St Bonaventure University Top Questions

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

Jennifer P

apply to more colleges, apply to scholarships, work study program and go to a 5yr college directly

Kayla

The best advice I could give myself as a high school senior would be to find what makes me happy. I shouldn’t choose a school because someone wants me to or turn down a school because someone disapproves. I need to visit a variety of schools that interest me and make my decision based on many different aspects of the college. It’s important to think about my own interests and preferences and determine if the school will be able to meet my needs. Ultimately, I need to make sure I see myself there for the next four-years. No matter where I decide to go to school, I need to realize that college is truly what I make of it. GPAs matter. I need to always work hard and strive to learn every day. Do not just attend classes. Be as involved as possible, truly making the most of my time. Everything I do not only adds to my experience, but also to my resume. Being involved is a great way to meet new people. Some become friends and others become networking affiliates, who may be able to help me. Lastly, work hard, be active, and enjoy.

Kevin

Don't be nervous or scared. It's not a bad place it will take time to adjust but everything does. Don't worry you will make friends.

Bret

I have gotten a sense of responsiblity. I have grown up and changed so much in the few months that I have been in college. I have decided what is really important in life and my career. I have met some of the best friends I will ever have. These friendships will last a lifetime. I am making memories, learning life lessons, and creating my intellectual self. I just love college and all that I have done. I am looking forward to decideing on a major and pursuing it with all my all my strength.

Jordan

I have met alot of new people and gained many new friends. I gained the ability to be more open to people and not be as shy as when I was in high school. I also have learned alot about my major and will help me find a job i will enjoy. A community college is a great place to attend because there are alot of people and plenty of things to do to get involved.

Dawn

While attending college I experienced a friendly atmosphere where I obtained an extraordinary education and met individuals who became lifelong friends. It was valuable for me to attend college because I earned a BA degree which helped end the cycle of poverty in my family. I come from a family of 7, my parents did not attend college and struggle as a result. They work hard to make ends meet, and have also made sure that their children do not have to encounter the same type of struggle. My education provided me with career that allows me to provide for my family.

Maria

College is all about learning, both inside the classroom and out. Aside from learning the intricacies of journalism and the ins and outs of newsroom politics, I've come to discover a lot about myself. It sounds clique, but discovering it's possible to live on your own and take care of yourself is more empowering than you expect it to be. College exposes personal boundaries. Sometimes hindsight is 20-20 and you realize you chose to go to the wrong school when you’re not happy there. College teaches you to embrace change (because sometimes you can’t do anything else) and make the best of things. If college has taught me anything, it’s shown me that I need to be less shy and more outgoing. The world is more accepting than I think it is.

Mary

The Community College that I enrolled to is very diverse. The students are friendly and the faculties are very helpful. Attending college is an experience that I want to achieve and be able to graduate. Unlike my parents, they didn't have the same oppurtunities that I have now. I believe that once I am done with my studies my parents will be so happy for me. I want to pursue on education so that when time comes I can share to the other children on what I experience, give them some guidance, and just give in return to others the good things that happened in my life. I would like to make a difference and make an impact in everyones' and if not someone else life.

Kristy

The value of the education I am recieving at St. Bonaventure is the most exciting part of my life at this time. I look forward to school every semester and cannot wait to move in see all the friends I have made and all the professors who are just as excited to see me. I really enjoy the atmosphere at my school. It is a small school so everywhere you turn there are familiar faces and friendly people ready to say hello. The dorms were an integral part of making friends and memories that I cherish already after only two years of college. I believe friends and the social environment must be balanced with academics. The knowledge I have gained at Saint Bonaventure has helped shape the future goals I have and I am confident that I will be successful and ready for the real world I am soon entering. As an accounting major, I feel that the curriculum I am engaged in has prepared me for what my field entails. The professors and alumni help more than I could ask for and are always willing to pass on the knowledge they have to eager students such as myself.

Alexis

I would tell myself to look at so many more colleges than I did and that I to be a more open person. I'm kind of a shy person but once I get to know people I open up. Also, to start working out more so that when I got to college I would actually work out and keep in shape. Also, that college isnt all that easy, you have to do a lot more work and a lot of boring reading. The most important would be that you have to stay positive or it will affect everything and especially grades even if its just a bad day, you have to stay positive.

Grace

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to ramp up on my study skills, preparation skills, note-taking skills, organizational skills, the list could go on! I truely felt completely shocked when I got to college, I didn't feel that I was prepared at all. I looked at it as high school being the place where your hand can be held through the work and the stress, but in college, no one holds your hand, it is up to you to do what needs to get done. I would urge myself to look harder for ways to get money for college...ANYWHERE. I would tell myself to be more persistant in getting answers and never give up. Luckly though, I feel that I managed to learn all of these things and apply them when needed. I may have learned them in harder ways than needed, but why do we fall down? To learn to pick ourselves back up! Some of life's toughest / valuable lessons are taught the hard way.

Heather

Be prepared for more freedom. College professors don't remind you constantly of your workload, nor do your counselors remind you of when you have to be ready for class registration. Keep on top of your work and keep note of classes you need to take to graduate, ones you want to take and those you have credit for. And set up appointments with professors, most are willing to work with you for help and may even have you work on their research with them. Take advantage of all opportunities on campus and your experience will be phenomenal.

Stephany

I would tell myself to not move to California like I did and stay in college for that year. By moving to California I lost a year of school and I think about how nice it would be to be graduated now instead of having to still have to go for another year. I would then tell myself to go with my first instinct and go for teaching, like I am now. I have switched my majors a few times and it has been very stressful and I think that it would have been a more enjoyable experience in my first few years if I was actually attending school for the right major. Although I would tell myself to do this and not do that I still am glad that I made the decsions that I did because I learned a lot! By living from home and taking the time that I did I learned about myself and who it is I want to be. It made me such a stronger women and I know that education is the most important thing that noone can ever take away from me.

Tabitha

The advice I would give myself would be to learn how to prioritize my time with friends, school, and work. I now know that people will most likely succeed in college if they have good time management skills and know how to prioritize their obligations and daily life activities. I would advise myself to research about different test taking strategies and study skills. Having good study skills might help students do better on tests which will help improve their grades and give them self-confidence. Having good self-confidence is important for college students to succeed in their academics and social life. Students should have a positive attitude when they take difficult tests or complete lengthy assignments. I would advise myself as a high school senior to research about different extracurricular activities that my new college will offer. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is important because it allows students to meet new people. Getting involved with activities on and off campus will help students make the transition into college easier and will give them the opportunity to build friendships and relationships. Most importantly I would make sure I know how to do my own laundry and make my own food.

Michelle

Take it slow. You will make friends. Stand up for yourself and don't just go with what other people say or do. make sure you make time for yourself. Always make sure you make time for studying and classwork.

Catherine

I would have made more of my time in high school to study and work harder at my classes.

Kelly

After attending college for over a year, I have had plenty of time to look back on my transition. I wish that someone would have told me that all of the feelings which are occurring are normal. Confusion, fear, and excitement are just some of the emotions which hit me as my college experience grew closer. I wondered if I was the only one who was a little nervous and did not know what to expect. If I knew then that there are very few people who do not have a roller coaster of emotions, my transition would have been easier. Students who are new to college need to take their transition day by day, and realize that they are not alone in their feelings and experience.

Catherine

I would tell myself to first work harder and strive for the best, don't just assume you can not do it and try to achieve what you want. Even if you are shot down atleast you tried. It is better to aim your goals higher so that in the long run there are more expectations set for yourself. I would also tell myself to be more specific about what you want out of a school and that even the smallest option can make all the difference. Location, weather, courses, religion, type of school, cost, surroundings, activities, and everything else all matter, and it is a very big decision. Besides just the selection process of college, I would also tell myself that it is ok to say no and tell people who you really are. Drinking, sex and drugs are not the only part of school so being able to say no is better then saying yes. The people who accept you for saying no and showing you are, will be the people who are around forever and will make college everything you want it to be.

Ashley

The advice I would give to myself would be not to stress out about the roommate situation. I loved my roommate freshman year and we are still good friends now. If I would have went into the situation knowing that we would be great roommates, I wouldn't have worried about if she would like me or not.

Kate

If i had the oppurtunity to retrace my steps. I would provide my 17 year old self with the knowledge of failure. I never experienced failure in high school. MY first semester at Bonaventure i nearly flunked out. I was unfoucsed and realize now that i should not have pulled away from my family. I needed to ask for help. Family is the main reason that I am still here at school. I learned to have better communication with them and now the conversations are more relaxed. I am less stressed and partying is not my main prioity anymore. I stay in on fridays to do all my work for the next week. I participate in many orgainzations on campus and find that helping others is more rewarding than helping myself.

Patrick

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would probably tell myself to lighten up. I put so much stress on myself, going to college visits, asking for recommendations, taking and retaking the ACT, and sending in applications that I almost did not enjoy my last year of high school. It is getting more and more competitive for students to get accepted into the college of their choice, and most instutitions expect to be "wowed" by the student's list of awards and accomplishiments. However, most seniors are barely eighteen and have not yet achieved their greatest feats, so we need to let high school seniors know that they do not have to be perfect specimens to get into a desired college. Just keep up with the grades and extracurricular activities, and the acceptance letters will be forthcoming. As my wise grandmother always says, "Don't sweat the small stuff."

Daryl

I would tell myself to keep going because motivation was one thing I personally struggled with back then. I wasn't sure idf I would make it to college and was unaware of the troubles which might lie in my way. But through perserverance those troubles now lie in my wake and I can say that I'm a better person for overcoming everything so far. It's important not to be diseheartened and to look at the overall picture

Brian

I would tell myself to take as many advance placement courses as possible because they free up a lot of time in your schedule that allows for you to take additional electives. Other than that I would say try to bank youor money carefully and budget wisely for the road ahead.

Lindsey

I have not changed greatly since high school. I come from a small town, and St. Bonaventure is a small university located in a small town. I notice that the people here are very similar to those in my hometown. I suppose the biggest piece of advice I would give myself would be to stay active. I have always beein involved in many activites, including theatre, swimming, and babysitting. When I went to a two-year college, I also studied. At St. Bonaventure, I didn't want to be overwhelmed with the work load. I told myself that I would concentrate on my studies, and worry about having fun later. This worked out well for the first semester, but now I am in my third semester on campus, with twice the work load, and it is killing me not staying active. If I could go back to my high school self, I would tell myself to be sure to continue working at the YMCA as a life guard and swim teacher. I would tell myself to stay involved with the theatre, or at the very least, devote an hour of my time each week to going to the gym.

Stephanie

The biggest piece of advice i would give to myself was to learn to experience new things. Comming to college was compltely differnt from attending high school. I would tell myself to make sure i learned how to manage my time and really learn to study on my own. Becomming more self sufficient and indepenent is also a bit part of makeing the transistion. Sure there are lots of people here to help you but most of the work to determine your success must be done by you. Another thing i would say would be to enjoy it. Being a sopomore my college days are already flying by and sometimes i wish they would slow down. All in all i would say to just remain focused on what you are really going to school for but also remember to make life long friends and have a good time.

Rianna

The best advice I could give myself would be that no one ever remains the same and we countinue to change throughout our lives. Although we may want a job that makes a whole ton of money, we really need to look within outselves and search deeper. College is about learning who you are as an individual and what profession would benefit you as well as others. Don't try to feel forced to go in one direction. Go to a school where you feel free to determine how you will live the rest of your life. Also, socialize with as many people as possible; it will become a college freshman's antidote to homesickness. The professors at St. Bonaventure are wonderful individuals who will do whatever it takes to help you succeed in academics as well as in your personal life. Don't be afraid to ask for their help or advice. The most important advice I could give myself is always work hard and never give up. You can accomplish many things if you set goals for yourself and achieve each one of those goals a little at a time.

Taylor

"You are about to embark on an exciting new adventure," I whispered to myself. "Don't be afraid, just dive right in! It is up to YOU to create your college experience. Don't let your fear hold you back because this is your time to shine! Create the person that you have always dreamed of becoming. It is a time of change, a time of growth. Soak it all in! Don't confine your college education to a classroom. Reach out to the community, engage in an activity you have not tried before, and never turn down the opportunity to meet someone new." "The bumps will come. They always do, but don't let them slow you down. With determination and a dream all signs point to a bright future ahead..." "By the way, living away from home will be worth the initial pain of separation, you might look into learning to play ping-pong, and laundry really isn't that difficult (you will actually come to enjoy it)." "I'll see you in the future!"

Jessica

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to think first about what I want in a college and what I would want to do during and after college. Once I made a list of everything I wanted then I should go through the hundreds of colleges available and choose which ones seemed to fit the best and then visit them either before or after applying. I would remind myself that social life is just as important as academics, and that I needed to make sure I felt comfortable. I would need to be able to make friends and have fun. Since I am not a partier I would need alternative forms of entertainment. I would have to make sure that not only the school but also the community around the school fits me and offers me opportunities to pursue my interests and career goals. As far as the transition, I would tell myself that it is not as bad as people say it is. Yes it can be hard leaving family, friends and familiar surroundings, but it is also a part of growing up. Everyone is a phone call away and you'll meet new people.

Kalee

Choosing what college I wanted to attend felt like the biggest decision of my life. When I chose St. Bonaventure I was most nervous about making friends like the ones that I had at home. I graduated high school in a class of 55 students, and I was worried that moving from a class of 55 to a class of 500 would be hard to adjust to. If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now , I would tell myself to be myself from the very beginning. I am an outgoing person, but coming to college made me feel shy for the first time in my life. I don't feel like I was myself when I first arrived here. I made the decision to get involved, and I felt like myself again. I joined clubs, got a 3.95 GPA by the end of first semster, and decided to spend my summer as an orientation leader here because I love it so much. I wish that I would have opened up earlier so that I could have made even more amazing memories than I have made already by becoming involved earlier.

Brent

There is nobody who knows you more than you. Take you inital plans and stick with them. Over time teachers and counselors will attempt to shape what you already have in mind, which could lead to you completely changing it. Really the best thing to do is go out on your own and visit colleges and see what they have to offer. Once you know where YOU want to go as far as the transition, it should be no problem, because if you really like the place and enjoy being there then making friends will not be a problem. One last thing, when choosing colleges it is okay to let money matter, you will not realize what this can actually cost until you live it, and picking an expensive college may not be the way to go. Sometimes it is easier just to pick a nice cheap school to get yourself started, once you are sure on what you want to do with the rest of your life, then a more expensive college may be a great option.

Noelle

I would say, take college as slow as you can. It goes by way too fast.

Angela

The biggest advice I would give myself before entering college would be to work as hard as I can. The best possible way to handle the workload is to get assignments and projects done early. If all your work is done early, you will have time to relax and have fun, and your stress level will be significantly lower. I would also tell myself to look more closely at many different colleges and their eductaion programs. I entered this school without doing much research on other colleges, and if I could go back in time I would have looked into more schools to make sure that I made the right decision. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy my time at college while keeping track of my work. It is important to spend time with friends and to enjoy yourself, but the most important thing to remember is to stay ahead of your workload.

Ariel

When I first entered college, I acted as though it was a big party and partied every night. Needless to say my grades freshmen year were not all that good. Due to this I would tell myself to keep the partying for the weekends as focus on my schoolwork. I would also tell myself to study abroad. I really wanted to go away for a semester, but never did, although I did go away for the summer. I feel as though that would have been an experience that would have made my college experience richer. The last piece of advice that I would give myself would be to look out for myself and take advantage of every experience in life. I feel as though I let so many things pass me by because I was so worried about the feelings of others, when it turned out that they had no interest in mine. This would help me live a more adventurous life. These are the only pieces of advice that I would have for myself, and I feel that if I had known, even though I am having a great college experience, that these would have made it better.

Amber

If I could go back in time, and give myself advice about college life; I would tell myself to make sure you do all of your readings. Even if the professors are not going to test you on the material next class. Because, if you skip your reading assignment you are still responsible for knowing the material and "pop" quizzies happen often. Also; all the material will be on the final exam, and once a reading is missed it is very hard to catch up. Also, I would tell myself that college is nothing more than what you make of it. If you want to have an enjoyable time here, do your work, join a sports team, and get involved with clubs. It is the best way to meet new people; and to build your experience up for your career.

Briana

Slow down your senior year, you have accomplished so much by that point its ok to step back and breathe. Senior year will not turn out the way you had planned but the ending is gratifying. You don't become captain, or get on homecoming court but you do become Senior Class President. The football team loses every game, your cheerleading squad will take second place in Canada, and you will win a leading role in the school play. Enjoy coaching your little cheerleaders this will be your last chance to volunteer before college, and all 200 skirts that you mended for the organization will pay off in the end. Don't open the letter you get in first block the day before senior ball...Trust me. Making amends with Cassie was a wonderful thing. Be ready when you go on your first ambulance call, you will be thrilled to go but it will break your heart in the end. Just remember it was not your fault, it was her time to pass away. Graduation will come so fast, your speech is wonderful and no, you don't trip on stage. Most importantly savor every moment, because everything will change.

Michael

I wouldnt take it so seriously. School is about what you make of it; not about where you go.

kevin

college is about finding yourself because you are taken out of your safety zone when you move away from family and friends. also, most colleges are going to give you a degree that will be the same as a degree from any other school, so don't just choose a school depending on "a good program." choose a school based on how you feel right when you step on campus. is it too big? who is around you? how welcoming are the students? how much fun will i have here when i am not studying? people go crazy when they do nothing on the weekends and all they do is study. college is about learning other things too, not just book info. live the dream. go bonaventure

Dajanee'

I would tell parents/students to research all the schools that they are looking at. Make sure that the school has what you want. You will find the right school for you, it just takes time. Once you find the right school you will make life long friends and will get a great education.

Chritopher

Do your very best in high school and talk to your parents early about financing college.

Caitlin

Make a list and figure out what is right for you. Don't try to please other people. College is a unique experience that benefits you the most, and essentially shapes the outcome of the rest of your life. Good luck!

Chris

Just to make sure that the student knows about how big/small they prefer the school to be, and just know what field you want to get into in a general sense before you make your choice. I, for example chose a school that had a lot of athletic connections at a division 1 school even though I couldn't really afford it because I know that hopefully it will all be worth it in the long run.

Cameron

It isn't always about landing in the most prestigious school or even the least expensive one. It's all about fit. Go with the school at which you're most comfortable. To make the most of your college experience, be a little extroverted. Talk to people after class; Facebook people; make friends. Not everyone will want to be your friend and you won't want to be everyone's friend, but once you find your niche, you'll have a blast. You don't have to get drunk every weekend or even at all to have fun at college. The idea is to build good enough friendships that you can just sit around and have fun. Whiling the night away with a good (or bad) movie is invariably a good time.

Mary

Invest yourself in your school. Become involved in organizations and try new things. Don't be afraid to meet people and move out of your comfort zone.

Caroline

make sure you do your work and not the minimum to get by while still having a good time

RJ

The college experience can be an exciting, sad and daunting time for all of those whom are involved. I remember graduating high school and not knowing exactly how to feel but now looking back on it there is some advice that I would have for both incoming students and parents. First, the parents. To all those who have children leaving for college it may be difficult to say good bye but always remember it's not good bye, just a see you later. Give them their space and do not feel the need to contact them everyday, one of the hardest things for a student to do is get accustomed to their new environmen, the fastest way to do this is without rememberance from the homefront everyday! To the students. To be scared is normal, everyone around you feels the exact same, don't feel like you're the only one. The best way to get to know people is to join clubs and/or sports that are offered. Eventually everything will come together for you. Do your schoolwork and have fun, it's your last chance before you, what we say, "grow up" and graduate to the real world.

Lauren

enjoy your time at school

justine

yes college is about the academics but if youre not enjoying it for the majority why be there? dont waste your parents money by being miserable, step out of the box and try new things and meet new people. you would be surprised how great some people are that you would not have even said hello to in high school, no matter your social status.

Nick

Make sure the school fits your life, because if it doesn't you'll spend 4 years trying to force it.

Ashley

Don't choose a college that is so far away from home that you cannot get home if you need to, but don't live at home. Don't think that college is an escape from your family or your past and don't use it as one. Don't treat college like high school. Get involved and get to know your new home; stay there, don't go home every weekend. Don't be afraid to try new things even if they are very different from what you consider normal.

Kari

.