I loved my life seemed back in order, and my future seemed brighter than ever. It is also important to choose a school from your heart, let no one but yourself make the ultimate decision of where to go. You must also remember your budget. When I was younger I didn?t have a true concept of money, but now that I am attending a school with high tuition costs, I have realized truly what money means. I never want to leave Stetson until I have earned my degree, but I have come to the realization of what a good education costs. In a perfect world anyone could be educated anywhere they chose, but as of now choose based on what you can afford, but never lower your personal expectations and goals.