Alvernia University Top Questions

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

Ryan

Advice i would give parent and students to picking the right campus would be to pick the one that is best known for your major and one that isn't really big but not to small. Another reason would be to pick a campus that they would be living at because i think students that live at campus get a better expierence of being responsible for themselves and a chance of being on their own.

Kaytelin

Make sure the college is what will be the best enviroment for you or your child to be at. A place were everyone is friendly and willing to help one an another. A place where they can call home and be proud of it. A place where teachers care about their students and are willing to give them more help if and when need. A place that they can say 4 yrs from now that they are proud to be alumni.

Joanna

In my opinion, it does not matter whether you attend a school that has 5,000 or 50,000 people. It matters that a student makes the best of their experience by getting involved on campus and making friends. Most schools offer activities and clubs that any student can find interest in at least one. By getting involved, it allows students to meet new people and find out what it is they really want to do in life. In addition, students put a lot of emphasis on the surrounding areas of the school, however I think that the most important aspect a student or parent should consider is the academic portion of the school and whether or not it contains the area of study which the student is interested. College is a time for students to find themselves and figure out a career path for the rest of their lives. It is also the last chance for students to be young and have a good time. That is why it is important to find a school that balances out those aspects in the eye of the student. Find a school that suits your personality and career interests!

Julia

When you are searching for potential colleges or universities to attend, make sure you visit! You will defnitely get the vibe of whether or not you are going to fit in, and you will see how students spend their time on a regular day. Make sure wherever you choose is best for you and suits your needs, whether it be financial aid, a specific major or academic program, or internship opportunites. It's going to be your home away from home, and you'll be spending a great deal of time there, and you want to make sure you're comfortable. Once you do choose your institution, make sure you get involved! No matter where you are, there will always be opportunities for clubs, sports, or community service. It's all about balance. Don't be a hermit, you want to get out there and mingle because you will be making lifelong friendships. But don't forget the reason you're here..keep forcused on your studies!

Ashley

The first thing is don't limit yourself. If you know you want a small college still visit a large one. Always go with your gut. If the college really wants you they will work with you so you can attend. Be willing to make compromises. Always visit your schools and if you can do an overnight. Talk everything over.

Ray

Well for finding the right college, I feel that you need to realize what you want out of your education. There are always means of getting some kind of grant, scholarship, or loan towards school so money shouldn't be made into an issue. If you're the type of hands-on, need the professor nagging you about this or that, then a smaller college or university is the way to go. If you just basically want to waltz by in and not have to worry about attendance or anything like that then a larger school should be your choice. As for making the most out of the college experience, it all starts with the friends you make and the people you associate with. Over my 2 and a half years so far, I've made some great friends and met some great people who that I probably never would have if I didn't go to the school I went to, and I feel that many of them have had a big influence on my life. So to make the most, go out, have fun but make sure school is the first priority or honestly you will fail.

Jerome

When searching for an appropriate college to attend, be open minded. Do not become too focused on attending your dream school; there are many other colleges or universities that offer the same opportunities. Also, be sure the college you choose to attend offers opportunities for career or research experience, as they will be vital in ensuring that you are competitive when applying for a job or graduate school. Many colleges offer the same courses, but it is the out-of-classroom experience that truly makes you a competitive applicant. As with most college applicanst, money becomes an issue. However, it is important that you do not sacrivice quailty for quantity. A small private school may offer you greater monetary incentives to attend, but that slightly more expensive school may be more well equipped to prepare you for your life after college. Of course, in your search for a school, finding a college that offers a comfortable social life is important to your well-being and adaptation to your new life away from home. Those around you wil be your support group for the next 4 years. So, keep an open mind and find a college that will ensure your success.

Brittany

My advice is to ensure you do research on the schools. Do not choose a school because a friend/family member is or has attended that school. You need to decide what is best for you, or your child. Everyone has different needs and wants in life. Cost is another aspect to consider, you have to compare each school that you are looking at. You need to be sure to visit the school and familiarize yourself with its surrounding area. You also need to consider the degree programs available at the school. Make sure that they offer a couple programs that you are interested in. Most students change their major multiple times before actually deciding on one. Also, what extra-curricular activities are offered at the schools you are considering? Housing and transportation are also very important. You also need to familiarize yourself with the financial aid department. Dealing with this office can be very frustrating, make sure that the school you are going to attend is prompt in responding to your concerns. Despite the frustration of the financial aid office and the course scheduling fiasco, I am satisfied with my education and my choice of a school.

Joshua

Parents and students have to understand that finding the right college is impossible. Whatever a college brochure or study says about a school may be irrelevant when the student actually starts in the Fall semester and experiences the lifestyle for the first time. The best measure of finding a good school is to take the time to visit the campus, ask as many questions as possible about student life and academics, and then stay over for a night and experience what a college student does. When this is done, a prospective student has the best chance in deciding whether or not the school is right for them or not.

Jeanette

I would say pick the college that you think is right for you. Make sure you take the time to visit the colleges and get feedback from students who are currently attending there. Be open to what the campus has to offer. Focus more on your academics than on your social life. Get to know as many people as possible because you will make lifelong friends in college. Develop good study habits. Make decisions for yourself not for anyone else. Also, think wisely about your financial situation when picking a college.

Heather

Make sure to visit the campus, either for the day or overnight.

Ashley

Make the most of what you have, college is a once in a lifetime thing. There will be many bumps down the road but in the end it will all be worth it and you will meet the greatest people you have ever met at college.

Stefanie

I would tell them to go and take a tour of as many colleges as you can and make sure that it is the right college that you want to go. Make sure that they have a good program of whatever you want to go to school for and that there is always somewhere around that you can talk to if you need help with anything. Make sure that the campus isn't to big if you don't want to be on a big campus or if you want to be on a big campus make sure it's not small.

Christy

I would tell them to find something that fits them. Don't just decide on a college that is going to give you the most financial aid or schloarships. The school has to be something that you are going to like for the next four years. Make the most of your college experience by engaging in any activity you can. Also try to make as many friends as possible. Most of all just enjoy yourself and make many memories that will last a lifetime!!

Janine

Research the school. Talk to current students (not just the ambassadors or admissions or financial aid people) and find out what really happens during the week and weekends. Talk to residence life about housing options for students. Get involved. For instance, I started two clubs on my own and am a founding member of Alvernia College's theatre program (which, by the way, has grown tremendously in five years). It doesn't matter if it's a large or small school, find something you enjoy and do it. It's your chance to totally be you (or reinvent yourself) so just do it. Don't worry about roommate situations and just handle situations as they arise. And don't be afraid to talk to people (faculty, staff, other students) to get what you need. If you want to get the most from your classes, do the work (or extra work). You may be able to breeze through by not reading a book, but you're the one paying for the credits and school. And don't forget to figure out the class to money ration -- you'll skip class a lot less when you figure it out (trust me).

Jamie

It is very beneficial to visit the campus of each college you are interested in attending. Sometimes you will get the feeling that the campus is not right for you and other times it will just feel right. You definately need to choose one that feels like it best fits you and your needs as a student. If you attended a small high school it is usally good to also attend a smaller college since you are already used to smaller class sizes. If you attended a large high school a smaller college still might be good for you if you would like to know the students in your class as well as have a connection with the faculty. In order to make the most of your college experience you need to first choose the college that is right for you. Then you will enjoy the activities that occur on campus. There are many clubs that are available to each student that actually decide what activities should be done for the students on campus. This way students have a say in what they get to do. It is also beneficial to get involved in sports and leadership positions on campus.

Bill

Start early to visit and apply to colleges. Try to spend a night or two at the college and when you pick a school try to get involved on campus. If you don't play a varsity sport then do a club sport or activity.Be very sure to get good guidance from your college counselor and if you have any doubt that the advice is incorrect them request a different person. Too many students come up short with courses needed to graduate or could have dual majors if planned properly. Students have to start from the first year to maximize their opportunity to make the most of the four years and to finish on time. The student needs to know themselves and what type of classroom situation will benefit them the most. I thought my college was small and that I might have enjoyed a large city school campus but the small class size at my school was a great benefit to me.I was a much better student my last 2 years and I went home too much during my first 2 years.I got more involved my last 2 years at school.

Laura

Before you apply, visit! Try to book an over night weekend during semester, so you can get a true feel for that campus life. Talk to a professor in your anticipated major to get an idea of what will be required of you. Hanging out on campus on a day other than the ones set aside for new students will hopefully give you a better idea of the school you are looking at attending. When you do choose a college, make sure to get involved in at least two clubs or activities on campus. Maybe not your first semester, but at least scope it out so you can be involved by your second semester. Being part of a club helps you make friends with people who have similar interests, and also helps you feel like you are contributing to YOUR college. After all, someone is paying for you to be there--make the most of it!

Alexandra

TAKE RISKS AND BE OUTGOING! You will find out more about yourself by doing so and this will not only help you in your college years but the rest of your future as well.