Wofford College Top Questions

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

Maggie

College will truly be one of the greatest seasons of your life but it also lays down the foundation from which you will build the rest of your life. Have fun, don’t take college too lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously! It will be easy to get into a niche and find a group of friends to be comfortable around, but don’t settle for the comfortable. Some of your greatest friendships and experiences will be the unexpected ones. Make friends with people you wouldn’t dream of hanging out with-you’ll have more in common than you think. Learn about things that are outside of your interests-it will make you a better thinker. You can’t experience the world until you get out of your own. Read stuff you disagree with! Discover perspectives and never close off yours to new insights. Never forget that you can only connect the dots you collect. Stay curious and go collect some dots!P.S. It’s always a good idea to go get milkshakes with your friends at two in the morning. Go ahead and spring for the extra Reese’s.

Taylor

To talk to myself as a senior in high school, how I wish that opportunity would arise. I always placed my main focus on academics, but also participated in varsity sports, outside jobs, and multiple clubs. Through all of the hustle and bustle with my busy schedule, I did not have time, nor did my parents allow me, to go to the parties and make what would potentially be those reckless teenage decisions that all of the inspirational speakers ramble about. I thought to myself how these decisions were setting a better path for my future, but the rebel in me longed to "fit in" with those party-goers. I worried how uncool or nerdy people thought I was, even though I knew most everyone thought otherwise. To go back and tell myself not to worry about those party aspirations, that would be a dream. I always placed my focus on what was important; all I needed to do was be confident in myself that the things I was focusing on were the important things.

Ariel

In high school I always heard from people that, "College will change you". However, I would describe my experience at Wofford College as a deepening, rather than a change into somebody new. I still possess the same traits and beliefs that I have always had, but now I've gained new level of understanding of the world and how I fit into it. Wofford has helped me to discover even more of who I am that I never knew existed, and it has equipped me to be the very best "me" in every area. Being at Wofford College has given my opportunities to do things that I never would have expected. I've had coffee outside of class with professors who are experts in their fields, built friendships that I will never forget, learned to argue my beliefs, and been stretched and challenged academically, spiritually, and emotionally. I've learned what it means to truly love others, and how to develop my strengths rather than focusing on my weaknesses. Above all, Wofford has taught me that learning happens just as much outside the classroom as in it, and that valuable information can be gleaned from the most unlikely sources.

Wayne

My college experience has allowed me to learn what kind of person I am and what kind of person I want to be in life. After my first semester at college, I realized that I had underestimated myself too many times in my life. I always doubted myself in everything I did; I knew that I was smart, but I never thought I could get the highest grade in class. I now know that if I had had the confidence I do now, I could've done much better in high school. My classes at college challenged me to the point where I wanted to give up and settle for B's and C's. However, I persevered and made all A's and B's. I'm just beginning to realize how intelligent I really am. College has been such a positive experience for me and I can't wait for the future life lessons I will learn.

Cody

Knowing what I know now about the college lifestyle and the transitions that take place while getting there, the main thing I would tell myself is to make sure to keep your focus on the big picture. College is something not to take lightly, it's the preparation that ultimatley prepares you for your career in life. Before College, you have gone through twelve years of schooling, and just when you think that you may be done with it all, College awaits you. That is absolutley 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} the way that I felt about the situation. If I could go back in time and say a few words of advice to myself or any high school senior for that matter, I would say this: You may have bad days in College and say to yourself, "Why even bother anymore?" Just keep in mind, it's all for something bigger and better that's going to be significantly beneficial for you later on in life. Always remember, keep your eye on the prize, because it's all going to be worth it.

Tony

Most would imagine that I would go back in time to tell myself to study more, open those text books and fill your brain with knowledge so that you can be ready for college life, but in all reality, I prefer having found out the hard way. Some might say that is silly advice, I personally think that we as individuals grow and find ourselves from the trials and tribulations that we face. The one thing that I would tell myself to do differently is to spend a little more time with the family, for when you go off to college, going home to see them is the greatest feeling possible.

Abigail

Advanced Placement classes are the key. I know some of them can get a little boring and the last thing a second semester high school senior wants to do is study all the time, but the studying will truly pay off in the end. There will be time for fun and for jobs over the summer. Stop working yourself to death and use the extra time to get a few more hours of studying the Barron's guide in. Actually finish the Barron's guide before the Bio exam and get some sleep. AP Euro is the best decision you could make for attending a liberal arts. Euro coupled with US History give you an entire twelve hours if you pass with a 4 or 5! That's time that needs to be used in so many other ways. Apply to the all the schools you're interested in. You may surprise yourself. Do not be intimidated by sticker prices or high test scores. Just apply.

Josh

If i were to go back into my high school career as a senior I would definitely tell myself to start NOW! I would tell myself to look up schools, to find scholarship information, and to talk to college coaches about playing football for them. After high school I wanted so bad to go to a school and play football, I even had a college (Wofford) who were heavily lookin at me to paly for them. I could have went off to school and played football, but I chose to take two years off to join a christian college, Logas Christian College. This two year program has grown my character, my perseverance, my strengths, and my faith. I chose what was better, even though it was really hard. Going back now, I wouldnt have changed anything, other than communicating to different schools about what I was doin. My wish is to still go to college and play football and this scholarship will help me do just that.

Chelsea

Chelsea, do not be in too much of a rush about everything whether it is making friends or athletics. You need to be patient and remember it did not happen overnight in high school either. The great group of friends you made in high school did not really come together until your sophomore year, so don't expect to have instant friends as soon as you get to school. You are looking for quality, not quantity. With the athletics, do not get frustrated with your playing time or your coach. Remember you have to prove yourself all over again, and you are only a freshman. Your time will come, and your coach will eventually notice all your hard work. Again, patience is key. Other than that, you're pretty well prepared for this transition, so enjoy your senior year! You work hard and manage your time well, so don't forget to have a little fun every now and then too. Get ready because the best years of your life are still yet to come!

Skylar

Skylar, It is senior year and you are excited about graduation but you need to stay focused on school. Your grades are still important! Get involved in as many activities as you can, but do not overload yourself. Join clubs to help the community. Stay on track and do not waste your time partying. Have fun and celebrate getting this far but remember you have your whole life in front of you and you need to stay focused. Join the Facebook page for Wofford and start talking to your future classmates. You will find it easier to know people going into it. Do not forget about your friends and family at home. They are the ones that got you this far, so stay in touch. A phone call would be nice?do not just text them! Also, keep strong in your faith. It is not as easy once you get to college to stay on track with that but you?ll see that it is very important. Have fun once you get to college, but do not pile too much on your plate. School should be your number 1 priority over the next four years. And have some fun too.

Terra

I would tell my high school self to listen to my heart. I began college with the desire to major in a subject in which I did not truly find interest. After learning about disparities in the education system, I decided to become a high school English teacher. I realized that education affected me emotionally, and that I would always be happy with this career choice. I would also tell myself to always be comfortable with myself, and to not let anyone ever discourage me just because of my different socio-economic status. If I knew these two facts as a senior, I would have saved my self from having an unhappy freshman year. I took classes that I did not need for my major now, and I was extremely stressed because of these classes, and my lack of passion in them. Now that I have changed my major, I anticipate being a teacher. If my senior self would have known this, far less stress and discontent would have plagued my freshman year of college.

Nicholas

Hey Nick. I know that you are worried about your first semester of college. Well, here is a little advice. Take your first semester and run with it. Do not worry about making a fool of yourself. Stretch out your neck and do not be afraid to meet new people or to step out of your comfort zone. Stop wondering what people think. Go see a play or discuss obscure authors with your English teacher. Take a deep breath and talk with people you?ve never met before. Trust me; although it will be occasionally awkward, you will meet some amazing people. Take the time talk to your teachers and get to know them. Just a hint, study like crazy for French class. Also, call your parents before they threaten to drive three hours to make sure that you are okay. Take some time to explore what the school has to offer. You will find a ton of surprises where you did not expect them, including a private practice room with a piano. Above all remember that you are not alone. There are 400 freshmen worrying and studying. Get to know them and you will have an amazing first semester.

Sarah

As I look back, the first piece of advice I think to give myself would have been to prepare for the SAT and my AP courses better. But as I ponder, I realize that although that is extremely useful advice, it is not the best. Actually, the absolute best advice is none at all. I believe college to be a time of extreme growth, mentally and emotionally, and no one can prepare you for your individual experience. Personally, I became more confident in myself and my work, became more open minded and aware of others situations, and grew into the person I always wanted to be, but never had the chance to in high school. Making good grades and preparing for tests are vital to a smooth transition to college, but no one can prepare you for the amazing, internal changes that only you experience.

Emily

Going back to my senior year, I would take more time to think about where I want to spend my next four years. I looked into a lot of colleges, but I only applied to schools in my state. If I could do it over, I would apply to more schools. I think in the end, I would pick Wofford again, but this way I would compare my options more fully. I did early decision to the colleges I applied to and going back I would do regular decison, giving me more time to compare my financial aid options. If I can give one piece of advice to college seniors it would be to apply to any scholarship you can. The less money you have to pay for college, the happier you will be. Also, really take time to enjoy your senior year. Don't rush through it because the great memories you make will help you through rough patches your first semester.

Stephanie

If i could go back in time and do my semesters at college all over again, I would definitely study more and go and visit the professors throughout the semester to ask questions and get the material explained again if I had trouble with it the first time. I would also try and get involved on campus as well as off campus more so that I could have given back to Wofford even more. The financial aid I received is the only reason I am able to attend Wofford and I feel that I should have given more of my time to better my community. My social life should not be of primary importance, but rather as a way to relax some over the weekends. I also would want to set an alarm for saturday morning so that I could get more school work done that day. Lastly, exercise is important and helps improve my discipline which is then reflected in my studying habits. This enables me to do better in school and feel a greater sense of satisfaction for doing a job well done!

Nam

Find the college that will benefit you and your goals. You can choose one that is geared towards academics and tough it out with your social life, or you can choose to have fun all the time and then work hard later. You need to pick a location that is right for you, and a place that you can afford, or work a plan that will allow you to afford it. In the end, your college choice is your own--pick one that will suit your needs, and your need alone.

Allison

My advice to anyone searching for the right college is to visit the campuses. Make sure to talk to the students there (not just your tour guide), stay over night in the dorms, go to a sport event, and/or eat at the cafeteria. Also, make sure to apply for scholarships.

Lisa

To parents, I say push your child to research as many schools as they can thoroughly and to do a fair amount of research themselves. It is very important for the student and the parents to know exactly what they are getting themselves into. To students, I say take your time. Don't procrastinate in looking for a school so that you can take your time. The more time you give yourself to look, the more you are going to be satisfied with your choice in the end, I promise. And to both parents and students, I would advise considering every option. Do not rule anything out right away. Sleep on your decisions and I am sure you'll find that you are happier with them. However, ruling options out eventually is what you are going to need to do in order to make a final choice.

Maggie

College is awesome but you need to take the time to research schools and figure out where you would fit in the best. I always got mad at my high school's college advisor because he always said, "Visit, Visit, Visit" and that you need to find "the best fit" not the perfect school -- but he was right. There are tons of colleges that you could do well in and have fun at but you just need to make sure you decide what is important to you in a school when you are applying. Don't put off looking at colleges because it becomes time to pick one much sooner than you expect. Seriously I wish I had believed people when they told me this.

Mallory

Ask any questions that pop into your head: if you're thinking about it, it must be important to you. Visit the campus, tour it, talk to current students (other than the tour guides). Do an overnight stay if you get the chance; sit in on a class. Talk to professors. This is your home for the next 4 years and will shape the rest of your life; you need to be certain that this is a place you will be comfortable with. Enjoy it, and have fun.

Brent

The most important aspect of any college career is friendships. Life is about the relationships that you are able to make with another individual. GPA's, LSAT scores and class rank pale in comparison to a lifelong friendship with a roomate or the comfort of being around old friends. The most important part of selecting a college is learning to balance life goals with experiences and friendship. Extra activities and the ability to stay involved help define every person's college experience.

Andrew

Finding the right college is an intense process, full of trial and error, joy, pain, and stress. All too often we lose focus on what is most important in selecting the right home for our future in higher education. Find a place where you can be yourself. Transitioning to college will be one of the most difficult tasks you undertake, and placing yourself in an environment where you dont feel comfortable will ultimately lead to failure. Don't jump at the first college that makes you an offer, wait till you find the right one. The one that clicks. The college that makes you feel like you. When you find a place like that, it wont just be a school, it will be your home.

Ravjeet

Your college experience is what you want it to be. I feel that the choices one makes during this time is what makes your college experience what it is. You should have fun and be able to enjoy yourself, but at the same time you need to maintain your focus on academics. The college experience is how you grow as a person and how you learn new things about yourself everyday. I would just say that choose a school that will make you happy.

Meg

The college application process is always presented as a stressful, highly important time in any high school student's life, but it doesn't have to be! Apply anywhere you think might be a good fit for you, and try to apply to at least a few schools that you're unsure about. Don't simply choose an environment you think you would like and apply only to school who fill that category. I never thought that a small, liberal-arts school would be the place for me, but I couldn't be happier with Wofford! I'm not the same person that I was Senior year, and I know that if I had stuck with my, "I will only be happy at a big state school" feelings. You will change and grow regardless of the school you choose, so be as open-minded as possible!

Maggie

When I was beginning to look at colleges my junior year of high school our college counselor kept saying, "visit, visit, visit". Visiting a school is the most important thing you can do he said. Of course I thought I knew better and ignored him. I did not visit most of my schools until after I had been accepted. It was then that I realized I might not belong at any of them. I choose my school based on financial aid and scholarships. I wish I had visited more schools before applying and spent a night on campus. In high school I was too worried thinking about how awkward a night with a stranger would be to really get to know a college. I do not regret the school I am attending but I think I could have found a better-fit school for me. So my advice is take the time to get to know a school before you commit, spend the night with someone and see if you like it. You don?t have anything to lose.