CUNY Hunter College Top Questions

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

Alex

Do what feels right during your initial visit to the college. Don't let reputation or certain standards get in the way of choosing the school you liked most.

Elizabeth

Although money is a big issue, if education is important to you and your family, let your child go somewhere where you know they will be comfortable, satisfied and independent so that they can feel free ot develop themselves as they should.

Lynell

I would want any HS Grad to know that the choice is yours...and the money is not an option if you do well, because the free money out there is available to any student willing to work hard.

Kimberly

This is a great school but it is very demanding. You get your monies worth.

Megan

Know what you like from a campus and dont think new experiences will be fun. If your used to small classrooms and a small town and like that then find a small campus.

Crystal

nowadays you need more than an undergrad degree to get a well paying job, so my advice is to not waste your money or your stress on choosing a "perfect" undergrad college. Go to a school that offers a variety of subjects, try out as many as you want within your first year or two so you get a better feel of what youre really interetsed in. When you find something you can see yourself enjoying and continuing into the future, choose it as a major and finish off your undergrad degree. Then you can spend more money and pick a grad school to get you that "perfect" degree to that "perfect" job!

Erin

find one that best suits your personality and is a good balance between all of the things you want for yourself and your future

Diana

Make sure the student picks his/her major, not the parent. Find a college that will offer a fair ammount of finanacial aid, registration, and tutoring help

Jolanta

Students that have determined the field they wish to pursue should attend a college that specializes in their interest so that they have more opportunities available to do research and/or internships in that field. Those who are uncertain should attend a college with a broad range of majors and take classes in several departments and do various different internships to see what fits them best. In either case, students should be open to the possibility that they may change their minds about their majors; if this happens, they should not panic but sit down and make a new plan. This is one of the best things about college: it's a place where people can figure out what they want to do with their lives. Students should also be aware that this doesn't mean that they will always find their dream job after graduating. Therefore, they should network as much as possible during their college career by attending conferences, staying in touch with their professors, and doing as many internships as possible. Having a contact that can get a student a job better suited to their degree than their out-of-college job is priceless!

Tara

Visit the campus before you decide to go there and keep in mind possible options for a major.

moe

try to figure out what you want to do with your life before enrolling into a college.

Gina

dont just choose a shcool because of financal reasons, if you really wanna go their...GO! make sure you like the surrording area and it has all of your activites that u r into.

Mansi

In order to find the right college students should attend information sessions and tours at the colleges they are interested in. Also if students know what major they want to choose they should look into colleges that emphasize that major. Once students are at college to make the most of their college experience it is beneficial to get to know upperclass men and other students of diverse backgrounds. Most colleges also have a variety of services that cater to most of the students' needs so students should not hesitate to use them. One of the most important things a college student has to learn is time management. While being academically focused is very important, it is also important to spend time with family/friends and take part in activities you are interested in outside of school. Thus it is extremely useful for college students to learn how to balance their academic and social lives.

Edham

Take a trip down to Hunter College and give yourself a chance to feel the energy and learning experience. Hunter will provide a learning experience like no other. Only thing left to say is try it out and see for yourself.

Tamanna

The advice I would give to students who are looking to find the right college for them is to go on the college tours that is offered to High School seniors, and ask themselves "do I see myself in this environment? Do I want something bigger or smaller?" and similar series of questions. The key to finding the right college is to find the college one feels most at home, students will spend many hours in the college they will spend four or so years in, thus the key is to find the right home, a college one can see themselves sending a lot of time in with ease and comfort. It is also important to know that the college offers many things outside of academic classes such as clubs and organizations which will make up for much of the social life that happens in the college. The wrong way of choosing a college is to simply go with the one that general people consider the "best", whats more important that it is the "best" for the student themselves because over the next few years, they'll have to give the college some of their best effort, money, and time.

Nicole

DON'T WASTE IT!!!!!!!! SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY AND AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE HAVE FUN!!!! (OF COURSE, WHILE CONCENTRATING ON YOUR SCHOOLWORK!) COLLEGE IS THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE, AND WHEN ITS OVER, TRUST ME, YOU'LL MISS IT!!!!!!!! AND DON'T MOVE BACK HOME WHEN YOU ARE HOMESICK! YOU THINK YOU MISS YOUR PARENTS/HOME BUT YOU'LL MISS OUT ON YOUR INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!

Kol

Determination and common sense are crucial, without them your college experience will be squandered. You, the student, must prepare his/her self to embrace not only the academic responsibilities, but the social, and financial undertakings associated with a higher education. Doing so will transform the individual into a person whom is capable of understanding and appreciating their qualities, ambitions, and limitations. Although, bear in mind that such a path is not preset, therefore, the journey will at times seem difficult, so I strongly advise to make yourself visible to others, both throughout academia and the social community. With such knowledge considered the reward will be well worth the endeavor.

John

With the economy that the United States is facing right now is, as everybody knows, not in a very good shape. A college is a college and that names does not justify the school's curriculum. I thought about going to CUNY Hunter over and over again and has realized that I had made the right choice because it is fairly affordable (that is, most students here do not take loans because they can actually afford to go to this school) and that it is a very liberal and in a very good academic standing, especially here in New York City. For parents, let your child decide what they want to do because they need to learn how to take responsibilities by making the right decissions. If they make a mistake, do not hold it against them because we all make mistakes and that it is part of their growth to adulthood. For students, especially freshmen college students, do not take college for granted. It is okay to have some fun once in a while, but do not abuse it. College would do you good, more so after graduation, than partying every single night. All the pain is worth it.

Veronica

The advice I would give to both students and parents is to listen to each other and be receptive of the schools that each of you feel is best. I actually ended up at a school that my parents had pushed me to apply to and I loved it. Make a list of everything that you want out of your college experience and out of the college itself. Visit all of the schools that you're applying to, even the safety schools. Make sure that if you end up going to a school it is one that you can see yourself at. Doing some research on the schools is the only way to be certain that you're applying to schools that are a good fit for you. Also, if you're not sure what you want to major in, choose a school with a lot of options so you can take classes in as many fields as possible. This way you can narrow down what you like and what you can barely tolerate. But no matter how you approach selecting a college remeber that this desicion will impact the rest of your life; so make it count.

Nehemi

find somewhere that is diverse, academically nourishing and also economical!!!

Jennifer

Try not to work if possible, but if you do only work 20 hours per week. Focus more on school then working!! Parents be as supportive as you can be, remember this is the time for your child to shine.

Tim

Do what you want to do. Be who you want to be. Go where you want to go. It's your life and it doesn't last forever.

Zachary

Visit as many schools as possible, apply for numerous scholarships and avoid situations that will make you unhappy.

Nicolas

As you apply to college make sure to visit them and talk to other students that can provide you with information about the kind of things they do on campus, clubs, parties, etc. Also you might want to spend a couple of days as close as you can to the campus so you can have an idea of what you are going to be living, take your time taking this decicion it will be very important you enjoy youself while in school for the next four years.

Yvelisse

Visit and explore the school before making a decision.

Denys

My personal experience reminds me that the college I am attending has to certain extent changed my views, likes and dislikes, and helped me to develop stronger personality. If you are high school graduate and are not quite determined about your future career or not sure which secondary institution to pick, I will bring a couple of points which, I hope, would help you to make a right decision . - Firstly, I would encourage you to pick a college/university which is by far more challenging than many of those around your area. Thus you accumulate much more knowledge and skills than while attending "easy-going" schools; most likely you will struggle for about a semester, and it's going to be somewhat tough, but the fruits of your labor, to which you are going to accomodate shortly, will offer you plenty of success and benefit in your life and academic achievement. - Secondly, hard conditions bring people together. I mean it. Such, you won't be left alone to do the work, instead - you'll feel yourself as a member of a group where everybody is willing to contribute their effort and time to reach common goals in college and friendship.

lai

Narrow down any intended major areas, and search for college that has the best environment for schooling. Also, visit colleges to obtain some understandings about the environment, students life and classroom lectures. I would strongly suggest student to meet with the college counselor beforehand and attain to speak to the specific counselor each semester.

Christopher

College is a wonderful time to explore yourself. You will be immersed in a new setting, with new people who have different ideals and opinions than you do. Ignorance won't get you very far in life, so listen to these new opinions and consider them. The academic process can be overwhelming; be prepared to work very hard and to be disappointed with some of your grades. Learning to cope with these disappointments will help you to become resilient, a quality that will serve you well in life. You should attend a campus that will nurture your self-exploration and your academic style. Yet it's much better to attend a college that fulfills your personal needs as a human being, than one that simply has a reputation for academic success. Your academic fulfillment will depend much more upon your individual professors than on the college's name. Take this time for yourself; explore something new in a city where you have always wanted to live. College life is not confined to campus. You will find, once you graduate, that there are similar disappointments

Elizabeth

My advice for choosing a college is that there is no "right" college, only one that is best for you. This is a very individualized process. What do you value and in what order? How much do you value location, cost, quality of education, the social scene, and the availability of recreational activities, if at all? What else do you value and what are you searching for? These questions are not as easy as they seem, but once you find your answers, don't hold back. In other words don't choose to not apply to what you think is an ideal college for you just because others tell you that you won't get it. You'd be surprised at what some colleges are looking for and what determines their ultimate decision so don't give up without a fight. If you don't get into your "dream" college don't despair, but make the best of the choices you do have and where you finally choose to go. Overall keep in mind that it is not the college, but the people within the college that enrich your life and make your college experience unique. The choice is yours.

Jennifer

I do not recommend basing your choice of an institution upon pedigree, i.e., name and public perception. You should select the place that is most comfortable in terms of demographics and the quality of the education that you believe that you can receive. The demographics of the student body and faculty should be a top selection criterion because it shows how comfortable you will be at the institution. If you are not comfortable there, it will be reflected in your academic performance. The faculty forms a perception of who they are teaching based upon demographics. They are keenly aware that they are educating the next leaders of the world, or the low-income population who will change the world, or the next social servants ? whatever the case may be. Choose the institution that you think will help you develop your character. The academic quality will typically follow from this. Take a look at the school?s mission. And, if possible, inquire about the experiences of the students that are actually attending the school of choice. The integrity of the social environment and the qualities that you as an individual can bring to bear upon your education are most valuable.

Brita

Many students don't know what major(s) they plan to pursue, and many often change their minds in the course of their college career. Therefore, it is important to choose a school that offers a wide variety of majors, with expert professors in more than one field. Alternatively, if one is absolutely sure of his/her future career, getting into a school that specializes in that field is more important than getting into a big-name, famous institution. It is more important to know what kind of college life the prospective student wishes to have whilst at college. Would s/he prefer to stay close to home, or live far away? Dorm on campus, or commute? What activities are available? What are the job prospects? Are the faculty friendly? Are the students? Are the classes small? Is the campus diverse? Of all the variables mentioned above, I would focus on class size and the faculty. Small classes are usually better simply beacuse the proffessor is more able to respond to the students individually. Likewise, faculty that is outgoing and engaging will encourage students to learn, and teacher-student bonds prove invaluable both short- and long-term

eva

follow your heart and your mind. find a happy medium. unless you're lucky enough to have it all

lak

know what you want to do and what kind of environment would you be comfortable in

Meir

The college experience is what one makes of it. If a student is looking for an easy degree there are places to get it, but it comes at the cost of a decent education. If one is looking for an education, they can achieve that from the work that they put into school. Drugs, binge drinking, and the like occur in most schools and can be found if thats what one is looking for. But so can serious and studious students.

Josue

make sure when looking for schools that you based not solely on your major but also on your interest in extra-curricular activities.

Lisa

For students and parents who are involved with choosing a college, I would strongly recommend that they weigh the price tag of the education against the quality of the education. Prestigious schools are not always the best choice, and one must consider the goals of the student in question, if they are actually reliant on this form of prestige. Statistically, anyone who excels in school will excel in the professional sphere and studies also show that public school graduates are more capable at nativating the "real world" than their private school contemporaries.

Daniel

Do what you want to do. College isn't for everyone

pardeep

you have to know what you want in life. according to ur profession you have to decide what are you going to do with your life you pick the college that best suits your needs. thats all

nicole

During these hard economic times it is very important to research schools that provide great education opportunities at affordable tuition rates. I think that there are state and city schools that are fantastic and can allow a student to get a great education at any socio- economic status. I am very forunate to live in New York where the state and city funded schools are some of the finest insitituions in the state. I would advise any of my peers to follow in my path and go to a school that is affordable yet also a great place to learn, and save yourself from years of debt.

Daisy

It would be great to get to know all the institution Hunter has to offer and the free services and the club rooms/events. Making friends is hard for me because of the large campus but most people are very friendly and try to figure out exactly what you want to do before choosing any school and see if the school of your choice is right for you.

kristina

What is right for one may not be right for another. The most important criteria in narrowing the school choices and getting the most out of your college experience is by getting a sense of idea of your expectations, and of what academic field you want to pursue. Also, research the school's general academic and your particular individual major requirements early. So you get an idea of the important classes to take, and therefore you will not be scrambling during senior year. However, the most essential advice that will enable your college experience to go smoothly and be quite richly rewarding academically and socially is by keeping an open mind of the experiences and the diversity you will surely encounter. Also, staying focus and time management plays a key role in organizing your academic and social priorities. It might seem like a lot of things to keep in mind, but before you know it you will be adhering to them without even noticing it. It is part of the college experience to adapt to whatever situation you are thrown in because it is just part of human nature to do so. Before you know it, you will be graduating.

Kimberly

Focus on a school that offers a variety of programs in which the student is interested; almost everyone changes their focus at least once during their college career, and if they can do it without changing schools they are more likely to stay IN school. Extra curricular activities shouldn't be a high priority unless the student will have lots of time for them, or is particularly driven to participate in out-of-class programs. Success in school is linked to a student's interest in the academics, not whether they like how students party after hours. If the student isn't interested in their class work, they won't succeed no matter how good or bad the clubs and social environment is.

Svetlana

Visit schools so that you know what it is going to be like. Don't just pick a school that sounds good enough.

Uzoma

Believe it or not, college is an experience that I wish a lot more people would have. It is like no other, and you meet a lot of people who impart their knowledge on you. It is best to be supportive of a student in what they wish to do, or in helping them find a career best suited for them because 4 years goes by incredibly fast, and before you know it, you're one year away from graduating, and have not picked a major yet. It happens to a lot of people, and delays their graduation time. It is best to go into college with an open mind, not scared, not apprehensive, but with a rather embracing attitude. It honestly can be one of the best experiences of your life, and there is so much waiting for you at the college of your choice, the only thing you have to be worried about is, am I picking the right college for me that best serves my interests? Once you have researced, and found what fits you, then you should have no real worries, and just be resilient and ready to go head first into life.

Alexandra

I would say to make sure the college fits your personality. It should contain acitvities that interest you, as well as class and or programs that interest you. Faculty and staff should also be helpful and accessible as new or transfer students are helpless. When attending school, you should be able to look forward to going and being there. So make sure you choose the school that you like and not what anyone else tells you.

Meredith

I did not go on the "typical" college path. I come from a single parent home, and when I turned eighteen I left my small town of Mandeville, Louisiana to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance. My mother and I did not visit school campuses, we did not even discuss college as an option for me. She basically left my future and the decisions in my hands. I was young and did not realize how crucial having an education is in our society. So after three years of dancing I decided it was time to seek a degree. First, I went to BMCC, took a few courses and transferred to Cuny Hunter College. Where I am currenty double majoring in Media Studies and Dance. I am now twenty three and feel very lucky that I had the chance to go to school and get an education. Now, in my "older" age, and a non-typical student (which most aren't at Hunter) I am taking my education seriously and passionately. So, my advice to parents/students about finding the right college is not to put too much pressure on yourself to be a typical student.

ryan

visit the college before you go

Sadiyah

I would definitely recommend this school to anyone looking for a diverse, commuter school. It has a wide array of classes available and wonderful faculty members who are willing to help every student. Hunter College has a large percentage of distinguished Professors and is affordable for people of all economic backgrounds.

Tiffany

When it comes to choosing the right college, it's not always about the name of the college. A well known college or university may not always be the best school for you. Keep in mind that you can always get the same if not better education from a city college than if you go to an outer state college. Plus it's also more affordable and you may not even have to take out student loans. This is especially good for people who plan on continuing their education after their baccaleruate degree. What matters is the kind of people you will meet and the quality of the education you will receive. It is important to go to a school that offers what you want. Don't just look at the academic aspect of a school but also the different organizations that they have. When you are in college, I highly recommend to become apart of an organization or club. Not only is it a great resume booster but you will probably have some of the best experiences in your college life. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Adeline

Parents and students should always visit the colleges the student is applying to together so that they can get a better sense of what the school is like. This way they can experience the surroundings of the school and be able to talk to anyone: students or faculty about the school itself. Once the parents and students gather as much information they need, it will be easier to choose a college to their liking, making the student's college experience more delightful rather than simply choosing just any college. Also, the student should joins as many clubs as possible and get involved in any school activities, including sports teams. This way, the student can take part in the school and can do what he/she likes to do best. The student will not only think that school is for learning, but it is also a place where you can enjoy oneself with one's friends and peers.