Clarion University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

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

Missy

For me if i could do it over, I would definately have taken my master's courses right out of college. I would also have had my major decided and not changed it three different times. I would also say to myself my degree is for me and no one else. As far as the transition of living on campus, for me I think i would have stayed with friends more so that I wouldn't of missed my family as much. I also would have stayed in the dorm no matter what and then move into an apartment and not back home. I would also tell myself that I deserved this opportunity and I am a good student and I can succeed.

Jennifer

You’ve been on a straight path toward success all your life, baby, and the pressure of other people’s expectations is about to get to you. You will crash and burn a little bit before you graduate, and you won’t really find your feet again until your second year of college, but what I want to tell you is this: that’s okay. You are human and flawed and wonderful, and I wish you wouldn’t spend the next few years beating yourself up for and regretting the times you slipped after graduation. We all make mistakes, but the mistakes you make will shape your life and temper your spirit, and girl, you will be so thankful for those mistakes down the road. You’ve got an amazing life ahead of you, and once you learn to turn down the external voices and listen to your still, small, soul voice, you will shine. Try not to waste time regretting your mistakes, but remember that every moment is a chance for you to learn, to listen, and to let yourself grow. But if you can help it, try not to get mono during your freshman year of college.

LaRhonda

I would tell myself to get ready for alot of work. Theres no playing around in college and you have to be ready for anything a professor throws at you

Benie

Stay positive and focus. You can do anything you put your mind to. College is just like starting over in high school just in a slightly bigger facililty. Get involved in groups of clubs. Just always stay focused. School work comes first and you can do it as long as you don't let negative people influence you. Never let the things other people do effect who you are and what you want to do. Study often and do not put things off until the last minute. Get enough sleep and try not to let distractions get to you.

Brittany

My number one piece of advice would probably be to stop procrastinating. Seriously, though: stop procrastinating. I would say, "Brittany, you're going to save yourself an incredible amount of stress if you start your papers and projects earlier, instead of the night before." "Girl, you better learn how to study, too. I'm not talking about that 'browsing over your notes and wishing for the best' kind of studying; I'm talking about really digging deep and asking tough questions that go along with the material." This particular year I also realized that I am in a major that I probably won't pursue as a career when I graduate. I love education, but I think I chose my major because I enjoyed the high school atmosphere. I would encourage the younger me to research more major/career options. However, I would also encourage me to be open to changing focuses while taking major classes. And perhaps most importantly, I would have sternly urged the younger me to apply for more scholarships and learn more about the financial process. Understanding finances might be one of the most important lessons I've had to learn thus far.

Jamie

Before entering college take time to work, travel, and have fun with friends to find out who you really are as a person, so you can make the best decision about what you want to do as a career for the rest of your life. Don't let pressure of society push you into school before you are ready because until you are truly motivated and mature enough, studying will be harder, classes won't be as interesting, and you will waste a lot of money and time just going through the motion of being a college student. Once you find that motivation studying will come easier and you will learn the information taugh in the classroom so you can carry that information over to your career, instead of learning the material for the test and forgetting it a week later. This will give you more self confidence and won't have regrets of large student loans and time wasted.

Richard

The advice I would give myself from high school would be to keep closer contacts with the friends you graduated with. There are so many more friends to make here. However, dont forget the friends you spent the majority of your life growing up with. Keep your ties from high school as well as making new ones in college.

Celeste

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I would first tell myself to join more extracurricular activities. Being a part of interest groups and clubs is a great way to make friends and network. I did not do enough of this my first year of college. I was too afraid of the new world I was entering into when I should have submerged myself into it. If I had made myself more open to all the college had to offer socially along with academically I think I would have been even more successful in my pursuits. I feel that if I had made these connections and networked I would have had a larger support group when I left college. A larger support group would have made me more prepared for life outside of college and more aware of the opportunities available out there. I would have known more people in my field going through the same things I was and we would be able to help each other. I hid too much from the social aspect of college and would tell my senior self not to do that.

Corey

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about what I know about college life and making the transition I would give myself so much useful advice. First I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships as soon as possible because there are so many out there for college freshmen. I would also tell myself to be open to new people and start the year off right by finding a group of friends that surround you with positive experiences and encouraging words. Getting involved is another important thing to remember. Having a resume with many different experiences as well as memberships to organizations shows employers that you are very involved. Overall I would tell myself to give everyone a chance and just enjoy the college life by interacting with people you know will only push you in a positive direction.

Megan

Dear Senior Megan, Hello you may have many questions as to whom is writing you this letter. Well first off I would like to congradulate you for all the accomplishments you have made through out your high school career thus far. You really have made your parents and me very proud. This letter I am writing to you is basically a tool to help you out with any questions you may possible have. Long story short I am you from the future and believe it or not, I am a second semester freshman at Clarion university. By now you have been accepted by 2 of you 3 top schools and I know that selecting Clarion wasn't hard for you. Clarion is a wonderful University and you shouldn't worry about anything that is to come. Don't stress over making friends or what to wear on the first day. Everything will work out for you. You make a ton of break throughs in college and you have a tight knit group of friends that are like your family. So enjoy your senior year, it flies by WAY TOO FAST! Trust me ;) Your Future Self :)

Shaniyah

When I was a high school senior, I did a lot of things on my own when it came to college. I applied to colleges on my own, I did my financial aid on my own, and I applied for loans and scholarships on my own. Ofcourse I had counselors and teachers help, but I wanted to do everything on my own. I thought doing things on my own was a step to becoming a women. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to let others help me in the process. With others help I would have received more scholarships. I should have taken others advice into consideration and not just mine. I have learned my lesson, and I am currently being helped my a lot of people including family memebers.

Kaitlyn

I would tell myself not to procrastinate on filling out college applications but not to stress out too much over where to go to school because it will all work out in the end.

Zane

If i could go back to when i was a high school senior i would let myself know that you need to study and you need to go to class. This is because if you do not do this you are left behind and your grades will fall, and like many professors have told me its like a full time job so treat it like it is one.

Nicholas

You've always done well with very little effort. Learn good study habits in high school because you will certainly need them throughout your college career. Your classes will require much more time and effort, and you must plan your time well in order to complete assignments on time and prepare for exams. Learn your advisor's name immediately and introduce yourself during the first week of class. See your advisor immediately when you feel like your grades are slipping, and do not wait until it's too late to do something to improve your grades. Be active on campus and you will make friends quickly. Choose friends wisely.

Alex

I know you want to compete in college but you should visit all the colleges you go to before you go there. Don't go there just once and make your decision. It's easy to have a really good time if you only go for one night. Make sure it's the place that you can see yourself before you make that big committment. College is going to be fun no matter where you go, but make sure it's the right place for you

Amanda

It has been my dream since I was in fourth grade to go to school. I have gotten to meet new people, live in a completely different area out of my comfort zone, I met amazing proffessors, and I am do great in the classroom. I work at the alumni office where i persuade alumni to donate money to the university. Last semester I raised over $34,000 for my University. I love my job so much because I get the opportunity to help someone else get the opportunity to get an education. Education is the key to a successful life and career. Some people do not get that chance that I have now. I would not change it for the world. I almost got my dreams ripped from me when my parents decided not to help me with school. But I received a scholarship, I was allowed to live off campus, and i work two jobs on campus. I am doing what I have to do to get my education because it is the most important thing to me. It is very hard to work two jobs, take 18 credits, and pay all my bills but I am trying.

Elliott

So far, I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Through high school it was always the same general information that we already knew, but in college it's fresh and exciting material presented in new ways. I have become a better writer, increased my understanding in mass media, and learned the basics of psychology and modern history. I have learned how to study. I never needed to in high school, so the whole college thing was a bit of a challenge at first. Through hard work and perseverence, I now can apply myself to the fullest in any class I enroll in. I have learned who I want to grow up to be like, and the types of people I should congregate to or shy away from. I've learned how to be me.

Jarrett

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and working for two years in outside sales, I have been compelled to re-examine my academic goals and focus on the future of my career. In order to succeed in my endeavors, I now realize that a Master's degree in Business Administration is essential to further my academic and career aspirations. I believe that by adopting the tools and disciplines demonstrated within an MBA program, I can only succeed on my path to self-enrichment. I have had a clear objective since high school in regards to my future plans, and I enrolled in college having decided on a major in Business Management. Soon after, I decided to take on a second major in Industrial Relations, and participated in an internship within the field of scientific sales. Since college, I worked as a sales and territory manager. I realize that through an intensive program, I will be exposed to management practices and other real-world functions, and will also have the opportunity to gain the life-experiences of my professors and fellow peers. This scholarship will help me finish with my MBA degree.

Carly

I am a go-getter. I believe in order to get anywhere in life you need to be that type of person. Yes, I have had some great teachers/professors in my life that have helped me get to where I am going, but I have only met and gotten to know those people because I tried. I see alot of people walk around campus complaining and whinning about this school, but then I ask them have you taken the time to get to know your professors or have you taken the time to make yourself stand out in the crowd? Usually, they say no. I think you need to make yourself different. You need to make yourself stand out in the crowd (in a good way) or you will get lost in the shuffle at a University. If I have learned one thing, I have learned to make myself stand out and be proud of myself.

Jackie

I'm currently in the middle of my second semester of my first year of a two year degree. I have learned that it is possible to succeed even when I have doubts. I've learned that studing as an adult has been easier than when I was in high school, and I'm much more focused on the long term goal. Since I've started college as a single parent, with little income to support us has made my daughter and I much more appricative of what we had in the past, and the future look much brighter for the both of us.

Nyeisha

What I have obtained from my college experience is a sense of independence and appreciation for education. It has been a valuable experience attending college because without an education it will be impossible to find a descent job as well as function as a self sufficient person in society. I believe that everyone should attend some sort of post high school education expecially with the economy in the state of shock that it is in. With that being said this scholarship will allow me to return back to college being that I come from a single parent family of three kids. After one year of college my mother informed me that she could no longer foot the bill of both my tuition and the household bills. I need this scholarship because I am paying for college myself and need to go inorder to get out of the ghetto and make something out of myself. I need to lead by examples for my two younger sister and not only make them happy but myself by continuing to overcome the obsticles in my life. They say if there is a will there is a way and i will return to college!

Breanne

My college experience has been one of the best things that I could have chosen to do. I will leave Clarion with a rounded education that is full of useful and some non-useful information. I will take not only my education away with me, but some of the best friends I could have imagined. I am looking forward to graduation, but I have no idea what I will do without Clarion in my life. No matter how dull the days can seem, my entire world is in Clarion. Clarion is not just school it is home.

Katie

When coming to college i was so worried about the people i was going to meet and of course the people i was going to be living with. It was scary to move in with people who you didn't even know. When i first arrived to Clarion i met one of my roommates ans she was so country. I came from the city so when you wore boots it was for a fashion statement not an everyday shoe. We were so nervous to meet eachother it was like going on a blind date but the twist was that you had to live with that person. This changed my view of country girls and guys by just meeting her. I never thought that being country was weird or anything to be a shamed of it just was for me but she is so shy whereas i'm outgoing and bubbly. We came from to different worlds and some how we became friends i make fun of her boots and she makes fun of my sneakers. Coming to college was the best choice i have made in my life.

Madison

I lived in another state, all of my friends went to either one of two schools, they roomed together, eat together and party together. Me on the other hand, wanted to see what the world had to offer, yeah it was hard leaving home, friends and moving somewhere that was not familiar. I grew so much. it amazes me how different each state is, I was exposed to a lot of different elements, from people, rules, culture etc... It is frustrating that we are told through out our high school years to step out side of the box, but are pentalized for choosing to get an out of state education.

Robert

I realized how important education is. This college helped my to focus, and dramatically improve my academic performace.

Janay

I've gotten friends, mentors, experience, and education from this. Though I'm not done with my college experience, I've learned a lot. Like how long a pair of pants can go, or that ramen noodles can last you for a while. I've changed from being so shy to myself, to being able to go out and be a butterfly. The value of this experience is not only that of an education in school, but an education in life lessons. That improvement starts with self. A long explanation is not needed for this question, it is an experience with value without words.

Kelsie

The price of attending college does not compare to the valuable experiences that anyone goes through. My college experience so far has taught me a lot about people and myself. Learning about how to live with people unknown was a complete eye-open for me in so many ways. For example, I lived with three roommates, who all had nothing in common with me; therefore, it was hard to relate and communicate with them. Thus, I believe that attending college was worthwhile to learn communication skills, patience, and tolerance for others. Moreover, I learned that I am a strong, out-going person, who is determined to be successful in life no matter what situations come along. Also, attending college has let me mature and grow even more into an independent woman. Furthermore, going to college has allowed me to meet new friends and co-workers, which I believe that love, trust and friendship are one of the most valuable treasures to find in life. Finally, college gives opportunities that allow everyone a chance to fulfill their dreams. All opportunities are valuable risks taken or not taken, so I learned to make decisions that will benefit me in my future.

meg

I really found out that I had no idea what i wated to do upon completeing college. I went in thinking I hd my life plan all mapped out but once I got into the courses and was able to dig deeper into what is was I thought I wanted to do, I realized there are so many options out there and you cant just make a rash decsion. Even though I am stil unsure about my major, I feel comfortable because I know having a year under my belt has helped.

Jalyssa

What I have got out of coming to Clarion University of Pa is that it doesnt matter how big or small the campus is, in the end its about the quailty of the education. As a business major this is one of the best schools in Pennsylvanis to attend. If I could go back in time I would still chose Clarion University!

Sean

I have gained a great appreciation for education and what it will allow me to do in my future. I know that in order to be succcessful in life i must learn as much as i can eac and every day. It has not been an easy road, however i feel that it has strengthened me and made me a better person. it has been valuable for me to attend school because i know without it im not gauranteed a successful career. Too many times i have seen great people fall to the bottom because their lack in education. I know that it is in my best interest to get my education and schooling done so that i may be able to succeed in life.

Sarah

I attended Sonoma State University in Fall 2009. I moved back home for the spring 2010 semester because I had trouble getting classes to be a full-time student. I loved Sonoma State; the campus was beautiful but the dorms were the best part about the school. I lived in a dorm with five other girls, I loved it. Sure, we had our differences, but I learned so much from it. Not everyone is like me, lives like me or will clean up after me. I didn't live with mom and dad anymore, so I grew up and matured an enormous amount. I became a woman, learned responsibility, discipline, I got out of my comfort zone, I experienced a life on my own without my parents holding me by the hand. If I chose to stay home and attend a community college, I wouldn't have gotten the experience I did, I wouldn't have grown as much as I did. Being back at home going to a community college, I can see how I have changed, how much more disciplined and responsible I am. I know that the changes in me are from my experiences at Sonoma.

Rebecca

So far in college I have learned a lot about respecting other peoples? thoughts and views. I went into college from a high school that had minorities making up only two percent of the schools population. I chose to go to a community college to earn my A.A. so that I could save money. I quickly learned how the two percent of minorities must have felt at my high school, because I felt very out of place and like I was the only one like me there. It was a big adjustment for me to get used to going to a school that had minorities as the majority of the student population. Going to a school with people that were different from me gave me a new perspective on things. The other students would bring up topics and ideas in class that I would not have even thought to think about. Academically I am satisfied with the education I have received from my professors. I feel that I am ready to transfer to a University at the end of this semester. Overall, my experience at the community college has been pleasing.

Gary

I am actually just starting college, but for good reasson.I know that the economy is not going to give the jobs to uneducated people, so I need to further my education to keep up with the job market. I dropped out of high school to work full-time to help with the bills while living with my mother. I am now married and have kids to take care of, so I wake-up to look my motivation in the faces everyday.

Carey

Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to go to college. I wasn't sure what I wanted to study, but I knew that one day I would be a college student. I currently attend Alfred State where I am getting my Associates Degree in one year. It has been very difficult doing two years of college in one, but I have learned so much and met so many people that will be life long friends. I have become very independent and for once, I feel like my life is in my own hands. I am responsible for getting to my classes on time, doing well academically, and on the athletic fields. I love this new freedom and I wouldn't give it up for anything. College has really prepared me for the real world and I am so happy that I am able to have this experience.

Patrick

College is something that I will never forget. It is the first time that I had to live on my own. It's where I first experienced so much. Major heart ache. First real job. First set of bills to pay. Clarion is a place where anyone and everyone gets to try something new and out of the ordinary for them. That's a good thing in this case. I couldn't imagine my life being as good (or as rough) as it is without being here. Sometimes, all of the trouble is worth it. Sometimes it's something that you want to experience. The skills I have learned here are things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They will help me achieve my future goals and they will help me discover what exactly I would like from life. My friends, my professors, and even the people I never properly met, will be a part of my life forever. Attending Clarion may have been one of the smartest moves I have ever made. I am forever changed for the better. For that, I am grateful for college.

Leticia

In attending college, it has helped me to realize who I really am. I have transformed from a young, shy, uneducated girl to this extrodinary, self-confident woman. College has not only helped my social skills but has increased my education as well. I take school very serious and look forward to continuing my education as far as I can. Knowledge is power, and power is key. People with little to no education will soon have no way of survival as opposed to those who are very well educated. I love learning, and I want to know as much as I possibly can. I want to be the best there is in my field. This award can help me achieve my dreams in what I want to become.

Rachel

So far my college experience has been great. I love most of the classes for my early childhood and library science education. The proffessors are great and teach me a lot. I am on first name bases with a lot of them, which I really like because I feel like they know who I am as a person. Many of the organizations that I am currently in are interesting and helpful to the field. I really like completing observations and lesson plans. I feel like I am leaning towards a great career in the future.

Benjamin

What shall be said of the world I?ve entered into? There are five words of advice I give. Firstly, expect nothing to be handed to you. Grades, scholarships, activities, advice, jobs and friends all must be reached for. If you want them in you life, you have to strive for them. No teacher or parent is going to make you do it. Be self-motivated. Secondly, you are never alone. When things get tough, friends, family, resident assistants and professors are there to help you out. When you have questions, ask them. It?s less embarrassing to ask questions earlier than to make mistakes later. Thirdly, you reap what you sow. If make the effort to do what was assigned, you will do well. Every action will have its consequences, good or ill. Fourthly, blame yourself for failure, and thank everyone for success. If you do poorly, it?s no one?s fault but your own. If you do well, remember the advice of a professor or the friend who read your paper and be grateful to them. Fifthly, never procrastinate. No matter how much time you seem to have, it?s shorter than you think.

Christopher

If i talked to myself last year as a senior, I would have told myself to study harder in math and know and understand the different methods and to get into a study habit. I would also tell myself to pay attention in classes more, and to work harder in every class to get the best grade as possible. More advice to myself would include that to keep your options open and expereince different activities in high school and to talk to different people and get to know different people. Other advice I would give myself, would be to get into a exercise program. By exercising, you are not only making your health better, but you are giving yourself more enregy during the day to go to class. In college students tend to gain weight, but if you have a program set up for yourself then you can manage your weight better, and feel better about yourself overall. It will also save you money from buying new clothes that fit.

Meghan

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school about the road that lies ahead, I would have plenty of advice to give. First off, save ALL the money you make from now until after college. Second, don't be set on a major until you have researched and asked professionals in the field. And do so as soon as possible. Third, study even when you don't think you have anything to study. Fourth, talk to everyone in your classes. You'll be seeing those faces for the next four years. And most important, NEVER be afraid to ask questions.

Katherine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself regarding my future college plans I would have one major piece of advice. Work to obtain a high SAT score. I would tell myself to put as much thought into these tests as possible and perhaps to even take some special outside prep classes to prepare. The reason for this is I was apparently given some bad advice by my guidance counselors that SAT scores did not really make all that much difference when applying to a college. I was an average student in high school, but always had trouble taking these types of standardized tests. Therefore, I did not do well. In fact, I ended up taking my SAT?s several times in order to be accepted into college. I would tell myself to go on line as much as possible and take the sample and practice tests. Instead of being so busy each night in dance (ballet and tap) I would advise myself to take less dance classes and put more time into preparing for the SAT?s. Especially in my junior year when I was taking the SAT's.

Samantha

I would plan out my courses in a more organized manner so that I would be able to take the classes that interest me the most and be ale to graduate on time without worrying about fitting in the last few classes or requirements. Clarion has weird schedules for some classes that are only offered every two years, or only during a certain semester and if I would have known this information before then I would have been much more pleased with my class schedules. If I went back in time, I may even decide to attend a different school. I may have been more successful at another school and received the training and experience that I would have liked to have obtained here. I honestly can't say because I don't know how the other schools measure up to the current school that I am attending.

Hannah

Be careful when picking your school to make sure that it's not too far but not too close at the same time.

Jessica

The first week of college was one of the worst weeks of my life. I was in a new place, away from home, with a bunch of unfamiliar faces. I was lonely, uncomfortable, and just needed a friend. If I would have gotten to know people in my area going to Clarion University or my roommates beforehand, things would have went a lot more smoothly. I would have had someone to talk to and be around to distract me from my sorrow of being away from home. I would have enjoyed the week here much more than I did. Therefore, if I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to meet people attending Clarion University and my roommates before the college experience began.

Alyssa

Looking back on myself as a high school senior, I would have done things completely different. Now knowing what it takes to be a college student, I would tell my ?senior-self? that I will need to be more prepared. College is a good sum of work. The fact that you would only be taking about 5 classes 2 to 3 times a week does sound easy, but in all reality it is a little more difficult. I would tell myself that I should have started saving my money and work harder. Plus looking for scholarship and grants is a great idea. When I was a senior, all I could think about was graduating from my high school and leaving my hometown. In actuality, I should have been thinking more of the responsibilities I had ahead of me as an adult. College is a great experience and I would not change the choices I had made throughout my senior year of high school, because I learned from them. I have learned from my experiences and it has made me a better person for it. I have learned that I am responsibly for myself and I have taken that responsibility seriously.

Melanie

Some advice that i would like to give is look at the lay out of the campus, how close buildings are to one another, how hilly the campus is, and how safe the campus feels. I would also say that it is good to see how ucmh off campus housing is avaliable near the building you would most likey be in the most. Also look at how much parking avaliablitity that there is.

William

I would go back and tell myself to learn how to take notes and study, Its been a real adjustment going from not taking notes and doing well in class. to having to take notes and doing semi-well. I also think I would tell myself to aim high in my academics so I would be more eligble for scholorships, this is hard trying to find money now adays for school.

Caitlyn

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior I would dwell on three main topics. First, I would remind myself of the purpose to which I am going to college. Even though college allows you more freedom, procrastinating is the worst thing to do. The best way to study is by creating a routine, such as notecards or reading your notes for ten minutes every day. Second, I would encourage myself to explore new options and meet new people. Everyone starts fresh in college and has no reason to judge you. Do not depend on your roommate, you need your own friends and seperate space. Lastly, always remember where you came from. When you go away for school, time seems to fly by and you're always busy. You should set aside some time everyday to call a family member or a friend from home. It will help keep the homesickness away if you keep in contact with those you care about. Also, when you do come home, you still have a great connection with friends and family members. College is a lot of fun if you have your priorties straight.

Abby

I would tell myself to be more serious about school. I crammed for most of my tests and blew off the information on the pretense that I would never need to know any of that, but I was really wrong. A few of my classes in particular I wish I would've payed more attention and absorbed everything I could from specific teachers. I wish I would've read more books and read about the subjects I studied more than just once and only when I had to. I would tell my high school self to not procrastinate everything and take more pride in my work, and never settle for anything less than perfect. I wish I would've worried about grades more. Not just strive for the 92{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} A but the 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} A. I was so bright and capable of better, but I settled for the minimum work I had to do to get an A. I would absorb all that information I was taught like a sponge and use it to my advantage today as a college student. I would go beyond what I learned in class and try to learn as much as I possibly could learn.

Rachel

I would tell myself not to worry about making friends. I would say to be myself and the friends will come naturally. I would tell myself not to wait too long to meet with my advisor, so I could get the classes I needed. Metting with my advisor was an important part of the year. I would tell myself not to switch classes from economics to something I would find more interesting. Being away from home and on my own, felt like a good thing. I was free to do whatever I wanted without having to ask. Iwould also tell myself not to get more than one roommate. Being at college has taught me a lot about who i am.