The College of Saint Scholastica Top Questions

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

Journey

I would tell myself to calm down and focus. Everybody pressures you to make the right decision right off the bat, and it's impossible to know for sure if the decision is the correct one. I am currently working on transferring colleges, because I made the wrong decision, and it’s okay! I would say that life throws many choices and opportunities at your face, sometimes you catch the wrong ones, and let the right ones hit you. But, the right ones will just bounce off and you can always go back and pick them up later.

Dominic

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself the advice of trying to become financially prepared to go to college. I would tell myself that I need to apply for as many scholarships that I qualify for. When I got the first bill that I had to pay for going to this school, it was a huge surprise. I knew what the tuition was supposed to be and I recieved a scholarship from the school that I am attending. For some reason, I thought that the scholarship was going to cover a much larger percentage of the tuition than it actually did. I was surprised about the amount that I still had to pay to the school with a loan. I would give myself the advice of trying to find other ways to pay for schooling, such as scholarships or grants, to help keep the amount as low as possible that I would need to recieve in a loan.

Gilbert

Some words of advice I'd give myself as a high school seniour: Keep things simple, but work hard - I believe that we live in a generation where we like to contemplate things too much instead of acting upon them, and if we do, our actions aren't as decisive as we intended. Sometimes all we need to do is give our best, and hope for the best. Appreciate the right people in your life - It's easy to take so many things for granted in high school, especially our relationships with other people. The time after high school is critical because you are maturing and seeking to properly develop yourself as a person. Doing this is impossible without the influence and support of other people in your life. Learn from your mistakes - Do not dwell or ignore your shortcomings, but rather humbly accept them and prove to *yourself* above everyone else that you're capable of learning from your own wrongdoings. Be yourself but always look to improve yourself - You are unique, special like no other. Do not deviate from who you are, but rather make yourself a better person for the things and the ones you love.

Sophie-Dee

I would tell my eighteen year old self that pride isn't a virtue and you should ask for help or to go and talk to teachers when you're lost. I'd also tell myself to form study groups for examens so that you wouldn't slack on studying for tests. It is really important to start volunteering and/or being involved in extra curricular activities such as clubs from the start, otherwise your college carreer will fly by and during your senior year you'll be thinking "Crap! I have so much to accomplish in this year!". Schedule out your days to make it easier to have a social life and still succeed at school and most important of all, believe in yourself and don't let boys or life drama be a distraction, it only causes trouble and bad grades.

Caitlynn

I would tell myself not to wait a year before going to college and get a job. I would also tell myself to focus on my music and art career instead of guys. It is a whole lot better than what I am dealing with now.

Katherine

Invest not only in your classes and homework, but also in the professors. Let them help you and give you guidance. Put the effort in and try to learn everything you can. You're not going to love every one of your teachers, but when you find one you really admire, that's a treasure. Invest in friends and invest in personal time. Make sure you're separating yourself from everything and everyone and taking long walks. You need to be able to think about your life without the input and pressure of the people around you. Then, when you figure out what you want to do, do it. Don't wait. There is no time like the present and the people who achieve their dreams are the people that live them everyday.

James

i would tell myself the path down the road is good dont mess it up

Jamie

I would go back in time and begin with a little more research into college life after high school. Picking an academic college was important to me. But I didnt believe I needed a lot of time to visit and compare my institutional opportunities. Playing sports contributed to my decision also, but I didnt pick my university based on that perspective. Knowing what I gathered throughout my time during and after college, I should have investigated more financial numbers on what I will end up dealing with when paying for school and the loans afterwards. Private versus public places of higher learning did not give me much of an advantage in my graduating area of expertise. I could have save a lot of money. Also, I should have researched more on the potential job outlook and possibilities of gaining one immediately after graduation. I should have done more comparisons and asked more questions to people already working in my profession as to recommendations for colleges in my area of study that will help me financially along with the best career placement support.

Rachel

The best possible advice I could give myself would be to take education more seriously. Taking the time as a senior in high school to complete the available AP classes and to learn how to properly study for a class would help in transitioning from a high school senior to a college freshman. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to be more involved from the beginning of my college life with activities on campus. Whether it be clubs, organizations, or sports, being and staying involved in college activities helps to cement the fact that this is a new phase in life where great things can happen if the opportunity is taken advantage of.

Danielle

Do not procrastinate and get things done. If you have any problems with anything, talk to someone. Get all financial things sorted as soon as possible. Sign up for classes right away, do not wait until the next semester starts.

Stefanie

Look for a job early. Apply for everything available. Look for more than one. Apply for lots of scholarships. Stop procrastinating and just do it.

Kathryn

I would tell myself to learn how to study, learn how to manage my time, and to let go of my past. I had an extremely easy time throughout high school, and therefore never learned efficient ways to study for tests or how to spend my time wisely so that everything could be completed on time with less stress. Had I focused on these skills in high school, transitioning from a high school workload to a college workload would have been much easier. Finally, my past caused me to be very guarded and untrusting of people I did not know. Because of this, I struggled to make friends while at college. I have now learned that people are much different at college and do not judge you based on the fact that they only know the past that you tell them. I wish I had known that so that I could have made more friends when beginning my college experience.

Jackie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself to apply to a four-year college and work with a financial advisor to determine how I could afford to go to school. I would tell myself to push yourself and take more advanced classes during my senior year to better prepare for what college brings. I would also tell myself to make time to volunteer in the community as that experience helps one grow and can also lead to future scholarship opportunities.

Sophie-Dee

Stay focused and do not let yourself become unmotivated! Laziness is your enemy and skipping classes affects your grades immensely.

holly

I would explain the overwhelming possibilities, and that they are exactly that, endless possibilties. Having the freedom to choose what you want to do is a beauiful thing, along with the satisfaction you can feel with youself while making yourself a beter person is priceless. The freedoms of adulthood can bring many unexpected life turning events, and as a high school senior right now, now is the time to get school out of the way. This way financial security is first and foremost in creating a secure future for yourself, your dreams, and possible family. As a young person, you have the resiliency to maintain an academic lifestyle plus a possible social life. The older you get and the longer its been since you've taken classes, the harder it gets to juggle family, finances, and all of your assignments. College life is great, like I said, the possibilites are endless. So getting an education as soon as you can is great, because you will always have the freedom to go back to school if you have other interests in other careers, but at least if you do, it will be by choice and not because you have to.

Jon

GPA really isn't that big of a deal, however, get good study habits in order. It is really hard the first semester when you don't have good study habits, you can get behind and evertything starts to snowball.

Paulina

I would tell myself to be more dilligent about scholarship applications. I would also tell myself to contact the admissions officers at the school I intend to transfer to for fall 2012. I would advise myself to write short essays / paragraphs about my educational and career goals, and community service, to make applying for scholarships easier and more efficient. I would also tell myself ot make lists of scholarships and deadlines so that I can apply to everything I am elligible for and hopefully end up with no student loans.

Kelly

I would remind myself to enjoy each day and to look for the opportunity each situation provides. I would remind myself to not back away from chances to expand my horizons, even if and especially if they are outside of my comfort zones. I would advise that the friendships formed during this time can be lifelong friendships- explore those opportunities! I would encourage pride in all work that is done, not dreading the assignment, but looking for the benefit of knowledge gained. Most importantly, I would strongly encourage not procrastinating! Plan ahead while still allowing for spontaneity.

Kevin

Younger Me (YM): Future Me? Present Me (PM): Yes. Time is limited. Ask wisely… YM: What should I know about college?PM: You’re headed into a community college; people are much older than you. Get serious to earn respect. As a diverse college, you should listen to people with an open mind to understand their point of view; never judge. Lastly, read 15-20 books this summer. YM: What should I do once I’m there? PM: Start thinking about transfer. Besides managing time and academics, attend a broad range of club meetings. You’ll find passionate individuals who will inspire you. YM: And support? PM: Utilize professors’ office hours. Locate the transfer office and introduce yourself to program director. Seek out the Honors Program director Dr. Koh and PTK Honor Society adviser Dr. Vasileiou. Illustrate your passion for education and transfer; they’ll do the rest. YM: How about courses? PM: A competent transfer candidate should undertake 7 Honors courses minimum. A rigorous education is a good education. YM: Your best advice? PM: Seek out and listen to advice from those who’ve graduated already, ask them what they would do differently, and ACT on what you learn.

Julie

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about what I know now about college life and making the transition. I would truly not give myself any advice. I wouldn't give myself any advice because the mistakes that I have made over the past few in college have helped me grow into a stronger person and student. If i would have never made the mistakes I did in the past few years in college, I don't think I would be as prepared for the professional world. I feel that I have grown and learned enough through my mistakes that it will help me be the best teacher possible. In which my future students deserve 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}!

Aurelia

From my short period at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, I have learned a lot. My old habits are changing to more positive and beneficial ones. In the past, I wouldn't ever speak for myself or try to keep contact with a lot of people I meet throughout the years. Here, people are very friendly and are always encouraging me to do what is best for myself and my future. They make an effort to include me in what is going on currently and I enjoy every minute of it. I love my school.

Erica

College has taught me so much and broadened my horizons. My hometown is very small, so college has exposed me to so many new ideas and people. It has been so valuable to attend college for me. I know it is all worth when I can tell my intellence is immensly increased compared to high school classmates who have not attended college. I can never imagine where I would be if I hadn't chose to attend college and want to make a good life for myself.

David

The College experience has wealthy of mind opending experiences. Cultural relativity, widening my horizons in areas of globalization and improving my interactive skills have been on great importance. College education has open many opportunities in my life such as gaining lifetime friends, accessing many offices and travelling to many places I never thought I could be. Most of all, the knowledge I have gained as a result of attending college is invaluable. My perception of the world has totally changed. My understaning of how things are in the universe is not something I struggle with. Challenges like disasters, diseases and other calaminites and at my brain and doubtlessly, I believe that I will leave college very much ready to face the world and offer some sustainable solution. alll this is possible through education.

Sydney

My college experience has offered me just that: experience. Through school I was able to gain the skills I need to work well in the business arena, such as strict time management; working with diverse groups of people; critical thinking; and personal responsibility. College forces a person to be truly accountable for themselves and their success, just like "the real world". Unlike the real world, college openly offers students the tools they need to succeed. Through utilizing the student success center and other resources I was able to develop my study habits, which have now formed my work habits. If I had not gone to college, I would have had to develop these skills while working. College also offers an introduction to new activities and people from around the world. Attending college has given me the opportunity to explore my interests and uncover ideas I had never explored. I now have friends from nearly every continent. Through them I have explored other cultures and understood my own. I have shifted my view of the world through their experiences. My friends and my new perspective on life have been the most valuable asset I gained through attending college.

Rachel

I took a class on Ancient Philosophy; it was writing intensive, so the final fifteen-page paper was the only graded assignment. At first, my motivation for writing feverishly to produce a great paper was simple: my grade. Later, as I delved deeply into philosophical sources from Plato to Idan Raichel, their words caught fire inside of me. I planted my feet firmly in the idealist camp and began searching for the illusive water, wind, and dignity of which Israeli singer and philospher Idan Raichel has written. This, alone, would have made my college experience valuable in my eyes. Beyond the self-knolwedge I gained, however, I became a better writer (which is important for my career as a future English teacher). That philosophy paper was the first of many assignments in which my passion for social justice met my love of words. As my college education continued after that class, I discovered other writers, other subjects, that affected me in the same way Plato and Idan Raichel did. I hope to use the knowledge and experiences I have gained to ignite a spark for justice and learning in my future students.

Emily

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is that with going to school and pursuing what I want, I will eventually become something. I will be able to have the chance to be successful. It has been valuable to attend because I am doing what I know my mom would what me to do, I am making my mom proud by attending college and achieving my dreams.

Karlee

I love learning! Going to St. Scholastica is helping me use my creativity and my fascination with the world around me.

Kelly

I have gotten very helpful knowlege that will assist me in job placement, as well as prepare me for all types of careers in my field of work. The classes were small which helped me learn things easier, due to my a.d.h.d it is very difficult sometimes. We were also taught software for the computers which 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the businesses in my career field use today which isn't always offered. I was also able to get national accredidation help through the school which will help me if I decide to move to another state for a better career as well.

Lauren

Out of all the things I have gotten out of my college experience, some of the most important are a wealth of knowledge and experience for the real world. I was from a small town so by going to college, my eyes were really opened to world. By being in Duluth, I saw the poor and homeless in real life for the first time. I met so many people who had different views than me, but it was interesting hearing people's life stories! I learned how to be independent and how much money it takes to pay for college, even if it meant working 2 or 3 jobs while going to school full time. I met awesome instructors who are committed to helping me graduate, and I have met many friends who I hope to still be in contact with as years go by!

Kristina

What I have received out of my college experience consists of three main ideas: time management, knowledge, and maturity. I have learned the importance of time management during my first year in college. Time management is extremely important because at college you live with your friends. So your friends are just a knock away. I learned it is important to manage your time accordingly which means not hanging out with friends all the time. Instead, study first and friends hang out with friends second. Knowledge is the second aspect college has given me. I have learned a vast amount of knowledge that I will carry with me into my future which then will lead into my career. College forces maturity upon you whether you are ready for it or not. If I were not to have matured during my freshman year, I would not have the GPA I attain now. At college, I matured a lot, and I began to make decisions for myself. Following the crowd, in college, is not always the best decision. If I would not have gone to college, I would have never gained time management, knowledge, and maturity.

Kelsey

I've only been in college six months, but to me it feels like my days in high school were long ago. In these few months I have learned so much. At first I thought moving away from home to attend college was going to create a change in my relationship with my family. The distance between us has helped me to realize how strong our bonds are and that no distance can break the bonds of our family. Another thing college has taught me is the value of money. Not only the value of money earned through a job, but the value of money gained through scholarships. Scholarships are like an investment; an investment that someone is making in not only your future but, the future of the world and it is a students job to make those investments worth while. College is a time for students to learn as much as they can, to be involved, and to make a difference at their school and out in the community.

Kasey

I would tell myself to simply enjoy both high school and college more during the transitional stage and to not be held back by nerves and common expectations. I would also reassure myself that there are many more friends to meet in college and to be more outgoing during welcome week and to just live up my college times and have fun in the new setting. Its a time to learn and find yourself.

Sam

Explore as many interests and passions as you can in your senior year. This is the time in your life to travel, volunteer, and ask your high school teachers about their college experiences. Remember to say "hi" to one new person a day and be a mentor to a younger student. Never be afraid to go out on a limb and take safe risks. On a piece of paper, write down what are the most important things in your life. Use these ideas to make a life plan to explore the world. Always remember to get involved to help others by using the "Pay It Forward" model. Believe me....you will get rewarded by knowing you made a difference in someone's life.

Hannah

My advice to myself would be, "Don't worry." Everyone is in the same situation as you are. Put yourslf out there. Make new friends. If you fail, just pick yourself up and move on. College is the best time of your life, but you have to make it that way. If you can be responsible and balance work and play, you will succeed. True, classes can and will be challenging, but that's how you grow. That's how people learn. Don't worry and do your thing. That is what I would advise myself.

Jenna

Most high school students in this generation are bombarded with questions concerning lengthening their education, I never was though. If I was given the opportunity to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would take it without hesitation. I would start off by telling myself that college is not all that it is cracked up to be; however, I would never discourage myself from going, it has been a wonderful experience. College requires a great deal of compassion, dedication, and commitment?I have that. I would encourage myself to start making plans as soon as possible in order to be well prepared. I would instruct myself to complete research on the different schooling options, which schools that are perfect for me, and which schools best suit for the degree I want. Last but not least, I would tell myself that I am smart enough, and committed enough, to do anything that I want to accomplish.

Cassie

If I were to go back in time and give my senior self advice, I would tell myself that I should live on campus and not worry about saving money by living at home. I'd tell myself that while I'm not exactly prepared to move out and start to seperate myself from my parents right now (in their present), living in the dorms the first year of college is a really great experience that this future self missed out on to get more involved in school activites, meet people, and making new friends. It's hard to make friends in college if you just go to class, eat, go to work, and then go home. And it looks really ridiculous to have your parents drop you off and pick you up from meetings that go on at night. I would also tell myself to have a more equal balance between my friends and my schoolwork. I need to be more accessable to people, and that means reaching out to others. It's worth it in the end. And finally, I would tell myself to not bother eating at Greenview, Storms den is much better. Good luck me!

Chayla

If I could go back and tell myself how to prepare for college, I would say a lot of different things. I would say that you have to expect the unexpected. You can never be fully prepared for something like college. I would also say to enjoy every minute of it. You don?t have to go out partying every weekend either to enjoy yourself. My roommates and I have so much fun and we?re silly without being intoxicated. I realized that you cannot procrastinate like I could have in high school. It is a hard transition, and it?s a new experience, but you meet so many people. You form a new group of friends. Sometimes it is a completely new group of friends. The most important advice I?d give myself would be to stay connected to the friends you really care about. Through the first semester, I realized who my true friends were throughout high school and who kind of just used me.

Heather

College can be overwhelming. Everyone knows that. However, if you can just take a step back, take a deep breath, and tell yourself that it's all going to be okay, you will enjoy the college experience much more. Yes there are a lot of papers, a lot of homework, and many hours spent studying for tests, but you need to look at the long run. Eventually you will realize that it was all worth it. It goes by so fast, so have fun while you can, study a lot, get good grades, and just enjoy this experience, because it is one of the greatest experiences of your life!

Meghan

Stay focused in high school and take as many advanced classes as possible. Acquire as many college credits as you can in high school - the less you have to take in college. Learn good study habits and how to be accountable for your actions. Pay attention to the world around you and your parents advise. When you enter college you are totally responsible for yourself. You must be accountable for your actions and be responsible. All of a sudden YOU have to be responsible to get to class, get your homework completed, find time to study, a social life, eating, sleeping, taking care of yourself physically..no parents there to make sure you ARE doing it. Don't think that just because you are a senior you can just "slide" by. This is the time to be mature, make responsible decisions that will affect you in the future. College can be fun, exciting and also you can accomplish the "work" part of college if you learn early to think smart, act responsibly, be mature and remember to keep your best interest in mind in all that you do. Best advise: think smart...be responsible.

Michelle

Do well in school!

Ashley

Don't lock yourself up in your room so much, and become more involved. I was scared to become involved because my campus in highly diverse in cultures from many areas around the world, and being from a small town in northern Minnesota I did not gain any chances to emerge myself into different cultures. With knowing how different my campus would be, I would try to emerse myself more and become more involved. I would have started to find a job anywhere, knowing how hard it is to find any sort of job around Duluth, even one that is at minimum wage. College is harder than one would think, and be prepared for the things that you would never have expected to happen. Things change but they are always for a reason and will in one way or another become for the best. Allow the changes to happen in your life, dont fight them.

Kari

I do not feel like high school prepared me well academically for college. If I could go back and take a different set of courses, I would. As far as the transition from high school to college on other aspects, I wouldn't change anything. I feel like I expanded my boundaries and made new friends, was involved in campus activities and other things in the community as well. I not only feel like a member of the city, but part of CSS as well. I feel like I made the right choice in this school and will love the rest of my time here and will continue to be a part of the CSS community after I'm gone. If I had to make the choice to come here again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Michelle

I would tell the high school senior to get out the first weekend of the new year. Make friends and study hard. Dont waste all your time sleeping. Get a regular schedule and go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. Eat all three meals! Study Study Study, yes have a good time but always keep your studies first. If you can get an A instead of a B you will be thankful later. But dont stress of the small things. Do your best and be aware of your weaknesses and do your best to keep them in check.

Kathryn

Make sure you visit many different types of colleges. Go on tour days and talk to students there. Make sure that you have a sense of belonging before you pick your school. Do not pick a school just because it is far or close to home. Pick one because you feel comforatable and belong there. Once you picked your school make sure to get involved. Play intermurals or try out for a Varsity team. Join a club and get together with other new students in your hallway. Go out of your way to make new friends because it is worth it. Get involved in things such as homecoming and other school events. And the most important advice I can give is to not lock yourself in your room with your books and study nonstop. You need a little fun to or college will be horrible. If you get a bad grade it is not the end of the world and you can make it up but you can never get back those fun, crazy college experiences that you could have had with your roommates and friends. I know I do not want to forget those crazy times.

Angela

You should first decide whether you want to attend a big or small school. Some students attend colleges that are in a different state but that is not for everyone. Talk to friends and parents that have gone through the process and really listen to their feedback. Also, do overnight visits at your top 2 or 3 colleges. This will help you understand the college's enviornment and students you will be surrounded by. Talk to the students attending the college you are visiting and ask them why they choose this school and if they like it. This is very helpful information when deciding on which college is the best fit for you or your child.

Lindsey

The most important thing to consider when looking for the college that is right for you is how you feel when you step foot on the campus. You have to feel like this could be your second home, you will be living there and going to school there for at least two years, so don't be hasty in your decision. You also have to see yourself fitting there. You need to look for a school that fits you or completes you. You want to go to a school that has everything you are looking for and will be able to help you discover who you are. It has to be a place that will expand your interests and hobbies and will help guide you in the right direction to the career path that you will be happy doing. You and the college need to fit together like a puzzle. This is the next step in your life and you want to go to a place that shows off who you are and what you believe in.

Danielle

My advice to parents and/or students looking to find the right college and making the most of their college experience is to visit the schools, and look at the academic programs offered, the size, and the time it take to complete a degree. When I was looking at schools, I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to go to school for. So I decided to choose a school that had several academic programs that I was interested in studying; this way I could switch majors without the hassle of switching schools, tranfering financial aid, and credits. The size of a school is another important thing to be considered when choosing a college. I would recommend going to a smaller school because it is easier to get the classes you need, the help you need, and it just feels more like home. Some people may like bigger schools, but size is a definite thing to consider. Also, it is taking more and more time these days to complete a college degree and the tuition isn't any getting cheaper. My college guarentees students will graduate in 4 years, if not, tuition beyond the the 4 years is free.

Kristen

There are many tokens of advice given to young adults who are about to enter their college career. Everyone seems to have wisdom to pass on to these young adults. A lot of this advice is helpful, but what it all comes down to is the young adults personality and the decision that they are comfortable making. Finding the right college is a very tough and somewhat stressful situation. The person needs to know themself enough to know what type of school is right for them. Some of the biggest areas that need to be considered are whether the potential student enjoys large or small class sizes, what type of surrounding area they enjoy, what programs specific schools offer, and the amount of cultural and religious diversity is on a specific campus. There are, of course, many other decisions but these are some of the main, important ones. As for making the most of ones college experience, the most important piece of advice that can be given is to get involved. Getting involved in many clubs and activities on campus is very rewarding because it will present many oppurtunities to meet people and make new friends.

Jessica

Look for a career and area that fits your comfort, not just one because then you won't feel at home.

Anthony

Make sure you shop around and find the school that fits best for you. Don't just consider the academics of the school also look into their ability to place you into internships and jobs.