Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

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

Danielle

Choosing the right college is tough and a lot of thought should be put into it. I know one of the biggest issues when choosing college is the students feel pressured to decide quickly, looking back, my advice for parents and students would be to slow down. College is an extremely important choice but its also important to go somewhere that suits you. Rushing to decide where you want to go could ultimately lead to being unhappy. It should be exciting choosing a college, so make sure it stays that way. It gets very hectic trying to meet deadlines but the key is to stay calm and plan ahead. You'll find the college that suits you, it will just click and you'll know where you want to go. Once you decide on that college, and actually get there, make sure you get involved. Most students who don't bother to get involved aren't as happy as those who did. Make the best out of college, its only four years, and goes much faster than you would ever imagine. Remember to breathe, choosing a college isn't life or death, it is important though.

Christine

There is no right or wrong choice when picking a college. The important thing is that you are going to college. If you do not get into the perfect school, who care! Make the best of it, keep your GPA up and learn as much as you can. When you are done you will hunger for more. I am not even through yet and I already miss it.

Jessica

I think that it is very important to visit different schools while your child is in college. This way your child will be able to decide whether he or she would like to stay close to home or go out and explore more. I also think it is important to find a college or university that will best fit your child's skills and hobbies.

Ashley

I would suggest that the process of finding schools that fit what you are looking for is started earlier rather than later. I found that when applications are turned in early there is a better chance that you will be awarded scholarships and other related aid.

Rachel

The two most important words I can tell you about your college experience are, Get Involved. There is nothing more valuable in your college experience than hands on experience. Once you've visited all the potential schools and chosen the one that is right for you get as much work related experience as possible. College gives you so much opportunity to grow and learn; take advantage of it! Future potential employers look at involvement and work experience very high. You can learn so much in a real life setting that you can't learn from sitting in class reading a book. Find a balance between school and your social life. Too much of one or the other is never good, and being on your own for the first time can make finding this balance very difficult. Being faced with so much freedom is a very exciting thing, to succeed you need to use your head and make good decisions. Have fun with your friends, but always know when it is time to get down to work. In the same regard, always recognize when you need to take a step back from your work and relax with your friends. Good luck!

Nick

Look for the qualities you do not see in a brochure. Visit the campus and see what students who are already paying to go have to say. The more you see the school through the eyes of a student, the better you can judge what your experience will be like. Studying is important, but so is getting involved. The best way to make friends is to pick an interest and join a group. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because mistakes help you grow. Some self-motivation goes a long way in class and in life on campus. Most important of all, go to college because you want to learn. That's the only reason that will get you through with memories, friends, and knowledge that you will never forget. You are your college experience. Make it spectacular.

Carly

Finding the right college is a very imporant thing. I feel like once you find the right college, you'll step onto the campus and know immediately that it's for you. Once you find a college like that, everything else falls into place. Making the most of you're college experience is being able to juggle your social life and academic work. I believe that you need to have a little of both to really enjoy yourself and be able to look back and be glad that you choose that college and cherish the memories that you gained there.

Meredith

I believe students need to decide what they want in a college and what they are pursuing in life. They need to decide what program fits them best and what campus they feel at home on.

Stefanie

I would recommend visiting the campus and surrounding area prior to applying or deciding on a college to attend. Find out the reputation of your major's department. Ask current students or recent alumni their opinions on scheduling, faculty, dining services, housing, and overall satisfaction with their experience. Don't chose a college just because your friends are going there, go to the one that offers the best services for your major. Be outgoing and meet as many diverse people as you can, you'll make your best friends in college. Don't party like crazy your first semester freshman year, its very different from highschool you'd be surprised how easy it is for your GPA to drop. If you're struggling in a class don't wait to get help and go to your prof's office hours to show you're putting forth an effort, they sometimes take that into consideration when giving your final grade for the course.

Stefanie

I would recommend visiting the campus and surrounding area before applying or deciding on a college. Research the availability and reputation of your major's department. Ask current students or recent alumni their opinions on things like scheduling, faculty, housing, social life, food etc.

Sarah

Visit colleges and choose the one where the air of the campus and students just "feels right." Classes are important, but you can always find a good teacher to be your mentor. Fitting in with the school itself is most important. Make sure you can picture yourself talking to and becoming friends with the other students, joining the clubs and sports on campus, and just hanging out in the buildings between classes.

christopher

look for something that will make you feel "right at home." the first year or semester will fly by with that kind of surrounding.

michelle

Visit, Visit, Visit! The most important thing is walking onto a college campus, taking the tour and getting the feel for the environment. Would you buy a car without first taking it for a spin? Of course not! You're going to spend the next 4-8 years here, take it for a test drive. Go to campus, ask questions, talk to professors. Make a list of things that you NEED to have and things that you WANT to have at your school, check them off, take notes. Once you've visited enough schools you should be able to find the one that not only feels right, but has what you need. College should be an experience that prepairs you for the world ahead, not just in the classroom, but in the people that surround you. Chose carefully, plan to be involved, and ask questions again and again. Do you want to go Greek, or do you want to do student council, the paper, or sports? Look them up, email coaches, editors, or anyone involved. Pick the place that feels right, sounds right, and has the right stuff. Never forget that the most important part is you.

Vanessa

Make sure the college has the major you want and a lot of opportunities for you to explore different areas of that major.

Sarah

Almost every college is going to have alcohol/drugs even when it's banned. It's inevitable, but it's up to the student to make his or her own choices. Don't pick schools because your friends from highschool go there. Chances are you won't stay friends with them. Try lots of new things when you are at college and don't be afraid to talk to different kinds of people. You never know who you will meet. Also, take tests seriously and study for them. I can't tell you how many kids I know that fail most of their courses first semester because they don't study or miss tests.

Amy

Go with whatever sparks your interest and do not base your decision off of how someone else feels about the school

Jessica

Students should visit as many colleges as they can to make sure they choose the right one. First off, they should pick a college that best suits their major. It is very important that the college students choose has a strong program for their major because they can have an easir time finding a job and will be good at whatever profession they choose. Students should also look for a college that they can see themselves at, imagine themselves walking around that particular campus, going to classes, and haging out with friends. After all you have to be at that same college for at least the next 4 years, why not be happy where you are? Parents should help their child find that one special college that has everything they would want for their child. Look for improvements on campus, such as adding and re-construction of buildings. Parents should also look at the affordibility of the college and what is offered to help pay tuition. Parents will want to make sure their child is safe where ever they go, so check out security as well. Most importantly, make sure your child is happy with the college they choose.

Amanda

Make sure that you visit the campus before you pick the college. The pictures in the brochure or on the website do not come close to giving a complete picture of the campus. It also gives you a chance to speak with students that have actually experienced what the school has to offer.

Danielle

The biggest advice I would give to the student would be to really put their heart into their decision. Make sure your pick is really some where that you want to be, that the school you're accepted to and attending has a program you enjoy. Make sure the university or college has programs outside of academics you can also enjoy.

Ashley

Make sure you visit all the campuses your interested in. Try to get a good feel for what actually goes on and the way things work. Talk to many different students and faculty to see how they stand on the school and to see what they do not like about it. The most important thing is to make sure the campus and school is something you could see yourself being happy at for the next four years or so of your life. If your not happy where you are then your grades will suffer and your paying a lot of money for nothing.

Codi

When I headed into college, I wish someone would have prepared me onto what I was about to venture into. Finding friends when you're 18-years-old isn't the most easy experience. Don't give up and continue. Eventually you will find a group of people that you fit most with. To find the correct college, go with what you're most comfortable with. Don't go for all the flash and the hype. Go for what's best for you. Go for your major or for the locallity or for the size.

Melinda

Evaluate your own personal wants and needs before looking at colleges. Knowing what kind of experience you are expecting can be very helpful when you are visiting and applying for college. Once you have been accepted to college, go where is right for you, not your friends or family or anyone else that may influence you. Once you get to college, be yourself. Find you specific niche on your campus, and no matter how large or small you campus may be, there will be a place for you. Be active on campus by joinging clubs and organizations. Study! Pay close attention to your school work, since that is the number one reason you are in college. Mostly, have fun.

Grant

make sure (really sure) you are OK with the physical size. your gonna be walking it all day every day.

Rick

I would suggest that they go and view the schools that they desire attending. This will give the student a feel of the atmosphere of the college and the students that already attend. After deciding which college fits your wants and needs then the student should focus on academics but always set some time aside for fun on the weekends with friends. This allows for some built up stress to be relieved and it also allows the student to build life long relationships with new friends. A positive outlook is always helpful when put into a new situation so keep an open mind and make sure the glass is always half full.

Logan

Visit lots of universities and talk to random students you see walking around. Ask them their opinion of the school, if their professors know their name, and anything else you think is important. If the student is helpful that will give you a good judge of the atmosphere on campus not to mention honest answers. Don't judge a small state school as a bad school, often undergrads will be treated better than grad students at large universities. Afterall if you dislike it after the first semester you saved a few thousand dollars to get some geneds out of the way and you can transfer. As for making the most of college experience: be brave and try new things (keep the new things legal though), get to know your professors, join a lot of clubs your first semester, take a philosphy course and learn new ways of thinkings about things. Remember that college is about learning and not the degree, a long list of awards and activites is more impressive and m ore fun than a high GPA. Most i mportantly to do well you need to love your major, if you don't you won't succeed.

Will

I feel that choosing the right college is a hard thing to do. Knowing what college to attend, after going through the acceptance letters, is even harder. When you visit the schools that you are thinking about attending, you must talk to YOUR professors. You must talk to the students who you will be with throughout your journey in college. However, you'll know what college is right for you at some point. Whether it be, when you step foot out of your parents car or after a talk with a fellow student or professor, you'll know that you're at the right college. You'll never forget that moment as well as many others you will make over the next few years. Have fun.

Alisa

Start early. I waited until my senior year in high school to start considering colleges. I found I was rushed and unprepared to make the decision. I chose a school based on my parents' opinions. Originally I started at a private college that was extremely overpriced and found myself in the wrong school. I transferred which made life much more difficult in the long run. If I had to do it again I would've done my research earlier in high school, taken it more seriously and committed to staying at a school. High school didn't prepare me enough to make this decision and in return I had no idea was to expect. Colleges should visit high schools more often and tours should be advertised better. Resources should be aimed towards high school aged students instead of their parents. I would suggest, if the school offers, to spend a night with a current student to get the full experience. Sit in during a class and observe the style of teaching as well as the other students' abilities. Check out both the academic and social programs offered at the school. Check out the dorms and dining areas.

Brittni

To students: You are going to be at a certain college for (most likely) 4 years of your life. Make sure you choose a college by the focus on education - your major or concentrations, class sizes, and the accesibility of off-campus stores (Giant, CVS, etc.) but most importantly, the campus. What kind of "feel" do you get from the campus? You should love the campus you are staying at. Getting involved in clubs and activities is the easiest way to make friends; however, during your first semester, do not take on more clubs than you can handle. Have fun with your friends; it's college!! Most only get this opportunity once in their lives. Enjoy your time at college, but always remember that you have a job. Your job at college is to go to class. Yes, these are the most enjoyable days of your young lives, but these are also the years of your prime learning experience. Take advantage of it and excel proudly. Go to class, do your work, and participate in class.

Kimberly

I would say make sure that the school you choose is one that's for you and has every and any activity you want because it would be miserable if you get there andrealize you want more. Also use Facebook as a resource to find current and former students and find out every possible thing you can about the school like the best dorm to live in and the best professors to pick to make the most of your experience.

Erica

My advice to parents and/or students would be to first think it through. Have all of your options available infront of you and sit down to make a list of all the positive and negative aspects of each college you have chosen. Decide what you may like to study or major in at college, then begin making appointments to see the schools. Talk to some people who are currently attending or who have graduated to see what their opinion is on the school. I would advise making several visitations to the schools just to be sure that what you have chosen feels right for you. If the school offers a stay over, where you can stay over with a current student for one night, I would take advantage of it. This can help you decide whether or not you want to attend this school. After you have began narrowing down the choices, start applying to these schools, and while you are waiting to hear back from the college, start looking to find scholarships (if you need them). Once you have been accepted to one or more college, begin making a decision as to where you want to go.

Chelsea

My advice to prospective students and their parents would to be visit the campus numerous times. To engage in the activities and to talk to the faculty as well as students to get a feel of the community. I would go on personal tours and look at the dorms as well as talk to the different educational departments that are at that college. Going on the college's websites will also give a student and their parents a feel for the environment. Being at Shippensburg University, I wish that I had come to visit at different times of the year, because when I decided to come here, I did not realize how cold it was going to get during the winter months, and the cold is something that I do not enjoy.

Jaren

I would tell future students to go to the school of their choices and not becuase they were forced into a school that wasn't their top choice. Make sure you do alot of research on your school and visit many school to have a broader option to pick from. When you visit many schools, it will give you a better sense of what college is like and what is the best school to fit you.

Paul

Most people would probably try to tell future students or parents that the most important factor in determining which school to choose is to choose what ?fits.? How, after a number of hours and possibly a tour of the campus is a 17 or 18 year old and their accompanying parent supposed to get the true ?feel? or understanding of life on or near campus? The answer, simply, is that it is impossible. It is true that the feeling you get while on campus is important, equally if not more so is the ability to see yourself living there. This place is going to be not only a place of study and work but also a home for the next four years of the student?s life. If you dislike your home how are you supposed to get any actual work done? After the school is chosen and you have moved into your tiny dorm room, get your books immediately. Try to get into the routine of going to class, studying, and relaxing only after all your work is done for the day. It?s much easier to get into this routine at the beginning then after you?ve acclimated.

Kristen

Def. don't be shy when it comes to college. There are lots of friends to make and one you make them they will be life long friends. Try and get involved in sports or activities it will help you make more friends and keep you involved. Most important make the most of if study hard but leave some time for friends.

Eudora

I would advise parents and students to take their time. Parents, let your children pick what's best for THEM, not what you think is best for them. Students, I recommend looking at every school that you even have the slightest bit of curiousity about. The school I attend now is the one I never thought I'd go to... and I love it. I wouldn't change anything about my experience here.

Robert

I would say to take your time. And if your not sure where you want to go try community college to save money.

Erika

The process of searching for the right college should begin early in high school. When looking for colleges, keep the options open. One mistake I made in high school was applying to only two schools and not exploring other options other than those I had applied to. Students should visit several campuses and slowly start narrowing down his or her choices. Once options are narrowed down to at least 3 or 4 schools, start applying ahead of time that way it's out of the way and taken care of. Be sure to pick a school where the environment is suiting and most comfortable for the future student. Once admitted, start making friends and meeting new people. Students should participate in campus activities and events to familiarize themselves with the campus. It is very intimidating at first, but once friendships are formed, everyone on campus will fit right in. Advice to the students, stay focused and on top of school work, and keep grades up; don't worry, there will be time for fun! The first few months, students will have time to adjust to their surroundings, but the school environment will eventually feel like a home away from home!

Nicole

Some students like a small school, where they can closely interact with classmates and faculty. Others may prefer a big university, where every Saturday, they can be found cheering on the sports teams. If you want to find the school that is right for you, you have to look for it. With the variety of magazines, books, and websites with information on colleges and universities around the world, it should not be very difficult to find one that fits your individual needs. Once you have found a few that have piqued you interest, be sure to visit the campus; you never know what you might find. As for making the most of your college experience, get invovled! Even if you decide to attend a small college in a rural community, there is always something to do. Be sure to look at greek organizations, honors societies, clubs, or even an on-campus job. The more you are involved, the better your college experience will be. It not only teaches you how to balance classwork and time for other activities, but how to get the most out of your college carreer. You may even find lifetime friends by getting involved!

Stephanie

The advice I would give to parents about helping their child find the right college and make the most of their child's experience would be to get involved. If your child is interested in a particular college, find out why. Research it. Look up their student to teacher ratio, explain what this means to your son or daughter. Talk to them about how big of a school they would like to go to, what career fields they are most interested in. Some schools only offer certain majors so make sure they are aware of their choices. Visiting their top few choices in person is also crucial because you and your child get to experience that campus and have a better leveling field when the time comes to make a decision. Students, you should try to get your parents involved. College is going to be some of the most crucial years of your life and you want to not only learn from them but enjoy them. Getting involved not only in extracurricular activities but also contributing to your community are experiences that will help build a solid foundation for a great college experience and also a great career.

Emily

Finding the right college can be a long, hard process. It is important to remember that every person is different. As a parent, it is important to remember that your student is the one going to school, not you. As a student, make sure to take a look at every college on your list. You might find out that you are a city person, when you thought that you weren?t. Talk to ?real? students; not just the ones that work in the admissions office. Most college students are willing to talk to a prospective student. Once at college, make the most out of it. If possible, live on campus. You?ll meet more people. Professors are another great way to get the college experience. They are knowledgeable in their field, know a lot of information about the college/university, and are helpful with just about any issue. Also, join clubs and activities that you are interested in ? they help you meet people too. Use college to try new experiences. From personal experience, it IS possible to avoid alcohol and still have lots of fun. Overall, college is a time to make new friends, as well as get a degree.

Tessa

The best advice I could give anyone searching for the "perfect" college is: there is no perfect college, only the perfect mentality. No matter where you go - a city school with hundreds of people in your class, a quaint Christian based school where church is a must - your attitude determines the next four years of your life. When you get to college, you finally get to be the person you've always wanted to be. No one expects anything more of you, except for you to be yourself. While grades and classes are very important, what makes the most out of your college experience is getting involved with an organization or club as soon as possible. Finding your niche or your "campus family" will make the next four years more amazing than you could have ever dreamed. So no matter where you end up, make the decision that these next for years will be the best yet! Great luck to you and oh, wearing your lanyard around your neck is a dead give away that you're a freshman. Happy growing!

Aaron

My advice to students would be to do your research. Go online and look at what different schools offer and then create a list of your top five favorites. From there, travel with your parents to each campus and try to absorb as much as you can. While on the different campuses try your best to interact with students who are currently attending that college. The students will answer your questions truthfully and in an unbiased manner. Once you see all your choices in person, think over your options for a decent amount of time. There is no reason to rush into choosing a college that you may be unhappy with down the road. Also, always remember that you need to pick the college that is right for you, not necessarily your friends or parents.