*As a disclaimer, I still consider the other schools on the list as very good, and I am not by any means saying that Misericordia is the number one school for everyone.*
Like a lot of students I’ve always dreamed of going to college all through high school and wanted to know what it would be like. When I was a junior, I was very excited to begin the application process, but little did I know how much work it would be. As you may know, I chose Misericordia University as my college decision, and getting to that decision wasn’t easy. I remember I applied to 13 schools, of which many were in New Jersey, and many were out of state (mostly in Pennsylvania). As I was applying, I had to look at many aspects of the school. I had to figure out where I would feel the most comfortable living, and where I could make the most out of my experience.
Prior to my senior year, I have already gotten two letters for Cross Country/Track from schools, and I was set on picking them as my top choices. They were both out of state and were reasonably close to New Jersey. I was set on only applying to those schools, but I realized I shouldn’t rely on just those two alone. At the time, I figured that would be the best option considering I have a connection with the coaches. But then I realized, going to college is not only about the sport, it’s where I should feel the most at home.
As I was applying, I looked at many small colleges with a few large ones as well. Many of the schools were Catholic, which I became very interested in because I’ve been to public school all my life and wondered what it will be like to attend a Catholic school. I also figured I will grow in the Faith in being around a catholic environment. During my college visits, I did seem to like the small communities. I felt it’s much more beneficial considering I can easily get to know everyone on campus and all the buildings are very close to each other, so it would be easier to get to class quicker. I remember I wanted to apply to a lot of schools because I felt that I wouldn’t get accepted to many and felt pressured by my classmates to apply to a lot of universities. Then, after I finished with the application process, I ended up being accepted to almost all the schools I applied to. Which was extremely exciting but at the same time, very overwhelming.
I also reached out to a lot of coaches from most of the schools I applied to. They all seemed very friendly and I had really good connections with them. However, it did feel overwhelming at times because I had a lot of options to choose from. When I was in the process of deciding, I had to look at the college as a whole and not just running. Of course, running is a big part of the decision but that shouldn’t be the only reason. I had to look at the school for its environment, academics, community, programs, financial aid, and location.
I have visited many schools that were very welcoming and friendly, but one school that really stood out to me was Misericordia University. I remember when I visited the school, I loved that the environment wasn’t that large and all the buildings were very close. That makes it easier to get to class on time so I don’t need to rush as much. I liked the school for its academics too. Next, Misericordia sports programs are very well known, and since I’m majoring in sports management, I found it very convenient for my major. The community is very nice and welcoming. The first day we moved in, many of the upperclassmen were open in getting to know us as well as the staff. Even the professors were open to getting to know us because the class sizes aren’t large compared to bigger universities. I like that the school is known to be a catholic school, where there are so many programs and opportunities to grow in the Faith. There are retreat options on campus, they have mass (both Sunday and weekly), and have programs around the Scranton area I can participate in. Another great thing about the school is that it was very affordable. I was able to receive many scholarships and made it easier to attend the University. The location was very nice too. I am not a big fan of living in busy areas and I liked how the neighborhood is not too crowded. It makes it very easy to drive around and I feel drivers are a lot more calmer compared to New Jersey.
Overall, I feel I made a good choice with this school. I’ve gotten to meet so many new people and am able to keep busy. It definitely feels like I am right at home and doing the same things as I normally do. Currently, I am in my second semester, where I have been participating in events for Campus Ministry, running Track, and focusing on my academics. I am so glad I was able to make this decision to come to this school because I am learning so much by being here and I am growing academically, spiritually, and physically.
Like a lot of students I’ve always dreamed of going to college all through high school and wanted to know what it would be like. When I was a junior, I was very excited to begin the application process, but little did I know how much work it would be. As you may know, I chose Misericordia University as my college decision, and getting to that decision wasn’t easy. I remember I applied to 13 schools, of which many were in New Jersey, and many were out of state (mostly in Pennsylvania). As I was applying, I had to look at many aspects of the school. I had to figure out where I would feel the most comfortable living, and where I could make the most out of my experience.
Prior to my senior year, I have already gotten two letters for Cross Country/Track from schools, and I was set on picking them as my top choices. They were both out of state and were reasonably close to New Jersey. I was set on only applying to those schools, but I realized I shouldn’t rely on just those two alone. At the time, I figured that would be the best option considering I have a connection with the coaches. But then I realized, going to college is not only about the sport, it’s where I should feel the most at home.
As I was applying, I looked at many small colleges with a few large ones as well. Many of the schools were Catholic, which I became very interested in because I’ve been to public school all my life and wondered what it will be like to attend a Catholic school. I also figured I will grow in the Faith in being around a catholic environment. During my college visits, I did seem to like the small communities. I felt it’s much more beneficial considering I can easily get to know everyone on campus and all the buildings are very close to each other, so it would be easier to get to class quicker. I remember I wanted to apply to a lot of schools because I felt that I wouldn’t get accepted to many and felt pressured by my classmates to apply to a lot of universities. Then, after I finished with the application process, I ended up being accepted to almost all the schools I applied to. Which was extremely exciting but at the same time, very overwhelming.
I also reached out to a lot of coaches from most of the schools I applied to. They all seemed very friendly and I had really good connections with them. However, it did feel overwhelming at times because I had a lot of options to choose from. When I was in the process of deciding, I had to look at the college as a whole and not just running. Of course, running is a big part of the decision but that shouldn’t be the only reason. I had to look at the school for its environment, academics, community, programs, financial aid, and location.
I have visited many schools that were very welcoming and friendly, but one school that really stood out to me was Misericordia University. I remember when I visited the school, I loved that the environment wasn’t that large and all the buildings were very close. That makes it easier to get to class on time so I don’t need to rush as much. I liked the school for its academics too. Next, Misericordia sports programs are very well known, and since I’m majoring in sports management, I found it very convenient for my major. The community is very nice and welcoming. The first day we moved in, many of the upperclassmen were open in getting to know us as well as the staff. Even the professors were open to getting to know us because the class sizes aren’t large compared to bigger universities. I like that the school is known to be a catholic school, where there are so many programs and opportunities to grow in the Faith. There are retreat options on campus, they have mass (both Sunday and weekly), and have programs around the Scranton area I can participate in. Another great thing about the school is that it was very affordable. I was able to receive many scholarships and made it easier to attend the University. The location was very nice too. I am not a big fan of living in busy areas and I liked how the neighborhood is not too crowded. It makes it very easy to drive around and I feel drivers are a lot more calmer compared to New Jersey.
Overall, I feel I made a good choice with this school. I’ve gotten to meet so many new people and am able to keep busy. It definitely feels like I am right at home and doing the same things as I normally do. Currently, I am in my second semester, where I have been participating in events for Campus Ministry, running Track, and focusing on my academics. I am so glad I was able to make this decision to come to this school because I am learning so much by being here and I am growing academically, spiritually, and physically.