Canisius College Top Questions

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

Brooke

If I could back in time to talk to myself, the biggest thing I would stress is to push myself more. What I have come to find out is that in college money is difficult and obtaining the most scholarships you can would make everything much easier financially. Throughout high school I worked hard and made sure I always had honor role grades. Towards senior year I worked even harder to make high honor role grades. I would go back to tell myself to push as hard as I could to get the highest possible grades. I received a fantastic scholarship from my college but I could have definitely gotten an even better scholarship had I known this before. I also would recommend to take college level classes in high school. If I would have done so in high school, it would have taken a load of work off of me now and had me much further in my education and for a cheaper price. Back in high school I did not realize how important that would have been. If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to push even harder.

nicole

I would tell myself to enjoy the time with friends more, because you'll be going across the country and all of your friends are staying local. Cherish every moment with them, go to every school dance or activity because those are the memories you will miss later in life.

Cecelia

I would tell myself to just relax more to reduce the stress because constantly worrying about the future and the ultimate goal takes a large toll on someone's mental health, and I could have done better in school if I focused more on the project right in front of me instead of being obsessed with my future goals. Current happiness is one of the most important goals you can set and achieve. Along with happiness and hard work will come success. I should have focused on maintaining my happiness and mental well-being better to provide the ground work for a chain reaction of success for the future. I would also tell myself to make choices that make me happy and that I truly desire instead of following predetermined paths my parents had designed for me. Success all begins with happiness and self-awareness, which I have discovered over the past year.

Brittany

College is definitely NOT what you will expect. Of course there are sometimes the obvious things that you will recognize. This is because of the million of movies that are out that depict what college is about: alcohol, dating, class in your pjs, etc. However, what isn't shown is the unbreakable friendships, the cramming at 3 am, the late night pizza runs and most importantly: the growing that you will do. It is okay to make mistakes and to be who you truly are. It is okay to do poorly on an exam sometimes. I promise you will survive and you will do well. It is okay to step outside of your comfort zone. You will be surprised at how it will alter you (for the better). College is about what you make it. There are so many who let it get the best of them but you are in charge of your future and it will be bright. All you need is confidence, perseverance and a little hope and there will be no stopping you. You are unbeatable.

christina

If I were given the opportunity to go back in time and have a discussion with my high school self, I would tell myself that I am truly significant in this world. Growing up, I attended high school in a small town and I did not feel as if I truly had an impact on anyone or anything. I was the timid girl who always stood way in the background. Upon entering college I began to immerse myself in the college life, meeting new people and joining different clubs. It was a whole new experience for me, and the possibilities were endless. I soon realized that I can have an enormous impact on my community, country, and even the world. If you have the passion for it, anything is possible. I, even as a single being in a world of seven billion others, can leave a mark. I can, and I most definitely will. In short, I would tell my high school self that I have an incredubly loud voice in the world's song.

Robin

Don't overthink the process. Looking back now in college, I made the process seem a lot scarier than it actually is. You have to trust your gut and really understand what you're looking for in a school. If you're somewhat iffy about a school, it's probably not the one for you. Take the time to map your options out, don't make quick decisions.

Amanda

After climbing out of a time travel pod that I created myself on account of my super awesomeness, I would find little Amanda and tell her not to worry so much about every little problem. Life is always going to present road blocks, but she needs to find a way to still enjoy the ride. Going to a community college first so she can take any sort of classes she wants without paying an arm and a leg is the best choice. After that, she'll have a better understanding about what she wants to do. Oh, and she should not be afraid of dreaming big. She has always wanted to be a veterinarian, and she should go out and do just that. She is young, and bright, so she should take advantage of what the world has to offer by applying for scholarships that seem silly, and join any club that seems even slightly interesting. She should take any path that will lead her to happiness.

Elise

Live on campus and get involved. Make time to party but also time to study. Go to class and do your best because the education you receive in college will go a long way. Study abroad if possible, even if it means graduating a semester late. Experience new things, you only live life once. It's ok to not know where exactly you'll be when you graduate just make sure you explore your options and try to have some sort of plan.

Angela

If I could go back to high school, I would tell myself to apply myself and stop taking the easy way out of everything. I would have studied more to go above and beyond instead of being just an average student. Deciding to be a Pre-Dentistry major is going to be a lot of work and if I would have applied myself in biology, chemistry and math in high school, there could be a better chance that it would be easier for me. Also, I would tell myself that certain things should be appreciated more. Things like eating a good meal, having a car, having money and personal time should be cherished before you go away to college. Once I got to college I realized the food was awful, I had to make due without a car, change adds up (pennies and nickels are not taken for granted any more) and having time with peace and quiet are things that need to be valued more. When I got school I realized all of that and it made me a better person.

Tara

With my college experiences, I have become a better and more determined person. I have learned a variety of valuable information that will help me in my future career as a Physician Assistant. Now that I am attending D'Youville College's Physician Assistant program, I realize that my undergraduate years have helped prepare me for my graduate work. I am used to the work load and the expectations that my professors want from me in graduate school. I know that with all that I have learned and experienced in my undergraduate education I will succeed in the Physician Assistant program. Also, Canisius College has helped me become a well-rounded student due to the volunteer opportunities they offered me. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, and have helped them with their struggles. These experiences are valuable too because my future career will present me with similar situations. Therefore, I believe that Canisius College has provided me with a valuable education and experiences that have shaped me into the student I am today.

Megan

At Canisius College, I have the chance to mature into a productive and active citizen of my community. I have just begun my college experience and have learned that it is more than just pencils and books. On my own, I must learn to budget money, adhere to a schedule, be responsible to my studies, while becoming involved in issues I believe in. The opportunities before let me, to go in any direction I choose, with passion and leadership, makes me feel that I am on the path to success. My college promotes integrity, in the Jesuit manner of teaching, which will gives me the tools I need for the rest of my life, so I can reach my full potential. It is the first best decision I have made in my life so far and I am confident that I will learn here how to continue to do that in my career ahead.

Regina

While in attendence at Canisius, I have had a wonderful experience. I was nervous to attend a school where I wouldn't know anyone going in, but the students and faculty welcomed me in such a way that I've never felt so at home in a place so far away. I live in Nashville, TN and I go to school in Buffalo, NY so, as one could imagine, I was extremely apprehensive about living with someone I didn't know, going to classes with strangers and being thrown into a city I had visited only a handful of times in my life. The way in which Canisius presented itself and the facilities it made available to me helped me to assimilate myself into this new lifestyle and helped me learn how to love living in a new place. Not only did I make great fiends who will stay with me for my entire life, I was able to get involved with groups of students who had the same interests as me. I love mathematics and horseback riding and Canisius College had programs, groups and classes about each of these things. Canisius has helped me to grow as a person.

Jasmine

Go to all campus events so you can get to know alot of different people.

Leah

If i could go back in time, knowing what i know currently about college i would make sure to fill out as many scholarships as possible.Coming into college i knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, nor cheap. Depending on the college of choice tuition may be an expensive factor and scholarships help tremendously. Along with scholarships are grades, without good grades scholarships are hard to get.The college years will be some of the best, most life changing years in a person's life so making the smartest and most reasonable decision is crucial. Life in general is very frustrating at times, one thing that doesn't have to be is college. So remember to work hard, stay strong, and be the best you can be because success doesn't come easy.

Rebecca

The advice i would give myself is to never give up. Anything can be accomplished with a positive attitude and hard work. All it takes is a little planning and paitence and you will be sure to reach your goals. Also, change is envitable. Get used to it and embrace it beacause you can make every change work for you. Stay focused and involved and never let anyone else, no matter who they are, get in the way of your heart, desires, and dreams. Basicly my advice is to never give up. If something is meant to be, you can always find a way.

Drew

I would advise myself to work construction for your dad early so you can save money for school. I would also tell myself to stay focused and really think about what you want you would like to do in life because it is alot of money especially when you find yourself unsure of the exact field. Lastly, be yourself and do not let others opinions influence what you do. Thank you.

Allison

The best advice I could give to myself would be get active in school as well as extracurricular activities. Friends you make in class make the freshman transition easier. They can be good study partners as well as friends for lunch. By join clubs and organizations, you make friends outside of your academic major and you meet to people all the time. Clubs host different events which is the perfect opportunity to make friends. By developing a network of friends you can get more comfortable with the new environment. Lastly, I would tell myself to relax and don't stress about the change. It was bound to happen and you have to be able to trust yourself. Its a new place and it will be hard, but friends can easy these problems. This new experience will teach you more than you really believe.

Amy

I wish I had more knowledge of college in high school then I did. No one was there to really push me and tell me to do good so I could go to a good college. I would tell myself to do better and try harder because I made a lot of mistakes my first year and it really does effect the rest of your time in college. I would also tell myself to stay committed to a sport and try to get a scholarship to help pay for school. I wish my high school would have prepared me better for college and prepared me for the challenges ahead. Its not about how many freinds you have in college or what party is going on that weekend, yeah its about having fun but in the end that won't get you a job, so put your studies first.

Christie

I would tell myself to work towards making friends in high school. Not ahving many before college, I wished to just wait to college to gain some. While i have the best of friends in college, I wished that I learned to be a good friend in high school. I think being exposed to more people at this age would not have made the transition to college such a shock. I would have been more exposed to things that go on in teenages lives. I also would have had more experience dealing with certain situations. Therefore my advise would be to take advantage of all the things that are offered in high school. Join clubs and make friends, that way you do not regret all that you missed out on and try to make up for it in college. College should be more about learning than making up all that you missed.

Erin

"Erin, think long and hard about your decision. College is not all its cracked up to be. You know that you are not a partier and care a great deal about learning and your education. College will truly be your time to try everything you want to try, and learn about all you are concerned with. Do not make this choice based on what your family thinks, or where you friends are going, or fear of change. If you base such an important life decision on these on everyone else's opinion, you are sure to find yourself unhappy in the near future. Be sure to expand your options to schools away from home, it will be better for your studying and socializing. Even though it will initially be a hard decision to make, for the right reasons that is, using the right reasons to choose a college is the only way to choose a college. In the end, find a place that makes YOU completely happy, the rest will fall into place."

Emily

I wish I had spent more time talking to professionals about their jobs. In general, I feel like I was so absorbed in the world of school, that I failed to pay attention to the end result of education: jobs. I wish I had talked to people about their jobs and, perhaps, done an internship to better know what major to choose. High school counselors are generally hassled, overworked people who cannot possibly do a good job of properly and seriously advising so many students as to which life path is right for them. I should have done more work myself, pushed myself to see beyond the world of academia so that I could have a better idea of what I might like to do.

Maria

As someone who graduated summa cum laude with two majors and a minor, along with anxiety-induced health problems caused by my relentless pursuit of academic perfection, this is what I would say: "You are more than the measure of your GPA." If you don?t take steps to love and care about YOU first, then you can ace all the classes you want in college, land the best internships and flaunt the most impressive resume , but you?re not going to feel truly, authentically happy or successful on your journey through college or through life. If you don?t love yourself first and realize you are ?good enough? just by virtue of being human alive on this planet, you will spend your life trying to fill that empty space up with external measures of success, never slowing down long enough to enjoy them. Always try your best in college but never back away from a challenge for fear of not getting an 'A.' Because straight A's do not necessarily guarantee success, and they most certainly do not guarantee happiness, but those who lead from a self-loving foundation most certainly create their own vision of success and happiness.

Megan

From my experience, you should find what classes are offered in your major in each of the schools you are applying to. I first chose a school because it was the cheapest option, but soon became unhappy there because my major classes had nothing to do with what I wanted to really learn. After just one semester I started looking for another school. When I found Canisius, I first looked at what kinds of classes I could take as part of my major. I quickly found they were much more suited towards what I wanted to do. After applying, I learned that had I enrolled at Canisius as a freshman, I would have been awarded a full scholarship (and therefore making it the cheapest option). If I could go back in time, the first thing I would do is tell my high school senior self to apply to Canisius first. Then I would maybe win the lottery... Hey, I have to pay for books too ; )

Anna

3 things are necessary to find the right College and get the most from your experience. It is necessary for your whole growth from 'student' to 'adult'. First, make a list of goals you want to accomplish. Then do research to find out which Colleges would help you to achieve those goals. Set your goals high, and then figure out how to achieve them. Second, visiting the colleges you are interested in is a necessity. I suggest getting a tour from someone who is in your preferred major. I had a tour by a Chemistry Major student. It helped me to make my decision. I was able to ask any and all questions I wanted to. It also gave me a real feel for the college experience. Thirdly, you need to be willing to 'step out' of you 'comfort zone'. This enables you to broaden your horizons. Try something that you have never done before. For example, if you have never done any kind of sport, join a club team. I joined the Rugby club. This enabled me to meet students from all grade levels and different majors. It also gave me 35 'instant friends' who look out for me!

Danielle

The first thing to look for is if one has always gone to a small high school, the smaller colleges are normally better. Look for food, living, and transportation quality.

Cristiana

Go to the college that you want and the program that drives you the most, not somewhere/ something that someone else wants you to go to. Its your future no one elses, make the most of it. You will fail in school if you are unhappy therefore you need to find what makes you happy to succeed!

Julia

I would advise making a pro's and con's list on each school you visit. That way you realize subconsciously what you are looking for and it narrows down the search immediately, so you don't have to fill out as many applications.

Alicia

Get involved in activities. Extracurricular activities allow you to meet new people and grow . Also manage your time well. Most students now go to work and school, between those and trying to have a social life, it can become overwhelming . You have to make time for yourself. "Me" time will help ease anxiety and stress. Test the water with your classes in case the major you thught you love turns out to be the one you hate. This way you won't waste your time and money on classes that you dislike. Too many times people go to college with hopes to fufill what they think they want rather want they really want. In the end listen to yourself, it would avoid bad decisions and stress on yourself.

Nteni

Get involved as much as possible on campus but don't forget that academics are your main priority.

Cord

The best advice that i would give students is to do the research before time. think about what you want to do and plan accordingly. Let parents have a say about your education but do not let them be the determining factor; because if you miss out on your own educational goals it may be a regretful situation. Visit the school if you can and get to know the school as well as the faculty. You want to know that you have made the right choice. Even though you may have that one special school its important to have back up schools and other alternatives. Rejection is a possibility, so it is important to be read for the possible as well as the impossible. Education is the key to success you may have to fail, try again or try harder to get where you want to be but overall, college is worth the hassel. Remember college opens the doors to new, better and more efficent oppertunities.

Erin

visit the college and talk to students who are not tour guides.

Ronald

Make sure you go visit all of your choices. Make sure all of the expenses work out for you and your family when it comes to how college with be paid for.

Kaitlyn

I would like to make it clear to freshman that while an undergraduate degree is important, they should try to look into the future just to familiarize themselves with what graduate schools would require for enrollment. Undergrad is a very fun time, I just want students to appreciate it and work hard. For parents I just want to let them know that all students 'go crazy' at their first taste outside of their own home. However with proper guidance and trust they all make wise choices.

Natalie

I would encourage parents and students alike to be certain that the student is actually ready to go to college. There are many students who go to college to party, and I think the social experience can be rewarding, but they can do the same without paying tuition for it. It's also a good idea to know what kind of a place you think you would be happy in- a city, near the mountains, etc. The size of the school is important as well- smaller ones tend to have more individual attention while larger ones have more going on and usually better facilities. Try to figure out if you're interested in the liberal arts or if you know you want to do something specific. If you definitely want to do something specific, it may be worth spending more to go to a school that has a very good program in that field. If you're uncertain, many schools offer similar programs and you can be more practical. Overall, college is what you make of it. Definitely get involved, but don't feel like you have to do everything. And definitely take advantage of your professors' knowledge.

Julia

My number one word of advice would be to choose the college that has the programs you want. I know too many people who picked their school because one of their friends went there. All too often you grow apart from friends you had in highschool and make new friends in college. So, look towards the future and not towards the past. To the parents, let your child make their own decision. It's okay if they don't know exactly what they want to do yet. But, help them to pick a school which will help them decide that! It's not about the parties, because let's face it, every school has parties. It's about what else you'll get from your experience there. The clubs, the people, the teachers. It's those things that will get you where you want to be after college. Good luck!

Kim

Look for a private college because the classes tend to be smaller and since the professors have less students, they're more easily available for help. The college I go to is also a Catholic college, which is nice because they are still very accepting of students of different sexual orientations or gender or religion, but there tends to be less partying than there normally is at a large public university. You can meet people with the same values as you and find people who aren't going to college just to party, but who are serious about getting an education.

Matthew

Follow gut insticts -when you step on a campus, you should know if you can see yourself going to that college. Ask all questions that you may have at orientation, and don't get brought down if you are upset with your grades -there is always an opprotunity to improve.

Annaca

Choose a college that makes you comfortable. Don't decided where to go based on who went there or how many of your friends go there. College is important and if used propertly you will have a job and you will live a happy life.

Kelly

I think that it is really important to actually visit the campus and see where it is that you will be going. Go on tours, walk around, and really get the feel for the campus and school environment. Definitely talk to students who attend the school who are going to give you their real opinions and what they do and do not like about the campus because let's face it, not everyone loves everything. Do research about the program that you are in interested in majoring it. If you play on living on campus it is also important to look into housing, food, jobs, and the surrounding areas and what there actually is to do on and nearby off campus.

Michelle

You'll get out what you put in

Daniel

The hardest part in going to college is adapting to the life style. Most kids come straight from High School and living with their parents to living in the dorms, and having to fend for themselves for the first time. This can be extraordinarily stressfull, and often puts a damper on academia, as the student is more worried about being away from home then what is being taught in their classes. My best advice is for the parents to help prep the student for this live style change by giving the student more responsibitlies for their own lives. Anyway that will make the student experience an element of independence would not be unwarrented. It is always hard to see your child leave you, but on average I would say that by Junior year of high school, your child is getting ready to go, the sooner you prepare for that, the easier it will be when the time actually comes. To the students, all I can suggest is, do not worry to much, but also, dont let anxiety be an excuse for slacking off, just keep plugging away, and so long as you are doing your best, you will be fine.

Megan

Let your kids pick the school that is best for them. They are the ones that are going for the education and it will be up to them to find the school that fits what they want. Also, let them make mistakes. Its from the mistakes we make that we learn the most. College students will mess up a million times, but eventually they learn.

Emily

Make sure you go and visit the college and surrounding area! It makes a big difference. The student will be able to know that its right for them.

Jessica

Apply to more than one college just to be sure you are absolutely content.

Allyson

I would tell parents or students that the only way to find the right college is to visit a lot of them and don't settle on the one that's closest to home, or the one that gives you the most scholarships, or the one that you think will be the cheapest. Going to college is one of the best experiences in your life and you shouldn't just settle. The student should go out and not be scared to make friends-try doing things on your own without relying on your roommate or high school friend to go with you and make you feel safe, although it may make you feel more comfortable. You need to be prepared to step out of the comfort zone that high school provided. Everyone is in the same boat as you are, so don't be afraid to talk to people and make yourself known in the college community. Believe me, 4 years goes by very very fast. Soak up every minute, because once you graduate, it's on to the real world.

Syed

be sure to take a tour and sit in classes, you really never know how it's going be unless you're there experiancing it. Always keep track of your finacing, at a school like this there are lots of payments to keep track of, such things as financial aid, loans, grants, scholarships and paperwork. The sooner you get those things done you can have a stress free semester. Always be sure to get out and attend campus events, they are really helpful in building life long friendships and a great way to relieve stress.

Erin

Be open minded to everything.

Christina

Get there, have fun, and you really only have one chance an one life. live it up!

Justine

There is a lot of advice that needs to be given to parents and students for finding the right college. You have to financially prepare yourself for college and you have to take into consideration the distance from home because as a student, you will get homesick. Students need to think about what they want most out of their college experience. Do they want lifelong friends? Or to be in clubs for the college? Or to have a great place to study? There are tons of questions that need to go through both the parents and students minds before they go through the college process. Both parents and students also need to think about what college matches their personality. For example, if the student has a strong Christian background, they should not be going to a college where they question the Christian faith. All of these factors should be considered before the student commits to a college. Both parents and students need to be openminded but it is important to keep your values in mind when searching for the right college.