Allegheny College Top Questions

Alycia, Allegheny was the perfect fit for you. There was no reason to be nervous about making friends and having things to do. As long as you study you will do perfectly. Beware of college guys! Even though you thought you wanted a boyfriend in college, you don't want one anymore. You will find they do not have relationships in mind and tend to only look for a good time. Focus on your goals, and the rest will come later. Remeber to join clubs too. They are perfect ways to meet new people with the same interests and provide a way to take a break. Money is tough. You need to be able to push yourself in order to find a job on campus. They are tough to recieve, and only come by constantly emailing, talking to, and calling the college for a job. Mainly, keep in touch with the friends and family back home. You will get distracted by college life, but it is always good to check in and see how eveyone is doing. They care about you and I know you care about them so don't forget to show it! study hard Alycia

Don't assume that going to your dream school will make everything OK. Having friends and people you know from before college around you is much more important than you think. Talk to your roommate before you get to college about the important things, like how and where they like to study. Having the wrong roommate can totally ruin your college experience, to the point that nothing seems to go right.

That the preperation in high school is nowhere near what it needs to be in order to really succeed in college. Academics are such a focus at Allegheny. Not only is it just challenging, but it's challenging in a way that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else because I know they're doinig their job as educators. Becoming acclimated with such a big workload is the transition that was hardest for me. After a rough patch in my freshman year I have grown up so much and Allegheny has shown me how to be a responsible adult. I never expected it to happen so fast but I am so thankful. I look at kids in high school now and think what babies they seem compared to me now. When they ask how school is all I tell them is, "It's so HARD!". It may seem wrong but I kind of want to scare them into being more prepared than I was. They'll realize it one day, yet I believe Allegheny is one of the best places for a college education and in a way hardest so some of them might not have it as bad.

Dear past self, please do not go home every weekend. I know you miss your dog, but you will be missing out on amazing things, such as the Outing Clubs trips, and the Quidditch team (no, seriously, by the time you get to Allegheny, they will have a Quidditch team, I know that makes it so much more awesome), and you will miss out on making so many new friends, and you will miss lectures by amazing people, and you will miss half of the college experience. You will become aclimated to school so much faster if you simply realize that your dog will be okay without you, and this comes from experience, you will be okay without your dog (and cats, actually.) Please, stay on the weekends, go to the campus center, sign up for activities, go to the guest speakers, go to the late night events at the campus center (they will have a pottery night!) and get involved. You will be too busy having fun to realize that it is suddenly December and then you can go home and see the dog. Until then, do something.

Dear Kristen, You are about to take a very important step. Are you ready? I know you're excited, college will be your chance to show who you really are, to step outside of the norm and do something different. You will be able to learn new things you never dreamed about before and critique those things that you already think you know everything about. You will make new friends and learn new trends. You will stay up all night partying and sleep all night because you are worn out from classes. You will meet new people, good and bad, and some of them will stick with you forever. College is the best time of your life, you can be an adult, yet you can still hold on to that "I'm a student and still need guidance" mentality where the Professors will look out for you. Just remember one thing: don't change who you are. I know it's hard, college is such an influential time in your life. But when all is said and done, you are still Kristen, and I think I can speak for you when I say, "Kristen is someone worth being."

I would tell myself not to worry. I know now that things happen for a reason, and even those darkest moments are there so that I can better appreciate the good days. I would tell myself to be forgiving, but don't be afraid to walk away from people who will bring you down. Don't worry about that boy, he's not worth the pain and hassle. Ask questions everywhere - you never know what you will learn. It's okay to lose some sleep to help a friend, or finish that assingment, but you'll feel so much better if you get a full night in. Turn off the TV! There's better stuff happening just outside the window. Don't be afraid to take chances; the worst case scenario is that you need a friend to catch you. Take your vitamins- they do help. Don't worry about other peoples' perceptions - you know you're doing things for the right reason. Smile everyday, even when you don't feel like it. And lastly, I'd tell my younger self to call my Mom!

Don't be a biochem major. There are less choices in classes available to take. Also, do a double major because you really love music and biology so you might as well major in both. Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there freshman year. People acutally do like you for who you are and the ones that don't don't matter.

Do not go to college expecting to get job training. While you'll feel prepared for any career avenue you pursue after graduation, the most important thing you'll learn while an undergraduate is how to improve and use your academic skills in "real life" outside of getting a paycheck - how to enact positive change in communities, how to look at systems that we participate in every day and imagine them better, and then make that a reality. Plan for your coursework and social life to influence each other. Sure, you and your friends will get together on the weekends and have a beer now and then, but a residential college is about socializing and fostering community, it is not about kicking kegs. Your involvement in extracurriculars will push you as your coursework does, and that'll be the most fulfilling aspect of your four years here. Prepare for some big-time growth.

If I could go back and speak to myself as a senior in high school the best advice I could give myself would have to be to focus more on academic preparation for college. I had fun as a senior playing football, tennis and doing track at the expense of preparing for the workload I encountered at Allegheny. I'm fortunate that my brothers preceded me at Allegheny and were able to coach me on what to expect, but I still didn't know what they meant until doing it firsthand. The first semester was difficult, but I was able to adapt and do well. The other advice would be to look more carefully for scholarship opportunities like this. I was surprised to learn the hard lessons of economics in the real world when I submitted loan applications. Now I see that upon graduation, I'll be saddled with private loans that will be difficult to pay off. I see now that to go to Allegheny I need to tell people how much I like it and work to earn my education. So the other piece of advice would be, nothing is free, you have to earn it!

Don't be afraid to take risks or get out there and have a social life. Take course work more seriously as it is a baseline for the rest of your life. Don't give up on things you enjoy like sports (swimming).

Explore all of your options. Investing in the college decision making process is just as important as investing in college. There are literally thousands of options, and you have to find something that feels right to you. You'll know when you find the right place.

Finding the right college is all about YOU: your priorities, your interests and abilities, your preferences. The college search can be overwhelming, and many highschool graduates feel as if their entire future is hanging on this decision. The key here is not to let yourself feel crushed by pressure, expectations, or uncertainty. Instead, let the process of searching for the right school be fun, exciting, and gratifying: you've earned this. Choose a college that will foster what is important to you, whether it be a global perspective, a deeper religious life, readiness for the workforce, etc. Set your sights high! Even if you don't get into your top school, you might be pleasantly suprised to find that your second choice is a perfect fit. If it isn't, it's not the end of the world--you can always transfer. Once you get to school, keep an open mind. College is all about broadening your experiences and your way of thinking. Try taking a class you wouldn't normally have considered: you might be surprised at what you learn--or you could even unleash a hidden passion. Remember: the pressure's off, and it's all about you.

It is incredibly important to not get blinded by the myth of the ?dream school? and to keep your options open. When I didn?t get into my dream schools? there were six - I had to scramble to apply to other universities. There will be a perfect school for you, but it probably won?t be the one you pinned all your hopes on because as a high school senior, you can only know so much about yourself. It is also a good idea to map out a schedule that sets personal deadlines for both the student and the parents ? this will prevent panicking. Take advantage of the common application, and if it doesn?t cost extra, why not throw a few extra colleges on your application list? Not only is it a good self esteem boost to get accepted into multiple schools, but it also helps when you negotiate for financial aid. Finally, students, please don?t complain to your parents too much. It will all be over before you know it, and it will feel better to be on top of things than to turn in a sloppy essay at the last minute.

Finding the right college is a hard decision and should not be made hastily. Be sure to visit every place you look into! Even if you apply, get accepted and get a scholarship, college is about your happiness; it is someplace that you will be spending approximately four years of your life at. You want to be someplace where you will be happy and have the ability to grow as a person and even if you pay little-to-nothing to attend, if you do not like it, odds are you will not stay. So really take time, ask questions and get to know your schools before you commit. While at school, make sure to get involved! Participate in various activities! If you do not see a club you like, create your own organization! Try and go to various events on campus, attend lectures and get involved! Do not be afraid to see your professors and ask questions if you need help. Especially for post-undergrad, visit your Career Center on campus. Do not wait to be great! Start on your resume as soon as possible and look for internships. Do what you need to excel no matter what!

In order to find the right college you really need to visit the different places and see what college just feels right. Take advantage of overnight visits and sitting in on classes because that is the only way you will be able to get a real feel for the school. In order to make the most of the college experience you need to do things that make you feel uncomfortable and take chances because it is usually those things that are most rewarding in the end. Step outside your comfort zone, befriend people you might not normally befriend, go to programs and events offered by the school that you might not normally go to. You might discover things you never knew you liked all because you took a chance. Also, you need to get involved in something whether it be a club, a sport or a sorority/fraternity. Not only do they create great memories but you can make some great friends and it will help you to gain real life experience working with others. Most of all, don't stress out and try to have fun while still doing your work.

I would make sure to visit. Even though Allegheny is far from me (I live in Colorado), I loved the atmosphere and the faculty there. Be sure to apply and make sure you do not have your mind set on one school. Checking out the Newsweek College Edition really helped me rank my schools and find out more information about each one. When at school, really try and get involved and not just socialize! I met some of my greatest friends from activities and if a club doesn't exist, you should start one! Be sure to start working on your resume early and always look for opportunities to do something in the summer.

How do you decide to which school you are going to devote four years of your life and countless dollars? Talk to people who already decided. Brochures are alluring and recruiters persuasive, but admission counselors are paid to make schools sound irresistible. Students however, are forking over their lifesavings to attend and will relate exactly what they love and loathe. College is a huge commitment and you must be informed to make the right choice; so ferret out the dirty details counselors gloss over. Talk to students and learn the idiosyncrasies of the school. Are classes really small? If you blow up the chemistry lab do you automatically fail? College is enough of a shock without learning that Domino?s doesn?t deliver. But realize that the effort doesn?t end when the forms are mailed. Now you must make college count by taking advantage of your school. College is about education, but its not the lectures on electron repulsion that are memorable, it?s the stories and corresponding life experience that you will tell your grandchildren. So talk to hallmates, go to the Queer?s & Allies barbeque, cheer obnoxiously at homecoming and enjoy all the opportunities offered to you.

To find the right school you need to experience it. Go visit. Take full advantage of any orientation and visitation programs they host. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it is your life afterall. Once you're at school do not be afraid to participate. If you find a club or a team that you like, go for it. Don't worry about what others think or are doing. Live your life the way you want to and do the things that make you happiest.

Let them make the decision. Guidance is important, but it is their life.

The best advice I can give is to ask as many questions as possible. Ask real students about social life, classes, etc., don't rely on tour guides or materials given out by the college alone. Look at the course catalogue- is what you are interested in study offered? Are there enough classes you would be interested in taking? Also, make sure to attend an overnight visit, preferably one over the weekend, so you can get a real feel for campus life.

Do what feels right!

Find a campus that you really like. When you're stressed out and need a break, taking a short walk may be just what you need. If the campus is appealing to you, it may help relieve your stress. Sometimes the first month or two of college is a very difficult adjustment period. You may see others making lots of friends and enjoying their classes while you are not enjoying school at all. Give it a chance. Try new things- maybe try the game room or coffee shop on a friday night to meet some different kids. Hold any judgments and be careful of first impressions. Depending on the situation, people may act differently, so even if you think you don't like someone....give them another chance. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, get help as soon as you need it! Schools are filled with tutors and professors willing to help, so take advantage of it. If you do get behind on your work, make sure you talk to someone about it and plan how to catch up. Don't forget your family and friends at home, they are always a great support system!

My best advice would be to visit the school and spend a night with a student if possible. This will allow you to see if the school fits you and if you fit the school. Most of the time you will know that it is the school for you the minute you take the tour, but it may take spending some time with students to ensure a fulfilling four years. In order to make the most of the college experience, expect to be challenged and work hard, but make sure to allow yourself time to experience everything there is about "college". A lot of your college memories will not be from studying or graduating, but will be from going sledding on lunch trays, sabotaging a friend's dorm room, or going to a theme party. College is a time to really learn about yourself and others before you have to enter the real world, so take advantage of it.

My advice to prospective college students and their parents in terms of making the most of the college experience is to consider three things: cost, educational environment, and residence life. Cost is pretty self explanatory; you have to ask yourself "Can I afford it?" You should research colleges to see what kind of financial aid they offer to help offset expenses; my college, for example, offers aid based both on academic merit and financial need. Also, get help filling out your FAFSA if you need it, but don't pay anyone to do it for you! By educational environment, I mean the manner in which you learn things. Do you do well sitting in a big lecture hall listening to a professor, or do you prefer smaller classes with more direct interaction between you and your instructor? You should also research your professors to see if they hold the highest degree possible in their field. Finally, I use residence life as a general term for your life outside of the classroom. Is a big social scene important to you? What about Greek life and other social activities? It's important that you remember to have some fun while in college.

To the student, my advice would be to visit the campus. It is important that you feel at home and familiar with the college that you will be attending the next four years. You may like the idea of going to a big college party school, but find that the small town college atmosphere is where you feel most comfortable. Additionally, by visiting a college you will gain a sense of the other students that attend the institution. Ask them questions, they can give you first-hand accounts about the social life, the professors, the classes and the administration, and they won't hold back any dirty details! Be smart, find out exaclty what you're getting into. To the parents, my advice would be to not be daunted by the price tag of the college. Private universities are expensive, but most of the time they are more generous with their scholarships and financial aid packages than Public universities. Moreover, this is an investment for you, and there is no price limit on a good education that can take your child anywhere in their future career.

I would reccommend that students visit the college and think about if they could imagine themselves walking around the campus. Picking the best college for you depends on your personality and the way that you learn. If you feel that you need more faculty attention then you should attend a smaller college. At Allegheny we allow prospective students to come stay the night with a current student and i feel that this gives them a better idea of what things would be like if they decided to go there. Making the most of your college experience will require you to step out of your comfort zone. Be open and express your ideas and there will no doubt be someone that shares those thoughts with you. Going to the orientation events is a good way to get involved and meet people if you are more shy. Becoming involved on campus is the way that i feel you will get the most out of your college experience. Making connections with faculty and alumnae will also allow you to get more out of the college that you are attending. Just try to have fun, be honest, and open-minded!

The main thing that I would really advise families to do is to visit the school. Have the potential college student sit in on a couple classes in the field of their interest. Also, set up meetings with a couple professors. Finally, walk around campus and get a feel of the atmosphere, including what the students are like. My college offers overnight stays for prospective students. If the college that the student is looking at has this opportunity, take advantage of it. There is nothing more important than getting to know the atmosphere, students, staff, faculty, and academics. The college one picks will be his or her life for the next four years. Because of this, dive in and get to know as much as poosible before agreeing to go there. College isn't just another four years of academia, but rather another chapter of life. Because it's a place that one will learn more about his or herself and mature, it's important to know more about the environment of the college and not just how it looks on paper. Because college is where one truly develops as an adult, it's very important to experience the environment.

It's hard finding the right college. I know, having applied to 19 schools myself. So my advice is to start researching early and decide on the simple things you want in a school: small, big, West Coast, East Coast, in the city, not in the city, a liberal-arts college, or a school that emphasizes more on one major. In order to find the right school, you need to really know yourself and what you want to get out of your higher education. Do you really want to work hard on academics or are you looking to make life-long friends? You don't need to go to an ivy league college to get a good education and you don't need to go to a "party school" to have fun. Most schools offer you everything you want but it's being able to find that characteristic in your school and make the most of it.

Pick a college that fits you. Dont apply to a college to impress family freinds or because you think it will look good on a resume- a good fit is a school that challenges you and keeps you interested and places your career aspirations interests first. Its what you do with your time in college and your own merits, not the college's acclaiimed merits.

The best advice I can give on finding a college is for students to go where they feel most comfortable with the campus environment. On any campus tours a prospective may take, the student should try to picture themselves as students on that campus. Also, many campuses offer overnight programs that students should take advantage of for their top few choices of schools. The overnight programs generally allow students to stay on campus with a current student, sit in on classes that are of interest to the student and even meet with professors or coaches. These really give students an insight as to what life as a student at that particular college is like. Once students enroll at a college or university, they should take advantage of the many opportunities college offers. Students should get involved with student organizations and also pursue interests they thought they may never have a chance to explore. Another import thing is to really maintain a good relationship with your professors; they can really help you out, even in ways you never thought they might. Enjoy student life, study hard and have fun. Four years go by faster than you may think!

do campus Visits as many schools that are on your list of choices. Interview wiith teachers and staff

Visit the school, do an overnight program, and try as many activities as you can

Compare colleges. Spend overnights. Tour. Base your decision more on acedamics rather than social life, but make sure you are comfortable with the types of people that attend. Try new things. Research and think carefully. Pay attention to what facilities and resources the college has. Apply for scholarships and or finicial aid. Keep an open mind.

No matter where you end up you can make it work and you will find friends. If you feel the school just isn't right for you do not be afraid to transfer and parents listen to your child when they say the school is not working. no mater where you go you will find at least one person you will enjoy. Its not the end of the world if you don't know what to do as far as a career or life goals they will come. Be sure to learn how to balance academics and social life too much of one is terrible.

The best advice I can give about choosing a college would be to actually visit the potential college and stay over night with a current student with one of the programs they have. You can search and search colleges and think you found the perfect college , but when you go to visit it you find out that you hate it. By actually visiting a campus for a night can really gives you a sense of what to expect if you were to attend that college. As far as making the most of your college experience, you really just have to put yourself out there. Most colleges have a plethora of extracurricular activities and volunteering to get involved in. Really getting involed in these two things can make the most of your college experience. But at the same time college work load is a lot more to handle than the high school load so you have to make sure you don't overload yourself. It's all about being able to balance your school work with other activities.

The advice that I would give students and parents would be to sit down and really think about what you want out of a school. Like do you want to go to a big school or small is a starter. Then I would suggest that they visit as many schools that they can because you dont really know what you want or even what is out there unless you see it for yourself. Finally i would tell them to spend some time at the schools that they believe are in the running for them to choose, like do an overnight and really get a feel for wht the campus will be like. And finally that when you do choose a school trust yourself and your judgement because no one knows you like you know yourself.

Finding the right school for your child is like getting engaged - if it works out it could be the perfect marriage, otherwise you spend exorbitant amounts of money on the divorce. You need to know what kind of student your child is - can they work independently, do they know their social limits, have they always struggled - and then match this with another university and their strengths. From my experience, you can never go wrong with the small, liberal-arts choice: with strong foundations in multiple areas of study as well as close interactions to keep your child on track, these schools have a reputation for producing independent-thinking, strong-working and talented adults. Futher, if your son or daughter isn't sure of a field of study I suggest the ultimate liberal art: philosophy. It is a recorded fact that philosophy students score the highest (as of the last study) on the GRE Verbal, Analytic Writing, and the Quantitative sections (with the exceptional of Engineering majors on the Quantitative). That goes to show that not only liberal arts but philosophy which is at its roots prepares students for almost any academic goal.

Just visit a lot of schools and see what fits you. Once you get there, make a lot of friends and make the most of your experience.

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students going through the whole college process would be to visit schools, ask questions, and see what it is like to sit in the classroom, definitely get involved, and have fun. However, keep in mind the school you choose io enroll is where you will plan to spend four years of your life to come out of the university or college you selected to go and get into the work force and find a real job. Life isn't easy however you have to make the most of it and this is the time to have fun. Look for a campus that is appealing to you and you feel like it could be your other home, well not for real but some where comfortable. Get acquainted, participate, gain knowledge, and enjoy would be my advice. College is tough, however it is whatever you make of it and when your all done you will be so proud and your parents too. Concentrate and party a little, but most importantly get your degree and GRADUATE because when your done you have to pay back your loans!