Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

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

Morgan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as high school senior, I would have a lot of advise for myself. I would stress to myself how important it really is to get good grades in high school so you can get into the college and the major you really want to. Feel thankful for the home you live in while in high school, becaue dorm life is completely different and it has made me see how great living in a house really is. In high school, just because you want to go far and get away to start fresh, doesn't always mean it is the best thing for you. Living far away from home is harder than I had anticipated, and I wish I would have got better grades so I could have gone to a University of my choice. I would stress to myself how important education really is, and you need an education to go anywhere in life.

Stephen

You will love college compared to high school and I suggest that you try to find a club in school or outside activity so that you can make friends as soon as you become involved in college. Being a high school senior you should really think about what your interests are and what new experiences you would like to have. Pick a college that has more than one subject you are interested in. In someways you will find that classes you chose will be easier than high school because they are your interest. Just as long as you work hard and make the right choices based on your interests you will be fine. When it comes time to decide on where to go , visit at atleast three colleges and then you should know which is the correct school for you.

Ayana

In retrospect If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would give myself a lot of needed advice. First I would advise myself to get enough sleep every night so that you?re not sleepy in class or so tired that you skip class to sleep in. I would also advise myself about eating healthy and exercising regularly since I?ve gained 30 pounds since starting college. I would also advise myself about trusting everybody because some people don?t deserve it and you will end up getting hurt. I would tell myself to study harder to get a planner so that you don?t forget when things are due. I would tell myself to fill out scholarship applications now so that you know your school bill will be covered. I would also tell myself to utilize your advisor so that I could find out where the writing center is and do better in my comp.1 class. Lastly I would tell myself to stay faithful to my boyfriend because in the end everyone got hurt.

Michael

Enjoy every bit of your college life, know what you want to be, and give it your fullest potential to show the world who you truly are.

tamara

If I could go back and talk to myself I would start off by saying the skies are the limits. I would encourage the younger me to push myself more, by taking harder courses and putting in more hours of studying. I would continue to encourage getting involved in school activities because it looks great on transcripts. I would advise this young lady that was full of fear to step out to take a greater leap and apply to school in another state. Attending school in another state would break that safety you have being so close to home and prepare you more for the realities of life. When selecting courses, do not over do it by having a load that doesn't allow you to retain what you are learning. Finally I would suggest paying more attention to each class because whether you realize it or not each classes will show up in some form or another of you career or daily life.

April

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior, I'd say that you shouldn't be afraid of change. Alot of the students that were in my class went to the local college in my area. I, as well did that. I chose a college close to home because I was scared of living my life without my parents right by me and because a friend was going to the same college. I thought I'd have a better experience being with somebody I knew. I made that decision because I was scared I was not going to adapt to the new place I was going to be living at. I was in a new place, living with so many new people not knowing really anybody. I was scared nobody was going to like me. In my hometown, I am so used to be being known as the girl who is outgoing, and funny. At Mansfield, nobody knew that person. What I now realize is that change made me more independent and responsible. I am now no longer afraid of change. I know I can make it in the world with nobody by my side.

Heather

I would definitely tell myself to not take study time for granted. I'd also tell myself to work harder and use every moment to my advantage to keep myself ahead of the game. You do not want to fall back in college because everyone else will continue to move ahead and they are not going to wait for you to catch up. Keep your head in the game and don't let yourself fall into bad habits that will prevent you from staying ahead in class work. Make sure that you know how to manage your time so that you can get everything else done in a proper amount of time. Don't spread yourself out too thin as to tire yourself out so that you wouldn't be able to complete previously scheduled engagements. Create networking among lots of people. Make sure to keep up with work, make friends, don't be afraid to ask for help and stay close with your family. That is what I would tell myself if I could go back in time.

Jessica

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior about college life I would probably say that I shouldn't be scared to go off to college. I was afraid that I would have a hard time ajusting to the classes and meeting new friends. I ended up really enjoying the classes and making great friends. I see many people that are in the stage where they let loose because they are free from their parents and they make poor decisions. I would tell myself that not all students attending school are like that and also to not believe everything that you see on tv because you would probably be disappointed. I would end by saying to just be myself and work hard. If I do that I will become successful.

Timothy

Take it easy, don't worry too much about it.

Michaela

When I was back in high school, I never realized the great importance a proper education can contain. Being at college, it is now that I realize that importance. I wish I could of realized the great responsibility and commitment that education provides for me and my fellow students. I am eternally grateful now, more than I was then to be going to college and no longer take this proper education I have now for granted.

Angela

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to deny my own needs. Part of becoming an adult is learning how to take care of oneself. I ended up quitting and leaving my first college after a bout of depression. Returning home at that point was not the best choice because I became even more dependent on my parents for support. There was a lot more I could have done to prepare myself in high school to stop those things from happening in college. I could have applied for more scholarships so I could take charge of my education and pay for it myself. I could have applied to more schools instead of just the ones my friends pressured me into. I could have gone in my own direction instead of waiting for parental approval. In essence, I would have told myself to take the leap of faith and do what I really wanted to do. This would have made me a stronger person and a more independent adult.

Angela

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a college senior, I would tell myself to sign up for as many scholarships as I could. Education is very difficult to pay for, especially in a poor economy. I would also encourage myself a little more. When I first left for school, I attended Hood College in Maryland for two years and ended up quitting because of a depression problem. Looking back, I never should have quit school; I should have gotten help for my problem. There are so many opportunities in this world if one is willing to fight for them and not give up. When I was younger, I did not fully understand this. Sometimes things do straighten themselves out with time, but you cannot rely on that. You have to take an active part in your destiny and not let opportunities pass you by.

Margaret

There are many things which I would recommend to myself. First of all, I would tell myself to make sure that Mansfield was the right thing. I should have meet more people who came to Mansfield. Next, I would tell myself to make sure to buy more professional clothes before coming to school. To continue, I would tell myself to go to the gym more so I could be used to the schedule of not eating too much in Manser, the dining hall. Finally, I would tell myself to relax because you will find people who will accept yourself. I would also warn myself that you could get a roommate who can be horrible but to not give up because another roommate will come and be one of your best friends.

Kris

Finding the right college can take some time. My advice to students consists of two things. First, get to know the real you, think about your future. What kind of environment do you want to be in as you take your first step into college life? Second, stay focused. Once you know the environment and type of person you want to be, you need to apply it to the University that best relates. Parents, all you have to do is simply be there for your children. Let them know they are always welcome home when they need it, because they will. Now when the journey begins and you?re transitioning into the college lifestyle, BE YOURSELF! The worst thing you can do when making new friends is being fake. Going to college is the last chance to start your image off anyway you want it, but it needs to be the real you. In High School you may have been the geek or the athlete, and in college you may want to change that, go ahead. But be the person that is going to prove him or herself as a successful, smart, and characteristic individual, as you know you are.

Kayla

A great idea is to do a lot of college "shopping". Comparing prices among every other important thing there is to know when looking for the right college. Definitely check out the campus before applying.

Sydney

As a member of my school's Freshman Orientation Team, I have had the priviledge to introduce hundreds of new students to the school I call home. It has been a very rewarding experience and I have learned a lot. One of the most interesting parts of the job is that I get to see all these new, worried freshmen and their parents and am reminded of myself and my college search not too long ago. I am reminded of what I looked for in searching for the perfect college and the perfect college experience. If I were to advise a parent or student on this matter, I would tell them that the school they choose should fit the standards the student has set (quality of major, class size, student-teacher ratio, prices, financial aid, etc.) A student should not have to settle with a school that is below what they expect. I also advise to all of the incoming freshmen that to make the most of college, one should get involved. It is near impossible to be successful and have fun when you hide in a hole. Get out, get aquainted, get involved.

Emma

I think when kids are looking at college, the main focus is finding that the school has their particular major/minor focus. The social scene is also important at college. The program one may want, may be perfect, but the social scene may not be so nice. Remember that you're at college to learn , as well built possibly long-life friendships, so paying attention to the student body is also important. Another important thing to pay attention to is the professors. If you're a student that may struggle, one may prefer attending small classes where the professors can give more time than at a bigger university.

Aimee

I would suggest that both parents and students not only look at the academic influence a school will have on them, but also the social benefits of the school. I enjoy Mansfield University because it is both a great place to learn and grow through education but also because I have made friendships that will last forever. Also, I would suggest looking at the teachers and their credentials. Students should make sure to talk to people who have attended any University they are looking into going to so that they know what to expect. Even better, visit as many colleges as possible so that a comparison can be made between many different school so that you can choose the one that is right for you. Also, remember that the school that is right for your best friend, might not be the right one for you. Make the decision that is best for you based on research and college visits; That is the best way to get to know the campus community and also make sure when you do make a decision it is the right one.

Danielle

The advice I would give parents or students about finding the right college is to just go with what you feel best suits you. I would say to pay attention to the academic programs as well as the activities that are available to students and chose the college that has the programs that interest you most. I feel as though it really is all about what feels right to the particular person. In my case, as well as a lot of other people's cases, they just know when they get there that it is the right college for them. There are so many things to consider when attending a college, but don't let all of the options overwhelm you. You just have to look at the big picture. In order to make the most out of your college experience, you should not be afraid to try new things, take new classes, or attend campus events. Once you find the right college and get settled in, you really are in for a life changing experience that will brighten your future and your life.

Mathew

The best advice i could give to prospective students and parents would have to be that you must visit the Universtiy of your choice. There should be no reason why you should not be able to experience your next possible school. Being able to visit the school gives the students a perspective no one else can provide for them. You can listen to everyone all you want about the school, but you are the only one that can make the decision for yourself for the school of your choice. Also while you are on a visit to the university try talking to potential teachers in your major in order to find out what golas they might have and what your future might hold at the school for your future career.

Krista

I think finding the right college is very difficult when you're only 18 years old and you have to choose what you want to do at a young age. Picking the right college involves if you like the atmosphere, if you know how good the program your going into is, and if the professors are good. You have to make sure there's a good chance you will be hired because of the degree you recieve from your college. Make sure that more that 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the students that graduate from your program get hired. If you do not like the people you meet at an orientation, dont go there; you wont get along with anyone. But, if you make sure you like all the people you meet and the campus really suits you, then go for it. It's going to be a hard decision no matter what.

Randy

Find the school that has their major, and that gives them the oppourtunities to go and look at the school before you make your decision. Also, make sure that you are pleased with how campus looks because if your not, and you go to the school you are looking at it every day for a few years.

Matthew

The best thing a prospective student can do is shadow a student in their inteded degree program for a day. It gives the student a chance to see the teachers in action, as well as meet some current students in a friendly way. Also, how hard you have to work to get your voice heard and your requests granted by the admissions department says a lot about a school. A good school will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome, and that you are getting the treatmet you want. You shouldn't have to ask 5 times to shadow, or sit in on some classes, the school should be begging you to do it. Lastly, be open minded. Don't be afraid do have your pre-conceptins and ideas about a school change after you visit. Choosing the right college doesn't have to be difficult, just open your mind to new possibilites.

Alyssa

Make sure that you not only look up information in the computer, but visit the colleges that you are looking at. Many times, when you get to campus, you'll know right away if it is for you are not. If you just make a decision by how it looks on the computer or by what other people tell you, you could be making a big mistake. To make the most of your college experiece it is best to balance school work and social life equally. Make sure you study, but it is just as good to join clubs, sports, or activities provided to help from not getting burned out. Go to your professors and ask for help if you need it; they appreciate you taking the time to care, and for the most part, want you to succeed. Also, make sure you like your advisor. If you do not then switch. They are a valuable resource and the campus should be accommodating you.

Chelsea

The number one piece of advice I would give to parents and students would be to follow your heart and choose the school that is right for you. Don't choose a school to please someone or becasue it highly ranked. If it doesn't feel like home to you, you never will be happy there. College turns in to your second home, and your friends there are your second family. Also look at a bunch of schools, keep an open mind, then choose the one that's right. When you visist the right college you'll just know. To make the most of your college experience you need to be open and talk to people. remember that everyone is new to the whole college thing and looking for friends. Don't be afraid to get out there and join clubs or other activities, just don't try to do too much. Also don't get discouraged if your not making tons of friends. Try to make a couple real close friends because having close friends is better than having tons of semi-friends. Then the more friends will come.

Lauren

What helped me most during my college search mostly, were websites that gave information on colleges. You took some sort of test on what you wanted most out of a school. You typed in the size of the school you want, whether you want a public or private school, how much you want to spend, specific extracurricular activities you were interested in and when you were finished, it came up with specific colleges that, based on your answers, you would like. However, you can never know exactly what you're looking for until you visit some schools and get the real experience while you're there. Staying with someone who goes there and going to some classes with them is the best thing in my opinion.

Renee

Go there and sit in on classes. Talk with graduating seniors and ask them about their overall experiences at the college. It's such an insightful expeirence. Getting to talk with someone in the department that you wish to be involved with may even help more. I worked as a campus guide for a year and I would tell anyone to go to MU.

Jillian

The advice that I would give parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is not to be afraid to take risks. You want to be comfortable but at the same time, this is the time of your life where you can get out and explore different things that the world has to offer. I'm saying this because I feel as though I am cutting myself short by attending a University which i grew up around my whole life. I know that i can transfer but at this time in my schooling I'm not sure where I want to go, and I'm almost scared to make a move. So just get out there and don't be afraid to take a risk.

Steven

My advice to the parents who are worried about their kid going to college would be, do not worry one bit about them. From experience, most sudents do not go out every night and drink. So if thats what a parent would be worried about, thats usually not a problem. Also, there are tons of resouces at the school for every kid no matter what their problem maybe. The advice I would give to the students attending college is, get your work done before you go out and have fun. There is tons of free time in any one givin day after classes are over. The more work you get done, the more free time you will have and the more you will understand whats going on in classes. The main reason for going to college is getting to the next level of your career. Not to go and party all the time. If that was the case, why not just skip college and drink instead of wasting thousands of dollars. College is not all about fun. First thing is first, and thats getting your school work done. Then your fun can begain.

Amber

Make sure you love where you are. Set an outline for the type of school you want, but don't follow them strictly. You never know what oppertunites you miss if you close off your options. Make the most of your college experience by getting involved. School work is important, and it should come first, but being involved is where memories are made. Join clubs and activites, be involved with greek life, attend campus functions. When you invest yourself in the college experience you take the most away from it.

Patience

My advice to parents or students about finding the right college, I would say be very certain and positive about your decision and choice for college. My first advice will be search for college that has your major, and relate to your career goal. After finding your choice of college, I advice that you take a campus visit, and find out more information about the college. What you see on college website is not always true. There a saying that says seeing believes, I also advice you to focus on the campus surrounding. Make sure it is safe and secure. focus on the college tuition and fees. Make sure you can afford it. Another Advice I will give is get involve on campus and make friends, be careful of the kind of people you talk to, college is a dangerous place. It is the best and worst place to be. Participant on campus, get involve with organization, clubs, and activities, and let your voice be hear. Make a difference of your college experience. Get help and be of help to others. Do not be afraid to express your emotion. Thank positive, and but God first when you are making decisions.

Courtney

Review the percent of students who graduate and go on to Grad Schools or the percent of student that are offered a job after graduation. Also, attend a school in which the student feels comforterable. ( Urban vs. Rural)

Jacquelyn

Although tuition, location, and choice of majors is an integral part of the decision procees, the overall atmosphere of a campus should also be considered. If college is where students develop a stronger sense of who they are and what they are made of, than it is crucial to find an environment that is conducive to that process. The university's faculty and staff play a role in developing students ideals, beliefs, and theories that they will carry with them into the work environment. So it is more important to have professors that are knowledgeable, warm, welcoming, and receptive to the needs of their students and their students' families than it is to have experts in their respective fields that lack the genuine concern for their students' progress. Students that have the opportunity to express their personalities, survey a variety of courses and disciplines, develop lifelong relationships with peers and mentoring relationships with faculty will not only be more marketable in the job market, but also graduate with a stronger self-concept, higher level of confidence, and memories of a more rewarding college experience.

Kaela

When it comes to finding the right college you want to make sure it feels right. I attended many school orientations and saw what each campus had to offer, but as soon as I set foot at my college, I knew it was where I wanted to go. Upon receiving my acceptance letter I was so overjoyed, I cried. I would say to the parents, that it's very important to show your children as many schools as possible, be supportive with their decisions, and also offer as much assistance in their decision as possible without forcing anything upon them. As for students, don't pick a place off of how many parties they have or how cute the opposite sex was when you went to visit. Make sure you're passionate about it and be sure to check the department out in which you choose to pursue. The more you know about where you want to attend, the easier the transition, the more you're going to enjoy your time at college.

Jill

Get involved in a lot of activities, but make sure that you're not overloaded with social stuff. Make time for schoolwork and keep your GPA up.

Jessica

I would say do not go to a college because your friends are going, your significant other is going, or it is cheaper. Find a college that emphasizes on your career choice, thats what I did. Also, if the school has activities that catch your interest, look into it. Do not pick a school at random either. It could just spell disaster. If you like large student bodies with large class sizes and less student-teacher interaction, go to a large school. If you are like me and would rather have more student-teacher interaction, find a small school with small class sizes. College is an experience and a way to find out who you truely are. Find a school that you are interested in on your terms, not someone else's like your parents. I had parents who wanted me to find a cheap school close to home. I wanted to find one where I can grow on my own and had a curriculum for my profession. I got both. I would rather have some of my own space where I can live a little. Make college an experience that changes who you are into someone you can be.

Danielle

My advice would be to choose a college that feels right to you right away. Choose a school that appeals to you in the sense that it offers the program(s) that interest you and do not choose a school just based on the social life that it offers you as well. The main purpose of college is to obtain an education to help better your future after you graduate. Therefore, your education should be your number one priority and choosing the right school to benefit you in the most ways possible. I have always thought that college is more than just school; it is a real life experience. It is very important to make the most out of your college experience and the main factor behind that is to take your education seriously from the start. It is also very important to participate in the activities that your university provides for you. Not only are they a way enhance your school spirit, but they also provide you great opportunities to get to meet your fellow classmates. Your college experience is one that you will remember for the rest of your life, so make the most of it.

Nicole

Make sure you visit the college and feel like you would belong there. If you feel like it is the right place for you, then it will be the right college. You want to make sure that they have the program that you plan on studying and is right for you. Make the most of your college experiecne by getting involved. If you get involved on campus, not only will you meet new friensd but it will give you an opportuinity that you have never had before.

emma

My advice to parents is dont push your kids too hard towards the college YOU want them to attend, let them make their own choice when it comes to that (depending on $ issues, etc). Because if you pressure them into going to the college you want them to attend, they may give in , so not to upset you and not be happy with the decision that they have made. My advice to students about finding the right school, there is NO rush to finish college. Perhaps taking a year off in between high school & college would be a good chioce, because it allows you a break but would make you ready to head back into the classroom environment. Dont think that you have to know exactly what you want to do with your life your senior year of high school but during your first year of college, take a variety of classes to see which ones you'll like. Basing your experience on what you've learned then take steps towards a direction that you want to take, instead of jumping into something then ending up not really liking it.