Manhattanville College Top Questions

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

Cory

Getting a quality education is important. I speak from experience. I have not been in a classroom in almost 20 years. I am two weeks into my first semester and slowly re-learning how to go to school. I did not graduate high school. I did not dropout, I simply failed to pass enough classes. The classes I failed were to me, boring, rigid, and focused on “this is how you do it”. Classes that taught what needed to be done, but let you figure your own way to do something were favored. Not having a high school diploma made finding employment difficult. Those jobs that I could find were menial grunt work like construction laborer, unskilled shop work, janitor, and the like. I decided I had to finish my high school diploma. Almost immediately more and better job opportunities opened up, but little that could be considered what I would making a career of. I would tell myself to work harder in the classes I did not like in high school. I would have gone to college as soon as possible. The opportunities that missed because employers require at least an associate’s degree are too numerous to count.

Chelsea

If I could go back to being a highschool senior my biggest advice I would give myself would be when visiting schools dont just picture myself achieving goals on the ice but in the classroom as well. My mind was so set on going to school with a great womens hockey team that I never took into thought that this would be where I would spend my next four years of my life. College isa huge part of your life that prepares you for the work world after and creates new pathes for yourself.

Lamont

If i would have known what i known today about college and the huge transition that i didnt expect i would have kept better prepared myself in high school and took advantage of the great resources, programs and guidance that i had in my high school. I would have disciplined myself with reading skills, time and my personal life. I would give myself the advice to stay focused and determined because college is really tough and takes persistance, boldness and a person who has major desires for success to finish what they began. The most important advice i would tell myself is that college is way more than just sitting in a classroom learning but it is about the learning expirience and challenging yourself everyday to push for more. In my first college semester i wasnt too prepared and if i would have had a hands on expirence before hand i wouldnt had known what i know today. College takes time,preparation, dedication, motication but most of all it takes disipline. College is essential in developing myself into and adult that i want to become in the future and this is just the begginning of my journey.

Mville

aim to get your work done in the first two years. Study the course catalog well. Know what you need to do for the General requirements and your general study plan. Then enjoy and have fun in junior and senior year.

michelle

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would have a long list. The number one thing that I would tell myself is do not procrastinate because it will eventually catch up with you. I would also tell myself that the school has different types of services that are willing to help you in any way that you need help. I also wish that I could go back in time and tell myself to try your hardest and do not think that college is anything like high school because it is not. My last piece of advice would be try you’re hardest and learn how to manage your time during work and managing your time with friends. That part is the hardest thing to do.

Jamila

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior I would say "yes you are graduating, and okay you have been accepted into a school but don’t relax now because the challenge awaits you; you will have to fill out important documents, search for answers, and ten page papers will become your friend. Jamila I’m not telling you this to scare you because college will become the greatest experience of your life you will take chances you've never taken before, but you need to understand what it means to have a strong work ethic". Today I view life as a Domino effect; everything affects one another for a specific reason. If it wasn't for my high school experiences the outcome of my life after graduating would surely be different; so I appreciate it. I think the only way to gain that work ethic is to challenge yourself and whenever procrastination comes knocking on your door not answering it. I'm going into my junior year of college and practicing what I preach.

Sarah

From my college experience, I have learned the value of persistence and passion in everyday life. Before I went to school, I thought learning and education was a boring, mindless activity that came naturally to me. After attending college, however, I learned what it means to 'learn'. I have never felt such drive to accomplish something before. Now, every day, I wake up excited to get to class, to learn about science, history, and the workings of the mind. I found a love of psychology that has sparked a desire to do more in the world than sitting back and doing paperwork for money. I want to be something. If I had never attended, I never would have found my passion, my drive, my motivation to achieve anything. I work hard every day and it feels wonderful to do so. The value of that is priceless. To be able to learn, to better myself, to discover myself, is indescribeable. I have gotten life out of my college experience and that in itself has made it worthwhile.

Darcy

My experience at Manhattanville College was valuable due in part to the individualized attention I was able to receive while I was enrolled there as an undergraduate student. Manhattanville is a small college which lends itself to a low teacher to student ratio. Unlike some of my peers who attended large universities with 100+ students in some of their classes, my largest class was maybe 50-60 students. This small setting led to much more interaction between the professor and the students. Classes met individual needs as professors could tailor lectures and discussions around student performance and feedback. I appreciated the fact that my professors actually knew my name, whereas, peers at larger universities put a number on their assignments rather than their name. I feel the education I received at Manhattanville met my individual needs, preparing me for my chosen carrer path. I do not believe this would have been the case had I attended a larger university. Thank you M'ville!

dean

Throughout my past 2 years at Manhattanville College i have gained irriplaceable friends and friendships that will last a lifetime. I have experienced the cultures of various cultures and traditions and the types of people that cohabitate there. i am grateful for the things that i have had there they were surely appreciated. At first i wasnt sure what i wanted but, after experiencing all that they had to offer and the assistance they gave me i was able to gain a foothold on my direction in terms of pursuing a career. Also helping in my maturing over the two years for this i am grateful.

reinaline

It's been only 6 days since I moved in to the campus there's nothing big going on yet, however everyday is quite exciting. Quite exciting because there's a lot of events that can possibly happen. For example, meeting new people, hearing their stories, learning somethin new inside and outside the classroom. Being in college is a great life experience because it gives u a bigger depth of the what is the real world is like.

Katharine

Manhattanville taught me more in four years than in the 17 years prior to my attendance. Aside from the things I learned in a book, I also discovered a career path that was not only right for me, but one that I'm excited to be persuing. I also found a truer sense of self, thanks to Manhattanville College. There, professors ate lunch with their students. Outside of the classroom, there was no separation. Everyone was friendly. Everyone was willing to help, and most importantly, everyone was respectful of each other. I distinctly remember my return to Manhattanville after Christmas break, my Junior year. A student was reported missing over the break, and later we learned he was dead. His name was Joe. The year before that he'd lived across the hall from me. I didn't know him well, or have the same group of friends or classes. What I did know about Joe was that he was always smiling, always playing guitar, always had his door open. The student body embraced his loss as a loss of our own. Manhattanville taught me what it was to become a family, and grow into the adult I am today.

Theresa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a High School senior I would tell myself to apply to more than three schools and FIND SCHOLARSHIPS because college is really expensive. I would tell myself that colleges work pace is a lot quicker than High School and you need to on top of your game when it comes to studying. overall advice I would give my self is to keep my grades up and try to get into a state school where the tutition is cheaper.

Jeimi

If I could go back in time to my senior year and give myslf advice there are a few things i would tell myself. College is not easy and there are alot of ways to take advantage of the time there is in High School to get ready for a higher education. There was a college course offered second semester of my senior year that looking back I would tell myself take the course. Another advice that would've bine very useful is that no matter how much a scholarship asks for to apply for everything beause you never know what might happen. College is a place to work hard and grow, those are two things that I would tell myself when it came to school advice school, but another thing I wuld tell myself is that no matter what happens I am a hard working person that never gives up, and if there was something I needed to do more was take risks. Now that i'm in college and have grown I see what I've done wrong and will do what's in my power to become a better person everyday.

Alexandra

I would definitely tell myself that smaller schools are better! When I was in high school I was more interested in meeting a diverse crowd of people and I thought that was only possible by attending a large college or university. When I attended my first college, I realized that having a large undergraduate population was not all it was cut out to be. The classes were a lot larger and therefore there was no real intimacy or hands on feeling between myself and the professor and myself and other students. I actually ended up befriending less people being in such a large school because I wasn't presented with a classroom environment that promoted getting to know my peers. When I transferred to my current college, the classes were much smaller so I was only a few feet from the professor. I was able to talk to the professor and have them address me by name. I actually have made more friends with the wide variety of international students that attend the school moreso than I did before at my previous college. Also, I would tell myself to look for schools that offer the most scholarship money and aid.

Michelle

Half of a semester in college has helped me realize how good I had it when I was in high school. If I only worked harder in taking advantage of the opportunities I had, I would not be this financially strapped. Few of the things I would advice myself is to make sure previous self is more prepared for college, by accomplishing the tasks of applying for more scholarships than just a few. Also, not to procrastinate on every assignment that is given because the consequences are numerous; in addition, the more one waits, the more challenging it gets for one to accomplish the task. I want to be the best that I can be, aiming high is my goal but being known and becoming somebody of respect is my dream. I should also advice to myself, ?Michelle things in life are not free, work harder because I know you can do it and do not let things go by, study every second you have in hand, your or should I say OUR hard work will be rewarded.?

Myesha

Do not loose focus on your high school education because you are preparing for college. You have to finish high school first in order to take the next step to college. And colleges love students who excelled well in their senior year in high school. Have an idea of what you want to do or may want to do. It can guide you to the colleges you may want to apply to. Be on time with your deadlines. Do a lot of community service and extra curicular activities. It will be of great benefit. And after it is all said and done be prepared to work exremely hard and give it your all.

Ravon

If i was able to speak to myself while I was in my senior year if highschool, I would tell myself to practice my independence because at college you are your own priority. To me the word priority has been one of the most important words that I had come across. Because highschool and college have different experiences, the priorities that come along with the territory should not be taken lightly. In College, you have to get your books on time,which is before the class starts. You also have to understand you and how you are because if you do not know yourself then you can't succeed in college. If you know that you have a bad sleeping habit, it is a priority of yours to get the your work done as fast as possible so you can focus on sleeping at a descent time. If you have hard times studying, it is your priority to exclude all the distractions out of the way for the time being. That can mean friends, phones, and most importantly the internet. It is also your responsibility to go to the review sessions when you need help in a certain class.

Randy

If I was to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare to have good time management skills, because once you are in college, you are on your own. Get a tutor for certain classes you are having trouble with, because they will help you out as much as you need and even help you study. Let your professors know that you have accomodations for your work, such as: extra time on tests, taking a test in a different location, and having someone read the test to you if you are having a difficultly with the reading. And most importantly, get certain assignments out of the way, do not do your assignments to the very last minute, or you will have tons of catching up to do, which could be impossible. If you follow this advice, college will be easier and more fun for you. That is what I would tell myself.

quynh

Assume i could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior about college life that i know about , I would tell myself to use more time to study insted of partying. Because I spent most of my time in party in my first semester, I graded poorly im most of the terms I took and could not obtain the lottery scholarship, which I can get if my GPA is more than 2.5. So, I would advise myself to use more time to prepare for class and revise after that.

Stephanie

Study harder and learn to plan out workloads. Be confident and apply yourself.

Junior

if i was to go back in time and talk to myself when i was in high school the best advice i could possible give myself is to save up money. Because i really was not aware how expensive is college, also i would advice myself to apply for a lot of scholarships to avoid taking out loans, because just recently i had a problem with my parent plus loan not being approved. Thanks god that after 4 month it was finally approved or else i wouldnt be able to attend the school, because i really did not have that kiind of money on me at the time. And my education is something i really appreciate and put dedication to it. That would have probably been the best advices i could have given to myself.

Thomas

Take your time and truely ask yourself if you could honestly see yourself doing well at this institution as well as being able to honestly see yourself graduating in four years from this institution as well. Choose the school based on your own thoughts and beliefs not those of your friends and family.

Emma

Make sure the money is worth it, that students stick their necks out and make friends. That classrooms are condusive for good learning, and that students can see themselves growing.

Lindsey

Even if the school maybe a reach, go for it.

Francis

Just as your friends are an extension of your personality and good works, find a school that compliments and promotes your drive in succeeding.

Christine

Visit the schools!! nothing is more important then talking to students and getting their honest opinion of the school. There are good and bad things about every school....don't just ask about the good ask for the bad too so you know what to expect. Do not think that what you see on your tour of the campus is what everyday at the school looks like--remember that there are probably a lot of tours on the same day and when you're visiting it is most likely finals or midterm crunch time so you will see people everywhere. Just ask as many questions as you can think of --- you won't regret it.

Paul

Find a balance between school work and social life to form truly great experiences that you will remember your whole life.

Cara

Choose the college that you like best, and do not let others make your decision for you. Decide what is most important to you, such as academics or social life, and choose a college that fits who you are. For example, if you are liberal, choose a more liberal school. My advice is to visit schools during the semester when students are on campus so that you can observe how life is at the school. You can also sit in on a class. During your college career, the most important thing that you should try to do is to be able to balance your academics and your social life. Going out with friends and having a good time is important, but I know many people that do not prioritize and end up forgetting all about their assignments. Realize that college is not just one big party. You also have to pay attention to your school work.

A.

Pick the right school for yourself, not what your parents want! College goes by fast, make alot of friends, do things you normally wouldn't do. Choose a place that has semesters out of the country.

Heather

The first step to finding the right college is to visit them. Visit big universities, small private colleges and state colleges to get a feel for what type of college and atmosphere that you enjoy best. Then figure out what area of the country you want to study in, whether in your free time you want to sit on the beach and tan, or go skiing on the slopes or go to a concert in the city. If you know what you would like to major in, what your passion is then that is great you are already on your way to fulfilling it. Again, visit, visit, visit; get a feel for the college, meet some of the professors, find out from current students what they like to do and if they enjoy it there. One also needs to factor in the price, college is expensive but there are vast amounts of financial aid out there if you are willing to work for it. Once you find the right college you just know it, you feel comfortable, academically challenged and have endless amounts of activities to fill up your free time.

Stefano

Before getting into college, students should become conversationally fluent in at least one foreign language, practice a sport or martial art for at least a year, and do over 500 hours of community service, such as tutoring at the YMCA or planting trees. Additionally, students should enroll in as many AP classes as they can handle, and if possible, they should take classes at the local community college or state university. These experiences will not only make an application stand out, but they also prepare students for full-time studies, ease the transition into college life, and help them decide what colleges are right for them. Also, students should have parents actively involved in this process and visiting the top 5 schools is a must. If a student has no defined career path, they should consider well-rounded schools. If the opposite is true, students should look for schools that are strong in their major and related areas. Students should also try to make contacts with the students and faculty in the departments they are interested in and ask them for advice and comments on the school. Also, find time to make friends in college with other students and professors.

Gina

Think about what kind of location you desire most, the size you would feel most comfortable, and if you wish to be in a school that is big on diversity. All of these factors will either make or break your experience, so choose what feels right!

Francesca

Take the time to visit campuses.

stephen

dont settle for whos giving you the most money or what makes your life easier, go to a college that truely supports your personality and what you expect out of your school

Chrischerly

Visit the school first

Jenna

I have always believed in gut instinct. I believe everyone should always trust their initial reaction or response to something that happens to you that is perhaps life altering. For example, when I first stepped onto Manhattanville?s campus, there was a sense of certainty. I had finally felt the feeling I was searching for during what felt like the endless hunt for ?The right school?. After I walked out of the music building doors after my audition, I knew right then and there that this was the school for me. Manhattanville was my first choice school and I am extremely lucky to be here. I am also lucky to be able to study my one true passion in life, musical theatre. So my adivce is simply this; trust your gut because you shouldn't ignore that little voice inside you that says this is right, this is where I should be. I can also advise not to pick the first school you think you want to go to, take your time and take a look around first-see what appeals to you. So choose wisely, and don't forget to listen to your gut, instincts, and your heart.

Samantha

Do your research!

Nancy

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is that they should go for the college that offer what the student is really interested in studying. Of course there are other things that are important like finding a college that has a good soccer team or that encourages students to do volunteering work, etc. To make the most of the college experience students have to become active member of clubs. It is important to meet other people and once in a while attend a party or two, without putting school work in second place.

Joanna

Finding the right college definiately takes a lot of research, and never base your decision on where your friends are going. Every college is different and tends to fit people's needs differently. Research it's size, it's location, its clubs, its student/teacher ratio... it all plays an important part on your experience. Go onto campus with an open-mind, you will meet alot of new people from many unique backgrounds. Study....studystudystudy. Do your work.. even if you pass a class without ever opening a book, what exactly would you gain from that? Why did you pay for that class? How will you let it influence your future if you learn nothing? Make nice with your roommate.. even if they snore or are messy, its easily to come towards some agreement. Take advantage of the counseling center- everyone needs to talk to someone sometimes. When finals come along and your anxious or if the work overload is too much, definitely seek some help. Don't worry, you're not crazy if you do. Save Money. Never go to school right away with an empty pocket... you need to buy books and supplies for your dorm. Very Important.

Bailey

Go and visit as many campuses as possible, big ones, small ones, private, public, go to them all to get the best idea of what you'd be looking for. Go on tours at these colleges and talk to the students who attend there, they will know the answers to your questions. After you've been accepted to a few places, go back and visit again because your idea of the campus etc. could change a lot over a few months. Make a decision and stick with it, give it at least a semester before you give up on it. Join clubs, introduce yourself to people, it is your chance to start over and have a good time. Keep a smile on your face and your future in mind. The most important piece of advice I could give is this, you will get out of it, what you put in.

Laura

I would suggest not to make the decision without serious thought and consideration. It's impossible to know whether you will like a school without really taking the time to visit and stay at the school for a bit before choosing to go there. A perspective student should definitely stay on campus for a weekend to see what their life on a typical weekend would be like and take the time to talk to other students who go to the school to see how they feel about the schoo and what they think the strenghts/weaknesses are.

Juan

Make sure you visit each school you are interested in attending, and discuss whether or not any of them are a right fit.

Colin

My advice to students is to make most of the research you do to make your decision for which college you plan to attend. This is the next chapter in your lives and it is the most important part of where you want to education yourselves on being an adult. College is about finding yourself in this world and to make the best of the education that is presented before you. As a student you should apply to schools that are community schools and to schools that you think you can get into as well schools that are above you that you believe you would fit into. These are essential to helping you further yourself on the way to getting into all of your choices and then the hard part comes to where you have to make your final decision where to go. To parents always think of your childs future, help them create a list of what they think they need in a college. Help them narrow down the choices of low class sizes and what type of major they want to study. Be understanding and be patient it will always help your child.

Melanie

Make sure you have really looked around and done research. You should definitely visit the college, and preferably spend time there with a host student, if the program is available. Be sure to meet teachers and speak to someone in your department. You must be comfortable in the environment. Check out a list of clubs and extracurriculars that are available. Once you get to school, GET INVOLVED! That is the most important thing to remember. Volunteer, join sports, join clubs, join performing groups. START clubs, plan activities. Put your talents to good use! Get involved with the center for student events and get your face out there! Of course, study and keep up with your schoolwork. Losing a scholarship could ruin your entire experience, but the whole thing is a waste if you don't remember to have fun, too. DON'T go home every weekend. Spend time on campus so that you can meet new people, no matter how awkward and uncomfortable it is. TRY NEW THINGS! Remember, you can move outside of your comfort zone and make room for new experiences, and still be true to who you are.

Mary

Make you happy. This is what I say students AND parents should take in the most when finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. The student should be happy about the college in which he or she applies to. This means look at EVERYTHING- academics, the kind of education you will be receiving, class room sizes, clubs, student involvement or activites on and off campus, dorms, career(s) opportunities, internships, involvement in the arts, athletics, religious or non-denominational schools, and size of the college/university- to name a few. In addition, parents should be happy about where their child is planning on attending school. They should be happy with the financial aspect of their child's college, the prestigious education the school offers, the comfort their child feels when he or she is on campus, scholarship opportunities, and mostly will they be happy and comfortable with the experience that the college has to offer their child? College is one of the greatest experiences one can undertake. It is most important that one finds the right fit- where the world of education and knowledge will have its best success.

Madeline

My advice to parents is to not pick the college for your children, because this will be the next four years of their live. Instead let them choose what college they will feel most comfortable in. that was what i did, especially since i wanted a small school. i also recommend parent to visit the financial aid office of the school, to discuss about how is the best and less expensive way to pay for college. Make sure you have lots of questions, and remeber there not such thing as a stupid question, especially when it come to investing money in your child's education. My advice to students is to make sure you see yourself in the college, and that they college will be providing exactly what to expect for the next 4 years. A great way to do this is to visit the colleges. i recommend to have good study skills, which will really help in those stess moments during finals. Finall i would like say that even if you are in college you can still fill out scholarships. Hopefully with my advice, I wish you all good luck.

Jason

I would say to make sure they do their homework. Research every school of interest thuroughly. Get the opinions from all types of students and staff/faculty members. Talk to deans, professors, athletes, coaches, librarians, and anyone else who falls in between. I feel that it is very important to get veiws from every aspect of the school. I encourage students to visit and go on over-night trips. I also think students should go with and without their parents to visit. Parents should tour the school without the students as well. once accepted and enrolled, my advise is to enjoy it while you can. Get involved in as many activities as possilbe and explore the schoool's academics. Take classes in completely different feilds with differnt professors. also, make as many friends as possible. College, besides learning, is about having fun and it's hard to do that by yourself. Finally, I encourage students to live at school, if possible. Campus life is interesting and it gives you a different view on alot of things. Plus, you're not going to live with your parents forever. (if you do, more power to you)

Paul

Always make sure to visit the campus when school is in session and talk to students that go there. Just visiting the campus during the summer or when the school is on break doesn't really give you a good sense of the school. Once you're at a college, if it's not working out the way you had hoped it would then try and get a group of people to fix whatever it is that you think is wrong. This could include professors as well as students, but make sure not to wait around too long hoping it will fix itself, and if for some reason you can't fix it because it's too big or beyond your abilities, then you might need to transfer.

Gabrielle

Parents should allow their children to choose where they want to go to school and allow them to choose a school where they feel they will be most comfortable, that is the most important thing, be prepared to learn and not to party, I think a lot of students make that mistake.

Emma

Do no choose a school based on what everyone else wants. Follow your heart and visit as many schools as possible that will best cater to your needs.