New York University Top Questions

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

Chelsea

Listen to your intuitions. Don't make a decision based on a name of a school, or a reputation of a school. Make a decision based on what your heart feels is right for you as an individual. Visiting a school is extremely important so you can witness first hand what the feel of the environment is, and whether or not you feel like you will fit in with the culture of that college or university. Consider ways you can get financial aid or scholarships and put the time and effort in to research the options available to you. Get involved; "you'll get out what you put in." College can be a lonely time if you don't get involved on campus and within the community. On the other hand, it can be a time of self-discovery so make the most out of it. Also, if you're unhappy with your decision don't be afraid to transfer or start all over. It's about the journey, and in order for a journey to be successful...you should be happy, comfortable, and satisfied with your surroundings. Make the decision for you and no one else!

Crystal

Choosing the right college is one of the hardest decisions a student has to make in their life. The school you go to fundamentally shapes you forever. It is crucial to take the time to visit the school as it can change your perspective on it completely. Remember this is where you will be spending the next four years of your life. It is important to look at various factors including ranking for your suspected major, tuition, and extracurricular activities. First and foremost, education should be the reason you are going to school. Therefore, doing research on the classes and programs is the most important factor. Also, considering the expense for books, tuition, housing, food, etc. is vital. The money spent on college will affect you for many years and students often don't realize how much it will impact them after graduation. Furthermore, make sure that there are various extracurricular activities that fall in line with your interests as this will be critical in making friends with similar values After choosing a college, keep an open mind, listen to viewpoints you were not exposed to before, and experience new things. Also, remember to have fun!

Cherry

I guess the best advice I can give is to first research the type of college you want to go to. I think it helps to figure out what is important to you during this period of your life. I think it helps to have an idea of what you want to pursue a higher education in and find the best school specializing in that field. Also, I think that is comforting to know you can always transfer if you don't like it.

Lara

Think about what is more important to you...learning, or social life and then pick your school based on that.

Erin

Start the college search early and make comprehensive profiles of each school. It is also definitely necessary to visit the campus beforehand and talk to current students to assure a good fit. Resilience is key, and always do what you think is necessary to ensure your happiness, as this is a major part of your success in life.

Randall

The best thing a student can do when applying is to sit in on a class that they would enroll in. This gives you the opportunity to get a true feel for the practices of the school and not just the glitzed up version admissions tries to give you. In terms of getting the most out of your experience, figure out what you want to do early on and do it. Emerse yourself in as many things as you can and you'll get the most out of your college experience.

Kimberly

Just relax. It may seem really daunting right now, but chances are you'll find somewhere you'll love and can afford. It may seem obvious, but once you get to college join in as many activities as you can. You'll make great friends, and you might discover something new that you really enjoy Definitely don't discount anyone because of how they look: fashion tastes change - people grow aesthetically. Some of the most awkward people freshman year turned out to be the coolest people I currently know.

Amy

Know yourself! The best college for others may not be the best for you. Choose a college where the campus location, culture, and people match what you are looking for that way you will be able to find groups of friends that you will be able to mingle easily when moving into a new environment!

Max

Make sure you visit the college before and understand what the cost of living is likely to be in the area that you live. As much as the academic aspect is important, you'll want to know about the quality of life and related things. If you've got certain extra-curricular interests, make sure you look into what's available for those around your school. Also, remember that if you do not have the money, you really shouldn't try to go to a big expensive school.

Ariane

Get involved and be proactive with your education. A college education is only a stepping stone for furthering your career or for gradudate school.

Philip

It is a very important decision to be considered in light of academics, financial aid, and what is the best decision for you personally and for the family. Talk to a whole lot of people. Talk to current students at teh school, graduates, and other high school seniors. Realize that while the choice is important, it is not the be all and end all. If need be you can always still transfer or change your major in the school you'r ein.

Frank

The undergraduate experience truly is not as much about your academic development as it is about learning how to manage your life. The student should pick a university that effectively respresents the lifestyle they hope to maintain after graduation. Finding an environment that challenges your core presuppositions, while encouraging you to stretch in all facets of life will render an experience which requires the development of skills of time management, effective communication, prioritization, and work ethic. A university diverse in all ways is critical, so that upon graduate you may or may not have the same beliefs, whether political, academic, religious, or philosophical, but that no matter the topic, you can answer the question why you believe what you do. Research the professors, are they writing books that force you to reckon with your previous thoughts? Research alumni, are they living the life that you hope your degree will enable you to? Pick a school for the specific program you are applying for just as much as the university as a whole. The best university in the state may have the worst business program in the region.

Jenna

Trust your impulses.

Emilia

The most important thing to know is that when you walk onto the college campus that's the right one for you, you'll just know. There's a feeling you can't really explain--a feeling of belonging and true comfort. And also, don't worry if you don't find it right away. Keep looking. You'll get there.

Nicole

Students, together with their parents, must visit the schools they hope to attend. Apply to those schools that have the programs most interested in. Students must also determine if the school is affordable and financiallly reasonable. Keep in mind that loan payments are payable shortly after graduation. Investigate any scholarships the school has to offer which will help offset tuition payments. It is important to see if the school provides internships in a particular field of study. Is the proximity of the school close to a major city where one can pursue an internship? Students must also select an instituion where they feel most comfortable with. Choose living arrangements wisely since dorming is where one will live, study, socialize etc. Look for any clubs or extracurricular activities that the school has to offer. Students need to relax and unwind. Kepp in mind that if a school is far from home, it will not be easy to get home in case of an emrgency. Make prior arrangements if such a situation arises. Finally, check if the school provides job opportunites or meetings with major companies in senior year. Above all, have confidence in yourself and you will be successful

David

The best thing you can do for yourself is get informed - find the colleges and the locations that best fit you and the vision you have for your future. You want to find a place that stretches you and forces you to learn in new and interesting ways, but also a place that is comfortable enough to call home.

Catherine

If you know what you want to do, go for the college that best fits this and your personality. If undecided, look for a school that allows many opportunities for exploration in different areas of study. I didn't know what I wanted to do, and being at a large university suited me both as a student and as an individual. My school gave me so many opportunities to do new and different things - and I found myself loving every minute of it. In the end, I see my school as my home - a place I can be myself, grow into, and be comfortable in.

Nana

It is crucial to visit the campuses of interest. By visiting the campus, a student can get a feel for the environment of the campus as well as the type of people that attend that school. It is important to consider the tuition and the amount of financial aid offered by the school. It is helpful to have a general idea of what major to pursue as this eliminates may schools.

Abbey

It shouldn't be about the name of the school or your preconceptions; choosing a school should be about where YOU fit in. If you walk around campus and see people that you'd like to hang out with, go to that school. If you want to go to a school because of its fancy name or reputation, DON'T go to that school. I have learned so much in my classes at NYU, but I've learned so very much more from the city and all the amazing people I've met. College isn't just about learning a subject, it's about learning about life, and fancy names aren't going to teach you anything about that. Pick a GOOD school you're going to ENJOY. Not just a good school. You'll be so very very much happier if you do.

Annamaria

Finding the right college is about finding yourself. Both the student and the parents should be open to the fact that these next four years in the student's life will lead to an internal and external discovery, and it is important the the student attends a college that best matches his or her passions, however diverse they may be. The student will not be able to flourish under a restrictive field that doesn't appeal to his or her desires. It will become much more difficult later in life to return to a place of exploration, so now is the time, as a young and curious adult, for the student to expand his or her understanding of the world we are living in. Once the student finds that mecca of learning, it is imperative that this new environment doesn't impose intimadation and fear. Yes, the student will be out of his or her comfort zone, but it is imperative that he or she take this opportunity to start with a clean slate and interact with students, professors, and the everyday citizens in the area. There is much to be learned and understood outside of the classroom, as well.

Kristen

Be honest with yourself. Don't change yourself to fit a school, find a school that completments you.

Ritu

I would tell students to have fun, but make sure that they realize that keeping on top of your academics is very important too. It is much easier to slip in college than high school. I would tell parents to let their children grow up and make mistakes but continue to show their children love.

Cecilia

Don't think about what other people will think or say, go to a school where you'll find yourself and be happy- the people who matter will only care about that. Also visit the schools you apply to, talk to students who go there and remember this is a very special, and short three years of your life- you dont want to look back and wistfully wish you could start over like me.

Kiara

When finding the right college, I believe it's essential to do research on the strength of the professors, location, reputation, available majors/minors, internships/career help, etc. I also think that researching is not enough. A visit that includes not just a campus tour but a stay and exploration of the area, and questioning of current students would be of great help. Making the best of the college experience means getting involved, taking advantage of any opportunity that presents itself to gain a new experience even if just that one time.

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claire

First off, physical environment is so, so important. Figure out whether rural, suburban, or urban campuses appeal to you the most, and visit to make sure. When you visit, don't bother with the stock campus tour. Instead, walk around on your own, and observe the students -do they seem like people you'd get along with? Are they generally happy? Engaged? Engaging? Once you've got the scenery down, make sure the school's requirements, as well as its course offerings, fit into your plot. Make sure your plot is not too narrow. Once you're there, stay on top of your requirements, but concentrate on taking whatever appeals to you. You have the rest of your life to be practical (if you so choose); these four years are for dreams, passions, developing interests. The two ways you should prepare for your post-college future? Internships and study abroad programs. Your college should have a career center that will help you find the right internship, while studying abroad, besides providing you with what will undoubtably be an unforgettable, eye-widening experience, demonstrates independence, intelligence, and the ability to adapt, all of which are highly desirable qualities in any workforce.

Mansi

Normally, when people are asked for advice by others, it serves as a good resource for the advisee and an ego boost for the advisor. With this boost in confidence or ego, the advisor tends to expound almost everything he or she knows and will slip in the more useful aspects occassionally. I will only give students one piece of advice which should serve them not only in college, but also in choosing a work place or a place to live: find the place where you feel you could most be yourself and not the person you wish to be. Many times, we are set in a certain mind-set of needing to be a certain way to "fit in" our world. There are so many colleges to choose from! Don't get stuck on the rankings, simply find one where you won't betray your true self on the way to class or while working on a project. College is a way to enhance the self, not learn how to mask it even further. Good luck!

Teresa

Find what you the student is most passionate about career wise and pick a college that helps you furthur your experience in the field. If something in your gut tells you that a college isn't right don't pick that school. Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith and go with what your heart is saying. College is a big step in life. It can also be a very daunting decision to make. Trust your instincts and go after your passions. You'll be happier with yourself if you follow your dreams. This is your life and not your parents'. Don't let others influence your decisions. Also, enjoy your time at school. These next few years are the last moments of least responsibility. Take advantage of that. Grades are not everything. There is a line between academic time and social time. Remember to make time for both. To sum up, go after what makes you passionate and smell the roses along the way.

Roomie

Be willing to experience new things. Don't be afraid of the unknown. By doing this you'll open yourself to so many opportunities.

Kimberly

Part of the college search requires being informed--studying up on a school, looking up which schools are best for your particular academic interests, even looking at the ratings and reviews--and part of it requires throwing all of that away, and really taking the time to feel out which campus is right for you, which school seems like the most logical transition from high school to college life. It helped me to take a look at my high school and identify what things I would keep about it and what things I would change. When you actually get to a school, the most important thing is to GET INVOLVED! Don't wait for the information to come to you; be proactive about what kind of experience you want to make for yourself. Get to know your professors--it'll help to establish a relationship if you ever run into problems during the semester. Hang out with the people on your floor, especially your first year, because those people will stick by you in the years to come. Finally, take the time to discover yourself--build on talents you've had before, and develop some new ones!

Elliot

Go with your gut instinct.

brian

As a student, go to the college that feels best for you from the moment you walk on that campus. As a parent, do not force your child into a school where they are not interested in going. These are the best four years of your life and it is important to be comfortable in your enviornment. College is for finding yourself. Choose a school that has many resources and cultural activites to truly broaden your opportunities and scope of life. Follow your instinct and talk to students on campus visits!

Leslie

Visiting colleges, time permitted, is crucial. My school doesn't have a campus, and perhaps that isn't right for your child. Visiting a campus during junior or senior year in high school also gives you a sense of the culture in which the school is located in. My first college was in Savannah, GA which I was told was a city. But their definition of a city was completely different from mine, because when I think of city, I think NYC or D.C. Also, look into different schools within the university. Some schools within the universities stand out and so you have to choose the right school based on their creditation, not the university overall.

Jessica

Do a lot of research and visit multiple schools. Doing the research helps you compare schools and find things that you do or don't like which can help you make a decision. Visiting the schools is very important. The school might sound amazing on paper but when you get there you might end up hating it. Research cannot completely convey the atmosphere or how you will personally feel there. Sometimes you just get a feeling.

Katrina

visit the college, research the college: its ranking, its majors/programs, how successful its alumni are, etc. location does matter: if you are likely to be homesick, choose a college nearby or closer to home you don't have to go to the same college as your friends: you'll make new friends

Amanda

Make sure to visit the college you are thinking about attending!! It is important to see for yourself how a campus looks and feels before you commit to living there for four years!!

Katrina

Don't wait for your college experience to happen to you. Make it what you want it to be. Hate big classes? Find specialized courses, small study groups, or schedule one-on-one time with professors. If you don' t like the fast pace of the big city, try a small town school. If you find Ivy and neatly mowed quads suffocating, look for something in a big, metropolitan center. The sky should be the limit.

Alyssa

Students: you don't have to know what you want to be before you enter college, but pick a school with a wide range of options so that as you explore your interests, you can pick a major that is right for you. Also, visit campuses starting in your Junior or Senior year to get a sense of what a "campus" versus "non-campus" school is like, and visit in the winter, so that you see the school at its coldest. Don't be deceived by that beautiful sunny day where everyone is playing frisbee outdoors; your ability to tolerate the cold weather at a school will definitely help you figure out what you need to pack. Lastly, get involved in ANYTHING that even remotely interests you. The friends you make will certainly help your transition into college. As for the parents: my advice is to be supportive, get involved in helping your child pick a school, and don't make the distance from home a factor in the college selection process. Also, yes, your alma-matter was "groovy and hip" back when you were in college, but times have changed, so let your child decide what's "cool."

Chelsea

Finding the right college does not always depend on the ideal location. It involves your own ability to decipher what and how much the university can give back to you. How can the school of your dreams provide a long and stable career? The right resources to provide you with the best education? These are the questions students and parents should be asking themselves before selecting the right college. For the most part, all the major universities can provide a housing program, decent meals, and extracurricular activities to enhance the social aspect of your college experience. The real factors that differentiate a college you think you like and the RIGHT college is the educational programs, the career center, and the faculty. These three crucial factors should be carefully looked into. My reason for emphasizing them is because the next 4 years of your education will fly by, and you want to make sure the day you graduate is the day you can feel good about your decision. You will have plenty of opportunities to have fun with friends and to get involved on campus, but you must be able to build a foundation for your future.

Patricia

Visit as many colleges as you possibly can, or take summer courses in high school at colleges you are considering attending. Nothing can really prepare you or show you what a school is like like a small taste of college life over the summer. Don't choose a school because of anyone, not your parents, not your friends, not your advisors, not your boyfriend or girlfriend, not it's reputation. Choose a school you think you will be happiest attending for hte next 4 years, where you think you can learn and grow and make friends that will last the rest of your life. If you don't make friends/meet people you could be friends with or have fun when you visit or take summer classes, chances are it won't be any different when you actually attend.

Angela

First off, definitely visit all the colleges that you're thinking of! And don't do it all at the last minute! The more colleges you visit, it gives you more of a sense of what colleges are like, and which ones you'd prefer to attend. Don't be afraid of being too far away from home, but if you are, decide to dorm somewhere that you may be able to go home every once in a while. To make the most out of your college experience, go out and explore the campus and the city. Meet all sorts of new people and make lots of friends! Join clubs here and there but do remember not to overbook your schedule! You will definitely need some down time here and there. Relax and take each semester one at a time and you'll do great. :)

Jason

The most important part about finding the right college is knowing that the student will feel at home there. If a student doesn't live comfortably in the campus's environment and atmosphere, he or she will have significantly more trouble finding both academic and social success. Another major factor to consider is the level of the academics. If the student is not challenged, he or she will most likely get bored and not do well. Perhaps it would be smart to sit in on a class to get an idea of the level of difficulty. To make the most of the college experience, it's very important for the student to have an open, upbeat attitude from the first day on campus. College is an excellent opportunity to learn new ways of living and grow into your own person. Also, the more friends the student makes, the more fun he or she will probably have throughout college and also the more contacts he or she will have for the future. Further, it's vital to get involved in clubs and other activities and gain some school spirit.

Neerja

Attending college for the first time is unnerving - you do not know what to expect. The best way to find out what you're in for is by visiting the campus, attending a few classes, and speaking to current students. Pamphlets, fliers, and brochures all promote the school and all the clubs, classes, and extracurricular activities available, but the best way to find out what the school is REALLY like is to speak with the students who go there. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should make a set of rules that you plan to follow and find friends who have similar goals. Work hard in classes but make sure you have some fun too; you'll never be able to go back and relive these four years so make the best of your time at college. It truly is an amazing experience and as long as you are doing what makes you happy, you'll be successful in the end. Good luck with applications! And remember, choose the school that is the best fit for YOU, not one that your parents, teachers, or friends recommend, but one that you can see yourself in. :-)

Jodi

First off, I would say that there is almost NO perfect university for anyone. Places may fit your criteria now, but what about a year later? Understanding that college is what each individual chooses to make of it rather than something to get 'perfect' takes a load off of people's shoulders. Now that that's out of the way, I recommend a student choose the place where they'll grow the most, where the student body seems like people they'd like to spend the next four years with and in a physical environment that nurtures their mental health. Once you've landed at your institution of choice, live the college life to the fullest! Particularly in the academics! You'll never get another chance to be with so many brilliant minds in one place or to devote months of your life to learning about nuanced subjects in great detail. Don't get too caught up with following the crowd, this particular experience is yours alone to keep. Choose who you share it with wisely. Never forsake friendship and respect for others. Be free to be yourself, or find yourself, whichever one necessary. Anything is possible; seize it!

Robyn

At the end of the day, go to college where your heart tells you. Let yourself be clouded by the "It would be easier if I went here" and the "Everyone where I'm from goes there" for a little while, and then let that go and make the only choice that you could ever have made. It's that easy and that hard. And when you do make the right choice, go with conviction. Be proud that you did something different, that you took a risk and are on the other side of the continent and are becoming a whole new person, or be proud that you are 1 hour from home at your state school doing greek life with all your high school friends. There's no shame in either choice. And you will be happy and have the most wonderful, amazing life either way. So there's no wrong answer - there's just your answer. And that's what matters. The most important thing is having the courage to choose your answer, whatever that may be.

Ryan

When choosing a collage the biggest focus should be on the opprotunities the school offers in the long term. I ended up choosing a school that puts me far away from home and friends and honnestly is a little out of my price range, but I don't regret it because every day I learn so much that will help move me towards my career goals. Not only that, but the school has a great network of almuni, friends, and national notability, all of which will be very important in helping me get a job. Tradition, partying, socializing, those should all come second, but that dosen't mean they won't be important. After my first year I had created a great network of new friends that I know I will be able to rely on for years to come.

Fuad

Visit colleges and really think about Financial situations.

Jason

Visit your prospective campuses. Get a feel for the general atmosphere but have a few conversations with the students and faculty to get some personal perspectives into the college. Set realistic goals for academics and plan out your time wisely!

Evan

I think you need to begin by really focusing in on what you are interested in studying. From there, zero in on locations, how close to home you want to be, if you want to be in a big city, etc. From there, it's research, research, research. Talk to other students, college guidance counselors, and even visit school's websites. Find out what they are about and if the programs seem like they would be a good fit for you. Make phone calls. You have to be aggressive in getting the information you need because it is your future, and ultimately, you are the one responsible for it. From there, visit. Make sure it's a place you can see yourself enjoying and being comfortable in. Get informed. It's the best way to make the right decision for yourself.

Andres

First of all, get all the bearocracy such as loans, financial aid, and registration done as soon as you can. That way you can concentrate on your schoolwork when classes start, rather than worrying about how broke you're going to be! Second, don't start drama over little things, it isn't high school anymore and theres no one to go running home to, so be an adult and try and make mature decisions. Which leads me to: Third, you don't have to impress your firends with how much you can drink, chances are your attempts to be a badass will lead to foul break ups, lost friends, lost lunch, and you'll more than likely wake up somewhere you dont want to be.