Mercyhurst University Top Questions

My college experience here at Mercyhurst has been one that I feel better prepared me for growing up and being an sucessful independent professional in society. It has been vauble to attend because being on your own forces you to be and act upon responsibities that you may have not done living at home. I have learned to take on financial responsibities , which is a huge task to take on. I have also better grasp the meaning of money but working two jobs while being in school. I have gotten so many postive life experiences from attending school and most importantly an invauble educational experience that will benefit me for life.

Attending college has always been a dream of mine and when I first set foot on the Mercyhurst college campus I knew that it was the place for me. I have just completed my first year and I have learned so much about myself. I believe that college is a time of great personal growth; a time to discover who you really are. While what you learn in a classroom is very important, what you learn about yourself outside the classroom I believe is even more valuable. I have learned to be true to yourself. You know who you are, and you shouldn't change that to accomodate someone else. If you are true to yourself people will see that confidence and you'll find who your true friends are because they will be the ones who will stick by your side through anything. They know who you are because you haven't tried to be anything but yourself. Being true to yourself is perhaps the most important thing I learned from going to college and it's a life lesson that I will carry with me through the rest of my days.

My college experience has given me the confidence and tools to enter the real world as not only a holder of a bachelor's degree, but a truly educated person. I had a job in my field before graduation and have since gone on to become self employed and successful in several aspects of my college degree. I can truly say that no credit was wasted or empty in my education. I have already used every bit of my degree and can only see more of the same in the future. I have created lasting relationships with my professors and peers who I can rely on as professional references. There was no better choice for me than Mercyhurst College. I don't believe I could have been better prepared for the real world at any other college. This was a perfect fit for me!

My main focus would be making sure that every major decision is made cautiously. I enjoy the independent liftstyle at college, but you really grow up fast. Researching schools and scholarships is very important. For some reason there is never enough money to go to school. I also wish I could've known more about myself as of what I wanted to be in life. Being very open minded with carreer choices can really confused you. Don't take on more than you can't handle.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition there would be a few points of advice I would give myself. First I think I would have to say do not worry so much about the future, you do not have to have the rest of your life planned out before you go to college. Enjoy the time you have left in high schoool but be exceited to start college and something new. Be opened to new ideas and people, get out and join clubs and get to know as many people as you can. College is a lot of work but it should also be fun and one of the best times of your life and it starts to go by fast. Always remember too that anything is possible and follow your dreams.

This is a particularly easy question for me to answer, because I remember my exact mindset as a senior in high school: relax and get out! I only took one AP test although I had taken three AP courses, and I only took one class at a local university when I could have taken more. When I got to college, I quickly enrolled in a double major of Journalism (Communications) and Spanish. I love to write and I love the Spanish language, so this was a no brainer for me. However, with the heavy liberal arts focus at this school and the high number of required courses, I am finding it difficult to graduate on time with a double major. And as I have no desire to be at Mercyhurst College any longer than I have to, (I want to go to graduate school and achieve my doctorate), it is of the utmost importance for me to graduate on time. So, in answer to the question, in high school I would have taken more AP tests and university classes in order to come to college with as many credits as possible.

The advice I would give to myself if I were still in high school would be: work hard, because when you get to college, the demands of the classes are so much more. Get involved in many different things so that you have alot of experience in different situations that will help you in your classes and programs. I would also tell myself to try a variety of things and programs in college because there are so many new people to meet, things to do and be a part of, at least by trying them out you can see what you really like, and make good friends too. Making new friends is very important because they help you through the hard times and the stress. Making the transition to living with a roommate and moving far from home was hard too, and I would advise myself to be patient and flexible . I would also be sure to get a larger freezer to keep ice cream in for the really tough days! Last but not least I would tell myself that although you have to work hard, you need time to have fun , relax and rest your brain.

Knowing what I know now I would tell myself to choose my friend very carefully because being with the wrong people can make you not able to be yourself. I would also tell myself that studying is probably the best way to go and not get books from the bookstore because they cost too much, order them online. I would also tell myself to be move involed in on campus activites and organizations because they really are fun and worth it.

If I could go back to when I was a senior making my college decision I would tell myself to slow down and check out several schools. Choosing a college shouldn?t be a fast process. You need to scope out the campus, check out financial aid and see whether or not you can make it work. I had my heart set on Mercyhurst College just from looking at it online. Never, base your decision on just what the internet has to show you. That was my biggest mistake. By putting this idea in my head prior to visiting the school there seemed to be no other option. However, after my first trimester, I came to realize that this school wasn?t for me. It?s not that I don?t like Mercyhurst, the location and size just aren?t ideal for me. I do like the small class sizes and my major department but I can find schools with these elements elsewhere. Basically I would have told myself to keep an open mind and not shut other schools out. One might look like the perfect fit, but in the end it might not be what you had hoped for.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to listen to others' opinions about my future, but remember that it is ultimately my decision. You cannot always please everyone, and a huge decision like choosing a college is one instance where you have to think of yourself first. Also, make sure you take advantage of any opportunities in your desired field before entering college, because experience will give you a competitive edge. Finally, leave enough time for both academics and social life. You won't be happy studying all the time, and you won't be happy partying all the time. You need to discover a smart balance between the two, which will ultimately lead you to a career and lifelong friendships.