Allegheny College Top Questions

Pick a school on the value of the name not what seems best suited for you

Although mom means well and tries to direct you in a path that may seem best for you at that moment, choose your strengths and your interests when looking at prospective colleges. Nervousness is a driving force during your applications. Don't let it control you. You've made it this far and you have exactly what it takes to go further. College is a challenge in so many ways and I want you to enjoy it, you'll only experience it once. You will enjoy it. Thank mom again, make this easier for her. You're doing just fine.

Apply yourself and work hard in class, but even more importantly discover who you are. Take the time to learn what you are passionate about so that you can apply that to your career choice. As you are preparing and completing college, make a specific plan for what you will do next and how the degree will help you get there. Some sample questions to ask would be as follows. What do you want to do for the rest of your life? Will you need further schooling to do that? Are you financially prepared for the amount of school you need? What are your long and short-term goals, and how will you get there? Will you still feel the same in 10-15 years? How will your current decisions effect your future family? Think hard before choosing your major and subsequent career path. Know what you are going to do with your degree before you graduate.

If I could go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would advise him to begin studying more and not be afraid to ask questions. In high school I was academically gifted and didn't have to study very hard for good grades. In college I thought it would be the same way, but it wasn't and my pride sometimes holds me back from asking questions. I would also tell myself to be ready to start from square one. Going from a senior back to a freshman is a difficult transition in itself. You go from being established to being back at the bottom of the food chain. It's a difficult transition, but manageable if you are prepared to encounter it.

Dear high school Sachika, I know that you are more than excited to move out of Albany and to start a new life in college, but do not neglect the beautiful Bay Area scenery, awesome restaurants, the diverse culture, and the priviledge to have a car to drive. You may not realize this now, but once you move all the way across the country, you will miss them greatly throughout the school year. The first year, especially the first semester, will be stressful and you may experience some difficulties transitioning into the new culture away from friends and family, but do not fret. You will eventually develop a close group of friends, and you should look forward to many random adventures around town. Meadville may seem too small and boring at first glance, but give it a chance and you will come to appreciate its little perks over time. I can assure you that college is a whole new chapter in your life filled with amazing individuals, fresh experiences, and unexpected fortunes; make the most of it. Sincerely, Sachika

In his famous hit, "Against the Wind," the great Bob Segar says, "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then," in regards to one of his lovers from his past. However, in regards to my senior year of highschool and the anxiety of the inevitable transition from boy to man, I do wish I knew then what I know now. If I could go back and advise myself during the waning days of my senior year, my message would be swift and sure: "Patience my friend, patience." I see it everyday, seniors on the verge of their first year of college. What they all seem to do is get in this big rush and hurry to get to college and all they say is, "Man I need to get out of here," and "Can't wait for college already." I too was guilty. But I've learned that I must be patient. I must take in each day, and with it each breath. For too simply can I overlook the emotions, the miracles, and the tragedies that make each day. Yep, that's what I would tell the senior Romulus Marino.

If I was able to go back in time, I would sit myself down with a pen and sheet of paper and say "Pay attention and take notes!” Don’t be scared about going to a college away from home. All of your family and friends are just a 2 hour drive, a phone call away and you will meet so many new people at college. School is your first priority, so do not get overwhelmed with the parties, working or joining clubs. Believe me; you will have time to have fun later when all your school work is done. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT wait until the last minute to do any type of homework. This includes essays, reading packets, group projects and even studying. High school is completely different from college. Sometimes your efforts do not always equal your success, therefore you have to work extra hard to ensure that you will receive a good grade. Also, remember to always go to class and be on time. Being lazy is only going to make things 10 times harder for yourself. Lastly, build connections with all of your professors and advisors; they are there to help you!

"Self", I would say. "Study hard now while you are young, time for fun will always be ahead." "Stay away from the drugs and the parties for they have ruined your life, now is your time to become what you have never been." "Work hard, play hard, but study even harder, life is yours for the taking, be aware and do not let it take you."

Coming from a city full of Mexicans like Santa Ana to a small town in Meadville full of Caucasians, was somewhat daunting. At the moment, I was glad that four other people came with me from California. But now looking back at it, I wish I had gone through it alone. I stuck to my old friends and it wasn’t until the end of first year when I broke out and talked to other people. It was nice to move somewhere that has different customs and attitudes. Many were extremely nice. You wouldn’t know a student walking in front of you, but they would wave at you and say hi! If I were to do this experience all over again, I would be more free. Make friends with people who you get along with, talk to strangers in class, be happy with what you have. Allegheny is a school where everyone is on the same page; you curse the day you chose Allegheny. We get stuck in this pessimism circle instead of appreciating the fact that we are getting an education and that this school goes to great lengths to keep us happy and keep us entertained.

I would tell my high school self that college is both easier and harder than you think. To start with the good news, my high school education did a good job of preparing me academically for college. I found, for instance, that I came to college prepared to write a decent essay on a short night's rest, a skill which has served me well. I would tell my younger self to trust in my abilities, which have gotten me far already -- no minor accomplishment -- and which can be relied upon in the years to come. On the other hand, I could not have guessed at the time that college would be so much more intense than high school. I didn't expect to be writing those late-night essays with such frequency! When going back in time, I would advise myself to maintain my focus when the going gets tough and remember why I enrolled in college in the first place. I am here to learn, and I am here thanks to countless teachers, friends, and family members who have nurtured my intelligence. I owe it to them and to myself to make the most of my college experience.

Think of the decisions you make during your freshmen year!

If I could go back in time and tell myself then what I know now about going to college, I would say, "Kelli, go to school now while you are still young and don't have as many commitments and financial obligations." If I could have done that, my life would be a lot different right now and probably a lot easier. I don't hold it against myself for not seeking an education when I was younger, only because as an adult now I have a better idea of what interests me and what I would like to do for a lifetime career. I am very excited to go back to school and look forward to what my education will do for me.

Hi. I know that you're scared about college next year, but don't worry because I have an idea. Who says you have to go straight to college from highschool? I know that it's what everyone expects of you, but your life should never planned by other people's expectations. At 17, you have all the time in the world so I'll tell you what, go abroad for a year. Live in another country. Take some classes, volunteer, learn the language, and get to know who you really are. I promise, this experience will be one that you will treasure forever. Not only will you make life-long friendships, but it will give you direction, confidence, and independence. You will enter college with a passion for life and learning that was buried deep before. Just be true to yourself, love who you are, and remember that life has more than one road. Promise me that you'll make your own path even if it means that sometimes you might get a little lost because why would you want to be like other people when you can be yourself?

Dear High School Me, Here is the biggest advice I can give you about transitioning into social life: Quoting Shakesheare, "To thine own self be true." Allegheny is such a small school that you can easily make friends since everyone knows each other already. You don't need to be someone that you aren't because you can find people who will love you for who you truly are. Don't change to fit in. This isn't high school anymore; you're moving past it. College people don't like fakes so don't be one. Be yourself. Here is the biggest advice I can give you about academics: If you're struggling, GO TO YOUR PROFESSORS. If you're having trouble, don't convince yourself that you can figure it out on your own. The professors are extremely helpful; all you have to do is ask them for aid and they will help. Don't rely on them, but don't ignore them either.

Don't stress out about being uncertain so much! Your decision may have taken awhile, but in the end you will make the right one. It may seem like everyone has their entire life figured out once you arrive at Allegheny College, but you are not alone. Plenty of other people are in the same boat as well. Move in day with all of those unfamiliar faces may seem scary at first, but by the end of the year your entire hall will be bonded like a family. Balancing both academics and athletics can be very difficult at times, but perservere; your teammates will be there to encourage you every step of the way and will become some of your best friends. Try not too procrastinate too much when packing and buying everything necessary. Also, be nicer to mom; the unexpected cancer diagonsis in the fall truly takes a toll on her and the rest of the family. But don't worry, she'll be fine, just as you will be, too. Your year will be filled with highs and lows, but at the end of spring semester you won't want to leave!

With my first year of college under my belt, it became clearer of what field I wanted to pursue and that I chose the right college. Although the academic year went well, there are some events that I do want to change. If I could turn back time and find myself as a high school senior, the advice would consist of making time to study, always ask for help, and major in a field that makes you happy. In high school I rarely studied and seldom asked for help. There wasn't a need to do so; my memory was all I needed. College however was a whole different story. After my first exam in chemistry, I quickly realized that my memory wasn't enough. From then on, I made time to study and ask my professors for help when I needed it. During my first year, my heart was set on Neuroscience. By the second semester I switched back to Geology. The reason being was that I wasn't happy pursuing my previous major. My advice to my high school self is this, major in what makes you happy, not what society wants you to be.

The biggest piece of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is to explore everything and not be afraid of the unknown. Making the transition to college can be intimidating as I found out firsthand. However, as I explored the unknown and met new people I found my fear disappearing. Getting out of your confort zone can be scary at first, but in the end it will allow you to experience things that you could never imagine before. More specifically, I would tell myself to sign up for more clubs and activities. Meeting people that share even a single common interest can help to build the new circle of friends that you'll want to have in college. In addition, any form of motivation to leave the comfort of your dorm room for mysteries of the unknown is always positive. College is a time of exploration, it's best to take full advantage of this while you're here and not let your fears hold you back. You have nothing to fear but your finals, and even those aren't too bad.

Try hard until the end. Do not quit trying once you get accepted into college. That break will cause more difficulties adjusting to the workload in college. Even if it is hard to give it your best effort until graduation you need to do it so that you keep up the momentum you had that got you into such a great school. That great school will have no sympathy for that fact that you have not done any type of school work in six months and when you get there they will pile on the work to you just as they will to a student who prepared for college all summer. Keep up with your work, the topics that can be related to other things may be unknown until you get into a situation where if you knew them you would be one step ahead. Give it your best efforty because starting one step ahead can get you along much easier that trying to start three steps behind and having to relearn topics. Give all of your work the best effort you have, it will pay off in the end.

It wasn't easy dropping out of high school, was it Younger Self? Struggling with getting a job and making ends meet, moving half way across the country, all while trying to get a GED. You worked hard, though, and you acheived your dream of six years. It made you learn one of the most important things: Perserverance. You may have felt down when people criticized you or looked down upon you, discouraged you even. I wish you would have learned to scoff at them sooner, because you ended up proving yourself right. You're now onto the next step of your goal. College is going to be strenuous, especially with all of the activities and classes you'll like to take. Remember how you proved yourself, dropping out and getting a GED, making your own way in this world, and saying "Yes, I can and will." You'll need that same perserverance that got you through the time you had in high school to get you through college. I know you can do it though. You're acheiving great things now, Younger Self. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can only do otherwise.

College is not what you think it is anymore. Therefore, make sure to keep all grades up and pay attention in class, consequently, you won't know how hard it is until it's too late. Just be wise and understand that it's your future and nothing should stop you from what you want to become. Nevertheless, choose what you want as a career that you would be happy with until you retire and listen your heart rather than other people. Finally, just keep your head up and keep trucking through school because, you don't know how college is anymore.