Lock Haven University Top Questions

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

Brianna

To me finding/chosing the right school for a student looking for higher education is obviously situational, based on that person. The advice I have to offer is quite simple... The student and the parents should find it affordable (to their needs), academically and socially equal (there should be a happy medium), find the school that fits your size preference (larger versus smaller), make sure the schools you are applying to in have the opportunites that you are interested in for extra curricular activites. But mostly look for a school who is willing to help you should you need it, professors that love their jobs and students who love being there, because chances are, you will too. Look for something that will challenge you...that is the only way one can excel in anything they chose to do. If its too easy, its not worth it; if its too hard, you'll be too stressed out; but if you find it just right for you (challenging yet fun) you'll find yourself excelling in everything you want and more. Good luck, and never give up on your dreams...making them come true is up to you.

Jamie

My advice to parents and/or students trying to find the right college would be to visit as many schools as possible. It is important to make sure that the student feels comfortable in the surroundings. My advice would also be to look at the academics and make sure that they are what the students and/or parents are looking for. Thus far, my college experience has been one that I will never forget, because of the friends and education that I have gained from attending college. The professors have always been extremely helpful when I have had a question.

Vanita

first look at if your child wants to go close to home, far or right in the middle. Then if they want a big school with big classrooms, or a small school with a smaller student to teacher ratio. Think about the weather, how safe is the campus, what surrounds the campus. the most important how is the school when it comes to your major, does the school have a good program. try no to worry about how big or small are the dorms, or if you have your own bathroom, that doesnt give you your education.

Paul

First thing's first. You have to face reality, meaning you might not get accepted into the college you've been wanting to attend you're whole life and that's ok. To me, the important thing isn't what college you attend, it's more what you do to make the best out of that college. You have to go into college with a whole new game plan because it's not like high school. If there was a word to represent college it would definitely be "responsibility". No one is going to hold your hand the whole way through, it's all on you and that's the significance of it. How much time and work you put in is what you're going to get out. But college doesn't have to be all work and no play, I personally like the quote, "study hard, party hard" only if you actually stick to it. This doesn't mean study the whole day then go out and party causing yourself to forget the entire material you just studied. It means, study hard and reward yourself with your accomplishments. Work hard, don't stress, have fun. It's COLLEGE!

Jennifer

Look for a college that fits your personality. Look for a place where you feel comfortable, where you can learn without having to worry about your place getting broken in to or if you'll get lost walking to your next class. Look for professors you care if you're happy with your classes and if you're actually learning something. Don't worry some much about what you should do with your life, you should enjoy what you chose as a major not because of how much money you'll be able to earn but that you have a passion for it. And don't worry even if you make a mistake, school is always there, besides two degrees look better then one.

Joshua

Finding the right college can be tough. The best thing that a student can do is visit every school they can with an open mind. Your choice should not be influenced by parents, relationships, or friends. This will be your home for the next 4+ years and you should enjoy the atmosphere that you will be in. When you step onto a campus, you should know that it is the right one right away. The best advice that I can give an incoming student is college is what you make of it. Simply, if you do not want to be successful or have a social life, that is your choice only. No one can make you go to your classes or go above and beyond the requirements for an assignment. No one can make you talk to people or be sociable. This newfound responsibilty can sometimes be hard for a student that has been helped for years by their family and high school friends. It is hard to realize that you have the ultimate say in how your life will turn out. Your life and success is your sole responsibilty.

Kelsy

I would recommend looking at several things. First you want to look at class size, if you would rather be in a small class or large class. I would look at the reputation of the program at that university/ college that your interested in and what kind of opportunities students graduating from that program are receiving. Location is also key to look at. I personally chose my University based on it's location because I am from a very small town and have never, before graduating from high school, experienced being in a large city and felt very uncomfortable with the idea. The only way I feel to make the most out of your college experience is to get out and about on campus. Interact with new people, experience different things you may be unfamiliar with, and just open your mind up to new ideas. When I started out my freshmen year, I tried to do something new every day, even if it was as little as trying a new food in the dining hall. From living in the dorms, there wasn't really a day that went by where I didn't meet someone new. Carpe Diem!

Sarah

I would tell them that finding the perfect college is the most important thing. If you don't feel like your college is like a second home then there is no way the student will succeed!

Aerielle

As a student, let it be where you feel comfortable, where you feel like you can possilbly grow as a person and where you can live. As a parent, though you may want only the best for your child, college for most is a once in a lifetime experience lasting 4-8 years. This is where your child will make lifetime friends and have some of the best and worst experiences. Remember when you were in your late teens and early twenties, the way you were and needed your freedom and understanding from parents, give that to your children.

Scott

Location, location, location.

Brittany

Choosing a college is easily one of the most important decisions one has to make in his or her lifetime. Every school offers different majors and degrees and every school is known more for specific subjects. When researching schools and determining which one to choose, one must keep in mind the quality of courses, social aspects in and out of the classroom, degrees offered, and the effectiveness of professors. To get a complete understanding, online research is not completely reliable as some information is biased and one-sided. Therefore, orientations, campus tours, and communicating with enrolled students in the same field or major as the prospective student are incredibly important when narrowing the choices at hand. Although students can get a lot out of a quick visit or a brief chat with current students, it is recommended to make at least one more serious look at the school one wants to attend before finalizing the decision. With the price of tuition continually on the rise, a wrong choice in schools can be devastating. With this in mind, make sure to take the appropriate steps forward in finding the school that fits.

Stephanie

You should check the background of the school. The crime rate, how big the area is. You should also talk with students that are currently there instead of the staff and students that comes to talk about the school to make it seem perfect because no school is perfect. You should look more into the area of study you are interested in and see what type of classes they offer and if they have a good graduation rate. Most importantly, I have found out that most people are comfortable at schools where they feel most home. If you are a person that loves your family and do not know what to do without them for a week, then you should stay closer to home because you are only going to transfer closer, which can be a pain. You also do better in school when you feel at home, so if you like the big city, pick a school in the city. If you love the small towns, pick a smaller university because no school no matter how good it may be academic wise, will help you learn unless your happy and comfortable where you are.

Ashley

I would tell parents and their kids to make it a family experience and to look for colleges together. I wanted to find a college that was right for me, but one that was also affordable for my family. Together, we looked at different schools and went to open houses. It really helps to have the support of loved ones. It makes the whole process a really great experience.

Melissa

Make it somewhere you really want to go and don't be afraid to change your major. It's all a learning experience.

Natalie

Ask yourself these questions: What is your true passion? What is it that you want to do with your life? Do you have the right funding? Will you have enough money to live on while at school? What I wish I was able to do was live the true college life. I wanted to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs, however I was putting myself through school and couldn't afford to not work. I sacrificed so I could have a college degree. So far, the degree hasn't gotten me far, however, I am thankful for what I have learned and who I have met along the way. Think about what you want your college experience to be and go from there. Lock Haven is a very small town. If you want a fast-paced, city college experience, this is not the school for you.

Nikki

I believe that students and their parents should sit down and discuss their reasons for wanting to attend college. It is important to decide what you want out of life before you start living it. There are many students who will attend a college just for their reputation or for how the college is representated. The truth is, everyone needs to take a step further into looking into colleges and look at their specific programs have to offered. As for making the best of your college experience, I would say, be yourself. You do not have to change for anyone or anything. This is the time for you to find out who you are and establish yourself as an adult. Don't fall for peer pressure. You can make your own decisions, but don't be afraid to meet new people. You never know who you may meet.

Jacklyn

The advice I would give to both parents and students is to consider the type of person the student is, along with their chosen major. I have a large group of friends which are scattered around different colleges here in Pennsylvannia and know that each college offers something different as far as group activities, sports, leisure activities, as well as their course work. I have discovered that having a well rounded involvement makes for a much happier experience at the chosen college. I don't think that finding the right school can be done quickly. Whether it is sports or club activities, the student should get involved during the high school years and when they find the right college that fits them in all the areas of interest, making friends and feeling like a part of the campus community should be easy. When you are happy with where you are at, I feel your mind is open to learning. Achieve!

Ashley

The advice that I would give about finding the right college would mostly be to visit the college you plan on going to before you actually enroll. By visiting the campus, you can get a feel for how it will most likely be whenever you go there for the school year. As far as making the most of the college experience...don't just camp out in your room or in the library. Put yourself out there to meet people and make new friends. College is all about finding out who you are and making new friends for a new chapter in your life.

Britney

Students should choose the college that is feel right to them and not what is expected of them. By following their hearts they will find the best college that is right.

Stephanie

Look around and do research. Guidance counselors, word of mouth, internet, and open houses are the most beneficial. This helps in finding what matches your interests or what you may want to be interested in. Have confidence that you can get into any place you want because there are endless opportunities that are available everywhere. Get ready to go out if that suits you, have late study nights, meet several diverse people, and to enjoy living the next step of life independently. In a way, all colleges are the same. The difference is the way you perceive them to be. The point is to make the experience just the way you want it to work out. Be open-minded, understanding, and willing to accept new challenges, ideas, and people. Enter any university excited and ready to start a new life that leads to a great future and most importantly to have a chance to find yourself.

Kyle

The best advice I can give parents is to let your child chose where they want to go, no matter the price allow them to go wherever they want. There will always be financial aide and scholarship opportunities to help in the financial process. As for the student i advise them to chose the place that best fits them. If they want close interaction with people, then they should chose a smaller school, if they dont want close interation with few but mild interaction with many then choose a larger university. Also, no matter where you chose there will always be a party scene. Not all places allow you to hike, kayak, boat, and have a night life. Choose the best college personality that fits your own.