University of Jamestown Top Questions

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

Leah

In regards to acedemics, do not be afraid to ask questions to your professors. They love answering questions and someone else most likely will be wondering the same thing. Also, get your homework done as soon as possible-- the sooner you're done, the sooner you can relax and enjoy the company of your friends. In regards to social life, make time to hang out with people you like and join clubs/organizations to meet new people! Don't be shy and don't be afraid to always be yourself-- turns out people genuinely like you for who you are! And remember, you will only be at college for 4 years, so work hard, appreciate your time there, and don't stress yourself out. God's got your back so there's no need to stress. :)

Alejandro

Alejandro,live differently than those who are in college to have fun so that when college is over you may have fun.Live the life of a great man,keep your goals and maintainyour vision.It will pay off.

Meghan

I would tell myself to learn how to study for things ahead of time instead of at the last minutes, this would also go for papers or assignments. Do not procrasintate be someone who is ahead of the game. I would also tell myself to spend more time looking for scholarships. Financial aid is a key factor to anyone who is headed toward college and paying for school can be a challenge. I wish I would have looked more into scholarships and taking the time to prepare. When in athletics being a senior in high school you are the top do. I would tell myself to be more humble in athletics it is not until college where you are put into your place again. Congradulate everyone because they all contributed to making you the athlete that one are. Procrastination, athletics, and studying are just three of the things that I wish I would have learned to fix in high school, but for now I am slowly figuring them out.

Megan

Entering college as a freshman is a scary experience. Not only are you living on your own without parental guidance, but you have to meet new friends, support yourself, and complete school work that is harder than you could ever imagine. If I could go back a year from now and offer myself some advice, I would tell myself "do what's best for you." College should be a great time, filled with memories and amazing friendships. It shouldn't matter what your hair looks like or what you wear to class. Other people's opinions should not affect the experience you have in college. You will meet some of your best friends because of your personality, not because of what you wear or how you look. I would also tell myself that it is important to do your best in class. College is a time to fill your brain with new and exciting knowledge. I, myself, am a perfectionist and strive for good grades. By going to college I have realized that you can't always get an A+ in your gradebook. All that should matter is that you tried your hardest and did the best you can.

Corissa

If I could give my angsty, nerdy, stressed, high school self advice, it would be not to settle and to relax. Academic acheivement is important, but that can be acheived while having fun, doing hobbies, and learning more about yourself and not just your two-hundred dollar textbook. Being a high school senior is a time when you are bombarded by people wanting to know what you want to do with your life, when you have so little life experience. With that, it's imperative not to limit yourself to what you know or what you think you are good at, because there is a whole world out there. Don't necessarily pick a major based on the classes, do interships in the careers that interest you and base your education on your career goals. You have to challenge yourself to grow as a person in college, but don't make yourself go gray by the time you are twenty-two, because you should also enjoy this unique time in your life.

Dajan

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior I am sure of what I would say. I would tell myself to reach out to others as I transition into college. I came into college very shy and nervous. What I failed to realize was that everyone else was in the same boat as I was. So, to my highschool self, be yourself and go socialize. Keep your studies your top priority, as you always have, but also understand that being a part of groups and having a strong bond with other people is important in transitioning into college. You need a strong basis of friends to help you get through those tough weeks when you get bogged down with exams and just need someone to talk to. Those first few months away from family will be difficult, so reach out and save your mental health. Education comes first, but that doesn't mean that finding yourself and lifetime friends cannot be an integral part of the journey.

Cassidy

I would tell myself that even though it's important to make friends the first semester of college, you need to keep your ducks in a row and make sure your putting your studies first before anything else. It took me my second semester to realize I need to spend a little more time studying than hanging out with friends. The relationships you make in college are important too, but you just need to be able to manage your time to make sure you do your best on your homework and tests.

Keaton

College helped me strengthen my ability to create my own path in life. Jamestown gave me the knowledge to suceed in the working world and to land jobs I have always wanted. It helped me find strength, courage and resolve to be the best at what I do and to become the person I've always hoped to be. It not only helped with my career path, but it helped me build character, personality and lasting friendships. I would never have learned the things I have and met the people I have met without attending Jamestown College.

Ashley

If I had to go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to start life over, fresh. Jamestown is seven hours away from your house, so allow this to be the best experience that you could ask for. Things are going to be different, because it?s a different world, don?t change who you are. People like the original you, so be yourself. Also school is more challenging. Face the facts, grades come first because they follow you the rest of your life, but don?t make it a habit of just studying alone. Study with friends and socialize! The friends that you make here will stick with you for the rest of your. As for sports, learn from your mistakes, harness them and let them bring you up, not the opposite way. Learn to love the pain of working hard, because in the end it will pay off!! Also it tells the coaches that you want to be there because you love the sport, not just because you got a scholarship. Otherwise enjoy college to the best of your abilities, and get out and have fun.

Mike

College will require hard work for success. Use all available resources you can, including Dad, and expect to study a lot in order to recieve good grades. Please do not skip classes, for you will only feel bad about it, and it really is the equivalent of throwing your money down the drain. Also try and stay away from all the drama that will take place, for college is not a point in your life you can really do half heartedly. College is really setting the foundation for the quality of your life, and for the very best quality of life, you will need to give your very best effort.

Madeline

As a high school senior, the best advice anyone could have given me is to take advantage of the resources the college offers and explore the opportunities you have while you are a student there. There are so many opportunities that come within your four years of college that you may never have the chance to get back. Some examples include study abroad experiences, varsity and intramural sports, career and internships, religious groups, musical and theater groups, and departmental groups. I would encourage students to get involved in something other than just their academics to help keep a solid balance in their life. I want to look back on my college experience without regrets and if I didn't take the time to explore new opportunities, challenges, and people I would be dissastisfied. Above all, I would encourage students to keep their academics their number one priority, but take the time to explore different classes, resources, and activities. In doing so they may find something that they never realized they enjoyed doing and perhaps find a career based on that interest that they can enjoy for the rest of their life.

Giuliana

Choose what feels right. Don't just go wherever friends are going or to be close to home. Make sure you give it at least a year at whatever school, every change takes a little getting used to!!

Stephanie

There may be a number of places that seem like they could potentially be "the right place" throughout the search for a college. I suggest getting the feel for the places you are interested in through whatever means possible: talk with a counselor, visit the website, talk with students from the school, and most importantly, visit! I absolutely love the school I am at and could not dream of being somewhere else. It took two visits for me; the first did not make much of an impression. In fact, I had visited another school just days before the second time, and was convinced I would go there. However, before I was even in bed (it was an overnight visit) I had a feeling that was where I was meant to be. You may or may not get a feeling like that-I was just sistting there and it seemed like someone literally could have been standing next to me and said, "go here,-" but a visit would undoubtedly help. To make the most of college, my main advice-though cliche-is get involved! Leave your door open, as well as your ears, mind, and heart. Finally, don't stress out!

Heidi

There are alot of influences on how you should pick a school to further your education, but the only thing that really matters: What YOU think! No matter what your parents say or what your friends say, pick what school you think you will like the best and looks the best for your interests. It is the next 2 or 4 years of your life, so take more time that most people do and research and do your homework. It's a big decision, so take your time!

Kristina

Look around, and around, and around. Don't limit yourself because of distance. Strive to be the best, even if those around you think otherwise. Hard work is necessary, so don't try to get around it. Meet lots of people, but keep close the ones that will encourage and help you along the way. Studying is hard, but it will pay off. When in doubt, ask questions. It is nolonger the responsibility of parents and teachers to make sure you get through, it is all on your shoulders, so don't slouch.

Darcie

When you tour, get a feel for the campus and the people there rather than just choosing a college based on the statistics for your major. Do some research on the city or town that your college/university is in, such as availability of jobs for college students, supermarkets, shopping centers, banks, churches, population, demographics, etc. Talk to students that attend that school and get their opinion. Get involved in the extra-curricular activities on your campus. Getting to know the people you attend school with will make your experience all the better. Getting involved helps you meet new people, make a difference, and gives you a time-out from your studies, so that you can better focus when you need to. College is a time for you to figure out what you want to do with your life (if you don't already know) and focus on your career path, as well as further discover who you are as a person and who you want to be. Take advantage of every opportunity and choose a school that will allow you to feel comfortable and be YOU!

Courtney

The best thing to do when picking a college is to make sure that the student will be comfortable there. It needs to feel like home. It was really hard on me when I wanted to go home and couldn't because I lived so far away. Just make sure that the college is everything you want, and don't settle for anything less than the best.

Casey

Don't look at the price tag! Everyone will have student loans. Look at how teachers interact with students. Look at the campus and campus statistics. Look at more than one school, you want to find the right school otherwise your experience won't be as good as it should be. College is a great experience but you have to find the right college.

Tiffany

Make sure you first determine what you want. Decide if you want to be a name (small school) or a number (large school). Determine if you want to have a relationship with your professor where you can talk to them at any time about college or not. Also tour as many places as possible, and the one that makes you feel like this is "home" that is the one for you. When I was touring I didn't want to go to the college i am going to. What made me make the decision was the fact that I felt like I was home everytime I went there. The departments are like families not just students working together for one common goal. Good Luck at finding what you are looking for, and don't become frustrated, because there is a college out there for you I promise.

Micah

Pick a school that can guarantee your most important needs. If you do this, you will have nothing to worry about. Atmosphere is a key component to any college campus, and if you can come into contact with upper classmen before attending school there you will find it helpful. They will be completely honest with you and won't lead you astray about campus life.

nathan

First off, visit at least 5 schools of their choice. Let them make up their mind about what they think of each school before you start telling them what you think. You may have wisdom they don't, but you don't know exactly what it is that might really attract them to a school. Everyone is different. Don't pressure them to be perfect. College is about trying new things. Encourage them to get involved on campus. It will make all the difference in the world to them. I wouldn't believe it if you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be involved in so much. On the otherhand, there isn't a single thing I would give up, it's become part of who I am. On the same line, don't over do it. I have seen plenty of people burn out. Most importantly, cut the apron strings mom. Freshman are going to be a crazy bunch when they first arrive here. (I am an RA) The ones affected most, are those who were babied growing up and not allowed to experience life till college. Finally, don't worry., they'll be fine.

Jill

Start early. Start when you are a junior in high school that will help you when you are finding a college. When you are stuck between colleges make a board with plusses and minuses and which one has more and which one has less. The one thing that you need to remember if you do not like the college tuff it out and finish the semester and you could transfer if you would like to transfer.

Jordan

Make sure you take a campus tour and meet with some of the professors in the field of your choice.