Emmanuel College-Boston Top Questions

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

Brittany

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior year self, I would tell her that everything she had worried about college was unfounded. Before entering college, I was petrified of the changes that would await me. I was scared; I thought classes would be incredibly hard, that professors were strict, that I wouldn't make friends easily, and that living away from the comfort of home would be difficult. However, after attending college for three years, I know that being able to go is a blessing. Classes, while providing a challenge, weren't unmanagable as peers and professors were always willing to help. I made more friends at college than I ever had in high school, and I consider them to be my family. While, I could be homesick at times, I was happy having freedom and independence as it gave me the chance to explore the world around me. Even though, the change was nervewracking at first, I adjusted with the support of peers, professors, family and friends. College has been a great opportunity to learn and grow, so there is no need to worry because you'll have the time of your life.

James

I would go back and tell myself to visit all the city schools I wanted to and done more there than just take a tour. To really get the feel and understanding of a school talk to the students sitting around doing homework who can give you a full unbiased review of the experience. I would tell myself I should get better at wheeling and dealing because that is how I recieved all of my big internships and opportunities because the career office here will kind of give you a handout of an internship that will not really lead to anything. I would tell myself to keep talking to professors the way I do/did though. My experience here academically has been sufficient due to the knowledgable and humile professors I have had. It is the professors here that keep/kept me from leaving this school.

Terese

Don't allow people to walk all over you, you are important too. If people aren't going to realize that then realize you don't need them. College is hard, the transition is hard. You will cry a lot and thats okay. Just remember everything will be okay. Classes will be much harder than you realize. Study, stay on track and don't beat yourself up over a bad grade. What is done is done, you can only learn from the mistakes and make yourself better. Clean out your closest, moving all that stuff is a lot of work and half of the things in there you never wear. And don't forget to smile and enjoy life because the time is flying by.

Danielle

Danielle: please do not worry about what life will be like in college - you will do just fine. You'll come to learn that you are surrounded by people who want you to succeed and are willing to help you achieve your dreams. You will make wonderful friends who support you and you will find mentors who recognize your abilities. The workload is manageable, but make sure you stay focused; that will give you the most out of your experience. Be sure to get involved in communities and events that interest you because the time at school will fly by. Take advantage of all there is around you! Stay in touch with your close high school friends, but realize that you will find numerous people who share your interests in college - far more than you could ever imagine. Above all: be yourself and learn all that you can, both academically and personally. This is a time for huge growth.

Adam

Adam, though it is noble of you to see yourself as a rising artist, it would be wise to have a backup plan that will allow you to pursue those broad goals while still supporting yourself and, some day, a family. Think about the types of jobs you'd enjoy doing - teaching, perhaps, or maybe graphic design - and pursue a career in one of those fields while allowing your creative side to remain active on the side. Intern as frequently as possible and build that resume up. While it's important to maintain strong grades at the college level, the more professional experience you acquire now, even if it comes at the cost of your creative time, the happier you'll be as you seek a vocation down the road. Also, be careful when you play Ultimate Frisbee your sophomore year; try not to break your toe!

Mary

I know you are overwhelmed with the changes that are about to ensue, and you're excited to get away from home. Remember, college is a growing experience. You're going to meet a world of new people with different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Choose positive people to surround yourself with, and take as many different courses as you can. Don't worry about figuring out what the rest of your life is going to look like. Be friendly, open, and most importantly, be yourself. Make the most of your education, challenging teachers and students to think about broader concepts that what the textbook says. Join clubs! Start an intramural team! Try new things! Network! And don't forget to write home...your family still loves you even though you're hundreds of miles away.

Alexandra

My first semester in college has been unbelievably rewarding. In high school I was very unmotivated in my academics, and I put my extra curricular programs first. Studying was very difficult for me, and I usually studied the night before for tests. However, I taught myself new skills for studying in college and luckily excelled to my fullest ability in academics. With my studying techniques and time management, I no longer study for the grade, but also the learning experience. I have learned more in my first semester than I ever have in my entire life.

kimberly

At the ripe old age of 44 I realize not only what I want to do with my artistic career, but i need a little more education and I am totally focused, not like attending college as a teenager. The LA Film School offers exactly what I need from the computer animation course, not alot of what I don't need and more of what i do. They offer equipment , software everything and I am so happy with it.

Karen

Why college is valuable is for the future of my family. It is important for me to grow with every possible opportunity and to remain possitive while setting a good example for others. An education is a privilege and should never be taken advantage of. In many places around the world, it is much more expensive or simple not available. I've enjoyed the last few years studying criminology which has assisted in the application process to continue for another 4 years. I will continue school for the next four years and looking forward to working in the field through many years to come.

Jessica

As a student of Emmanuel College, I got an excellent education out of it. The teachers, staff, and other students helped to create a memorable experience for me. The lessons you learn and the friends you make, help you to become a better person.

Meisha

I have benefited greatly from my college experience in a multitude of ways. Foremostly, I should acknowledge that I attended a junior college before pursuing my education further at a four year unviersity. I think this was a wise decision as it has proved to be a valuable stepping stone on the path to my future. My junior college provided me with sound mentors/professors who were knowledgeable and approachable, making it less difficult to communicate in what could have been a very intimidating setting. I have learned responsibility, accountability, time management, and critical thinking from being in their classes. Being apart of clubs on campus has also given me the opportunity to cooperate with others and be an active, participating student at school events. Perhaps one of the greatest values I learned by attending college, however, was a sense of community and togetherness with my fellow students. College has taught me to be open to other people and to listen to their experiences with keen ears, for if we listen to each other and work together we may find solutions to the problems that plague our world. Last, but not least, college showed me learning could be fun!

Marissa

I have had the best college experiance in the past 2 months. Emmanuel has everything I want. It has the gated campus feel but in the middle of the city. As soon as you walk out of the gate you are in the middle of Boston and extreamly close to Fenway. Our school is part of the Colleges of the Fenway so it is part of a community that includes four other schools. I have met so many new people not only from my school but from many of the other schools because Boston is the ultimate college city. Classes are great and my schedule is very manageable and I yet to feel stressed out unlike in high school where I was stressed many times. College is by far an experiance everyone should have.

Derek

College has been an amazing for me. I've learned alot and i want to continue my education as far as i can. College is very important for me because i'am the first one from my family to go.

Rebecca

Attending college has opened up an amazing amount of opportunities for me to learn, grow, and become the person that I would like to become. I have learned traditionally in the classroom, but also socially and work-wise as well.

Krystal

Although my freshman year in college has had its ups and downs, I consider it a truly valuable experience. . Although the course load has seemed overbearing and hard to deal with at times, I feel that as the months have gone on, I've learned to utilize my time well, and get all assignments done in a timely manner. Some courses are still challenging to me, but I try my hardest to do my work to the best of my ability, but also to seek help from tutors when necessary. I know that there will always be challenges in life, and I'm slowly but surely gaining the skills I need to overcome these challenges, and break through the barriers to become the person I want to be. Living in the city is another amazing perk of residing at Emmanuel College. When I'm not studying or working on course projects, I have the option of taking in a Red Sox game, listening to the musicians in Boston Common, or simply walking around the historic Boston. All of these experiences have helped me to grow and expand as a person, building my character to whom I want to be.

Kendra

My college experience taught me that life is what you make of it. I went to a small school where I was solely responsible for my education; the opportunities that I would have in work and internships; and being the best student I could be. My college education taught me to open doors, and see what might be on the other side. I've continued to explore these challenges, and have ended up in a place that I wouldn't have thought possible five years ago. I'm starting nursing school this Spring at Johns Hopkins. I wouldn't have realized my dream of becoming a nurse without my unique undergraduate experience, and without the challenge to independently acheive.

Kayla

Coming from a small, mostly white, middle-class town in central Massachusetts and entering a college in the big, diverse city of Boston was a complete cultural shock. Not only were there people from different ethnic and racial backgrounds, but religious and economic as well. There were students from Boston to Los Angeles and Europe to Asia. From these differences though I have met best friends and great connections, as well as learned various cultures. To say I was a shy freshman out of my element would be an understatement, but I, as I'm sure many others, have since grown from this experience. Yes, I have learned the importance of time-management, setting goals, and getting involved, but nothing has been more valuable than cultural awareness. This awareness has not only allowed me to be more understanding of people, but it has also influenced my views on many subject matters. Attending Emmanuel College has been one of the most influential experiences I have ever had.

Caitlin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there is a vast amount of advice I would give. I would inform myself that those late-night talks in the kitchen before your 8 am class probably aren't the best idea, because in the long-run, he wasn't worth it. (Especially since you'll miss your favorite class.) Don't pass up all those moments though, because they turn out to be some of the best memories you'll have. Just choose who you spend those nights/early mornings with carefully. Give yourself a break. Everyone on campus has experienced what you will go through, so don't worry yourself sick over where to sit in the dining hall-This is not Mean Girls. Learn the differences between high school work and college! In high school, you spent the whole day in the same building, traveling from class to class. Most of the work (and learning) was accomplished within those four walls. The term ?homework? was a misnomer; you completed nearly all of it at lunch, in study hall, and in class. Learn how to MANAGE YOUR TIME!

Anna

I would tell myself that this transition is probably going to be the hardest challenge that I'll ever have to overcome, but that I am a strong person with a great support system who will make it through anything.

Sanettra

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college life I would enhance my studying skills. It became apparent with college that I had no idea the best way to get all of my studying done and in time. I had class after class and a lot of reading. I often felt overwhelmed but later come to realize it was because the way in which I studied was horrible. I would study in front of a tv, with plenty of breaks for phone calls and whatever else I could use as a distraction from my work. I think the most important thing to learn before entering college is that sometimes we outgrow friends and make room for new ones. I was most worried about not having friends in my first year. Most of my friends were not interested in going to school. I didn't think I would get anyone who would understand me. I was so wrong! Going to college is like visiting a different country. There are so many sites to see and so many different people to meet. My advice is to take a deep breath, stay focused and be you!

Kaitleen

I would advise myself to go out more often freshman and sophomore year. I sometimes stayed in because of morning classes. The end of sophomore year one of my best friends died. I would have advised myself to spend more time with her before she was gone.

Carolyn

Having tranferred colleges my sophomore year, I got an opportunity to relive the application and selection process of schools. My second time around I had completely different things in mind than what I did my Senior year. I focused more on how much laundry costed, what the security of the dorm buildings was, how the meal plan worked, did the school have a church neary by, and what there would be to do on the weekends. If I could talk to myself Senior year, the first thing I'd mention would be the convenience of a school. The college I went to Freshman year was a great school, and as I originally described it, 'cute'. However, it was a 30 minute drive from any major cities, had one small pharmacy in the town, and despite being a wide open area it became a hassle when I needed to buy something or wanted to go to the movies. Although I dealt with this for the rest of my Freshman year and it wasn't too bad, I'd certainly tell my Senior year self to picture actually living there instead of just judging whether it was cute.

Emma

I really don't think that there is anything I could have listened to back when I was a high school senior. The only best thing you can do as a high school senior is get good grades, be nice to your teachers and really get to know who you are. I don't think its realistic to give an advice about overachieving and being perfect. I think overall its a matter of knowing who you are, having dreams and as silly as they may seem believing i them and being open to experiences.

Zoe

Focus more, work harder. Don't slack off or it really will come back to haunt you.

marta

If I could talk to that girl that last year stared college, I would tell her that medicine it is not really what she wants, but it is instead what her mom wanted for her, I would tell her to register for psychology and philosophy classes and to not worry because her mom will not stop loving her no matter what. I would tell her to get organized, to stay away from drugs because they won't solve her problems, to be truth to herself and follow her passions. I would tell her to not worry bacause even if she is far away from home everything is going to be ok. I would tell her to not be impatient, to enjoy her 18s and to not rush to grow up, because growing up is not as exciting as she thinks. I would tell her to stay away from certain people and to instead not be afraid to get closer to others. I would tell her to take advantage of all the opportunities boston has to offer, and to not be afraid to go out and live her life. As a last think i would tell her that I love her.

Clara

I would tell myself that it is not the name of the university that matters. It is whether or not the school fits you. The most important aspect to keep in mind is if the school has your majors and minors. It is not all about how others will judge the school name. Just keep in mind it what you do when you attend college and what you make of it. The familiarity of the school name is other a very small part of the college decision process.

Stephanie

Examine each college choice throrughly Visit every college choice Medium to Large sized College Know your rights about education and financial aid Apeal Financial Aid Awards

Simona

I would suggest looking at different schools to compare their size and location. Then, choose what fits their taste best. Once there is a handful of schools left on the list, it is much easier to focus and pick the school that will bring out the most out of the future student. Since tuition is a major factor in many students' decision-making, it is better to figure out the financial part of the deal before commiting to a certain school. Once that is over with, the rest is up to the student. It is important to get involved in extracurricular activities on and off campus once the school is chosen. Living on campus has its benefits, because it is easier to make friends that way. College is like a training base for the future life, so I suggest taking it more seriously than high school and think about the consequences of your actions. The greatest thing about American schools is that there is an opportunity to pick a major without commiting to it from the very beginning. There is time to decide, and I suggest to use that time wisely.

Davina

Answer the following questions before you begin your search: 1) What can we afford to spend? How will we pay for college? 2) City? Suburbs? Country? 3) Big school? Medium-sized? Small school? 4) What is important for my ideal school to have? (example: strong sorority/fraternity presence, small classes, religious foundation, proximity to public transportation, literary magazine, good music program, etc.) 5) What might I be interested in persuing for a career? (example: business, liberal arts, art, etc.) These are really the most important, and I wish that I had thought to answer some of these questions before beginning my college search!

Carissa

You only live once, follow your heart. Deal with the expenses later.

Shawn

Make sure to visit each campus that you are seriously considering. Talk to students on campus and ask how they really feel about the things that are most important to you. Don't be afraid to ask about their social lives and how the food is! Once you've chosen your school, commit to it. Get involved on campus by joining a club or two. Finding an on-campus job is a great way to meet people and make your mark on certain departments that can benefit you in the future. For example, working as an office assistant in the Residence Life department can make you the connections that you need to become a Resident Assistant. This gives you excellent leadership experience and financial assistance! Set aside time for studying, and make sure to go to all Review Sessions and to meet with your professors regularly. If they know you are working hard, it can make an impact on your final grade! ENJOY college, it goes too fast!

betheny

My advice to parents and students looking for that ?perfect college? is to stop! You won?t find the perfect college. There will be things that happen at any school in question that make you want to scream: ?WHY DID I EVER GO HERE?? Hopefully those moments will be far and few between but they'll happen. When looking for a college for you or your child you really just need to take everything in and ask ?Does this feel right? Does this school care about me not just my wallet?? This can be hard to do with the schmooze-fest most schools put on; finger-foods, gushing students, and free gear emblazed with the school logo. Suddenly you?re thinking: ?Wow, all this for me?? DON?T. You deserve it all given what you?ll be handing over. Go somewhere that you feel, when you?re in a jam, is going to go the distance for you because that?s when it all really matters. Plenty of people find their ?perfect school? on their first try; others transfer. Just make sure you?re happy because, at the end of the day, that?s all that truly matters.

Samantha

Some advice that I would give students in their search for the right college would be to visit as many schools as you can. It really helps to be on campus and to see students that go there. Remember to ask lots of questions while visiting schools, or while talking to students. Also, if you have a friend in college ask them if you can spend the night in their dorm. That way you can get a taste of the transition from home life to dorm life. One last thing I would offer a student as advice would be to keep your financial situation in mind. See which school is offering you the most money. Some advice for parents would be to be supportive of your your childs school decisions, and help them in anyway that you can. For example, help them make visits, keep on top of them to meet deadlines, and remind them to continue to do well senior year of high school because in some cases colleges will revoke acceptances if grades fall severely.

Christina

I would highly suggest visiting the school you are considering before making any committments. There is a huge difference between a school on paper and a school in real life. The only way to see if you will fit well with a school is to go and visit. The most important part of suceeding at a new school is feeling comortable. If you dont feel comfortable in an environment it makes it exponentially harder to do well. The best way to make the most of your college experience is to try everything. Have no limits no preconcieved notions and go all out. You never know when you will try something new and fall in love with it. Try intramural sports, its a great way to meet new people, get a good workout and break from studying. Don't become best friends with your roommate and a few others and stop branching out. Definately make new friends, but dont limit yourself to them continue to try new things and meet new people. Networking is important after college but it's during college that you make the best contacts. Always continue to broaden your horizons, never limit yourself in any way.

Abigail

Dear Scholar, never settle for mediocrity. Do not allow teachers (or even parents) tell you where you should be educated because their opinions are not necessarily your own. If going to college is important to you, then do as much research as possible (i.e. ideal location of college, names of colleges offering desired programs, etc.). If your ideal college is seemingly too expensive, cancel these thoughts. There are so many avenues for you to accrue the funds necessary to attend your future college. There may be scholarships offered within your community and via other resources (i.e. websites). It is, furthermore, critical that you apply to a variety of colleges (i.e. colleges more and less challenging to be accepted into). In this way, you can attend college even if the college is not your first choice. Many students transfer to other colleges (i.e. to your first choice) during their college career. Whatever you decide to do, never settle for less because your potential is unlimited.

Alicia

Choose a school that is going to be worth paying back all of those loans after you graduate.

Margarita

I would advise students to research a school that best fits the major that they are interested first. It is essential to get a proficient background in the major of a student's choice because this will provide the skills for a successful future. It is also important to base the school on a student's personality and needs. If a student is not happy in their environment, then they will never be successful at school.

Rose

Finding the right college is really important. I would first look at if you want a big or small college that has big or small classes. Then you should think about what career you want and what you want to study. You should also not only choose a school that has one thing you would like to study, but many different things in case you change your mind and want to study something else. Then there will be a lot of options for you. I would suggest a liberal arts college if you are not completely sure what you want your career to be. I would then suggest looking at your friends and the kind of people that you like to spend time with and be surrounded by and go a college that has many of these type of people in it. I would really suggest getting involved in campus activities to help meet like minded people. Go into college with an open mind and really try to put yourself out there and you will make friends in no time!

Lauren

parents should participate in the experience of picking a college. For the student visit the cooleges you are interested in both in an orientation program and individually. Get a feel for the campus and availability, of housing and educational facilities.

Sarah

Students must visit College they are interested in for over night stays - @ least 1 weekday and 1 weekend.

Christopher

To make sure you apply to multiple schools. You should analyze what you are looking for in a school first, like whether or not you want a small or big school, urban or suburban setting, proximity to home, how much financial aid they offer their students. All of these are critical factors. Once in college make sure you do well academically. However, make sure you balance academics with social life and campus involvement.

Kimberly

The best advice I could give parents about finding the right college for their children would be to allow them to ultimately make the decision. Facilitate your child in visiting colleges, and be supportive and proactive in the college search. Don't let the cost of a college's tuition deter you or your child from a prospective college. There are thousands of scholarships available; it just takes a little time and research. My advice to students about finding the right college is to visit as many colleges as you can; when you have found your place you will feel it the moment you step onto the campus. Go into college open-minded and eager to meet people and learn about who you are and who you want to be. Embrace and absorb everything you are being introduced to, the new and especially the strange. To make the most of your college experience, do the things you are afraid of. You will never regret the things you do, only the things don't.

Christina

For prospective parents I would stress the importance of having your child visit the schools before making a decision. No matter how many booklets you read and survey results you study, nothing compares to seeing it all firsthand. While your visiting the school be sure to ask regular students how they feel about the institution. Tour guides may be honest, but they are trained to spin everything and their job is to sell you the school. For students, dont choose a school simply based on the cafeteria, or the beach down the street. The academics are a crucial element in making your decision. These are the classes you'll be taking for the next four years, you don't want to go to a big school where most classes are lecture taught if you know you learn better in a small interactive environment. Once you do find the right school, don't be shy! College is all about experimenting and meeting new people. You will find people you fit in with but it might take some trial and error. Finally, dont be afraid to try new things, you never know what you'll fall in love with.

Kristina

Visit campuses and deffinately look into costs versus financial aid.

Sarah

It is important for the college search to be taken seriously and done enthusiastically. Firstly, I would advise parents and students to visit as many schools as possible as early as possible. Then, apply early - get it over with! I strongly recommend applying to multiple schools, to expand your options. Also, apply to AS MANY scholarships as possible. Never again will so much free money be at your fingertips! Parents: encourage and help with the process, but don't take it over. It should ultimately be the student's decision (of course, while still considering the parent's opinion). Students: Do your research and do what feels right for YOU. Students, once you get to college, remember these three things: 1. Adjusting to college can be tough, but keep a positive attitude and you WILL make friends. 2. You will probably be paying THOUSANDS of dollars to be there, so STAY FOCUSED! Study hard, and then you will have the time to have fun, too. 3. Finally, take advantage of all of the opportunities at college: the amazing speakers, study abroad opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and more. Learn as much as you can while you are there, both academically and personally.