University of Maine at Fort Kent Top Questions

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

Julia

Malcom X, a human rights activist, once said “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. This quote encompasses what I would tell myself has a high school senior. As a sophomore at the University of Maine at Fort Kent studying Nursing, I have a 3.85 GPA and I can thank the dedicated teachers that I had in high school for preparing me for success in college. Who knew all those late nights doing homework would pay off? I should have decided on one major, applied to more colleges, and more scholarships. Now that I’m $50,000 in student debt from bank loans, I know that I should have done more for my future by preparing for it financially. I would advise any high school senior to carefully plan their finances for college. After being indecisive on a major for two years, I couldn’t be more thankful to have found my passion in nursing. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would ensure that investing into the future of my education is truly priceless.

Pamela

Self: "Save up a little money to buy new clothes for when you wash all your new colored clothes with your whites. Walking around as a college student with spotted clothes is not the new fad this season."

Emmaly

If I were able talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her two things. First off, I would tell her to get more involved in school activites and not stress so much about grades. Studying and putting your academics first would still be my priority of college, however, I was a bit much. As long as I came to lectures prepared, continued to utilize my study time properly and put my best foot forward, I could have relied more of the quote, "If you have given it your all, than you have already won." I would tell myself that professors are not intentioanlly trying to pile on what seems like an impossible amount of work but instead, they are bringing out the best of you when it comes to preseverance, deligence, and acccomplishement. Secondly, I would suggest working a bit more during the summer breaks to save up more money so that working a full time job during college would not be needed. With more time, I would have had the opportunity to get more of an well rounded college experience that involves being a part of the campus and not just looking back at academics only.

Zackery

I would tell myself to stay on top of all studys, getting ahead in trying to get scholarships for college and get better test scores. I think i would also tell myself to get a job early to start saving money for gas and the car he is getting. Find as many odd jobs as you can zackery and build that money up. Sreach for all scholarships that you can apply for big and small ones because any bit of money will help you pay for the outrageous prices for college and gas. Most importantly work your butt off and have fun being you zackery and i love you.

Mariah

To write alot more essays

Courtney

I would have told myself to take more "On Course For College" courses. Many local community colleges offer night courses to high shool student, it is a great way to get ahead of the game. Also I wish that I had prepared myself fo the accuplacer. Having to take developmenta courses throws off your degree plan.

tervor

I never was a "high school senior" I was homeschooled and during my sophmore year I went to get my High school diploma through an adult education program. Although, I would tell myself that I need to make every minute count and do the best I can on everything I can.

Mariah

I would tell myself to study harder as a senior.

Katie

If I were to give advice to a high school student, I would tell them not to be afraid of universities and colleges. There is so much to learn, in such a short period of time, that you realize that it is nothing like high school. Stressing about college is not going to do anyone any good, and there is no reason to stress about it. It is a fun experience, and even though there is more homework, perhaps, it is worth it in the end. Classes are relatively the same, just a different schedule. There are plenty of new people to meet, and it is an oppurtunity to create new friendships. Even though it is new and different than highschool, it is not scary in anyway.

Sabrina

If I knew what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self a number of things. However, the advice I would give myself now is to not to limit my own options. The world is full of opportunities and experiences, and it's important to keep yourself open to things such as this. Also, I would remind myself that the only way to be happy is to be yourself. Living in someone else's shadow or constantly trying to keep up with certain standards will only leave someone feeling defeated and depressed. When you're always yourself, nobody asks of anything more from you.

Kapricemari

I would explain to myself that I am here on a journey and that the social life can be difficult to time manage when you are taking seventeen credits and four of the classes are hard. To motivate myself to understand that it is good to have social life cause homework 24 hours a day is not the answer. My freshmen year I spent 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time by myself studying. That is what made me hate college. Now, in my sophomore year I am dedicated highly to my education but, I'm letting loose a little bit allowing myself function with less stress than I did last year. I would encourage myself to create a time management schedule to accumulate being a student in college and wanting to build a resume at the same time. Getting involved in volunteering and extrasurricular activites help you get a job. Not all jobs focus on one thing only the grades but, they look at if you could handle other activities as well. You need to be a well rounded person in order to succeed in your career and in life.

Dianne

I would say make sure you ask questions, even if you feel they are dumb. I will be the first in my family to attend a 4 year university and I worked very hard. I mean between taking the SAT's and sending colleges my scores and filling out applications (not to mention my school work), It was enough to make me go crazy. Do the homework before picking a college. Know the pros and cons of the colleges as well, this will help you make the transition. And last but not least pick a college that makes you feel comfortable too. If you don't feel like you are at home and that the staff cares for you then that is something for you to consider.

Brianna

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell myself to get all the help I could get from my teachers. In college, it is very important to speak up if you do not understand the material or to stay after school to get help from a teacher or a tutor. In high school I was a shy student and I never spoke up or asked for help after class if I did not fully understand the material. I would always ask friends or family for help and they did not have all the answers. When I started college, I realized that friends can help but, I would not be able to pass my classes without the help from my teachers and tutors. Some college professors can be intimidating but, they are there to help you learn and to exceed and become what you have always dreamed of. In summary, no matter how intimidating the professor may be, ask them to help you understand the material because that is how you will succeed.

Natasha

I wouldn't say I have "regrets" or have "failed," but if I were to somehow collide with my younger self I would definitely have to share some wisdom. Since my senior year, I have been working six days a week at a job I hate for the purpose of saving money for college. However, that money has gone one hundred percent towards taking care of my mother. Four years later I am still living paycheck to paycheck, only being able to take one or two classes at a time. At this rate it will be a decade before I come out with any sort of certification. So in short I would recommend that little me should apply for scholarships and work the bare minimum. College is much more rewarding than high school was, and scholarships are easier to obtain while still in high school. I would remind myself that I can't spend forever taking care of others when I am forgetting to take care of myself. Cutting my work hours would have meant I could have accomplished more, even if it meant letting my family down. With a SOONER education, I could make it up to them better.

Jessica

What I know now I would tell myself that I need to find a balance between partying and studying so that I can have fun but do much better in my classes. I would also tell myself to get out of my dorm in the first week and try and meet new people. I would also tell myself to watch what I spend money on because you never know when you might need something important for a class.

Caitlin

My senior year in high school was one of the most stressful times of my life. I know that compared to many other students, I did not have as much to do but it sure fely like a lot. With classes, organizations, theatre, band, it all was a lot to handle. College applications proved to be the worst though. I only applied to five schools, with only two having essay requirements. I had my top choices and my back-ups. If I could go back in time and talk to myself I would say a lot but the most important thing I would tell myself is to create as many options as possible. When I applied to those schools I didn't realize it, but I had only picked one school that I could actually afford. The others were out of state and expensive. It left me in a bind because although I was accepted to my top choice, I couldn't go. That is why I would tell myself to keep my options open. Research more schools and apply to more college because one never knows what is really out there unless they look as hard as they can.

Jennifer

Within the year and a half that I have been out of high school, I have learned many valuable pieces of information. I not only learned about college, I learned about life. Just before beginning college, I was nervous. I was unsure if I would be able to handle the intestity of studying. I realized that I had nothing to worry about, since I am capable of completing any task that I am determined to do well. Knowing this in high school may have helped me achieve better academic success and relieved some anxiety. I also realized that the people I had met in college, and the people that I have known for years are important. By listening to their ideas, I can learn from them. I not only learned information about various subjects, I learned about myself. Knowing this in high school would have helped me realize my desires in life. In high school, I was unsure of what major I should pursue, but now I know. Nursing is what I am really intersted in, since I enjoy health care and interacting with people. I may not have known it then, but I am glad I know it now.

Micah

The name of the college and the idea of it is not worth the price. Yeah there are perks to going to a large university right off the bat, but if financial aide is a problem, community and junior colleges are great. Your GPA is important in high school, along with your extracurricular involvement. Learn to balance life! Get involved in as much as possible, but be sure to focus and devote yourself to at least one or two things so you can excel in those. Remember, there is a world aside from your life and school. Stay aware of your surroundings and the problems of the world. Selflessness will get you a lot more help from people because they know that your are going to use your abilities to help others. Life isn't about you. Be smart, and be yourself. Make the best decisions for you, but don't forget to consult family, faculty, and other important people in your life. Also, once you make it to college, you have to grow up at least some. Its no longer a party. You can lose everything as fast as you got it.

Lauren

I would tell myself to go with my heart and apply for the major I had orginally wanted to pursue. Don't take the little things for granted and SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Stephanie

Do not believe everything you have seen on television. Go to college with an open mind and no prior expectations.

Elizabeth

The best advice I could give myself would be to go into college with an open mind, to not be afriad to branch out and make friends. College will be an even greater experience with a group of close friends for support when things seem tough. One of the best places to start is by being apart of clubs and organizations. This will ensure making friends with similar interests and degrees. College can be stressful with a big workload and jobs on the side to pay school, but friends can help lighten the load. Also, not to take on too many responsibilities at once. Being a full time student requires a lot of time and it makes it hard to work for money, but small jobs on the side are a good way to make ends meet. It is a better idea to apply for scholarships and financial aid instead of working a full-time job along with being a full-time student. It is more important to focus on education first and work second because bills can be paid off after college and with an education better paying jobs can be acquired to pay those bills.

Stephanie

I think the greatest advice I would give myself is character. In high school, it is immensly easier to approach individuals and interact with them. In college, it is more difficult. Yes, studying and homework are always key aspects to school, but people are in school to learn and develop their education. For a person to have character, they should be willing to communicate with people and be willing to participate. I have not approached this very well during college because I have a shy personality, but I would tell myself to get over whatever fears I have. Your character can show that you are able to make mistakes and be willing to put them aside. If you stumble, get back up with a smile. It's your smile that eveyone will notice, no the fall you had made. Have the character to meet new people and enjoy the experience while it lasts.

Rylee

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships! You need that money!

Katherine

I would have gone more in depth with my research on what college would be best for me. My first decision on what college I should go to wasn't a good one and I didn't enjoy my experience there. I would have been better off going to a school I had put more effort into researching.

Mary

My college experience at Dartmouth has been far better than I ever could have expected. While her I have been able to travel to Mexico and completely immerse myself in another culture for three months. I have been able to start a step team, lead a volunteer organization to mentor children in the neighboring area, sing in a Gospel choir that went to the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, join the finest sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha), and still have time to make friendships I am sure will last a lifetime. For me this has been an experience that few schools could have offered me. As a student on financial aid, I have never felt like I have had to miss out on any opportunities Dartmouth College has to offer. To make it even better I have do all of this while being in a safe and friendly home-like environment.

Jeremy

I am currently only in my second semester but I can already tell you that this is what I need. My College experience has shown me that I can do great things with the degree that I am getting. My Advisor who is a retired cop has shown me that instead of only taking from the community I live in, I can give back by serving and protect its citizens as a member of law enforcement. If I am going to give my services to the community I want to give them the very best I can and if i do not acquire my degree I will feel that I am that letting my community.

Blair

What I have gotten out of my college experience the most is that you can achieve anything you work for and put your mind to. I have also made some life-long friendships on campus.

Moriah

Being just a first year student I have learned a lot about myself as well as what it means to live on my own. My college experience has shown me my strengths and my weaknesses, helping me understand what I can do to better myself and my life. College also has shown me what I must do to take care of myself and prepare for life after college. College is very valuable to attend because it shows you things about yourself that you might not see other wise. This is not an experience that should be passed up for it can lead you to so many different roads that can open many doors during life.

Kristy

The most valuable thing that I have gotten out of my college experience at the University of Maine at Fort Kent is that if you are a good person with good intentions and are intrinsically motivated there is no way that you will not succeed.

Rachelle

I have recently gone back to school to obtain my RN degree. Working for the past 6 years with just a high school diploma and living paycheck to paycheck has been difficult. College is extremely valuable to better your life. I hope to graduate and find a more respectable and better job. College has opened many doors for me. In college you have classes with people whom you may never have met before and it can change your way of thinking or studying. Some one may see something that you didn't and it can help you better understand. Nowadays it seems like you need college for any type of job and one must continue their education throughout life. Many of my co-workers are going back for higher and better degrees. In college many of the experiences have helped me better prepare for real life situations, and better prepare for my future career. I feel that a college eduation is extremely important to obtain the goals in life and to be successful in the career field in which one chooses.

Oniqueky

Through my college experience, I have learned to be responsible; at the same time, you make new friends and become the person that you want to be. As we are all students from different, backgrounds and circumstances but I believe that we are responsible for what we become and therefore college can make or break you. In my experiences, college gave me the opportunity to see life in a different way, driven to become successful in everything I do. As an athlete, I have obtained great time managing skills by maintaining a GPA of 3.6 and excelling academically. It is valuable to attend college for it changes your attitude and gives you the motivation to accomplish your goals it also gives you the education that you require to go out in the world and find the job that you always dreamed. An education is important, you do not have to settle for second best and with your college degree, you could go to graduate school and further. Education is a learning process that never has to end where you can learn for the rest of your life.

Rebecca

I love learning, and I love being in school, especially here at UMFK. I had looked at a few different schools, but finally decided on UMFK because of its size, location, and reputable nursing program. The decision to come here was one that I will never regret. I have had two of the best years of my life so far, and I have been very involved with sports and campus and community activities. Although UMFK is pretty isolated here in Northern Maine, we have students from all over the world, and that adds so much depth to our campus community. I have met some great people, been able to travel all over the country with the basketball and soccer teams, been exposed to so many new things, built personal relationships with professors and other faculty members, and all while getting one of the best nursing educations New England has to offer. Attending college has helped me discover who I really am, and everyday I am learning something new, something I can take with me through the rest of my journey of life.

christine

I have learned that college is a better experience then high school. my college experience is just beginning so i have not got alot out of it quite yet but i am learning new things everyday. But one thing i can say that is valuable to me is my math course i have also been weak when it comes to math. The instructor i have now is a big part of my improvement in math i am so excited it took a littlewhile but when i got to college i learned how to do my math step by step with no problems. Also the field i am pursuing math is very major factor so i am excited that i am finally understanding math better. i found out that baby steps are very helpful as well!!

Savannah

My freshman college experience has been the most amazing experience of my life by far. With me being so far away from my family and venturing off to a new location that I have never been to was very scary at first. I did not think I would be able to like it, but I immediately learned at UMFK that it didn't matter if anyone knew me or not I was going to blend in. Everyone made it easy for me and was very helpful. From the faculty to the student aides, everyone pointed me in the direction I needed to go and helped me adjust to college life. With the help of my volleyball teammates, I grew to understand what it meant to be a scholar athlete. As a freshman I already accomplished some of my college dreams. Our volleyball team won its first volleyball conference title, I was elected conference Rookie of the Year and All-Conference team. I hoped our team were selected to attend the National Championship, but we missed it by one seed. We were ranked 11th place and only the top 10 were invited. My goal is to make Nationals next year!!!

Yuliya

I learn that professors are more easier than my High School teachers. They don't talk to us, as though we are children. I learned that books are very expensive in colleges. It's better to get the books before the class, the professors are always impressed and you can order them online for cheaper. I learn that attending class is very important because no one will be there for you. I learn that you are own your own. No one is running around and asking to hand in the work. You didn't hand in the work you failed. I truly respect that. I love the experience of having to walk through different sides of building, observing the new faces in hallways. The value of attending the college that you learn to think in High School but in College you are learn how to think analitically. There is different ways of thinking and how to apply the information from one subject toward another one.

Gabrielle

I have learned a great amount of knowledge from just completing one semester and have made many friendly, caring, thoughtful friends.

Emily

I believe that I have adjusted well to being at college and grown away from my comfort zone. I have opened my eyes and seen how choices play a big role in your college experience. I have chosen my own path to follow. One of dedication, hardwork, and perseverance. I feel that going to college is a step in the right path in life. Nursing opens many doors and the time I put into my work will help decide my future.

Cassandra

Though I am only in my first year of college, my experience thus far has been more than I could have ever hoped for it to be. I have met people from all over the world, as the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) contains a diverse campus community. I also truly value the classroom experience, for the teacher-student is ratio is small, therfore, more interaction and one-on-one attention is possible. I really appreciate the one-on-one attention because as I am a shy person, I feel more comfortable asking for help, not to mention participating in classroom discussions. Because UMFK is a small school with extremely kind and helpful faculty members, I know in my heart that I am on the path to success. My academic advisor has been working with me to make sure that I take the right courses that will be most beneficial to me as I work toward becoming a Counseling Psychologist. I am looking forward to continuing my education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent over the next three years and truly reaching my full potential as a productive member of society.

Kristal

Its harder then high school, you don't have someone to tell you to do your home work and when to go to bed, or wake you up in the morning so your don't over sleep. That it cost alot of money, and text books are very expensive. I would have told myself to fill out more scholarships and not put things off or procrastinate and get my homework done on time.

Ethan

I would tell myself that everyone is nervous when they first come to campus, but not to worry because the professors, staff, and older students are like family. They help you and do everything possible to make your transition easy including help with financial aid and scholarships. There are free tutors and a health clinic. If you are having problems they help you find services that you need. I would find another student would had the same goals and study/work ethics as mine.

Amanda

The advice that I would give a parent or student that was applying for college would be to figure out what size of a college that you wish to attend. Some colleges have small class sizes which maybe easier for a person to learn while other colleges have a large amount of students in a class which could cause distraction. To pick the right college, I beleive you should go by what your high school class size was like. Due to the fact that your already use to the numbers. When picking a college that you choose to attend make sure it suits you before attending. You will want to go to a place that you feel comfortable at and can get the best education as possible for your money.

Richard

The advice I would give would be to not make an impulse decision when it comes to choosing a college. Visit the campus and talk to students on campus especially students taking courses in the field you are interested in. Be active in social activities available at the college and in the surrounding community. Take advantage of any available help during the course of your studies.

Cameron

Start by looking at colleges that fit your academic needs in the general locations that you are interested. Make visits to those colleges, talk with administrators, teachers and other students. Just by watching how the school functions, and feeling the atmosphere, deep down inside you will know if the college is right for you. After you make your choice look at the financial cost and determine the scolarships that you need to apply for, and other ways in which you need to gain funds to afford college. If you work hard enough, and put in all the time and effort you should beable to make appropriate funds. Once you start college it will be a major shock no matter where you go, so dont give up and quit, get used to your surroundings, and get involved in campus activities. Have fun, college is a time to mature, explore, and find an independence that will pave the path for the rest of your life, but at all times remeber what you are in college for and that wasting time is only wasting your money.

Laura

My college experience started off a little rocky because I wasn;t used to being on my own and that I was a daddy's girl so adjusting was hard. Just be there for your student through the college process. You may think they they don't want to talk to you or even see you, but deep down inside they miss you a lot. Another piece of advice is push your kid to fill out financial aide. All the aide they can get will help. I think you would rather take the time and fill out the applications, than be in dept when they graduate.

Emily

Go somewhere that has was you want to do in life. And somewhere where there is diverse so you learn about the world as a whole.

Janelle

When looking for a school, there are numerous things to think about. The most important thing is the level of academics at the school. Not only that their programs are challenging but also that they offer majors in your interest. It's best to find a school that has a couple of majors you're interested in so if you change your mind, you have something to fall back on. When we are training to be in the work force we need to make sure we are getting the most comprehensive and enriching education we can, to contribute the most to our society and make the world a better place. You must make sure it's a place you can be comfortable in and a place you can feel at home. This will take off some pressure and anxiety especially when you first start. For me, it is better in a small school because I'm from a small area, so that was normal. Someone else might feel trapped in a small school. You also need to look out for environmental factors, such as weather, people, stores, and restaurants. It's nice to get off campus once in a while.

Chanda

The advice I would give especially to students would be to not get caught up in the moment of your best friends telling you to go to a certain University or College because they're going there, or because that College has the best parties in the state. Choose the college that's right for you, not your friends. Yes, sure the first semester you may get caught up in the College frenzie, and ditch a few classes, but you'll realize that it's not worth it. Your education is your decision, and your right. You need to educate you for yourself, and become the person you admire, and the one you want to be. Don't let your friends try to decide your life for you. I would give the same advice to the parents out there, follow your dreams, and be who you are. Don't let anyone try to tell you something different than what you believe you can do with your life.

Julia

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is talk to people who have attended or are attending the colleges you are interested in. The people will give you first hand accounts of what it is like to attend college there. Also, don't forget your financial situation and DON'T PROCRASTINATE. The quicker you apply for scholarships and loans, the more time you will have to figure out your budget. Eventhough I don't live on campus, I would suggest to live with someone that you don't know. This way you will make new friends. Enjoy your time at college and study hard. Know your priorities and know when it is time to have fun and when it is time to settle down and study. If you can keep a good balance between your social and academic life, then you will have it made! Good luck!