Alvernia University Top Questions

Make sure to visit the campus, either for the day or overnight.

Make the most of what you have, college is a once in a lifetime thing. There will be many bumps down the road but in the end it will all be worth it and you will meet the greatest people you have ever met at college.

I would tell them to go and take a tour of as many colleges as you can and make sure that it is the right college that you want to go. Make sure that they have a good program of whatever you want to go to school for and that there is always somewhere around that you can talk to if you need help with anything. Make sure that the campus isn't to big if you don't want to be on a big campus or if you want to be on a big campus make sure it's not small.

I would tell them to find something that fits them. Don't just decide on a college that is going to give you the most financial aid or schloarships. The school has to be something that you are going to like for the next four years. Make the most of your college experience by engaging in any activity you can. Also try to make as many friends as possible. Most of all just enjoy yourself and make many memories that will last a lifetime!!

Research the school. Talk to current students (not just the ambassadors or admissions or financial aid people) and find out what really happens during the week and weekends. Talk to residence life about housing options for students. Get involved. For instance, I started two clubs on my own and am a founding member of Alvernia College's theatre program (which, by the way, has grown tremendously in five years). It doesn't matter if it's a large or small school, find something you enjoy and do it. It's your chance to totally be you (or reinvent yourself) so just do it. Don't worry about roommate situations and just handle situations as they arise. And don't be afraid to talk to people (faculty, staff, other students) to get what you need. If you want to get the most from your classes, do the work (or extra work). You may be able to breeze through by not reading a book, but you're the one paying for the credits and school. And don't forget to figure out the class to money ration -- you'll skip class a lot less when you figure it out (trust me).

It is very beneficial to visit the campus of each college you are interested in attending. Sometimes you will get the feeling that the campus is not right for you and other times it will just feel right. You definately need to choose one that feels like it best fits you and your needs as a student. If you attended a small high school it is usally good to also attend a smaller college since you are already used to smaller class sizes. If you attended a large high school a smaller college still might be good for you if you would like to know the students in your class as well as have a connection with the faculty. In order to make the most of your college experience you need to first choose the college that is right for you. Then you will enjoy the activities that occur on campus. There are many clubs that are available to each student that actually decide what activities should be done for the students on campus. This way students have a say in what they get to do. It is also beneficial to get involved in sports and leadership positions on campus.

Start early to visit and apply to colleges. Try to spend a night or two at the college and when you pick a school try to get involved on campus. If you don't play a varsity sport then do a club sport or activity.Be very sure to get good guidance from your college counselor and if you have any doubt that the advice is incorrect them request a different person. Too many students come up short with courses needed to graduate or could have dual majors if planned properly. Students have to start from the first year to maximize their opportunity to make the most of the four years and to finish on time. The student needs to know themselves and what type of classroom situation will benefit them the most. I thought my college was small and that I might have enjoyed a large city school campus but the small class size at my school was a great benefit to me.I was a much better student my last 2 years and I went home too much during my first 2 years.I got more involved my last 2 years at school.

Before you apply, visit! Try to book an over night weekend during semester, so you can get a true feel for that campus life. Talk to a professor in your anticipated major to get an idea of what will be required of you. Hanging out on campus on a day other than the ones set aside for new students will hopefully give you a better idea of the school you are looking at attending. When you do choose a college, make sure to get involved in at least two clubs or activities on campus. Maybe not your first semester, but at least scope it out so you can be involved by your second semester. Being part of a club helps you make friends with people who have similar interests, and also helps you feel like you are contributing to YOUR college. After all, someone is paying for you to be there--make the most of it!

TAKE RISKS AND BE OUTGOING! You will find out more about yourself by doing so and this will not only help you in your college years but the rest of your future as well.