Fashion Institute of Technology Top Questions

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

Nicole

Going back to senior year, I would defiantly rethink going to criminal justice school and just realizing I have a talent that is more than a hobby. I always assumed my sewing and design abilities were just for fun but it turns out when I?m put in the right environment with the right people, I feel it and I just need to embrace it. I went to school in New York for criminal justice and once I was in New York surrounded by all the chaos and buildings, I just had a sudden desire to draw and put things together. That?s when everything clicked and since I was already enrolled in school, I was taking classes that weren?t transferable and I would have to take a semester off to just get applied to school. I wasted a year not doing what I love and I now I?m trying to get ahead and graduate when I was supposed to. Now in school surrounded by many fashionistas, I was to do everything, design, production, selling. I set many goals for myself that I should have realized and set back in high school.

Denise

If i could go back in time to be a high school senior, I would definitely have applied for more scholarships and financial aid. College expenses are immense! I would have also joined more clubs during high school related to my major such as the Future Business Leaders of America. I would have also practiced time-management a little better because there is a ton of schoolwork and reading always being assigned, I work part-time, and I commute. I would prepare myself for endless studying every day of the week. I would really have to become more responsible because in college you take care of your schedule, making sure you understand the material, and everything by yourself. Make sure you are going to a college that is exactly what you want, don't just go for the prestigious name. I would say, "Be prepared for a lot of work but make sure you have some time for yourself."

Mark

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to get ready to get ready to handle yourself by yourself. I understand that u know high school to be a world where everybody pretty much knows everybody and mom or dad pretty much picks up the slack. College is a different world. College is a world where responsibility & planning is key. The chances of your instructor knowing you by name are very slim. Dont expect your instructor to ask for your assignment, or ask why you didnt do it. What you put in, is what you will get out. To avoid any rude surprises about quizes or test, consider taking a look at the professor`s syllabus. Lastly, use your college experience as a networking opportunity. If you expect to superceed everybody else, you may have to come out of that shy shell. When you are introduced to students in your field & industry professionals, make yourself known and get as much information as you can from them. It may help you get a job in the long run.

Haylie

As a high school senior I was under the impression that I had to know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, and exactly what I wanted to study at college. Since my freshman year of college in 2005, I have studied at three different schools: Suffolk University in Boston for a year and Half, a semester at Adirondack Community College (at home), and finally at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I have switched between Art History, Marketing, and what I will graduate with my BS degree in, Fashion Merchandising Management. In saying that, I would tell myself that it's ok to not know, and to change my mind and that the most important thing is to never stop moving forward or to not settle for something that doesn't make me happy. College is a process of trial and error. It's better to try many things and be a little unsure than it is to just give up and do what is supposedly expected.

Jaquelyn

Don't freakout about changing colleges and majors. This is the time to experiment with different career ideas and options. More importantly just be happy, finding something that you can be passionate about is essential to having a happy job.

Samantha

The advice I would give myself is to allow myself to be me and fear nothing. Allow myself to be completely open and I will see that people will like me and the designs that I create. Stay friendly and try everything once because so many doors open when your own personal door isn't closed.

William

When you're in high school college can seem very daunting. Not only because it's a part of growing up in our society, and therefore sort of a shock to one's self that one is growing up, but also because one has this notion that college is this different sort of place,. I would tell myself that college is just like high school. The same sorts of people exist, the same types of techers exist, and the same good points and bad points about the social life of high school exist in college. You will meet people you despise, and you will meet people that, to you, are the best people in the world. The only difference now is that you're an adult, and you have a better grasp on who you are and what you want. This makes it easier because you are able to weed out what is good and bad for you specifically. With that in mind I would tell myself to think on a more global scale, and to free my mind from the confines of the halls and people of my high school. In that way I would be ready for college.

William

Be prepared for extremely heavy work loads. Do not put unnecessary pressures on yourself. Figure out your priorities and set them. Do not keep second guessing your decisions on your designs and design what you feel is right. Take constructive critisim and use it improve the next phase of your learning adventure. Do not procrastinate, if you have the time in advance get the job done and move on to the next responsability. Make sure you get enough rest and eat healthy. Stay in tune with your inner self and believe in that person. Have extreme amounts of self confidence and know that you can overcome all obstacles. There is nothing that can happen that cannot be fixed . Do not be afraid.

Danika

I would suggest that students find the college/university that will give them a well rounded experience not only in their particular career path but also their college's social community as well. Also, I would suggest that students go off to college with an open opportunity to career changes; instead of being so focused on a particular career. Many of my friends went to schools focused on one career, and ended up switching majors because they found something else that interested them.

Kaitlan

Just listen to what one another want. It's such a pain in the butt trying to figure everything out when the parents and kids aren't even in agreement. Make sure that you support your children in what they decide. It means a lot to them if you support them with your heart and mind.

Jessica

I would visit the college before anything, make friends and dont let your work slide. You'll pay for it in the end if you do.

Jill

The best advice I can give to a parent, is to help your child find a focus point. From my experience, I found many young adults attend college declared undecided. A career choice is an enormous decision, which may pressure your child to begin studying a field they really are not interested in. Because of this, many students change their majors somewhere around junior year. Try to avoid this, and save some money because we all know college does not come cheap. My best advice to the individual attending college is you should begin looking at college?s way ahead of time. Try sophomore year of high school; it is never too early. Study hard for your SATS, keep up your grades, and if you base your final decision on a passion or a grand interest you will most likely have no regrets. Once you?ve made your finally decision, take your courses seriously. If you are planning to work, try to find a position where you can gain experience in your field. Make sure you school schedule is light the semester you take your senior internship and target the company you desire to work for after graduation.

Lauren

Make sure you visit the campus and get a feel for the environment. Also, give college some time if you do not like it at first. It isn't an easy thing to adjust to and it is okay to be scared and nervous. Always remember, there are hundreds and maybe thousands, depending on the college, that are in the same boat and can relate to you. Be yourself and do not give into peer pressure and if they do not except you for who you are, they are not worth it. I think if you are yourself and go with a good mind set and clear head, you will make plenty of friends and have a great experience at college. They say it is the best 4 years of your life and I have to say it could be right considering the fun and friends I have made my first 2 years.

Chase

Make sure that you are focusing on a school that will help you learn a subject that you really enjoy. Find your passion and turn it into a career.

Tasha

Dont hesitate to really look at all of your options. Its very important to know what you are getting yourself into so your transition from home life to college life is as easy as possible. Make sure you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} ready to jump full force into your new life, otherwise you may regret your decision or wont perform to the best of your ability.

Elizabeth

Find a college that appeals to more than just a good education. The most importmant part of college is not only learning new things academically but learning about yourself and and new people, places, and things. It's important not only to excell in the classroom but also to take advantage of the many social aspects of college. Learning is not just done in books, but is mostly done by living life to its fullest.

Elizabeth

In finding the right college, I feel it is important to first look at the type of environment you feel most comfortable in or adapt best to. For example, I love urban city environments which is why I chose a city school. Academic programs are another important factor. If you have an idea of which career path you are interested in following, you want to see what programs and classes are offered at that school. If you think that it's something you would take interest to and that you would learn from, go for it. A good student body is important. You don't want to attend a college where you feel like an outkast. You want to be able to socialize and make friends and learn new things, whether it's attitudes, beliefs or even style. Extracurricular activities are also a must. You definitely want to get involved and a college that offers a club or activity you like is a good start to meeting new people and learning more about the school. Lastly, the professors are important because you want to be in a classroom where you are comfortable with your professor and coherent of the material.

Lei

Find your passion and go to a school that can deliver an education about that passion. It is better to be happy in a job and the rest will follow. Take in everything the college has to offer it is all a learning experience.

Candace

My advice I would give to parents or students about finding the right college is to do their research, visit colleges and get feedback from current students. There are so many colleges in the world so in order to narrow it down to where you want to attend you must do your research. Write down exactly what you want out of a college and find schools that offer all the things on your list. Next it is time to visit the campus. Looking at a college on the internet is nothing like seeing it in person. Look up college tours and participate in one that has the schools you are interested in. Make sure to write down questions for each school so that you can ask your tour guides. Lastly, talk to current students. If you know anyone who has attended the schools you are interested in ask them what their experences are and that should help you make a decision if the college is right for you.

Sandy

Choose a school that you would want and check the majors they have first.

allyson

I feel that each student should apply only to schools that they feel they would excel in, do not just apply to schools to apply, make sure you are happy with your choice and your major. If one is unsure of their major it does not hurt to spend a semester at a community school to make sure it is their true passion, those few months could really make a world of difference.

sarah

Students should choose a school based on its connection to the industry which they would like to work. If the goal is to get a job after college, you should spend these four years learning everything about that industry. This includes meeting the people who work in it, and going to the places where the work happens. The great thing about my school, F.I.T., is that we get to experience the industry from day one. Everything we learn is applied to real life situations. That way there are less surprises when you graduate.

Kathleen

Really evaluate what it is that you want to do, not the atmosphere that you ideally want. I made the mistake of going to a University my first year because it seemed logical, but I ended up transferring because deep down, I wanted to be an art major that my school did not offer. If you have no idea what to do there really is no shame in just going to a community college for just a year or two, get your liberal arts credits done, and then apply where you eventually decide on. I wasted money and time just because I was in a rush to get the "college experience." I am now really happy at the school I am at, it just took me an extra year to figure out that its really about what you want to do after college rather then where you want to be in college.

Adrienne

Make sure you will be comfortable in the environment and the school has a good reputation. Research your school choices thoroughly to make sure they have the majors or academics you want. If possible go visit the school to see if you feel comfortable, you'll know when something feels like home.

Tanesha

Apply to as much colleges that you can. If you can live on campus you should go for it. Make sure to visit the campus so you will know for sure that its what you want.

alan

Know the campus/surrounding environment and the quality of the academics.

Lara

My advice would be to visit the college, ask student who go there what they think. I personally was one to ask alot of people who were already enrolled in FIT before i was, what they thought about the school, the work load, the career path after college. I asked alot of questions, but at the same time i knew what my school was about from a young age from researching it alot, and that is something every parent/student must do to realize whether the school is right for them or not. After all my research, i realized that this was the school i wanted, and to make it more clear to admissions/FIT that i wanted to be there more than others i enrolled in non-credit classes before i even graduated high school. Picking a college is definetely one of the hardest choices out there, knowing where you want to be, what you want to be surrounded by, are all things which play a roll in the decision. I kept in mind the environment, the students, the faculty, what the school was going to offer me now as well as later in life.

alyssa

Have fun but work hard and try all new experiences

melissa

ask the profeesors alot of questions to fully understand what they are teaching and have fun

Jaime

Make sure to visit the college and feel out the atmosphere to make sure that it is a place you are going to want to spend the next four years of your life.

jose

Do what feels right.

Heather

I would recomend to visit the school more then once. I would try to visit while in teh middle of a semester. This could help to get a real feel for the school. They butter you up when you go on a tour through the school. Also, try to talk to students that have attended the school or are currently attending. Also, it would be good to visit more then one school. Try for places far away for a new enviroment. Merci. Good luck!

Jess

If you want to be completely aware of what you are about to get into, make sure you visit your school, including the dormitories, and if you can, take some courses offered to high school students. By taking a course at the school, interacting with current staff, faculty and students whom actually attend there, you will get the most information you need in deciding if you would like to attend there for sure. Take advantage of scholarships and contests. It's better for a student to not have a demanding part time job, in order to focus and do well in school. Also when you are not as tired from other activities, you will more likely find your courses intriguing and motivate you to do well. Also Time management and organization is crucial, be prepared with practical and fail proof methods. In addition, having the wrong roomate can be a nightmare and it can effect your school life and your physical and mental condition. School dormitories are safe and offeres many facilities like laundry room, work room, computer rooom and etcetera but it can't be compared with having peacefulness by having your own room, freedom, and privacy.

melissa

take a chance and make sure to take all of the opportunities available to you.

Su

Searching for the right college is almost like searching for the right future. There are many choices and paths one can choose but only one is the right one for you. Honestly, the only way you can truly know for sure is to take a chance and try it out. For parents and students looking for the right college, it is best to visit each school and if the school allows, to sit in during classes to experience what the classes are actually like so that you know what to expect. Make sure you choose a major that best suits your talents and interests. Choosing a college that also best suits your financial budget is also wise. You definitely don't want money to put a damper on your college experience. Make lots of friends because some will stick around and those are the ones who stay with you for life. Stay away from people and things that will hinder you from achieving your life goals. Get involved with activities on your campus.

Elaine

I advise all parents and students visit the top schools of their choice. While doing so, stop a student and talk to them about how they feel about the school. Someone in the major you are seeking. Also, facebook-ing someone who attends the school and in your major may also be very helpful. It also helps to see the diversity of your school by tyhe different cultures on facebook.

Zed

Not to do so much research on it. All colleges are different and they cant be described on a pamphlet. I love my college but it may not be the right college for every kid.

Jessica

Visit the campus on your own while classes are in session. (don't go over the summer or over there spring break) Get a feel for the kind of people that go there. Maybe even stop a few and ask them about their experiences at the school. Wander around and check out the surrounding area too!

Miriam

don't stress over anything becasue it makes situations worse. if you arent accecpted to a school that it probally wasnt the right one for you

Heather

Choosing a college can be a difficult process, especially when it requires a seventeen year old to decide what she wants to do with "the rest of her life." My advice is that potential college students pursue an education that will keep them interested for the next two to four years. The idea that one has to study what they intend to pursue as a career is an outdated philosophy, unless one wants to become a physician, surgeon or lawyer. Most people I have met in my 23 years of life not only switched majors while in college, but are working in professions completely unrelated to their degrees. College is a time of self-discovery and growth and life experiences. Students should choose a college based on potential studies as well as location. Studying in New York City has opened many doors, both socially and opportunistically, for myself, and I recommend everyone lives here for a period of time. It is important , in one's formative years, to be exposed to other cultures and ideas. The college years are perfect for exploring who one is and where true interests lie.

brittany

i would say to start thinking about your career interests in highschool so you have a better idea of what college you should go to . its important to go to a school that specializes in your interests and somehwere where you know you will be in a comfortable environment.

Nicole

I would suggest trying to find non-credit programs while still in highschool that you can take at the college of your choice. Then you see the enviroment you will be attending in, and decide whether or not what major you decide is for you.

Christina

You need to find a college in an area you want to be in with a program you are interested in. Make sure you visit and like the poeple who go there so you can see if you will get along with them.

Alexandra

If at all possible, talk to people who go to the school before you decide to go there because they will be able to give you the best idea of what it is like there. Just because a school has many exracurricular activities, doesn't mean many people are actually involved in school. Also, if you plan on transfering after a year or two, double check to see how credits transfer from school to school because some schools(like mine) don't accept many credits. To make the most out of your college experience, try really hard at what you do, and listen to your professor's advice. Even though they seem crazy, some of them have a lot of experience and they can sometimes be your best friend because they can give you opportunities in the industry that could land you an awesome job.

Heather

Make sure you know who you are and what you want out of college. It is a specific major? An environment? Visit lots of schools and pick what feels right to you, not what will impress others or please others. It's your 4 years to spend and you should enjoy them. That said, a little practicality is good too. Don't pick a school that isn't going to prepare you well for your career or will cost you an arm and a leg. I picked my school because it is known for it's Fashion Merchandising program and was also the most affordable. It isn't your typically college experience, but when else will I have the opportunity to live in the middle of NYC?

Katharine

Visit the school- you will learn a lot jsut by seeing the campus

Jon-Michael

great survey

Sarah

Really take time to visit and get to know the college before committing to it.

Marissa

GET INVOLVED! A student is likely to enjoy their college experience far more when they feel as though they are a part of the campus or college. Schools have so much more to give to their students beyond an education - get your money's worth! DON'T BE AFRAID TO TRANSER! If you find you're not happy at the school you've selected out of high school, don't be afraid to change. There's absolutely nothing wrong with transferring. Not only will you get to experience more environments, it shows you're not afraid of change and you're focused on getting what you want. All of these things can help make for a more well-rounded person.

Sherrell

Make sure you take time to visit the college. Beofre I transfered to FIT, i went to another school where I was completely miserable. It was overpriced, small and my professors hadn't even had any real experience in the industries they were describing to us. Really get to know your schools and then make an informed decision. You will save a lot of time and money. Not to mention credits!