University of Minnesota-Crookston Top Questions

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

Samantha

Don't be worried about making friends, you will over time.

Luke

The main concept I would tell my high school self is the key to success in college is to be organized and prepared. Even though I took college classes at a local community college as a junior and senior in high school rathter than attending the local high school, I was not as prepared as I could have been for college. Because I could manage my job and the subjects I took at the community college without a lot of difficulty, I did not plan my days efficiently. However, my first semester at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, I had a flight lab that entailed 20 hours a week of lab time. This, along with work and my other classes enlightened me to the fact that I needed to plan not only my day, but my entire week in order to get assignments done. I would tell my high school self to get as much done ahead of time as possible. If you know a paper is due at the end of the semester, try to get it done well before the day it is due. Also review notes each day so you are not "cramming" for tests.

Danielle

The biggest advice I would give to my high school self is let go!! Enjoy your life! Go to the community college for the first or second semester and then move to Winona for the full college experience. Become involved with intramural sports. Go to dances and parties! Don't listen to everyone around you saying that 'God will tell you what to do with your life'. YOU are the ONLY person that can choose your path. Consider what your passions are and make the decision from there. Ask for help with your severe anxiety disorder so you can make rational decisions not based in fear. Go to Cancun or somewhere fun for spring break and maybe try getting drunk once! Continue to focus on your classes and absorb as much information as possible! It is okay if you do not receive an A in every class as long as you understand the information. And finally, get rid of the boyfriend, he is worthless and will only hold you back!!

Stephen

Take your time, find out what you want to do and pursue it with a passion. Don't get discouraged by anything or anyone that gets in your way. If things get difficult along the way, just remember it is worth the struggles to do what you want to do and anything worth doing is going to take hard work and dedication to achieve. Seek the help of classmates, instructors, parents, friends, advisors, and anyone else willing to help you along. Disregard anything told to you by those that only have negative things to say about anything you are doing or attempting to accomplish and keep going strong with what you are doing.

jesse

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be more outgoing. I was somewhat reclusive in the first semester that I was in college. This led me to not have very many friends, and caused me to feel lonely at times. Luckily, I became more outgoing my second semester, and made many more friends. I would definitely advise any high school senior to put themselves into uncomfortable situations so that they can experience more and meet more people.

Dacia

Dear Highschool me, This is a new adventure for you, but don't let that frighten you. Always remember that your true friends in highschool will always be there; youll find out who those are. Get out there and make some more friends! They truely do become the sisters/brothers you never had and the lifelong friend you will never forget. Furthering your education is the reason your are going, but don't make that your whole life. You personal and social life is just as important; have a healthy balance. Always be there for your classmates, because you never know when you'll need the favor returned. This whole journey is to find who you truely are (if you havn't already) and better yourself for the future. Don't follow a career choice just because the you feel family & community pressure. Do what you want to do in life, whether it be a doctor or farmer, because nobody's happiness is more important than your own. The world can't go round without all kinds of kinds. Follow your heart and whatever you do, do it with all your passion.

Tiffany

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to go to college right away; to get it done while you are young and free. It is a lot easier to do when you don't have other responsibilities weighing on you. And don't just go; take advantage of the time, use it well and actually learn. Finish your degree; trying to finish college while working and raising children is not easy. Get your education done right away so when you have a family you can enjoy as much time with them as possible. I remind myself that it is extremely hard to make a decent living without a college degree and point out that worrying about how you are going to pay your bills is a horrible feeling. It doesn't matter how much money you make; but you need to be able to pay your bills and not have that anxiety all the time as it is very hard on you and affects all aspects of your life.

Danielle

Slow down and enjoy your college years. Join every club and intramural that interests you. Make new friends. Only go to the community college for one year and then move to a bigger college and live on campus. Study abroad if you have the opportunity. Sign up for work studies. Find study groups and become friends with those in the same program as you. It is okay to change your mind partway through about your degree but stick with it and finish college while you are still young. Take more language classes. Become a tutor. Let go of the past and move forward knowing that each experience will shape you into the beautiful person you will become!

Cassondra

The biggest advice I would give myself is fill out more scholarships. My senior year I didn't really fill out any and i should of. I could of saved a lot of money filling out applications. I also would tell myself that everything would be okay. I had trouble leaving my family at first and I wish I would of known what that really would of been like at first. I also would tell myself to make sure I get involved. I should of joined more clubs when I first arrived on campus. So I would tell myself to make sure I do that. The biggest thing I think I would tell myself is to save money. I was lucky enough to have enough money this year but I am strugguling. I should have saved better over the course of my fall semester so the biggest thing I would say is to save my money.

Dava-Danielle

Listen Dava, college is a lot more important than you think. I know it seems as if though it wouldn't be a bad idea to live off your parents until you're 30, but oh trust me girl, that isn't the case. Follow your dreams, your passion, and pursue it with utmost excellence. Be a better person than what you think you are even capable of; and do not try to please anyone other than yourself. Prove to yourself that you are worthy of scholarships, good company, and a bright future. If there is one thing you must learn how to do ASAP is to network. Being successful does not always derive from ones skills or intelligence. It often comes from the people you surround yourself with, what they can do for you, and their connections to other people and companies that will greatly benefit you. And last but definitely not least, don't be afraid to come out of this box your parents have set around you. You are so much greater than that. Find yourself and be free; only you have the power to unleash the beauties of your life. And remember, its okay to cry.

robert

Going to class is very important, and playing sports will keep you focused.

Crystal

I would tell myself to enroll in job corps and stay with it to get a solid trade. then save up money to attend college. That you need time and dedication to devote to your studies.

Jessica

Try harder for scholarships because your not going to get as many as you think and you wont get as many grants as you need. Also, don't worry so much about going to college so far away from home because the community in Crookston is amazing and so pleasant and inviting you have to be a part of it to believe it.

Madelaine

Going back in time, there are several things that I would tell myself about college. The first being to put myself entirely into my studies. When I was in high school, I never really thought about how expensive college was. Knowing now all the expenses for tuition an books and how time consuming it is, I really would have put even the littlest bit more effert into my studies to know that I was getting the most knowledge I could out of tmy education. I also would have took more time in high school to research more about careers and different degrees. Even today, I love that I chose to take up a career in Animal Science Pre-Vet, but I never realized that there are many more options to choose from that still deal with all types of animals. Lastely, I would tell myself to never give up. In high school I knew I was not very good at test taking. When I took my ACT I did not get the score I was hoping for to get into a good college. I never gave up and am so proud that I am now attending a 4-year University.

Olivia

If I were able to go back and talk to younger Olivia, I would tell her to definetly tour UMC before she enrolled and decided firmly to go there. I would tell her that she should tour a lot of different campuses and apply to more than two colleges. Past Olivia should also be aware that when she goes to UMC she won't get the quality of an education that she is paying for, and that she needs to push herself to stay ahead in class and will have to teach herself through a lot of the classes. Most importantly I would tell her two things. First, that it's okay to struggle and to not understand what she's doing; there are plenty of people willing to help her if she asks. Second, I would tell her not to worry so much. Where there is struggle, there is growth. At times she'll feel lost and alone, but once she realizes how great she's doing, everything won't seem so bad.

sarah

If I could go back an be a highschool senior I would tell myself that no matter your home situton or if you have a dissablity you can do it. In high school I was in special Ed I was not going to college beacuse I thought it was to hard. I gave it a shot anyway. I thougth I was going to all alone no one was going to help me and I was going to fail out my first sememester. I thought wrong. Professors are there to help you learn and expand your knowledge not fail you. I got a lot of help actually thoughtout my college carrer. Since being in school I relized that there are so many people here to help not let you fall and get lost.

Andrea

If I could go back in time to my senior year and let myself know what to expect, I would probably slap myself across the face and scream at myself to stop being lazy and get a job. College is not only making new friendships, it involves a lot of studying and having the money to pay for the classes. If I knew the actual cost of it, I would of have started working at a earlier age and save all the money possible. I wouldn't have to ask my family for money to pay for college, I would have had enough saved up to pay for my own books, supplies and of course the classes. Sadly, I thought financial aide would pay for everything, boy was I badly informed. I would make a whole slide show for me to convince my seventeen year old self to why saving money for college is a good thing. If I really want my dreams to come true I’m going to need the money to pay for my future. At the end it will all be worth it. It is surely a lesson learned.

Alexandra

The advice I would give myself is to make sure to get involved with everything UMC has to offer! By participating in clubs and activities, you will be more likely to build lifelong friendships. I would also advise that I make sure to balance my homework load with my social time. By making sure school is put first, I am getting myself one step closer to achieving my goal of a 4 year degree!

Jamie

Life will always be changing. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Just go and do. You get to choose what you will be, where you will be, who you will be. Choose wisely. It has been said that if you take the sum average of the five people you spend the most time with, the result will be you. Who are you spending time with? Believe you can and then you will. It’s not so complicated, really. And don’t be so hard on yourself. You do have something to offer the world, and the minute you talk yourself out of that, is the minute in which you no longer do have anything to offer. So speak truth to yourself. And speak truth to others. Never withhold love and forgiveness. Look for the best intention. Shelf bad thoughts. Ask the questions. Touch souls. Be honest. Always help, always be in awe, and always give thanks. Your life is shorter than you think, so live it now.

Stephen

its time to get my degree even if its through thick and thin, and get ready for life. With God all things are possible. let the fun begin

Constance

If I were to talk to my-self as a high school senior I would tell myself to take a heavy load in the fall and a lighter one in the spring. This is due to the fact that lets face in the second semester the excitment of school has waned along with motivation. Also, during this time taxes, FASA, applying for jobs and scholarships are due for the summer and the following school year. The second thing I would tell myself is to simply relax and not let the stress of applying for college metal with clear thinking. The last bit of advice I would rendure would be, "do not take learning for granted." I believe it is important to learn all that a person can. In the moment certain subjects may seem meagar or unimportant, but those same subjest may prove to be some of the most valuable tools in life. To myself I give this advice.

Mikala

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry and stress about the transition to college as much as I did. In fact, I would give this message to every student that is making the transition in their life to go to college. The most important thing to remember is that everybody is either in your shoes, or has been in your shoes at one point in time. If you keep yourself open and willing to meet new people then you will have absolutely no problem meeting people and making friends. Another concern that many seniors face is the rigor and difficulty of classes that lie ahead of them. To that, I would again say not to worry. There are endless opportunities to get help in your academic career. Tutoring opportunities are available, your academic advisor will always be there to support and guide you through your college experience, and most importantly your instructors are there to help you succeed, and will do just that. Overall, although the transition to college is a drastic change in life, it is nothing to be concerned or worrisome about.

Samantha

The main thing I would tell myself as a senior would be that you really need to pay attention, try your best, because once you make it to college its the real deal. No more slacking off till the last minute, because your teachers wont care as much as Ms. Belair did. Study hard, medical terminology will kick you down. But most of all is to stay true to yourself and remember that you can get throw anything you set your mind to. The world will some day benefit from your accomplishments.

Nina

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to take time to look at different opportunities that may interest me. I let others influence my decision when it came to choosing schools, I thought that I would have less of an education of I started out taking my generals at a community college and transfered to a bigger school. Looking back I would've also talked about the differences of cost for schools, meaning if I would've taken my generals at a community college I could've eased my way into a bigger college and been more prepared for the curriculum. I would've also told myself if I wasn't ready for college at that time to take some time off to figure out what direction I want to go with school because it'll always be there, I've been out of school for 5 years and always known what I wanted but it's only been recently that i figured out how to obtain that reality.

kelly

I would tell myself that participating in extra activities would benefit a whole lots. It gives you a chance to not only make yourself more desireable to colleges but while attending you get to meet interesting people. I would also tell myself that finding people with the same likes as you can make college life easier too because you're not the only who is acared on the first day. Another good note would be to join up with fellow students who aren't newbies themselves. They can be good mentors and show you the ropes around campus.

Josephine

I would say to pay close attention to all four years of high school. Even though they say that the last 2 years matter the most, all 4 years of highschool matter and we should cherish that time and take school serious because it doesnt end at senior year. I would also advise my self in the past to take advantage of different study strategies and plan ahead, use the agendas that were provided for free by the school. I think we really take for granted the time we have at highschool. the completion of highschool is basically our entrance to college. I wish I would have studied harder in highschool to make a higher GPA so I could have gotten accepted to the schools of my choice.

Kirstin

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would advise to have an idea of what you want to go to school for. Know what your interests are in advance. If you're absolutely uncertain, then stick to taking generals to start with. Don't take a lot of classes that are dedicated to a major if your not absolutely sure that it's the direction you want to take. If you have to work while going to school, you have balance your credit load. Don't take so many credits that you can't put 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into all of your classes. I would also suggest that you talk to your advisor as often as you need to. You're not bothering them. They are there to assist you in reaching your goals. Talk to them about any issues that you have. They may suggest solutions for you that you weren't aware were options.

Alyssa

That it might have been worth it to go directly to a 4 year school. By transferring from a junior college to a four year I was not able to graduate in 5 years . This made it difficult for me to conform to a plan that went against my original plan. Overall though I would tell myself not to worry so much and that my future would work out just the they it was supposed to be.

Ydallia

If i could go back in time i would tell me myself that no matter what never allow yourself to fall in with the incrowd. Stand out you are the only person that can make your dreams come true. Stay focus and do good in school. College is about findg who you are and what your willing to do to get where you want to go. Do things write the first time because you may never get the chance to make things rite cause second chances are not allowed.

Kristin

I have gotten hands on experiance in labs and the vast knowledge from the professors that are very smart in there fields that they teach. For me the reason that I decided to com to UMC; was that I transfered to this school from a two year college. I had eather the decision to work or go back to school to better myself, in the career field that I am in. Crookston was one of the only schools that would take my credits from the two year college that I went too. I liked the idea of the school being more Ag. focused expecially being located on the plains, this school is perfect for anyone who wants to go for any major Agricultural type of school. The professors at the school really have a passion for teaching others, and for the subjects that they teach.

Jenna

I just completed my first semester of college at the University of Minnesota Crookston, and I have gotten so much out of it already. I have learned to be more self-sufficient and have better time management because college is so much more demanding than high school. I have made so many friends and have tried so many new things. I am becoming more confident in myself and am more involved in my community; I regularly participate in community service projects through three separate clubs (UMC Rodeo Association, the Natural Resource Club, and the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society). My college experience has been so valuable. I’m living on campus five hours away from home, so I can’t rely on my family all the time. I’ve learned to rely more on myself, and I know that the friends I’ve made as well as my professors are there to help me when I need it. I’ve redefined myself through my college experience and I’m learning what I really want to do with my life. Without my college experience so far, I would not be the person that I am now.

Amanda

I have the security of knowing I have a degree from an accredited college in the field of study I love. I also have life-long friends as a result of my attendance at the school. I was able to secure a job in my field within 2 years of my graduation. I have now decided to pursue graduate level education, and because it is not offered at my alma mater, I am enrolled at another institution, but I do have fond memories and mostly positive things to say about my experience. The food was good, the people were fun, and I loved living near but off campus. No matter where I live or work, I will always have this solid educational foundation to depend on. I enjoyed a good mix of field-based and classroom courses, and was able to apply much of my education to my career. Looking back, I wish I could do it all over. I would soak up every opportunity and experience even more than last time, and I would do more studying abroad. Attendance at the U of MN Crookston was great and I'd do it all again.

Kayla

I have always gotten through school without much effort. As soon as I entered college, however, I had my eyes opened to a world of stress and hard work. There were many consequences to my lack of effort in the beginning. The whole experience has taught me the real world is tough. I have grown beyond what words can express. Not only academically but in life skills, as well. I now try much harder in almost every area of my life, beyond just academics.

Paul

Experience Nourishes Wisdom My initial, post high school goals included getting through a two-year college program, earning my degree as quickly as possible that would land me in a career in the Natural Resources field. However, after the completion of my degree, came the realization that the certificate I had gained left me with unstable and inconsistent employment in that field. I wish I knew earlier of the abundant scholastic and social opportunities via undergraduate research, clubs and organizations, community involvement, and volunteering opportunities. All these things, I was blind to or took for granted in the early years of my college experience. It?s been a learning experience. As the great mind once put it, ?Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.? -- Albert Einstein It?s not always just about the traditional sense of education one might think they will be getting out of higher learning, but the wisdom of knowing that what you can walk away with depends entirely on how much you put into it, not to mention, the more effort one puts into pursuance, I believe, the more satisfied you are in the long run.

Kelsey

I would have to tell myself not to be afraid , to take more chances, and to not be scard of failing. Because I have now learned that that is what it takes to succeed and thrive for your education. I would tell myself to join that club with all those people I didn't know; to join that sport in which I didn't know how to play; and to join that study group and ask for the teacher's help and to not be embarrassed to do so. I'd tell myself to raise my hand when I didn't understand or when I had a question, and know that if I never ask, I'll never know. I'd tell myself to be more open to meeting new people, because these people may become the friends you'll have for the rest of life.

Brittany

Quite honestly, I would tell myself to keep an open mind. In high school I was very quick to decide practically everything about my future. The past year has been quite the battle because of those quick decisions, but I feel that I am extremely lucky to have made it to the University of Minnesota. The biggest piece of advice I would have given myself, as well as any other high school senior, would be to take every advantage possible to learn about different colleges and careers in order to make the most educated, well thought out decision for yourself.

Collin

I think it is important for the perspective student to understand what they would like out of their college experience. It is also important for the student to be comfortable with their surroundings. When deciding on a college first decide your preffered major. Once you have decided on a major look into schools that carry your major. You must then decide what type of atmosphere you prefer(I.E. City, Rural, Etc.). It is also important to choose a school with your preferred campus size. If you are comfortable with your surroundings I believe that you will be afforded less stress which, in turn, will allow you to focus on your academic load.

Brittany

Do not worry about the money so much because there is money out there to help with school. Just find a school that has the size and degree that you want and go for it.

Dauline

Finding the right college is not always as easy as one would think. When you go to look for a college it is important to look for more than whether or not they have your major. Some important aspects of college life to look for outside of academics is resident halls, the student union, the faculty/staff, clubs and organizations, and the overall feeling of being on the campus. I found that the moment I stepped onto my college campus that I was welcomed. The people were so friendly and genuinely interested in me. I loved that I had so many opportunities outside of classroom. I took advantage of the small campus and got as involved as I could. I worked at the information desk, became a resident advisor, led freshmen, international, and transfer students through orientation, held numerous offices in different clubs and organizations, and traveled abroad. I have no regrets from my four years of college. My advice is to find the college that feels right and then get involved, take risks, be inspired, be open minded, have no regrets, and most of all have the time of your life!

Amber

Don't be afraid to try new things. Change builds character.

Erin

To me, "making the most of college" is not going to the biggest school with the most popular sports team, or choosing a location based primarily on shopping availability or clubs, but rather finding a place where you feel comfortable being yourself, while getting a top education that will not only lead you to a successful future- but guarantee one. If the student is used to smaller classes where the teacher knows each and every student individually, by name even, then I suggest a small campus. Along with smaller class sizes, the tuition is usually much lower as well which is a definite plus for both the students and the parents. I suggest looking at multiple schools and most importantly, starting early. I made the mistake of starting my college search a little late and never got to visit a lot of the schools i wanted, but in the end, made a great decision with the school I chose.

Natalie

Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone when considering a college. Just because it is in a different setting or smaller/bigger town, don't count it out. You never know when you'll find the diamond you're looking for. Parents, let your kids decide for themselves. Try not to hold it over their head about how far away they'll be or how they need to change their study habits. They'll make you proud.

Elsa

do your research about each school that you think about attending

Brittany

Know what degree you want to get is an important part to finding the right college, but it is not essential. Figure out what you want for a social life with the college and outside of the college. Make sure it is an area that you like for example if you don't like winter and snow don't come to school in the Midwest. Look at the size of the college is what size you feel that you will be comfortable. Also looking the financial aid that you can receive from the school and the cost of attending. There are many of college that give you just as good of degree as Harvard and Yale without such a big cost. Just keep looking there is some college out there for everyone. Also do not be afraid if you do not know anyone who is going to that school that is part of the adventure. Trust me you will find friends that you will become very tight with.