While freshman year is exciting and exhilarating, it can also be uncertain. The Universe is here to calm those freshman butterflies and dispel a few myths you may have heard.
1. All BYU students go on a lot of dates and all girls get married their freshman year. False.
Try not to fall into the trap of thinking you are some sort of mutant swamp creature if you go one, two or five weekends without a date.
According to Carson Monson, European studies major from Draper, students – especially freshmen – should not fret about dating.
“Don’t stress about dating. Dating will happen when it happens,” Monson said. “Just make sure you’re doing something fun every weekend.
It doesn’t have to be dating.”
Also, according to BYU’s Y Facts, only 22 percent of undergraduate students are married.
2. Students who did well in high school will automatically do well at BYU. False.
If there is one thing from high school you should forget, it is how easy things were. Do not let yourself think that 12 AP classes and
an academic scholarship will guarantee good grades in college.
According to Chelsea Cummings, a recreation management major from Boise, incoming freshmen should plan to put more time and effort into their classes than they did in high school.
“Your first semester of college, you’re going to be tested in a way high school never really prepared you for,” Cummings said. “Doing the bare minimum isn’t going to cut it. You’re going to have to study like you’ve never studied before if you want to keep up the same GPA you
had in high school.”
3. No matter what you do, American Heritage will tank your university GPA. False.
While you have most likely heard numerous horror stories about the class, you need not fear.
According to Cummings, who got an A in the class, the key to doing well in American Heritage is simply staying on top of the assigned work.
“There’s a two-word solution to this seemingly insurmountable class – just read!” Cummings said. “Just read the book, go to class, go to
lab and you’ll do just fine. It’s when you get behind that problems start to arrive. Fight the freshman mentality and just do the work.”
4. All returned missionaries are anxious to get married and should be avoided like the plague. False.
According to Monson, who went on a mission to Ukraine, returned missionaries are people too.
“I don’t think girls need to be afraid of talking to or dating RMs,” Monson said. “The truth is, most of them are just as afraid of commitment
and serious relationships as girls are.”
Cummings’ advice to girls is to look at RMs as potential friends because they too want to have fun in college.
“We’ve all heard the stereotype: All RMs are crazy, Bible-thumping and marriage-crazed from the moment they step off the airplane,”
Cummings said. “The fact of the matter is there are plenty out there who just want to have a good time, same as you.”
5. BYU has to be one of the most incredible places on earth to study, learn and grow. Completely true.
You are in for challenges, heartbreaks and many late nights studying. But never fear, amazing people and professors surround
you and can help make your college experience unforgettable.
