Alfred University Top Questions

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

Luke

The high school college search was a fun and stressful part of my life. If i could go back now and change anything it would be my decision to go to a school that had football. In high school all of the D3 college coaches would come visit the high schools and talk you in to coming to their college like you were going to be the star of the team. During the season i soon found out that these colleges take anybody they can get. I wish i had focused more on the other things i enjoy like playing the trumpet, leading and joining clubs, and doing community service for local groups like Habitat for Humanity. To give a clear answer i would tell myself to think about the big picture. What do i want to achieve in the next four years.

Grant

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior I would have a lot of advice for myself. To start off I would tell myself to really focus on my class work. I now know that the scholarship you get for you high school academics isn't able to be upgraded to a higher scholarship regardless of your first year college GPA. This would give high school me a wake up call because being in a low income family, I would know how important this was; for not only me but also, my family. I would remind myself to study for my SAT. SAT scores play a big part in college acceptance and additional scholarship funds. While I was very involved at my high school, I didn't take the SAT as well as I know I could have. I regret not getting a higher score because I know how much impact it has financially. If anything, I would tell myself to enjoy my high school experience. In college you need to find a whole new group of friends, clubs etc. High school could have been a great opportunity to expand my horizons.

Cailin

College Advice If you come to college with an open mind Passon, friends, and fun Are things you'll definitely find But if you had a second chance To do it over again I'd like for you to consider a few rules Not too many, just ten One- Try new things Even though they're scary Two- Absolutely go ahead and taste that bloody mary! Three- Ask for help and just let down your pride Four- Give youself a library time limit Then put the rest of the work aside Five- Save your money despite all the temptations Six- Talk to your professors I'll bet they provide some inspiration Seven- Get out an help your community Self efficacy will be your gift Eight- Always thank your parents Even when they don't "get-your-drift" Nine- Stop planning little details Because spontaneous trips are a must Ten- Find at least one person Who you know you can really trust I'm not sure if these rules will truly assist But I do know that College is an experience One you absolutely do NOT want to miss!

cooper

I would tell myself to not get too attached to the way of life back home. Things are different, and they may seem scary, but the transition isn't as hard as it seems. Work on being able to wake up with your own alarms, and don't forget to do your laundry. You can do it!!

Felicia

I have gotten the information I need to become a teacher and the skills to handle myself in difficult situations. It has been valusable to attend Alfred University because it has taught me many things that I will need in the real world. The people here are at a immeasurable quality level and the experiences here are ones I will never forget.

Lee

To be honest, I wasn't even going to go to this school. I was all set on applying to the University of Hartford. Alfred University was five hours away from my hometown of Pleasantville Ny and I just simply didn't want to go. However, I am glad I did because there was no other school that I would have rather spent my undergrad at for those four special years. Coming to Alfred University has been magical. For such a small town I have made the most amazing friends and have accomplished some of the hardest tasks that life has thrown at me. Being at Alfred I have learned about time management, about true friendship and I have aquired skills that I will need for the rest of my life. I have made so many memories from this school and I will forever remember them for the future years to come.

Rebekah

My experience in college, though turbulent and at times very frustrating has been invaluable because it has proven I can push through adversity and make just about any educational experience fit my needs with a little bit of elbow grease and a lot of creativity. Through experience at two instituions, one a supportive community college and the other a politically charged liberal arts college, I have learned the value of deep engagement with self and with materials and ideas that I find interesting. I have learned to be self-sufficient and how to advocate for the causes that are important to me. I have become a better speaker, writer, citizen, and artist. Some of these benefits have come directly from engagement with classmates, course material, and teachers; others have come from deeply felt opposition to restrictive or excessively competitive social and academic norms I was exposed to as a student. Overall, my college experience has given me the confidence and tools I need to make my voice heard as a citizen of the world and to support myself and my future family. Thus, in spite of all of the obstacles, heart-ache, and frustration, it was undoubtedly worth the effort.

Tory

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, with the knowledge that I have now, I would give myself the following advice: be flexible. My transition into college life was hard; I was sharing a room for the first time in my life with someone I had never met, I was five hours away from my high school boyfriend, and I was not sure about where I wanted my life to go. I was sure, however, that I had set myself onto the path that I would be following for the next four years of my life. A year later, I had changed from a Psychology major to a Fine Arts major, broken up with my boyfriend, and moved in with a girl I had known for about a month. None of these changes to my life were easy, but as a second-semester junior in college, I feel that I would do it all again. Without the stress and the hard decisions, and the ways in which that forced me to be a flexible person, I would not be where I am today. I am happy.

Stephanie

The first piece of advice that I want to give to up coming college students is to go to college. The experience is one that helps young people learn life skills. You will discover more about your self than you could ever expect to know. Most importantly you learn how to learn. I know that it sounds crazy but it is ture. In college you learn that teach yourself is the best skill to have best you will never stop learning in life. The more that you know the more opportunities you will have to do what you love. So I would tell high school students to pick a school that gets you away from home, has great campus atmosphere and career place after graduation. Those three things are the key. Lastly never give up on school.

Tara

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to go into college with a mind open to new experiences. From the every day life style to the rarer opportunities in college, if you don't approach life?s tasks in college with an open mind, you will find yourself sorely unhappy. You need to be able to laugh at the little things, like not having a can opener for your soup so borrowing the art students? tool kit to get it open. You need to accept that people have different lifestyles, and make sure you respect their lifestyle choices. Approach your classes with an open mind as well. If you are stuck in a course you may not like because it is mandatory to take at your college, just think of it as a learning opportunity. The most important thing to remember going into college is that an open mind is your greatest weapon in college. Without it, you are not going to receive the full college experience.

Elliot

You might think you need to enter college with a specific plan; a specific major or course of study. If your intended major isn't what you envisioned, don't be intimidated. You'll be able to change your course of study after your first semester with little or no impact on your overall 4-year plan.

Samantha

If I was given the chance to travel back in time and talk to my former self, I would tell myself to not change a thing. During my freshman year of college I learned to let go of the restraints I had put on myself when it came to my academic work. I did my best but I also gave myself time to relax, make friends and do my thing. I remember that as a high school senior, I was terrified of going off to college and living on my own. If I were to return to that time, I would reassure myself and tell myself that there was nothing to worry about, and that everything would fall into place. However, I would tell myself to get a summer job, because college life isn't cheap!

Michael

Go and work as hard as possible as you can while enjoying your self also.

Mikki

I don't think I would give myself any different advice. I believe that the path I've taken since my senior year in high school has led me right where I want to be. My high school was probably one of the best "transitions" to college I could have asked for. It was not set up like the average American high school; rather it was modeled on a college. The students were entirely responsible for their attendance and homework. There was no safety net of detention or phone calls to parents. We had to be organized and aware of our own education. We chose our own classes, we only had to be on campus when we had class. Some very non-traditional classes were offered, which fit well with our school's non-traditional students. We were required to participate in the school's government. All said and done, I feel very privelaged to have been able to attend Liberty School, and I think it prepared me for college far better than any college prepatory school would have.

Alexander

Take a look at the colleges in person, you cannot get a full grasp of what they are like from the internet or brochures. If possible, talk to current students. Nobody understands the workings of a campus both academically and socially like the students. Be mindful of location as it can have an effect on what activities are available, what the weather is like, and how easily available help is when needed. Once there as a student, get involved by joining a club or a sports team. Be social, work hard, and make sure to try new activities like karate, playing an instrument, or singing lessons. Do a Study Abroad program, even if its a short-term program like a two-week trip to Europe. It will all pay off in the long run. Overall, have fun and enjoy everything you can. An enjoyable college experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Milena

I would say once you've chosen your top schools, compare their best and worst features. Also consider a college with different options for a major in case you change your mind a long the way. A big thing to think about is the size of the school. Keep in mind that a small school can still have big opportunities and even better, there's more chances for you since their is less competition. Unless you're into the big name school which is good too, but don't go to a school because everyone's going there. It's very important that you choose the school that's right for you, and once you're there, be part of everything. Let the school remember you like you will remember it for everything you learned from your valuable experiences while attending.

Joshua

I believe that one of the most important things that students and parent should consider when selecting the "right" college and making the most of the college experience is making sure the college offers soild academic preparation in the student's chosen major and soild career counseling. The goal of any student selecting a college should be to chose the college that will best prepare that student for their chosen career. This decision should not be made upon how "pretty" a campus looks or what famous person attended the college or how old, well known or how much or how litle the tution may be, or in some cases, how close or how far from home the college is located. In these difficult economic times, it is vital that the workers of tomorrow be prepared to compete in a technologically changing, highly competitive employment arena. Due to the highly specialized and competitive nature of the world today, it is vital that the investment in higher education result in an strong return. I firmly believe that choosing a college that fully prepares a student for their chosen field is he most important consideration in selecting an intitution of hgher learning.

Danielle

I feel students really have to know what their looking for in the community your going to introduce yourself to. If you want a big city, country living, to get lost amongsdt the masses at a large class or to be noticed in a small community. I feel that each school caters to an individual you just have to find whats important to yourself and your future goals. To make the most of your experience is to sign of for all activities that interest you and to become involved in your community and surroundings. Enjoy your opputunities and the your choices.

Andrew

Don't make cost your biggest concern, however much it may impact you, choose a college that would be best for you. The environment you would learn best in, the major you want to learn.

Dionne

Dont let money be an issue.

Alison

It doesn't matter what the books say. To know if a school is right for you, visit. It's best to visit your chosen schools more than once, because weather can have a huge effect on the mood of the school, and a freak storm or sunny day can adversly influence your choice. Talk to people there, not just the tour guides. Tour guides are paid to make the school sound good, so do some investigating on your own. Check up on what Alumni are doing too. This can give you a good idea of what graduates in your intended field have accomplished, and the more people that have been successful in that field, the more likely you will be to have a leg up when networking. Also, ask people you admire where they went to school. Not only can they give you an idea of where you want to go, you can ask them what is important to them in finding a college. Perhaps passionate professors are what made them who they are, or a large campus with a lot of diversity, or tons of extracurriculers that really let them explore their interests outside of academia.

Grace

Understand that sometimes your first choice isn't the best choice and be open to exploring the opportunities available to you. Don't be so focused on your end goals that you miss the many side roads available in your education that can help lead you to success. My most successful and satisfying memories weren't necessarily ones that I had planned or anticipated but came from times when I strayed off my chosen path and tried something different. Make friends with your professors, they have a lot more wisdom and knowledge than they could possibly give you in just one course. Work hard on your academics, but one of the most important aspects of college is the lasting friends you'll make, the self realizations you'll have, and the networking that will help you afterwards. Don't be afraid to try new things, its much harder to change your mind once you graduate.

alexandra

Ask your teachers and friends, visit your schools and talk to students there!

Gina

Choose the right program for you. Don't base your decision on the entire school, that can be overwhelming. It is important that you find the program(s) which fuel your passion. Go and talk to the professors when you look at the school. Ask as many questions as you can before making your decision. Find the community that you connect with. If it doesn't feel right when you visit then it's not for you. In the end, go with your gut, you'll know you have the right school when it just feels good being there. Immerse yourself in this experience. Try everything. Be open to everything. College is not just about getting an academic education, it's about finding out who you are and how you fit into your community. But most importantly, always keep asking questions!

Caitlin

First and foremost check out what kinds of programs are offered at the school, this way if you go to school with an intended major but realize suddenly that you would like to change majors, the options are right there for you. Second, location. When visiting a school I highly recommend staying overnight or possible over a weekend. If the college offers a weekend on campus, in the dorms experience for perspective students like Alfred University did, then I highly advise signing up. This way the perspective student gets a current student's perspective on what campus life it is like. It's a completely unimaginable experience, living away from home for the first time.

Alisha

If you are interested in playing a sport at the college of your choice I would highly recommend doing an overnight trip as a recruit with one of the team members so that the prospective student will see what the college life is really like and can make an informed decision about whether or not the college is right for him/her. I would also suggest really exploring the campus and asking lots of questions. Make sure the setting is right for you too. If you grew up in a small, rural town maybe going to a college in a small, rural setting isn't the best place for you. Find out what the college is really like. If its a big party school and you want a more career focused school, make sure you find that out and avoid a huge headache.

Jessie

The administrators and teachers act alot nicer when they are trying to get you to come to the school. spend alot of time getting to know the real campus community, class requirements, and what credits really transfer. Administrators will tell you that you can take all the classes you want and that all your courses will transfer. What they wont tell you is that most of the time what transferes wont count for what you thought it did or for not as many credits, and alot of times you cant fit the classes you want due to all the major requirements. Expect to use more money than your planned, course materials are always getting more expensive and colleges have alot of extra fees they dont tell you about. But be open to lots of new things and new kinds of people, the people you didnt think you would like are usually the most fun.

Thomas

Let your child choose where he or she wants to go, offer your input and your opinion but whatever you do dont make the decision for them.

Chantell

Go with your gut, and what you feel most comfortable with.

Grace

Make a listing of the ideal school with your child and then look for schools that most closely match this list. Figgure out what will be most important to the student, ie programs, academics, social life and match that most closely to your ideal list. Start looking early and don't write schools off for sticker shock.

Elizabeth

You should really focus on what you like as a person. Dont be afraid to try something new but dont do anything so drastic that you cant adjust. Visit colleges and really get to know a place before you commit to living there. When you choose a college be very open to other people and ideas. You might discover something new you like and you will broaden your knowledge and cultural views. Be outgoing and have fun, but dont lose sight of your acedemics. This is your time to shape your life so do what you want to do and dont let others get in your way.

Ben

Choose somewhere within 2 hours of home. You might want to get far away but its too much of a hassle. get detailed information on any major your interested in before making your choice of school so nothing unexpected comes up. Make sure to talk to students when you visit about if they are happy at school and if they made the right choice. Ask what they do for fun and on weekends and if the school has good activities.

Kristen

Make sure you visit the school before you decide to attend! And talk to professors and students (who are not part of the recruiting process).

Ashley

To make the most of any college experience, students must be involved. College transforms the way students lead their lives and challenges them to alter their perception of success. The classroom alone will not prepare students for the future, so when looking for a college, or persuing a fullfilling college experience, one should evaluate the degree to which their college(s) align with their personal interests. If students learn enough about themselves, they will be able to better select the a college. When choosing a college it is benifitial to relfect on one's daily experiences, what is necessity and what is wanted. Find these things in a prospective college and find the right college. Observaion is the quickest way to get to know any campus community; students can see if they will fit in if they observe daily campus interactions and apply them to their everyday life. These are the things that will make the college experience more enjoyable, but there are also the topics of financial aid, housing, and work in general. There is a lot of stress in college and having financial arrangements lined up ahead of time will greatly help in transitioning for students and parents.

Chris

Be willing to give a semester to adjust, and if you do not ry anything you will hate it

Wade

talk to students!

B.

You may not be able to find a school that feels like it is the best fit. Find a school that is similar to your interests and needs. You will find a way to make it fit. The most important thing to have is the right facilities to do what you want. If you can do what you want at school then you will be more satisfied and be able to make that place home. Once your there be open and outgoing. Saying hi to everyone as you move into dorms or your living situation really helps to meet new people and let the community know that you are an open and interresting person. Try to spend as little time in your room. Dorms on all campuses tend to be a little depressing when you spend too much time in them. Get out into the community and meet people.

k.

students: don't let anyone force your decision when you choose where to go to school--sometimes your gut instinct is the right choice. you have to choose a college where you feel welcomed but challenged, where you fit in but aren't just one of the crowd. college is primarily about learning about yourself: who you are, who you want to be, what you could be; how you interact with people and how you should or could interact with them; how the world can shape you and how you want to let it. you should come out of college feeling like you know who you are--but not necessarily what you want to do with your life.

raymond

My advice to students about picking the right college is go and visit. You get a different feel from each college that you will either love or hate. I do not know where the feeling comes from, the buildings, the students, the faculty, they are all different. You must also choose a school based on your extra curricular activities because they are what make your college experience exciting. I am on the varsity swim team. As fun as homework is, I could not wait to get back in the pool and work my body after I had worked my brain all day. When you go on a college visit, meet as many people as you can and ask them why they choose the college and why they like it. If their answers match what you are looking for, you have found the right place. Now it is up to you to make the most of your college life by meeting people and having fun. Good luck!

Sharee

When choosing a college, there are many issues that come up. A lot of students look at what schools specialize in their chosen field of study. Some people base their decision on what university their friends will be attending or the college(s) that their parents graduated from. However, I think it's important to note that not very many of us end up graduating with the degree we thought we would at age 18, and virtually none of us have the exact same talents and career goals as our parents or best friends. So my advice is simply this: visit the school AT LEAST once. Get a feel for the overall environment, as opposed to just the department you (or your family/peers) are interested in, because that will probably change, but the attitude of the place most likely will not. Consider the other aspects of this decision: location, for one. Distance from home and from major cities, as well as climate. More things to think about include class size, diversity, on and off-campus housing, and ease of student involvement. Whatever you do, don't stress about it too much: college will do nothing but open your eyes!

Christopher

When choosing the right college, the most important thing is to choose a college that reminds the student most of their own high school. I went to a small school where I knew everyone in my class and the town was just as small. That is why when I chose Alfred University, it is because it had that small town atmosphere that I grew up around. Small colleges like this give a student an oppurtunity to get the help they may need during a class. The small classes allow the student to have a one on one connection with the professor if they need the assistance with the material in class. But once you choose the right college, the most important thing is to get involved with extracurricular activities and make true connections, because it took me four years to realize that my time here is short and I need to enjoy every minute of it. College gave me a different perspective on life, so all I can say is just enjoy every minute you have at college, because there is nothing like it once your gone.

Alanna

Don't rush it

Kelly

My advice for students would be to pick a school that fits them. Make sure its the right size for you considering class sizes, community, and interaction with professors. Also for students, make sure to make the most of your college time. Do all your homework and work hard but don't forget to make time for making friends and hanging out. Have a social life and work hard to learn as much as possible for your career. Lastly for students, try to get involved in as many clubs and organizations as possible that you're interesting in and try new things. It looks good on resumes and its something fun you can do to meet people and relax. For parents, my advice would be to let your young adults be young adults. Let them have their new life and freedom and don't try to still run their lives. Help them when they need help but don't control their new found freedom. Make sure they're happy and safe and financially well off to start a new part of their life.

Meagan

Take your time to research a school and don't just pick a major to pacify your parents, take what you're excited to learn. You'll be happier in the end.

Teresa

I believe that the students should tour a wide variety of colleges, to get a general idea of the campus they will essentially call home for the next several years. Once you find that college, return several times before the start of the school year to double and triple check that this college fits all your needs and wants. A majority of the time, if the students do not take tours, or visit the school, they will not know what to expect from the school and the surrounding community, and will be dissappointed. Choosing a school is a very personal experience, one of the most important decisions that I've made in my life so far. Once you have found that school, and have applied, gotten accepted, and enrolled; I believe that becoming involved on campus is a very important aspect of the college experience. Many adults that I have talked to that attended college have found lifelong friends at their college, and are very glad they participated in the activities they did. College was a large building block in helping them become who they are today.

Kristen

Make sure you visit the college, and talk to students and professors!

Sondra

Focus.

Jasmine

Go with what feels right. The right place for you isnt necessary a school that everyone has heard of.

Kelly

My advice would be to pick a school that is the right size for you. Whether you like one with a lot of students or only a small amount, you want to pick the right one for you. Try and get as much financial aid as possible to help you pay for school. Get all of your general education classes over with first while you decide exactly what major you want. If you're going to commute to campus or have a car on campus, make sure there is enough parking on or around campus for everyone that may have a car. Really think about how much you will eat at dining halls and get the smallest possible meal plan you can get to save money. Talk to students and faculty that are already at the school. They can give you a lot of information about student life and the programs and facilities. Try and see how helpful and friendly the staff are and if the students are happy. Students should remember to work hard in college but also have a social life and have fun. You only go to college once.

Jessica

Before searching for colleges, decide on what you as a parent and the student want in a college. How big of school do you want to go to? How far? Major?, etc. After figuring out what you do know, make visits to different colleges. While at the visits, the student and/or parent will get an idea if that college is right for him/her. Also while at the visits, make an appointment with an administrative counselor for an interview. By having an intereview, the counselor will be able to not only answer any questions, but the student is able to explain anything, express passion in what s/he wants to do with his or hers life and why that school is really important to that person. To make the most out of the college life would be have an equal balance of social life with work like (studying and job). By doing this, the student isn't concentrating on school every second of the day, it'll give them a chance for their minds to take a breather, but if you don't study enough and always have a social life, then your grades will suffere as well.