Taylor University Top Questions

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

Tori

If I could tell my high school self anything, it would be to savor high school, but be ready to make changes in college. I remember how eager I was to graduate as I neared the end of my senior year, but after that actually happened, I was terrified. I was so scared of the unknown that college would bring me. Looking back, I realize how foolish all those feelings were. I can honestly say that Taylor University is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have made friendships that I know will last a life time and I have grown in my faith and academics. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me and high school self, you should be beyond excited.

Elyse

Don't be afraid to be yourself. You'll end up spending too much time trying to maintain a false image and miss out on some really great friendships. Get involved in the things you're interested in and don't wait until you feel like you've established yourself. There are a lot of really good experiences to be had in campus clubs and they aren't as lame as the ones in high school. Don't let anyone make you feel stupid for taking a while to pick a major. You will graduate on time, so don't just pick something to please everyone, you'll figure it out. Studying abroad is really hard, but entirely worth it.

Luke

If I were given this opportunity, I would have to tell myself many things. First of all, I would tell myself to make sure I have good relationships with the teachers that I am leaving in high school and the professors that I will be meeting when I come into Taylor University. Along with getting to know my professors, I would tell myself to make sure my efforts are at their highest when I start out in some of the classes that are required for the first semester of my freshman year. These classes can be used to start with a higher GPA which will make college a lot less stressful. Lastly, I would tell myself to get to know the upperclassmen that I live around, and that have the same major as me. This will allow me to ask questions when it comes to scheduling and the best ways to study for certain classes. If I knew these three tips going into college, I would have had an even greater time than I have had already.

Carolyn

My advice for myself as a senior in highschool would be to remember that there is more to life than school. Throughout highschool studying was my life because I really enjoy it. Through college I have begun to see the importance of developing friendships with classmates. There is so much one can learn from those around one if you reach out and start the conversation. Being shy isn't an excuse. Chances are some of the people surrounding you are shy as well. Being willing to step out of your confort zone is really important to developing the ability to take advantage of the many oppurtunities that present themselves at college.

Lexie

My senior year was spent working hard to obtain the money I needed to attend Taylor. Though I received enough, I would tell myself to work harder and save more for the following years. In other regards, I would tell myself to think outside the box and make my own discoveries instead of just being a parrot, listening to information in class and simply repeating it on a test. College is much more than that. Genuine learning is analizing information presented to you and investigating that information yourself. I would also encourage myself to further develop the arts of self-discipline and responsibility. Doing projects the night before they're due may work in high school, but not in college. Time managment, self-discipline, and being responsible for oneself and one's actions are principals that may have faded in popularity long ago, but their importance will never fade. Success in college is dependent upon these skills. I would tell myself to have fun, but also warn me about the social issues that can so easily lead to procrastination and distraction from acheiving my goals. Hard work, discipline, learning, and focus are the things I'd advice myself to develop.

Rachel

I would tell myself to work harder to save money for college. Taylor University, especially, is not cheap, and having some money set aside would make a huge difference. In conjunction with that, educate yourself as much as you can about the financial aid process, ask a lot of questions, and act upon opportunities quickly. Also, as you get to know those you are living with, be open with them, they will be your friends for life. They are caring and supportive, nothing worth worrying about. Living on campus definitely plays a huge role in getting adjusted, as well as getting involved in various activities. These are a couple of the best ways to get acclimated to college life.

Naphtalee

Don't freak out. All throughout your senior year, and especially around graduation everybody will make a huge deal about how you are leaving home, forever, and will now make a new life for yourself. Though all this is true I feel adults make too big of a deal of leaving home and beginning college. As a high-school graduate I felt that my life would never be the same, that the whole big world was in front of me and I had to fight my way though it. The truth of the matter was, I went off to college, had more responsibility, more work, less sleep and more adventures. But I was still the same person, I still enjoyed the same things, home was still the same and I did not become lost in the big huge world. College is a huge step in life but not nearly as big as I feel most high-school students think. My advice would be to, be prepared for the extra responsibility but know that you will be fine and, most importantly, enjoy the adventure that awaits you.

Eric

In high school, I was a slacker. I failed my freshman year and had to retake it. At the end of my sophomore year and 3 years of high school I knew I was ready to move on. I crammed in junior and senior classes into my 4th year to get enough credits to move onto collage. Collage was the push I needed to go in the right direction. It gave me a goal, and now I know what I want to do with my life. I want to be a Math teacher and go on from community college to study at Rutgers. Not only did the teachers motivate me, but the social environment has been encouraging as well. There are people here that understand my hardships and that are finding themselves too. I’m very fortunate to have this experience to learn and be successful.

Meredith

I have learned a lot since I set foot on Taylor's campus. I arrived, excited and in awe of the fact that I was here. I was thrilled, but I was also scared. For the first time, I was away from my family for a long time: a twelve-hour drive away. All I had was a Tracfone and the Internet to communicate with them. For the first time in my life, I was on my own; for the first time in my life, I was not sure of myself. I knew I was here because Professor Hensley liked my writing, but I lost a lot of confidence in my ability to write -- among others. It was scary. Living twelve hours away from home prevented me from running away. I had to face my fears, face the challenge of college, independence, and writing for someone other than myself. Facing these fears was the only way I could overcome them. Coming to Taylor forced me to face them. Since that first day, stepping on campus and feeling my confidence sink to my feet, I've become a better writer, I've learned a lot, and I've grown much stronger.

Abigail

When I started college, I met so many people. I learned everyone's name and memorized all the faces, but I had a very difficult time getting past the surface. I didn't know how. About half way through the school year, I figured out why. I didn't know myself. Because of this past year of college, I improved myself in a few different ways. I not only made myself a better person by gaining more knowlege, but I was able to learn about myself. Because of this, I've been able to dig past the surface. I have those special friends that will help me through the next three years to help me push to do my best at everything I try and to make it through my goals for a brighter future.

Blake

In preparing for a life career, I have meet many wonderful and faith filled fellow students and faculty who have assisted my in my sport, education, career goal and most of all my faith. I have enjoyed the players on the football team who have come from about ten different states and territories and several other countries. This has opened up to me other cultures in a sport that is a truely American sport. The are wonderful fellow students whom I admire.

Matthew

So far I have learned the meaning to responsibilty and the idea of working hard. I feel like TU has also helped me to grow spiritually and as a person.

Anna

The first week or so of college will be hard. Make sure you get out of your room and floor and talk with people. Don't get too stressed out about no making a good grade on your first test or quiz because it's your first college test, you're not used to it yet! Don't be afraid to ask for help! Know your limits, but get involved with events on campus! On the first day of class, sit next to someone you don't necessarily know. Get to know the people in your classes, especially your majors classes, and form a relationship with them. It may become lonely at some points but make sure you are getting into God's word! Remember to trust Him in each and every situation! Make sure you get some friends and go open housing the first couple of weeks. Visit churches and don't settle for something you are not satisfied with. Trust God and let Him lead you in every situation!

Valerie

If I could rewind to my time as a high school senior, I would make sure I understood a few very important things. First, I would embrace the fact that time truly does fly. At the beginning of my senior year, it felt as though I still had forever to hang out with my friends and chill out at home. But before I knew it, I was walking down the aisle to the familiar chords of "Pomp and Circumstance", saying tearful goodbyes to my friends, and packing up all my possessions that could be smashed into a minivan. I love the place I am at in my life right now, but thinking about all the good memories of high school makes me wish I would have savored them just a little bit more. Another thing that would have made my transition to college a bit smoother have been preparing myself to meet thousands of new people. The first few weeks at school were overwhelming for me, and while I liked seeing all the new faces, they still left me with a feeling of loneliness. Mentally readying myself for this experience would have made it a little less overpowering and intimidating.

Nicole

Being a freshmen here at Taylor I have learned so much, not just academically but also just about life in general. Looking back at the last semester and the growth I have made it?s almost hard to comprehend I fit all those new experiences into one semester. If I could go talk to my high school senior self right now I would tell myself two things; the first would be to work harder in school, and the second would have been to be more intentional with my relationships. I would have told myself to work harder in school because that would have opened a lot more scholarship opportunities, and prepared me a bit better for the more rigorous classes. The biggest lesson I have learned at Taylor is to be more intentional with my relationships. I have learned the repercussions of blowing people off, picking to invest in this relationship instead of that one, and not appreciating those who really matter. This has been a rough lesson for me, but one that I am definitely glad I learned sooner than later. Family, friends, and community are a blessing that should not be taken for granted.

Celesia

Keep your goals in mind. Study with the inspiration of being organized. Review and try to follow instructors direction to the letter. If you do not understand something, ask for guidance. Think ahead of all the wonderful opportunities life will bring with your degree in hand. Set your goals and reach them, one by one. Stay focused and aware of those not supportive of your need to study. Set aside time everyday for future thought planning time. Do not cheat. Do not allow other's to cheat off of you. Get your basic academics out of the way before you start taking courses that you find interesting and different. Above all else, be appreciative of your future college education and enjoy to the fullest all the advantages a college degree will bring to you.

Brad

To know thyself (Aristotle). It is important to be able to approach your college life in a way that remains true to yourself. College lets you redefine your self in many ways. Its is important to try to strength the areas of your life which are weak and to maintain your strengths. There is a lot of forgiveness in going to college, where you can change who you are, but the person you are in college, is who you will be after college. "To know thyself" gives you that edge to approach college in the right mind frame and not lose your self to the currents that run on different campuses. I would also add to push on, since the best is definitely still to come.

Krista

I would have told myself to develop better study habits while I still had a relatively low course load. I also would have told myself to be more confident and get involved more coming in to college.

Clinton

If I could go back and tell myself something, it would be that I should be prepared for an excellent experience with an amazing group of people. I was not expecting this to be not only be a community, but a small family. We all come from different environments, lifestyles, and belief systems, and yet we have become a family. I could not be more happy with a college selection.

Rebecca

Hey self, wake up! You may have lived near this campus all your life and know some of the professors personally, but that does not mean you know the campus. Get up and do a campus visit, or stay overnight in a friend's dorm room, but whatever you do, don't be so lax about it The campus has a life of its own, and different places and majors have people and professors that are dynamic and outspoken. You will encounter opposing viewpoints, life-changing conversations, and truly convicting class sessions. This is not an away-from-home extension of high school. It's the real world, and it's four years of your life. Explore! Get involved! And whatever you do, don't pick a dorm based on one friend who lives on one wing; get yourself into an environment where you will thrive. This is a great college, but it's not perfect - help it along by making smart choices.

Curtis

Just relax and enjoy high school. Although the work is important in preparing for college, the stress that students are under in pushing themselves so hard is countreproductive to their preparation. The social aspects of college are in some ways just as important as the academics and I could have developed this aspect of my life better in high school.

Karolyn

The first thing I would relay is don't dread the process. All those applications, whether online or paper-form, need to be considered carefully. I would also tell myself to trust my parents and learn from their mistakes as well as their accomplishments. The reason I ended up at Taylor was my dad; he literally dragged me here when I had my heart set on another college in Michigan. Next, I would tell myself to enjoy the campus visits and pay attention to student interaction with the staff and with eachother. If the attitudes of people on the campus, even just the few that you meet, don't mesh well with your beliefs or even your personality, think hard before seriously considering living there for the next four years of your life. Also, though it might have annoyed me at the time, the more campus visits the better. It was easier for me to make a sure decision when I literally had about 10 other college visits to compare with it. Last of all, I would tell myself trust my gut. When I get that feeling, that pull on my heartstring and hear "this is home", GO FOR IT!

Meg

Meg, you are a little overconfident right now. You've been accepted to college, and are anticipating that these next 4 years will be the best of your life. You're assuming that you'll get along with your roommate, focus on school, meet a quality guy to date, stop making mistakes, etc. I'd like to tell you right now that this picture you have in your mind is wrong. You and your roommate will not get along, you will be distracted, lonely and worried often, it will be years before you date the guy you are looking for, and you will continue making mistakes. I'm not telling you this to instill 'fear' - I'm telling you this so you can expect failure. Expect disappointment. Expect darkness. College is not all sunshine and daisys; it will be wavy and you're going to have to learn to stand up against the waves. That's how we grow. Be open to that growth and be open to the joy that comes amid trials and heartache. Have confidence that these things all happen for a reason, and try not to waste time worrying about your failures. Accept, learn, and cherish.

Meg

Prepare for a roller coaster. College will not only be the best times of your life, but sometimes will be your worst. Remember your inner strength and have an open enough mind to learn from your experiences. And don't worry so much!

Casey

I would love to advise my high school self in two specific areas: 1) relationships with females, and 2) reading. First, high school seems like such a blur at this point and it seems that none of the friendships or relationships with females during that time have had any posative effects on me. I definitely wasted my time building meaningless relationships that I knew were not going anywhere beneficial. Now that I am in college, I have many relationships with females, and one in particular, that are spurring me on towards love and good deeds. I should have learned to build those meaningful relationships while in high school. Second, I have nurtured a genuine love for reading and digging deeper in the learning process. However, I have found that I had so much more time to do so in high school, whereas now my time is squelched in learning the surface material. If I had read more during high school, I would have covered a lot of the material that I aspire to learn with the time I was alotted, resulting in more time for deeper learning now. If only I could go back and advise myself in these areas...

Alyce

I would tell her to focus more and learn the material more throughly. Don't be afraid to ask people for help. College is a change and you won't come out that same way you came in, and that is okay. You should be open to the change.

Kim

Make suare you feel like you would fit in at the college. It is very important to be able to connect with other students and have a great group of friends to rely on.

Kaytlin

Throughout high schoo, there is always so much to do. Once you've taken your ACT's or SAT's, high school seems to speed up without you even knowing it. My best advice would be not to wait, and start looking at colleges early. Learn everything you possibly can about them, and maybe try an over-night stay or a campus tour. The more you know about the school is really going to help you out in the end. Really take a look at what interests you the most and maybe even make a chart. Write down all the things you need to have in your University, and things that are negotionable. When it comes to your education and how you spend the rest of your life, there isn't a price you can put on it. Make the next four years the start to your life.

Rebecca

College should not just be about finding a school that will give you the best education, although that is important. I have discovered that college, more than anything, is a place where I have the freedom and safety to discover who I am and what my purpose in life is. So far, I have spent my life preparing to discover who I truely am. My parents have contributed to this, and I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for me. The best thing a student can do is go to college and discover who they are and what they are meant to do. Parents, the best thing you can do is to let them. It's a time of trial and error, and while it might be the most frustrating time in life, it is also the most rewarding. College is not something that should be taken lightly. Not to be cliche, but it is a life-changing decision. I don't think that rewards can come without risks, and heading off to college is a risk that may give you the biggest reward of your life.

Heidi

Look at a lot of different colleges and what they have to offer. See if you can talk to students currently at the school and in your proposed degree program to see what they think of the school. Once you get to college get involved. People who are involved tend to make friends faster and get adjusted to being in college sooner. Don't spend all your time studying and doing homework, make sure you leave time for a social life. Live in the dorms. There are so many great experiences you won't have if you don't live on campus. Be yourself, don't make yourself someone you're not to make friends, it'll only make it harder to fit in.

Alyssa

I think that you should choose a school based on what you want to put into it as well as what you'll get out of it. If you want to be involved in a lot of clubs and have a lot of opportunities to help the community, choose a school that will help you with that. I don't think a school should be decided just because it's the least expensive. You should go to the school that interests you, and worry about the financial stuff later. There's financial aid and loans to help you with that. When it comes to making the most of your college experience, don't stay shut in your room. Get out of your dorm, visit other dorms, meet new people. Also get involved in as much as you can. College is short and the best way to love your college is to get involved, even if that means attending a sport event or two.

Heidi

When a person searches for the best college for them they must consider a few things: location, community, and academics. Make sure that the location is something you can deal well with. It is not good to be stuck in a big city when you dislike large communities. Community in a school is very important. In college you need to be able to know you fit in and have your area. You also need to be able to find good friends and a friendly campus. The community of a school can make or break the college experience. Academics are also vastly important. You want to find a school that will challenge you but not overwhelm you. The point of college is to learn, but also not to kill yourself in the process. Another thing to consider is balance. Social life, work, and academics need to be in balance. Pick a place where you feel you can do this. The best way to find out about a lot of this is through a campus visit. Try to visit during a semester when students are in class. Stay overnight if possible and try to stay with someone in your intended major.

Benjamin

The academics of a school are very important- we all know that. I would challenge students and parents to look at a school's social setting and environment. A college student learns what he or she needs to in order to advance a career in the classroom (about 15 hours each week), but learns what it takes to grow as a person outside of it. People are such important learning tools. People give hope, encouragement, and examples. After 2-and-a-half years away from home, I have built significantly upon the values instilled within me by my parents, due to experiences I have had at my school. Get involved at school, but don't get overwhelmed- find a good balance that helps you get involved in other people's lives, but make sure to give yourself enough time to be on your own. If you go 100-mph all the time, you give yourself no time to reflect upon your experiences, and therefore deprive yourself of a healthy growing experience while at school.

Lindsay

As you are looking for a college that suits you, make sure you think about things you'd like to get out of your college experience. Whether its spiritual growth, challenging academics, study abroad programs, etc, keep that in mind while you're touring. Ask questions! And most of all, find what feels comfortable. When I chose my college, I knew as I was touring, that I could see myself going to this school. And I have never regreted my choice.

Dan

A lot of colleges offer similar things. You will, most likely, get a good education from whatever school you attend, but there are countless schools to choose from, and many of these schools would be a poor choice simply because you just don't fit in with the rest of the students. Lets face it, most kids do not have the slightest clue what they want to do with their lives or what they they would chose in which to major. Finding a school with a comfortable enviroment where you can figure out what you want to do, what you should major in, and where you can learn and make lifelong relationships is what is important. Spend a night in one of the dorms of a potential school if you can, because this will really give you an idea of what the life of a student is like. If you feel at home, attend some classes the next day, and if not, go to another school and try again. The right school will find you eventually, just have a little faith.

Allison

Search for a university that will provide you with a quality education, opportunities for growth, and an atmosphere that will support you in success. If you are able to find ways to finance your schooling, private and small universities are able to provided these things more so than public universities where there is more of an influence on parties and socialization. Ask yourself what is most important to you and seek out those qualities.

Angela

I would say that you need to look into yourself and find the strengths that you have. Also discover the best way that you learn. Then look for colleges that support those. I know I had to learn a new way to learn when I went to my college. I love my school, and I would suggest that instead of just looking at the buildings, you look to the people and the teachers, because in the end, it is only a building. The people are who you will be interacting with, and it helps if you enjoy their friendship or teachings skills.

Emily

When looking for a college, the most crucial deciding factor is that the values of the school should match the values of the family and individual looking for a college. Also, nothing substitutes for a campus visit: being able to interact with both faculty and current students is a unique experience that cannot be attained on-line or in a brochure. Never be afraid to ask questions, both to teachers and students. Students can give the inside perspective of the campus that even some professors may not be able to. A wide range of schools should be looked at to give variety and differences of perspective. When a college has been chosen, the student needs to live up to his or her values as best as possible to create a meaningful experience for that student. If getting a job after college is most important, then the student should make this his or her focus. If getting accepted to graduate school is most important, then that should be the top focus. It all comes down to prioitizing. When the student has his or her priorities in place, then the college experience will be most meaningful.

Jana

Go with your gut. When on visits, if something feels right, it probably is.

Hillary

I would say that to find the right college you should go to a place where the people are most like you whether it be how driven you are, what activites you are interested in, or your religion. If you find a college where most people have the same view and outlook on life as you it will be easier to fit in and you will be more likely to make friends and actually like your professors.

Kevin

Pray to Jesus about it

Marika

Try to get as many scholarships as possible. Go into college not looking for what you can get out of it, but how you can benefit the school and your peers.

Lydia

Think, research, visit. I think initially, it is important to discover what you want to do, or at least get a general idea. I know many students go to college with no clue what they want to do, but I found it helpful to have an idea what I wanted so I knew what type of classes I wanted to take and what type of school I wanted to go to. It's important to look for a school that has a strong program in what you consider going into, which is why researching different schools are important. Finally, it is important to actually visit the school. Often a school can look great on paper and may have a catchy website, but when you visit the actual campus, you realize that it's not really a good fit. Schools can brag all they want about their students' accomplishments and the awards the school receives and whatnot, but in the end, if you don't feel it is the right place, it won't suddenly become that. It's important to pick a school that both has great academics and will make you feel comfortable and welcome.

Elizabeth

Really search for the school that will benefit you the most and vice versa. Find a school that has your program down to a "T", and don't settle for anything less than what you want! If it looks impossible because of money, use all the resources out there to apply for scholarships. It's what I had to do, because I knew my family couldn't afford college alone. And once you find the school that's perfect for you, get involved! There is so much that you will learn and so many people that you can meet if you only take the time to get involved on your campus. You can even look into the off-campus programs offered, like maybe tutoring or an after school kids program or something. This is a good time to get acquainted with the community that you will be a part of during your two or four years at that college or university. But at the same time, don't over do it. Find a school that offers what you want and check into their campus activities and programs before you get there. That way, you can divide up your time wisely!

Allison

In order to find the right college, decide what is most important to you: the availability of a major, professor involvement, size, availability of times classes are offered, location, etc. Look for a school that has the same priorities and values as you do. Visit the college before making a decision to make sure that it fits. Once the decision has been made, make the most out of the college experience by getting involved, get to know professors and other students. Find ways to become part of the school. Enjoy the random and diverse activities that go on within the school. Invest in relationships with others and in classes.

Rebekah

I would recommend visiting each prospective college in person before making a final decision. Don't worry too much about the Admssions process- it's more difficult to choose a school than to get in to one. Once you're there, remember that you're in college to get a degree, not to party. While college is a blast, it is ultimately an experience that is supposed to prepare you for life.

Emily

When looking for a school, find graduates who are not paid by the institution and listen to what they have to say. It is the non-donors who testify to the strong characteristics of the school who will give you the most trustworthy insight to what your experience is going to be like. They aren't being paid by the school to recruit students, so you know that their testimony of their time spent on the campus is uninfluenced by outside factors. Once you find the school, a good rule of thumb is to know that what you will get out of your time in college as entirely based on how much you put into it. Open your dorm door, go to different school functions, and get involved with your academic department. Don't waste your time locked up in your dorm, playing video games. Use your time wisely and do not become too overly committed. Find what you are good with and do it well, learn to say no to the other options. There will always be other opportunities. Study abroad while you still have the freedom to travel, it is much harder to after you have graduated.

Alex

The things that you love to do will probably have a big impact on your major. Try to think of all your skills and hobbies when you decide on a major.

Jon

I don't know.

Josh

In order for one to adequately choose a school that will benefit them academically, spiritually, socially and economically, one must research. You can't expect to fit in at any college or university across the country, and you most certainly can't rely on scholarships and government grants to get you where you need to go. To find the right college, learn about yourself. What are your likes/dislikes? What are your pet peeves? How do you relax? Each of these will determine which school will suit you best. If you hate hustle and bustle, an urban school is probably not for you. Likewise, in order to make the most of your college experience, don't be afraid to get involved. Most schools offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities in which you can participate, so don't be afraid to sign up for things and commit. On the flip-side of that, be careful not to over-commit, because when the rubber meets the road, you'll appreciate the little time you have to relax. All in all, know yourself, learn about the schools, and get involved.