Western Carolina University Top Questions

I have experienced and learned many great things at Western Carolina University than I have my whole life. College is a huge stepping stone in your life and If you're not ready to take that step then you are not ready to go out into the world on your own. In high school, you learn the objects of success but in college you learn success and you practice it everyday. College has taught me qualities like responsibility, independence, and moral values that I will carry with me until the end of my days at Western Carolina and the rest of my life. It has not only changed my lifestyle, but has changed my life for the better. I thank my college not only by expressing team spirit, but also when i'm on their website one day for successful alumni.

I have received more knowledge and tools to help me in the business world during my college experience. College has taught me to be more mature and professional. College has been valuable because it has shown me so many more things to use in the workplace. I am happy I attended college because without this knowledge, I don't think I could make it in the real world.

I have gained something that I didn't think would ever exist for me, self-confidence. I am by nature a timid and shy person but can be loud and crazy as well. Here at the university I found a peace of mind and the will power to except myself. Everday is a blessing to me and a joy. Even those eight o'clock morning classes are fun to go to. Anyone who is unsure of themselves or college as a whole will love it here. You are seen as a person and that is something that makes this university stand above the rest.

I have gained new hope out of my college experience. I was homeschooled for the six years of high school and it was awful and lonely. I was never allowed to leave the house unless I was going grocery shopping and had to do schoolwork in secret as my father wanted me to clean and learn my place as a woman. When I started attending a community college, I made friends, gained social skills, and found a job in the cafeteria at my school. My teachers gave me the encouragement I needed to believe that I could be something and my financial aid officer went out of her way to make sure that I had the money to stay in school. I graduated with my associate's degree last year and am now a senior pursuing a bachelor's degree in Forensic Anthropology before moving on to obtain my Master's degree and Ph.D. My college experience showed me that there are kind people in the world who believe in me, and that if a person is willing to work for it, they can achieve anything.

It gave me a chance to grow both academically and personally

I have recieved a wonderful experience at college thus far. I have learned to break out of my shell and meet new people who have become my close friends. Western offers many wonderful activities for me to get involved in. The faculty at Western have been so helpful and encouraging as I have attended Western. I get one on one time with my professors if I need it which most colleges don't have. I have had a positive experience living on my own for the first year. I feel comfortable and safe on campus. It has truely been a valuable experience for me because I have already learned so much by attending Western. I have made positive changes in my life as well. I have found great friends to hang out with. I have found workout partners to go to the gym with. I could not have picked a better school for me to go to that makes me feel like I'm at home.

The importance of earning a college degree has become increasingly evident in dire economic times as these. Every day we see illustrations of the hardships caused by unemployment, and the lack of employment opportunities through resources such as the news, television, and most notably in the lives of others around us. Earning a college degree is important to me because, in the society we live in though a college education doesn?t guarantee occupational and economic success; it unquestionably gives you the upper hand when competing with less qualified applicants for the same position. A college degree also provides the opportunity for social and economic advancement and opportunities that will undoubtedly provide for a more comfortable and secure future. Lastly the time I have spent traveling around different parts of the world due to my father?s profession in the Army has also given me more insight on the importance of education when it comes to obtaining a comfortable and stable life. Though the path to obtaining a good education is not always easy mentally or financially I believe that education is an investment in one?s self that will reap untold benefits.

I've gotten to much out of my first year of college. I've learned so much about myself since I am more dependent now. I've learned that while in college people aren't always on your back to get your work done and go to classes and that I have to do it all on my own. I've learned that I work hard when put to a challege. I have also learned that I can do anything I set my mind to and that when I do try to accomplish something I need to put in 110 percent. If I had made the choice to not come to college I would still be very dependent on my family and not known how much I can work to my full potential when I am on my own.

My Freshman year has been amazing so far. I was able to study abroad my first semester in Florence, Italy. My decision to study abroad my first semester was probably the best decision I have made education wise. I was able to immerse myself into the italian language and live the culture Italy had to offer. The University of New Haven offers so many great oppurtunities it is just up to you the student to take advantage of those oppurtunites.

My college experience has taught me so far that the world is not as easy as some people think. I am a mother of a 8 month year old baby, in college and captain on the women's basketball team. There is many responsibilities that come with each of these jobs and with that being said at times it is very hard for one person to handle. College has taught this young lady that you have to grow up not for your self but for the sake of people around you. College has also taught me that just because something is unplanned that does not mean that you can not continue on your goals and dreams, although it is hard work at the end when everything is accomplished you learn that everything was well worth the struggles at times.

I have learned alot and made good friends.

Ever since I have been attending college, I have found out who I really am. Also I've learned that education is extremely important to make it through life. College has been so valuable to me because it's a home away from home. When my home life beomes difficult I just go to college and study. Another valuable aspect of college is meeting new people and making new friends. The bonds and connections college has provided for me will last a lifetime.

My college experience has been amazing in many ways. Participating in one of the greatest marching bands in America is an honor and I can still feel the excitement of performing in that stadium for the first time. There have been many adjustments that i have had to make such as living with a roommate for the first time but I have had the time of my life doing it. You no longer are forced to be home by a certin time or hear the daily reminders from your parents and you learn to do things on your own. There are many lessons that are necessary to learn on a college campus when you are 18 years old. I cannot imagine myself anywhere else but Western Carolina Unversity .

During my attendance at Western Carolina University there have been many great experiences that have enlightened me. All of the classes that I have taken so far have all taught me many interesting facts of information. This information can help me in the future to better understand how our world was and how it works today. With that understanding, I will be able to cope with the problems of today and figure out how to make a living and survive in this world. Being on my own and not having my parents around has been a substantial change and is also very important because when I am out of college I need to know how to live on my own and know how to be responsible for myself. In college I have also been able to make great connections with new people and make many new friends that I will cherish throughout my life. This is very important because networking is always beneficial. Someday you could not know how to do something and someone else you know could understand it. Overall my college experience has helped me to understand how to live life to its fullest and learn how survive.

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and tell myself a few things about college I first off tell myself to 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} For certain choose Western Carolina. I would tell myself that is defiantly the right choice and to not worry about making a poor decision. Then I would tell myself to join the Marching Band. In high school I was a little hesitant to join, however it was the best decision I made at Western. Through the band I have made my absolute best friends. It also gave me a chance to make friends, because we were together 24/7 for a week before school even started. I would tell myself to buy a lot of organizers and to actually be organized. Then I would tell myself to appreciate high school. In high school I used to complain a lot about my homework, however compared to college high school had very minimum homework.

First of all I would tell myself it's natural te be afraid, but not to let that fear debilitate myself. The fear will be fleeting, and the outcome will be independence, and self respect, so just trod right on past the fear. Secondly I would tell myself to follow my own instincts, and not let others influence my decision. I am the only one who really knows what I want and how I feel about something, so I need to act on my feelings. Next, I would reasure myself that I have what it takes to make it to the finish line. If I stumble, I have what it takes to pick myself up and continue to the checkered flag. I don't have to finish first, I just need to make it across the line. Finally I would tell myself, this is the most opportune time in my life to discover who I am. As life forms around me, with each layer of experience, I will become less pliable. Do not let life happen and stuff me into the mold it wants for me. Use this stage of my life to make my own mold.

The best advice I would give myself (and others), looking back on my senior year, includes a number of things. You must first remember you are in school for an education; not to have a "good time". Then, ALWAYS take notes in class as the professor speaks, even if you have to speed write. Many tests have essays and are not covered in the text books but by facts that the professor has given to you in class. Next, study the text chapters assigned until you know them by heart. Just as it is important to take notes from the professor, it is equally important to know and understand the text assigned to read. Next, from day one, try to get a feel and understanding of what the professor is looking for in assignments that are turned in and answers to essays on exams. It varies from professor to professor. This is very important in keeping your GPA up. Then, get involved. Whether it be part of a school activity, tutoring (which I also participated in my senior year in algebra, English and information systems); and by all means, join Cooperative Education. Employers want experience as well as academic achievement.

Winston Churchill once said, "there is nothing wrong with change if it is in the right direction." If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise 18 year-old me to be prepared for how completely my life was about to change, to accept that there was nothing I could do about it, and that change isn't neccessarily a bad thing. The first semester of college was comprised of the worst five months of my life and I believe that if I could go back and tell myself to make more friends when I got here, that time would have been much easier for me. I would tell myself that the homesickness would be awful but that it would eventually pass and that a time would come when I would actually want to stay at school on the weekends. Lastly, I would go back and tell myself, "when the time comes that it seems all hope is lost and you will never be happy again, know that you will be just as happy later as you are sad then."

Break up with Andrew because he will cause nothing but stress. Avoid Spartenburg, South Carolina. Study really hard for Furnish's final test because you got A's on all those other assignments. Don't go home every weekend to work because where it looks good on the paycheck; missing the collegiate experience for money is not worth it. Get on Fastweb.com quickly because it is a great place for scholarships; also, don't slack on those scholarships. Every bit helps. Be friends with Bunny but do not let him get too close. Follow dad's advice about having a great time. Just have a great time and enjoy it!

As a high school senior, I knew I wanted to go to a 4 year college so that I could "live the college life." My dream school was in Florida, but I was too scared to go that far away. I ended up going to SUNY Cortland for the first semester of my freshman year. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that it is ok to go to a community school until you know for sure what you want to do. I ended up coming home and attending community college my second semester, and next fall I will be attending the University of Tampa. I wish I would have known that it was ok to take my time until I got up the nerve to follow my dreams, rather than going to a 4 year school right away.

Dear Ashley, I know you're having a great time as a senior in high school, but let me tell you this: it gets better!! Moving in with a roommate after being an only child? Not so hard! She'll be your best friend, so just let go of any worries you're carrying about her not liking you. You'll click so much you won't even believe it! You make friends so easily, but you'll gain a family in the first few months. You'll trust these people with your life, and Conservatory won't be that hard with them beside you. I know you might not be into the whole 'campus' thing, and that's okay. But have some fun and find some friends outside of your world of Conservatory--they will serve you well when you need to get away from it all. Put yourself out there on campus and you won't regret it. Call mom every day (she'll miss you) and staying in touch with family at home is so important because you always need someone to go back to when you've had a bad day : they'll always be there.

Priorities should be the number one focus going into college. Being a freshman can get overwhelming. It is different than high school and you have a lot more responsibilities. You have a new class schedule, living in a new place, and you are surrounded by people that you do not know. Most people will try to fit in with the crowd and lose their focus on their education. Keep your head on straight and make sure that your number one focus is on things that matter. Another big piece of advice I would give myself is to not procrastinate. Putting things off until the last minute can cause stress. The less stress you have in your college career the more fun it will be. When you get things done early, you feel better and can find more time to do things that you really want to do.

The main thing I would tell myself is to get involved more. Don't just focus on the good grades but seek clubs and committees that will get one involved in the community and in the student body. Not only will this help you meet friends and peers but it will also help you succeed as you go on to college. It helps you to learn to manage your time and to gain a better understanding of what people, your community, and society as a whole needs. You will not only be able to obtain your goals in your profession but also be able to better contribute to society as a whole.

If I were to go back and give myself advice, it would be about managing my time. Time is key in college and the outside world. In high school, you kind of get a little peek of how it can affect your progress and success but nothing significant as going to college. Learning how to control how much time I spending hanging out with friends or going to the gym really would have helped me by not having such late nights. The time management, which I have learned to organize myself with now, is what really guided me into either knowing the information in my classes or having no clue what was going on. Now I give myself a schedule, limiting how much time I spend on one thing and then also giving myself time to relax so I am not so tired at night and then also not needing to stay up so late. Managing what time, how much time and when to stop is really what gives you the biggest opportunity to be very successful.

If I could advise myself for my future in college I would have practiced reading and studying before entering college. Having the ability to read and study are two of the most important traits to have working for you. Also college can not be done by yourself you need peers to turn to for guidence and not be afraid to ask for help from your professors, thats why they are there. Knowing these few simple ideals makes for success for the rest of your life.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to save the money I made working, and to maybe take a few college transferable credits at our local community college. I would have tried to do alot better on my SAT and maybe taken my ACT. I would have told myself to work harder in math and switched teachers because I would need the math we learned in high school for college as a prerequisite or for our humaity courses. I would tell myself to care just a little bit more and have a high GPA rather than just having a 3.2.

I would tell myself to remember that everything in life is temporary and to not take things so seriously. One bad test grade, one argument with a friend, or one all nighter of studying isn't the end of the world. I would tell myself to let go of high school and be more open about making friends. I would tell myself to bypass Greek Life because it's a mistake. I would let myself know that you are the only person who matters and not to rely on others. I would remind myself that parties can be dangerous, and to never drink. I would tell myself to stay true to myself, because that is the only way you will make it out of college happy.

It is a vital social skill to learn how to interact with a variety of people. Many students become stuck in particular friend groups in highschool, which can lead to a stressful transition into college life. Within the first few days, weeks, and months of your new college career you will encounter a great number of cultures, backgrounds, races, and behavior habits. It is very important to learn to accept and appreeciate individuals for who hey are, and what they have gone through throughout the course of their life.

This is very simple for me, I would simple say "Dont enlist, go to college and become an Officer of the US ARMY. Enlistment is full of soldiers that need leadership and you are a great leader that will save lives of fellow battle buddies as a Medical Officer." After learning the hard way, I am now going back to school for the same thing that I should have done 6 years ago.

Don't be shy. Go out, make friends. Get involved. The quicker you get involved and engage yourself in your campus, the easier your transition to college will be. Yes, college academics are somewhat harder. ITS COLLEGE. Also, learn effective time management quickly. If you don't, you'll end up with a horrible GPA because you overslept and missed classes. Learn when your best study times are at the beginning of each semester, it will help you get into a routine that will hopefully lead you to success. Learn to let go of things that happened in high school. You aren't a high schooler anymore. Hopefully, you are 18 or close to being 18. There's a lot of freedom that comes with being legal, but also at the same time, there's a lot of consequences. Make the right choices. Think about what you put up on MySpace and Facebook (if your mom wont be proud of it.. dont put it up there). Most importantly, don't freak out because your mom doesnt take care of you. Have fun! Do things you've never done before! Go on trips! You only get one shot at it!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself during my senior year I would tell myself not to worry about leaving my friends and family behind because I am going to meet so many new people when I go to Western. Also, I don't have to worry about who my roommate will be because she turns out to be awesome! We get along great, do all kinds of things together, and she is the reason I have met so many new people so far. I love all of my classes they are so easy and the professors are so helpful and nice, they're nothing like how everyone describes them. There will always be something to do on campus so I won't ever be bored. Basically every worry I have I can forget because they are all pointless, I absolutely love college life.

Be prepared for a change in lifestyle; be ready for anything. A college students eating habits, sleeping habits, fitness behavior, responsibility levels, and financial awareness all change during the first year in college. Don?t stress about the changes, just go with them, a student will be healthier that way. Just keep everything in a healthy balance, so that nothing brings you down. Be sure to try to eat healthy, sleep the right amount, and stay calm. As long as you are ready for anything that could come your way then you will be serene and triumph over it. You can achieve an unproblematic and less stressful transition into college life. One other thing is to take time to talk about issues that are bothering you with family, friends, or a counselor, know that people are there to help you and don?t be afraid to talk to them about anything. There are many different people that you can talk to, so nothing is out of bounds whether it be roommate issues, alcohol, sex, or drug questions, somebody is there that can help. Be prepared for change and be willing to ask for advice: the best advice.

I would tell myself that there is more to college than parties and meeting girls. Go into college planning to properly manage your time and take your classes seriously because the difference between an A and a B can be just a little bit of laziness on your part. College will be fun and you don't have to worry about going out and finding it. Also, don't concentrate on work and making money. Only work as much as you have to in order to cover your expenses and leave the rest of your time available for studying, which you should do more of, exploring socail activities on campus, and making new friends from all over the world in order to make yourself an more eductaed, cultured, and overall well rounded individual. You'll thank yourself in the future.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to my self about transitioning to college, I would encourage myself to leave the high school mentality behind and get serious about college. College is an investment and should be taken seriously. Even though I was able to maintain a 3.6 gpa through highschool and my community college years, I could have pushed myself a lot more. Most of my friends saw college as a time in life to party. Even I had it in my mind that I was done with high school and it was time to party. I could have concentrated more on my school work and less on drinking time. These days, partying comes after my school work. This has helped my maintain a 3.95 gpa currentl at Western Carolina University. With all of this said, I can't actually go back in time to change anything. I don't think I would change anything if I could. Every fault in my life has taught me valuable lessons which have made me who I am today.

To the Current High School Senior: Before entering college, there are a few things you should know and be aware of. First of all, college is one of the best experiances you will ever have. Take it from me, college is wonderful. However, you have to remember that you will have to work on your studies. College is a wonderful place to experiance new things and meet new people, but the work you do in college will be the basis for the rest of your life. Choose your major wisely, and make sure you do what you want to do. Also, remember that even though this will be the best time of your life, you should take great things in small doses. Don't waste this wonderful opportunity by not working on your grades or partying too much. One other thing to remember is that once you enter college, you will be in the real world and you will have to be with people from all walks of life. You should be open to diversity. I hope you are looking forward to the next few years! -Kasi Freeman

Don't place so much importance on being accepted by peers. I know you. All you want to do is have fun. That's great, but it is also selfish. Look at the people around you. The people who care about you. Stay the hell away from drugs, no matter how good they make you feel. Quit thinking that you know everything, because you don't. You are just a kid. Seek advice and counsel from people you look up to. And then listen. I love you.

If I could go back to high school I would tell myself about how much fun college is going to be. I would also tell myself to apply for as many scholarships as possible, because college is more than just tuition and there are a lot of other expenses that some people can not afford after paying for everything else. I would also tell myself to continue to work hard, because now that I am in college and made it in the honors college after my first semester, you realize that success is so rewarding and after all of your hard work it finally pays off once you graduate and get the job of your dreams.

I would tell myself to really pursue answers regarding AP and transfer classes from the community college, so that every bit of it counted. I wasted a lot of time and am paying a surcharge for going over on the allowed hours. I would have familiarized myself with my intended major's curriculum and timeline, and scheduled more difficult classes freshman year. That would have opened up sophomore year for study abroad, which I wish i had done.

When choosing a college to attend, one must consider his/her passions and pick a college accordingly. It is very important to want to do well in college in order to succeed. Having priorities in place is a must, but also is the ablity to have fun and relieve stress.

For parents, I would say to encourage your child no matter where they decide that they would like to go to school. Don't try to force them to go somewhere that they don't want to, if your child is not happy where they are, then they are much less likely to succeed. For students, don't ever pick a school just because a friend or a boyrfriend or girlfriend is going there. Think about which school will help you to accomplish the goals that you have for your life. You will have a social life at any college, but not every college can help you to accomplish what you want to in life. Also, if you work hard, and do your best, you will succeed, and at the same time, if you put yourself out there and make friends and keep a possitive attitude, you will thoroughly enjoy it as well. To make the most of your college experience, in my opinion, you have to get involved in activities outside of just your classes. Intramurals, greek life, honor club, or sports, these are just a few of the many ways to make the most of your college experience.

Every student is different. Each has different strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. It is important to find a school that makes the student feel comfortable in their surroundings. Academic quality is also important when looking for a school. Many schools have programs they specialize in, if you are interested in a specific degree, it might be best to rule out some schools before making final selections. Ask alumni and current students what their experience has been, they will be honest and tell more than a website. Take advantage of services offered on campus. Use the graduate assistants, computer labs, and study sessions with professors. There are also lots of activities on campus, use these opportunities to get involved with different groups of people. Most importantly a school should bring out the best in you, and should encourage your growth as a student and soon professional.

Visit, visit, visit! Not just when they are having events, but also when normal classes are going on, just sit in on a class. The best way to know what a University is really going to be like is to see it when they aren't trying to impress anyone's parents.

To the students I would advise them to find a school that is close to home because even though you want to be independent it is always good to have your family near by for support because you never know what might happen.

The best advice I would give is to pick your major as early as possible. In some majors they require extra concentrations and minors that are hard to pick up if you decide in your junior year what your major is going to be. Talk to schools about your intended major because some schools do not have what you might be looking for and others may be better for particular fields. Choose a school where the student will feel comfortable with the distance from home. A student will not do well if they are homesick. Always check the food availability of a campus as sometimes the offerings are not very good. If a student does not eat well they might get sick and a sick student does not study well.

Pick a college far away from home. Make sure that the student can be as independent as possible. College is about obtaining an education, but for the student, it is about figuring out who they are. Students will make mistakes, but pick a college where there is enough competition that continued mistakes are not acceptable. There is plenty of time in life to party and it is very important that a good student does not end up in a party school, though every student needs to be exposed to this behavior. Pick a school with smaller class sizes and where discussion is a main part of the curriculum. Think about what kind of degree the student will be looking for and what other degrees the student may need to obtain for their career choice. It is very important to realize that graduate school will also cost a fair amount of money and time. Make sure that the college the student attends as an undergrad is not the school you want to get your Ph D from. Finally, pick a diverse campus. One that encourages studying abroad. Every student should study abroad and that students obtain a world view.

Make sure your son or daughter stay on track. The school has a great deal to offer if they are not swallowed by their freinds peer pressure.

I would recommend to check out the majors that the university offers first. Than research the activities and group organizations that are offered. I think that it is really important to become involved with your campus and each campus offers something different.

Make sure your college fits. it should have a easy peaceful feeling not unlike your home

I think that students should pick the school that they will be happiest at. It will be difficult to be successful in a place where you are not comfortable or happy. Things such as what you will be studying and overall campus envirnment should be taken seriously as well. Schools that do not specialize in certain areas can still offer good programs but if you want to do something like engineering you should look at schools that have good programs. Students should take the oppertunity to visit several different colleges and get an overall feeling about the campus. Something else important is how far away the school is from home. If you are not comfortable not being able to drive home on the weekends then you are going to be miserable stuck on campus. Just remember that college is a once in a lifetime experience and you should do the research so you can make sure it is a good one.

The most important thing about finding a college is the atmosphere that the student will be the most comfortable with. A good education will follow