More Than a Test Score

Picking a major can be a tough decision for incoming freshmen. With so many options to choose from, many students are left uncertain as to which concentration they should pursue. Alexis Montgomery, our Student Ambassador at the University of Southern California, shares her perspective on entering college as an Undecided student.

To be Undecided or not to be Undecided, that is the question—and it can be a question that high school seniors have nightmares about as they venture into the unknown.

But here is the reason that being a non-major isn’t so bad: you’ll undoubtedly hear how many college students change their majors at least once, and if you think about it, this mindset is prevalent in the real world where adults change careers several times in their lifetime. So not committing to one study right off the bat won’t be the end of the world.

For example, I was fairly sure I wanted to be an engineer. However, in my last year of high school I noticed that I was enjoying classes like History more so than math or science-based courses. This made me re-think why I wanted to pursue engineering in the first place, and made me realize the versatility of engineering was what initially caught my interest. So even if I didn’t want to be an actual engineer per se, I could still gain a skill set through the major to help pursue my eventual “true calling.” The takeaway here is that I wouldn’t suggest going to college with a single-track mind, but neither would I say be completely aimless. There can be a middle ground and all it requires is to be open-minded.

The first great thing about being Undecided is the option to try a subject you would have never thought of taking. Had I not let an advisor guide me toward Microeconomics, I would’ve never taken the course, and I am more than glad I tried it. So be brave and tackle a subject you wouldn’t expect yourself to try, because when will be the next time you can? Plus if it doesn’t work out, you can always withdraw early without penalty.

Being Undecided also means not worrying if a class is related to your major. In fact, all students should have the freedom to choose something totally opposite of what they are required to study. My friend who is thinking about law school took a piano class last semester; likewise, taking something so different could actually lead you to new interests. In my case, I have fallen in love with Economics as well as International Relations. Or even better: you may feel that the combination of different disciplines is a better fit than deciding one over another. This could be in the form of major-minor, double majors, dual majors, or even interdisciplinary. The options are boundless!

There will be certain disciplines that you must express your intent in early, but for the rest of us, comparing the value of different subjects should be embraced rather than ridiculed. It’d be much worse to declare a major you don’t care for! So keep this in mind—it can be rewarding to explore interests that tickle your curiosity, but sometimes experimentation is needed to find just what they are.

There’s only one source that can really tell you what life on campus is all about—actual college students! We wanted to hear real experiences from our Student Ambassadors about student life, so we asked them a question and told them to give us their most honest responses. This month we asked…

Kelsey Dozier from Northeastern State University says…

Moving is probably one of the most stressful things you will do for college, mostly because no matter how much you pack, you will realize you’ve forgotten something important. But what things should you absolutely bring with you? Well, let’s narrow it down…

1. Food – You might think this is kind of a given, but the biggest tip is bring more than you ever plan to eat, because you WILL have friends over and they WILL raid your food. That’s a fact.

2. Shower Items – More importantly, shower shoes. Bacteria love two things, a hot steamy bathroom floor and your bare feet on that same floor. Now the caddy; if you have a bucket or caddy, you don’t have to worry about getting soap in your eyes, flailing around in a blind soapy panic and kicking your shampoo across the bathroom. In addition, you’ll have one thing to grab instead of 50.

3. Mattress Covers – No, not a blanket, I’m talking an actual plastic mattress
cover. Think about how many people have slept in that bed, what they have probably
done there and then you know – you’ll want a mattress cover.

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Ron Addison from Southern Illinois University Carbondale says…

Chances are you forgot some of the less common, most forgotten items. Here are some things I found that will make life easier:

1. Paper work – (Social security card, copy of birth certificate, bank account information) If and when you get a job on campus you will be required to prove your existence in all sorts of strange and interesting ways. Best to be prepared.

2. Formal wear – (Men – suit, dress shirts and pants, tie. Ladies – dress, skirts, plain blouse) You never know what you may get involved in. There are times when you may have a banquet, concert, or interview. Always a good idea to have something nice on hand.

3. Outlet extensions – Dorm room outlets are awkwardly placed and their number is in no way proportional to the number of electronic devices you are likely to bring. Don’t forget surge protection for that stormy night when the power goes out and your final essay vanishes into thin air.

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Angelina Modica from SUNY Fredonia says…

Last year at this time I was scurrying from store to store buying all of the “college essentials.” After a year away at school, here are three things that I think no college student should be without:

1. Sewing kit – This may seem incredibly odd, and you probably think, “I’ll never use that.” But in reality, you will. This year a ton of my friends used it to sew on buttons that broke off their coats and one used it to fix her favorite party kit. I even got so annoyed that I bought a few of my friends sewing kits at Christmas time!

2. Laundry detergent sheets – Instead of having to lug down Clorox, Tide, Downy, and dryer sheets from your room on the 3rd floor to the laundry room on the 1st floor, use laundry sheets. They’re a soap and dryer sheet all in one, so you don’t have to worry about the detergent ruining your clothes! Check the circulars because sometimes pharmacies have them on sale for Buy One Get One Free!

3. Your own fridge – A lot of roommates agree on splitting the costs on a few room essentials in order to save a few bucks—including food. Don’t fall for this trap! My roommate wanted to do the aforementioned and we wound up splitting up after the first semester. Also, look for a fridge with a lock on it. That way no one can steal your stuff!

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Mary Muller from Texas Christian University says…

Even though I planned and shopped all summer for what I thought I would need for my dorm room, when I moved in there were still a few essentials that I realized I needed. Here are my top picks…

1. Hammer and nails – You’ll need to hang stuff up. My mom bought me a toolbox, and I thought she was crazy for it, but the hammer really came in handy for when I wanted to hang up my pictures, and all of my neighbors came by to borrow it.

2. School supplies – Lots of pens, pencils and binders! Also, make sure you get some Scantrons, but wait until your professors tell you which ones you need for their class. They don’t just give you Scantrons like they did in high school, and you don’t want to get caught right before a quiz or test without one!

3. Eating essentials – (plates, bowls, silverware, or cups!) I realize that this is technically more than one thing, but eating essentials are very important! I didn’t think about this when I was getting stuff for my room, and then when I was getting ready to have a snack, I realized I didn’t have anything to put my food on!

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Kevin Wright from Northern Arizona University says…

There are a few unique items every freshman should consider bringing. The reason why I’d recommend these items is simple:

1. Plug-in freshener – Keep your room always smelling fresh. College is all about meeting new people, but you never know who you may be roommates with. Another thing is that the hallways inside your residence may have a weird odor ever so often. A plug-in air freshener can also contribute to an individual adding their own personal touch to the room.

2. All-in-one fax/scanner/printer – For preparing and sending important information for taxes, scholarships, and homework projects. Even though there are resources all over campus you could still save so much more money if you had your own machine in your room. There may be some times where a computer lab may be closed, a printer in your residence hall breaks down, or the system is updating campus-wide. Because of common occurrences like this, an all-in-one machine is extremely convenient when handling all academic obligations.

3. Desk fan – For keeping the room a cool environment, because you never know if the buildings do not have air conditioning in them, and only have heat. We get all four seasons in Flagstaff, Arizona, but in the summer and spring seasons fans are a definite must-have.

Today’s post was written by guest blogger Patrick O’Connor. Patrick is the director of college counseling at Roeper School in Birmingham, Michigan, and author of ‘College is Yours in 600 Words or Less’. You can follow Patrick’s weekly column and subscribe to it at collegeisyours.com.

Now that you’ve solved the “going to college” puzzle, you have lots of free time on your hands. To make sure you are college ready, here are some recommendations on how to spend some of your summertime. Consider these as practice on how to expand your world—that’s the whole idea behind college, so give these a spin, and you’ll hit the campus more flexible that Gumby after a yoga class:

Movie You Must See Before You Go To College

The Shawshank Redemption had the misfortune of being released the same year as Forrest Gump, so it was widely ignored for several years. Now it’s on TNT every month, and rightfully so. A story about redemption, second chances, mistakes, forgiveness and negotiating with the world, this isn’t an easy movie to watch, but it tells a great deal about hope, determination, and always knowing what’s right. It will give you the skills to handle Intro to Econ, eccentric roommates, and more, with ease.

Movie Clip You Must See Before You Go to College

I won’t make you sit through the entire film, but the first scene in The Sound of Music is worth the five minutes and 46 seconds it will occupy in your life. A good reminder that less is almost always more, all you see are the mountains of Austria, and all you hear is the remarkable voice of a young Julie Andrews that will make you wonder why she can sing more effortlessly than you can walk.

Success in college demands an ability to stop and appreciate that which is simple and beautiful. Watching this clip will also help you understand why your father’s adolescence was complicated by having an intense crush on a nun. (And as long as the DVD is in the machine, peek at the puppet scene about a third of the way through.)

Song You Must Listen to Before You Go To College

The second movement of Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp is the finest piece he ever wrote, and all of its potential was realized when it was performed by Jean Pierre Rampal and Lily Laskine. Rampal started life as a pre-med major, but his heart had other designs, and he went on to become the premiere flutist of his time, and all time. This performance reminds you that anyone who believes all works of Mozart are the same has no idea what it means to truly listen to music or to people, and that God made the flute to be played by the French. This should be on iTunes—if it isn’t, cancel your subscription. (Their album of Japanese Melodies is mighty good as well.)

Song Clip You Must Watch Before You Go To College

It took less than two minutes for Ella Fitzgerald and the Manhattan Transfer to find their place in Grammy history in 1983 with a rendition of “How High the Moon” that sounds like they practiced for years, but looks like they met each other behind stage and decided to see what happens. Your goal in college is to work this hard to make everything look this easy—and if you leave college without an appreciation for good jazz, your parents have wasted their money.

Phrase You Must Add to Your Vocabulary

“Ma’am.” Like high schools, colleges are run by secretaries—veteran, organized, unionized secretaries who have a way of doing things that is older than Stonehenge. This level of organization almost always works to your advantage, except at peak times during the year when every student needs help, and their system of order is on the brink of collapse. That’s where you come in.

You: “I need to process this drop and add slip.”

Secretary, peering over her half glasses: “Have you seen your adviser?”

You: “Yes ma’am.”

At this point, you will see her shoulders drop, her pen write faster, and a small smile cross her face. You have made her day, and she will never, ever, forget you.

This is good. Trust me.

Phrase You Must Delete from Your Vocabulary

“No problem.” There will probably be a point where one of these secretaries may actually thank you for doing something. The only way you can get off their good side is to respond with anything but “You’re Welcome.” Practice now.

Book You Must Read Before You Go To College

Realizing I run the risk of raising the ire of every AP English and History teacher, I will none the less offer How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. Neither fiction nor a scholarly work, it’s more like your Irish neighbor telling you the enriched but true story of the vital role Irish monks held in restoring education to Europe during the time of St. Patrick. You won’t read anything this easy or biased in college, but its story of how modest people can engage in diligent efforts that change history will, I hope, stay with you forever.

While many are eager to continue their educational journey at a four-year university, a rising number of students are turning to community colleges as their next step. Matthew Forrest, Zinch’s Student Ambassador at Massasoit Community College, dropped in to give us his perspective on attending a community college, and how students from all walks of life can take advantage of the services they offer.

“Community college classes are a joke. Community college provides a lower quality education than a four-year institution. Community college students are not successful in their future endeavors.”

I assure you that all of these statements are all too common misconceptions. Not only are community colleges for everyone, but their classes are often of the same exact quality that the same or comparable classes would be anywhere else, and they offer many latent benefits, such as their professors, small class sizes, free tutoring services, and an international honor society for two year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa.

Without a doubt, community colleges’ professors are unsung heroes. Because of the small class sizes (usually less than 20 students) that many community colleges offer, the professors are able to get to know each and every student on a personal level. Many professors even have a significant amount of office hours a week (often 5 or more hours) in which any of their students can drop on by and ask questions. As a result of this, professors grow to develop professional relationships with their students, and genuinely care about their success. In turn, students are often more comfortable reaching out to and approaching their professors, resulting in greater success.

At the same time, many community colleges offer FREE tutoring services. Who doesn’t love free stuff? For instance, my college offers free tutoring in math, science, accounting, writing, computers, and foreign languages. These services have been a LIFESAVER for me. My tutors have all been very knowledgeable and truly care about my success as well as the success of their other students. In fact, many of my tutors have been fellow students, making it easier for me to interact with them and discuss any difficulties that I’ve had. If these resources had not been available to me I would have surely given up and taken another path down the road of life.

Another phenomenal benefit of community colleges is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). PTK is an international honor society geared towards students attending two-year colleges. Although I have not been a member for long it has already started to play a significant role in my continued success. PTK not only encourages excellence in academics, but also provides many other benefits including leadership training, opportunities, and alumni networks. The fact that they have over $36 million in scholarships available to their members doesn’t hurt either.

Everyone knows that community college is a cheaper option than the traditional four-year college, but that is the only fact that most are actually aware of. Whether it is the amazing professors, small class sizes free tutoring, or the opportunity to join an amazing international honor society, community college is a viable option in the world today. Ever hear of Nolan Ryan? Ross Perot? Tom Hanks? Yeah, they graduated from community college and they aren’t doing too bad.

Photo licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

There’s only one source that can really tell you what life on campus is all about—actual college students! We wanted to hear real experiences from our ambassadors about student life, so we asked them a question and told them to give us their most honest responses. This month we asked…

Kristen Ingram from Michigan State University writes about taking initiative and making the most of every situation…

Warm weather is creeping in, finals wrapping up, and all you can look forward to is lounging out in the sun doing nothing; but what is this your mother says? You need to get a job? Improve your resume for college? But what about all the awesome summer plans you’ve been plotting for months?!

The thing is, you can still keep all your plans while also getting great experience for those resumes! If you like to skateboard, teach your little kid neighbor. If you like pets, volunteer and get to play with animals while getting them ready for a good home. If you are interested in business, get a job or an internship as a secretary and you will get the inside view on how a business runs. You don’t have to do the typical studying abroad, or take summer classes, or hold three jobs. You’d be surprised at what you can take away from any experience. Don’t be that kid who comes back to school and can only say a couple things about what they did over the summer, be the one who can talk for hours and can write ten pages about what they did.

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Chelsy McInnis from Lindenwood University writes about developing online-friendships and savoring the summer lovin’…

The summer before the first semester of college is a bit of an odd one. It’s in that weird stage where you’re a prospective college student, but a high school graduate. The question is begged as to what you do with that time. Do you endlessly Google your roommate to make sure you weren’t paired up with a psycho? Obsessively map out plans your dorm room? Work on acquiring a taste for Ramen and late nights?

The best route I took for preparing for the unknown was searching out other incoming freshman via Facebook. I developed these online relationships, and when move-in day came around I wasn’t stuck wandering around like a fish out of water. But other than that, my summer was spent enjoying the warm weather, my friends and family, and doing some of the things I love – like my art.

Personally the best thing to do the summer before your first year of college is enjoy it. Too many people stress out over the next page that they never finish reading the current one.

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Alexis Montgomery from the University of Southern California writes about applying for scholarships…

It would be easy to follow Bruno Mars’ advice and do nothing at all. But his video is actually quite deceiving: he had to practice singing, play that ukelele, and learn that amazing choreography. So how does this relate to you? Well my future college-bound students, I suggest you do something this summer!

You want to go to that great school but are financially constrained? Apply for scholarships! During the summer you have time and it’s a win-win situation: even if you don’t win one award, you’ll actually improve your writing if you keep applying. And trust me, improvement means stronger grades when you get in the big leagues, aka college.

I know it’s difficult to comprehend writing essays during break, but it’s a smart decision! During the school year I thought I would squeeze in some scholarship searching, but I wasn’t always productive with my free time. Guess what I’m doing this summer?

Just think about it: having those drafts will save you time, energy, and overall is a chance to earn free cash.

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Jeff Zhao from the University of Texas at Austin writes about moving on from high school life…

So, you’ve made it through mandatory public education. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to get ready for college – but suddenly, you realize some of your friends won’t be joining you on your next adventure. That’s okay: you’ve all made plans to reunite and hang out during the breaks between terms! You’ll still be best friends forever! …maybe.

One thing I’ve learned about college is that it changes people – and that’s the whole point! College helps shape who you’ll be as an adult and will equip you with some of the vital skills you’ll need to be successful in your career and personal life. However, that also means that all your friendships will change too, and things will never be the same.

Don’t be sad! It’s a part of life. Take the summer to spend time with the friends and family that really matter and embrace the change that comes with college life. Who knows – if you’re lucky, you might really stay best friends forever.