Alvernia University Top Questions

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

Kaitlin

I would tell my high school self to take harder classes and challenge myself. High school is the best/only preparation for transitioning into college classes. College classes are going to challenge you and the way you think.

Brittany

To go back in time, to my senior year, would be welcomed because my past self could have used the information that I know now in order to have excelled in college life and the transition to college life. The first bit of advice I would give myself would be to get more involved in school. I would tell myself to join all of the clubs I wanted to join, pick up a new hobby. I would have told myself to stop being in my little shell and make those connections with people. This would have made making new friends much easier in college. It would also have made getting involved much easier. Knowing I had social anxiety, I would tell my senior self to get help for that and make myself a new person, to reinvent myself. I also would have told myself to take better care of myself because trying to juggle school, work and trying to get in shape is a challenge. I also wish I could tell my past self to start saving more money. I never believed the stereotype of a broke college student until now. I would tell myself to change for the better.

Megan

I would tell myself to take a deep breath and focus more in school then on my friends. Coming to college was an eye-opening experience with the intense workload, but it will be worth it! Find a school you fall in love with and that is welcoming.

Jessica

My high school years were not very typical. When I fifteen my sister died from a medical error. Therefore, I was not a normal high school student. I wanted college to be different. I wanted to feel normal. I did not take my freshman year of college seriously. In retro spect, I would have told myself that my freshman year is my most important year, and it creates an essential academic foundation for nursing students. My goal in life is to be a pediatric nurse practictioner because of what happened to my little sister. I would have told myself this was not going to be easy road, and that this program was going to drain me completely. But would have reminded myself of the reasoning behind my dream and all that necessary hard work. Fianlly, I would have explained to myself the relevancy of community service. At my school, community serivce hours are required for graduation. I thought this was rediculous when I first apllied to go to Alvernia. Despite this, I have learned over the years the rewarding feeling you obtain when you participate in community service. It is undescribable. I believe this advice would have been priceless.

Dominique

High school was very easy- you didn't have to study much and you were at the top of your class. However college is much different than you may have expected. Not only is it an entirely new environment concerning your social life, but it is also a different academic environment. You have to work much harder than you would have ever imagined in school because quite frankly it isn't easy. You can't procrastinate and wait until the last minute to do everything because trust me, it will show in your grades. And even though professors don't give homework that has to be handed in every day, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't study every day- because the studying IS your homework and that is what will you get you the grades that you are used to seeing. College is a wonderful experience and I hope that you're excited about it, but just remember that it's giong to be a lot more work than high school but it will all be worth it in the end.

Zachary

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself that you need to be more engaged at college. You cannot just sit around and wishing you did something, you need to do it. College is a place where engagement is a big proponent, and also engaging in activities opens your mind. I would also warn myself about the reading that must be done. The amount of time that is needed to study to be fully prepared for exams, quizzes, and other assignments is astronomical compared to the time needed in high school. So, I'd end the conversation with a smile, handshake, and say, "you better refine those study habits, or you'll be in trouble."

Roque

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have advised myself to apply for a college right away and not wait until the last minute. I would have also apply for as many scholarships as I can, just in case I'd ever need it. I'd also advise myself to pick a major with credits that are easily transferrable to other colleges as not to risk having to wasting my Pell grant. In fact, I would add, I need to choose my major wisely because Pell will only cover for 12 semesters.. I would have also told myself to get treated for ADD so that I'd focus better in college. Lastly, I'd advise myself to get help learning how to write papers to avoid flunking certain classes that involve lots of writing.

Tarryn

When talking to my younger self I would most definitely be telling them that you need to think about what your major should be. Think long and hard, don't just pick something that you believe will make you money, pick something that you will love to do. You don't know what jobs will be like in 4-6 years so pick what you love, not what will make you loads and loads of money. Life is about living your dream, loving your job, and being happy. I would then talk to myself about the stress. Syllabus week might turn you away, but just think about it this way you have WEEKS to accomplish all of those things, and you will accomplish all of those things. College can be stressful, but you just have to think that when you are done with school you will be out in the real world with real responsibilities. Just enjoy the school setting, enjoy meeting new people, try new things, because once you are in the real world there is no going back. College is a great experience if you want it to be, so put yourself out there and enjoy it.

Paula

I would make sure that when I decide to go to college to make sure that you have all of your resources figured out and to make sure that you have the finances to make it through. With going to college you want to make sure that you have made the right decision along with making sure that you are able to keep up with all the assignments and be able to concentrate on the work. Being in high school, it is best to keep up your GPA and to make sure that you get the most out of it. With having the help and support of your friends and family will also help with making the right choice for the college you have chosen. For me being in college at a older age, it seems to be best to make the most of what you have to live for to get the best job that will last for a long time. While in highschool it is also best to have a good background and knowledge of so extra curriculums to get the scholarships that will help get you through the years.

Marissa

I would first advise myself to focus primarily on my school work and decrease the amount of hours worked each week. I would also tell myself to continue to persevere even through the darkest of times and continually strive to better youself. Never give up and always put forth your best effort. Do not let other discourage you.

Nicole

I would tell my high school self to sit down first. I would begin by saying indecision is okay! You're not going to completely know what you want to do. I would also tell her that she should try different things and not be afraid. Last thing I would say without a doubt would be follow your heart. By following your heart, you will do things you always wanted to do, find love, and grow a backbone to grow stronger in the person you are. And most of all, high school Nicole, don't change a thing and don't be afraid.

briana

During my freshman year in college I learned so much that i wish i would have knew during my senior year. The most important advice would be to take your work seriously, but take care of yourself first. The work in college is important but you cannot do your work to the best of your ability if you are stressed out and making yourself sick. At the end of the day you are the most important factor in the four year journey to getting your degree make sure you are taken care of and great things will follow.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing, I would tell myself never let something get in the way of your dreams. They are you dreams and there should never be a person that comes in to your life and lets you change that. It is impossible for a person not to make a mistake, but if I could, I would tell myself to be careful with which boys I like. They can cause alot of problems and change you, sometimes not always for the best. Never stop working for my dreams. My dreams have been with me all of my life and they should not be thrown away because of one person. I will never give up on myself, but when times get hard, I know I have to stay strong. My advice would be never give up on my dreams, and just keep going. No matter what life has to say.

Staci

I’ve been in a bubble my whole life. I suppose that explains why I enjoyed playing with them so much as a child. My world, kindergarten through senior year, was two buildings separated by a parking lot; a high school with only three hallways; and I loved it. I never thought much about college or finding a job; I was perfectly happy in my bubble. Then near the end of my junior year, it popped! I was suddenly faced with ACT scores, college and scholarship applications, financial aid, and everyone asking me where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do with my life. I was so overwhelmed that I pushed everything aside and decided not to worry about it, which unfortunately, came with many consequences. I always tell myself, that if I could go back, I would give myself the help that I never had. I would have joined more clubs, made more connections, gotten scholarships, and graduated with the best, and everyone would be so proud. However, I will not waste more time looking into the past at “what could have been”, but am now going to focus on the future and “what could become”.

Kaitlin

AS a high school senior, I would tell my self to study a lot more then I have been.

Patsy

As a first generation college graduate the transition into a university was unlike any other. Both of my parents were raced in Mexico, they did not have the opportunity to experience the life that they have provided my siblings and me with. As I looked for advice from my family they gave me the best knowledge that they could without knowing exactly what to expect. If I could go back in time with this knowledge and experienced I would make sure that college was worthwhile. It was a wonderful experience but there are several things that I would do differently. First I would pay close attention to the people I surrounded myself with. It is very important to be around positive and ambitious people so that you can excel. I would also take more advantage of school activities by becoming more proficient in scheduling time for schoolwork and extracurricular activities. I would mostly take advantage of studying abroad because it would have broadened my understanding and viewpoints of different cultures and their perspectives. Overall being active within the school is very important because it would help in finding ambitious people that could result in life long friendship, knowledge and memories.

Mallory

The main thing that I would tell myself as a high school senior is to work harder, not only to recieve better grades, but to prepare myself more for college. Throughout my high school career, I was always under the impression that the teachers were preparing us for college life. My freshman year in college, I found this to be false. The teachers did do as much as they could but I realized that it was actually up to the students to make sure they were prepared. This includes getting good grades, getting involved in activities, and setting up good study processes. These aspects carry over to college life and make it easier to transition more quickly if students already have things planned out. I know the rest of my college career will be easier to transition to since I now have an idea of what it is like, but I do wish I would have worked harder in high school to better prepare myself with or without the help of others.

Kyla

I would say you need to manage time more efficiently. College is a lot of work and you need to study for your exams. Take your classes seriously and you will have to put effort in to them because they are going to be very difficult. You will need to be abe to produce at least five page papers because that is the expectation.

matthew

Listen closely. This is your future self speaking to you. Right now, life isn't so great. Vivien is finally here. Imagine that. :) You pick her up on her 18th birthday from the airport, oh and Jessica cheats on you, so be prepared. The problem is... you're screwing up. You end up graduating with a 2.71 GPA, which is not acceptable. You need to study harder, and make better grades. It's making it hard for us to get into college. Also... we found the answer to our... problems. Valorian Root. You can get it from Publix. It helps our Anxiety. After getting some ($3 for 100 tablets), start exercising. You'll want to. You kinda let yourself go by 30lbs. It's not too great. Most importantly, get better grades. I know it sucks, but just do it. If you don't listen to anyone else, listen to yourself... Now is the time to take things seriously. Don't wait until graduation. Start now! Or else you'll regret it. Take care -- 10/9/2012 P.S. Justin Bieber... his music gets better... Yeah. Weird, right?

Nicole

If I could go back in time I would tell myself that college is the start to your future and you have to make the most of it. Focus on your grades and get involved. College is an amazing oportunity that not many people get to experience. Don't let the college work discourage you! You can do anything that you put your mind to. Nothing is ever impossible. As much as you feel like giving up sometimes, don't! Keep on trying and putting forth your best effort, because in the end I promise you it will all pay off! Keep your head in the game of life!

Taariq

I would tell anyone willing to listen, not to your Education for granted!! Without education you can not make it in life, you can not even get a job working with the Sanitaion Department without high school diploma. When starting high school while in 9th grade I was so busy clowning around with friends trying to do what ever it took, to be popular. In doing so i ended up wasting the first year of high school failing every class but P.E During second year I tryed buckling down staying focused and getting my grades up. Grades were not great but I did pass every class. Since I did'nt pass the previous year I wanted to change schools I was to ashamed to stay in the same school. Thank GOD the new school I was attending happen to be a alternative school . By taking extra online classes and summer school, I was able to play catch up enabling me to graduate on time . Just think it all could of been avoided just doing what i was in school to do get a Education. Bottom line focuse more on your school work and less on trying to be popular.

Kelsey

If I could go back in time I would have a lot of advice for myself. I would advise myself to do better in my classes. As a senior you’re not finished with school quit yet so do not slack off. I would also advise myself to look into a lot more scholarship opportunities, plan more of what college to attend. I would advise myself to save more money for school. I would also advise myself to seek a consular about opportunities for financial aid. I would tell myself to ask that consular their opinions on what they did to get through college and what they suggest for me. Overall I would simply tell myself to plan better and think things through before jumping into the college life.

Carly

If I could go back in time to when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to make sure I take all my classes seriously and proiritize my assignments. I would also say to myself to not worry about socializing as much and focus on getting good grades and understanding my critical classes becuase I would need some of them in the future. I would remind myself that high school is not the end, it is more like a beginning because college is where you really start to grow and develop into the human being you will be for the rest of your life. College is the time to make the most of your time and studies, high school is just a prerequisite for college. High school is nothing compared to the experiences and work you receive in college.

Olaya

i would tell myself to go to away to college to any school of my choice that i got accepted to attend, instead of staying in town and attend a community college. At such a young age you will have the opportunity to go anywhere without much responsabilty, meaning not working, that way you can focus more in school work intead of having to work for a living first.

Sara

If I could go back in time and let my high-school self know anything about college, I'd recommend one major thing. My advice I would have for myself would be to explore jobs. I wasted my first year of college on a major I knew I didn't like just because I felt pressured to begin college with a major. I chose Elementary Education because it was a job I knew that I thought I'd be able to handle. Within the first semester I could tell this wasn't what I wanted to do with my life. I sat down one day during my freshman year of college and started researching various medical field jobs. I stumbled across Occupational Therapy (which I had never heard of before) and knew it was something I was extremely interested in. Now I have a major that I love. I would highly recommend searching for jobs yourself; because school doesn't introduce you to many jobs out there, and that job that you never heard of might end up being a career you love. Don't settle for a career just because it was mentioned on career day in high school.

Monica

I would warn my high school self about all of the costs and fees that college entails, such as technology and regsitration fees. Also, I would let me past self know that books and travel fees are no joke. I would also advise myself to triple check any college I may be interested in for accreditation. The last thing you want is a school that takes your money and time and leaves you with a degree you cannot use in the real world.

laura

Work for a couple years, think about what YOU could live with doing for the rest of your days, and do it. Do not pursue something to either make someone else happy or to make an impression. Choose something that, 50 years down the line, you will be able to say you spent your life wisely and you would do it again.

Valerie

If I had the ability to go back in time and teach myself as a high school senior I would truly push my senior-self to apply for scholarships. I have found through the two years of being in college, school is expensive. Paying for school is hard on my mother and I who are paying for five classes a semester. Even now that I am about to be a parent it has become hard to balance the cost of school and baby needs. Most of all I’d really be telling myself in high school to apply. I’d say even if the scholarship was too hard or too simple make time to fill it out because it will help in the future. Addition to applying for scholarships my senior year I’d as well truly focus on my major and what I would like to achieve later in life. Just recently I have realized to go into the forensic field, realizing this would have been a lot easier and better to have done so my senior year. I do wish the time machine was created though I will do with what I have learned now and apply.

Jeanne

I believe I values people's opinions too heavily while I was in high school. Reputation was very important to me and I often found myself doing the wrong things because I knew the right choice was an unpopular decision. Now that I am in college I have expressed my uniqueness and thrived as an individual. I would tell my high school self to stop worrying about what others think. You have to do whats best for you. And those that truly care about you will accept and appreciate that. I believe I have matured a lot since college started and I am proud to say I think I have changed for the better.

Marques

Well first of all i would have given myself the advise to pay more attention in class and not become so easily distracted by what everyone else is doing. Then i would tell myself to set a path of obtainable goals and follow through with them. I also would tell myself to start looking for work now and making career choices towards what my goals are . Also i would say become a better judge of character and choose your freinds wisly for you do not know what or who they will become and you do not want to be lead astray from your accoplishments and goals to come . i would then say give your self time to fill in your shoes life is a big step and most of your decisions are based on you and where you would like you life to head so take your time and make all your choices wisely and dont give up no matter how hard things get because if you fail get back up and go at it again. no ones perferct and life has a way of going good and then going bad. all u can do is stay balanced good luck..

Adrienne

If I could go back in time and talk to my former high school self, I would tell myself to further enjoy my senior year of high school. I now know that I am capable of adjusting to new situations and making my name known in a new environment. I spent much of my senior year stressing over whether or not I would be able to handle the transition from living at home to living on my own. I now know that I am capable of being independent and that I shouldn't underestimate myself. I have no regrets from my high school year, but if I could change one thing it would be to have even more fun, because your senior year of high school only comes around once.

Daniel

The most important college value I have obtained at my school is the ability to learn. In undergraduate studies whether people believe it or not you are still just learning how to learn in a matter of speaking. Here I am learning what I truly want to specialize in sure you pick your major, but you truly learn what you like and what you want to before graduate school and possibly doctoral studies. That is the most valuable commodity I have obtained at this school.

Yousef

Attending college is of great value to me because it has given me three important abilities that give me a sense of motivation and happiness no matter what it is I do whenever I am using one of these abilities. The 1st skill I received from college is critically thinking. This skill is priceless to me because it gives me a dynamic path of thought to answer and make decisions based on various types of questions or situations. Arithmetic reasoning is the 2nd skill that college has given me and with this capability I am able to experience and/or perceive a natural phenomena and than model that circumstance by using mathematics and conceptual knowledge to answer questions and pioneer new ideas. The final gift that college has awarded me with is a dynamic, clear, and efficient way of communication. This invaluable ability gives me a means to express my ideas and systems of ideas to others so that those thoughts are comprehensible and require the least amount of time I need to convey my thoughts to people. No matter how I attain a drive or joy, it will come from one of these abilities that college gave to me.

Kiara

What I have gotten from attending my college is exactly what I came to receive. I came to this university to obtain a degree in forensics and nursing and in a university that will set me up with the right tools to successfully become a nurse in a criminal related setting. My university has a great nursing and forensic science program and I feel like it is an honor to attend this university because the professors at my college are the cream of the crop in educating in these specific fields.

Jen

In just my first year at Alvernia, I can say that the President of the University and Vice President of Student Life know me by name. Through my meetings with different administration I have been able to attend meetings as a student to give imput on how to make the University better. Through one of my courses, and interactions with professors, I truly discovered my passions and changed my major. Now I can say I have goals and dreams for after graduation. Through discussions and campus events I have been exposed to the knowledge of injustices in the world and organizations trying to make the world a better place. I have met people traveling the world to inform others of world issues and how they can help. Alvernia has been such a gift to me, and I look forward to the next three years.

Brendon

After experiencing a semester of college life, there are many things I would pass on to my former high school self. One would be to experience more class types in high school, because it helps to have a clear understanding about what path you want to go down. After coming into college as a business major, I quickly realized that was not the path I was destined to go, and could have easily found out by taking a business class in school. I would also tell myself that people you meet in orientation will not be the same people you see come winter break. College changes people, some for the good, and some for the bad. It's important that you recognize who will be there for you come graduation and after and who you will quickly grow to annoy you. Being in college is a great experience that requires work, discipline, time management, and a knack for taking chances and experiencing all that it offers. Go out and join clubs, listening to the speakers, and go to the trips offered, because it is the last great adventure before adulthood.

Chrysan

I would go to college.especially a college of this size.It is a small college with small classes.They give back to the community in so many ways.The transition is alot easier then if I would of attended a big school that I might have gotten swallowed up by and fell through the cracks,and I prbably would of dropped out,for me this was a good decesion.

Christine

it takes a bout a class or two to get into the swing of things but once you get the hang of it then your good

Holly

I would tell myself not to change my mind about taking a year between graduating high school and going to college. This decision made me realise just how important it was to go back to school because of the work that was available to people who do not have a college degree. I would also advise myself to be more aware of the resources available to students who are going to college and to take advantage of as many of them as possible.

Kimberley

Whatever college you decide to go to do not give up. If the current college isn't right for you transfer your credits and go somewhere else but make sure you go. Starting over and going back to school as an adult can be done but life would have been a whole lot easier had you finished your schooling when you young. If you are ever unsure about classes or school speak to an advisor or someone that will encourage you. You need a strong support system and positive encouragement. Whatever you do Do not drop out and give up.

Amanda

If I knew that having a degree would have helped me get futher in my career and my life I would have never waited to go. I have worked dead end jobs for the last 12 years. Until recently I thought that I would never have a job that I could and would love to do. Not only does having a degree help with finding a career it helps complete a person. I feel that the knowledge you get in school is not only for your career or job, but it completes another chapter of a person. School does not make into a person that you could or should be, but it helps you become the person that you want to be. If I could go back and talk to my high school self I think I wold tell her that school will complete the person she wants to become.

Susanna

As a junior in the nursing program I believe that there are two things that I would tell myself as a high school senior. The first is I would have told myself to apply for more scholarships because there is so many available to high school students, therefore I would not have to work so much while still attending college full time. I would have also told myself to work hard and not to procrastinate even if it was my senior year! To remember at least fifty percent of what I have learned in high school to help me transition into college. Opposed to just memorizing the information for a test, and forgetting it the next day. By studying a few days before a test and not procrastinating this way I could carry my knowledge from high school into college and eventually to my workplace.

Jennifer

I would tell my high school self to not wait to finish my education. I would also encourage myself to participate in more extracurricular clubs and activities as well as begin looking for scholarshjips and things during high school. It also would have probably been better for me to not attend a vocational school during high school and focused on taking more college prep courses. I would tell myself to go for my goals and don't settle due to not having the financial support of one of her parents.

Jessica

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to give up. I would sit myself down and explain how important it is to take high school seriously, even if I am a senior. I would tell myself not to listen to those who say making the transition from high school to college is easy. I would clarify that high school classes are nothing like college classes and paying attention to lectures is your best studying technique. Making an error in high school is nothing like making an error in college. You are paying a high price to be in college so failing a course is not even an option. No one at college is there to hold your hand and remind you of your assignments or an upcoming exam. I would explain to myself that college is difficult and is only for those who really want it. There will be many late nights studying and very little free time. My best advice to myself as senior is to push myself harder and realize that I can do it.

Caitlin

Campus life isn't half bad. It is like living in a giant community of your peers. Some of the professors are helpful and friendly. You make many great friends. You learn to live on your own and be dependant on you. I am a more well rounded person. I have matured, being self-sufficent.

Bethany

I would tell myself that I don't need to go to school to be a teacher like my mother wants, that I should just persue the Electronics Engineering Degree that I want. I would tell myself that I need to keep working hard and studying hard, but most importantly, to persue the degree that I know is right for me, and to keep the 3.7 GPA. About the problems that my mother would cause when I decided to change my major and how she then decided to claim me on her taxes so that I couldn't use my own tax information to apply for loans. And that I would have to wait to go back to school until she could no longer do this. I would stand up to my mother, who knows, if I had, I would probably already have my Electronics Engineering Degree. I just want to work hard, earn my degree, and find a good, stable job. I would stress working hard and keeping my GPA up.

Lyudmila

I came to this country from Ukraine 9 years ago. i wonted to go back to the level I was in my country: nurse-midwife. It took time to learn english at first and then start from the beginning. I studied so hard because it was my second language and many words were new to me. I became a RN and started to work in the Labor and Delivery unit. So that was a little bit closer to my dream. to become a midwife in USA i had to accomplish BSN first. Now, I am almost finished my BSN and looking into applying for graduate school at University of PENN. This is a great school, but also very expansive. It would not discourage me, i will continue to proceed with my dreams and do what i need to. So, on that note, my advice to all, do your school when you can, do not let anything to hold you back. It is easier to do it when you are single and can concentrate on your school only. Otherwise, it can take a looooong time. Thank you all. Good luck.

Kasey

Make sure that you choose a variety and that you take the time to visit the campus. It is best to find a campus that best suits your personality. I chose a small campus becuase it was important to me to be able to have small classes and be able to be engaged in my coursework with my professors. Also take into consideration the surrounding area and make sure that it has all that you feel you need. Lastly, make strong bonds with your dorm mates and develop a network of resourses and friendships.

Jessica

When considering a college it is imperative to examine the quality of education, availability of intended major, enthusiasm of professors, available resources, and the amount of possible financial aid. Quality of education, although hard to determine from a few pamphlets and an overnight visit, can be shown through the success rate of alumni in the workforce, the opinions of students attending, and in some cases classroom sizes. If the student is looking for lecture-style classrooms, then he or she should look for schools in which many of the classrooms are structured in that way so as to get the most out of the classroom experience. Similarly, if hoping for one-on-one, approachable professors, then the student may want to examine smaller schools. The quality of education also depends on the program the school has for the student's intended major. This program should be strengthened by internship opportunities and variety in curriculum. College is designed to open the eyes of students to new opportunities, so research the interaction between the institution and community. Finally, make sure that the college is affordable and that financial aid will help with any remaining costs. Happy college hunting!

Angela

Make sure to meet faculty members and advisors for your childs needs before attending..