Rivier University Top Questions

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

Kelly

Get involved! I would tell myself to not be so self-conscious and never be afraid to pursue anything that you have any interest in. Be eclectic! Even if you have only a slight interest in any subject, music, art, sports, or photography, go out for the club or team, and sign up for classes that will challenge to think outside the box. Believe in yourself! You only get one time around this earth, so shoot for the moon and don't be afraid to fail! Failure is learning. You'll only regret never trying. Forget the haters, and focus on the people who want to support you. Be grateful. Be humble. Be honest. Never let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do! Don't worry if you're making waves simply by being yourself. Be willing to let go of the life you planned so as to have the life that is waiting for you. And finally, each and every one of us has the potential to achieve something truly amazing. Go out there and get it!

Kami

If given the chance to go back in time, I would tell myself to focus more on my studies. I would also encourage myself to go to college much sooner. I would tell myself that i shouldn't feel like i can't go to school or that I'm not smart enough.I would tell myself to enjoy the experience of college life. Lastly, I would explain that college is expensive and that i should work on finding ways to get assistance to help pay for it. That way i can focus more on my studies and learning rather then on the stresses of how to pay for college.

Tayler

With a racing heart rate, sweating palms, and a vast deal of hope, I held within my hands a letter from Rivier University. I tear the envelope open to discover I have been accepted into the nursing program for the fall of 2013. My excitement and sense of accomplishment was at an all time high, for I did not yet understand what the journey of making the transition to college life would entail. Upon moving into the residence halls, I was too excited to understand the educational struggles that layed ahead of me. Knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would love to go back to the moment I tore open that envelope. I would want to tell myself to have faith and courage in my abilities to succeed, and to never give up, no matter the struggle. To study notes after every class, to do assignments well before they are due, to hypothesize original ideas in essays, to give my all into every assignment, big or small, and to understand what my objective is in life, are all pieces of advice I wish to have understood in that moment.

Taylor

I would tell myself that college is nothing like high school. In college, you are more independent but you have so many resources to rely on for help. Making friends in college is easier because you are in classes with people who have similar interests based on major. College is not as hard as everyone says, as long as you study and work hard. Balancing your time is also not so hard if you keep organized. I would tell myself to work hard in high school, and get help if needed. I never used tutors in high school, but looking back I should have. You should use whatever resources are available to help you succeed.

Emily

Dear Emily, First, don't drop out. Dont hang out with the "bad crowd", and dont do drugs. I promise the path ahead of you is long and dangerous. You will lose yourself, your family, and your future. I know you dont want to go to school but believe me its such a short chapter in your life and you can do it. I know you are smart and if you put your mind to it you can achieve ANYTHING. I know for a fact you will regret not having a normal college life like all your friends. While they go off to college you will be stuck in the same damaged world for years. You dont want to be in your late twenties just starting out in college. Will you fit in? Will you feel old looking at all the recent seniors in classes with you? Please Emily, think long and hard about your decisions because they WILL shape your future. Have good fun and learn in school now, not when the rest of your friends are starting families. Live for NOW. The time is now. Good luck on your journey, Emily

Kayla

Don't be so focused on one school. It may be your dream school, but sometimes things just don't work out and it's not your fault. Community College won't be the death of you, so apply yourself more, make your parents proud. Your dream school will still be waiting, and as luck would have it, you can find a school that makes you just as excited and jittery. Your experience is what you make it and there's always new things to discover on the way. Keep your chin up and your shoulders like a queen and you can do anything that you set your mind to; don't let anyone tell you different.

Sandra

My biggest advice would be not to slack. Senioritis is a bad thing. It is not cool to not go to school. It isn't cook not to do assignments and it is not cool to drink and smoke weed. I wish someone had talked to me as a senior in high school. College is not joke, there is hardly any homework, but there are alot of reading assignments. There are also a lot of writing in each of my classes. I only wish I could tell my senior self to stay on top of things, write more scholarship essays, and not slack off. It would have helped alot.

DIEGO

Dear Diego, I am writing to you today to offer you my honest advice, before you enter your college years. College is going to be a lot different from high school. Remember those teachers who sat with you and listened to your excuses for not passing in your school work on time, and they made an exception for you? Those teachers are going to stay with you in your memory, and there only. College will be very different, you will be asked to be more responsible now, and self-confident. Please set aside time for you to do some reflection before you enroll in college. Think about what you want to do? Where you want to go in life? and more importantly: How much do you have to pay for school and how much do you plan on spending? This is going to be the most important step of your life. Trust me, I have been there and I can assure you it hasn't been easy. Working full-time and going to school at the same time is for the determined person. So please don't waste your years in school having fun! Be serious about it. Take care!

Ashley

If is could go back in time would to tell myself to try harded. Not to just make it by in classes but to get As in all of then and really concentate on the work. and to keep the friend you made in highschool because when you first move to college it can be scary. Anf not just not give up my dreams to keep pushing though it!

ryan

When advising my high school self with college and what it's really like, I would have only two major issues to cover: STUDYING and PROCRASTINATION. All throughout high school I got so used to being able to just barely "get by" by putting forth minimal work ethic and paying little or no attention in class. College is A LOT different! Of course, I found that out the hard way during my first two semesters in college, passing 5 out of my 8 classes (with D's). This was all due to my lack of studying and most favorite pass-time, procastination. With that being said, I have since been struggling financially to pay for college. My grade point average was deemed unsatisfactory and I was put on academic probation (taking away my much needed financial aide). All in all, lesson learned and I have been working much harder to maintane a decent gpa. I only wish I had done this in the beginning instead of wasting my own time and money.

Jean

Don't let the judgemental atmosphere of high school discourage you from the mind opening oppurtunities of adult education. When I was in high school, I hated school because kids made it hard to feel normal, let alone successful. I was a D students and vowed I would never go to college. Just out of high school I landed a really good paying job. I found that I wanted to develop and grow in new the company. At age 30, I realized that in order to do that I would need some education. With much hesitation, I enrolled in a Supervisory Management Program. Before starting school, I had a chat with my mom. She earned her Nursing degree as an adult raising six children. I new if anyone had challanges with college it would be her. How does a person balance life, family, a full-time job and college? Her testimony inspired me to look beyond my insecurities and rise to the challange. It was the best thing I ever did. Adult education is so much better then high school. The students and the teachers are great! I have never felt more successful. My 4.0 GPA speaks for itself!

Ipek

To be honest, I have always thought about going back in time to talk to my high school senior self. I wish I could go back and tell myself to work hard and strive for the best. I'm currently taking prerequisite classes to get into nursing. These classes are the same that I took while I was in running start trying to get my Associates Degree. I was too involved with my friends and socializing then actually studying and caring about school. I would tell myself, "The sooner you get it done the better." I could have been working as an RN from the time I was 22 years old. Now I'm 26, working on pre-nursing classes and will have another two years of the nursing program. By the time I'm 30 I would like to own my first home, have a great career, and start a family. Everything has been pushed back because my 18 year old self wasn't interested in school at the time. If I had a magic lamp, there is no doubt that I would talk to my 18 year old self.

Kelsey

You’re about to begin the most interesting journey You’ve ever had in your life There’ll be pressure and struggles, trials and troubles Plenty of good but plenty of strife And people you know may turn out to be enemies The road to success is not a perfect place You’ll be faced with decisions that stretch you to breaking But it’ll all be okay if you just keep your faith Don’t choose to be tempted, and run if you are So many situations put you to the test Choose as your friends those who bring out the best in you But never forget to be kind to the rest And when it comes to assignments, work as hard as you can It will all pay off in the end If you start on your homework as soon as you can You’ll do well and then still have time for your friends Yes, the workload is heavy, the pressure is hard But don’t let stress have the last say With every new obstacle of homework or peers Take a breather, relax, and then pray And everything somehow will turn out okay.

Kaitlyn

Make sure you learn time management and use it to the best of your ability. The transistion of work load and available time changes dramatically as you go from a senior in highschool to a freshman in college. It is a shock and can be very overwhelming at times if you do not learn how to properly manage your time. With good time management college students will be able to balance there class work and their social life much easier, with much less stress and alot more fun. It will allow you to get the good grades you want and still be able to go out with your friends. If you learn this skill early on your college experience with be much better and less stressful.

Jessica

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my senior self about college life, I would defanitely give myself the advise to continue to work harder. College classes, professors, and assignments do not procrastinate. As someone who always used to procrastinate, I would tell myself to do the work as soon as I know what I have to do and to get as involved in the work as possible, and asking for help instead of pondering the assignments until the last minute to get it done. College is fast pased and there is no time for lazyness.

Kelsey

I would say don't be so nervous because college is great and yes it may be hard, but I know that I am more then capable of doing it.

Simon

Do not make assumptions and do not tie yourself down to any long-term career or relationship without first exploring all of the options available to you. It's not all about the money, but if your heart and mind aren't set on any particular school, try going to a community or other less-expensive college for a year or two while you figure things out. When you first enter college, join a variety of clubs and organizations. You don't have to stick with them all but try to find some passions and hobbies along the way. Even though GPA is important, it's not all about that either. When you graduate college your degree will represent a combination of all the classes, events, parties, sports, travel, and any other expierences you have along the way. Everyone in your class and major had to take a lot of the same classes, but it's what ELSE you did that sets YOU apart. Ask lots of questions. Always be present and interested in whatever you are currently doing. Always choose a new situation over an old, comfortable one... you will learn more that way.

Melissa

Looking back at my high school years, I have realized that you need to work hard for what you plan to achieve, things do not always fall into your lap. I have always dreamed of becoming an Early Childhood educator my entire life, I thought it would be easier that it has. I went to Fitchburg State University for the first three years of college and am now enrolled at Rivier University for the fall. In high school I figured that just because I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher and helping to teach as many young children as I could, meant that it would happen no matter what. If I could go back, I would tell myself to keep my head up, continue to follow my dreams but continue to try my hardest and follow my heart. Look at more options, more schools, and avoid any negative feedback from others. Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

Michael

What’s up? It’s me your inner self “Big Mike” talking to you. As it stands our college future is in jeopardy. Been there, seen it. “High school baseball standout Mike Scanlon attends Manchester Community College; poor academic record keeps him from advancing to his college choice.” You play fall ball injured and get cut from the spring team because of unsatisfactory academic performance. Heartbroken, you transfer to Tunxis Community College closer to home and work full time to stay busy. You transfer again to Manchester Community College in the fall but school budget cuts include eliminating the baseball program. Let me give you a piece of advice. “Do what you do best, channel your passion for baseball, apply it in the classroom and challenge yourself academically.” This is a second chance, a huge break for a “DO OVER.” College is a great adventure, one that leads to an abundance of career opportunities and advancement over a lifetime. High school is a stepping stone, a journey that leads to the adventure. “Get it right this time.”

Pamela

“A light at the end of a long and painful tunnel”; that is what I feel I am getting from my college experience. I went back to school late in life to change careers to nursing. After receiving an Associates degree, I worked full-time as an RN and part-time continued to work towards a Bachelors. I worked hard as a Medical-Surgical and then an ICU nurse. This type of nursing is very labor intensive. Just as I was finishing my Bachelors I sustained a devastating back injury, requiring three progressively more extensive surgeries. I was out of work for over eight months. At this point I have not been able to return to my previous position as an RN. I have decided that school will be my savior. I have been accepted into a Graduate program for Nurse Practitioners. Who knows, maybe this is how it was all supposed to happen. Years ago I wrote down “About the Tao”. On occasion I reread it to remind myself: “Let the world unfold without always attempting to figure it out…When expectations are shattered, practice allowing that to be the way it is….” And then go back to school.

Ashley

I haven't gotten much out of it since i have not begun until the fall semester. However i can say the experience of entering a new college is more than exciting. The freedom pours upon as you enter the campus, it certainly is not high school anymore. It is the place where you decide where your life is going to go. It is something so valuable because without it you not only miss out on four years of maturing and finding out who you are, but also these days it is getting harder and harder to get into the career you have always dreamed of without it. You finally get to take those classes that truely interest you, with some of the not so fun classes, but the ones you like make up for that. It is the most amazing learning experience a person can attend in their life.

Lindsay

I had a very difficult time in high school, starting with the death of my grandmother that was a close friend, and went down hill ffor a while. Needless to say, it was difficult to get a college to believe that I had the maturity to be successful. Being accepted to Rivier College was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. The educational opportunities, strong friendships, and personal growth and achievements that I have experienced over the past year has been life changing. Not many of my friends from high school can say that they have had the opportunity to meet television and music celebrities up close and personal. From stars from "The Real World" to our director of Multicultural Affairs who was a singer with the Platters and has shared her awesome experiences with us, Riv students are getting their monies worth. My school, although small, does an amazing job exposing its's students to cultural, spiritual, and civic responsibility and I am glad to be a part of it. I was afraid to leave home last fall, but in a very short period of time, I learned that I had wings could fly.

Rebecca

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would have some strong advice for myself about the transition to college, and living away from home and my best friend, my mother. I would tell myself that I was making the right choice with my chosen college and that once I was there everything would work out to my best interest. I would tell myself to spare the tears and not become stressed about the packing and many new items that needed to be purchased. I would advise myself that the college workload would not be more than I could handle and that I would make many new friends with whom I could share my problems and would spend many fun times with. Everyone's advice to themselves as high school seniors would probably be similar to mine except this last piece I would make sure to say; you are a mature enough young adult to make it on your own and away from your mother. If I had known this last piece of advice in high school, I would have replaced all of my stress and apprehension about college with excitement.

Samantha

Never to loose focus and lessen the amount of acivities and distractions in my life so i have time to study and concentrate on my school work. I oud that playing soccer for my college was major ditraction andthats when I realized that soccer has always been a major distraction but didn't see that until I came to college and it affected my study habits.

Rebecca

As a senior in high school, I was shy and unwilling to change. I wanted security by having the same friends and surroundings. If I could go back and tell myself something about going to college it would be, go for it! Changing and growing is something that happens all through life and college is the first step, no matter when you go. Although going when your younger is a better experience, as it opens you up to many opportunities that will lead to a fulfilling life.

Stephanie

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that this college is much like the high school I attended. It is small and you as the student are really given the chance to work with your teachers and get the most from your education. The transition is somewhat difficult becuase of the distance. Living at school on the weekends is hard because everyone leaves, but getting a job would be benifical to you in many ways. You can earn extra money and keep busy on the weekends. There are parties but if you live in the right buildings you will still be able to concentrate and get all of your work done. As hard as the first year will be for you, you will enjoy it in the end and once you graduate with your teaching degree it will all be worth it. As with everything else there will be good and bad times, but don't worry you are equipped with enough knowledge to get through it. Everything will be fine in the end.

Crystal

Save Money! As a High School student, I already knew that I wanted to attend college. I was a single teenage mother for my Senior year of High School, but that made me even more ambitious to continue with my education. The one thing that I had not prepared myself for, as a High Schooler, was the college-related expenses. I owe thousands of dollars towards my college education. I wish that I would have taken the time, in High School, to look up Scholarships and Grants.

Amanda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, there would be many things I would say. I would start by saying, get involved. It took me until my sophmore year to participate in clubs and volunteer work. There is so much joy that comes from helping out in the community. I would tell myself to stay focused, education comes first. It's important to stay focused and get the grades you are cappable of. I would tell myself to make decisions for myself and no one else. I am the one who is going to further my educational career. I need to choose what is best for me. And finally, I would tell myself to enjoy my senior year. It is your last year in higschool make it count and make it worth it.

Ingrid

to live on campus and to make new friends. not to be afriad to try new things and make new friends. study hard and do your best.

Kendall

Start planning and doing some research your junior year in high school and make a list of what is the most important for you to have. Leave no stone unturned when asking yourself what means the most to you and always start thinking of the numerous ways of funding your college career.

Michelle

I would advise prospective students to get an idea first of the size of the school that would best fit the student's personalily. I have been to large/medium and small colleges, I definitely prefer a mid-size college, big enough to have alot of the services the are are important to students but not so big that you teachers don't know you. Pick a school that fits your family's budget. There are great schools out there that don't cost 200k for a 4 yr education. Be involved in the whole process, students can be overwhelmed with all the freedom and the amount of work and strict deadlines, so stay "close by". Have fun, enjoy your education, appreciate your ability to attend college and appreciate your accomplishments and successes.

Kim

Make sure that it is a college that fits the needs of the student and that the major is one that you want. Also make sure that the school has other majors that you would beinterested in in case you decide to switch majors. Make sure that you work hard and take advantage of the time to learn-- you're paying a lot of money to be there!

Cassandra

Just remember that each school is different and find the one that fits you prefectly before applying.

Sarah

First, the prospective student should discern whether or not they know what major the wish to pursue. If they do know what field they want to study, they should look for a school with a specialty in that area. If they don't know, then the student should figure out what they need in a school: size, location, affiliation, extra curriculars, supportive faculty, etc. All of these factors can help find the best school for any individual. As far as enjoying the college experience, most parents will tell their children to focus on their studies; that there will be time for fun after they graduate. However, socializing with friends helps relieve stress from a constantly heavy course load. Also, a strong support base provides an emotional safety net for the nervous, and often homesick, freshman. Partying until the early hours of the morning certainly isn't conducive to a healthy student, but that doesn't mean that a quick night out with friends would lead to failure. In short, make friends, study hard, keep breathing and never be afraid to ask for help. You're not alone!

Brittany

The person attending the school should be the one who chooses it. Know what you?re looking for in a school, for example do you want a big school or smaller? Go with your gut, when you find the right school it just feels right and you know it's the right school for you. There are many schools out there and it can be hard to decide, but most people are at least able to narrow down their choices based on expense, location, amount of financial aid provided, etc. When choosing a school, talk to the professors and students that already go there, they will be the real voice you need to hear to know if that school is right for you. But, don?t forget to listen to your own judgment; after all you know what?s right for you better than anyone else. One more thing, don?t be afraid to try new things and make new friends. The friends you make in college will last a lifetime and I would even say this part of college is just as important as the education you receive. Best of luck!

Megan

N/A

Anne

I believe that every student should live on campus for atleast a semester, for the college experience. In my opinion small schools are the best choices because they provide small classes and if one may need help there are alway resourses available and the professors are constantly willing to help you out. I find that you learn more in a small setting and everyone knows your name.

Desiree

Decide what you want to go to school for. Look at a few schools and look at the catalog that lists the course and credits required to graduate, then visit a campus and speak with some of the students about their experiences at that school. Getting permission to sit in on a few classes to get a feel for the professors . Another place on campus I would visit is their peer tutoring center. It is important to see what free services they offer for students and how accessible it is to get help if needed. Next, look at the cost. It may also be helpful to look at any accredited community colleges and see if they ofer many of the same pre-requisites at a lower cost. A family can save money and the student can transfer to the college of their choice once they get the basics down. I would also get involved in a group or organization of the students interest. The great thing about these groups is that there are so many to choose from and there is always another student in the group tht has either been in your shoes or is in your shoes!

Stacie

The best advice I can give you is to do your research early, even if you are a sophomore or junior in high school. First of all, consider the college location. Do you want to live in an urban, suburban, or rural area? It is equally important to consider the student teacher ratio. For instance, how would you feel if you were in a class of 150 students versus 20 students? Also, do not rule out a school because of the cost of tuition since there are scholarships, grants and loans. To reduce the price of tuition in half, you could attend community college for two years and then transfer to a four year college. Furthermore, it is very important to have both an academic and social life. As for academics, make certain that the college you are applying to has you major you may be considering. For a social life, become involved with club and activities on campus. Lastly, to make the most of your social experience, I believe that living on campus versus commuting is the way to go since you will be interacting with peers everyday and not just the days you have classes.

Lauren

If you know what you want to major in I would suggest doing lots and lots of research. Look at schools and see how well they are known for your specific major and the percentage of job placement after graduation. Once you have done your research visit the schools and see if the size is right for you. While some may love big schools in the city, it may not be the right campus for you. After all your research and visiting is done all you can do is apply anywhere you can. In today's society colleges are becoming more and more competitive to get into!

Blair

The advice that I would give parents is let your child choose any schools that they are interested in, tour the school, and go from there. Also being a supportive and positive parent during this life changing time can really help ease your child?s worries and allow them to focus on their college making decisions. To students I advice them to follow their dreams and interests, don?t let anything hold you back. If you love acting go to Hollywood and if you want to be a lawyer go to law school. Whatever it is you want to do, DO IT. Don?t let anything or anyone stand in your way. To make the most of your experience I would say don?t take it for granted. Time is precious, treasure the time you have. Enjoy every moment of college and just remember there?s always tomorrow to finish your homework! The only way to enjoy college is in an environment where you feel comfortable and capable of exceeding your own expectations. When you find this place GO THERE and never look back. If you follow this advice your should have a successful, exciting, and enjoyable college experience.

Kendra

I would give students and parents the advice of going to the college that they dream of attending. I would also advise them not to only go to a school because it is a party or fun school. College is yes to meet new long lasting friends, but the top priority is getting a degree.

Sara

The most important part of finding the right college is to sit down with your parents and together, decide on what is most important to each of you. Consider the cost, activities you want to participate in, the surroundings, and the reputation of the college: is it a party school or is it a school sending out new graduates to employment. Many high school students want to go to a large school when they graduate, but it is important to know that even the smallest schools gives you a huge opportunity to meet many people and network. Know that college is what you put into it, not how much you pay for it. As a high school student I was a B student, but after working very hard I now have a 3.5 G.P.A. I accredit this wonderful accomplishment to my excellent professors at Rivier College. No matter what school you choose, make sure you have considered both your parents and your own ideals of a satisfactory college and you will make the right choice. Remember it is not what you pay it is what you put into it that makes it the right choice.

Carly

get to know the campus and people there.

Colleen

It is important to research the financial aid packages available as well as the quality of education in a certain field compared to other colleges offer the same major. I would also suggest looking into the different living situations on campus such as ssubstance free or freshman dorm options. Where you end up living on campus can have a major impact on how well you adjust to college life both socially and academically. Another thing to consider is the size of the school, depending on how much individual attention you desire you may want a larger or smaller school. I encourage all new students to get involved in campus life through programs, extra-curriculars, clubs, etc.

Misty

Don't get behind!

Ana

Make sure that it has the right programs for what your child is or might be interested in. If a change of major should occur make sure that your child goes to a school where they have many options for a major with programs that can help them find what they want to do. A school with a good orientation program for new students also make the transition from high school to college easier.

Ashlee

All the advace I would give is help your children save up some money for college to help lighten the student loan load. Also make sure you child picks a school that fits them. For example if they like one on one time with their profeesors or need one on one time, pick a small school so your student doesnt become just a number. If your student likes and can handle a larger class then go for a bigger college. Remember its all in what the student wants. They are the ones attending the classes if they dont like the school then you are wasting the students time and you are wasting your money. Money shouldnt be an issue you can always pay loans off. Its the students expeience not yours so let then pick in the end they know whats right for them.

Meg

My advice would be to start early and be thourough when you look at schools. I would also say to ask questions and not to be afraid. No questions are stupid. Entering into the world of a collge freshman, can be overwhelming at atimes, I would say to set up connections or a have a peer mentor to make the transition easier. Good Luck and Have fun, you cannot re-live college years.

Rhea

Make sure you pick a school that is right for you. That the school's overall atmosphere and work ethic fits your needs and what you want. You will be spending 2 - 6 years at this school, so make sure you love it.