University of Southern Maine Top Questions

If I culd go back I would tell myself how important it is to apply to as many scholarships as possible, otherwise I might have to drop out because of lack of money. I would also tell myself to work harder on my music. Money is very tight so I'd probably also say work as many hours as possible before you have to leave your job so you have money for groceries and other important things.

Transfering is not a great idea, so stick to one college

Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself that it's not as scary as it sounds. Moving to college and making new friends seems at first like a really scary thing, especially for me since i'm really shy. But the people I have met have been super nice and I have easily made some really good new friends. Also, when you get to college it's really good to get involved in student clubs and campus activities. It's a great way to make the most of your college experience, and I am learning that it's also a wonderful way to make friends. A third good thing to remember is to always go to class. You're paying a ton of money on going to college, and skipping class is like throwing that money away. Ultimately, you're going to college to further your education, so you need to keep that in mind. Don't let the people and things going on around you get in the way of your school work. Have fun, but still work hard.

If I could go back in time, there would be two words of advice I'd give. The first would be to prepare better time management skills, with both academic and social life combined. I learned it was very hard to separate my priorities of an assignment that was due, and an opportunity to create strong friendships. The second would be to put my sleep schedule at the top of my priority list, right next to self-care. I learned during my first year that losing sleep was seriously affecting my schoolwork, health, and energy level. If I wasn't healthy I'd have a hard time going to class, completing homework, etc. Taking care of yourself is essential for a college student. Without your health, you have nothing.

Dear Self, Congratulations! You have made it through high school and are embarking on a new chapter in your life--college. I know that you are probably a melting pot of emotions right now, with excitement, anxiety, motivation and apprehension all flooding into your mind at once, making it hard to even think straight. Relax. All of this is normal. And this roller coaster of emotions won't last forever. Breathe. And when things seem unbearably overwhelming, keep breathing. Now, some advice about the nearly approaching life transition you are about to enter into (not that you are looking for advice about how to lead your life at eighteen years old, but just in case): Be balanced--make sure you incorporate a healthy dose of study time into your social life. Eat well--there was always a reason why mom made you eat your greens. Exercise--it will be both rejuvenating and mind clearing. Go to class, don't take yourself too seriously, laugh, and even cry if you want to. Pace yourself--you don't need to have all the answers at once. Just remember, you can be whoever you want to be. Choose wisely. Sincerely yours,Me

The advice i would give myself would be to stop drinking and using drugs every day so I could stay out of jail in order to begin and graduate from college on time. Then, of course my younger self would tell old me to get lost... Seriously though, I would have to say to myself that college is a full time job and a serious dedication to my future success involves complete focus and attention on academics, not social life. I would encourage myself to have an open dialogue with all of my professors as well as some classmates in order to be successful, and I would make sure that I told myself how important exercise and a proper diet are to brain function. It would be difficult to convince myself that studying is more important than being accepted socially, but I would certainly try.

I would suggest that I start getting involved in extra curricular activities at the start of college. It helps you meet new people and can be helpful to your resume

Stay true to yourself, and trust your intuition. You will encounter a plethora of new experiences, people, and cultures that may seem strange initially, but don't be scared! There's nothing wrong with expanding your horizons. Just remember to live according to your values without getting caught up in the hype. You will make new friends from all walks of life. Some will stay, some will go. Regardless, each one of them will impact on your changing world view. Take these experiences in stride and appreciate the opportunity to learn something new each day. Speaking of learning, excelling academically will continue to come easy for you. The Honors program offers a great chance to delve deeper intellectually that you shouldn't pass up. Campus involvement will immerse you in the campus community and create lasting bonds. Although these leadership positions benefit you in the short-term and long-run, be careful that they act in a supportive role rather than taking center stage. You can't major in campus activities after all. Most importantly, it's ok to fall every now and again. You are human. Allow yourself to make mistakes, but be sure to learn from them ultimately.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop worrying. The transition is not as difficult as everybody makes it out to be. Your parents, your peers, your teachers, and your advisors try to help to prepare you by giving you tips and advice, but the transition is up to you. There is no ?How To? manual for making the transition to college life ? in my opinion, it is only a matter of how bad you want to succeed. Anyone can succeed in college if they are determined and motivated. If ever I feel overwhelmed, I simply take a deep breath, tell myself that I am here for a good reason and will not give up, thus I continue on.

Think about getting a good job in college and start looking for career type jobs , and off campus housing (if you choose to live on campus during your freshman year) as early as your sophomore year. Start looking for your internship that same year too if you can. It will save a lot of stress in the last year of college. Take some college writing, and math classes before you go to college, they will help. Also, try and mix up your 100, 200, 300, 400 level classes so that the last year won't be a stressfull year while you try and do all 400 level classes (as well as your internship which is also a 400 level class) all in the same year or worse in the same semester. Also if you need to go part time go part time, don't rush the experience by taking 6-10 classes a semester, this way you not only get to experience college life more fully you also get to go through college in a relaxed fashion and you will also have the time to get those As that will impress the graduate schools (or at least your GPA will).

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing that I would emphasise is to not be scared. Coming to college was quite a transition for me, and being in a new environment was a change coming from a high school in which I had known everyone since I was younger. The most important thing that I would say would be to be vocal, make new friends, and try to start your first year of college on a positive mindset. Never be afraid to ask questions, and never sweat the small stuff. College is hard, and there are many other people just like you that are dealing with the same problems. Finally, all I can say is become an active participant in your college community. Not only will you make friends, but you will also gain a level of authority that will help shape the person you may become after college. If not for having a positive social experience, then college can be hard to get through without positive support.

I would encourage myself to look more deeply into what school I chose, as my last year's school was a horrible fit for me, and I ended up being miserable. Generally when I'm unhappy, I don't do too well in the school work department, and this had a bad effect on my grades last year, which was a huge waste of money that I don't have. Also, I would tell myself that closer to home is better, that way if I need a break I can have easy access to my friends from back home.

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It is a very difficult decision and your first choice might not be the right place for him/her and that IS ok. A lot of parents and students have a hard time admitting that where they thought they wanted to be may end up not being the right place. At first its hard because you think everyone you know knows and cares but in reality they just want you to be happy and comfortable where you are. Its a tough time but looking back I can say to others that its okay to take your time and figure it out, and not knowing right away is totally fine, you're in the same boat as most other kids, they just dont talk about it.

When looking for the right college, my advice would be to follow your gut feeling. When you step on the a college campus, you'll know if it is the right one. Also, don't settle for the first one you look at, keep going and do a double check on if it really is the right one. As for making the most of your college experience, be out going and don't stay cooped up in your room. Wonder the halls of your dorms and say hi to everyone. Another big thing is don't feel like you need to drink just because a fair amount of do. You can go to parties, not drink, and still have fun, I did it my first year of school. College is a unique experience in which you only get to do once, so make the best of it and take advantage of all the great activites your school has to offer. Join a club, and bring a friend along with you id you want. College is all about keeping your head up, being positive about your choices and experiences, and finally figuring our who you are!

I would reccomend that you talk to students that have been going there. They will have the best idea of what goes on and how the school really is. Websites and advisors and catalogs can give you all sorts of information about the school that your interested in, but only students can tell you what life is really like.

enjoy the experence because your first year goes fast

I have always told parents/students that it is really important for the student to know his/her learning, living, and socializing needs. Comparing a school with those needs of the student will definitely help. I have seen plenty of smart students leave or drop out because their needs in those areas were not met through this school. It also helps to have a good idea about what major he/she would like to get into. When I searched, I looked into the extra-curricular activities, location of the campus, and the quality of the School of Business. Going to orientations are extremely helpful. To get the most out of the college experience, I would get involved. Living on campus helps out a lot. I would join a club, a sport, go to shows, volunteer, or something. If you're not interested in that, then at least make on-campus friends and hang out with them. There are people who decided they didn't like the school because they went home every weekend, which doesn't help a student feel a part of a community. I would strive for a college and an experience that makes you feel at home.

The advice I would give would to be let go of your children when they go to college. They will make mistakes, but they will grow from them. I have found college to be the greatest experience of my life. Never before have I ever known who I am better. This experience of interaction on my own with all new people, in a new environment has lead to me blossoming as an artist, a writer and a scholar. When you chose a college, chose one in a town you have never been too, in a place far away, where the promise of new experience and adventure waits for you. It will be hard, but the education you receive from the university with the social evolution from your interpersonal life will help mold you into fully becoming who you are on the inside. When you get to college, make friends with the people sitting alone at tables, staring out the window while they eat. I found people who thought as I did at college, and for the first time, I felt welcomed to be myself. Choose a college for your degree, but choose a college for your person as well.

Really consider state schools. The experience and qaulity is just as good as out of state schools and you save a lot of money! Finish college the first time. Just do it.

The best advice I can give about finding the right college is to start early, set goals, and be realistic. Students who tell themselves that they'll narrow their college choices down to say five, for example, are more likely to get everything accomplished in a reasonable amount of time. After all, not only do they have to then apply to all five of these colleges and complete everything that that entails, but they must also complete other applications later on--something that will seem easier if they don't have 20 different applications for loans and scholarships to fill out along with a wide variety of admissions essays to write. As for making the most of the college experience, the best advice I can give is to get involved and to take charge of your life--particularly time management. Join clubs and sports or take part in school production--it helps you feel more involved and it's a great way to make friends, both of which ease the pain of homesickness. Don't put off studying or writing papers until the last minute, because the college workload can snowball quickly and rather uncontrollably.

To research the university before enrolling.

Finding the right college is never an easy thing and is usually very stressful. The best part about finding a college are the college trips; it really helps with family bonding and realizing how much family means. Looking at colleges makes one realize that it's time to go away from home, be exposed to the real world, and really see what life has to offer. The best part about going to college is deciding on a major and making sure it's what you want to do. What I realized in this process was that my college found me, it was an easy choice and I'm glad i made the decision i did. College is the best places to make your life long friends. As a freshman in college, everyone is in the same boat trying to make new friends, this year is particularly essential in finding your best friends in the long run. Overall, the college experience may be difficult but it will be the best decision you will make.

The best advice I could give to parents and also students about finding the right college would be to visit the campuses together and discuss the pros and cons of each school. Don't pick a school to go to based on your friends, your family, or anyone else but you. To make the most of your college experience I would encourage all students to get involved in at least one extracurricular activity during your time at college. Don't be afraid of reaching out to your classmates or your professors for help in and out of class. The college work load is much heavier than what you have experienced in high school, and procrastinating will only lead to more stress. Get things done on time, and attend classes even when attendance is not required. Going to class will be the best tool for you to understand how the class is progressing, and what you need to know for upcoming tests. Pick the college that you feel comfortable with, get involved with your school, and attend classes to receive the best education that your college has to offer.

I would reccommend the student and or parent to help eachother research on universities that would be most fitting. If you're from a small town and kind of worry about size, look for a nice small private college. If being near home is an important factor, look at the possible universities surrounding your state. If you're from a cold part of the United States, and you just want to be able to enjoy warm weather all year long, then that is also another factor to look into. When looking for schools, look at the financial aid pacakage because getting the help will be beneficial for parents and students when it comes to repaying the loans back. Social life is important, you don't want to be anywhere too quiet where there aren't many activities to do. Pick some place where you are comfortable to walk outside on your own and just feel safe all around. One last important thing, is visiting the campus. This is extremely important because if you go and visit the campus and the department of which you are interested in, you get a feel of what it is like, a first hand experience.

First off, it is important for students to feel that they have real potential at a University. Although the college hunting experience may be stressful, it is important to try to find a University that students feel comfortable in. Parents: although your child?s school of choice might come with a bit of a price tag, it is important that they feel as though you are behind them 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Support in their choices is crucial. Also, it is important that you give your child space to adjust and think for his/her own ? try not to pressure them on where to go; pressure leads to stress, and stress leads to unhappiness. Make this experience one to remember. Student life can be tough at first, but like all things, it takes time to adjust. A little heads up: the biggest factor in college is time management. Learning how to manage your time makes for a much easier and stress free college experience. I personally took a class on stress and time management, and I learned a lot from it. I would suggest any college prospect to do the same. Last thing: live it up and learn about something you love.

I would recommend applying for financial aid as soon as you can and to continue to do so throughout a college career. Education is the most important thing that someone can give a person. The best advice I could give to someone is to make college fun and successful. Take risks and don't be afraid if you make mistakes, usually the risks are worth it in the long run.

Take your time and do research. Make a connection with peer advisors at institutions so that you can get a feel for the attitude and integrity of the school. Although it may sound cliche, getting involved will not only help you feel connected, but it will help your resume and character. Also, it is important to know that it is ok and normal to not know exactly what you want to be "when you grow up". Do not be afraid to transfer schools, sometimes there is just a better fit out there for you! Finally, do not be afraid to take advantage of resources at school...your paying for them!

Make sure you focus on more than just your major. Academics are definately important, but make sure the schools surroundings, extra-curriculars, and social scene interest you too because that school could very well end up being you home for a few years. Also, talk to current students and read up on how helpful administrators and professors are because unhelpful staff can end up making your college years miserable. Lastly, look to see how happy current students are and how successful the alumni are.

Make sure that you consider cost when you pick universites. Don't go somewhere that's way out of your budget, but don't go somewhere where you're going to be unhappy. Parents: don't try to force a school on your kids, it may make you happy but they won't be. Students: get involved! It's not like high school where you have all your classes with the same people. In order to make friends, join groups that interest you, and even if you don't like it in the end, no one's going to get mad at you for being too busy and quitting.

The most important things to do are research and VISIT! The best way to get a feel for a school is to visit it and experience it for yourself. The moment I stepped onto the campus of my current university I knew it was the one for me. So go to the campus, take tours, and ask tons of questions no matter how silly you may think they are. After that continue researching and fact finding online - using social networking sites is a great way to get a feel for the social dynamics and aspects of the college as well as provide opportunities to talk to current students in a more relaxed, pressure-free setting. You can get the inside scoop on which dorms are the best and get a better idea of whether the school fits you or not.

When looking at a school, tak to several different current students about their experiences at the school. Don't pick a school just because it's convenient--pick a school because it will challenge you and provide you with diverse opportunities. When in college, remember that time goes faster than you think or want it to. This applies to getting assignments done on time, and on a larger scale, taking advantage of opportunities to broaden your personal, social, and academic horizons. Conncect with a variety of people--you never know what you can learn from someone. College is a place for both academic and personal growth.

My advice would be to make sure you visit each school you apply to, don't just apply to them because their brochure looks pretty. A school may look pretty but it may be the completely wrong school for who you are. Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of shoes, you may have to try a few on before you can find the one that fits you best. Make sure that the school has programs that you know you will get involved in; clubs, sports, etc. It's important to be involved in the school you choose, its where you'll make friends that could last you forever and get started in the right direction for a career.

To find the right school you have to visit the campus and get a feel for the type of people that go there and the surrounding area. Make sure the college is within your price range. If you have that feeling after visiting that that is the school for you then go with your gut instinct.

It doesn't matter where you go to school, it's what you do there that counts.

Finding the right college is not about choosing the college that is most popular and has the best reputation. It is about being able to get what you need from it while being successful at the same time in order to further your carrear. You can get the same degree going to a $40,000 school as you do going to a $10,000 school. You have to make it so it works around your circumstances because it does matter a lot how much money you put into going to college versus how much you actually get when you finish it. Most students in college don't have the money to afford expensive colleges and housing, and a lot of them don't qualify for financial aid either so it is smart to choose the best college that satisfies your requirements for your degree and also doesn't require much money. Also gettin involved in as many activities as possible and interractive with new people every day helps in learning more about what you can do to improve your studies and learning and just makes life easier when you're going to school.

Advice that i would give to students and their parents looking for colleges: 1: look for as many types of financial aid as possible, but if you dont need financial aid, dont take it save it for people who really do need it. 2: choose the college that is best for you, not for its name, its standing amoung other colleges, etc. Choose it because you want to go there. 3: Remember your schoolwork, grades, and future are the reason you are going to school, not what happens on campus, or who you hang out with. Students and Parents need to remember it is about the students future, what they want to do and where they want to be 4+ years from now.

Go to Community College for 2 years. You have an addition 2 years to further hone in on what you want to do with your life, and you save a boatload doing so--as in 2 years for the cost of one semester at a big university.

Passion and determination is vital to the success that can be obtained through the college experience. Involving yourself with positive campus events and actively engaging with people who are different from yourself will inevitably open your mind to the possibilities the world has to offer. College is not simply about academic achievement, though that is an extremely important aspect of it. It is important to remember that a 4.0 GPA is not the answer to life's worries and woes, so do not let your self-esteem suffer, if you do not achieve a 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on your first Biology exam. Set goals for yourself that are not only academic, but also mind-opening: try something new everyday, interact with someone who has interests and hobbies that are unfamiliar to you. You will be very surprised at the great sense of self-validation you feel when you realize that you are someone who not only possesses the will to succeed through rigorous college coursework, but also the will to embrace the unfamiliar and indulge yourself in learning experiences that go beyond the pages of a textbook. Enrich your mind, but also leave it open. Never settle for less in life.

Go big or go home!

The real trick is balancing social life with work ethic. If you have a good enough percentage of both, then you will enjoy yourself.

The best advice I can give to students going through the college selection process is, don't make this a life or death decision. An education is an education any way you cut it. Theres no reason to get all worked up and stressed out because you didn't get into a school that costs $50,000/yr. The way I see it, its better to pay an in-state tuition and graduate with less debt, then you can still walk away with a degree of some sort. When you finally get into a school, get involved. Every college or university that you will ever come across has a wide array of groups and activities, and theres something for everyone. You will regret it if all you do is lock yourself in your dorm room and fail to participate or socialize. It is important to do well in your classes, but dont get so comsumed by academics that you miss out on what the college atmosphere is all about.

What I would say to someone who is looking into schools is to always visit the school before you make a decision. If the campus doesn't give you a good first impression, you won't like it there. Also, look into what classes they offer, because you have to be excited about the classes in order to do well in them. Finances are also important, so if you are looking into an expensive school, try to make sure that the amount of money you would be putting into it is going to be worth it. I see so many people spend thousands more than I do in order to get the same degree I will be getting. The teaching quality is excellent at state schools, and you will learn only as much as you are willing to learn, regardless of where you are, so an expensive school isn't always the best way to go.