Wayland Baptist University Top Questions

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

Samantha

Do not rely on your parents to help with college admissions. This is especially true if your parents did not attend a four year university, or any college at all. Do not bank on anything just working out because it always has in the past. As the first in my family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, I was left completely ignorant of how the college application process worked and even the timeline of when I had to start being concerned with it. Fortunately, I wound up joining the military and working through undergraduate while I took night classes. However, if I had not taken that route, I probably would not have made it through undergraduate, let alone attended college at all. Stop living passively and take control of your life. Seek out an academic counselor at your school. Talk to a friend’s parent who is helping your friend with the process. Find somebody who has been to college or knows how it works these days and ask them what to do. Listen to them. Your future is yours, and you are the only one responsible for it.

Karen

I am back in time and am a high school senior. The advice I would give myself is that I need to think more rationally about all the events that occurred during this time in my life. First, I would have taken more college prep courses that were being offered at the time, which were few. I would have stayed the course in my music and continued onto the college where I received an scholarship for voice. Study when I did not feel like studying instead of trying to drown my sorrows by hanging out with not the worst kids but not the best either. Stay in school no matter what it looks like now just graduate, one day at a time. Do not let anyone stop your dream of being the next Aretha Franklin. Go to Europe and study music like I have the choice to do. Hold my head up the sky has no limit and neither should I. To be strong the race is not won by the one who finishes first but by the one that learns how to endure until the end. I have only one High School experience and a life time of others.

Alyssa

The bell rings for 1st period, it's any other typical routine day of MY SENIOR year class of 2010! As I sit in government looking out of the window I begin to day dream about college, where would I be? how was I going to make friends? A blurred image of myself came near, I reassured myself not to worry about college and that I would be fine. I quickly emphasized that college is not like high school, not academically and certainly not socially either. In high school I was always one that could pull an easy B and certainly an A with little effort, going into college with this mentatlity was a HUGE mistake! A signed a letter of intent with Wayland Baptist University to play soccer and although I would make life long friends I would also make some decisions that would effect me for life as well. Between being an collegiate athlete to making a transitions to college and putting my social life before all I learned some HARD lessons that year. If i could know then what I know now I would CERTAINLY focus on academics. But I guess everthing happens for a reason...

EMMANUEL

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would talk to myself about how my world would be open by going to college and graduating. I will tell myself about the opportuinities the opportuinities which a college education can bring to me. I will have better a opinion as to what I want to do in life after graduating high school. My goals will be more clear and I will have a better understanding as to how I can reach my goal. I will talk to myself about how going to college after graduating from high school will make me better. I will be able to get a good job.

Megan

I would tell myself college is not all fun and games. Certain classes can be much harder than highschool ones and it is important to not get behind in either your homework or in the textbook readings because it can be difficult to catch up again. I would tell myself to schedule time to get homework done and try to stick to it. There are so many extra distractions that can take a person away from their work and it is important to "keep your eye on the prize" (to finish each course with the best grade you possibly could have.) It is important to always do your best as well.

Cathy

To follow their own interest's and passion's in their educational/career field, college will be more enjoyable when it's something they want to do rather than an obligation. College is hard work but the benefits when done are important to your lifetime of goals and dreams and not to give up on yourself or your future.

McKelvey

My college experience has been valuable to me for many reasons. During my college attendance there is one message that has always been clearly conveyed. The message I have received is education is the building blocks for the rest of your life. I believe this with all my heart, which is why I plan to get my teaching degree. There are many people that have potential far beyond what is expected. Their education gave them the foundation to go on and impact the world in dynamic ways. I know this has been true for my life. College has given me the necessary pieces to solve an otherwise impossible puzzle. It is through classwork, social interaction and advice in real world situations that college prepares us for life after graduation. Education and learning is my passion and I want to reach my upmost potential by chasing my degree diligently. I see more to the education system than just working a steady job for the remainder of one’s life. Although, such things are vital aspects to existence, education also allows a person to step into who they really are and reach for the stars.

Mary

I have gotten out of my college experience the sense of accomplishment. I come from a family on females that did not or barely completed high school, much less attended college. Attending college helped me to understand my worth, my abilities, and an increase in self esteem. I am not able to be an example and a mentor to my daughter, neices, and their friends that it is possible, even at an older age.

Priscilla

My college expirence at Wayland Baptist University has been a great expirence. I feel that WBU has so much to offer, there are awesome teachers who really do care about you and your grades they are great listeners and some of them even have thier office doors open to you when you dont understand something in class. Attending WBU has been very valuable to me in that it has allowed me to be the first person in my family to attend college, it has also afforded me the oppurtunity to make lifelong freinds and is currently allowing me to live out my dream of becoming a nurse.

Estephanie

Its a very fun experience.

elisha

I have gained the confidents to keep going in school plus Wayand has made me want to be a better person. I work hard and learned how to keep a good work and study habbit. Due to Wayland I am working hard so that i can help my husband give our son the best posible future.

Matthew

The greatest reward I have received out of college to this point is the corporate knowledge. Some of my peers are military. Therefore, they have already had some experience in the corporate world including but not limited to how to interview, act professional, creating a fun work environment for co-workers as well as myself, and how to be a good boss. This knowledge is and will be priceless as I will one day enter the corporate world. Also, I will never forget the people . It has been unforgettable the diversity of people I have had the priviledge of meeting. Some are from other countires and is not limited to fellow students. The Faculty is just as diverse and helpful. Without doubt the value of my college experience goes beyond academics.

richard

Going back to school has opened my eyes to all that can be gained from an education. Completing my education now is more important now than ever before.

Laura

I have personally become more social and I am now able to communicate with people more fluently. I have made amazing friends and have come to understand God more and what His plans are for me.

Destiny

It can be assumed that most high school students envision college to be a place of freedom and fun, yet most of these visions are lacking the real definition of what college truly is. I was once a student such as this and I could not wait to leave my parent's house and dive into that wonderful place refered to as college. Little did I know that I was in for a lot of work and adjustment. Along the way I made a few mistakes that could have easily been avoided had I known what I knew now. I would tell my high school self that there will always be parties, so it is not crucial that you attend every single one. I would also put emphasis on how college is NOT high school and you cannot put into use your same old habits, hence the saying "a place of higher learning". Lastly, I would mention the word relax. Stressing is something I had struggled badly with my first semester in college. The things I would have told my highschool self may seem insignificant, but this advice would have made a whole world of a difference for me.

Montez

If i could go back in time and tell my self that college is not that hard unless you make it hard for your self . Keep your head up and remaind focus get your work completed. Dont worry about other people take care of your business first befor helping other's. what I know now i wish i could of used it back than and made more progress in my senior year all the i still did good for the most part . You got to take things one step at a time and pull your self up.

samer

I would tell myself to study a lot harder than what I did and take a lot more AP courses. Because the work load in college is a big step higher than in high school. I would also tell myself to start saving up a lot more money than what I thought I needed, because college is a lot more expensive than you can imagine.

Jarrett

I came into college without knowing what to expect at all. Now that I know what its like, there are three pieces of advice I would give myself as a high school senior. The very first thing, and most important thing I would tell myself, is to not slack off acedimically. It will pay off. Work harder on your ACT test in order to get in a better financial situation. The next thing I would tell myself is to learn to be outgoing. There are several opportunities for you in college. Learn to step out of your comfort zone and get involved. The last thing I would tell myself is to be morally strong. There are a lot of things in college that are not good for you ,and you need to be strong enough to resist temptations. It is easy to get involved in the wrong things and it is just as easy for those things to ruin your life. I am proud of the life I have had and think I have done well in my college transition. These are things that I wish I was told so I would have known how to approach college better.

courtney

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that I need to study more for my SAT?s because they are very important. Everyone was telling me that I need to study hard for the SAT?s. The extra points could have helped me tremendously on a scholarship. Another thing I would tell my self is that I need to work hard on my proficiencies, and take them seriously. I waited to the point where this was my last chance to take my math proficiency to get tutoring help in order for me to walk with my class. I know that this could have been avoided if I took it seriously all of the other times I had the chance to take the test, but because I didn?t the stress level I had was tremendously high. I found out the day before graduation that I had passed my math proficiency. Knowing all of this now some things could have been different, but looking back on my past I have no regrets because everything led up to me being the person that I am today.

Zane

I would go back and tell myself that don't wait till the last minute to start filling out scholarships applications. It is costing my parents a lot because I relied on a major scholarship instead of filling out a lot more smaller scholarships to help my family. My family has had to give up several things that we loved to do such as show steers in stockshows so they can help me pay for college. I also would tell them that those dual-credit classes are something to blow off. They only costed $75 instead of $900. To make so requirements for my major scholarship I am having to retake them to improve my grade. It is depressing to have to retake easy classes when you have already taken them. I would also tell myself to enjoy your senior year. Participate in as much as you can and enjoy it while you can. You don't know what you have until it is no longer there for you to enjoy.

Katherine

Having just finished 12 years of school, you usually want to take a break before going on to college. Don't wait though. College is absolutely ESSENTIAL in today's job market. Higher level degrees are critical today in getting the job and earnings you want to build a good life. Plus college is fun! You get to learn about things that interest you!

Jose

If I could back and give myself advice about college and the life that comes with it, I would tell myself not to get over stressed with school work. Its obviously very important to watch your grades and priorities in order to keep your GPA high and classes running smoothly., but stressing about your next exam or class in general doesn't help the situation. Make room for friends and fun. Don't over do it to the point where your study time suffers but instead just keep the social/ personal life and the school/ study time at a nice equilibrium. Allow yourself room to breath, but not to the point of passing out. College is much more than just getting a degree, its about figuring out who you are. The degree just comes along with the experiences.

Tekeema

I would advice parents to remain supportive, and begin early researching scholarships. I would prepare students to always dream big no matter there economic situation. Most often students get discouraged when they think of cost. I would employ them to make good grades and keep there eyes open for grants and scholarships, and always keep there god first.

Taylor

Attend the school you wish to more than any other because even if you attend a cheaper school if it isn't the right one you will never be satisfied. Don't be content with your second choice and please do not attend a small conservative school unless it is where you know you want to attend. Find a place that will help and prepare you for a career not a place that simply gives one a degree.

Terra

Be sure to find a college that suits you best where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Without feeling comfortable and relaxed, you will be too focused on other things rather than making good grades, succeeding, or accomplishing your own goals. It is important to choose a college that works best with your personality. If you are a shy person, then a smaller college might be best for you to allow you to come out of your shell. If you are extremly outgoing then a bigger college might be the one for you.

Meredith

I believe the most important thing when choosing a college is examining the top two or three things you expect from college. For me it was friendly, small, and Christian, but this is different for each person which is why it's great that there are so many options out there. If you narrow down what you want to learn or what you hope to get from the college as a person, the down-sides (and there are down-sides to every college) become insignificant. When you base your choice on the most important criteria for YOU, any place you choose will become home, no matter the size, location, or quality of cafeteria food. Stay true to what really want; and be it academically, socially or future career related, you'll be glad you made the choice you did.

john

really depends on what your looking for in a school. i picked wayland because it was a smaller school and i wanted to run cross country and track. the people here are great and really friendly. the teachers are very understanding when athletes have to go on trips and miss class. it all depends what you want to get out of college.

Adam

I would say that parents and students need to find a school that is well known and respected, acredited, and acedemically nurturing. Sometimes, it should not be about the cost or the athletic programs or the amount of scholarship you can recieve, but rather a place where a prospective student will be introduced and properly equipped to deal with the challenges of life and business in the real world.

Danette

A wise man once encouraged his followers to gain the most from life by having "a little more patience, a little more charity for all, a little more devotion, a little more love." College is where students do the majority of their soul-searching. College academics are vital for success in careers; college friendships forever soften hearts to humanity through shared trials and joys, and newly acquired independence builds a foundation to enter the world responsibly. The most important task of a college experience, however, is the development of the spirit. An individual contemplates the meaning of all past values and traditions, compares religious belifes with peers, and ultimately decides what kind of person he or she aspires to become. Each student should know, upon entering college, that they are entering a fragile time in which they can make a difference in the world each second of their lives. To be patient with others, to give charitably and selflessly, to give of themselves when asked of others, and to unconditionally love others as well as themselves is the greatest experience to be had in college. The effect of such actions will have a lifelong effect.

Lucas

First, listen to what your heart is telling you. There is no need to make a decision about college based on where siblings went, or where a boyfriend or girlfriend went. The second thing would have to be to look into the opportunities that you could have in your major. Try and figure out what you would like to major in or do for the rest of your life, then look at schools according to how that program is. Going to a school just because of the school isn't what you need to do, you need to go to that school because of the programs and opportunities. Lastly, I would encourage you to look at the price of tuition. I know I said to base things off of the programs and opportunities, but at the same time I feel it is important to look at where you can be financially when you graduate. Everyone seems to be in debt now, and if there is a way you could avoid that, I would suggest taking that route. Just listen to your heart, not what everyone else is doing, or saying. Good luck!

MARIA

prepare yourself as you will be in for a ride that will take you through great times, stressful times and memorable time.

Jamie

Each individual possesses different values and priorities, so in order to select the school that is right for you, you must first determine what college qualities are important to you and your parents. Some of the things to consider when choosing a school include the following: location, religion (faith based school or not), major, extra-curricular activities offered, available housing, available financial aid, gender/racial diversity and other services offered. To make the most of your college experience, I would recommend that you begin by exploring different study techniques and decide which works the best for your learning style. Through college, stress is inevitable so creating a support system is essential. My personal support system is my family. However a support system could also include friends, counselors, professors and trusted others. To create a group of good friends, surround yourself with others that share the same interests, values and beliefs that you do. I have gained the most out of my college experience with support from my family, good grades and even better friends.

Sarah

The most valuable tool for parents and students, when choosing the right college, is a campus visit. You can learn a lot about a school by their website or their brochures, but the only way to truly know whether a particular college is a good fit for you, you need to visit the campus. On a campus visit, you can meet the students, attend a class, take a tour, look at the dorms, and peruse the town. Upon my first visit to Wayland, the people truly made the difference. I felt like I was walking into a family. Everyone was nice and helpful. The campus visit swayed my decision towards Wayland, because I saw how nice it would be to live there for four years. I am very happy with my decision. Even when my family walked through a major crisis, the family at Wayland was there for us all the way. They even sent someone to be with my family in the hospital 500 miles away. That is truly rare.

Cecilia

My advice for those parents that want the best for their kids when choosing a college, would be for them to take their time doing research and finding the information from the college there kid wants? to go. Don?t forget to have patience when choosing a college.

rachel

Attending college is a major life change. Pursuing a college education means leaving your comfort zone of your family, your friends, and your social setting for the last four years, and entering into an entirely different world. For some the transition is easy, for others its more difficult, one thing that will make the decision easier for both the student and the parents is choosing the right institution. Tradtion gets a lot of focus when selecting a college. This may mean attending the same college your parents attended, or going to the school of your favorite football team. While all of those things can add to the college experience, what is important is the academics, and the atmosphere. The academics should be the first thing considered when selecting a college. What do you want to do? What do they offer in your chosen field? If you're undecided, do they have classes you're interested in taking? The final thing is atmosphere. Remember, college is about learning and getting a career, but its also about having fun and building life experience, so pick a university that will allow you to do that in an enviorment you feel comfortable in.

Allen

First, make sure your child is choosing the best college or university that is going to fit them or their personality and shares the same religious beliefs. The students make the university just like the people make the church. Tell your child to go somewhere where they feel accepted the most, and where they know they will have the experience of a lifetime.

William

Don't just seddle for what is convient, actually learn about the school and find out whether or not it is really right for you.

Tatom

Albert Einstein once stated, "Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death." I would advise parents to speak openly with their children bout their goal in life, and how they would like to achieve this - so, first step would be to pick your occupation, and find schools that are known for such areas. Also, it would be wise to remember that not all students are suited for a four year univserity straight out of the chute - many in American media: the Chairman of the Associated Press, Dean Singleton had only attended Clarendon Junior College. So - find a goal and keep it within reach. Strive for perfection, and don't cheat yourself on education. Do not base your choice of school simply on whether or not it is great for partying, because odds will be that you will struggle with you academics, and in result affect your future. Education is something you must be willing to better yourself at day to day - and not cease until you cease. Choose a college where you would be more likely to push yourself and strive, and even obtain happiness through your dreams. Remember, though, happiness is not defined by material wealth.

Nicholas

The college experience is a critical point in one's life, should one choose to go, where the student truly comes in touch with not only a larger world, but a larger self. It is a valuable opportunity to prepare oneself for a future in the workforce, family, and local and national community. More concisely, college is a time for transformation. Transforming oneself, however, is not a haphazard endeavor. Potential students and concerned parents must realize that college institutions have unique identities that accompany different worldviews. Thus, one's religious, philosophical, and ethical convictions are a necessary factor in choosing a particular college that will ultimately continue the molding process of the student's mind. Development of the self, however, does not automatically come from familiar surroundings. Allowing for some diversity in the college choice is an important consideration that can help the student understand other people, establish a stronger sense of already held principles, or lead to the cultivation of other convictions. In the end, college as a transformative experience ultimately demands individual student effort. No matter where a student goes, getting a college experience will result in nothing without the decision to apply one's self.

Nicholas

My advice to you parents and/or students about finding the right college is to research all the benefits and opportunities that different schools can offer you. Keep things in mind such as your individual financial situation and what scholarship opportunities are offered at different schools. Believe me, you do not want a degree at the expense of putting yourself in a negative financial situation for the many years to come. To make the most out of your college experience, realize that there is a fine balance to be found between a study life and a social life. You want to look back and know that the money you paid did not go to waste, but you also want to look back and see that you made friendships that will last for a lifetime. When developing these friendships, find the people who will provide an outlet to help you succeed academically while also providing impacting relationships. You should decide in advance what you need and want from your college experience and then go from there. A positive college experience should provide you with a sense of accomplishment and should leave you some of the best memories of your life.

Kasandra

For those that are from a smaller high school or town I would definetly recommend a small university at first. Going to a smaller university gets you used to what college is like without being overwhelmed and scared because of the size of the school. I knew I found the right school when I signed up for classes and didnt care if I knew anybody in the class or not because I knew there were alot of great people at the university. College is an experience that would be great for everyone to have. I think it helps people realize that careers and good jobs are not always just handed to you and sometimes you have to work really hard and compete with others to get what you want. By going to a Baptist University i not only made new friends I made good christian friends that I knew would help me through hard times. College is a good time to make new and long lasting friendships, and turn our dreams into reality.

Jon

Look for some place where you feel at home. If you're from a small school or town and don't like it go to a larger school. Also look for what activities the campus has to offer and what the Professors are like. The smaller the school the more helpful the professors and the more considered they are with how each student does. I enjoy Wayland Baptist University and have stayed here because of the professors. Financial aid needs to be taken into account but I belive that if the school your looking at is the one for you then the money will take care of itself. The money is out there to be gotten. One just needs to apply for the aid to get the necesssary funding. In the end it's about finding a place that you can call home and that will challenge you academically and reward you socially. Lots of schools can do that but it's the one that fits your personality that will work best.

Cassie

When choosing a college or university you should first evaluate your own needs. As a student, are you going to have a vehicle to drive, if so you can choose a smaller school that is in a smaller town. In the metroplex areas, the city and school will provide transportation; whereas in a smaller city and school you must provide your own. You should visit the school, take a look around the city, and make sure you will feel comfortable there. You should also research the school's policies and demographics. You may prefer to go to a school that is more lenient on attendance or who is racially and ethnically diverse. These are points that you can usually find on the school's website. Do the research and also make sure that your beliefs and morals will not be compromised when attending the school.

Colt

Pray pray pray. If God wants you to go there then go now questions about it.