Keystone College Top Questions

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

Faith

apply to alot of scholorships and make sure you start a summer job to get money in the bank and do not spend it. save up any money you have. college is going to be fun for you there are lots ofactivities will be fun, your adviser will tell you wrong on what your semesters are.

Sulfan

Stay focused drive hard in the beginning as u did in the end.

Amanda

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would give myself life-changing advice about college life and making the transition from high school to college. Some of the advice that I would give myself if I could go back in time would be to never give up, keep pushing forward towards your dreams, perservence is key, success is the greatest thing you could do for yourself, it'll all be worth it in the end, and the light is brighter at the end of the tunnel. I would give myself this advice if I could go back in time because college is a challenge every single day and you need to give it everything you got in order to be successful. Transitioning from high school to college was by far the hardest transition I ever had to make, but I pushed myself through it everyday because I knew that it would be worth it. The best advice that I would give myself if I could go back in time would be to never give up on your dreams because eventually it will lead to success and a life full of happiness.

Marissa

I would tell myself that it's going to be a fun couple of years after I move in to my dorm. I was a bit nervous about moving away from home and I think it'd be very comforting to hear that everything was going to be alright. I also would have told myself that I don't need to pack as much stuff as I did. I packed too many clothes and too many little things that I thought I might like to have. I ended up bringing a lot of my stuff home because I didn't even need a lot of what I brought. If I knew what I do now, I would have had an easier time moving in and putting all of my bins and clothes away.

Adrienne

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would give myself a few pieces of advice about transitioning from high school to college. The most important piece of advice I would give myself would be to appreciate all of the things my parents do for me. I would explain that my going to college is because of them and what they say and do is usually only to encourage and help me. Another piece of advice is to be social and get involved as soon as you can. I know that I am not the most social person but by being more open, talking to more people and creating friendships helps make living at college easier. Lastly, do not feel like you are the only one either, because almost every other freshman is going through the same hardships.

Dionna

It's funny how life works, I remember my freshman year in high school as if it were yesterday and in the blink of an eye senior year approached rather rapidly. Once graduation came about I continuously told myself, "I got this, I know all there is to know about college," but in reality I didn't know much of anything. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be better prepared; not only is preparation essentially important, it is one of the main components that one must have when attending college. Also, if I had the chance to go back in time I would have told myself to take on better study skills. In college you spend majority of your time studying and as absurd as it may seem studying is not as easy as it is percieved. So, now that I am in college I take advantage of the things that I didn't really take advantage of when I was in high school such as preparation, study skills, and other skills that will help me after college.

Jerica

I would give myself advice about the people and their actions in college. Also, I would make sure the education is the main part of college.

Chelsea

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a sense of independence and tolerance of others. At college it’s up to you if you want to attend class, do your homework, and even do your laundry. Professors won’t be making sure your doing the work assigned, it’s up to you. I like that I don’t have someone watching over me. I never needed that in high school and it’s nice to have independence here. I like being seen as a capable adult. Coming from such a tiny high school, with only 24 in my graduation class, there wasn’t much diversity in my school. When I came to Keystone College there was much more diversity in terms of race and kinds of people. I like being around people that are different from me, even if the only difference is which state we grew up in. It’s refreshing to see so many kinds of people on a daily basis. I feel it makes me a better person to interact with those different than me because everyone has something to offer.

Anna

What I have gotten so far, is that mainly, when going to school, it's best to leave home. I live near Keystone, and staying here was a bad idea. I'm not happy where I am and I can't wait to transfer. What I got out of college is that it's always good to be somewhere new and exciting. Never stay in one place, move around, see the world, experience life. Don't be tied down to your home.

Gerri

If I knew then what I know now...I would have finished high school. I quit high school at the age of sixteen after completing tenth grade. I was an honors student and attended vocational school for commercial art. After my fourth child was born I returned to complete my GED successfully. I attended business school for four months with college courses to bring me into the workforce. After many years in different fields, I am back to college full-time as a non-traditional student. Because I can look further back, I feel that if I had the choice to "relive", I'd have finished high school, taken every prep class, every opportunity to be in community-minded positions, and applied for scholarships for assistance. One very good book that was provided by Keystone College as part of a curriculem, is called College Rules, by Sherrie Nist-Olejnik, Ph.D., and Jodi Patrick Holschuh, Ph.D. This is a guide that teaches how to study, survive, and succeed in college. This book covers all types of students. I have expressed to the faculty how it has helped me immensely. Obtaining, reading, and keeping this book handy is my advice.

Nakiya

College is very different than I thought it would be. I chose a small school in a very rural area. I wish I hadn't done that. Althought I love my school, it can be a hassle. Keystone College sits off of the expressway and I do not have a car. It is hard to get around and to obtain basic things needed for college life. Had I taken the time to consider this instead of insisting that this was the perfect school, I would have realized that having a car or chosing a school in a more urban area would have been more ideal for me. Also, knowing who I was going to be around would have been a plus. I only attended one campus visit, but I should have went to more. These are people that I live with now. I wish I could have met some of them earlier to get a feel of the student life and environment.

LISA

It is important for individuals to attend a college they feel safe at and a college in which they can excel in academic situations. Students should also attend a college that is in a location they are comfortable with.

Kendra

Make sure that you research both local and non-local college for the college that offers the most resources and support for your career choice or your son/daughters career choice. Make sure that you take college tours and do over nights and try to experince classes. I suggest that you do a shadowing of a student (in the major that you will be applying for) who attends the college that you will be applying to. You should try and start the process early in the college search this way you will be sure that you are picking the colllege/ university that best fits your carer goals and the academics (also make sure that the social scene / activities that are held on campus are ones that you can participate in and feel that your helping the community that surrounds your school). Being involved either with studnet goverment, clubs, or organizations on campus will benifit you and look great on your resume. I recomend that you also try to do some volunteer work in the commmuntiy and in your career filed, this will be a great benifit to your learning experience and it will help you will your future goals.

Heather

Find a university that is well know for how it helps students and how friendly they are. If the staff is unwilling to take the time to personally walk you somewhere, instead of just pointing the way, then they most likely wont put in the effort to help the students.

Megan

Find a place that makes you feel very comfortable and welcome. A school where you can tell the faculty and staff really care about the students and helping them make the most out of their college experience. Getting involved with clubs and activities that interest you is a great way to meet new people. It is important to be open-minded and explore all options. It also helps, if you know what you want to do, to attend a school that is well known for the great program they have in your interested area of study. If you aren't sure first time around, it never hurts to continue looking at schools once you make a decision because transferring can always be an option if you feel your first choice might not have been the right one.

Leonard

Don't rush into anything your not comfortable with.

Jamie

When selecting the right college for yourself, I think it is best that you go someplace that is familiar or you have atleast seen once or twice. Like the city, the city is a large place and sometimes, intimidating and there are colleges in the suburbs that a little more laid back with less off-campus distractions. I think it would be best to select somthing that you know the outside surroundings wont affect your academic life a lot. Take your major into consideration also, someone with an art major would have more opportunity to show case their hard word in a city setting then one farther away. When looking at schools see if they offer on-campus work study, so you can make some cash instead of borrowing from your parents or having a other job that may take up so of your learning or even social life.

Sonya

You want a vast amount of colleges to pick from. I suggets that you pick a major before entering college, this way you can pick a college that would best help you succeed. Even if you do not stick with this major it is okay, you can always change, that is what college is for. Decided if you want to stay close or go far away from home. This can be a major deciding factor in what college you pick. Be sure to take a tour of all the colleges you are accepted to because this can help you decided where you want to attend. To make the most of college, you need to arrive with an open mind. What ever type of highschool you came from, large or small, your college is going to be different. Your roommate is just as scared to live with you as you are to live with them. Get involved in the community and have fun. Always keep up on your school work before you head out to do anything extra curricular, but make sure you are happy and having fun. If you are not happy, you will not have a good college experience.

D

When you are going to check out colleges see if you can have an interview or tour when classes are in session so you can see students working in their labs and classrooms. Also if there are minnie course even though they are no credit you should take one and get a feel for the school a head of time.

Brandon

Visit those campuses in which you are interested, talk to the students there and get a feel for the environment at that school. Find out if it is what you want in terms of academic, social, and extracurricular activities. If you cant visit, find students on facebook, or other social networking sites. Often enough you willfind people who are more than willing to talk about their campus. Also, make sure that you are talking to a resident or commuter, depending on what you plan to be, as the experience enjoyed by each perspective can differ greatly. Above all: Remember that college is what you make of it, if you work hard and study you will achieve; if you party and drink, you may pass, but you may end up regretting it when you have to buckle down and cram for tests, midterms,and finals. Know what you want, know what you are capable of handling, and find what you are looking for.

Kerri

Choose a college that you or your child wants to go to, not what they can afford to settle for. I had to settle with an affordable school and I regret it. However I made the most of my college career by making friends for life and learning as much as i possibly can!

Regina

The first thing you want to do is tour the college. If you don't like just how it looks then how can you like it for two or more years? Next, talk to students who already attend the college you're interested in. If you don't like what they are telling you from a student perspective then maybe that school isn't right for you. The key point is that you have to make sure you like the school, and that you are comfortable with the environment the college is in. Once you start at the school you have two or more years ahead of you, you want to make sure you pick somewhere that will help you become great. For parents, make sure you don't pressure your child, they are attending the school not you. Offer them advice and see the colleges with them, but remember that they have to live with the decision that is made. What you should look at is the financial part of schools. Help your child understand just how much they will have to pay and what schools are better in that department. College is not as scary as it seems!

Lauren

When seeking out the right college it is important to take into consideration what one would like to come out of the experience with. Affordability, knowledge, careers, and friends are the key factors in having a successful experience. The campus should be suited to a lifestyle one is accustomed to, or would be most comfortable in. For example by choosing a smaller campus with small classrooms and a sense of a tightly-knit family, it can be benefitial to academics by getting to be closer with faculty and one-on-one time. It can also benefit socially by having many activities to participate in and meet other students. To make the most of the experience one should take hold of all the opportunities the chosen college has to offer. There are tons of activities, tutoring/counseling programs, etc.. out there. Be involved in committees and clubs that go out into the community and around campus. For as much as college is costing these days, be sure and get the full money's worth out of it and one will be happy and successful.

Erin

There is a quote from one of my favorite musicals, in which I took along with me as I was searching for a college and still hold onto this day. It is a quote from "Wicked" the musical, where Elphaba sings, "Everyone has a chance to fly." I took this quote from the song with me because I beileved that college was my chance to fly and expand my knowledge in Art and Education. My mother as well took this quote with her and knew that together we both needed to find a college that would allow me to fly and become what I am ment to be. As a student, when you take the first step on a college campus, you must feel as if you are able to spread your wings and feel confortable with your surroundings. The people there are welcoming and you can set you wings at ease because this is a place that feels just like home. A student does not make the most out of their college experience with their wings clipped, they must use them to guide them through with ease and support from family and friends.

Miranda

Don't go by just going to a school that has your major. Go to a school where you are actually a part of the community and not just a number.