Marist College Top Questions

Picking a selection of colleges to choose from may seem difficult, but the real challenge arises when you have been admitted to more than one and have to make one of the biggest decisions of your high school career: which college to pick. Being weary of the process myself due to my amazing experience at home in high school, and being in a bit of denial on growing up and being deemed a "college student," I know the mixed emotions of crossing that line from adolescent to adult. Visiting schools you consider your options is the best advice I can give. Until you step foot on campus with other potential and current students you can never get a feel for the life you may have there. Involving yourself in any way possible--either through atheltics, extracurriculars, clubs or on-campus work--you are bound to meet people with similar interests that will make your college experience amazing. Put yourself out there. Be a part of your campus, not just a member. You're going to stress about work, but balance your time and remember that the paper or test will be over with, but so will college. So, enjoy it!

Don't settle, make sure a school has everything you are looking for.. If you don't know what you are looking for try to talk to as many people as possible, and visit as many schools as possible to gauge what you're looking for.

Go to a state college if you can to save money, or start at a community college. Dont waste time partying, keep your grades up and get the best experience for your money

LET YOUR CHILD CHOOSE. Of course as a parent your opinion is valuable, but inevitably, this is a huge decision in a teenagers life and one he or she should be allowed to make for themselves. If I had been allowed to go to my first choice, I truly believe I would be a different person today.

Do not choose a school based only on academic reputation but focus on a strong program for your major area of interest or study.

I don't know, depends on the individual

I would definitely say to visit the area around the school. Just because you like the school itself doesn't mean you will end up liking the area or have anything to do. Also, go a reasonable distance away from home. Don't go really far away when you know you have a tendency to be homesick.

i would advise parents to let their children choose by telling them to go with their first instinct on the school they want and to have as much fun as possible while still being responsible.

To find the college of your choice, the price and distance from home should never been influence. You should make sure to find the time to actually visit the school. Transferring to a college makes it twice as hard to fit into the community of the school. Be sure to engage yourself or your children in the ideals of a home away from home. To make the most of a college experience, join clubs, sports, and make sure you go out alot outside the school. Get familiar with the town outside of school. The best thing to do academically is to communicate with your professors. Professors are people too! They are almost always willing to give you time to complete unfinished assignments and understand when you can't attend class, as long as you are upfront and honest.

When deciding on a college GO THERE. Visit early and often. Let the potential student spend 3 or 4 days there and see what life is really like at that college.

prefer.not.to.answer

Visit the school before you accept their offer. See if you could be friends with these students. Once you are there, be yourself so that you find your true friends.

Visit a lot of schools and think about size, location, majors, abroad programs, and type of school before you apply. Good luck!

Get Involved

First a student must visit the school possibly for a weekend. This is so that the student feels "at home" away from home. For the most part he or she should fit in with the type of person they are, howerver keeping in mind that there should always be diversity as well that is the way a person grows as an individual. Whether or not a student goes to college far from home or stays close living on a campus is benefical for a student to learn responsiblities and finding out how to handle life situations. Talking to other srudents that already attend to sense if they are serious in their academics is important. Ultimately the choice must be the students in order for there to be the potential for success.

Someone once told me "you know you're adjusted to college when you start refering to it as home." Find your home.

When I was looking into colleges back in the day, I hadn't a clue as to how it should be done. I didn't even know what major I would be taking or what I would be interested in doing as a job. I just wanted to find a well-rounded school that I would feel comfortable at. So, I looked into liberal arts schools that were small in size. Marist came out as my top choice. My advice to anyone looking for a college is to find a college ideal for the person's career path and to visit the school itself. Picking a school famous for engineering when one wants to be an accountant is a foolish decision. Compiling a list of potential schools is what I did for my college process. This list and I were inseperable. Also, it is important to visit the schools on this list. A school may be nice in a pamphlet but different once one steps foot on campus. You have to feel a positive vibe once visiting. Afterall, it'll be your home for the next 2, 4 or even more years.

Visit the schools, ask alot of questions and try to imagine yourself at the college. If a friend goes to the school, spend a weekend! The more visits made on an unofficial visit, the better. That is when you will truly see what the capus is like.

The best advice I could give, in hindsight, is to experience a long-weekend at your college of choice. See if you can attend a course to know how typical classtime is spent. From here you can even compare your experiences over a few different colleges. This is what I did, and it ultimately made me realize that Marist College was the best choice for me. I realize where I fit in best for my personality and future pursuits. Lastly, spending a weekend at the colleges of choice permits you to make a valid opinion about an institution without the frills and propoganda the typical Open Houses or Campus Tours might give you.

Go there. Visit the campus and talk to the students-- NOT just the students paid in the Admission Office but the students around campus. See if you look like the students around campus-- do you fit in physically. Then see if you fit in mentally. Arrange a 'shadow day' where you can follow a student through his or her classes. You want to make every effort to ensure you'll be comfortable there, not just by the paper statistics that sounds good when you read them. Most of the time they're out of context, anyway. Do everything you can to experience the campus before committing yourself to the campus.

So how do you know when you've found the right college? It's really quite simple. For me, it was all about the emotional attachment I felt for the school. When I first visited the school I am currently attending I just knew it was the one for me. I felt like I belonged, as if I could see my future panning out right before my eyes. It's really quite amazing when you feel so strongly about being a part of something. That's definitely what did it for me. As for making the most of the college experience it's really all about opening up and maintaining a positive outlook. College should be remembered for the great friends you make and the amazing things you accomplish but they will never be achieved if you're afraid to break out of your normal mold. Sometimes it's all about putting yourself out there and trying things you never thought you would do. That is what really makes the experience so memorable.

Don't rush into anything. Take your time and find the right school for you and your family.

Have an idea of what you want to study, and make sure their department for that major is strong. Get an idea of the social life and lifestyles of the students before you decide, and make sure it agrees with what you want your life to be like. It is an important four years of your life, so even if you save a few thousand dollars at one school, it may not be worth it.

I would say choose a college where you feel comfortable.. even if it's not the 'best' for your intended major. I am at a college that isn't really known for chemistry but I am glad I came to a small school and am able to get to know the teachers better then if I was at a big school. Now these teachers can write me really good recommendation letters which will help me go to a good graduate school. College was a big learning experience and opportunity for growth is everywhere. I would recommend getting involved in clubs and activities to not only meet new people but to start developing into the person you want to be. Don't worry too much about going out all the time there are plenty of other things to do on the weekends but a night out is sometimes fun, just always be safe because there have been really bad things that have happened. Overall, focus on your studies but don't become too stressed that you are not enjoying the whole college experience.

I encourage parents and students to visit the college a few times before making the final decision. It is important to meet the teachers, sit in on a class lecture and meet the students. College experience is what you make of it, but it is often hard to understand and adjust to college life without prior experience.

look at cost comunity and majors

Make sure that you visit all of the campuses that you are applying to and try to maybe have the student stay with someone who currently goes to that school to get the full experience. I am happy with my experience at my school but I found that if I had actually visited another campus and seen the atmosphere there I probably would have attended that school instead.

Find a college that you feel is right. Try new things and take risks. Meet new people - you never know if you are going to meet your future husband or future bridesmaid. Take advantage of what the college offers - abroad oppourtunities especially. Make sure you acquire a balance between social life and academics; that is the key part of succeeding in college.

Make sure you visit the college more than once and do a background check of diversity, where most of the students come from, and where they go in life- see if this matches with what you are looking for in a school and in life.

Be sure to look at both academics and social activities available; both are equally important. Remember that whe you are not studying, you will be trying to have some fun! Decide what's important to you and weigh that more heavily when deciding on a school

It's important for students considering college to consider schools that may put them out of their comfort zone. Looking back, I realize now that I did myself a diservice by attending a college with a student population comprised of people who grew up in nearly identical circumstances as I did. My school was so homogenous that I feel as if I could have learned so much more if I had gone to a college that was much more diverse, or larger or further from home. As a result, my college experience, overall, was disappointing. It wasn't until I did an internship and journalism program in Washington DC that I felt I was having valuable life experiences. When I was in DC, I met students from all over the country and the world, and was able to explore a whole different city. I Students applying to college may think they'll be happy at a small liberal arts college, tucked away in the suburbs, but its important to consider all of one's options and figure out what school will provide one with the most valuable overall experience.

Find a place that fits your personality. Would you prefer to be in a city or a suburb? Do you want a huge party school or no alcohol pressures at all? Would you want to be able to walk to all your classes or do you prefer a bus/subway/etc? Narrow down your preferences and you will find the place for you. Once you visit the right school, it will click and you will know that you belong there. Tour during nice weather and take a tour more than once. This is a big decision and you should take it seriously.

You really never know until you get there how you're going to feel. It's really important to try as many things as you can before you decide to stay. And honestly, if you're unhappy, transfer! There is no sense wasting money to go a school you will be miserable at if you remain there. But go where you think you feel most at home. If a campus isn't diverse, don't be surprised when everyone acts the same. You need to be able to maintain a sense of self, and not get lost in the crowd. Your college experience should be about you- so go ahead, be an officer in 3 clubs, take electives in things you actually like, and take advantage of everything your college is willing to offer you. It's not all parties and booze, it's about the experiences and memories you'll walk away with. So put yourself first, make yourself happy, and live it to the fullest.

My advice would be to start looking at colleges early and seriously consider financial aid. College ends up to be more expensive than you expect because you have to factor in dorm items, supplies, books, travel costs, etc.

Figure out if you want to go to a big, small, or medium size school. Then figure out where in the country or outside the country you want to go. Next figure out what type of majors you are thinking about. Run a search for colleges on collegeboard.com. Figure out what you can afford. narrow down your list to a few colleges and go visit them. Make sure that you me the entrance requirements. Find out what extracurricular activities the school offers.

Take you time and take advantage of any scholarship opportunities the may arise.

Visit, visit, visit. There are many schools out there with great academic programs you may be interested in, pretty brochures, and prestigious recognition but it isn't until you visit the campus that you gain a sense of that "x factor" that tells you whether it's a good fit or not.

Always do something you like. Don't go looking for a program just to try to get a steady job when you're done. Do your research and go to open houses/campus visits. Finding a program that suits you personally is going to make a career very easy and the truth is, you'll enjoy it too. And with both of those things, you're bound to live a happy life.

Look for a school that meets your needs. Evaluate whether you like a large campus, small, city, urban, or rual environment. Do you want a large or small student population. Find the school that excells at your areas of interest. Does the school provide you out of class room activitites that will enrich your education. Don't be hung up with "name" schools. Almost any school, where you apply yourself will give you the education you want.

Go with your gut. First visit different types of schools - Urban, Suburban, etc... - and then when you feel comfortable at one, look at a few more colleges that have a similar atmosphere. No matter where you go, you get out what you put in. At my college, I feel as though I have achieved more than many Harvard graduates but that is only because I set out to do so. Make sure there are a few professors who are great at what you want to do and go to the school that makes you feel the most comfortable. To get the most out of college, being comfortable is the most important factor and the knowledge will come with it. Although professors are there to give you knowledge, I find it more effective to take it.

I would advise parents and students to sit down and come up with the most important aspects they want their school to have in order for them to be happy. Then, using those aspects they should research and try to find a school that has as many of those as possible. In order to make the most of the college experience my advice is to be who you are and be open to all the possibilities that await you in college. Joining clubs and sports as well as community service groups will help to meet new people and allow you to make life-long friends as well as become an involved and well rounded individual. I reccommend studying abraod in order to broaden your horizons and learn about the different amazing cultures in the world. I am currently abroad - best descision of my life. College is the last stop before hitting the real world so you need to make the most of it and take the opportunity to grow as an individual into a successful member of society. Everyone says college is the best 4 years of your life so picking the right college to spend them at is essential.

When I was looking at colleges the one thing I had in mind was that I knew I wanted to go away but close enough to home where I could make the trip easily. I say, keep the distance around 2-3 hours and you'll have a new sense of freedom and responsibility. The most important part of the selection process is making sure the school encourages what you enjoy. I'm a bit of a jock myself and I am the president of the rugby team here. I knew going in that I needed a campus that somewhat revolved around athletics. Sports are very big here and all the students get involved somehow in intramural sports or just playing pick-up games with whoever is around. If music is a big part of your life, find a place that revolves around music. Finally, be sure that school and students take their academic life seriously. Students who put their academics first tend to enjoy everything else more and seem to be more enjoyable than those who only care about partying, that said though, make sure that the students are able to relax and enjoy the weekends.

I would tell parents or students to go with there "gut feeling" , if they feel comfortable with the settings there, then go with it. I feel a big part of college is the people you meet there and the long lasting freinds you make. In highschool the freinds you make there go in different directions sometimes, and barely keep contact. In college you may meet your future spouse, or lifelong friend. It's also omportant that resources like internet, books, and internships are availble. You are building towards your future out there in the world. Lastly just fully indulge yourself in the college experince because those are memories that you'll remember forever.

To find the right college, it is definitely important to visit the school first if possible. The feeling you get from being on the college campus can definitely confirm or change your feelings about the school. Also, focus on YOUR needs and desires and not your friends; i know everyone says that but its really true and it's funny how influential friends can be. To make most of the college experience, take courses that will challenge you and you are interested in. Also, freshman year everyone is new so as hard as it may be, do not be afraid to go out and make friends. Also, being open is a big key factor in to making new friends and having more fun.

My advice is to be positively relentless. If you're going to dedicate the next two or four-years to an institution, be certain that it shares your subset of values. You should always try to read the campus newspaper to see for yourself what life there is truly like behind the brochures. Furthermore, do a Google search and see what dirt you can dig up about your prospective college that they aren't telling youn on their Web site. Even though I'd reconsider my choice of Marist today, I don't regret finding friends that made it bearable.

Start looking junior year of high school. If you wait too long, you will get overwhelmed with all the work and research you have to do. Also kids, don't sucuumb to senioritis too quickly. While others stop working, keep your grades up and watch your class rank jump!

The best advice I can give is to try and figure out what majors you may be interested in. I know it is hard to know what you what to be at the age of searching for a college, but at least have a feel for a few majors you might like, and make sure the school has all of them. Once I got to my school I realized they didn't have a major I wanted to test out. I ended up staying but comtemplated transfering for a while. Also the size is important. Try to figure out your learning style, if you prefer small class or stadium style classes. This will help you from feeling trapped at a small school or lost at a large one. Once you get to the school you choose it is important to look for friends with the same values as you. You are going to want to find people who are at school to graduate and get a degree too, this way when you need to focus on your work they will let you do it, and hold off on pressuring you to go out.

The best advice I can think to give students who are choosing a college is to pay attention to the overall atmosphere of the campus. No matter how great the academic programs are at a particular college, a student isn't going to be happy there if the campus atmosphere conflicts with their personality and priorities. For example, a student who is intensely academically focused may not do as well at a school that stresses social and extracurricular involvement on campus because that atmosphere may detract from that student's studies. On the other hand, a student who is a fun-loving, sociable person who loves to be involved in a variety of activities may not do as well on a campus that has a more serious atmosphere and focuses mostly on studying and academics. The college atmosphere also the location of the campus because that will effect the amount of time that students spend on campus. The campus atmosphere was one of the deciding factors in my college decision and two years later, I am completely sure that I found the right college for me.

Choosing a college has not only been an experience that I will never forget. But more importantly an experience that has allowed me to become the person I am today because of the decision I had to make. As a division 1 athlete and and a successful academic student I needed to find a balance. Well not only did I find a match which was both academically sound and athletically superb, but I found a social environment that pushed my career to focus and a social life that kept me involved in college campus activities. I had excellent support from my business professors and fellow students for myself to attain my Stock Broker license while I was still at school. The academics helped me on the test, and the athletics helped me get my mind off it for a while. As a full time broker in the summer and will continue to work from school, this college has given me the flexibility and support to become the person I am today. A division 1 Soccer starter, 4.0 Student, and Stock Broker at JP Turner.