Endicott College Top Questions

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

Andrew

I think size is the most important factor for a student like myself. I was diagnosed with learning diisabilities and Asperger's Syndrome at a young age, and the college that I chose needed to have small class sizes and the opportunity for individual attention. I also like that I can get on campus housing and parking. I have visted other schools and know that that can be an issue. I know that there are benefits to large schools and I would love to have had a big school sports program but those were not as important to me as the benefits I receive academically from the small campus. I think you need to be ready to do the work to suceed in college. Some semesters have been really tough for me but I have spent as much time as I needed doing the work. You also need to be willing to seek out help from your professors. I have never had anyone turn me down, and most of the time they go out their way to make sure you do well. Work hard and use the resources the college offers.

Sara

When i was looking for schools, I was unsure of what I wanted. I looked at some large schools, some small, some urban, some rural, etc. When I went to an open house at Endicott, the President of the school gave a speech and included a quote which I still remember today, as I found it very helpful when selecting a school to attend. He said "When choosing for a school, imagine you are looking to buy a new pair or shoes. You want to make sure the shoe is comfortable, and that you see room in the future for growth." When it came down to choosing a school, I chose the school that I saw myself most comfortable attending. Because I learn best in small classes and love the coast, I chose a school that fulfilled both of these requests. College students mainly have to remember that they should choose a school that they see themselves being a part of, that they can get involved in. I would even suggest if a student is strongly considering a school, to shadow another student who shares the same interests in classes and sports/activites for a day.

Jared

Just find something that you are passionate about for your major, and find a school that has that major, and you feel like you would have fun at. Granted you are there to go to school, but the most important thing is to have fun while you are doing it.

Jamie

Just relax and have fun! Be yourself and don't worry about the small things because everything will work out in the end.

Greg

Consider all your options. Look for the right reasons. Do your research!

Kayla

It?s your senior year of high school and you?re wondering where your life is headed, if you will make it to graduation, if you will end up working for a law firm or a hospital or instead with a low paying job, still trying to repay your student loans? These are a minute amount of the terrifying questions that many high school students are faced with and must overcome to make positive decisions. There are many aspects that the student and parents must consider when researching colleges including, class size, dorm life, costs, tutoring, programs, alumni, and whether the school will highlight the degree you are planning to obtain. With my current experience as a college student I feel the key to making the most out of college is being an active member of the college community. The way I see it, you can go through college strictly focused on taking tests, and handing in papers to receive an A or you can develop as an individual by being a part of activities and clubs within the college to gain life experiences and broaden your horizons as well as working hard and being dedicated to your overall education.

Alexandra

Do your homework early....start looking , asking a lot of questions, arrange an interview at the college....don't be afraid to ask the tough questions (crime stats, etc.), visit more than once and keep an open mind!

Billy

look around as much as u can

Amanda

Students and parents should start early and look at several different options. Once you find a school you think you like take several trips back to the school, go on tours and just make sure it feels natural to be there. Also, you need to consider the obvious including how much it will cost, if the academics coinside with what you want to study, etc.

Lauren

I think the most important thing you need to do before you choose a college is to sit down and make a list of what you want and what you do not want from a school. You may think this sounds a little silly, but it actually helped me so much. Consider things such as diversity, on campus activites, off campus activities, etc. The nice thing about going to a school in the United States is your ability to change schools if you are miserable where you are. This is your life, and you can make the decisions in it. Don't pick a school based on if your friends think its a good place or not. Make decisions for yourself and do research!! Look at what alumni are now doing and how the school was founded. Little details like this will make you feel at home when you decide what school is perfect for you. For parents, keep money in mind, but be supportive of your child's decision. Keep in mind, they will thank you when they are successful and flying you to Hawaii!!

Ryan

It is important for students to know what they are looking for. Some schools are very oriented towards getting the student real world experience through internships. Other colleges focus more on the in-class academics. The student needs to do research as what he or she is getting in to. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again I would have absolutely put more into the researching process. In essence, while I did not realize I was doing it at the time, I settled on the college I am attending. While it is a great place to get what I am looking for academically (through internships), the social setting is not what I would like it to be. The student body is like a large high school and that is not the setting I wanted or envisioned when I thought about myself in college. I do not really regret making this decision, because of the relationships and bonds I have created with the faculty and my peers, but when deciding on where to attend, the most important thing a prospective student can do is to know what they are looking for and research their top schools.

Alyssa

I would say that the most important thing abot finding the right college is to research the starting salary for your major and see how it matches up with the tuition of the college. You may love a school but if you aren't in a major that will allow you to pay off your loans, then you're going to start freaking out your junior year as the bills rack up. Save yourself a headache and do the research. Make the most of your college experience by trying something new right away. You'll have friends in your major but its great to have a whole other group of friends from say, the drama club or the student senate. You'll learn something new and build your social circle. My last piece of advice is not to worry so much about the food. You will find food no matter what and there are more important ways to assess a school than by whose pizza is better. Easy Mac, Ramen, and pbj are your best friends no matter what kind of meal plan you have and it just makes visits home that much more special when someone cooks for you.

Matthew

I would tell a parent to share advice, be available to help with the process. Mostly be open and honest about the financial responsabilities, and provide their sons and daughters with the resources and information to accept their college mission. The student will be the person attending college and working towards the goal for a better future. Therefore, he or she should choose the college that will fulfill that purpose.

Kelley

To students: Finding the right college is not all about, finding the best parties. You must know what school will be appropriate for you. All schools have parties and other activities, so don't worry you will have fun! If you want to make lasting friends and have the best college experience I wouldn't make everything about going out and partying. There are many activities that you can do off campus with friends, get to know people and take advantage of everything your school has to offer. Go study abroad, learn about other cultures, and volunteer. Do good for yourself and other, becuase you will open up a lot of doors and it will help you figure out who you are. Find your niche and stay close to those who love you, this isn't a time to abandon family it will actually make you closer. To Parents: You haven't lost your kids to college! They will come home; don't be so overprotective but rather offer suggestions. Your days of being a parent are now merging with the days of being a friend; let them know its okay to talk to you about everything.

Nicholas

The best would be to find someone who transfered out to explain what they didn't like. I think everyone is better off going to a school that doesn't cost so much. Everyone is going to get the college experience and your educational experience is what you make out of it, so there is no point over spending on a pretty college.

Kathleen

One major thing I would advise is to visit the campus of any University you are choosing to go to. I chose Endicott College, because it is right outside of Boston, but not right in the city. You must know the type of area you want to be in for the next four years of your college career. Before I went to school I knew I wanted to be in Boston but then I thought about it and realized that I wanted to be on an actual campus. Then when I visited Endicott it was one of the most beautiful campus visits I had been on and it truly made my decision clear. Another thing that is of major importance is that you apply to more than one school, because you must have a back up if you do not get into your first choice. You should definitely try to get in touch with people who have previously graduated, or are attending the University to see what their personal thoughts are on the school. This helped me out, because the people I talked to helped to reassure myself that Endicott was the right decision. This advice helped me out immensely.

Jacqueline

I can easily say choosing the "right" college for me was the hardest decision I've ever made. Nearing the middle of my senior year in high school, I had no idea where or what I wanted to study. I didn't do much research. I didn't visit many schools. However, despite the stress of choosing where to spend the next four years of my life, I am extremely happy with my decision. I believe a college experience is what you make of it. Choosing is important to a certain extent, but what is more important to remember is that no one can make your experience less than satisfactory except for yourself. Don't EVER be afraid to be yourself. Be bold; be active in your campus community. Anywhere you go, you will meet all kinds of new people and make new friends. Have faith and don't be afraid of expressing your beliefs while still accepting the beliefs of others. And lastly, don't be afraid to experiment and change your mind (about schools, majors, etc.) because the ultimate goal is to find your nitch in this world and you certainly want to be happy in that place!

madeline

people won't know how they like the school until they actually live there

Kristin

Visit it and go with your gut. If it feels right and feels like home, then you're probably right.

Kimberly

It's a lot of money.

Jared

the biggest thing that I can suggest to parents and future college students, is get some idea of what you want to do with your career. At my school we do 3 internships related to our major, so the more you know about what you want to do later on in life, the easier it will be for you to find an internship that will be the most satisfying for you. Other then that, just go into the college search never discounting any possibility of going to any school, because if you don't go to physically look at the school, you may be missing one of the best schools for you.

Mikey

Always tour the college your plan on attending at least once, twice is even better. A college interview is extremely important, and can help out a lot. Be honest at the interview, be yourself, and let the person(s) know who you are. Don't be afraid to look at a college that you think may be a stretch school for you. Do a few rough drafts of college essays, and have a teacher or two at your high school help you edit it. Don't be afraid to ask any question while you are talking to a student from the school. While you are attending the school don't stress yourself out too much. Do the work you need to do, get it in on time, work hard, but also hang out with friends as much as you can, cherish the moments you have, join intramural sports and clubs and always keep yourself busy. Don't be afraid to go to your teachers or e-mail them, and ask them any sort of question. Don't be afraid to talk to upper classmen. At anytime, ask them a school related question, or even to hang out.

Jonathan

It is important to research everything about the college to determine whether it will be a comfortable environment to live and learn. Touring the college and recieving information from students will help achieve this analysis. Try not to get your friends involved with the location of your school. Sometimes you will find yourself picking a college to be close to all of your hometown buddies.