Allegheny College Top Questions

Explore all of your options. Investing in the college decision making process is just as important as investing in college. There are literally thousands of options, and you have to find something that feels right to you. You'll know when you find the right place.

Finding the right college is all about YOU: your priorities, your interests and abilities, your preferences. The college search can be overwhelming, and many highschool graduates feel as if their entire future is hanging on this decision. The key here is not to let yourself feel crushed by pressure, expectations, or uncertainty. Instead, let the process of searching for the right school be fun, exciting, and gratifying: you've earned this. Choose a college that will foster what is important to you, whether it be a global perspective, a deeper religious life, readiness for the workforce, etc. Set your sights high! Even if you don't get into your top school, you might be pleasantly suprised to find that your second choice is a perfect fit. If it isn't, it's not the end of the world--you can always transfer. Once you get to school, keep an open mind. College is all about broadening your experiences and your way of thinking. Try taking a class you wouldn't normally have considered: you might be surprised at what you learn--or you could even unleash a hidden passion. Remember: the pressure's off, and it's all about you.

It is incredibly important to not get blinded by the myth of the ?dream school? and to keep your options open. When I didn?t get into my dream schools? there were six - I had to scramble to apply to other universities. There will be a perfect school for you, but it probably won?t be the one you pinned all your hopes on because as a high school senior, you can only know so much about yourself. It is also a good idea to map out a schedule that sets personal deadlines for both the student and the parents ? this will prevent panicking. Take advantage of the common application, and if it doesn?t cost extra, why not throw a few extra colleges on your application list? Not only is it a good self esteem boost to get accepted into multiple schools, but it also helps when you negotiate for financial aid. Finally, students, please don?t complain to your parents too much. It will all be over before you know it, and it will feel better to be on top of things than to turn in a sloppy essay at the last minute.

Finding the right college is a hard decision and should not be made hastily. Be sure to visit every place you look into! Even if you apply, get accepted and get a scholarship, college is about your happiness; it is someplace that you will be spending approximately four years of your life at. You want to be someplace where you will be happy and have the ability to grow as a person and even if you pay little-to-nothing to attend, if you do not like it, odds are you will not stay. So really take time, ask questions and get to know your schools before you commit. While at school, make sure to get involved! Participate in various activities! If you do not see a club you like, create your own organization! Try and go to various events on campus, attend lectures and get involved! Do not be afraid to see your professors and ask questions if you need help. Especially for post-undergrad, visit your Career Center on campus. Do not wait to be great! Start on your resume as soon as possible and look for internships. Do what you need to excel no matter what!

In order to find the right college you really need to visit the different places and see what college just feels right. Take advantage of overnight visits and sitting in on classes because that is the only way you will be able to get a real feel for the school. In order to make the most of the college experience you need to do things that make you feel uncomfortable and take chances because it is usually those things that are most rewarding in the end. Step outside your comfort zone, befriend people you might not normally befriend, go to programs and events offered by the school that you might not normally go to. You might discover things you never knew you liked all because you took a chance. Also, you need to get involved in something whether it be a club, a sport or a sorority/fraternity. Not only do they create great memories but you can make some great friends and it will help you to gain real life experience working with others. Most of all, don't stress out and try to have fun while still doing your work.

I would make sure to visit. Even though Allegheny is far from me (I live in Colorado), I loved the atmosphere and the faculty there. Be sure to apply and make sure you do not have your mind set on one school. Checking out the Newsweek College Edition really helped me rank my schools and find out more information about each one. When at school, really try and get involved and not just socialize! I met some of my greatest friends from activities and if a club doesn't exist, you should start one! Be sure to start working on your resume early and always look for opportunities to do something in the summer.

How do you decide to which school you are going to devote four years of your life and countless dollars? Talk to people who already decided. Brochures are alluring and recruiters persuasive, but admission counselors are paid to make schools sound irresistible. Students however, are forking over their lifesavings to attend and will relate exactly what they love and loathe. College is a huge commitment and you must be informed to make the right choice; so ferret out the dirty details counselors gloss over. Talk to students and learn the idiosyncrasies of the school. Are classes really small? If you blow up the chemistry lab do you automatically fail? College is enough of a shock without learning that Domino?s doesn?t deliver. But realize that the effort doesn?t end when the forms are mailed. Now you must make college count by taking advantage of your school. College is about education, but its not the lectures on electron repulsion that are memorable, it?s the stories and corresponding life experience that you will tell your grandchildren. So talk to hallmates, go to the Queer?s & Allies barbeque, cheer obnoxiously at homecoming and enjoy all the opportunities offered to you.

To find the right school you need to experience it. Go visit. Take full advantage of any orientation and visitation programs they host. Do not be afraid to ask questions; it is your life afterall. Once you're at school do not be afraid to participate. If you find a club or a team that you like, go for it. Don't worry about what others think or are doing. Live your life the way you want to and do the things that make you happiest.

Let them make the decision. Guidance is important, but it is their life.

The best advice I can give is to ask as many questions as possible. Ask real students about social life, classes, etc., don't rely on tour guides or materials given out by the college alone. Look at the course catalogue- is what you are interested in study offered? Are there enough classes you would be interested in taking? Also, make sure to attend an overnight visit, preferably one over the weekend, so you can get a real feel for campus life.