Clarkson University Top Questions

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

Alejandro

Visit the campus and try to learn as much as you an about the area.

Dan

make sure you're happy with the school you choose. As they say, these are you golden years, so make the last 4 years of your free life worth it.

Katie

Choosing a college is a very big decision in ones life. You need to select a school that not only offers your major, but provides a surrounding environment you can learn and grow in. College is as much about the social world as it is the academic one. One will not succeed with their academic studies unless they are in an environment which they are comfortable. The best thing to do when thinking about schools is to spend a weekend with friends at other colleges and determine what characteristics you enjoyed and what intimidated you about the environment. Also don't rule out certain schools based on costs since financial aid packages at these schools can sometimes make the cost comparable to state universities. Well hope this advise helps and the most important part is have some fun on all those college roadtrips. Parents this will be the last time you see your kids for a while, but just think they are one step closer to supporting you.

Ryan

Visit many different schools, and do overnight visits. (student only) Be outgoing when new on campus, meet people, and have fun!

Brian

Think long term. You can go to a party school now and have fun or work hard now and be set for life.

Colin

Relax the worst thing that you can do is get over stressed about the whole scituation you will be happy were ever you end up and remember that you can do as well as you choose to. also get te aplication stuff done as early as you can.

Gregory

In choosing the right college, a student must first put their academic concerns forward. They should have some sort of idea of what they want to do after they finish college, and should select their college according to whatever that entails, be it an engineering school or a more of a liberal arts-type school. Following that, they should focus on secondary things, especially things such as location and extracirricular activities that are offered., as well as any amenities that are offered in the area surrounding the campus. Once they've chosen a school, a student's college experience is what they make of it. If a student is convinced that they're going to be miserable and depressed while at school, that's how they're going to end up. If a student makes a decision to have a good time at school but still keep up with their work, then they will. All it takes to make the most of the college experience is determination and effort on the part of the student. Finally, knowing when to get help is an integral part of succeeding in college; professors will not come to you if you are having trouble.

Crista

The best advice I can give is to look at all your options and never shut an idea down just because you do not think it is possible. If you don't know what you want to do in your future then leave your major undecided, it is the best way to explore all options. Choose a school that you feel comfortable at when you visit, a school that is welcoming and has what you want. Follow your dream and don't follow your friends. College is a new experience, beginning to grow as an individual and become independent. It is going to be scary, but a fun ride. Do not be afraid to ask questions because then you will never know. Fufill your dreams and hold nothing back because the last thing you want is to live with regrets. Finally, to have the best time of your life and meet the people who will impact your life the most, to try everything and anything, to step outside your comfort zone and see the endless possibilites available.

Peter

Don't just look at the price, look at the whole package and go where you will be happy becasue happiness while at school makes a world of difference.

Dan

My advice to potential students is definitely think about where you want to be in your future. Just because a school has a low social profile doesn't mean it should be overlooked. If you, as a young adult, can look beyond the parties and huge social life, then you can actually make huge strides in your future career. Make sure you choose a place where youc an have a good balance of both. Remember, college is your chance to build your life foundation. Make good use of it, dont abuse it!

Evan

I would reccomend that they have a sincere interest in whatever subject they want to pursue, and that their school meets all the criteria to make it the best college experience ever. So, be sure that the social atmosphere fits you and the community it is in is one that you feel comfortable. And don't forget to be yourself!

John

Tour the school a few time and try to get a feel for the campus. It is very useful to talk to currents students other that the campus tour guide

Nicole

the only advice i have is going to the campus a couple times to see how it makes you feel and how the people seem to interact with you. i went to one campus that was beautiful, but the people seemed like complete snobs, and that completely turned me away. when you visit the campus, you almost always know when you get there if it's for you or not.

Emma

I would definitely talk to random students around campus before picking your school. The students they pick to give tours or talk to you about their experience are paid to say good things about the campus. If I would've talked to regular students before choosing my school I would have realized that students were very unhappy with their school and their classes. Also, definitely check out every school that you're thinking of because you cannot get a good feel until you visit the school, and the school websites try to make the school look good when it may not be.

Emily

Think about where you want to end up career wise and make sure that the school offers all that is required to get you there. Also make sure you can see yourself living there and enjoying it.

Ian

Students should find an acceptable balance between school work and social activities. College is a very enjoyable experience if you are able to make the most of the time you spend there. You will meet people who will be your friends for the rest of your life and the education you receive in four years will open a lifetime of opportunities.

Ryan

Delivering a child to a university is a difficult task for most parents. There can be disagreements at this time in life. Many children see college as a time of self expression, a reflection and time of revision upon all the values of their childhoods. Parents should facilitate the process of choosing a post-secondary school keeping family values in mind, but with petty disagreements aside. There are many factors to consider when evaluating schools, but the most important is the congruency of student life to home life. Depending on the college bound student, each student will have a different idea of what type of college he/she wants to attend. Some students need more expression in education, others need expression in other forms. Most importantly, the best college experience for a student is one in which the people at the college are supportive. Other items, such as academics and extracurricular activities, should be ranked below the experience of the student with the faculty and staff at the college. The best college environments are maintained by the best instructors and support staff.

Ben

Conduct college visits during the week so that you can see how the college opperates, possibly sit in on a class or two, and talk to faculty in the department your son or daughter wishes to enter. Another helpful thing to do is talk to students from the school, (students other than your tour guides), and get their oppinion on the school / pro's & con's of going there.