Wisconsin Lutheran College Top Questions

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

Evan

I would tell myself to study and actually try. Doing as little as you can to get by seems cool to do in high school, but once you get to college, you want to study and wish you had practice doing that in high school. You choose to attend college, you are forced to attend high school. Make the best of your experience in high school to prepare yourself for college and the academic workload.

christopher

I would just shoot for better grades to get a better chance to attain more money for school. I am satisfied where i am and how i made it i just want to continue to attend school for the rest of my years.

Adam

Have courage. Talk to other freshman who seem like they'd make good friends for you. It's awkward at first, but they're in the same situation as you. Join their friend group, and you'll be golden.

Rachel

I would tell myself it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. I would also tell myself not to stress so much-it will all work out, just maybe not in the way I thought it would!

Jodi

I would advise myself to push myself and take more college credits through the school. My senior year I took easier credits that I knew would be fun and not necissarly beneficial to my future carrier. If i could talk to my senior self I would tell myself to take some of the college classes my school offered and to push myself. I would also advise myself to work less and enjoy the time I had in school and in extra-curriculars. Through my senior year I focused on earning money to pay for college and I lost out on many memories that could have been made at football games, basketball games, and other school functions.

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise my high school self to make smart choices academically and in extracurricular activities. I would tell my high school self to continue to work hard in academics as she has throughout high school as college courses will be even more rigorous than the Advanced Placement classes she took in high school. Time management is one key trick to mastering the college experience. I would definitely tell my high school self that she needs to budget her time between friends, fun, sports, and relaxing wisely to have enough time to finish homework while still enjoying college and getting sleep! Finally, I would tell myself to become as active in the education clubs as possible. She does not know it yet, but my high school self is a future educator. I would tell her to become involved in the Center for Urban Teaching on campus and to be an active participant in the projects that will mold her into an amazing teacher. Overall, I would tell myself to be smart and know that whatever happens is part of God’s plan.

Alex

Dear high school version of Alex, when you are making the overwelming decision about where to go to college, it is crucial that you know that no matter what school you end up attending you are smart and capable of making an unforgetable college experience. Having an education means everything, and though you may be undecided about a major, now is the time to simply be in school, investing in your bright future. College life will undoubtedly bring you new challenges, new people, and new responsiblities, and I urge you to make the most of them and imagine how you can learn from them so that you can only improve in the future. The transition to college is all about learning to juggle a new lifestyle that can be both daunting and exciting. Remember that it is also the non-academic changes that will prepare you to become intelligent, independent and a great success story. I also advise you to make goals both long and short term, and when you reach them, make more! And each time you do, raise the bar ever so slightly. College is like a very expensive present to yourself that will keep giving back.

Samantha

I would tell myself to relax, things will work out. Other than that I would not say much because if I knew then what I know now, I would not be the same person. My life would be different. I am grateful by the way life has turned out for me.

Gabrielle

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and that the transition is totally worth it.

Josh

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing I would tell myself is to starting planning early. Planning early is essential because then you won't be missing possible important deadlines but also in the end there would be a lot less stress applied to yourself and also your parents. I would also tell myself to choose the best college that suits you and don't just choose a school that your friends are going but one that makes you the most happy. Looking at all of your options is very important. When sitting down to decide where you want to go you need to create a list of positives and negatives for each school and compare them. Making the transition from high school to college can be really simple but putting in the work is essential. When first arriving on campus the first thing to do is introduce yourself and make friends. After friends are made the real work begins. Creating a plan for you is also very important in order to complete your work but also have personal time to have a social life.

Aaron

FIrst of all, I might tell myself that there are bigger steps in this world than high school. Back then, it seemed as if every move I made had a huge impact on my life. Now that I know what college is like, if I could return to Senior Year, I would remind myself to make the most of the last year of high school. I can tell that although there were many different kinds of relationships I had in high school, nothing can compare to the way college life makes me feel. It is the greatest feeling in the world knowing that there are people out there who care about you. Deciding for yourself what college to choose is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make, and that is something else I would tell myself. Do research and find exactly what college suits you best. And don't ever lose track of who you are and the goals you have set for yourself.

David

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would tell myself to keep working hard, never give up and do what you love to do. Never let anyone bring you down when times get tough in college or life because it will happen to people and all you have to do is get up and work through it with others or yourself. I would also tell myself to not mess around or goof around alot because it could cost you more than you think. Then I would tell myself that never be afriad to ask for help or anything because your professors are there to help you as much as they can just like how your high school teachers are there to help you succeed in life and on your education.

Matt

In order to make a better transition from high school to college I would advise my high school self to choose better study habit and do a more thorough college search. High school was very easy and it did not take much to earn an A. Even though it was easy, I would advise myself to learn how to study because when the college workload came first semester I did an average job at that. Performing a more thorough college search would have helped me select a college that is more suited to my likes. I had some ideas of where I wanted to go but until you really research a college and visit for the culture aspect of it, you do not really get the feel of the college. Plenty of time exists to make a decision, slow down and make a thorough one.

Scott

If I were to go back in time there are multiple things I would change. I would tell myself to take a foreign language in high school rather than in college. If I would have taken a foreign language in high school I would already have had college credits and would not have to take them in college. It is vital to take the correct classes in college to be sure you will graduate in four years, if I would have taken foreign language classes prior to college it would be one less class I would have to take now. I also would tell myself to read a lot more during high school. In high school you dont need to read very often for classes because teachers often tell you the material either way. This is much different in college. Reading prior to and after class are very important to understanding material. Unlike in high school, it is not unusual to be required to read over fifty pages per night. If I were to have read more during high school I think I would read much quicker and more efficently than now.

Alaina

I would tell myself that it takes more effort to do well in college than in high school. College is not all about partying, it is about focusing on finding your future career. The main focus should be academics and finding yourself. It is going to be hard, but it will be worth the hard work in the end. There are pressures to do things you do not want to, but it is important to stand your ground. College should be fun, but focusing on academics is going to get you the career you want. Do not throw the money away but instead study hard and use it to the best of your ability.

Andria

Well I have not been to college yet, but I would tell myself to start looking at colleges early. Do what you want, not what everyone else wants.

Morgan

I would tell myself to get organized sooner. Also, I would tell myself to spend more time in the library studying instead of getting by. Being involved in college helped me network, make friends and even found the person that I am going to marry. The friends and professors I met there will stay with me the rest of my life. I would say to get out there more and get involved in more activities than just softball. Also I would double major because the major that I have was easy and I am graduating early. So take more time and broaden my academic horizon.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to treat senior year like it is college. I would have registered for college credit classes. In doing that, I would have covered a couple courses that I wouldn't have needed to take in college, and I believe I would have been more prepared. I also would have changed my study habits, so college classes wouldn't have been as big as a transition.

Erica

To encourage myself to choose the college that I feel I will be the happiest at and where I can succeed in school. My mother urged me to apply to large universities, but I knew I wouldn't be happy at a big campus because I felt happier on a smaller campus, like WLC, where everyone knows everyone, the professors are more helpful and engaged and financial aid and staff care more about your success than you think. As far as my first choice, or what ended up being my first choice, I started looking into it because a boyfriend went there, and I thank God to this day that regardless of whether or not it was his same school, I chose the college that was best for ME. After many visits, research and comparing, I knew it was the perfect place for me to thrive and succeed.

daniel

Grades are very important for scholarship qualification. Don't hurt yourself by not knowing this. Not a day goes by that I stress out because of funds. I thought a 3.0 would be good enough to get into schools, which it was, but I did not think about scholarships. I wish I could have pulled myself asided and have told me this, I would not be nearly as poor or stressed today. I thought scholarships were just for the best of the best, but even a 3.5 GPA would have significantly helped me.

Abby

If I could turn back the clock and talk to my "high school senior" self I would start by saying, "Strap on your seatbelt, girl. You are in for a ride!" My life over the past couple years has changed me so much it is hard to remember the girl I was in high school. I know my "high school senior" self had big dreams and thought everything would fall into place perfectly. I had my whole life planned by the time I was seventeen. I would simply tell myself that I really do not have it planned. My plans are not God's plans. My dreams have not been working out the way I thought they would, but that is okay. It is actually better than okay. The first year of college is hard. Your heart will be broken and you will cry a few tears, but life will move on and so will you. Be passionate about life and life will give you passion in return. You will be great at whatever you do, Abby. Just have a little faith and courage. If you pray for rain, be prepared to deal with some mudd.

Tiana

I would advise my younger self to apply for scholarships and financial aid, without them I found it very difficult to concentrate on my studies with financial difficulties. As well as communicating with teachers, fellow students and especially counselors. In order to do what you need, knowing, understanding and knowledge is key.

Benjamin

Study hard and establish good study habits early, it can make college much more bearable. Take time to try anything. Be open to new activites and ideas as it will help in making friends and can also give you expierience in areas that you might end up in because most students change their major often. Be open to other peoples advice. Listen. Look for opportunities to gather money for college even if it is only a few hundred dollars. Above all have fun. That may sound counter-productive, but its important to get out and enjoy the college expierience before it is gone.

Ashley

I would advise myself to do all of my homework on time and make sure I would read and notes on the subject matter each and every night. I would also make sure to study every night to prepare for an upcoming quiz or test and to not cram all of the information given during class into one night before the test. In the end, make sure to have fun but be able to keep your grades up and study daily.

Anastasia

Don't freak out! Introduce yourself to others, try new things, join a club. Remember Jesus is always with you. Go get help for your classes when you need it. The professors and students care about you. Its not the end of the world, its the beginning of something new. There is nothing to fear there. The Lord is your light and your salvation, of whom should you be afraid? Look for all the blessings. This is the first steps to the rest of your own life--go for it!

Hillary

In order to make the transition smoother, I would participate in more campus activities. Wisconsin Lutheran College's student population is around 800 and you can meet so many new people by attending activities, both on and off campus. I would schedule some more free time into your class and works schedule for these activities. Take along your roommate and get to know the girls from your floor; stop being judgmental of the people you don't actually know yet. Don't go home so frequently; just call home instead.

Peter

College is not simply about studying for endless hours in order to academically beat out all of your peers. The life of a college student must instead be balanced in order to shape a well-rounded social, intelligent, and involved citizen. Taking advantage of each opportunity that a college offers, whether the purpose is to unite the student body, better the surrounding community, or to enhance your skills, will result in the molding of solid individuals. Connections between peers should be formed in order to nurture long-lasting relationships, a strong cohesive learning environment, and a friendly, functioning society. In addition, building networks with fellow students and professors will enable you to enjoy learning for life, and eventually, aid you when entering the job market. Sucess is not founded solely on an impressive academic history, but on an ability to connect and work with others in order to further society as a whole.

Sara

The first piece of advice I would give myself is to be strong because I know that the first year and a half was difficult. Then reassure myself that I am today who I am beacuse of these challenges, and that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Even graduating from a four year private college when my parents never went to college. If I wanted to I could be President of the United States I could. Though I don't think I would be very good at that or will not enjoy that, so I will aim for something I love like helping others in my community. Then the final advice I would give to myself would be to enjoy the rest of the years because I would give anything to go back.

Francisco

Be open with other people to make friends. Study hard and always follow up on schoolwork and reviews. Get a good night's rest and a good dinner every night before a test. Don't be afraid to get out and try new things because you never know how it will be or who you will meet. Also, be smart with money. save it for when you need it and don't use it for superfluous things. Finally, have fun in moderation. Work hard, but don't constantly stress so that you freak out. Conversely, don't get so relaxed that you lose sight of your goal.

Angela

I would tell myself not to get too worried about switching schools. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, it was actually easier! And it was not hard at all to make new friends because everyone else was just as eager as I was to have new friends.

Allison

Be carefull with the friends you chose dont just hang out with people because you want to belong. Take buisness classes.

Shelby

I would tell myself to immediately attend college and if it seemed impossible to do so then talk to a guidance counselor. If things were still unclear then talk to friends and even their parents about what to do in order to attend right out of high school. I'd pressure myself to make the highest grades possible to get myself ready to take on this challenging work. I'd do all i could to make sure i would go to a four year college and do all i could to graduate early to begin a life with less struggle. I'd be so determined to make myself better that i'd try ways to study with my self to understand things quicker and better. I would want that advice to last a lifetime and give a vivid picture of what life would be without an education. I would plead and beg myself not to try to have a social life but pursue education as the first priority. I would advise that focus be the key.

Arlensiu

When I was a senior in High School, I had only one thing in mind: College. All my effort was directed to my goal of going to a good college, especially Wisconsin Lutheran College, which was my first option since I came to the United States. As an advice to that senior girl, I would suggest her to start having some reading practices. College is all about reading, and I was never a good reader, I never liked it. When I got to college it was a huge challenge, but I could make it through. The transition from high school to college was not as hard as everyone used to say. I went to a dorm school with a high academic level, a good preparatory for college. Every time I go back in time, I feel like I was so ready to go to college that I did not even feel the change. College is wat I always wanted, not only when I was a senior in high school, but since I was little. Going to college and having a carrier is one of my principle values from my parents.

Hillary

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to have faith and confidence in myself. I would tell myself to stay strong during tough times. I would say that the transition will not be easy, but tell myself that I will make friends. I would tell myself that while the workload seems to be never ending, I will not only make it through and succeed. I would encourage myself to become an active student and to try hard in everything that I do. Above all else, I would tell myself to always believe in myself and, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “go confidently in the direction of [my] dreams.”

Emily

Remember to excersie! You don't move around much in college and you will gain weight if you don't use the gym every other day at least. Don't be afraid to talk to people and discover their names. Make as many friends as you can so that you have people you can call just to hang out. Do not procrastinate. It will help nothing in the long run. Get things done in a timely fashion so that if you need help you are able to get it.

Nathan

I would say, "Nathan, be the man that you are and not the man that others want you to be. Always love and show honesty to your future wife because she will always help you and forgive you. Do not be afraid to call home too often. Mom and dad will always love you. Talk to those around you, make new friends, and keep your best friends for life. Follow your dreams and goals because this school will surprise you and help you along the way. Andrew will be your best friend, and talk to Billy before Junior year. Strangely, you will enjoy bioethics, and follow the morals that you have. Other than that, everything will be fine."

Keri

I would have to say do not stop at just your associates degree, but to always work towards higher education. The more you know the better you will be for your carreer. (To me this doesn't mean how much money I could make, but in my field, to be able to teach, protect and provide for students that do not have the same opportunities I had.) When you are open and honest with your professors and ask for help, they are there to help and guide you to be the best you can be. The professors do not want to send you into the job market unperpared, they also want to see you succeed and give back to the community and the future of the next generations to come. Lastly I would have to say is work hard and do you best whole heartedly and you will succeed.

Erica

I would tell myself to not procrastinate until your senior year with a life changing decision about which college to attend. Since I wanted to pursue Education, I knew that I could have gone to any college in the United States because of the popularity of the profession. However, when I began to research various colleges, I realized that I wanted to attend a school that was smaller and more intimate than a large state university. I never thought about applying to Wisconsin Lutheran College, but after more research and a campus tour, I was ready to make that decision. As a member of the Admissions team at the college, I assist with giving campus tours to prospective students, and I think that it's very positive that sophomores and juniors are coming to the campus to have that knowledge about the school in order to make that decision.

Kathy

Enjoy every day of your college career. Take your studies seriously but don't take yourself too seriously. Everything passes in time. Once you leave school and get into the work world its pretty much the same thing day after day so enjoy every opportunity to try new things while you are in college and discover your passions!

Min

Before coming to America for an undergraduate degree in Wisconsin Lutheran College, I spent all my life in China. I went to high school in China. High school year is the most stressful period of time for Chinese students, because of the college-entrance exams, which is considered as the most important exams in one's life and can determine one's future. College in China is very different from the ones in the States. Once a student is admitted by a college, they do not need to worry about whether they will be able to graduate. Exams in college are designed for students to pass. However, the education system in America is completely different. Students are graded by their attendence, participation in class, papers and exam results. Some courses have required grade levels. Therefore, if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to keep working hard as in high school, and set certain goals for short-term and long-term and work hard to achieve them.

Jennifer

Learn to be more productive in any sort of situation. You might not always have a quiet place to study, but find several techniques that help you stay focused and motivated. Most likely your roommates are going to have different habits and daily schedules than you. Plan on talking things through and be willing to compromise.

Katie

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school--knowing what I know now about college live and the transition from high school to college--I would tell myself not to be shy, to reach out to teachers and fellow students when I need help with your school work and that it is okay to have some fun with friends every now and then when you are finished with school work, in other words: try not to hide away in your dorm/apppartment, try studdying in areas where other students like to study incase you need help with your school work.

Bryan

I would tell myself to be open to meeting new people and being social. Be active in school activities and be outgoing. Don't worry about living with a stranger in the dorm because they are going to be nervous about it too. You two could end up being great friends and really enjoying your time together. Even if you don't become best friends, you can still make the most of your time together and learn how to live with people who are not exactly like you. Finally I would tell myself to study hard, have fun, and enjoy these next four years.

Tiffany

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I would give myself a warning. College is all about time management, which is something I am not good at. I would tell myself to figure out how to break things into sections, and how to priorities what needs to be done when. However, I would also make sure to tell myself to calm down and relax. You should enjoy the fun thingd that can take place while at college; these are supposed to be the best years of our lives. I do not think it is wise for a student to always be under stressed or always studying. When that takes place we tend to break down or burn ourselves out. College needs to be balanced, and if I could have told myself that as a senior I believe my freshmen year would have been a lot easier.

Stefanie

Through my college experience I found myself. I entered school knowing that I wanted to be a teacher, but it was at WLC that I found my passion. My passion is urban education. Wisconsin Lutheran College is one of the only schools to offer this as a major and now as a graduate degree. I had a very insightful professor who saw gifts and talenets in me and led me into the world of this type of educating. I have now been teaching for 3 years in an urban setting and I could not be more happy. It is because of the kind and caring professors and the great education I received that I turned out to be the person I am today. I owe my happiness to Wisconsin Lutheran College and their caring professors.

Rebekah

As a witness to my belief in the value of education despite time, money, and obstacles that may lie in the way, I must share the struggles I faced. When I was seventeen, my son, Alex, was born. As a single parent, I realized the need to continue my education as an example. The following years presented the true test of my dedication to becoming an educated individual. Alex lived with my parents, while I attended college 45 minutes away. I lived on campus, devoting myself to my studies, and returned home on weekends. Countless tearful nights were spent in my dorm room, as I longed to be with my son. As a mother, the requirement to study abroad for a month felt impossible. However, the desire to convey the significance of education to Alex served as my incentive to continue. Alex is four years old now and attends kindergarten. As he strives to do his best on homework, he mentions the day when he will also go to college. He dreams of being an astronaut. The obstacles faced while pursing my degree become trivial when I realize that I have successfully imparted the importance of education upon my son.

Aaron

As I reflect on the value my experiences has provided me with, I consider three different relationships that my education has effected: that with myself, that with my friends and family, and that with the rest of the world. First of all, my college education has allowed me to become more acquainted with myself and thus altered how I view and relate to myself. As I have attained a higher level of competence in various areas, I have progresively acquired more self-confidence. I attribute this to the fact that as I view myself asto be more adequate, I have become more assured that I will succeed. Secondly, attending college has enabled me to better relate to my friends and family. As I have progressed through college, I have done so with them. In doing so, we have grown together and thus our relationship has improved. Finally, my college experience has changed my relationship to the world in general. College has taught me much about the world and its people. Thus, it has equiped me to cope in and with the world as a whole. Attending college has improved every relationship in my life, thus making me a better person.

Ashley

At Wisconsin Lutheran College I have gained a strong work ethic and responsibility to complete assigned tasks on time to the best of my ability. I have gotten many friends who I plan to stay connected to throughout my life. My faith has grown because of the strong Christian-values that are placed in almost everything at the campus. I have been able to be on the dance team which has made me overcome fears of performing in public. I got to be captain of the dance team which has made me a better leader which is a valuable assest that I can use out of college when I get into the full-time workplace. It has been valuable to attend because I am learning so much about the Business and especially the Accounting field. It is a close-knit campus community which makes it easy for your voice to be heard and easy for you to reach out of your comfort zone because you are not overlooked. All of these things I have learned during my first two years here are things I will take with me through my walk in life and will be valuable.

Maria

While studying to serve as an urban educator, Wisconsin Lutheran College has prepared me to be a servant leader. Encouragement of international and multicultural experiences established my caring and determined heart. Developed further than the college anticipated, passion to be an educational leader stood strong as I served as a school board director in my community. Professors applauded my community involvement-- but they should be applauded, as it was they who built the self-efficacy needed to campaign at 19 years old against seven candidates. The professional skills attained at Wisconsin Lutheran College have placed me in the lead of my peers. The value in this college goes beyond its efforts in utilizing latest research, beyond the extensive networking and beyond the lasting partnerships. The worth of this college is not tangible or irrevocable because it lies in my heart. WLC has prepared me to face the global-market place with confidence in my resiliency and resourcefulness while respectfully and responsibly taking the lead.

Rachel

To go to college! It's worth it!!!