Transylvania University Top Questions

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

Michelle

College is supposed to prepare you for your future career and help you find the person you are going to be for the rest of your life. During this process, I incorporated a lot of routine into my daily life to make these aspirations possible. While this can smooth the transition into college life and help you get things completed, it was not always the superlative decision for me holistically. If I could tell high school Michelle one thing, it would be to do something that interrupts your routine everyday! College has a tendency to make me feel like a robot. I found out early in my transition into college that I could be a very efficient robot and achieve academic success, however the idea of the days running together is not a part of the contributing citizen I want to be. Do five jumping jacks in the morning, eat lunch somewhere you have never eaten, or go to a park instead of the library for homework. Simple changes help you feel alive while still embracing the necessary structure needed to succeed in college. Life is too short (and college is too fun) for two days to be the same!

Ashley

The best advice that I can give to my senior self is to be open with everyone. Total reservation gets you nowhere. Once on campus, smile at everyone you meet (this includes professors) and make an impression. This impression does not have to be perfect so do not worry about the transaction. Just be friendly. The more people you know, the easier the experience. Other students often know things that you do not. This can help with that math exam coming up next week or finding the best location for hot chocolate on campus. Many people want to help you, and you can help them when they are in need. Professors offer plenty of help as well. DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED! Yes, these people are geniuses but they love to share any and all knowledge with you. Many subjects can be clarified if you just ask for help. And providing that you have already made an effort to approach them with your first impression, they will know that you are truly serious about your education and go the extra mile to help you.

Billy

When looking at colleges don't just limit yourself to only a couple to choose from. You should try to visit as many different colleges and universities as you can. Visiting an actual school and going on a tour is much more informative than reading some random article or blog online. Don't limit your options. Go visit yourself and get all the information YOU need from an actual university represenative and don't let someone tell you where you should or shouldn't go. Its your choice, so choose it! Another thing, find a school where you will be TRULY happy. Find a university that YOU want to be a part of. Being proud of the school that you are attending keeps you smiling, and keeps you motivated to do the best work you can possibly do to succeed there. Have fun! Meet new people and make new friends! This will be the greatest time of your life....but be smart and responsible or it could be the worst. But most importantly, focus on your school work. It is easy to get distracted from doing you work. This is your chance to be the person you want to be!

Robin

You can accomplish much more than you would believe right now. You will be presented with challenges that seem impossible but have faith in yourself and when the work is finished, have pride in it. Not trying is never an acceptable course of action; it automatically makes you fail. Even if you receive a grade you aren't happy with, figure out what you learned from the experience and, then and there, decide how you will do better next time. Also, take care of yourself. You will see a lot of people do harmful things to themselves such as drinking, staying out too late, and skipping class. But have enough respect for yourself to find good people to be around, people who aren't afraid to tell you when you need help, people who care enough about you to do what's best for you, not just what's fun at the moment. There will be stressful times when you'll be so thankful to have this backbone of support. Having others, whom you care about, who hold you to high standards will be that extra push you need when you feel like staying in bed all day.

Katrina

There are a lot of little things that I could tell myself, for example- don't go out with that guy or study more for this or that class. Howver by doing that I would take away vauleable learning experinces. So instead I would tell myself about much broader elements of college live. First off, chose the school you want to go to based on the people there not just the courses and campus, you got to get along with the people that you'll be spending the next four years with. Second studying is more important then facebook and tv shows, those will be there later, your mindset for a paper might not. Thirdly be your happy self, happiness is always a better impression on others! Lastly you never need as many clothes as you think and keep in touch with the family so that they don't always have to call you.

Ashley

I would tell my self to work on better studying habits, it would have made my life a little easier. Also, I would tell myself not to worry about having to make new friends, it happens very naturally at Transy and soon you find yourself with a whole host of new friends. Another thing would be to work on writing papers, as we have at least one small paper due every week. I would also tell myself not to worry overly much about finding my way around campus; it's pretty small, though it can look a little daunting to a first year.

Margaret

If I could go back, I would advise my senior-self to not let anyone put boundaries on where she wants to go to school. I would let her know that she's capable of going to big-name prestigious schools, and no one can tell her different. I would also advise her to visit more schools and be more involved in the search process - ask more questions, really pray and consider what would be best for her. Finally, I would tell her about transitioning into college. I would tell her to be open to new experiences and not let anyone hold her back from making new friends and having new experiences. She should take advantage of opportunities on campus and really give back to the community from the get-go. She should get to know her professors and classmates in order to ameliorate her overall academic experience and success.

Alexandria

Do not just visit one college and make your decision based on whether you like it or not. Broaden your choices. Even if you are in love with the first school you visit, go to other ones to compare and make sure the first one is right for you.

Andrew

A lot of prospective students believe they know exactly what kind of a career they want to pursue, so they choose a college that focuses on those things they are only currently interested in. My advice to these students is to go for a college that offers courses in a wide variety of subjects, and then encourage them to experiment with what is offered. You never know when you might find something completely new that you will fall in love with. The purpose of college is to give you the resources and opportunities you need to effectively choose a direction in life, so be sure and examine all your options before you commit yourself to one thing. I would also invite students to become involved in an extracurricular activity of some sort, so they can socialize with people with similar interests and apply their talents into action. In short, have an open mind, make friends and have a little fun, but don't forget why you are there. Stay on top of your schoolwork no matter what, because in college grades are everything.

Victoria

I would say to visit as many colleges as possible, over nights are a great way to get to know people on campus, and get a taste of the average college student. Research different scholarships and finacial aid availible at each school you have selected.

Jennifer

I would definatly say take your time and look at as many schools as you like. Picking a college is not something that you should do over night. Look over the information schools send you and decide which ones you would like to visit in person. Then really think about your choices. Visit each college as many times as you need to in order to make the best decision. You should also find a school that is right for you, not someone else. Most importantly, talk to your parents and counselors. They are a great help and can make things much easier. Lastly, enjoy this time in your life. You only get to start college once. The process can be stressful, but once things are set in stone you have a lot to look forward to. The college experience can be life changing.

Courtney

Be sure to explore all of your options and apply to all schools that you are interested in. Don't let the application fees deter you; the small investment with those now could make a huge difference in your future. Decide what kind of student you are, and whether you prefer small or large classes and a faculty to make connections with or to simply teach you what you need to know. Make the most of your experience by getting involved in at least two campus or social organizations, but not spreading yourself too thin. Speak up and participate in class discussions and reach out to your professors. If they see that you are determined about a course, they will be more likely to help you. Get to know many other students and faculty/staff-- these are valuable resources now and in the future, for job recommendations, connections, and friendships. Be proud of what you choose, and choose it for the right reasons. College is a time for you to become who you're supposed to be. Let it be the most rewarding experience by exploring all options and deciding for yourself who you want to become.

Kathleen

When I was looking for school I found making a pro-con list a really good way to compare schools and evaluate my choices. Also, take some time to consider what it is you want in a school, and what you need in a school. Then think about the colleges you are conisidering in these terms. No matter where you go things are not going to be perfect and it will be an adjustment but taking these into consideration can decrease the amount of adjustment by a lot. The best way to make the most of college once on campus is to get involved in something. Whether that's a sport, sorority/fraternity, or other activity doesn't matter. Being involved gives you a community and a purpose other than academic. Plus, it's a good way to meet other people who may become your friends on campus. Building a network of peers and others on campus is important to making college a good experience.

Erika

Just like every person is unique so are the variety of colleges. I highly advise an overnight stay at the places that your son/daughter are considering attending. Admissions counselors tend to only present part of the university but attending students will usually tell everything. Next consider if you want a small school verses a large school. By knowing that I wanted to attend a school with small classes, I immediately was able to knock out several other choices. Another big factor would be the tuition costs. Smaller universities tend to cost more then others but they offer much more for the price being charged. But remember, each college has its pro's and con's. It is more important to find the school that fits you best. If you are not completely happy with your chose, then it will be highly difficult to be successful while attending. Contentment makes you want to do your best and branch out and experience everything that college has to offer. Good luck selecting your university and remember: Have fun!

Howard

Visit all of the schools you consider. Listen to the students and talk to as many as you can, not just those the Univeristy throws at you. Research, research, research. Be open to new ideas and don't worry too much about financial issues. Once you choose, students, be open. Search for new experiences, don't just wait for them to come to you. Live. You only get to do it once. Talk to everyone you meet, get off campus and explore the city. Know your campus inside and out. Meet new people and try new things. Parents, don't worry about your children too much. Call as necessary, but let them grow and support them, no matter what. Let them find themselves and accept them. Help when they need help, but recognize boundaries. Most of all, have fun. It's the first day of the rest of your life.

Daniel

The best advice that I can give anyone applying to college, is to go on a college visit. Do an overnight stay. Generally, just get a feel for what life is like at that college. If, when you visit the college, you feel at home, chances are, you'll feel at home going to that college. If you're not comfortable with your surroundings socially and physically, there's no way that you can get an efficient education. As far as making the most of your college experience, get to know the people you go to school with. Whether that be by means of a greek or other organization, or just walking up and introducing yourself. It may seem clich?, but getting to know people is one of the best things about college. Here's where you make the friends you'll have for a lifetime.

Sara

The best advice I would have to give prospective students or their parents is to visit the campus, sit in on a class, or at best spend a night there. I feel like first-person experience with a campus is the most effective way to gain insight into the college and help you with your decision on your college choice. The best way to make the most out of your college experience is be active: on campus, in the community, in the classroom, and with your peers. Be involved!

Anna

In my opinion, it is so important that a student has an overnight visit at each of the colleges in which he/she is interested in attending. The overnight stay can really provide an accurate picture of what social and academic life is like on that particular campus. In addition, once a college is chosen, a student must be involved in order to really enjoy their college experience. If one takes advantage of opportunities such as greek life, athletics, and student clubs/activities while maintaining a balance with their academics, a student will really maximize their college experience no matter which school they have chosen.

Chelsea

Go with your gut, you have to make the best of wherever you end up. The place is not as important as the people you meet and the programs you seek out.

Morgan

Really go and visit the school, walk around, sit in on a class, and make sure to talk to real students at the school, not just the students taking you on tours. Try and find someone who goes or went to the school and ask them for their honest opinion. Definitely check out the area that the school is in too, making sure it has plenty to do on weekends and when you just need to get away from campus. Pay attention to Greek life too, because they may down play it for prospective students.

Jami

Keep your options open and don't be afraid to take loans if that's what it takes!

Dan

Visit every college you can. Do an overnight visit. Definitely sit in on one of the classes. You can't judge a college by information in a pamphlet or through word of mouth. You just have to experience it yourself and find which makes you feel most comfortable. Only you can judge what college is right for you.

Kimberli

When choosing a school that will provide a good environment for you, you first have to know what you want to get out of your college experience, and then find a school that will cater to your wants and needs. For example, if you want to be very involved, find a school with many different student organizations. Or, if you want a more personal college experience, then you should try to find a school with smaller class sizes. Also, the value of visiting many different colleges and staying overnight on many campuses before making any final decisions should not be underestimated! Once you have found the right school for you, don't hold back! Don't be afraid to talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to, try new activities that you wouldn't have otherwise tried, and take classes that you are truly interested in. Take advantage of all the programs (tutoring, counseling, etc.) that your school offers, and get to know your professors and classmates. They will be there when your family can't! But most of all, remember to have a little fun, and do something just for yourself every once in a while!

Charles

Find a college that first best fits your childs learning style, and location. Work hard to get scholarships, and grants. Visit the college during events and during regular class days so you get to see the real college not the dressed up version. This also allows you to meet people, and know what it's like on a social level.

Rachel

From my experience I have found that college can be a sheltering environment where one gets self-absorbed and cut off from the reality that is life. It is easy to get into the social scene and lose sight of the main reason why we learn: to be better people. I would search for the school that would give you the best learning experience possible without the emphasis on creating friendships and social ties. Have confidence in your social skills and let that not be a reason why you pick the place you do. You can make friends no matter the city you choose. What is of the utmost importance is learning, growing, and experiencing. So choose a place that encourages all three. Choose a place that shows you the world instead of sheltering you with campus life and drama. In essence, the place you choose should be the world placed right in front of your eyes.

William

College is your home away from home so you have to make sure that you find the one that fits you best. Don't settle for anything less, go out and try to find what you think is going to fit you the best. Never try to make a decision based on other people around you, its not their future, its yours! Make sure that you keep that in mind and that your school is going to best for what you want to do later on.

Raven

I would encourage parents and students to work together to find the college that best suits both of them. I almost made the wrong college choice because I was afraid to move away from home. However, once I stepped out into the college world I realized that moving away from home was exactly what I needed to do to excell in my life. My mother was very supportive in my moving away because she realized that this choice was the best one for me. Had we not worked together on this choice, I may have missed out on the best opportunity of my life.

Rachel

Visit the colleges and talk to as many people as you can to get a real idea about what life is like at that school. Don't take what the school tells you at face value-they are trying to make themselves appear to advantage, so you probably are not going to get the whole story.

Megan

I would tell students to follow your gut. If you attend an overnight visit or tour and you truely believe that you can fit in and enjoy your time on that campus, then go there! I've found through my own choices and the choices of friends that second guessing yourself never works out in the end. As for parents, please don't try to make this decision for your child. I have friends that are attending the school of their parent's choice, and take it from me, they may be close to home but they aren't too overly happy with their parents. This is a time for your child to grow and mature, but its also a time for you to let go. Once you make your decision, get involved! Find friends that you can hang and study with and who are accepting of you as yourself! Don't tyr to be someone you are not! For those old enough to remember the Magic Schoolbus, "make mistakes and get messy" for you are entering the best and most memorable years of your life. Good luck!

Matthew

To find the right college, one must remember this word: experience. It took me a few campuses until I found the right one. It's important to submerge yourself in the lifestyles of several different schools, meeting different people, and learning the fundamentals of each school's program. And not just academic programs, either! A healthy social life is important in choosing the right school: because without people to lift you up after a hard week's worth of school work, how does one get anything out of college but a one-sided education, which is only halfway helpful for the real world. Thats why it's important to test the waters, so to speak, before decided on the right college for you.