Susquehanna University Top Questions

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

Richard

For parents: be involved, but don't smother. Your child may have an idea of what they want from a school that is different from yours - and that's okay. Alternately, they may have no idea what they're looking for altogether, and in these cases it's important to be supportive and help them discover the wide range of possibilities - not just the ones you think are best. For students? Don't stress. The college admissions season is not the do-or-die adventure everybody makes it out to be. It's okay if you don't get into Harvard. You probably won't get into Harvard. Go somewhere with the right attitude, and you can find and create the things you are interested in and that you care about. There will be incredible people and, most likely, killer faculty almost anywhere you go. So fill out paperwork on time. Relax. And breathe.

Elizabeth

Forget about what your parents, peers, and teachers want you to do. This is the first time in your life when it's your decision. Choose what makes you happy. That's what's most important.

Allison

The most important thing when it comes to finding the right college, is to go out and visit as many schools as possible. If you have an idea of what you want to study, search for schools that specialize in that subject, and visit. It's the best way to get an idea of what size of school fits best for you. When at a school, talk to the current students to understand their impression of the school. If you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} positive about the school, try another one. Don't settle for something that you know you won't like! Once you've decided a school's right for you, make useful contacts by emailed professors. The little things like that can come in handy when placed in an interview situation. Good luck!

Robert

When choosing a college, pick one that you feel is right for you. I understand that does not make sense now, but you will know when a college is right for you, you will be able to feel it. Don't pick a college based on it's party life, make sure it suits your needs. If you feel a college is out of your price range, don't just cross it off, many colleges offer many finanical aid packets for prospective students. One last thing: Talk to students that attend the school (other than the students the Admissons Office provides to you for questioning), ask them questions about the school. To get the most out of your experience at college, just be yourself. Regardless of how small or big your college is you will find friends that are just like you.

Jessica

As for students, you need to trust your instinct and go where you want to go. Money can be a factor in the decision, but don't let it hold you back from choosing a place that is right for you. If you know you belong at a certain college or university don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. To the parents, allow your child to make a decision for him/herself. This is their first, life-changing decision so allow them to make it on their own. So many students make decisions based on what they think their parents will approve of, but don't let that happen. Provide input, but let your child be creative and explore the options life has to give.

Jenna

The search for the right college can seem overwhelming; however, finding your school can be fun as long as you follow some key tips. First, take a deep breath and stop panicking about finding and getting into a school. Next, decide if you want a small school, maybe the size of your high school, or if you want a big school with lots of students. This is key. I chose a small school, because I was told how small classes are great at the college level, but I hate the small school atmosphere. After this, decide what direction you want your studies to go. Pick your favorite subject and go online to look for jobs that associate with that subject. You might just find something your interested in. Now, the biggest tip that I can give is to put undecided on your application if you have a low GPA. I know students that actually did this, and it helped them get in. Once you know the size and direction, I recommend deciding the how far from home you would want to be. You do not want to be homesick when you could be having the time of your life.

Christina

Make sure that you're choosing a school based on its campus, student life, the education it offers, and they way it will prepare you for the world. Do not choose a school based on its location or social life because it will inevitably disappoint you.

Michael

I would tell parents to ask their child what they really want because different schools offer different things. Small, private schools provide a homey feeling and 1-on-1 attention. It's also really easy to make friends there. Large institutions tend to offer better research and unique programs. There is often more to do at a large state school. The elite universities offer a top-notch education but require high intensity and competition. To truly find the right school for your child one needs to find out what type of person your child is, and only then will you be able to decide the perfect school for your child.

Carla

Just take your time and explore all the options

Emily

Follow your instinct when choosing a school. Make sure to visit EVERY prospective university on your list because the atmosphere is a vital aspect of one's college experience and cannot be put down on paper. Know that it's okay if you end up not liking the school; you can always transfer to another one. The important thing is to go with what feels right at the moment. Finally, while education is vital to every college experience, don't let formal education be all that is taken away in your years there; GET INVOLVED. Have fun, allow yourself to grow socially as well as intellectually. College is such a great place to also learn about yourself, so don't skip out on that part of your education!

Alyssa

Finding the right college is a difficult choice which should not be rushed or be taken lightly. Not only do you have find a college or University that you like, but you also have to find a school that has a good program for your major. You should definately use sites like PrincetonReview to help you look for your possible career interests as well as possible schools. Doing this will help narrow down your search. Although searching is very important, what you really need to do is to sit down and think about what you really want. This is a decision that is going to strongly affect the next four years of your life; you want to be sure that you've made a good choice. Once your at college, be sure to join clubs, play sports, and help out the community. Doing these things are a great way to meet new and interesting people. Futhermore, it'll allow you to learn about other cultures and increase your own self confidence.

Kelly

Look around, and don't go in with an expectation of what you want. Remember what you need.

John

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is go into the school search process with a major in mind. Going into the search undecided really can harm your school selection. If you are unsure of what you want to accomplish/learn in school, then you can not really choose the school that will best suit your needs as a student. Once you know what you want to achieve while in school, search out your options. Personally, small universities are ideal. While they may not have the reputation of large schools, smaller classes create a better learning environment and allow students to become more refined in their fields. Larger schools tend to focus on their top students and allow the others to be more lax in studies. While this is great if you want a great party school, it isn't necessarily as great in an academic outlook. To sum it up, choose a school that will best suit what you want to accomplish both during and following school. You don't want to leave school with no preparation for the world, but 4 years of hard partying.

Christine

I would tell the student to stay at the school for a weekend, or a night, so that he or she can get a real feel for the life of the college outside the administration and programs.

Lindsay

I would advise students to take their time when choosing a college, because believe it or not it is one of the most important decisions you will make. Price, while it should not be the deciding factor in choosing the right college, should definitely be considered because grants and loans only go so far and your family will have to come up with the rest. Also a note to parents would be to be involved as possible in your child's college decision because you want them to be safe while getting the most out of their experience, and whether they admit it or not, your opinion matters to them. Most of all, choose a college that you are comfortable with and that can help you attain your career goals, because after all you will be there for four years of your life.

Deborah

You will know what college is right for you as soon as you step on campus!

Rob

Go with your gut instinct when choosing a college. When you visit the right place you'll know right away. While you're at college be open to different things, but never abandon your own values and beliefs.

Nathaniel

Make sure that when you are deciding on colleges to make trips and look at a wide variety of colleges to best decide where you would fit in best.

Phoebe

Students and parents should consider location, campus size, class size, diversity, and availability of resources wanted and needed by the applicant. Many factors play into making a choice for college. Most importantly, do not settle.

Ashley

Visit! It makes a huge diffrence! Make sure to meet the faculty in the department you hope to be studying in.

Taryn

The advice I would give most to parents and students is to visit your college of choice first and foremost. Before applying to any school, you should VISIT. You need to see how the campus works firsthand and see the students in action. You may find when you get there that it wasn't the school you thought it was. I visited 7 schools before choosing my current college. When I first visiting Susquehanna, I knew when I got there in my heart that this was where I belonged. That feeling of belonging will be the dealbreaker between your schools of choice. Once you've gotten into the school and are finally attending, I suggest you go to the activities fairs and look at all your club options. It will make your college life so much better if you look around and scope out different organizations. Also, you can try to rush sororities/fraternities if that is what you are interested in. Immersing yourself in the college life through clubs and service organizations will make your college experience that much more memorable. Also, get to know the people in your dorm! These people will become your best friends throughout college!

Amy

Look outside of the box and into the many possibilities that are available. Visit many campuses so you can get a sense of the various qualities that are present and what ultimately will become the most important in your decision making. Ask questions, clarify concerns, attend special program days to fully see how the school works and treats the students and guests. This is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Trust your instincts about what you feel when you are present on the campus and around the staff . Above all, parents guide and support your students decision making process. Work together to find their home away from home for probably the next 4 years.

Holly

Students and parents definitely need to visit the colleges that they may want to attend before they apply. Students should look around at the students and ask themself if they feel comfortable talking with them. Students should also try to meet professors in their field of interest to make sure that they get along and that the program is the right fit for them. Students should also consider the distance that they are from their parents, and if they really feel comfortable with that. Students should also be very concerned with the financial aid that is available to them. Make sure that if they receive scholarships for the first year that they can also receive those scholarships for the second year or that additional scholarships will be available to them. And number 1 don't go to a school just because your friend(s) is going to that school. You need to find the right fit for you.

Megan

I would suggest that they make an overnight stay at their university to make sure that it is the right school for them. They should see what the day-to-day living situation is there and the overall sense of community that comes with attending that specific school. I would also suggest that once they are enrolled in a school that they get involved, make friends, and make a difference. They should volunteer to create their own impact on the campus and the surrounding community.

Laura

In my experience you need to make sure you find the right college for you, as it is likely the place where you will start the rest of your life. Finding the right college will make a large difference in whether or not you will succeed both in and out of school. Visit different colleges and ask questions to those that live there. Ask to sit in on a class, especially one that you might want to major in. Once you find the college you want to go to check out all the financial aid available, both on and off campus. There are a lot of opportunities to recieve money. Look both online, through your highschool and local clubs to see what may be available for you. Once you are on campus enjoy your time, but stay focused on your work. If you get your work done right away and stay on top of things you will have more free time to do the activities you want. Don't procrastinate, as tempting as it may be, and if you do, be prepared to pull an all nighter. Most of all, enjoy your colelge life, I will go fast.

Steven

Go with your heart, and your college experience will be what you make of it, regardless of where you attend school. If you have a positive attitude about things, you can make anywhere a good place to be.

Elizabeth

WHen you are tryng to find the right school for you it is important that you visit the campus. Within ten minutes you will "just know" if the school feels right--if you want to consider it or if it is a definate no. Also look into what school will give you the best financial aid package. Be sure the school offers the course of study that you are interested in. When you arrive at your college/university take full advantage of the orientation programs to meet new people and keep in mind that everyone is in the same boat, they don't know anyone either. Create close relationships with your professors and join clubs or sports that interest you.

Megan

I would advise anyone involved in the college search to make sure to research a variety of different schools and programs offered by those schools ,such as study abroad and career counseling in order to have a better idea of what to expect from those institutions. Once you have selected about three or four colleges that interest you, I suggest that you visit them for a closer look and try to visualize youself going through the functions of daily campus life such as eating meals, going to class, and doing homework. The most important thing to remember though is to pick a college that you feel will enable you to succed in life and offer you experiences that will help you to become a more well -informed global citizen. Also, do not be afraid to try new activites or take the time to get to know to people who may be different than you. Everyone has something to share and if you are willing to listen, there is much that you can learn.

Sara

They need to find something that feels right to them. Students should explore their options and narrow things down so that they aren't wasting time someplace that isn't right for them.

Theresa

While applying/searching: -Don't stress out too much. -Make a list of what you're looking for in a school. -Visit any school in which you're interested: this will give you a feel for the campus and a chance to talk with the student tour guide. -Honestly, don't apply to over ten schools. Unless you have application fee waivers, that's a lot of money to shell out. -Consider whether you even want to spply to a reach school. If you know you wouldn't ever want to attend that school, why go through the process of applying? Focus your energies on what you want. -Unless someone has valid objections to your top choice for a school, don't let anyone persuade you out of the school you love. It's Freshman Year: -Bake cookies and bring them to hand out during welcome week. This is a friend-maker. -Get involved. You'll hear that often enough, but it's true. You'll meet people, have stuff for a resume, and you'll budget your time wisely. -Budget your time wisely. -Take lots and lots of pictures. These are the best days of your life.

Sarah

Make sure you like the area around the college as well as the college campus. Remember to make sure the size of the school is what you are looking for and make sure the school has not only your intended major but other majors you are interested in. Ask a lot of questions and get as involved as your schedule will allow you to be, in activities or causes you truely care about.

Meghan

Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything and everything when you are just looking at schools. Also, college is what you make of it. The first few months will be tough to get adjusted to, but if you keep a positive attitude, everything will eventually fall into place. Also, since the first few months are tough, don't decide to transfer to another school until you've given the one that you're already at a fair chance. Sometime it just takes meeting the right friends to help everything else get better.

Kelly

When searching for a school, visit as often as possible and take advantage of every oppurtunity the school has to offer (tours, , over-nights) to find out what the school is really like. If a school doesn't offer a desired major, overlook that school out because students must be happy and feel passionate about they they are studying. I'd also strongly advise not to count out a school just because it is expensive. Many students forget that loans can always be taken and feel theuir dream school is out of reach. It is something that many students end up regretting. As for making the most out of a college experience, students must be open to new things, ideas, and activities. Meeting new people is key. Also, DON'T GIVE INTO PEER PRESSURE. Most students get sick of hearing that, but it is most important in college where students get caught up in being "cool" and "popular." I would say to students, "Drinking and drugs are not your friends and people that want you to do them are not your friends either. Don't forget your dreams and future, which shouln't include drinking and drugs either."

Sarah

The best thing to do is decide what main characteristics are important to you and visit a bunch of schools. Finding the right college usually comes down to where you feel most comfortable, so visiting the campus and meeting some students and staff is extremely important for getting the feel of a campus. Sometimes it's an easy decision, and sometimes you'll never know if where you end up going was the best choice, but in the end, anywhere you go will become the right choice.

Kathryn

A college may look great on paper, and they might send you some pretty sweet mail, but you have to visit the campus. I got a full ride to a college, and I went with my parents, and we all felt like we didn't belong there. But, as soon as I drove onto Susquehanna's campus, I had a huge smile on my face, and it felt great knowing that I'd be spending the next four years of my life there. You have to make sure that the college is right for you, whether that be a huge party school, or a small academic university, it has to feel like your college and your home. If you're deciding between two schools, take a coin, make one school heads, the other tails, and when you flip, if you feel dissapointed with the outcome, pick the other school. When you move in Freshman year and if you feel like you made the wrong choice in schools, give it some time, it might just be homesickness and remember you can always transfer. To make the most of college, be willing to experience new (legal) things. Good luck and God Bless!

Nathan

First, pick a major that is practical, I'm sorry but psychology isn't unless you're going to get a Phd. Second, find a school where you fit in academically, you know your limits. Go where YOU want to go, not your parents. Find a school that has a large number of majors so if you decide to switch, most students do, you won't have to transfer universities.

Lauren

Do not look at a college as just an academic expreience. First look at yourself or your child and figure out what would suit them the best in a school. Look at schools that you think will fit them not only academically but also personally as well. I know many people who looked at schools because they were Ivy's and didn't see that they were picking a school for a name or a degree and not for the full experience. Many of those people didn't get into and were crushed, or now dislike where they are at school. Also remember that college is more than school. I have experinced so much spending nights nights in the dorm attempting to cook, daytrips to New York City or Washington D.C. College not only about class but also learning about life. Picking a college is not only about academics but also about life.