Juniata College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Juniata College know before they start?

Marie

Don't stress about finding the right school. It's all about finding what you like once you're there. Whatever you choose, you can find satisfaction if you look for it.

Leah

I would reccomend not to chose the hardest school you are accepted to, you want to be challenged however you also want the opportunity to have a fun time and be social. I think that it is acceptable to take time off and look around at other schools if you dont think that you have found the perfect school or if you don't think that you are ready for school. College is supposed to be the best time of your life so make sure it is perfect and has the correct balance between academics and social activites. There is no need to rush into school and waste your money if you don't think you found the right school or if you aren't ready. Also follow your own beliefs, don't be influenced by your peers, make the decisions that you want to make not what you think will make you cool or make you fit in. There is no need to spend your whole college career trying to impress people, that was what high school was about and don't you think that you had enough of that?

Kelly

Make sure you choose a school based on the type of education you will get and not the social scene. There is always somewhere you can go to party, but you only get one chance to choose the type of education you'll get.

Molly

All students need to research what college is going to fit theirs needs the best. What school has the best program for their major is an important part. Choosing what size classes would make you comfortable is important. Students need to get out and join groups and meet new people to make the most of their college career.

Ashley

In all honesty I would advise students and parents to attend an inexpensive school. I've realized that it doesn't have as much to do with what school you attend (as in one known for being prestigious), but what you are able to make of yourself at that school and there after. It's nice to be able to enjoy your education without worrying about placing such a heavy financial burden upon your parents and even yourself. Other really important factors in deciding on a school is the overall atmosphere of the campus, what the professors are like, and the academic programs provided. Sometimes students will just know if a campus is right for them by taking a tour. I think the one true way of indicating what school one should attend is based soley on gut instincts. If a students trusts there gut feeling about a specific school they'll most likely end up where they were meant to be all along. Deciding on a college is often made out to be much harder than it should. If one knows what they're looking for in a school, they don't need to know anything else.

Renee

Find a college that fits you. It should not feel like you are going to be lost in the large numbers or bored out of your mind because it is too small. It all depends on what is right for you. You should also look into what major you are considering and how current students in that major feel about it. Since I was interested in chemistry, I found a school that was the right size for me and had a good chemistry program. Those are my best recomendations.

Sara

I would say, "Once you get into college you will look back and wonder 'why was I so worried'?" Even if you don't get into your first choice, there is always a college for you out there somewhere and you will get into a good school. Just because you don't attend an Ivy League doesn't mean you're less intelligent. There are plenty of great schools in this country that are less well known, you just have to look a little farther to find them. My school, Juniata, is considered one of the top schools in the catagory of "Schools that will change your life". I believe this to be true. College will change your life regardless of if it's your first or second choice. All colleges in this country are great so don't sweat it if you don't go to Harvard or Yale. Sometimes the smaller schools will surprise you and you'll have the time of your life. The only other advice I would have is, pick a major that you love, not just what will make you the most money when your older. Good Luck

Alex

To find the right college, visit all of the ones you are interested in. The feeling of being there on campus will let you know if you feel at home. To make the most of the college experience, don't be afraid to dive right in on activities you find interesting. Try everything you want and make mistakes (but learn from them) because that's what college is all about.

Kristin

The parents and students should visit the colleges together. Parents should see if they can see a look in their child's eyes and see if their face lights up at a particular school. Sometimes it is easier for the parents to see the student's reaction. The student should take in everything that is being said about each college and try to picture themselves walking around on that campus. They need to feel as though they would be comfortable and could see themselves on campus. If some of the colleges need to be visited a second, third, or even fourth time, do so. The student should feel completely confident with his or her decision. Lastly, a list of pros and cons should be made and see which college is best suited for the student's lifestyle and personality.

Casey

Look for the college you love, and do not settle with anything less. A lot of kids find a school they get a scholarship for or they choose it just because they don't know where else to go. This is the wrong approach and that needs to be explained to children going into college. I went back and forth many times on a few different schools but in the end it went back to what my gut feeling was right off the bat and I am so glad that I chose Juniata. Transferring is always a possibility but not because I dislike my school but because I am not scared to try new things and possibly travel around the country. I think transferring is looked down upon and children need to not stress too much over their college choice because if they really need to; they can find a school thats a better fit. In conclusion kids need to be easy going and relaxed about their college choice and really just do what the feel is right.