Truman State University Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

"Work hard. Make strong friendships. Schedule down time." These are the three phrases I would utter to the six-years-younger version of myself. Each of these small packets of advice summarize what I learned as an undergrauate. First and foremost, work hard. Especially toward the beginning of freshman year I watched countless friends and peers experiment with partying, thinking their freshman year grades would not matter later; fast forward three years and they realized how big an impact the decision to put social life over academics had on their future. Working hard is vital to success in college, but it is so important to balance that with the next two statements for a healthy, happy college career. One of the best aspects of college is meeting so many new people. Find the ones who inspire, encourage, and laugh with you and you will have an invaluable support system for the difficult times. Lastly, with classes, homework, meetings, and study groups it feels as though free time is a myth. Don't be fooled! Schedule time each day to recharge from the stress of a busy schedule. In the end, taking breaks will maximize your productivity.

Jacob

If I could go back to and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be unafraid to take risks and be proactive. I graduated from college once and am now making plans to go back for a second degree in preparation for graduate school. Even though I worked all the way through college, I did not do much to plan for a future outside of school. I hoped opportunity would just drop into my lap simply because I had a degree. I now realize how foolish I was. I worked hard in college, but I did nothing to prepare for life outside of it. When I go back, I will not wait for opportunity to happen. I will make it happen.

Scott

Past me, shape up. You burn through so much energy trying to seem intelligent and better than your peers that you're not actually learning anything. Take more psychology classes, they're really going to help out when you go on to your master's program. Don't get involved in relationships at summer camp, they're pretty much going to ruin a year of your life. Date people you're really interested in, not just people who are convenient. You've already started learning that with Erin and Sarah, but believe me, there's a lot more of that knowledge that'll get dropped on you before you finally meet your wife. Good luck with everything, I hope you still enjoy the hell out of everything, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way.

Kailey

Dear High School Senior Me, I know that you're getting to the point where you are done with high school so, you don't want to do your homework or pay attention in class. I beg of you, don't do that! This is the time when you need to create a time management system that you can use in college. College is much harder than high school, as you probably imagine. The workload is a lot heavier, and writing a paper in 2 hours the night before is not going to get you an A like it does now. If you don't develop a time management system now, while your classes are easier its just going to get harder and harder and you will buckle under all the stress. Which brings me to my next tip. Find a way to manage your stress now so that you don't become a complete mess down the line. You're friends will change, so don't rely soley on them for your stress relief. Find a way to let go and relax, without becoming addicted to television. Love, College Sophmore Me

karla

I would tell myself to never give up. Although it is your last year do not let "senor-itis" get the best of you. I know its been a tedious job, but keep looking for scholarships, keep on perfecting your personal statements for those essay questions. Do not let fear stop you from wanting to go far away and study at some college that is not near from home, because in the end it was one of the best choices you could have made. Join clubs in college, its the best way to make friends with people who share the same intrests as you. Work hard, college is way different than it was in high school, where everything came easy. Study hard and find time for yourself and have a social life too. If you have a healthy balance of those three things you will do just fine in college. I know you can make it. -Love from you (Karla)

Kristen

If I could give my high school self advice it would be to not take for granted the opportunity my athleticism has given me. Consider all options and determine what is right for the future, not just what I’m comfortable with now because who I am as an eighteen or nineteen year old is not who I will grow up to be. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and be something other than the stereotypical “dumb jock”. If I look far enough within myself I will find the courage and strength needed to be the leader I should be rather than the follower I am.

Xinia

I would tell myself not to slack off because grades are more important than going to that birthday party or hanging out with your friends. The worst thing you can do is tell yourself that you can finish it later. Procrastination is a terrible habit and it will tear you apart in college because waiting to the last minute, although possible, is bad. You may think you work well under pressure now but if you were to take the time to work on your projects and papers, you will come out with a better end result. When you do not procrastinate you find that you have time to go back through and check your work and catch all of those small mistakes. Your grades will shoot up dramatically as long as you keep up every day. You will be able to do whatever you want with your free time because Mom and Dad will be so happy to see that you are doing well in school that you will be able to go out with your friends and do what you want to do. Stay on top of your school work and you will be much happier in the end.

Ashley

I would tell myself to not focus on being social and to place my academics above all else. Joining a sorority is an experience that I will keep near and dear in my heart for a long time; however, it is also something I could have done without for a little longer. I would tell myself to love myself for who I am (or for who I was then) because in college you will encounter many different people. Some of those people will change you and you have the ultimate say in whether they change you for the better or for worse. I would also tell myself to listen to my mother. My 18-year-old self was so happy to get away from my parents protective household; however, I failed to realize that everything that my mother told me then has proven itself to be true time and time again. She really is the only person that truly has my best interest at heart and she wants to see me succeed. I would love to go back in time to tell my self that, however, I can only learn from my mistakes and continue to move foward in success!

jaime

As high school ends, classmates will earnestly request one thing of you: “Never change!” Whatever you do, don’t listen to that advice.If ever there is ever a time that is specifically set aside for exploration, transformation, and the kind of unfettered intellectual play that epiphanies are made of and life paths sprout from, this is it. Soon you’ll be immersed in a whirlpool of ideas – it would be a shame if you didn’t let that change you. Get to know international students and write letters to friends in faraway places; send thank you notes and get in the habit of reading the newspaper everyday. Find that sweet spot between structure and improvisation; do your homework and keep your promises, but be sure to also draw pictures and dance. Play it like Miles Davis: seek the balance between form and freedom that makes life, like jazz, so great. Before you know it, you’ll be catching yourself stretching into new skin, turning a problem over and inspecting it from all sides, truly listening rather than merely hearing. A better, fuller version of yourself will be stepping into the light. Forget never changing. Stay open.

Pamela

You are a senior now and about to embark on a new chapter of your life. People have said that the college years are some of the best years in a person's life. While that may certainly be true don't use this saying to pressure you to make this happen. Don't feel like you have to join every club, attend every football game, befriend every peer and impress every professor. Don't get me wrong, it is very much important to make the most out of every opportunity. However, don't feel like you need to participate in any and everything to fulfill the standards of the "college life". Pursue the things that truly interest you, academic and non-academic. Take your time, breathe, discover who you are. So what if you don't meet your future husband in your freshman biology class or your research project doesn't get published. Don't look to other people to determine what your college experience should be. Please don't be afraid to step out and try new things. The best college experience is one where you are happy with the choices YOU make whether big or small.

Babatunde

As an internaional student, being in Truman State University has exposed me to a lot of life's experiences. From the academic rigour to the social network,it has been a world to see and live in. I have learned how to relate and improve my communication skills with the students here. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from my professors who are willing to help in any capacity they can. I have also been able to identify areas in sports and extracurricullar activities where perfectly fit in.I have also been able to seen the "College Life" as seen in movies like having fun in parties and social gatherings. And being a Liberal arts college, I have being able to mix my science and health skills with a liberal arts experience. Being a student of Truman State University has been valuable to attend due to the numerous history behind her with various top level rankings. It offers a top-class level of education that can be compared to Ivy-leage schools. It also offers unique internship opportuinities in all disciplines.

Natalie

Challenge, opportunity, and professionalism were three major contributors to my success as a professional. Thanks to Truman State University, I have established a successful career in the public school system. My degree was recognized and respected by the employers in my work enviroment. The opportunites offered by Truman State helped me to build my resume and stand out within the crowd of applicants. The third major experience was the staff modeling of appropriate professionalism. I left for my first professional position ahead of the game, prepared beyond my expectations. Thank you Truman University!

Veronica

My greatest college experiences have taught me about myself. I am learning who I am and what I want to do with my life. My school is valuable to me, because I'm getting a great education for a very low price compared to most other schools. I enjoy my school experience, but classes are very difficult and demanding for outside work.

Sally

My higher education path began at Truman State University. The college experience is not limited to attending classes and taking finals. It also emcompasses real world experiences such as not always relying on mom and dad and accepting responsibility for your own actions. These experiences while at Truman occurred at a vital point in my adulthood. To know where I am going I need to understand where I have been. For the past 30 years of my life, I realized many things, been touched by many people, and have learned many lessons the hard way. Each and every aspect has brought me to where I am today. So many events have occurred in all stages of my life, but I look at those experiences as having a cumulative effect on the future events. As evidenced by my educational and employment history, I have a love of learning and a determination to succeed. I possess the ability to remain a well-rounded individual, keeping my education, professional and social lives balanced. With my diverse background of science, psychology and health care, I believe that whatever path I decide to take I know that I will be successful. It began at Truman.

Samantha

College has the ability to place things in perspective for a student. At first you're petrified and lost. You switch majors multiple times as you anxiously try to figure out who you are before you spend all of the harvested money your parents have put away for your college education. You panic and cry, laugh and scream, make memories, and mistakes you never thought you would. I have experienced more in my first four months as a college freshmen than I have in my whole life spent at an educational facility. I have learned the value of persuing what you truly want, and not being afraid to take the lead and speak up. This experience is invaluable to a person, and the things you learn in college prepare you to take the next step forward. You get as much as you want from your education as you yourself are willing to put into it. In the end, college is what you make of it.

Sarah

I have learned so much more at Truman than my classes have taught me, and that is impressive because I have gained so much from my academics. As per its standards, the college life in general has taught me great self-motivation and satisfaction, responsibility with my time and money, and balance. But I feel that Truman adds a sense of value to these lessons with the amazing support of everyone around me. I feel as I could easily ask most of my professors for a recommendation in the future, for each not only knows who I am, but my weaknesses, my strengths, and my progress. Though the school is one tenth the size of many schools, but three times any other school I applied to, I have not met one unkind student, and feel close to everyone in my classes. Even the staff are supportive, ranging from the Health Center and Career Center staff to cafeteria staff and custodians. I know several by name, and get a daily smile from countless others. I am unspeakably satisfied with Truman, and know that my experience here will be invaluable to my success in life.

Jaronda

I would tell myself to push harder to get those grades as high as possible because colleges love students who can push themselves to success. I would also tell myself to create better studying skills because college is nothing like high school when it comes to academia. The professors expect you to do ALL the homework no matter how much time you have nor what other homework you have in other classes. Each professor is different on their grading as well, so prepare yourself for that. Lastly, I would let myself know that I need some sort of time management technique in order to plan each day wisely while still having time for myself. Your time in college seems to be great, but when you start your day, you realize just how little time you have.

Sarah

I would first tell myself not to worry everything will be ok in the long run. People change and you will change, college is a time for finding out who you are and you shouldn?t be afraid of that. Meeting new people is essential, talk to everyone; even if they are people you wouldn?t normally associate with in high school. Also college is nothing like high school; you can?t skip class and not turn in homework and expect to slide by like before. Buckle down and find an appropriate balance between fun and work. And on that note DO NOT SKIP CLASS, you will miss important information by not being there and will fail to build a good reputation with your professor. Academics come first but don?t be afraid to have fun. Parties as well as school clubs are a great way to meet people. Remember you are never alone, reach out to your friends, hall mates, professors and campus facilities, there is always someone there to help you. Most importantly, be yourself don?t try to be something you aren?t people will love you for being you and not someone else.

Brittany

Always talk to your professors. Having a relationship with them will help you when it comes to recommendations, to learning the material, and so much more. If you do not understand your class, your professor is willing to help. In addition, study. Some people did not have to study much in high school but college is different. You cover material much faster and your professors don't always read in class. Reading and studying will benefit you.

Jenny

I would tell myself to get in touch with the transfer coordinator at Truman within my freshman year of college and to get the list of classes needed for my degree. I would tell myself to work harder in my classes so I could get a better transfer scholarship. I would say that taking these classes in community college will make my life easier when I go to Truman. I would tell myself to look for more scholarships online so I don't have so many loans. But I would also tell myself that this is your dream college and it wll be worth all the heartache in the end.

Emily

I think about this question all the time. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now, there is a lot to tell myself. My first correction would be to explore more schools and go on more campus visits. I would also look into required courses. I did not know that a liberal arts school had so many unrelated courses (to a person's major) required for graduation. My next step would have been to apply earlier. I put off applications with a fear of rejection. I now know that the earlier you apply to a school, the better chances a person has at being considered. One last step I would tell myself is to be serious right away, college is so different from high school but nothing to be afraid of. All the hard work put in takes you one step closer to where you want to be in life.

Laura

Honestly, I don't think there would be any advice to give, except to not waste my money applying to any other schools, but that's something I needed to figure out on my own. I would probably tell myself that I would just be another number at a bigger college and need something more personal. I loved the experience of picking a University and feeling confident that my choice was right and I would relive it in an instant! I believe I would just say, "I think you'd really enjoy Truman and the friends you'll meet and the opportunities you will have".

Elizabeth

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself, I'd make sure my old self knew that you don't have to go to an Ivy League school to get a good education and have a good time. I would definitely ensure that I also knew to get involved with activities in college. There is no time to be shy because everyone here is new and everyone is looking to make friends. I would also tell myself to remember that most of the people at college do not know me and thus, I can change anything about myself more easily. All of these suggestions combined would have helped me greatly had I known them as a high school senior.

Ja'cobe'

If I could go back in time, one of the most important pieces of advice I would give myself would be to take more dual credit and AP courses. I often feared failing courses which held me back from performing a lot of things I now wish I could've. I braved one AP Litterature course my senior year and surprisingly passed with an A-. Going back in time, I would be more creative and adventurous by taking more extra-curricular activities. By not attempting a variety of clubs, I didn't give myself a chance to even gain interes in any of them. My senior year I worried a lot about making my collegiate profile look great

Matthew

If I could go back to my senior year in high school knowing what I know now about college life I would take the opportunity to spend extra time with my high school instructors inquiring about their experiences in college and what it really takes to succeed accademically in college. I would have taken math and writing preparation more seriously to be better prepared for the level at which college students are expected to perform.

Lakeisha

I would tell myself to have more fun in highschool because college is harder than you expect. I would tell myself to save the money I earn from my job because college is very expensive and there will be a lot of suprise runs to Walmart. I would also tell myself that the dorm rooms you see on those "back to school" commercials are unreal and they are way smaller. The myth that all you do is partying at college is just that, a myth. There is saying at Truman: you have a social life, homework, and sleep, you get to pick which two you want. From my experience, on a good day I can get one of these three things. There is no such things as the perfect roommate or perfect suitemates, sometimes you won't always get along with them either, so see what living arrangement suites you best. Though I would warn myself of these things and more, lastly, and the most cliche and honest thing i would tell myself is that no matter what you are going to make mistakes, it is up to ypu how you learn from them and prepare better in the future.

Mark

I would have tried harder in high school and set myself up better in college. By doing this I will be ahead of the other students and have less work to do to stay with the class. By not working to my full potential in high school it hurt me immensely in college; with poor study habits and not coming in with any credits.

Michelle

Not to listen to other people's opinions of school and to go somewhere that I would feel comfortable and focus on my degree.

Catherine

Do not be afraid to ask questions in college and question your professors as often as you can because 1) they enjoy it and 2) you can both learn something new that way. College is about taking risks and gaining from different experiences, so make sure to go out and experience new things. Never let fear hold you back!

Sean

Procrastinate now, while you still can. Don't overreact to situations that you have no control over. Regarding rumors or activities, do not believe everything you hear, believe everything you see. You don't have to be friends with everyone, just occasionally hang out with people. Don't try to please everyone or you will end up making things worse. Get a day planner and plan things. Don't try the whole double major thing, just stick to Political Science and stick to the sample program. Ask which political science classes are on what semester cycle, then you can plan accordingly. DO NOT take junior or senior classes as a sophomore, except Arabic. Take Arabic, and focus and study that more than anything else, but don't neglect your other studies. Make your relaxing time going to more symphonies, guest speakers, movies, plays, etc. Embrace napping for it is glorious! Make a budget, save as much money as possible because the economy is going to go down the drain (tell mom and dad to pull out of the market and save some money). Don't worry Obama will be President. Have fun, and good luck!

Mark

The first thing I would tell a senior is to work really hard at your studies. Even though parents and teachers tell you this, it is really important to help you get into a good school and to potentially get scholarships. If you are planning on being a collegiate athlete, make sure you look at all aspects of the school and try to be as honest as you can about your decision. You are going to be part of a team and that team, for better or worse, is depending on you for at least 4 years.

Jennifer

I would tell myself to straigten up! Get your act together! Start saving money, now! Find scholarships, now! Don't wait because you never know when your secure family circumstances could change completely. Mom and dad may lose their jobs, and mom might get cancer so be prepared to be a mature adult. I would also tell myself don't be afraid. Be the outgoing girl you know you can be because these people are great and accepting. Do what you want to do with your life and don't worry about what major will "look good" to anyone else because it's about your education, Jen! You are doing great, and you have family and friends that really love you. Press on, press on, press on.

Noelle

If I could go back, I'd tell myself not to take college lightly; it really is a lot harder than high school. Id tell myself to start good studying habits now, because in college the teacher's aren't there to teach you; they're there to guide you as you grow and learn on your own. I'd tell myself to get involved more, and try to make more friends. I've always been shy, but the first few weeks of freshman year are the easiest to make new friends. If I could do it over, I would have been much more social my freshman year. Other than that, I'd say to enjoy it. Relax, stop worrying. College is really the best time of my life, despite all the homework. If I'd heard all this from my future self, it would have made things much easier, and a lot more enjoyable.

Elizabeth

Definitly visit the school before you go their. It helps the person get the feel for it before deciding where to go. Also, it is good to look into a school with a wide range of majors. This will help the student if he or she decides to change his or her major. This could prevent the person from transferring which can become a huge hassle. I would also advise looking into courses outside the major. I think the more diverse the course list is then the more rounded the education can be.

Aurelia

Find a college that you feel you fit into. Don't try to "get away" from your parents and go to a school thats as far away as possible. Just choose the school that appeals to you the most. Although you should choose a school you love, you need to be money concious. If you choose a school that is too far out of your budget, you will regret it later on.

Lisa

To parents, I would reccomend that you let the decision be made by your student with minimal "guidance." College is a chance for your child to become who they really want to be, away from the influence of their hometown. Detailed nitpicking about their school of choice will not help them in making the decision that's right for them. That said, students, choose the school that is best for you, not the most fun. There will be time for friends and partying no matter where you go, so make sure to go somewhere where you'll also learn something that will help you in the future. Be honest with your roommates, even if it's to say that you can't stand them. It's probably mutual, and you'll all benefit from the clean air between you. Work as much as you can over the summer so that you have more time for youself during the school year. Take chances and go outside yourself. It's the only way to grow and make new friends. Don't be afraid or ashamed to drop classes. No one can do everything. Go to a football game. Enjoy life.

Jarrod

Start visiting schools early and visit a lot. Don't go on a visit day but go on a day when you can sit in on a class. Find a place that just feels, "right."

Maria

Always visit the campus, because on paper everything might seem perfect but once you get there it could be a completely different story. Also, make sure to ask around for people who have gone to the school, and see what they have to say. Always remember they might be biased so ask around. Don't look at the price tag, apply and if accepted seee how much financial aid they give you.

Jacob

My advice to parents and students on finding the right college is to communicate with each other. As young adults, it's very hard to want to listen to parents, but they do know what's best. Parents and students need to talk about the different situations that would be available at the different schools the student is looking at. The right school has to provide the opportunity for academic success and also ways to relieve stress and have a good time. Parents should not try and make the decision for their students, but rather point out the positives that they see in each school and allow their student to make the final decision. Once the student has found the right college, its in their hands to make the most of the college experience. Students need to get involved early and often. Students should find something they believe strongly in and join a club/organization that supports that. While getting involved is very important, it is also vital that students don't try and do too much. Don't try and do everything, just do the things that are most important.

Billy

If you can, figure out what you would like to major in or focus on, and go from there. Many colleges have certain areas that they are known for. I'm not at the best university for what I want to do, but I've made friends and different groups that have made it worth it.

Jordan

My advice would be that you should first look at what you can afford. There is no reason to take out big loans and go into debt just to go to a big name school for an undergraduate. Second, try to find a place where you can grow and learn. And third, do what you want to do and don't let any make the choice for you.

Lauren

Choose first how far away you want to go to school, or how close to home you want to be. Then, do some research on what colleges are in the desired location range. Figure out what size of school seems right for you, keeping in mind that bigger schools come with bigger classes, and more emphasis on sports and greek life. The next step is to narrow down colleges based on size, location, and cost until you find the one that seems right and fits all your specifications. It is also VERY important to visit a school while students are in class in order to see and get the feel of what going to school will be like at that college. In order to make the most of the college experience, students need to try to figure out what they enjoy doing, what people they like being with, and what they like learning about. College is about finding yourself and enjoying yourself before being completely independent. Students need to remember to enjoy themselves and make new friends, but also to balance school work and focus on learning and classes.

Allison

I think that the most important part of finding the right college for you is to actually visit different campuses to figure out what you want out of your college experience. If you know what kind of academic program you want to get into try to find a school that has different opportunities within your major for internships and unique learning experiences. However, you might not know what you want to do, and that's fine! Don't just look at academic programs offered, even though those are definitely important things to consider. Visit campuses and try to meet some current students and get their honest opinions about their experiences both on and off campus. Look at extracurricular activities too! Your college is going to be your home so it is important to find somewhere you are going to be comfortable to both learn and grow in.

Ashley

Do your research so you don't regret your decision

Caroline

When selecting a college- parents, let you student figure out what is best for them, they know better than you do, and students be open to suggestions from you parents, but ultimately, know the decision is yours to make. When you get to college, get involved! This is a great way to meet people and feel a part of the campus community. But remember, do not over commit yourself; you are at college to get an education, and that should come first. Also, get to know your professors- they are more willing to help/work with you if they know who you are.

Sandra

When picking the right college one should not only think about the money but the experience as a whole. Finding the right college is important because that is where one is going to reside for the next four, or more, years. Think about the town, the size of the campus, the emphasis on academia, the teachers, and also how far one is willing to move. After finding the right college one should try making friends with the people in your hall. These will be the people you see everyday and you never know when you need to borrow a can opener. Try not to get too caught up with all work and no play. Finding a balance is key, afterall being on your own is about finding out what works for you and not what mom and dad say works. Lastly one should get to know each and every one of their professors. Getting to know a professor and his or her office hours is important. One does not want at the end of the semester to go in to ask a professor about his or her grade and have the professor not know who you are.

Christopher

Make sure to visit the college more than once and be sure to be willing to take part in provided activites; find the one you want to begin with when you first begin your college life. Don't be afraid to show what you know.

Jessica

I encourage parents to sit down with their college student, and help them figure out exactly what areas of study interest them. From that point I suggest that the student write down what it is he or she is looking to get out of their education, and in particular, what they are looking for in a school. The list will help guide them in their search for the right school. The student should do his or her own research individually, and then present what they have found to their parents in order to get advice. I also encourage parents to require that their student do most of the reasearch on different schools on their own. This tool helps their son or daughter really take ownership of their future, but without totally making them go through the whole experience alone.

Laura

When looking for the right college, it is very important for the student to visit the school they are considering going to so that the student and the parents can have a feel for where he/she will be living in the following year(s). Likewise, it is important for students and parents to keep an open mind about which school he/she will be attending. What they may think is the best fit could turn out completely wrong. Therefore, students and parents, together, should research the school in terms of education and outside interests. Although the parents may like one school, they need to recognize the student's needs and wants. To help find the right college, students and parents need to work together to see what is the best fit through two or three different perspectives.

Peter

Make sure they find a good church