Manhattan College Top Questions

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

Emily

Bigger schools have more activities and diversity and usually a wider variety of academic programs.

K-Cee

Dear my high school self, All I could ever ask of you is to love. You don't see the benefits now but you will. I want you to love everything. I want you to love every bad day because it's taught you lessons you won't learn from a textbook. I want you to love every moment you spent changing your sibling's diapers because before you know it, baby brother will be 5 and not let you hug him anymore. I want you to love the fact that you have the privledge of going to school everyday. I want you love the idea that you are getting the education that millions of young men and women around the world would do anything to receive. High school self, finally all I ask is that you to love your worst enemy: yourself. You are amazing and I wish you knew it sooner. Love those who tell you that you are a failure - and then I want you to aboslutely love the moment when you prove to them that you're not. With all the love in my heart, from yours truly, your future, loving self.

David

There are many changes comming your way. You will face people who may follow you while others with look to lead you in the right direction. Engineering is a fantastic field, just understand that it comes with commitment and you need to take advantage of the teachers who are there to help you. College is different than high school in many ways, you will learn that quickly. Make sure you take your time and know that you will make lots of friends. The opportunities you have around you are always great, such as volunteering and social life. Be sure to stay focused on your studies while still leaving time to hang out with those around you. College is great, just know it goes fast , so make sure to enjoy it.

Kaili

Kaili, I know that you do not adjust to change well, so I thought that I would give you a little insight before you take this next step. First, I'm going to tell you right now that this is going to be the worst year of your life, but it gets so much better. That boy is going to manipulate and abuse you both emotionally and physically. Leaving him will be the best decision you ever make. You are going to be stronger for it. Stay that way. Stay stubborn and keep fighting. Be eager. And don't forget for one second who you are. Let these obstacles make you stronger. You're going to want to take a risk and go to a college across the country; do it. People are going to to tell you that you're going to fail and you will be tempted to believe them. In fact, you will believe them for a long time. It will be the best decision you ever make. Most importantly: try, don't give up, go to class, make friends, move on. Keep your eye on your dreams because you will succeed. Love yourself and keep dreaming.

Sara

I would tell myself to take advantage of my time in college and not let other people in my life hold me back from enjoying everything that college has to offer. I would go back and tell myself to spend more time on campus and get involved more, especially because there are so many opportunities at Manhattan College. Being involved in such an important part of feeling comfortable and a part of the college community and helps so much with the transition. It isn't difficult to make friends, but it will be easier to meet people who have the same morals and goals as you if you take part in things that mean something to you.

Samantha

If it were possible to speak to myself as a high school senior, I would undoubtedly tell myself not to get involved in any sort of a relationship my freshman year of college. Furthermore, I would instruct myself to instead find a great group of girlfriends. After now having gone through both the development of a new relationship and the ending of one all during my freshman year, I wish I instead focused on making lasting friendships with girls, rather than a temporary relationship with a boy. I would certainly tell myself as a high school senior that friendships can be forever, while relationships are typically temporary, especially ones developed during one’s freshman year in college. I am now going into my sophomore year, and I feel as though I have to start all over again because I had originally focused on acquiring a boyfriend rather than discovering great friendships, so I must now start this year feeling completely alone. Therefore, the best advice I could give to myself would be to focus on friends the first time around.

Jonathan

On one side was the pathway to drugs and violence; on the other, a pathway to education and prosperity. The inhabitants call it “the hood”, while the outsiders call it “a wasteland”, but I’ve never been prouder of Jamaica, Queens. You grew up thinking the only thing you would have would be a middle school education. Your brother only made it to ninth grade, mother received a GED, and father barely got an elementary education. Why would you be different? Well, because you're tired of being another grain in an endless, littered beach; of being another robot, a stereotype of Hispanic men in the ghetto. You won't take the anguish of living through food stamps and watching your life pass by like policemen did every night nor through the impractical cries of an abused wife and her children’s prayers floating away, incognito. You always wanted to be rich, not just rich in assets, but rich in heart. This was the only way you could help this forgotten maze. But it will take you years to realize you can do it, whether you have money or not. You just need charisma and courage. And you have it.

Olivia

If I could talk to my high school self I would advise myself not to think college is easy. Everything you want, you have to work for. No one will coddle you and push you, you have to motivate yourself. You have a lot of freedom, but don't abuse it. Use your free time wisely, and choose your friends carefully. Try not to stress yourself out too much, and have fun. Make memories, but don't forget where you come from. When a teacher advises you to read a chapter or study something, do it. They are only telling you to help you, they ren't going to tell you things to waste your time. Call home when you're stressed, your family will help you. And do not be nervous. Everything will come naturally and you'll do well. You have people that love you and support you, never forget that.

Kevin

If I could go back in time and give myself advice their would be one very important thing that I would want to say. The advice I would give is to decide on something that you love and do it. When I was I a senior in high school I had a lot of people in my ear telling me what I should do. Parents, relatives, teachers and others all thought they knew what I should go to school for. They would say things like, "You will only get a job in this field" or "this is where you will make the most money." I started worrying about what other people thought I should study. Finally, after a little time in college, I decided to make my own choice. I have always loved sports, coaching and working with kids. I decided that I wanted to become a physical education teacher. I knew their might be areas with more job openings or higher pay but this is what I wanted to do. Now I could not be happier studying what I love. That is always what is most important.

Elise

I realize you have been in school for what you think is a long time, and true enough, you have been in school for several years; however, you need to keep going! Pursue school while you're young, still have good study habits, and financially rely on your parents. Things will change dramatically quickly and you want to be ready to embrace a new world full of opportunities with a head full of knowledge. Keep at it, don't give up! Getting a higher education is necessary to have a career. Without education you can get a job, but not a career, a financially stable, reliable career. Trust me when I say it will be very worth it to continue going to school now versus putting it off until you feel you are ready to go back. Study hard, be determined to stick with it, and learn as much as you possibly can now. There's no better time than the present!

Katie

If I could go back in time to give myself advice for college, that would be a wish come true. First I would tell myself that I need to develop great time management skills in order to balance work, school and my social life. I need organizational skills because college proffessors don't constantly remind you of work that is do 4 months from the due date like highschool teachers do.

Christine

Although I finished my freshman year of college successful and happy, I wasn't always this happy during my first semester. When I arrived at Manhattan I for some reason became shy and reserved. I found it difficult to leave my comfort zone and find a group of friends; looking back I realized this was because I was looking for one group to have all the attributes I wanted in friends. This desire was ridiculous, and I learned that there was no reason not to have multiple groups of friends with all different interests. Another part of my hesitance first semester was my closed mind to types of people I didn't encounter in high school. Your whole world changes in college, you can't judge it at face value, you have to give it a chance. My last words of advice, which I've been giving to incoming freshmen, is to stay as involved as possible. To a degree, the less time you have to do your work the more on top of doing it you will be.

Carmen

Dear High School Carmen, You are currently entering your last year of high school. Of course prom is awaiting and so is your senior trip. However, I'd like to tell you now that college is a completely different setting for you. You have become more quiet and self-conscious. You have a job and are a full time student. It's hard balancing both at first, but I hope you know that you can do it. Don't leave FAFSA to the last minute and apply to many scholarships, because college isn't free. You are smart; you need to study so much more in college so perhaps you can start working on that. Try to relax and not stress it, but don't slack! Those grades need to be kept up in order to join the honors society. I know you can do this, and I know you will. Best of luck. Sincerely, College Carmen.

Lauren

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to worry less and be more open-minded. After experiencing two unpleasant years in college and deciding to transfer to a school I'd never considered, I would tell myself that some things cannot be planned, and no one knows what the future holds. It is important to take advantage of all that life has to offer, and not to stress things that really don't matter because it's a waste of time and negative energy. Being open-minded is crucial because it allows you to be receptive to new people and ideas and helps you step out of your comfort zone. I would tell myself to have fun, but work even harder and never settle. I would constantly remind myself that anything is possible if you're willing to try and to never give up on anything you want in life. I'd also tell myself to take bad experiences and learn from them, rather than dwell on them.

Ashley

In college there is a lot of different opportunities to take advantage of. Have fun and study hard. Make sure that you keep your focus on becoming the best you possible.

amanda

RELAX. Things will work out and you will make the best of whatever comes your way.

Danielle

Knowing what I know now about college life and all that comes with it, I would only have one important thing to tell my younger self- relax! High school is a pressure cooker, where you are constantly reminded that any failure could stand in the way of college, even social interactions were stressful. I wish I had known that it was ok to relax, and enjoy high school a bit, rather than always being focused on the next exam. I think what everyone failed to tell us is that College is not some big bad place where fun goes to die, it is fun- just in moderation! College is nothing like high school, but in a good way; finally feeling like a real adult is a pretty amazing feeling. The only thing I wish is that I could have told myself besides how much I love college, would be: just relax and enjoy the ride, because it's amazing!

Patience

I have learned the difference between passing a class and truly learning this year. I have learned how vastly different everyone all over the world is, and how we all come together to make things work. I have truly experienced art as well. Artworks are no longer just a name and picture, but a story of how life was at the time it was created, and how the artist reacted to the world. College has taught me how to work with others and that you can never have too many friends. That it doesn't matter how you look or seem, because everyone has a story and a purpose, and maybe you can help them reach it. I have learned to be thankful for teachers who care enough to help me grow as a person, and to realize I can teach as well. You go to college by choice, but so many do not grasp its full potential. To learn and experience; to make friends and try new things. College is a place to make something of your life, and it is valuable to realize all the potential it lets you enable within yourself. College is an amazing experience!

Amanda

My life has dramatically changed since I first started at Manhattan College. I have become so invovled with the school, that it has helped shape the person I am today. Focusing on advertising in the future, I have found all of the resources at the school to double major in Economics and Communication and connect with professors and alumni to provide as many opportunities as I can for the future. Socially, I have made friends that I know will always be a part of my life because they share my beliefs in the world and in their futures. I believe that Manhattan College is a hidden gem in the eyes of prospective students. Once you attend and become part of the community, it is easy for you to recognize how great the school really is, at least in my opinion. I encourage anyone who is driven in pursuing their careers in the future to consider Manhattan College because honestly it has been the best thing that has happened to me, as I hope it will continue to be within the next two years.

Whitney

So far, I have gotten a lot out of my college experience. I just graduated with my Associate's in Business Management and that let me know that I can accomplish anything. Being from a family where neither my mother nor my father went to college it makes me proud to say that I am a first generation college graduate. It has been valuable for me to attend college and keep on going because education is important to me, and since it is so very much needed that gives me a reason to keep pursuing my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Abbie

Thus far, my college experencie has helped me to grow as a person. It has allowed me to meet new people and try new things. In high school, you spend most of your time with friends that you have known for most of your life in the typical core classes--math, English, sciences, history--, but once you get to college, you experience a whole new world outside of your comfort zone. My college attendence has helped me to become more of a leader. It has taught me the necessity of organization and time management. College is a chance to learn the information and skills that will benefit you in the long run--through your career and the rest of your life. Over the past year, I've learned more about myself than I had learned in the first 18 years of my life. When I graduate, I'll be able to take with me the memories that I've made with my friends during my college experience, as well as a wide range of information on multiple topics that will benefit me in my future career.

Jeana

Manhattan College is a great place to learn.

Getanjali

I have learned to open up and not be afraid to come out of my comfort zone in order to meet new people. I have always been very shy, and let others approach me. As a commuter student in a school that is mostly populated with residents, it becomes very difficult to gain a handful of friends with similar insterests. It's not easy having to travel over an hour to get to and from school instead of attending events on campus. Although at first it seemed like a great disadvantage, I've managed to make me a better grounded person who isn't afraid to get to know others. I have to work a little harder at becomming social, but the great result is gaining great lasting friendships.

judy

The most important reason I attend manhattan college is to increase my opportunity for work. In addition, I want to get more friends. First of all, nowadays there is a lot of competition in finding a good job and candidates are required for the high education. The higher their education are, the more opportunity they will have. For example, owing to the continuous increase of competition in work, every year the number of freshmen attending the university is higher than that in the last year because they want to get a diploma in the high degree. Furthermore, in every university, there are so many people from different countries. Consequently, the university is the best place for someone who wants to learn different cultures by making a friendship with other students. In my college, I used to have several friends who come from different provinces. They taught me various cultures in their provinces, and I used to taste the favorite food of their home. Finally, although there are a number of reasons that people try to attend universities, in my viewpoint, the three important reasons are increasing their opportunity to succeed in their work, getting new friends and learning new cultures.

Timothy

I have been totally transformed by Manhattan College. It is nowhere near "perfect," but hey, in today's world, nothing is. I entered 2 years ago as a cocky 18 year old who thought the world was at his knees. I was humbled. I learned through rigorous academic courses and social relationships that I had to work hard for everything I wanted, plan my time wisely to reach the goals I set, and train vigorously to maximize my potential. I learned that suffering is the one thing that leads to growth. I’ve taken my negative attitude and feelings of entitlement and turned them into sensations of positivity and thirst for happiness in myself and everyone around me. I realized that one driven, passionate person can change the world. The broadening of my mind with a few psychological classes, combined with the brute problem solving abilities learned in my engineering classes, along with the entire campus experience, has proven to be an invaluable asset to my life at this point. Manhattan College has lit this intense flame inside me that burns hotter every day. I have no doubts surrounding my place in the world anymore. I will make a difference.

Joseph

I will be attending in Septmember 2010. so far from the orientation three day sleepover it seems like it will be a great experience. The mock business class was excellent. I got a great taste of what college will be like. I look foward to it!

Ashley

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school student I would tell myself that the transition is hard but I will get through it. You should not take anything in high school for granted because college is something to take seriously. From the beginning you make sure you are ahead in all of your classes because if you start to fall behind it is very hard to catch up. Coming in as a college freshman is difficult because you are in a new place and do not know anyone but in time you will become familiar with the campus and friends will begin to come your way. Try your hardest and as long as you want something enough you will be able to get through it.

Stephanie

If I had the opportunity to further prepare my high school self for college, I would focus mainly on decision making and peer pressure. I would like to remind myself of the fine line between having fun and letting loose a little bit and following other people?s bad decisions and conforming to what the ?crowd? is doing. As a college freshman, everyone wants to just acquire a group of friends, go on that first outing with them, and ultimately, by the end of that first night, be able to say that this is your ?group?, show that yes, you belong to something. This was never an issue for high school me. I was always able to stand on my own two feet, whether I was surrounded by a throng of friends or not. In college, I did at first feel that yearn to belong, the awkwardness that is having to sit at a lunch table by yourself. I?d like to tell my high school senior self that those moments are a necessary evil; just another part of growing older. It?s ok to not follow the crowd and not do what they do.

Kara

If I could go back in time to the beginning of my senior year I think I would have to tell myself to work a lot harder than I did and to apply for scholarships. College life is difficult and sometimes overwhelming with all the work you have to do. The last thing a college student needs is to stress about how they are going to pay off their loans.

Carly

Say hi to everyone, hold the door for whoever is behind you, smile at the person who is staring at you. You sometimes have to go out of your way for people to open up to you. You do not have to be friends with everyone, but you should be friendly towards everyone. It is no fun sitting at lunch alone, but it is not the end of the world. College is a place where you grow tremendously. For the first time in your life you may struggle academically or have a hard time transitioning. Whatever you do, do not give up and do not be ashamed to ask for help. Maybe it all came naturally to you in high school, but college is meant to challenge you. Keep in touch with your professors and become friends with the people who sit next to you in class, they can be of great help to you later on. Take advantage of office hours and the writing center. It is essential to make the most of everything that is offered to you as a student.

Erick

i would first tell myself to not get so anxious. Even though college is a very important life decision, one does not have to be so worried about it. One of the most siginificant changes about college, if you live on campus, is that you no longer live with your parents. But a person who is also going to school to get a high end career just like yourself. It is important to socialize with as many people as possible the first few weeks, because this is when everyone is just like you, looking for new friends since they no longer live at home. Going to school held activities and get togethers greatly helps this process. Another important thing I would tell myself is to balance time. All fun and no work, really puts a hurt on hte GPA. It is very important to not abuse the indepenednt living. You should weigh your time mostly with school work and leave the weekends to relaxing or socializing. All in all, college is one of the most important experiences in one's life. It broadens your social network and pumps your brain with vital knowledge for the real world.

Paul

I honestly wish I could go back even further that Senior year, because If I could have motivated myself properly I would have convinced me, that it was never too early to work towards a college degree and the availability of community college courses and AP classes being offered should be taken great advantage of. even more importantly I would have told myself that school ultimately can never be the main source of learning and to never let it stifle creativity or get in the way of true education, to read voraciously and explore the world even in small ways and I would emphasis that the truest form of discovery and growth academically and personally comes from not being a self consumed teenager but by seeing all the problems around myself that are there to be contemplated and solved.

Jenifer

There are many ways of finding the right college. First, students have to figure out whether they want a big campus or a small campus. This could be determined by figuring out if the student learns better with bigger classes or smaller classes. Then they have to make sure the college has the major they are looking for. Also, the student might want to go far away from home, or stay close to home depending on their personality. My advice would be to take all these things into consideration while choosing a college. To make the most of the college experience, I would definitely recommend getting involved in clubs. This will help students to get to reallly get to know people and feel like they are more a part of the community. I would also say to take all the classes seriously. Students can learn a lot from every single class if they apply themselves.

Ashley

Make sure you visit the campus and go on a tour to see the student population. Also facebook people that attend the school so they can get a real look at how the students feel.

Alysha

To find the right college for you, you must really know yourself. Take the time to first consider what type of person you see yourself as. Are you the type that will become lost in the shuffle in a large school or thrive? Do you need that one-on-one attention and prodding a smaller school can provide or can you manage by yourself? The next step to consider is what interests you and make sure that the college of your choice can provide these outlets. The third step is finacial. Sit down with your parents and decide on a budget. Because I wanted to attend the school of my choice, I needed to take out loans to supplement my parents contribution. The final step is to make an appoint at the schools that you think you would like and visit. Ask a multitude of questions. If you know anyone at the schools, meet them and ask their opinions.

Flavia

I think that the best advice I can give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is keeping an open mind. I know so many student who attend colleges where all of their friends are going, or ones that are the most popular because they dont believe they can fit in a school they know nothing about. This is not the way school searching should go. Students should consider their interests and goals when applying for schools. Ask youselves questions like: Does the college have great programs/courses for the carreer I want? What are the teachers like? How many kids are in the classroom? Are they comfortable? What would it be like living in the dorms? Are they clean/comfortable? What is there to do for fun around the area? What are most of the students like here? Would I fit in? Is good transportatinon available? What is the cafeteria food like? Is there health services available? Is there a tudor center? What kind of activities/clubs do they have around campus? If you are satisfied with the answer of all of these questions, then the school is probably great for you :).

Michael

Go on the tours, and make sure that the major your deciding on is both fun and potentitaly useful.

Philip

College is about experience. If you don't give your kid the opportunity to do what they want, they may grow up in life thinking what they chose was the wrong thing to do. Let your kid decide what he wants to do with his life on his own. If he needs help and asks, then by all means give him assistance. However, don't tell him what his mission in life is. When your child goes away to college, let them live and experience being on their own. This is the time for them to learn how to be on their own and not rely on another person to care for them. College is one of the most important periods in anyones life where they develop basic skills to live on their own.

Edgar

to visit the college with the parents and if posible to spend a weekend or a night there to experience the college life in that particular college they are visiting

Tanya

Don't settle when looking for a school. Make sure that you visit the school and it feels right being there. Make sure there are a lot of extra-curricular activities and a lot of options for you as a student (i.e. study abroad programs). If there is an abundance of extra curricular activities, it is very easy to find friends and have a great time in school! Also look into their career services office and make sure that they have a lot of internship oppurtunities because after all, you're going to school in order to find a career. If the career services does well in their internship placement, then your college experience is all the more enriching.

Joanna

My best advice is don't stress. Looking for the right college is a difficult task but it does not need to be painful. The right school for you is out there! Make a list of what you think you are looking for in a school, location, tutiton, possible major, distance from home, school size,etc. Do as much research and visit as many schools as you can, but don't overwhelm yourself. Always ask questions and never be embarrased about any questions you may have. If you are visiting a campus ask students other than your tour guides, they will give you honest answers. Always go with your gut feeling, I did and I am at a school that I love. Once you get to college have fun but stay focused. If you feel like you are losing focus on school work turn to close friends and family or a counseling center. Get ready to meet new people, experience so many new things, and grow when you are at college but always stay true to yourself. Parents,be there for your child/student and realize this is not only a growing process for them but for you as well.

Kelly

Don't change yourself to make friends - it's better to make the right friends later than the wrong friends sooner. Choose a school that won't make you feel pressured, because over time too much pressure will drag yourself esteem way down.

Erin

Many students and parents often rule out private colleges and universities. I discovered that I could receive enough scholarship and aid money to make my tuition comparable to a state university. Visit a variety of public and private schools and truly try to get into the one that you love the most. Don't be disappointed if you don't get in either. You need to make the most of whatever school you attend. Get involved in clubs or sports or community services. These are great ways to meet people and be an active memeber of your school community. Don't hide in your room. Hang out in the lounge or library! You never know who you might meet. Being on the track team has allowed me to meet students from other countries and learn about other cultures. Take advantage of lectures and trips that the school provides. This is the time of your life to explore and enjoy new things!

Larry

visit alot of schools, make sure u feel comfortable dont choose a school base on location or school apperance

Ryana

I would definately advise that parents and students be on the same page as far as going where you want to go. College is so expensive that it is not worth 4 years of mediocrity if you're not truly happy with where you are. No school is absolutely perfect and you will have complaints about each one. You'll make friends and enemies no matter what school you go to. There will be social events regardless of location. The point I am making is that there are certain deciding factors that are irrelevant because they exist everywhere. You want to pick the right school? I'd say be far enough away to gain independence, but close enough to friends and family for love and support. Pick a school primarily for its academic programs and what oppertunites it can offer you. And lastly, pick a place that you find beautiful. There will be days where you feel alone, and discouraged and misunderstood and on those days, the only thing surrounding you are buldings and trees. If that alone can make you smile, as it did for me, then you've found your home.

Christopher

Students: Make sure you properly asses the school's social and academic attributes and balance them with what you would like your college experience to be. Do not aim for a school simply because it has the "name." And finally, don't worry too much about the price tag. This is the time of your life and whether the school costs $5,000 or $50,000 a year, attend the one you can honestly see yourself enjoying.

Taylor

When choosing a college or university for you or your child, choose the school where you feel at home the most. Where you can visualize yourself hanging out and making friends. Because when you feel that feeling, that's when you know. The first time I visited Manhattan College, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Manhattan community. GO JASPERS!