Adelphi University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Cassandra

Many people jump to make their college decisions based soley on the name and reputation of the school, however, a school is only as good as you make it to be. There are three main things to consider to make your college experience the most fulfilling. First, college is stressful, so pick a school which provides a comforting atmosphere. To some comfort may be in the heart of a big city, and to others, a quiet, rural town. Second, a college student needs to take risks - and this does not refer to partying! Take courses in subjects unfamiliar to you, join a club or organization, or volunteer your time. This will open doors of opportunity and help you make lasting connections with peers. Lastly, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. College is expensive, so you should be getting the most out of your money. If you feel a need is not being met, say something! The college wants to see happy students, and chances are they will help you get the resources you need to be sucessful. Researching a school and touring the campus is essential, but make sure you do your part in making the experience worthwhile.

Jeremy

I believe it is imperative to look into three areas when trying to identify the proper college: firstly, analyze the faculty. You want a smart, educated, and respected faculty to be teaching you because you want connections when you graduate. Secondly, analyze the populous. A student will more succesful in an environment that demands success. It might be harder at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be putting out your best not your most mediocre. Lastly, locate the school in relation to cultural events and, more importantly, key work areas. You want a job and connections to good grad schools when you leave. You need to identify what the school has to offer beyond a degree (not all degrees are equivalent).

Jasmine

Always asked several students who are attending the school.

Michelle

My main advice to parents and students would be to spend the money to visit as many colleges as you can. Don't get discouraged about the money, because in the end it will be worth looking around. Don't get too excited and think the first one you visit is the one you want to go to. Even if you think you found the college you want to go to, visit others just to compare. Also, money is a big issue when it comes to college. Fill out as many scholarship contests as possible. Write at least 2 essays that you can get reread by someone who is well known with great essay skills. Use those 2 essays for as many scholarships as you can even if you have to change a little bit of the information. In addition, any clubs, activities, or groups you are in, ask around if someone knows who can sponser a scholarship for you. Ask any adult or teacher. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is one of the biggest things you'll learn in your college career.

Alyson

First decide what your goal will be in terms of a major, look at which colleges have the most qualified professors and class choices that will be needed for your diploma. It is most important to research the programs of each college you apply for and choose the one that would best suit YOUR needs towards your degree. This could save you anguish in the long run because the more you know about the program required for your major, the more you will understand what classes you will need and which you would find most interesting. This will also probably save you money in the long run so that you don't take credits that you might not need.

Sophia

Find a college that has a great program in the major that you are pursuing. Also if you are undecided, choose a college that has both majors that you are thinking of pursuing therefore, you will have a greater experience in deciding what career path that is best for you.

RIVKA

A COLLEGE THAT PUTS THE STUDENTS FIRST AND IS THEIR TO HELP THE STUDENTS COMPLETE THEIR DEGRRE IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE

Dennis

The best advice that I can give to parents and students about finding the right college is: Does the college offer the majors you are seeking? If it doesn't, do not bother looking at the college. The next best advice is always one of the most important. The financial aid the school offers. Ask current students if what the school offers is accurate. The best advice about making the most of the college experience that a student can have is participating in campus activities, clubs, and greek organizations. I myself had a very boring college experience for the first two years until I joined a fraternity. From then on, I enjoyed going to campus.

Daryl

Visit, speak to current students, take a look at alot of the media produced by active students that is floating around the internet. it is very easy t type in a universities name on you tube and see student interviews as well as students jsut being students on campus.

yvonne

do extensive reseach on each college and visit the colleg to ensure it is really what you are looking for.

Nicole

The grass is always greener. No matter how much you think your school sucks, they all suck one way or another.

Emma

Apply to a lot of colleges. Even if you only have one in mind that you really want to go to, apply to as many as you can that interest you. Take a look at the whole package - degree offerings, financial aid packages, average class sizes. Go to college interviews and take campus visits if you can. Call the campus and ask questions. See if they have a network set up for incoming students to get to know students at the campus. When you get to college, reach out and make friends. Find your advisor and set up an appointment just to get to know them. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors or your advisor if you're having problems. Above all, make sure you take a break from studying every once in a while to go out and have fun.

Gavin

Make sure the courses are relavant to your career choice

Jean-Pierre

I would give the advice that parents should visit as many schools as possible in the near vicinity area of where the student lives and when practical. Encourage the son/daughter to find information from all means possible through telephone, internet, high school counselor, teachers, etc. If the information is there, we just have to steer the youth into the right path and keep a watchful eye on them incase they get stuck on the way and your there to help them carry right along so the college searching experience can be an easier burden on the family when it is shared and not just entirely placed on the student's shoulders.

Diana

Make sure your child can afford the financial aid!

Chanel

Look first for a college that would suit your academic needs and may provide support if you have challenges. Also find a school that will help out with a majority of your academic funding. Finally find a school where you fel comfortable. Definitely take a campus tour and if possible spend one weekday and one weekend day there on a normal week (not a campus activity week) to get a true feel of what the school will be like for you.

katie

To get to know the college before you make any decisons

Anamaria

Make sure it's a place where the students will feel comfortable and be able to socialize well.

Nicole

With our economy today, it is practical to go to a 2 year college first, then continue on with your Bachelor's Degree at a four year college. In our society today many students will not find a suitable career without their Graduate Degree as well, so do not forget the cost of that part of your education when thinking about your Undergraduate education. Many people believe that it is looked down upon to go to a commnity college the first two years, but in reality- it is a smart choice! You save tens of thousands of dollars, and your letter grades are what transfer (not your GPA). Consequently, your first two years of college can be used as a trial period so that you can better get adjusted to the college life without the pressure of earning a 4.0 GPA. Also, research the possibilities of Scholarships through various schools and the internet. Besides the money factor, GET INVOLVED! it is equally important to get involved in clubs and activites in your college. By doing so your chances of meeting people with your same interests increase drastically, as will your social life.

Bozhena

The advice I would give to parents and/or student about finding the right college is to visit the campus, see what the school has to offer. Also, while on campus ask students what they like about the school and what they don't like about the school.

angela

I would suggest you attend open houses and possibly join in on a class. Ask as many questions as possible about your field of choice and financial aid. Make sure you feel comfortable in the area and get a feel for the types of students that attend the school. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Make school work a priority but do not forget to join an activity or two. Make friends with people within your major and outside, you never know with whom you could make a lasting relationships with. School is about what you make of it. What you set as your priorities is how the following years will play out. Be smart and true to who you are and you just might have the time of your life. Lastly, do not keep your parents in the dark. A phone call can make a difference and you might be surprised how much confidence they can provide to you!

Christopher

To determine what school/college experience is right for you is simple. First visit a bunch of schools to select which campus suits your personality. Second, persue what you love. The best college education is recieved by advancing your knowledge in something you enjoy learning.

Danielle

Study every day...and yes on weekends!

Meghan

In finding the perfect college a student along with his/her loved ones and caregivers should take the time in finding what suits them best. Location is important, but so is the population of the college as well as the academics offered. Many times high school seniors are only interested in going far away to a college they can have fun at, but it is also important to realize your future depends on the education you receive while in college. Of course kindergarten, elementary school, as well as middle and high school are important, college is when we become adults, fully grasp the real world, and open our minds to the world beyond our homes. Choosing a college to attend is an important decision in a person's life, however the choices made are not set in stone. We can transfer anytime, but keep in mind not all credits are interchangeable at all colleges. Wherever we end up, it is how we use our education, if at all and hopefully so.

Eliza

Make sure the student visits the school first and stay perhaps over night make sure the fafsa is filled out on time get feedback from other students there check out the environment and area around it Be financially stable

kendra

Listen to the needs of the student, and at the same time the flexibility of your checkbook.

Heather

Campus life is important too. The academic atmosphere of a school is paramount; however, when looking at a school research the enrollment, class sizes, eat the food, talk to students at that school. It is a wonderful thing to go to a great academic institution, but it will make your college experience a whole lot easier to enjoy a social life too.

Kristal

Find a balance. Know how to balance school, work and your social life and you will be very happy and successful. Get to know the school your attending and see if the environment is right for you. But remember your not paying thousands of dollars a year to just party so make sure that the study environment is right for you too.