Daemen College Top Questions

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

Erin

Everyone in college that I talked to while I was in highschool told me how much I would have to study. There are many distractions and no parental figures are there making sure your homework is getting done, making sure you're getting up for class everyday, and making sure you're studying. I would tell my highschool self that it's harder than you think. Don't brush off the advice that everyone is giving you because all they are really trying to do is help. Eliminate as many distractions as possible and devote time to homework because in the end, that's why you're in school. You're paying for your education now and if you don't get the grades you've wasted your money. You'll only be hurting yourself and your future if you don't give 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} all the time.

Molly

Everything seemed to be so important, the smallest decisions seemed colossal as a high school senior and choosing the right career path and school was all I thought about. However, going back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, now being a college senior, I would urge that 17 year old girl is go out and take more risks. College can be whatever you want it to be. There isn't an adult making the rules because in the four short years of college, you're transforming into an adult. Take more risks. Be bolder in everyday situations and make connections with important individuals. Have more confidence in yourself and your abilities and congratulate yourself on the small victories in life. That is what I would tell my high school self. As I go into my last semester of my senior year and on to graduate school, I'll remember that advice.

frank

That advice that i would give myself is to be careful with the school im going to choose ,because is my future and my life.When you are ready to pick the college is because you already did research about it,all the good and bad things about the college you are planning to go, dont let nobody to rush you or intimidate you.You need to learn a lot about life in college and the area where you are going to be for the next four years and the money you are going to spend on it.Check the sports and activities that they offer.Education is very important for you future.

AShley

Apply for scholarships! I never did as a high school senior and now I am regretting it. Also, I wish I woudl have just started out with pre-med in the first place.

Nicole

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would want to tell myself to spend more time looking forward to college and less time worrying. Aside from the high cost of college- everything else is going great. I have succeeded with a 3.8 GPA my first year and I was recognized for my excellence in biology and asked to work as a biology tutor to spread my knowledge and passion to other students. I spent time worrying about the change and how difficult my course load was going to be and I lost sight of the fact that i'm a determined and intelligent individual and i succeed to the best of my abilities. I would have been able to enjoy my senior year more and created more positive memories, like I have during my freshman year of college.

Thomas

I have learned that there is more than one way to do things, and more than one viewpoint and opinion and it is important to see all sides before taking a stance on a matter

Maegan

I have met so many new people from all different aspects of life. There are so many opportunities to thrive and succeed at Daemen. The required core competencies, as well as the main classes, help breed well-rounded men and women who are ready to conquer society and make major improvements and leave their mark. Daemen also encourages study abroad, which I very seriously plan on enrolling in to study across the world and find out more about other cultures and ways to interact with people. I know coming out of Daemen that I will be well prepared and confident in my career as a Physician Assistant, being diverse in my studies and having many great memories that shape who I will become.

Nicholas

College has really opened my eyes to things I did not see before I started in the Fall of 2009. the first thing my eyes were opened to was how much I needed to work on my writing in order to bring it up to the college level. With the help of my professors my writing has greatly improved, and continues to improve with each passing day. My eyes were also opened to the world around me thanks to Daemen's IND-101 class. At first I thought it was a silly class, and that I shouldn't have to take it, but in the end it really opened me up to new experiences going on around campus. This class really helped me to get over my shyness, and make some new great friends, as well as make me more aware of the events occuring in the world today. It has been valuable to attend Daemen for me because it has made me a well rounded person, who will be go out in the world ready for all life has to offer, because Daemen is preparing me for all the experiences, and surprises life will to throw at me.

Jackie

The first year in college is the biggest transition that most students will ever undergo in their educational careers. As a science major, I found my first year to be extremely rigorous. In high school I was used to being an "A" student, but when i began to struggle in some of my college classes I panicked, which caused me a lot of undesired stress. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to relax , focus, and not get discouraged if I made a mistake. Although I was enrolled in college-credit courses in high school, the actual college experience was very different and more demanding than what I had been exposed to. I mainly studied alone in high school, but if I could go back I would tell myself to find a study group of classmates who were well-focused and productive to go study with. I found a group and it really helped me to improve my test scores. As for making friends, I would tell myself to hang out with students (mainly in my major) who understand my course work-load.

Brett

From what I have experienced already in college, there is a great deal of information I would tell my self in high school. First, I would discuss that college level course work demands a good work ethic and many hours of studying for each class. In high school you may be able to pull of an A on that test by cramming the night before but not in college. Getting into good study habits with high school classes definitely eases the transition to college level academics. Furthermore, grading policies in college are far different from high school. Where in high school one may take a make-up test or quiz or perform corrections on an assisgnment, college grading often involves a one time only policy, and the grade may consist only of a few exams. I would recommend always working hard on any assisgnment to ensure success. Lastly, one of the biggest things I would recommend to my previous self is to get involved within the school and the community. High school provided time to socialize, and get a sense of a posssible careeer. Being involved makes the transition into college enjoyable, easy, and creates a well rounded person.

Keith

If I could go back in time, to when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself a lot of helpful information about college and how to transition. I would tell myself that I would need to stay career orientated throughout my college career because losing sight of your goals can happen quickly in college. I would also tell myself that a B- is okay, and not to pressure myself to get all A?s because I don?t want to burn myself out, and in the end not get as good of grades. I would also recommend to myself as a high school senior to really start focusing on time management skills because in college it is not all scheduled out for you, independence is key. In being an adult in college the first semester will seem very difficult but if you get a grasp on what is the most important to achieve in college, you hopefully will succeed and be successful in your studies. I would also tell myself this one last thing; that college is a place to enjoy your young adult life as you learn the skill sets for your future, so enjoy.

Breanna

More than paying attention to friends, getting one's assignments done in a timely manner and creative thinking are essential if success is desired in college. Procrastination may seem the easy way out of not doing homework at the moment it is assigned, but it comes full circle in the end. The prolonging of an assignment means it is most liekly done at the very last moment, which in many cases, results in poor results and bad expectations of behavior in classroom settings. Being able to think creatively allows for many different approaches to studying and test taking skills to enhance and enrich the learning environment. Creative thinking also allows for creative problem solving, which is not only essential but desired in classroom settings. Being able to see the most effective way to handle an assignment or debate a topic in class has amazing ramifications later on in the semester. In combining both a timely manner in assignments and creative thinking allow for the best work ethic possible in college. Being able to get things done is good, but to get them done in a way that the professor is proud makes a student proud of the work.

Helen

I woud say, try harder for high grades to get a higher award but not to consider it all important for nothing is more important being happy and satisfied with high school life. I would enjoy the college applications and visits knowing the right choice will be apparent. I would say take time to know thyself and everything will workout in the end.

Kenya

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that Daemen College is nothing like Brooklyn College. You have to work much harder and be even more dedicated to your school work. Just because people suggest something to you, don?t let people make decisions for you. You are your own person with your own brain and can think for yourself. Don?t just pick something or do something because it pleases others. You need to please yourself before you can even think about pleasing others. Whatever you do don?t let guys get to you. Your school work comes first and you don?t need any extra stress or problems on your plate. You also need to study. Study like your life depended on it. Also don?t be afraid to ask for help. As soon as you see yourself struggling get a tutor or ask your teachers for help so you can have a successful, stress free, first semester at school.

Julie

If I could go back in time, I would have taken more AP courses. Even though it is hard work in high school, it is definitely worth it in college because it saves you a lot of money, as well as preparing you for the difficulty of college courses. I would have also relied more on myself to learn and research information, rather than on my high school teachers because college professors expect you to do the majority of the classwork on your own. The amount of homework I received when I went to college was a rude awakening. In high school, you are expected to complete small homework assignments. It would have been nice to have done a few large papers so that when it came time to write my first fifteen paged paper I wasn't stressing over it. Even though classes in college can be very demanding and difficult at times, a college experience is definitely worth it. You learn to balance your social and academic life, which are both of equal value. Sure it would be great going back knowing what I already know, but that would take the excitement out of this fascinating new experience.

April

I would have just attended a community college at first. I would have liked to start out playing volleyball at a 2 year school as opposed to starting right out at a 4 year college. The people I have met there have been amazing but if i could do it all over I would have chosen a community college.

Amanda

I would let myself know to go to class more often, study more, and listen to my parents. They've already gone through it and I should have taken their advice on being a better student. I just would like a better reputation.

Tiera

It is best to pick the right choice of college you will like to attend, because if you just settle for any place you will never be happy and enjoy your life experiences and the things you like to do. College is basically the first day of the rest of your lives so you should make the best out of it. If you never care about choosing the best college and profession that makes you happy, once you graduate you may feel that all your hard work was for nothing and you will end up working a job that is all work and no fun for you. College is not for everyone and some people do not get the advantage like others to go to college so it is great to take advantage of that opportunity and make the best of it for your career.

Jessica

I think the most important part in finding the right school is first; making sure that the school offers majors that you are intrested in; second, you have to like the people you meet around the college and third, you need to feel safe and happy on and around the campus. This will be a place for the next 4-5 years you will be everyday. Make sure you fit in. Check out the activities offered on campus and groups there are to join. Make sure that you will not feel afraid to open up here and make this place your home for your college career.

Jenna

I would suggest looking at a wide range of colleges. Small and large as well as public or private. If you options are too narrow when the time comes to choose you may be very unhappy with not having a broad spectrum to choose from. Also think about the kind of people you want to be around. If the school is artsy or academic or athletically focused, that may give clues to the type of people you will be living with.

Alicia

Find someplace that you feel comfortable at. Some schools may have the best programs but if you dont personally feel welcomed or comfortable you are not going to like being there for very long. Try to make at least one personal relationship with someone on campus. You will make so many connections this way and it will make your experience so much better.

RANDI

My advice would be to get as involved as possible during your freshman year. Do not be scared to jump in extra curricular activities. Make as many friends as possible, and try to expose yourself to as many diverse activites as possible.

Emily

Try going to a few classes and talk to as many students as possible to find out how things are. Find out if there are activites to be involved in and how easy it is to get to off campus things such as grocery stores.

Emily

I would advise parents and students to consider the fact that the cost of tuition and room and board will increase, even though any scholarships or financial aid the school promised are not likely to increase. Although this country is experiencing economic hardship, the cost of a solid education, something necessary today, continues to increase each semester. I would urge parents and students to factor in the increasing cost of each semester before choosing a college. Although colleges do not advertise this continual increase, for obvious reasons, it is there. Prospective students need to be sure that the increasing cost is not too much for their family. If this is not factored in, the result can be added stress on the student and family, which does not make for a good college experience. This advice may seem boring, but this advice is practical. All college admissions offices tell students how important it is to join clubs and become involved in extracurriculars, but they most likely do not shed light on constantly rising tuition costs.

jessica

Start looking and planning during sophmore year! Apply first to your top 3 to 5 choices but always have a backup. Use counseling resources at your school to help you get through the application process. Be focused, serious, and determined. Maintain family support and allow the student to pursue what they think will be the best learning environment for them to be successful. Tour campuses and ask lots of questions! Stay on top of financial aid and meet all deadlines money can often be first come, first serve.

lauren

Visit many colleges and don't just settle for the first one. Look at positives and negatives of each college.

Carla

I fully believe that you should visit the college campus on your own time and for open houses. The way the campus looks and how it is set up can really finalize your decision about a school. While visiting, definitly talk to the students; not only those who are participating in the open house but other students who are in communal areas. Current students can express their true feelings about the school that you may not be able to get from those who are "working" for the school during the open house. Look into your current financial status, both as a parent and as a student. Research different payment options and talk with the financial aid advisors at every school you are interested in; they are people you will work with until you graduate. Apply for every scholarship possible, student loans are not fun 6 months after you graduate. Be open to new ideas and experiences and do not hold yourself back, everything you do in college will impact your future endevaors and make you a well rounded person.

Shannon

The type of adivice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to first narrow it down to atleast three schools that interest you the most. Go and visit those schools and find out which school you will feel the most comfortable spending four years of life. You have to get a feel of whether you want a small environment or a larger university environment. Once you know then it will be easier to select the school of your choice. To make the most of your college experience try not to be shy and try to be outgoing and make as many new friends as you can. Also only if you can make time in your busy college schedule join a club or sports team that can take some stress off yourself from school. I have made some life long friends at Daemen College and if I could I would go back and do it all over again. Those four years went by way to fast so dont take it for advantage.

Scott

Like most big decisions, finding the right college should not be a "spur of the moment" decision. You must do your research and consider all of your options. You should not choose a college primarily for one to two reasons. You must find a college that has most of everything you look for in a place to live, work, and learn. After you have done your research, test out your findings and GO VISIT the campus. Sometimes you can tell if you really like a school simply based on physically being on the campus itself. Once you have done all of this, make a decision you are MOST comfortable with. Once you start your college experience, COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL!!! For most students college is a time to start over and try new things. SO DO IT. Make new friends. Try new things. Join a club. Play a sport. Do something that you wouldn't normally do (within reason). But of course don't neglect your friends from home because they are most likely the ones that will always be there when you need them. Have fun but don't forget you are at school to LEARN!

Meghan

Pick the college that is right for you and no one else.

Courtney

Pick a good school.

Alicia

Look for what you like. Think about the environment to enjoy to be around and then make a decision where you want to atted. Basically think about what you like and go from there and remember if you dont like it there is always another chance, so don't get to sad if the first one is not the perfect fit for you.

Jennifer

I would advice students to make sure that you feel like you are home when you arrive on the campus. This is the next four + years of your life and you want to make every second worthwhile. College is a time to explore and discover new and exciting things; try everything the college has to offer at least once and you will see a world of opportunities. However, college is challenging and is a different world from prior schooling. It takes time, dedication, and love for what you are major in. Make sure that the college you choose has faculty that you can trust and will teach you what you want to learn. No person can tell you what the right school is and therefore, make sure you visit the schools you are interested in and meet faculty, students, and even attend classes. Lastly, apply to multiple schools you have interest in and never think you do not have the grades or money to attend a college, there is always ways around those issues. College is an enormous step for every individual and it is extremely frightening, however, once your there, it is the most amazing time of your life.

Noel

Make sure its right for you

Dana

Visit as many colleges as you can before making your choice. You'll know which college is right for you the second you walk around for the first time.

Julie

When I was looking at colleges I looked too much into the specific degrees offered. I originally wanted to get a bachelor's in Marine Biology but due to these schools offering this degree being to far away I decided to stay local. I am going for a bachelors in biology now. I find that there is such a variety of classes offered in this curriculum that the student can experience. Students have a broader range of knowledge which offers more job availability when graduating. I am looking into graduate school and with a degree in biology I have the right pre-requisites to apply for a variety of master's degrees. Even if you know for sure that you want to be a marine biologist, I believe from personal experience that you are better off getting a biology degree and then going to get a masters in marine biology. These days you need a masters to get a good job any way. Good luck and remember, look at more than just the degree offered at a school. You need to like the school in order to succeed.

McKenzie

Look at the whole picture! Don't get stuck looking at just the specific program you think you'll major in when you're a senior in high school. Make sure the school has a variety of programs that suit you so even if your first choice doesn't work you, you can still make it at that institution!

Kylie

don't be afriad to try new things.

Elizabeth

The best advice i could give to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be not to hold back. If there is a college that you love and you know it will give you the most opportunities to learn, then go. I would not choose to overlook any college due to financial circumstances or distance from home. I attend Daemen College, and i could not have choosen a better college for myself. My financial situation is not the best, but through financial aid and schloarships, they made it possible for me to attend my number one choice. I knew Daemen has the program I wanted and I knew they would help me start my future career. I am so happy with my choice and I am thankful to all my friends and family who told me "Don't hold back".

Molly

The best advice I could give parents and future students in college would be to picture what your life would be like if you went to the college you are looking at. Are the class sizes right for you? Are you going to be happy living either on campus or off? Does the school offer the right program plan for your specific career goals? Overall are you going to enjoy your college years? If you can say yes to all of these questions then you have chosen the right school for you. Once you are able to feel comfortable in your environment then nothing can stop you from succeeding.

Alicia

Applying to college can be a stressful process, but finding the right one can be even worse. When trying to find the right college you have to think about what you like as a student. It all depends where you feel comfortable and where you know you are going to enjoy the ride for as long or short that it is. Every person is different and likes different things, so when looking for the right college, just sit down and think about "YOU". So, visit several colleges before making the decision and get to know each and every one of them, you will see that it will make it a lot easier to make that life changing decision. When you are finally in the college you want to be, just enjoy the ride the most you can. And with this I do not mean to sit down and wait for everything to come to you. What I mean is to get the most out of your college experience. Learn, make friends, get involved, and please do not forget to enjoy the ride safely, because remember it is a life changing experience that comes around once, and once only.

Kevin

Don't think about the moeny. In other words, don't let the amount of money sway your pick of an intitution. Almost every college student has loans.....All that should matter is how you personally feel about a college. Don't let moeny stadn in the way, you won't regret it. A good education does'nt have a price limit.

Katelyn

Parents think of what right for your child not you. This is their life that they are molding and you want them to be happy wherever they go with whatever they do.

Sara

Money isn't the most important thing when choosing a school to attend. The education that the student recieves is what is most important. Lately the economy has been very stressed about money situations, but I think that when it comes to college, the cost isn't what matters. I come from a family who has been on welfare at some points, yet I still chose to attend a private school. It is way more expensive than I can realistically afford, but I know that in the long run, it iwll be worth it. The college I chose is very expensive, but the college is also very focused on helping students get jobs after they graduate. I know that with the help of the college I chose, I will be able to pay back all of my student loans. My education is the most important thing to me, not money.

Ben

Look for a school that is right for you. Don't go to a school because all your friends are going there. Pick the college that has the major you want, the most financial aid, and has the class sizes you're looking for. Make sure you study and take notes. College is a lot more work than high school. You have to earn the grades, by completeing all of your work and make sure you understand the concepts being taught. If you don't understand something talk to your professor. He/she will try to help you any way they can. Don't be a workaholic though, leave some time for you to relax and unwind. Go to a football game or other activity once and a while.

kylie

Don't choose a school based on what you read about it. The words you are reading is just someones personal opinion and, once you actually see the school for yourself, your opinion could be very different. You shouldn't choose a school based on how often parties are or the male to female ratio, but rather the feeling you get once you step onto campus. That feeling should be the deciding factor. As for college experience, don't think twice about anything. If there is something you have always wanted to try, try it. You could find that it is something you really love and make a lot of great new friends at the same time. Never have any regrets.

Alison

If you plan on living there spend the night there at least once! It will give you the inside scoop of how college life will really be at that school and wiil make your decision a lot easier! And also don't let the cost of a school scare you, if you have the grades, the college will take care of you, just talk to financial aid. And finally don't be scared of living away from home, it will be the best thing you will ever do for yourself garunteed.

Gabhriel

Find a school that not only has your major, but other subject areas that you are interested. Having that back-up plan in mind, stay with in reasonable distance from home ( it is helpful when you need something). Make sure there are many oppertunities for extra-curricular activities. And finally be open to new experiences. Have fun, it will be some of the best years of your life.