Juniata College Top Questions

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

Nicole

Be more accepting of other people. Try your best not to judge the book by its cover. Take your time to get to know people. Study more than 1 day in advance. Dress to impress, but not to intimidate. Designer is not everything.

Patience

If I could go back into my senior year, I would advice myself to do more research on what I was getting myself into. I would make sure that I have applied for scholorships and even make myself think about my major even more. Being a first generation college students wasn't easy. Many of the mistakes that I did make could have been easily prevented.

Ashley

Don't be afraid to use your resources. People genuinely want to help you and see you succeed. It isn't a sign of weakness to ask for help or for advice, but actually a sign that you are serious about your future and want to do whatever you can to make it happen. There are an infinite number of opportunities out there but you need to actively seek them out.

Rachel

Knowing what i know now about college, I would definitely go back in time and tell myself a few hints about college life. First I would tell myself not to bring the clothes that I originally packed. Yes, I like to get dressed up for class most of the time but I do need more lounging clothes. More storage boxes and hangers are a must especially when you don't have a lot of room to work with. More board games or cards for the weekend parties- especially new ones that most people haven't heard of. It's really fun to make up new rules to make them into a drinking game. Even though my mom says you shouldn't bring all your shoes- take all of your shoes! Finally better life advice, don't go into college with a boyfriend because you're going to find the love of your life playing pool in the student lounge on your first day and you two will be inseparable. Just a heads up ;)

Scott

Just do it. Don't be so scared. It is unbelivably easy to talk yourself out of things. The first step to being good at something is to be absolutely awful at it. You have to be a little bit dumb to get ahead, just jump into something and you'll be fine. If you stand to the side and wait for the optimal moment, it won't come- There's that old adage about luck being 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} preperation. That's true. You have to be ready to get out in front of things. Nothing gets delivered to you.

Linda

Don’t give up what you want for your future for what you want to do right now. There will always be another party, another movie and another distraction. This is the opportunity you waited for, the chance to earn your degree and make something of yourself so don’t get distracted by the unfulfilling allure of “college life”.

Joyce

It's okay to make friends. Having a lot of friends and hanging out with them is not going to ruin your academic life, although you do have to be ready to communicate with them when you're having a hard time, whether that's with schoolwork, or some other problem. You're really going to need a good support network here, especially with adapting to a new environment and lifestyle. So put yourself out there a bit. Try something new, meet new people, and try not to be too shy or close minded.

Jessica

Choose to start your undergraduate education at community college. It will give you the opportunity to get used to college work without a complete change of scenery. Secondly, starting part time and taking care to learn how to be a good college student will save you the worrisome effort of going straight to a four-year university and essentially be taking a gamble on all the expenses incurred in doing higher education in that way. While at community college, take care to join student honors societies such as Phi Theta Kappa, which will give you access to scholarship opportunities you will not have elsewhere. In short--take advantage of your resources and build an education piece by frugal piece. It will help you figure out who you are.

Lauren

Volleyball, it isn’t everything! As you know, mom and dad have been telling you repeatedly that you are going to college for an education. You will realize the $122,000 debt you accrued was just to pay the school for you to play volleyball. Just so you know you will realize volleyball will get lost in the shadows. As a gift for graduating, mom and dad will finance 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your debt because they feel it is their parental duty since you are their only and only. Unfortunately, during the fall of 2011, mom will inform you that she has been laid off and can longer pay for your student loans. Thankfully, you found yourself a job and lift the burden off your parents’ shoulders and take over the responsibility of paying Sallie Mae monthly. Please know, during your college years you will become the most influential person on campus. Professors, students and faculty will gravitate to your inviting personality and want to be a part of your life. It may not feel like it now, but you will have a positive impact on each person you come into contact with. You will save your best friends from suicide.

Tetyana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to trust my decisions and relax more. I spent a lot of time in college wondering if the choices about which classes to take, how much to volunteer, where to go abroad and whether going abroad will ruin my relationship status were correctly made, now I could assure myself that they were. I would advise myself to make time for everything including making a small group of close friends instead of having a large group of people I know and socialize with on daily basis. In my sophomore year I started focusing too much on my academic work, leadership, and volunteering, having less time to really bond with people, which left me with one close friend-my boyfriend. Also, I would advise myself to study less and travel more when I am abroad because it was one of the best highlights of my college career. I would also point out to myself that I can change my meal plan option right after the first semester and that I need to make more effort to get to know my advisors.

Katelyn

Not all colleges are the same! Look into as many colleges as you can and really learn what they are all about. All colleges have different community lifes, different philosophies and traditions, as well as different life-focus for their students. By selecting the right college, the transition will be easier. Also, follow your interests! Don't think with a strictly vocational mindset. By following your interests, vocational opportunities will arise with time, and you will also enjoy your classes more thoroughly. Bogging yourself down with too many classes in one field becomes redundant and overwhelming. College is all about balance! It may be hard at first, but you will see your family during fall break. I strongly suggest staying at school every weekend during your first semester--it will be the most important time to make friends. Further, make it a point to start off on the right foot. You have to study hard in college to do well, but don't get too nervous about your classes either. Make time to hang out with your new friends because the friends you make in college will be like a second family! Again, it's all about balance.

Kristen

Graduating from high school a couple years ago, I will be completely honest and say that I was not ready for college and the pressures of deciding my future. I could not tell you what I wanted to do or who I was going to be, figuring that by automatically going to college that would all change, this was not the case. College opened up so many avenues and opportunities, but I wasn’t mentally prepared for everything that came my way, but I tried my absolute best. For example the professors wanted you to succeed, but unlike high school they weren't going to hold your hand and because of this I learned how to learn. I got heavily interested and involved in art, product advertising, and photography, mainly I was beginning to start to think like a designer and my classmates were my customers and consumers. To keep them happy I would have to learn their likes and dislikes, communicate with them and respond positively, learning all of this within my first semester. Community college was a wise investment because now I have my foot in the door to my future.

Noah

Through my short year and a half at Juniata College, I have accrued a wealth of information so far. The liberal arts education that I am currently receiving is, "by any measure," among the best in the country. I have been advised by many counselors, students, alumni, etc. that the school I attend will prepare me for post-graduate education more than any other school available. Beyond the stellar education that is synonymous with Juniata College, is a broadening of horizons in culture and social life. I have been a part of countless cultural events on campus where I have met so many wonderful people. These events were not only educational, they were also a blast to be a part of. From coffee houses, plays, and comedians to distinguished speakers, diversity panels, and holidays, I have certainly been introduced to worldly experiences. I have also had the pleasure of being a player on Juniata's Football Team, and this year I became a captain. I am certain that I will never forget these four years because the experiences I've had already in a year and a half are ones that are unforgettable.

Belinda

I grew up as an Asian American where both parents are immigrants and neither attended college. As a result, graduating was not an option; it is a necessity. For me, college was no different than high school. I expected a heavier workload and classes ought to be more challenging, yet my attitude towards education remained the same. I anticipated classes I was required to take with work that meant no more to me than a grade. What I did not expect was for college to be the opposite. I have heard stories of successful men and women who used college as a tool to shape their life’s goal. When I applied, I did not know my life’s goal; college cannot shape what was not there. After only one semester, my vision of the future has completely changed. The classes that are offered direct my interest easily towards chemistry. I am surrounded by professors who are inspiring and dedicated. The energy in the college atmosphere challenges but intrigues me to contribute. It is not easy, but I am not complaining. College presents me with the challenges of life that I want to solve; college led me to my goal.

Meagan

Juniata is a very nurturing school that takes pride in its students. Despite the rural setting, I could not have picked a better school. I am learning concepts that build off my high school learning experiences but simultaneously incorporate new ones. The opportunities for students to listen to other's opinions and hear their stories of success are endless. Although I am only in my freshman year, there are various opportunities already being thrown at me for both short term and long term goals. While smoe college students face distractions of partying and drinking, I can choose between partying and my school work. Peer pressure rarely exists on campus, tus creating a more relaxed environment for people who would rather focus on schoolwork. At Juniata, people can do work and party when they have time, but schoolwork takes priority and people are always around to help.

Vincent

My college experiendce has really taught me responsibility more than anything. Naturally, the courses that one takes helps to prepare them for the line of work they are interested in, but more importantly college teaches people what it is like to live in the real world. College teaches accountability to courses, projects, any jobs one might have, to your roommate, and to your self. If you do not feel like attending class, no one will get on your case about it, but when finals week comes and you score poor, you suffer the conquences for your actions. The college experience has been valuable so far because it makes you become proactive in order to use all of the resources avaliable to you. Professors possess nearly unlimited knowledge, but it is up to the student to seek out what is needed. College is a period of growth and maturity that is very necessary in order to successfuly handle the transition from home life into real life.

Sarah

I graduated highschool one semester early due to having extra credits so I took the spring semester of 2006 off to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I decided that going to Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for fashion design would be a good idea. I soon found out that it was not right for me. I decided that I would have a very limited career path and most likely would not be very successful if I was planning on staying in Milwaukee. Then I decided I would go to UW-Oshkosh for business. Business is such a broad area of study I just picked something to pick it. I then decided Oshkosh was not the school for me, nor was the program. If I did not attend either of those schools I would not have discovered what I wanted to do. Some look at it as failing because I dropped out, however I look at it as trial and error. And I can proudly say "Hey, I tried that!" Now I finally know what I want to do with my life.

Benny

Out of my college experience I've gotten to meet now people and learn new things i thought i wouldn't think of knowing. College for me is a really cool place to be because it makes me feel like I will accomplish a lot. I think college to me is very valuable as, well as important, because without it I wouldn't have a good job or I would have a nice house to live on and watch my family grow.

Kinga

I believe attending college is vital in today's society, without a college education you cannot develop your skills fully. Although I go to a community college I believe there has been so much I encontered and learned already. Continuing my college education I feel there is so much more that I am going to attain. The material I know will stay with me forever. Knowledge that one may establish , no one may take that away from them. My parents always valued education and taught me that life without is very difficult. I consider myself very lucky to get the education I am getting. I value every moment I get to learn because I do realize many people do not have that oppurtunity to do so. I also want to do what makes me happy in the future and love what I do. Having a good career and being stable in today's society is very important. Thank you for giving me this oppurtunity to talk about what college means to me and my experience so far, and also for letting me further my education some more.

Asia

Juniata College has taught me who I am and has helped me realize who I want to be. My mind has been opened further than ever before and my goals become closer and closer everyday. College has introduced me to many new and amazing people who have helped me to see my true potential. Juniata has changed my life in so many amazing ways and it has changes my life forever.

Courtney

My college experience provided the greatest opportunity for self-growth. I realized my academic strengths, and most importantly found my true career passion in the human services. In addition, my friendship circles formed through the on-campus living experience served valuable life lessons and provided some of my most cherished memories. During my undergraduate education I took advantage of two study-abroad opportunities and studied in Europe for two summers. I've come to see how valuable these experiences were in cultivating cultural competence. I was afforded a unique experience to travel in Europe, an opportunity many people may never have. Each experience in college, whether studying for an important exam or traveling in Europe, gave me an opportunity to better myself and grow, both academically and personally. Without the exposure to the education and on-campus living experiences, I would not have the motivation to continue to graduate school, partly because the self-growth I experienced in college helped me define my career path and refine my personality. When I consider my undergraduate career, I will forever characterize it as my time of 'becoming'. Becoming a student, a friend, a social worker, but above all, becoming myself.

Michael

I have learned the value of teamwork through playing varsity football, and that you can actually be a SCHOLAR-athlete in college. My academic work comes first, then football, which is the beauty of Division 3 sports. The coach/team doesn't own me. I work hard on the field in season and off season, and I work harder in the classroom every day. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime--classmates, coaches, teammates and faculty alike. Juniata College's motto: Think, evolve, act, is carried out every single day on this campus. I know that when I graduate I will be well positioned to move onto the next stage of my life in the workforce. I do not believe I could have chose a better school for me, and I am blessed to be able to attend.

Ashley

Because of my undergraduate experience at Juniata, I found my calling to government and education. Without the unique "program of emphasis" that allows students to design their own majors, I would not have been able to combine my love of these topics into a course of study that would lead to a job in analyzing and writing education policy. Now, I have an even larger desire to learn more, which is why I am pursuing my Masters of Education. Juniata instilled in me a sense of wonder and a desire to continue learning.

Jeremie

The two years that i have been college have been rewarding. I got one on one assistance from tutors in the labs, I got smaller classes which means the teachers there actually got to know there students, and my GPA is a 3.55. Attending college is the best decison i think i made because i know in few years i will be using everything that i am being taught today. As of right now in the process of transferring to a university where i can finish my finish my degree and the counselors have been very helpful by telling me what i need to do and what scholarships i need to apply for. The teachers have made me feel like Albert Einstein because they persuade me to take honors classes which i am now doing and i must say i am passing all my test with ease. I love college and the knowledge thats its giving me and i feel like everybody needs to see what college can do for them as it has done for me.

Elura

My college experience has taught me about who I am as a person and what I want out of my life. I started out as a pre-veterinary medicine major when I entered my freshman year at Mansfield University. I then transferred to Juniata College for the biology program and overall setting of the school as compared to Mansfield University. After my first semester at Juniata, I decided that my dream of being a vet was not what i actually wanted anymore. My desicion to change majors was an internal struggle involving thoughts about my future and how I ultimately wanted to live my life. I changed my area of study to Zoology and now i believe I will be able to do what makes me happy. I want to travel and see the world while working on research and I knew a career as a vet with eight years of schooling was not going to allow me to live my dream. College has taught me to make choices based on criteria that I know for sure will make me a fulfilled member of society, and without the experience of further education my dreams might not have come true.

Alexis

Since i've been in college, I have gained amore broad perspective on life in general. I have learned to think outside of the box, remembering that I am not the only person in my world. Growing up as a n African American, I've experienced many hardships including financial deficit and throughout the many trials, I've sometime become consumed by that present state but college took my mentality to a whole new level. It has taught me that it's not about where you are but where you are going; You don't have to be a product of your environment but you can take advantage of the many oppurtunities provided for you through education and higher education as a whole. Overall I have learned that it is all what you make it!

Rachel

Enjoy the time that you have in high school. A lot of people say that you won't be able to keep your friends from high school and, in all honesty, you really won't. You'll keep in touch with the people that really matter. When you go to college, make sure you are open minded to the new experinces. You can be whoever you want to be. I know that in high school you can get locked into certain roles, like the "nerd" or the "jock, " but it really is not the same in college. Everyone starts off on an equal playing field and no one has any presumptions about you. Do things that you aren't comfortable doing and experince everything you can once you get to college. It'll be worth it in the long run. But, most of all, be who you are! Appreciate the fresh start and make the most of it. There aren't many oppurtunites in life that are like college.

Larissa

I feel lucky in that most advice I have for my high school self are mostly minor tweaks, rather than major life changes. In terms of personal growth, it was absolutely necessary to do many of the things I did. I would suggest some changes, such as not taking a particular history class during my sophomore year (though the class was fun, it didn't lead anywhere). I would spend that time on another class, which I now wish that I had taken more seriously. I would also think twice about my involvement in various extracurricular activities. While it was beneficial to try my hand at various things , I occasionally went overboard. My participation in the tennis team during my sophomore year, while fun, did not provide nearly the social growth, physical fitness, or tennis skill development that I would have hoped. I would do without it, and invest more in other activities, and academic work. While I graduated with decent grades (mostly Bs, some As and Cs), my academic performance could have been better if I were a little more focused.

Caitlin

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the most important thing that I would tell myself was make sure that wherever you decide to attend college, you would be happy going there. This, for me, is the biggest piece of advice that I could ever give myself because life is all about being happy; isn't that the ultimate goal that everyone is trying to reach, just to find eternal happiness? I believe that as long as your happy with your choice and where your at, the transition and college life will come easy, and will just fall into place.

Brittany

I would tell myself to just be myself. Make new friends, meet new people, and continue to study hard. Everything will work out as long as you stay true to yourself.

Cole

After attending college for one semester one aspect that caught me off guard. The amount of reading that is needed in college is unbelievable and sometime can feel impossible. High school has some reading that needs to be done, but that does not even compare to the reading in college. If I could go back in time, I would give myself the advice of reading over the summer before college starts. You can not just slide through college, you must be able to work hard. Some other advice would be to get to know as many people as possible during your summer orientation. Nothing is better than getting to know your future classmates. Having people that you can get along with before you even start college can help make the transition into college much smoother.

David

Harbor no fear. Dont' fear smoking or drinking, but don't fear looking like a loser while abstaining. Don't fear or dwell on whether or not you're going to get laid, and don't be afraid to turn a girl down if you don't care about her or care too much. Don't fear the sense of swagger that comes with waking up in a girl's bed, covered in hickeys, and don't fear the solitude of waking up alone. Don't be afraid to pursue a passion, and don't be afraid to remain content. Don't fear; it'll make your dick soft and it'll shut you up when you should be screaming at the top of your lungs. Most importantly don't be afraid because you don't know a single goddamn thing, because that's just the first step.

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn, There is a big world out there waiting for you to make a move. At this point, I know your thinking about just surviving until graduation and choosing the school that you will be at for the next 4 years. I've been there, I've seen what future your choices hold. It is unimaginable. You will learn so much more in the first year and a half at Juniata than you ever thought possible. Not all of this is through success, and most of you learning will come from when you fail. You will fail, not necessarily in the academic sense, like you won't get F's so just chill out, but you will face obstacles and not always rise to the occasion. You will disappoint people, and yourself once or twice. However, you need to remember that you will gain wisdom. You will learn to care less about the opinions of others, you will see how important it is to follow you dreams, and you will finally understand that you are worth the work and the pain. Failure is neccessary for success and remember God and your parents are always on your side. Integritas & Agape.

Michael

My advice is to choose a college that you think will give you or your child the best possible experience. There are many schools that are well known that people assume to be the best but this is simply not true. While an Ivy League university may very well give you or your child a good education they will most likely not provide the best possible experience. College is a time for study, it's true. A time to prepare for one's upcoming life in the world. But college is also a time to explore oneself, to enjoy one's time in a new place and seek out exactly who they are. I applied and was accepted to an Ivy League institution but I chose Juniata College because of the community. The administration is wonderful, the education is excellent, and most of all I'm comfortable there. I feel like this college will easily become a major part of my life not only because of the opportunities it will provide for me but for the wonderful memories I will have of my time on campus

James

Just choose a place that you'll have the most fun, it's suppose to be the best years of your life don't be miserable for it.

Christopher

Students mainly should not go to a college that they know their friends are going to attend. College will probably be one of THE best moments of your life, but you shouldn't waste it away not studying. Don't choose a school if you have heard it's a partying school because partying will not feed you with ambrosia in the future when you graduate. Find a college that specializes and emphasizes on what you truly want to pursue in the future and don't judge it by appearances. Schedule an overnight stay as a prospective student. You'll know when you find the right college.

Jessica

Some may say that deciding on the perfect college is a difficult process, which it very well can be. For me, the process was trying, but coming to terms with myself made the selection of my school easier than inticipated. I always tell prospective students to not worry about every detail of every school they look at. Narrow your choices down to a few schools, attend over nights at the schools and choose the one you find yourself the happiest at, the one that you can really picture yourself at. If you find the school you really love, you will find a way to make it work financially. When you are at the school you love, one can really make the most of the college experience because they become more driven to do well in their studies. All in all, do what makes you happy because speaking from experience, you learn more and make the most of your life because of this.

Kevin

For an individual to find the right college for themself they have to do three main things. First they must decide the size and location of the perspective colleges. It is important to attend a college where one feels at home and can both imagine themself studying and relaxing. Second they must consider the average workload a student will face when attending the perspective college. Often schools that demand more work out of their students will have better reputations on a graduate level. A perspective student should consider the maximum amount of work they expect to be doing. Lastly it is very important to consider the cost of attending the institiution. Remember to consider financial aid when considering schools. These are the three things that I did and I am very happy with my choice of college because of it.

Reid

follow your gut second, logic first. You just need a degree. College is fun anywhere if you want to have fun. Go somewhere good, but don't waste too much money on a good name.

Caitlin

start looking early and think about what you want to get out of college

Marie

Don't stress about finding the right school. It's all about finding what you like once you're there. Whatever you choose, you can find satisfaction if you look for it.

Leah

I would reccomend not to chose the hardest school you are accepted to, you want to be challenged however you also want the opportunity to have a fun time and be social. I think that it is acceptable to take time off and look around at other schools if you dont think that you have found the perfect school or if you don't think that you are ready for school. College is supposed to be the best time of your life so make sure it is perfect and has the correct balance between academics and social activites. There is no need to rush into school and waste your money if you don't think you found the right school or if you aren't ready. Also follow your own beliefs, don't be influenced by your peers, make the decisions that you want to make not what you think will make you cool or make you fit in. There is no need to spend your whole college career trying to impress people, that was what high school was about and don't you think that you had enough of that?

Kelly

Make sure you choose a school based on the type of education you will get and not the social scene. There is always somewhere you can go to party, but you only get one chance to choose the type of education you'll get.

Molly

All students need to research what college is going to fit theirs needs the best. What school has the best program for their major is an important part. Choosing what size classes would make you comfortable is important. Students need to get out and join groups and meet new people to make the most of their college career.

Ashley

In all honesty I would advise students and parents to attend an inexpensive school. I've realized that it doesn't have as much to do with what school you attend (as in one known for being prestigious), but what you are able to make of yourself at that school and there after. It's nice to be able to enjoy your education without worrying about placing such a heavy financial burden upon your parents and even yourself. Other really important factors in deciding on a school is the overall atmosphere of the campus, what the professors are like, and the academic programs provided. Sometimes students will just know if a campus is right for them by taking a tour. I think the one true way of indicating what school one should attend is based soley on gut instincts. If a students trusts there gut feeling about a specific school they'll most likely end up where they were meant to be all along. Deciding on a college is often made out to be much harder than it should. If one knows what they're looking for in a school, they don't need to know anything else.

Renee

Find a college that fits you. It should not feel like you are going to be lost in the large numbers or bored out of your mind because it is too small. It all depends on what is right for you. You should also look into what major you are considering and how current students in that major feel about it. Since I was interested in chemistry, I found a school that was the right size for me and had a good chemistry program. Those are my best recomendations.

Sara

I would say, "Once you get into college you will look back and wonder 'why was I so worried'?" Even if you don't get into your first choice, there is always a college for you out there somewhere and you will get into a good school. Just because you don't attend an Ivy League doesn't mean you're less intelligent. There are plenty of great schools in this country that are less well known, you just have to look a little farther to find them. My school, Juniata, is considered one of the top schools in the catagory of "Schools that will change your life". I believe this to be true. College will change your life regardless of if it's your first or second choice. All colleges in this country are great so don't sweat it if you don't go to Harvard or Yale. Sometimes the smaller schools will surprise you and you'll have the time of your life. The only other advice I would have is, pick a major that you love, not just what will make you the most money when your older. Good Luck

Alex

To find the right college, visit all of the ones you are interested in. The feeling of being there on campus will let you know if you feel at home. To make the most of the college experience, don't be afraid to dive right in on activities you find interesting. Try everything you want and make mistakes (but learn from them) because that's what college is all about.

Kristin

The parents and students should visit the colleges together. Parents should see if they can see a look in their child's eyes and see if their face lights up at a particular school. Sometimes it is easier for the parents to see the student's reaction. The student should take in everything that is being said about each college and try to picture themselves walking around on that campus. They need to feel as though they would be comfortable and could see themselves on campus. If some of the colleges need to be visited a second, third, or even fourth time, do so. The student should feel completely confident with his or her decision. Lastly, a list of pros and cons should be made and see which college is best suited for the student's lifestyle and personality.

Casey

Look for the college you love, and do not settle with anything less. A lot of kids find a school they get a scholarship for or they choose it just because they don't know where else to go. This is the wrong approach and that needs to be explained to children going into college. I went back and forth many times on a few different schools but in the end it went back to what my gut feeling was right off the bat and I am so glad that I chose Juniata. Transferring is always a possibility but not because I dislike my school but because I am not scared to try new things and possibly travel around the country. I think transferring is looked down upon and children need to not stress too much over their college choice because if they really need to; they can find a school thats a better fit. In conclusion kids need to be easy going and relaxed about their college choice and really just do what the feel is right.