Mercyhurst University Top Questions

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

Jeanetta

Going to college is not a bad thing. So you should always try your best, and not slack off in your classes. Because one day you might want to own your own company, and believe me you will need to learn what you can.

Adele

Create a detailed career plan for life after college, make sure the degreee you earn will provide the desired oppertunites. In addition, make several alternate or fallback plans that can be activated when roadblocks occur in the primary plan. Make meaningful connections with your professors.

Keely

I would tell myself that there is no such thing as too much preparation. Make sure you apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can. Make sure you ask questions to your teachers at the high school and the colleges you are applying for, check out schools you would not think you would be interested in at first. If you have colleges in mind check out the restaurants, job oppurtunities, finanical aid, class sizes, women to men ratio, atheltics, and campus living. Go to college visits, get information on your choice of study. MAke sure your high school grades are high, that you rarely skip school, that you take the ACT along with your SAT and even if you do well on your SAT try again and shoot for a higher score. Work on organization. Have a planner or a calendar. Mark down everything. Study for tests as soon as you know about them, go over notes, and get a good nights sleep. Get involved inyour commnity, be involved in group projects, practice public speaking.

Monique

Dear Monique, This is the future version of you. I know you may be confused right now but I am here to give you some really serious advice. I understand how you are feeling right now you just turned 18, you are about to graduate and you feel like an adult. I am going to tell you right now you don't know anything about life. Please Please Please do not party too much. As the future you, I already know all of the horrible things you go through in two years. Go to college and dont waste time on "friends" and partying. In 2 years you can have an associates degree or moving on to a four year college. I didn't have that advantage because I fooled around and wasted time. With that also comes negative forces in your life which I hope you avoid. I regret the things I did because at this time I am still a freshman in college when everyone around me has moved on. So please, take this advice and use it because I know everything that will happen if you don't and its not pretty.

Hailey

Before coming to college I went to a performing arts school. There everyone was focused on personal success and were in a sense, very slef absorbed. Ballet is very different from any other sport where people have to work together as a team. There is almost no camaraderie in the ballet world, it is a very idividualistic field. Growing up, it became instilled in me that this was the way the rest of the world functioned as well: indiviualistic. I had a very hard time trusting people and opening up to people because of this. I wish I could go back to my transitioning self and say that this is not how everything works. My advice would be to branch outside of my comfort zone, to open up more, and to trust people. To find myself outside of my major because it should not define me. I was eventually able to break away from this mindset that I had built up for myself and learned how to trust people. I now have a group of friends, from many different disciplines, that are like family yo me. I wish this was something I could have known while transitioning into college.

Rachel

If I were able to go back in time and give high school me some advice, there are many things I would say. I would tell myself, “School is the most important thing right now, and you can’t keep procrastinating and putting things off for your boyfriend. Also, knowing what you want to do with your life is important. Do some research and find something that fits you. If you need to take a year or two to find the right thing for you, then do it! Don’t bite off more than you can chew; think very hard before making any big decisions about changing schools. You do not want to rack up a lot of debt with nothing to show for it. Start studying! This isn’t high school any more, and you’re going to continue learning little to nothing if you don’t study! Then you won’t be able to get a job in your field because you won’t know what you are doing. Above all be confident and focused and work hard to achieve your goals. You can do anything if you set your mind to it.”

Heather

College is going to be a lot more difficult than high school. You need to start learning how to study, be organized and manage your time now, even though you don't really have to do that right now. Unfortunately, your high school experience is not going to prepare you for the amount of work it is going to take to ace your college courses. Start making yourself a schedule for each week and set aside time to study for each of your classes throughout the week. Cramming before the night of a test is not going to work anymore when you get to college. You need to study for each class a little bit each day. Start making flash cards of all your class notes and study those a little each day and read your chapters before you have class so you are prepared for the lecture. You also won't have to worry about reading all those pages right before the test. Be prepared for class, study a little each day, make a weekly schedule and stick to it, manage your time wisely and you will succeed in college!

Jesika

Just be yourself and work hard.

Marissa

It's not as hard as you think it will be. You just need to work hard. Get a summer job before going to college, you will need it. Don't be afraid to talk to new people. Be friendly and you'll get along with most people. If you don't know what you want to do, that's okay, you will figure it out. There are plenty of resources to do so. Just be yourself and work hard and you should have no problem succeeding. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Melanie

If I had the opportunity to talk to my former high school senior self, I would reiterate the importance of a college education. I would explain that a college diploma, combined with hard work and motivation, is like a passport to a better job leading to better pay and benefits, which in turn leads to a higher disposable income. I would agree with my younger self who would be pleading that money is not everything, but would remind her that in our society a diploma is the currency that buys options. A higher disposable income means that a paycheck covers not just the necessities in life like food and utilities, but also allows for wider options when it comes to housing, travel, charity and more. A college diploma generally allows one the means and ability to explore the world, live life more fully and serve others in need. I would advocate for living the college experience to the fullest—soak up all the knowledge and information available, join in campus activities and clubs, meet as many interesting and diverse people as possible. Overall, I would say to keep smiling and to always, always, always follow your heart.

Miesha

I have been accepted into Clark University’s Bachelor of Arts Program in Mass Media. My purpose for reaching out to you is to request scholarship funds to supplement my educational expenses. I am requesting these funds due to a lack of financial stability in my household. I have recently graduated from Baltimore City Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies, with dreams to become a TV or Radio Broadcasting Personality. This has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I do feel that I am well prepared for the obstacles and hardships to come from the rigorous Mass Media Program at Clark University. I am a very well-rounded person. My first year at Baltimore City Community College, I knew that I wanted to further my education at a HBCU. I pushed myself for three years to gain my AA degree and begin the transfer student process. I have attended many summer classes at BCCC and had several classes at the Bio Park learning center. My aspirations to attend an out of State school arise from research that I have undertaken pursuant to the field of Communications.

Ebony

Dear Ebony,

Courtney

Balance more academic life versus the social life. Be more involved with activities, clubs, and events on campus. Make more friends than the huge amount you already have.

Rachel

I would tell myself, settle down. I am a very fast paced person, everything needs to be done as soon as possible. This frustrates me about myself, and I think that it also can get in the way of my social life, as well as academic success. Reassurring myself the world isn't going to end if I don't do a paper right now, would have really been helpful and decreased my stress levels significantly. I think letting myslef know that everything happens for a reason would also be important. Things happens, bad test grades, bad break-ups, friends transfer, you don't get a job or internship you wanted, but in the end things will work out, and probably for the best.

Michelle

It is important to keep in mind that everyone is different when it comes to the transition from high school to college and college life itself. Starting off strong academically is key but so is making friends; get involved in campus clubs, activities, sports, etc. Take the initiative to get involved even if you do not know anyone. Find the right group of friends both in your major to keep you on track with academics, and outside of your major to keep you sane. Your friends will help your overall well being, especially as a transitioning freshman. Be careful not to let your social life get in the way of your academics; it is much easier to let your GPA drop than it is to try to raise it. Stay motivated with your schoolwork and develop relationships with your professors letting them see that you care about class material/ school. If you are struggling academically or even socially they can lend a hand or at least point you in the right direction towards help. College life and the transition into it can be tough but you need to remind yourself that everyone is going/ has gone through the same thing!

Lauren

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that it is okay to ask for help. When I first came to campus, I had difficulty making friends, which was a problem I had never encountered before. I considered leaving Mercyhurst because I was so unhappy. My mom convinced me to go talk to an on-campus counselor. At first I was ashamed, but talking with the counselor really helped. I now have a great group of friends who I hang out with all the time. I would tell the high school version of me that it's okay to feel sad and miss home, but it is important to ask for help. I would also tell myself that you cannot force yourself into a group of friends and, if you are patient, a fantastic group of people will enter your life and change it for the better.

chau

When i go to the ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE, which is my current college, i am taught how to communicate and understand people from many different backgrounds. I am in major of Fine Art now. I love to express my emotion through events that i join, class i attend and the art works i make. I always want to do something, that's why i wish my works are not just for exhibition but for realistic purposes.

Scott

I have learned so much about my major since i have been here. It has allowed me to see different job placements for my field of work and allow me to eliminate fields that dont interest me and helps me with the things that interest me most. I really enjoy all of the different sciences that i have the oppertunity to take multiple classes with teachers that i enjoy and the classes are not that big so the teachers are able to help each student who needs it individually.

Kraig

College is very important to me for many reasons. One of which is its importantance to my future. Without college, I would have very little chance of ever reaching my goal of becoming a Telecommunication Technician. With this degree I will have a bright future ahead of me. I hope to receive this scholarship to help ensure I can become all that I can be in my field. Another reason I would like this scholarship is to take the worry out of college. Focus in the classroom should always come before the concern of where the funds for next semesters tuition comes from. Everyone should have an equal chance at reaching their dreams. This is why I would like to thank you for offering this scholarship. I hope that you will continue to help students like me. This allows them to chase their dreams and accomplish degrees, that will give them a hopeful outlook on the rest of their lives.

Janet

College has been a great experience for me. I have learned many things that I did not think I was smart enough to learn. It was daunting to go back to school at my age but I understand better than most of my classmates. It has been rewarding to assist young students that I have class with whom are struggling with their studies in classes that I excell at. I had the wonderful compliment of a teacher that has brightened my days in class with her. I was thanked for being a great student as I come to class and listen, pay attention and learn eagerly. It is fun to engage with my instructors and be able to pick their brains as to the wealth of information in them.

Tanna

My college experience here at Mercyhurst has been one that I feel better prepared me for growing up and being an sucessful independent professional in society. It has been vauble to attend because being on your own forces you to be and act upon responsibities that you may have not done living at home. I have learned to take on financial responsibities , which is a huge task to take on. I have also better grasp the meaning of money but working two jobs while being in school. I have gotten so many postive life experiences from attending school and most importantly an invauble educational experience that will benefit me for life.

Chelsea

Attending college has always been a dream of mine and when I first set foot on the Mercyhurst college campus I knew that it was the place for me. I have just completed my first year and I have learned so much about myself. I believe that college is a time of great personal growth; a time to discover who you really are. While what you learn in a classroom is very important, what you learn about yourself outside the classroom I believe is even more valuable. I have learned to be true to yourself. You know who you are, and you shouldn't change that to accomodate someone else. If you are true to yourself people will see that confidence and you'll find who your true friends are because they will be the ones who will stick by your side through anything. They know who you are because you haven't tried to be anything but yourself. Being true to yourself is perhaps the most important thing I learned from going to college and it's a life lesson that I will carry with me through the rest of my days.

Dara

My college experience has given me the confidence and tools to enter the real world as not only a holder of a bachelor's degree, but a truly educated person. I had a job in my field before graduation and have since gone on to become self employed and successful in several aspects of my college degree. I can truly say that no credit was wasted or empty in my education. I have already used every bit of my degree and can only see more of the same in the future. I have created lasting relationships with my professors and peers who I can rely on as professional references. There was no better choice for me than Mercyhurst College. I don't believe I could have been better prepared for the real world at any other college. This was a perfect fit for me!

Heather

My main focus would be making sure that every major decision is made cautiously. I enjoy the independent liftstyle at college, but you really grow up fast. Researching schools and scholarships is very important. For some reason there is never enough money to go to school. I also wish I could've known more about myself as of what I wanted to be in life. Being very open minded with carreer choices can really confused you. Don't take on more than you can't handle.

Emily

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition there would be a few points of advice I would give myself. First I think I would have to say do not worry so much about the future, you do not have to have the rest of your life planned out before you go to college. Enjoy the time you have left in high schoool but be exceited to start college and something new. Be opened to new ideas and people, get out and join clubs and get to know as many people as you can. College is a lot of work but it should also be fun and one of the best times of your life and it starts to go by fast. Always remember too that anything is possible and follow your dreams.

Alaina

This is a particularly easy question for me to answer, because I remember my exact mindset as a senior in high school: relax and get out! I only took one AP test although I had taken three AP courses, and I only took one class at a local university when I could have taken more. When I got to college, I quickly enrolled in a double major of Journalism (Communications) and Spanish. I love to write and I love the Spanish language, so this was a no brainer for me. However, with the heavy liberal arts focus at this school and the high number of required courses, I am finding it difficult to graduate on time with a double major. And as I have no desire to be at Mercyhurst College any longer than I have to, (I want to go to graduate school and achieve my doctorate), it is of the utmost importance for me to graduate on time. So, in answer to the question, in high school I would have taken more AP tests and university classes in order to come to college with as many credits as possible.

Stephanie

The advice I would give to myself if I were still in high school would be: work hard, because when you get to college, the demands of the classes are so much more. Get involved in many different things so that you have alot of experience in different situations that will help you in your classes and programs. I would also tell myself to try a variety of things and programs in college because there are so many new people to meet, things to do and be a part of, at least by trying them out you can see what you really like, and make good friends too. Making new friends is very important because they help you through the hard times and the stress. Making the transition to living with a roommate and moving far from home was hard too, and I would advise myself to be patient and flexible . I would also be sure to get a larger freezer to keep ice cream in for the really tough days! Last but not least I would tell myself that although you have to work hard, you need time to have fun , relax and rest your brain.

Ashlee

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself to choose my friend very carefully because being with the wrong people can make you not able to be yourself. I would also tell myself that studying is probably the best way to go and not get books from the bookstore because they cost too much, order them online. I would also tell myself to be move involed in on campus activites and organizations because they really are fun and worth it.

Marissa

If I could go back to when I was a senior making my college decision I would tell myself to slow down and check out several schools. Choosing a college shouldn?t be a fast process. You need to scope out the campus, check out financial aid and see whether or not you can make it work. I had my heart set on Mercyhurst College just from looking at it online. Never, base your decision on just what the internet has to show you. That was my biggest mistake. By putting this idea in my head prior to visiting the school there seemed to be no other option. However, after my first trimester, I came to realize that this school wasn?t for me. It?s not that I don?t like Mercyhurst, the location and size just aren?t ideal for me. I do like the small class sizes and my major department but I can find schools with these elements elsewhere. Basically I would have told myself to keep an open mind and not shut other schools out. One might look like the perfect fit, but in the end it might not be what you had hoped for.

Casey

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to listen to others' opinions about my future, but remember that it is ultimately my decision. You cannot always please everyone, and a huge decision like choosing a college is one instance where you have to think of yourself first. Also, make sure you take advantage of any opportunities in your desired field before entering college, because experience will give you a competitive edge. Finally, leave enough time for both academics and social life. You won't be happy studying all the time, and you won't be happy partying all the time. You need to discover a smart balance between the two, which will ultimately lead you to a career and lifelong friendships.

Alanna

I would tell myself not to worry about all the small things that bother teenagers so much, and to let go of all the small upsets that stole so much of my energy back then. None of those concerns matter even a year or two down the road. I would also reiterate how important it is to concentrate on school, because not doing your best in High school sets you up for greater difficulty down the road of life. It is so easy at that age to get sidetracked, or not to take things seriously, when even a little bit of seriousness as a High School Senior allows one to enjoy the experience of the last year of high school and set one on the path for success as an adult.

Bonnie

I quit school before I made it to senior year, but if I could talk to myself before I quit school, I'd tell myself that there's a big, big world out there and that there are untold numbers of possibilities if I just work for them. I'd also tell myself not to waste the years I did and that education is the key to a new and different life. I'd tell myself not to get caught up in what I think I can and can't do, but instead make the attempts and see where they take you. Nothing is ever accomplished in life by avoiding experiences just to avoid possible failure.

Sarah

Get to know as many people as you can off the bat while you are all still generalized. As your major becomes more intense and specific, it will be more difficult to create new friendships with people not in your major. Also, going out on friday nights will not kill you- you deserve to destress occasionally. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT- don't try to take on more than you can handle. Bring good snowboots- the salt on the sidewalks of erie will destroy all of your shoes.

Ann

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that college is going to bring good times and new experiences, but also bad friends, stressful late nights studying, and hardships. The best way to handle the ups and downs of college is to never forget those back home, and to learn to earn trust from the new people that you meet. Never trust people too easily, because those who you think you trust may be the ones to turn around and stab you in the back. Its those who are always there for you no matter how bad you treat them who you need to rely on. Also, don't take things personally. The professors are there to help you, not to make you feel bad about yourself. They only want to tell you what you're doing wrong now before your boss does and humiliates you in front of your colleagues. Finally, trust yourself. Although you may fall down, trust yourself to get back up and accomplish your goals, because with hard work anything is possible.

Lindsey

I would first give myself a hug and a reminder that everything is going to be okay. Then I would get myself excited about college life with stories about the wonderful friendships, the late-night conversations, the dances, the laughter and fun, the camaraderie of people all going through the same things, and the honor and humility in the knowledge that I'm blessed to be attending this school. I would remind myself that not everyone has this privilege, and although it is often extremely difficult, the result is well worth it. I would tell myself not to stress out so much about not knowing what the future holds, because soon enough I would learn that is fine and it makes life all the more an adventure. I would say that it is okay to cry, and it is also okay to sometimes fail, as long as you pick yourself up and keep going. I would tell myself to hold fast and steady, because there is a lot ahead that will challenge me in ways I couldn't imagine. And after I told myself all of this, I would smile, knowing full well that the best is yet to come.

Megan

As a high school senior I remember hearing all the time that time management is the one thing that will make the transition from high school to college easier. If I could go back in time I would take that advice more seriously. Now I know that it is vital to my success in college to manage my time between school, work, and homework. As a freshman I never realized how dificult that was, and now I completely understand. I would also tell myself to start better study habits then. When you get to college the work load is significantly more, and if you do not have good study skills you will not perform as well. Unfortunately, I had to learn this lesson the hard way, but it is one I will never forget.

Serge

Work hard in all my classes and study for the SATs and ACT. Research about the weather and the surrounding area of the college.

BreAnna

I would have told myself then to prepare myself to actually have more of a life. During high school I worked most of the time, up to 25 hours a week. My friends became second priority to going to school, so when I arrived at school I had a hard time letting loose and flying the coup. I was afraid to let go of my home life, so transitioning was tough. I would have also told myself that to live life you have to but yourself out there, get hurt, and stand right back up. College is a time for making mistakes and learning how to deal with these mistakes your own way, without your parents to clean up the mess. It is a time when parents should back off and see if their child can stand on their own, which is important because no young adult is going to move back in with their parents for life. It is important to stay close to family, but to not stop your life everytime you feel a little homesick. Every student needs to take life head on and put themselves out there for life is one big mystery.

Amy

While choosing a undergraduate school to attend, pick a place that feels like home and is inviting to you and your interests. Make sure you and your child feel safe with the surroundings and have everything that they are looking for offered to them.

Caitlin

Make sure that the student does his or her own research to dermine which college to attend. My parents did offer alternatives to consider but I had to make the ultimate choice and I did not want to feel as though I made a decision based on someone elses research or influence. I spent many hours on the internet viewing various college websites and this did give me a feel for those that I wished to visit. Do not consider a school simply beacuse your friends are doing so. Lastly, do not room with a friend from home.

Sara

I hadn?t made a decision between my top two schools until the day before I had to summit my deposit. I thought my choice was perfect. A month into my freshmen year, I discovered my ideal college choice wasn?t. I learned the school didn't offer the academic minor I wanted. I also discovered that I felt like I was going nowhere at the school and wanted and more out of it, feeling like I never truly belonged. I had the mindset all year to transfer. I don't think I ever gave that school a real chance. My advice for those still looking is to really think about and know what options you want in a college. Know if it has your academics, sports, clubs, etc. After I transferred the next year, I still didn't know if I was at the right place because I didn't look at every possible option. Fortunately, I've made the best out of my situation and am proud to say that I am going back. I miss friends I made my freshmen year, but I've also made new ones and look forward to seeing them again this fall.

Aaron

In my opinion, the most important aspect in finding the right college is finding one that the student will feel comfortable attending. It is up to the student to decide whether or not they want to attend a college that has a large student population or a small one. The amount of extra-curricular activities is also important. College isn't just about school work, it's also about students interacting with others and getting to know themselves better. The experience a student has at college will stay with them for life, so it is very important that they make the best of college life. They should become involved in social activities, make many new friends, and just enjoy life. College can be an anxiety producing time for anyone but this dosent have to be the case if the student makes a careful decision on where to attend college. They should find a college that fits their personality and lifestyle so that there is only a small transition into college as oppossed to a large one. If all of these aspects are taken into consideration, the student can easily make their college years the most enjoyable experience of their lifetime.

Casey

When choosing a school, you should definitely visit more than one, because comparisons can save you from ending up at a school you might not actually like for 4 years. Also, follow your gut and make sure you choose a school where you can see yourself living and studying for 4 (or more) years. Once you choose a school, make it a point to find out all that the school has to offer. Joining clubs and organizations helps you meet new people and really adds to the overall college experience.

Casey

Choosing the right college is one of the most difficult processes in life. Students should research and know what is important to them. Parents should hold back and only assist in the process, not make the decision. Overall searching for the right college should be fun and exciting so get out there, tour, visit and talk to other students. Good Luck!

David

Find a school that will benefit your future career. Academics are very important. You will find friends where ever you go.

Ashli

My first piece of advice would be to look into the students major; is this the major you want? Does this school have a good department for what you want to do with your major? Second, what about the college is the most important to you? Do you want a college in a city? A town? Do you want large classes or small personal classes? Third, and probably the most important to parents, what is the financial situation of the school? What kind of scholarships can the student be offered? Are there any loans that could be received through the college? How much will the student and parent be expected to pay throughout the school year? Can you afford it for the next four years? The worst thing you want to do is show up to college on that first day and not have the money to finish the school year, or have to change schools at the end of the year. Remember, your education is priceless; cheaper could mean better... Good luck in your search for the perfect school!

Stefany

If I could go back and decide again, as a student-athlete, I would research about the community and social network on campus. Reasons for doing this is because one might realize he/she does not like playing a college sport, but if they love the college then it is worth staying where they are. Do not chose a college based on the coach and sport. Now as a student, I would pick a school that takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to get experience in your field. The more experience you have, the easier it is for an employer to hire you, due to a high quality resume the college helps you build.

Kylie

A bigger school would be better, campus is boring.

Jennifer

If you want one on one attention and small classrooms this is your place. You need to find a school that has good academics first and that will give you the best oppurtunities after you graduate.

Ernest

Make sure it is a school where you are comfortable at. If possible take a look at the school before you choice one.