University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Top Questions

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

Allison

Dear Self, Nothing right now is as important as it seems. That relationship with your high school, on again off again, boyfriend is not going to work out, and you're going to lose touch with most of the catty girls that you consider your friends. Your family is who is going to be there for you all throughout college, so relinquish yourself from the unnecessary drama and focus on the important things in your life, your relationship with your family and your education. Study hard and take your classes seriously for they will be what truly prepares you for the work load of a college coarse. Lastly, remember to always be and love yourself. Confidence is what will get you to where you want to be. If you don't believe me look at all the obstacles you've already overcome, and now look to the future where you will reach your goal of playing college basketball despite the physical odds. You can do anything you set your mind to, so live your life to the fullest and never stop chasing your dreams. Self

Brooke

If I were to go back in time and advise myself about collge and transitioning, I would tell myself not to believe everything you hear. College is not just about the partying. It is about studying hard to acheive good grades. It is about feeling accomplished and proud of yourself, because going to college is a giant step towards the future. I would advise myself to focus on my grades and tell myself that it is alright to become overwhelmed. It is a lot of work to get used to. I would advise myself, college is not like high school and going to college will be the hardest I would of had to do in my life yet so far. I needed new ways of studying my old methods no longer worked. I would warn myself that even though A's and B's were what I got in high school, does not mean college would be the same. College is supposed to be more challenging. It is supposed to push passed the boundaries we once held in high school. I would advise myself to go to every class. It is my future and my degree at stake.

Emily

If I could go back in time I would tell myself that grades are very important and to get good ones. I would alos tell myself to look for more scholarships and plan my classes more efficiently.

Chelsea

Dear Senior Year Chelsea, Your college life is going to start out rough. You are going to face some struggles that most others will not; that is nothing new in your life, though. As always, you will make it through; you are strong enough. The first week of your first semester of college, you will have your appendix removed. You will total your car at the beginning of your second semester. The third semester, well, that one will be one of your toughest; many family emergencies and your part-time job turning into a full-time job leave you running ragged, yet you still manage to keep your grades up. Keep your head up; things will always get better as they always have. God will not give you more than you can handle. On your rough days, pull up The Serenity Prayer, as it has always given you strength and courage before. Keep up the good work. You will look back and appreciate all of the struggles you were forced to endure. Love Always, Present-day Chelsea P.S. You may have the chance to graduate a semester early due to your hard work and dedication.

Kati-Ellen

I would tell my self not to worry about the little things, STOP procrastinating so much and work on better studying habits.

Chelsea

Attending college has meant a lot to me because I am the first in my family to attend. Having an education is very valuable in getting a well paying job when I graduate. After watching my brothers, who did not attend college, struggle through jobs, I am taking everything I can from my college experience. I want to open my own petstore someday and without a bachelors degree I know that will be nearly impossible. University of Pittsburgh-Bradford has a great entreprenuership program in which I am majoring. The teachers really want to help you learn how to open you own business and do everything they can to help you succeed. Finishing my degree would mean the world to me and opening my own petstore someday would mean even more. This scholarship would really help me and I would appreciate it greatly.

Gregg

If I could go back I'd tell myself about my regrets in High School. Personally when I started my senior year, I was starting to realize that I needed to take more steps to becoming successful because my previous years of high school were ridiculed with poor work ethics. Now that I'm in college I now realize I could've taken even more steps to become more successful. One major part of high school I regret is that I didn't join clubs or organizations like I do now. I thoroughly enjoy doing behind-the-scenes work with events and it's what I do now with the Student Activities Club in college. Another step I could've taken my senior year was to study for the SAT more because my 2nd SAT scores didn't improve. Although I was in honor roll my senior year, I felt I could've taken many more challenging classes like English 12 Honors. Last, but not least, was that I never got a job even after graduating high school. Working gives extra money and experience for college that can be the difference between staying inside or going out and having fun.

Armani

I would tell myself that although there is more freedom in college and definitely a lot more fun than college, nothing from high school can prepare for what college does for you. It's more than the academic responsibilty that you are faced with, but the slow transition of becoming an adult will be tough. Financial responsibility and being on your own may sound great but actually being responsible is more important and harder than it sounds. You may think it's easy, but being a college student requires a certain level a maturity if you want to be successful. So pay attention, and stay on track.

Desiree

I would tell myself that everything would be ok and that there is really nothing to be worried about. I would tell myself to become more organized and learn how to take better notes. I would tell myself that the people at UPB are going to be welcoming and accepting and that i should take the time to meet some new people and make friends. I would tell myself as a senior in high school that i should not stress about the little things and that the professors at UPB will always be there when you need help and will do there best to do so. I would also tell myself that i shouldn't stress about school starting in the fall instead i should be focusing on enjoying the last few days i have with my friends and classmates cause you never know how the new people you meet and friends you make will affect you life and how you look at things. Because college will change your prespective on life. So i would tell myself to live in the here and now but always be planning for the future.

kelly

I would tell myself that college is no joke. I wouldnt tell myself that I should be worried about the school its self but the costs to go to college, what i could have done to better prepare myself for the financial aspect. Every student who enrolls into college and has to pay out of pocket to go and only has a job thats gets em by in the mean time to pay for the things you need just to get to school and work alone. As soon as you get that first billing payment for student loans your heart drops because its so much money and you barely even have enough to pay for gas, food, etc. My main advice I could give myself is to have a better saving plan for my money if it was even possible. college life really isnt any different from high school life and the only advice i could give my self is that just like high school all school work counts. Dont be a slacker in other words. Like I said the biggest concerns about college is the financial area when your a paying out of the pocket to go.

Marie

Have faith in yourself. Enroll in college now. You do have the ability, and you will be successful. Make your education your top priority. You won't regret it later in life, I promise. I know because I am there, in your future, right now. Looking back, I wish you had gone to college sooner. Why wait? Working hard in college will give you self esteem and confidence, those qualities you lack. More than anything else, you will gain independence through education. Who knows what challenges life will bring. You will be better prepared to handle life with an education. No one can take your education away; it is life long, a worthwhile investment. Those years will pass by anyway; you might as well be working toward your goals...starting right now. Take the first step, and don't wait. There is nothing more important. Do it for you.

Meghan

The advice I would give myself is high school prepares you for the schoolwork, the studying etc... but it does not prepare you for the peer pressure. Peer pressure in high school was nothing compared to college. I was not a drinker during my high school years and my second semester in college I started drinking heavily and weekly making my grades drop and eventually I dropped out. Now that I have realized you can't make it today without a college degree especially the area I live in I wish I could of known them drunkin nights did nothing for my future even though i might of created a couple friends along the way but was is more important friends or a college degree?

Desmond

I would tell myself to apply in-state. Because the tuition will ad up over time and you don't need that extra stress. Also, be serious about your work at all times. Aleays try to get the best grade possibe. Partying and hanging out with friends is not as important as gettig the highest grades possible. Always ask questions in class. Don't ever be enbarrassed about asking a question because a couple of laughs from others is not as important as understanding the material that is being taught. Make sure you meet people that do the right thing, and that are willing to hlep you when you need it. After all, your success is most important.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to make sure I interact with my teachers when the opportunity is available. Having a good relationship with professors is always a plus when it comes to not understanding something. Studying can seem like a waste of time when others are out having fun, but it helps out greatly. I would also tell myself not to get sucked up into the typical college lifestyle, which I have successfully done thus far, and that it does not matter if I am one of the people that party every weekend. One mistake that I made at the beginning of the year was not being as social as I should have. Being a freshman, everyone is in the same boat you are. No one knows each other so take advantage of meeting new people, be outgoing. College is what you make it, if you isolate yourself you'll get bored. Be social yet be responsible at the same time.

Shelly

Try to choose a college that feels like home. It lessens the home-sick feeling a lot!

Ahmed

There are definitely a lot of things i could mention on this topic, but i feel that they're a few major pieces that should be taken into account. The number one issue should be finances, you should choose an institution that fits your financial background. Think about your career. What are you interested in and do the schools your applying for specialize in that program to insure you receieve the best education possible. Your living background should also be strongly discussed in determining a school. You have to ask yourself do you want to go somewhere that offers the same environment or do you want to experience something brand new. I believe that these issues should be top priority when reviewing school because they ultimately determine the difficulty in the transition from high schol to college. You want school to be the only thing that is on your mind, especially during the first year.

Lauren

I would tell students and parents to get active now. Your senior year in college should not be the first time you start thinking about where you wanna go and what you wanna do. If you find that you are not happy with your decision later in life it costs so much money to start over and may waste quite a bit of time you could have been using to be productive towards your degree. It is best to talk to students who already attend the school and maybe even have your major to see what their experience is like and see if it sounds appealing to you also. College is about to be a big part of your life. You should make sure you know what your goals are whether they be academically or personally. It is a stressful and confusing decision but in the end going to college and becoming your own person is completely worth it.

Savannah

Before jumping into something, research every aspect of the school. Make an educated decision

alisha

I would tell parents/students, to leave all of their options open. The student should make a list of what they are looking for in a college, visit each college/university and make sure they are able to talk to the administration, professors, coaches, and any students that can answers and and all questions. Try to sit in on an actual class in their field of study, so they can see what the professor is like and how he/she interacts with the students. Always ask about the financial aid, grants, and any scholarships available that would help with the schooling. Once you have narrowed it down to a few, do another visit and get any last minute answers to any questions you might have and possibly arrange to do an overnight stay at the college. Once in college, enjoy the experience. Take advantage of any opportunities that will come your way, as four years of college goes by fast and you will be entering into the workforce and the life of an adult.

Kari

I think that no matter what college you choose, the student is who makes the most of it. You have to feel comfortable with the campus and feel that you can trust the faculty and staff to guide and teach you and to also look after you. When I first went to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford I felt a connection immediately, however, before I chose Pitt at Bradford I did some research to make sure the they had the major that I wanted to study, what the class sizes were like, and what type and amount of activities, clubs, and greek life the school had to offer. I would advise parents to help their son/ daughter research as many schools as they can, visit at least your top three schools, and to be supportive throughout the entire process because it can be very stressful.

Vogue

I would tell any parents or students looking for the "right" college to think about what is important to them. The little things really add up. I choose the University of Pittsburgh Bradford because it was the distance, class size, and price range I wanted. When you search you need to take all the small details into mind, including do you like the dorm style, meal plan, and library. As for gaining the best college experience possible my advice is simple; do everything. Try anything you can. I have attended classes I am not taking, sat in meetings for clubs I am not involved in, and I go to as many university-sponsored activities as I can fit into my schedule. This way you can truely experience the most of what your college has to offer, you make great connections, and have a wonderful time making the most of the semesters. The best advice I can give is to get involved, take risks, and dig for the best of what your university can offer you. That is how you make your college the right college for you.

erica

make sure its affordable and has good ratings. you dont have to go to the most expensive school!!! also smaller schools are better, easier to get classes!

Andrew

If your son or daughter is interested in sports, I would talk with the directer/coach of the sport to figure out what is going on. Talk to the professors your kids are going to be seeing at least twice a week. Or you can make sure your son or daughter talks with the professor as least once a week, in the professors office.

Immanuel

Once you find a college that focuses on your field of study, what is most important is whether the campus actually fits. The college may be considered a great place, but students and parents alike must remember that any student makes what he or she wants out of their college experience, the place should not define the person, but the person the place. By getting involved in your community/campus, maintaining your grades, gaining leadership opportunities, and becoming a person who enjoys interactions with others and succeeds in them is vital. What I found to be vital is not worrying about what my friends are doing, not what people think I should do, or just following what others are doing in general, but following my own independent and responsible goals that are realistic. No one wants to be stuck in a place where they do not feel like they belong or can excel. I am happy to say that I feel at home on this campus and know that I have the opportunity for success. If you go to a college do it for yourself and make sure that the place is somewhere you want to be for four years.

Claricia

Make sure that the campus is right for you and fits your personality try talking to some of the students that attend the college while you are visiting. Also ask about campus life outside of the school what activities can the students do and also transportation back and forth to school.

Morgan

The advice that I would give to a parent or student looking for a college that is right for them, is to take a tour of every school's campus that you are interested in attending. During the tour of the campus make sure you talk to the financial aid department, president of the school, and a couple of teachers in your field of interest. Speaking to all the neccessary people and paying full attention on the tour is the first step to getting the most out of your college experience. When you find the college of your choice, I would strongly advise you to join some clubs on campus. Joining clubs on campus is a very good way to intergrate yourself in the school's atmosphere and most importantly it is a good way to meet new people.

Shawna

Find a school that has great academic programs, has a good reputation, but is also a school that is within your ability to afford and has good opportunities for things outside of academics as well.

Adam

Take your time deciding where to go! Don't settle on the first school you look at. Decide on what works best for you. Some people like the hustle and bustle of a large campus -- I don't, but that's just me. Also, join clubs and get involved! This is especially true if you're commuting as it can be hard to establish any sort of social framework outside of these organizations. Have fun -- you'll only get the chance once (if you do things like study and avoid hitting the booze too hard).

Kegan

Look for the college that's right for you. Don't go because of your friends, or because of the cost. Go because you want to learn all that you can about a particular major, to make it your livelyhood, and you know that this university you're eyeing up is the right on for you based on that. Parents, help your child to make that decision on their own. College is all about independence, and by supporting their choices, whatever they may be, you're affording them the oppertunity to gain confidence they can later use in their lives. Most of all, have fun. These are some of the best years of your life, and by choosing the college that's right for you, then you'll be better able to make the most of them, and create some of the greatest memories you'll possibly ever find. Follow you hearts, and follow your dreams, but be sure to keep an open mind through it all. Search, and you never know just what you'll find lying alongside the road of life you've started on.