LIU Post Top Questions

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

Stephanie

The adivise I would give myself would be to major in what I love to do, not what everyone thinks I should major in. Also to choose the colleges I would like to attend not the ones my counelor or cousin thinks would be a good fit for me. I would tell myself to take control of all the choices, and to also visit a few of the colleges and do overnight stays to see if I really like that college, and maybe try to attend a class or two at said college. I would also tell myself that joining every club and spreading myself thin like I did in high school isn't the best thing to do in college, and that I can't make everyone happy, so people are going to have to deal with some dissapointment once in a while. I would also say have fun and stop trying to make everything so perfect. Soemtimes its okay if theres a little curve ball in life, it makes life a little internesting so you can't become dull and boring.

Stephanie

The advice I would give myself is follow your heart. Don't apply to certain colleges and declare certain majors just becasue someone tells you that the major you originally want to pursue is too overpoopulated. If I could go back in time, I would not ahve originally went to Hartwick and spent the past 3 years there being a Biochemistry/Chemistry/Business triple major. Instead, I would have went straight to LIU Post or even another college with a top ranked education program and started on my bachelors degree in Adolescence education with a concentration in chemistry and biology right out of high school instead of now. I would also make sure to tell myself to join all the clubs and organizations that interest me and try my hand in everything, because i'll never know what I really like or don't like unless I try it out for myself firsthand.

Michael

1) I would have chosen a cheaper undergraduate university. I would have advised myself to look at college rankings more seriously and figure out whether the "juice was worth the squeeze" and in case whether the ranking was worth the money. 2) I would have advised myself to start the summer after HS in order to graduate even earlier. 3)I would have advised myself to start MCAT practice studying when I was a freshman. 4) I would have advised myself to work less in order to concentrate more on my academics.

Colton

If I were able to back in time to my senior year of high school I would advise myself about what things to look for in a college. Such things consist of faculty to student ratio, financial aid assistance through the university, and the success rate of students who land careers upon graduation. The faculty to student ratio is important because personally a smaller class size allows for me to learn better and more comfortably. I feel that I have greater access to ask questions and receive any help I may need. Financial aid is huge, which goes without saying! Unless a student has parents who can afford college degrees out-of-pocket, then financial aid is greatly valued. Finally, I would want to know about the success rate of a university's name in finding a career after college. Landing a career sooner rather than later is crucial because (1) the graduate must pay off loans, and (2) it sets him/her up for the rest of his/her life.

Hannah

Dear Self, I know you are really excited about this year, and it will be a lot of fun. Just do me a favor and don't stop focusing on your grades. They do matter and they will make a difference in the years to come. Try to get a really good grade on your ACT. You will need it for your financail aid later on. Another thing is don't waste this time that you have with your friends. You will not see them very much after this year. Encourage them and build them up while you can. Be a witness to your friends that do not know Christ. You probably are not going to get another chance. Be bold, couragous, and have fun.

Blair

I would tell myself to research all college options and to research the colleges you are applying to very thoroughly. I would tell myself that the freshman schedule is almost universal no matter where you go, so its okay to go to a two-year school then transfer to a better school later, but this depends on your major. I would tell myself that the cost of college rises every year and to apply to as many scholarships as you can, no matter what kind of work is required, so that the burden can be taken off your parents. I would also tell myself to study for the SAT as much as possible, because it is alot more harder than what most high school seniors believe it to be.

Emily

"Take a lot of diverse courses. In this way, you'll find your aptitude for a variety of fields. Also, get a head start on shadowing and volunteering prospective professions. As a senior it can be hard to decide what direction to pursue. You'll became aware of this only after you've experienced your internships. Also, college is expensive, so start researching scholarships and grants early and thoroughly. Meeting with financial aid representitives may help. Ultimately, the only one who can take the initiative is you. Don't let the deadlines go by. When deciding on a college, make sure that you make a list of questions to ask when visiting. Don't only ask administrators. Approach students on their own and get their opinions. Get to know a professor and interview them about not just the college they work at, but their field. Visit the campus and give yourself a tour- ask for directions, familiarize yourself with the housing opportunities, and sit in on a class to see if it is an environment that suits you. Ask yourself what you can do with your major. Research employment availability long before graduation, and apply yourself to your education."

Maxianne

The advice I would give to my high school self would be to take it more seriously. In other words try hard in school to get good grades and not just slack off, because in the end it would make all the difference. In addition, I would also tell myself to spend more time with my family because living at college you hardly see them. Finally, I would tell myself to get into a good habit of working hard and putting 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} commitment into my work. The reason for this being is that in college you have to work hard because the grades you get in college go along way with you and its important to learn good work ethics.

bridget

Well i would probably knock some sense into myself as a senior. Knowing that college is an expensive experience , i would save up a lot of money. I would probably work harder and apply for more scholarships, because I unfortuantly didnt get that many. I would tell my high school self to take more college credited classes this way i would be ahead and have more credits on my belt. I would try and prepare myself better for the courses and how challenging they can be. In highschool you have the same friends for the most part. In college its a whole other world. I wouldve tried and prepared myself better on making new friends and not trying to stick with just the people i know. College is a whole new experience and i wouldve defintely told my high school self to not worry as much, its a good experience and great things will come from it.

Edward

Knowing what I do about college, I would tell myself to keep up the hard work that I've put in high school as that effort is needed in college. In addition, time management would be a critical point I would have told myself since everything in college revolves around how well you manage your time and how well assignments are done and in time.

Janee

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say stick to your goal no matter what. No matter what comes your way, good or bad, learn from it and make the best of it. Once you start college, finish it. You will come out in end a great Medical Assistant, a good mother, and a hard worker. Do it for yourself anf no one else.

Audrey

I was right in assuming it was a bad idea to have a boyfriend freshman year. No matter what do not let yourself get talked into a relationship or any sexual encounters for that matter. You don't have to do anything you do not want to or don't feel comfortable with. Not everyone in college has sex. You will be more respected if you stick to your values. How you present yourself as a freshman sets the stage for the rest of your college career. So have fun, but be careful!

Chelsea

If I had the ability to travel back in time to when I was a high school senior there would be much advice I would give myself. The first piece of advice would be to read the textbook. My first semester I didn't utilize the textbooks in any of my classes and I ended up paying for it when it came time to study for tests. Also, ask questions. I am shy in class so I do not enjoy asking questions, but I found it very important. First, the professor enjoys the fact that you are participating and its surprising how every little bit of information that ends up on the tests. Make sure you know everything. Another piece of advice would be to email the professor if you have any questions. They give you their email for a reason. It really comes out in handy when you need further explanation on a piece of material, or when you simply want to know a due date. If I came into college knowing and using these pieces of information I know that my freshman year would have been much less stressful.

Cassandra

I am a lifetime member of the Post Pioneer family. The diversity of Long Island University appeals to me because it will enable me to share my experiences with others, and learn from other members of the academic community. Being on a campus with an already dynamic student body will expose me to fascinating ideas, and thought-provoking discussions, to which I will contribute as well. Most importantly, I believe Long Island University; has provided me with the education and experience to be a success in any field that I choose. My best teacher in life has not been a person, but rather my life experiences. It is my hope that I will be able to share the knowledge I have gained here , and continue to allow life to be my teacher. I have been able to use my experiences and add on the views of the other students. I have grown significantly being able to live and interact with multi culturals. Not only growing to better myself; nonetheless, bettering the campus. The long term results being a successful foundation, and development in my academics, character, and career. I know it will apt me into a worldly and intellectual individual.

Lindsay

I have gained a good deal confidence by attending college. I continuously felt that I did not know enough to contribute to conversations at times and now since I’ve been attending college I have input on topics that I never knew a great deal about. I also have created a terrific network of people that have some of the same ideas and values as I do. When I started back to school, I by no means thought I would be able to succeed in college and now I am tutoring three classes and working towards my bachelors’ degree. No education is a bad education. It is one of the most valuable things we can give ourselves and the generations to come.

Aliana

What i have gotten most from college experience is learning diversity and uniqueness. in college everyone is open to new things and cultures and people so it makes everyone more accepting and opens doors and minds than if they didnt before attending school. You learn to become your own person and continue to find your identity and what feels right with the freedom and experiences in college and what they have to offer.

romeesa

I have not started attending college yet, but I have learned many things in the process of choosing and applying to college. I believe it is always valuable to get an education, it is the absolute best way to not only advance our society, but also ourselves as individuals. My college experiece has taught me that working hard has its benefits, and that it is our talents, abilities, and personalaties that make us who we are. College definately has its costs, but it is definately a worthwhile investment, because in turn for the money and work a person puts in, they recieve something of much greater value. I have also learned that life is a learing experience and the more we learn, the better we become. In a time full of economic hardship, it is important to stick to our values, and remeber that every great society has advance through education, and the United States is no exception.

Lindsay

If I could tell myself anything in high school, I would have said to myself to have a more open mind. There are so many opportunities in college to learn new things and experiencing new culture. College has taught me how to learn. I want to obtain as much education as I can now. I cant get enough.

Stephanie

My college experience so far has provided focus and clarity for me. It has allowed for me to see what I want for my future. Although no one knows for certain every detail they want out of life, I definintely know what I don't want. I don't want to live my life without the education needed to ensure that I not only make an impact on my future but the future of children. Thinking 20 years ahead I want my future student to be my doctor, lawyer or co-educator in Early Childhood Development someday. It has been valuable for me to attend LIU -CW Post campus because along with independence came sacrifice (the sacrifice came from me and my mom), I got to see who really believed me and more importantly how much more I believed in myself, and my vision for tomorrow. When all is said and done, my (future students) will not have to follow the path where it may lead them, but they will go to where there is no path and make their own, and that will be my legacy.

Debra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about the transition to college I would tell myself not to be intimidated by the amount of work involved and to not give up. I would reassure myself that the first year is the hardest because college is nothing like high school and that it will become easier with each passing year. I would also tell myself to enjoy each moment because these will be the best years of my life. I would tell myself that these years will bring many people, opportunities, and experiences into my life that I may not get back again, and that these people, opportunities, and experiences will help to mold the person that I will become in the future. I would also tell myself that college is not just a place where you learn academics but also a place there you will learn about yourself.

Melissa

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making transition, I would have advised myself to be more selective with the kinds of friends that I have chosen. Answering this question makes me reflect on my past; and while reflecting on my past, I re-experienced some joyful feelings due to personal and academic successes, but I also experienced some mixed feelings due to academic challenges. While examining my life's events, I saw a structural pattern of human development in which I was always fighting against the odds in order to get things done. Consequently, I have decided to change this structural pattern in order to work with the odds, not against them. To make such a big change will not be an easy task, but I will make sure that it happens. Answering this question provides me with the opportunity to see how societal changes affect the lives of individuals as their strive survive withing various institutions.

Melanie

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would really just want to to tell myself that everything will be okay. To me that is something that everyone wants to hear, and thinking about college my senior year, I was not entirely sure things would be okay. I was worried that maybe I picked the wrong school or the wrong major. I still wonder about that sometimes, but I am ultimately satisfied with where I am in life at the moment. Telling myself two years ago that everything would be okay would really have taken a lot of pressure of my shoulders and a lot of doubts out of my mind.

Audrey

Don't worry so much about the transition. I am absolutely ready for the change and ready to be on my own. The adjustment is not as hard as I am making it out to be. And don't get too excited about your first roommate. It's not going to work out, but it will be worth it in the end to be able to room with my best friend.

Brittany

I would tell myself not to expect people to do things for you. You need to be independent. You also need to find something you really enjoy learning about. Without a passion for what you are learning, you are wasting your time and money. FInd something you love.

Kai-Hsun

I will keep up and work hard.

Elaine

In high school I knew what I really wanted to study in college and that is Criminal Justice but instead of going on to study Criminal Justice, I was encouraged to study in a different field that I had no interest in. The advice that I would give myself is that do not let anyone discourage and just follow your dreams. It's true that you can do anything when you put your mind to it but make sure you it and just keep on working hard at it. Do not let consistent insults put you down and be strong.

Fedes

stay focused.

Cheyenne

You are giving enough time and also different opportunities to explore different majors college/universities has to offer. There are academic advisors who are able to help you through your process of school. I do commend those who are dilligent and hard working to use that through college and even through your future endeavors, because perserverance is the key that's going to keep you focus on your goals and key to success. Choosing the right college can become diffucult but elimnating your options helps you through the process and when you get to the college of your choice; make sure one your doing your work first; second explore some extra circular activities and three try not to over thinkin your opportunities. College is fun but make sure of your dos and donts.

Lily

First, visiting the school is an important factor to choosing the right school. You must feel comfortable at the school you visit. Secondly, If you would like to have a memorable college experience it is important to be active and get involved in school activities. The most important thing is to the organization and management of your time. You must be responsible for managing you studying time for the week, in addition to the time you will spend on socializing, school activities, relaxation and other extracurricular activities. If you do not have an organized time schedule, you are bound to miss out in one part while you focus too much of your time on the other. For example, you may unconsciously come to focus more of your time with school clubs and volunteering, while leaving your studies aside a bit more than you should. It may sound cliche and old, but I am a standing testimony to say that I had a hard time organizing my time at college during the first semester of my college year. However, after I realized what my problem was, I carefully scheduled my weeks activities which helped solved my problems.

cyre

When looking for the right college the students should make sure each college they choose has their exact major or is for the field that they would like to work in. Even though a lot of schools look extremely beautiful, background checks are always important. Talking to the advisors or Alumni of the schools would be very helpful if you want to kno how the prefessors are and the classrooms and even the living environment. Also the price is very important. If the school is very expensive the first year it may keep increasing so it should be understood that for the whole 4+ years the students family is willing to pay the amounts due. Once the student is enrolled into a college they should eneter it with an open mind. College is for everyone from everywhere so there is always a large population of people from out of state and even out of the counrty. So in order to make friends you have to be open for all things. Even if your shy atleast meeting 1 person can start your circle of friends.

Justine

When making a choice about where to go to college I think the best advice i could give is for parents to make sure they are not making the decision for their children. If you want to be happy while at college it needs to be atleast partially your decision to go there. Think about what you are looking for, clubs, sports, academic programs?. Also ask students who currently attend the schools you are considering how they like the school. The best thing you can do is find out as much as you possibly can, from students, staff, team captains. These people can give you a much better insight into the school than a brochure can.

aaron

stay were ever youre the happiest. do not change schools because someone else told you too. not worth it.

Melissa

Do your research. Pick a school you feel most comfortable at and believe will be the best suitable choice for your college career.

Rashida

I would suggest visiting the college before you go, and also visiting Financial Aid and keeping on them all the time because they have to deal with thousands of students a day and won't remember your situation off the top of their head.

Jackie

Speak to students on campus as much as possible prior to acceptance as well as visiting living areas, eating the food available and checking out the classrooms your program will be conducted in. Most of all check the schools reputation for giving the proper funding to students in a timely fashion. In our shakey economic times presently, it will be imperative to not leave school with a mountain of debt, especially if it may have been avoidable by having the right people invovled in processing your information. Lastly, I would say attend college because you are passionate about a specific subject. If your reason for attendence is anything but that you will be wasting a significant amount of time and money and should reassess your long term goals.

Christopher

It can be very difficult sometimes to find a college that is directly suitable for you/your child, because there is no real way to tell how the experience will be. To try to find the most suitable one, make sure you/your child understand(s) in some form generally what you/he/she would like to study and what kind of environment is desired. To make the most out of the experience, you must put in some effort to receive benefits.

gracetelle

make sure the school you chose is the one that you want to stay at for the next 4 years or so, because as well as your academics are important, you will find yourself at home and grow to love the school and the ppl in it, you will build a second family...make sure that the staff and administration are efficient, ask someone that goes or went there, because academically wise if the school turns out not to be what you expected it will be harder for you to transfer out because you've grown so attached...Get financial aid in order, make sure you like the environment, consider accessability to the outside world, qualification of staff, and campus attitude...Good Luck

Matthew

Students trying to find the right school should always consider what they want to get out of a college education as well as the campus community. Always take into account where you think you want to be within the next four years and not just about how much fun you want to have while attending college because it is about alot more then fun. You grow as an individual through the college that you choose to attend and try to make sure it is really what you want. As for the parents, do not force your kids to go somewhere that you want them to because it is financially beneficial to you. There are thousands of ways to pay for a college education, do not let money hold back your kids from something they are entitled to. It will be the best thing you can do for your children if they go to college where THEY WANT TO.

Peter

Be open to your child's needs anf flexible and what schools you will approve for them to consider. I think that finding a school that is the right fit is often essential to the success of the student in being able to use the knowledge they gained in their degree. I also would look for schools with a large emphasis of experiential education to provide its students the opportunity for hand-on experience through real-world applications.

Asha

Go on a tour of the college. Do not be afraid of talking to students that attend the school. Visit and speak to the staff in your particular major, financial aid, academic counselor and job placement offices.

Kerry

Definitely visit the campus before you decide to attend. There are many things you can get out of it by visiting that you wouldn't by simply reading about it through brochures or applications. Talk to other students and staff; find out their opinions and what is required at the campus. Also, time management is one of the most important things you can learn. Make sure to make time for all of your work and studying. If you need a break, take it and have a little fun. Just don't forget your priorities. Money management is also something that should be learned quickly. If you're not careful, your money can be gone before you know it and you'll wonder where it all went. Budget yourself, and stick to it. It's okay to have fun and indulge sometimes, but make sure you have enough for what you need.

Nicole

There are many different things I would tell students when researching and choosing a college. First, everyone must keep in mind that a college experience should be one that students will value for the rest of their lives. Students need to choose somewhere they feel at home and safe. As a commuter, I spend more time at my college than I do at home. Colleges are safe places to be because they foster social skills and academics. I would also recommend that students visit all of the schools they apply to. The decision of where to go depends highly upon financial means as well as grades and other opportunities. Students should exhaust all of their options and think carefully about this decision as it effects the next four years of their life. Finally, students make the most of their college experiences by being present. While the social scene is fun, it should not interfere with learning entirely. Whatever you do with the next four years of your life will shape your entire future. As scary as it sounds, the future is in your hands alone and your family can only help you make the most educated decision for yourself.

siedah

make sure its the right place for you

Brittany

Do your research! Mkae sure you know what the strengths and weaknesses are of the schools you are considering and just choose what is right for you!

Rudy

College is what you put into it. Go where you can afford and make the best of the situation and if you work hard and put the time into it you will succeed.

Carlos

Dont worry so much on the name of the school. go to the place that gives u a good amount of aid.

Jacqueline

The best advice I can offer would be not only to check out the facilities on campus and speak with the staff but more importantly speak with the current students! The staff is being paid to speak highly of their employer so no one will ever hear negative aspects of the college or university from their own professors. Speaking with the students currently enrolled , from various programs not only the one you may be interested in, provides a cross-section of the social climate and overall student satisfaction from a group that can be considered peers. Also, apply and investigate a minimum of three colleges, this will give a good basis for comparison and aid the future student in finding where they feel most comfortable. Finally, do not be afraid to leave the state! I think in most circumstances not having the cusion provided by ones parents living in close proximity forces the newly established young adult to depend on themselves, thus propelling them into adulthood. I found those whom I had known to stay home or close to it through college, never grew up due to never leaving their comfort zone or testing their independence and capabilities. Good Luck!!

Jennifer

Finding the right college is definitely a stressfull process. My best advice would be to work with your parents or whomever is helping you through the selection process and come up with a list of schools that are possibilities, and then try and ignore everything but your own inuitions and definitely visit each school if possible and just see how you feel on the campus, talking to the students and faculty members. If you don't feel at ease than chances are it isn't the right school for you. And once you're there, just take advantage of every oppurtunity available to you.

Philip

I feel that in choosing the right college you need to think about what the college can do for you. Do not just pick a campus because of the way it looks. You need to look at the success rate and the kinds of majors it has as well as job placement right after graduation. FInding the right college can be a fun and exciting thing. I would suggest going to visit the campus first getting a hands on experience to see what it is like. Being in college can be one of the best times in your life, and some people do not realize that until they graduate. Take advantage of what the campus has to offer in terms of extra curricular activities and campus events. These are great methods in making new friends. I know that I made the right decision in going to college because I will make my self proud when I walk in my cap and gown and finally say "I did it". I also know that I will make my family proud and I will be a big influence on my future children.

Steve

Make sure you choose the right school from the start. Do your research beforehand or else you may find out that you hate the school once you've been there for a year. I've seen many students complain about the school they've chosen once they're in it. Keep your grades up but don't let your studies take over your social life and vice versa.