Northeastern University Top Questions

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

Brian

You can't plan for anything. Do the best you can and take life head on as it comes at you.

Kenney

I would tell myself to enjoy high school as much as I could and prepare for a very fun experience filled with a lot of good moments and a few moments that are not as good. I would noy change anything because all of my expereinces in my life helped shape me into the person I am today. Although some of those experiences are not good, no one is perfect and the fact that the road is hard, makes the getting to the end more worth it.

Shannnan

Maintain a strong relationship with your family, and stand your ground. There is a lot of temptation in college life and you need to be smart and make good decisions.

worley

Take all the advantages you can from high school now. Do extra-curricular activities, these will help later on financially and on the admission process. Stop hanging around with people who have nothing to offer you nothing that will contribute to your personal growth. This will be over soon, there is a whole world out there of which you have no idea. What you study and learn will no longer be imposed on you. You will discover the beauty of knowledge and choice. You will receive exposure to so much, big things, revolutionary ideas and inspiring people. College will make you want more, to be more than what you are. Take heed of what teachers tell you now, this is a poor preview of what you will come to know. You will have professors that that will show how to think, really think. There will be professors that may seem crazy, but whose sole intent will be on making you sucessful. You will realize that knowledge is power, but not only that; it is also a privilege, and only those who honestly strive to it will ever attain it - true knowledge that is.

Beverly

I would tell myself to relax and remember that college life is not as bad as I think it is. The people are friendly and the environment is great. As long as i stay focused I am bound to do well.

Jessica

I would probably say most of same things I've been saying to my little sister for the last two years since she just graduated as well from the same high school. Alot of it had to do with filling out scholarships. I was in so many clubs and if I could I would tell my younger self to apply to every scholarship that each club offered, to study harder for the PSATs because I didn't take them seriously and study even harder for the SATs. There were schools that I could have easily gotten into, with more financial aid, but didn't apply to because I didn't want to go to them and I knew my dad would try to make me since Northeastern is so expensive. I would tell myself to apply anyways and then try to have Northeastern match the aid awards. I would aslo tell myself to get more involved in my mother's little tralvel business because now I have decided that I want to build that business up when I graduate. My mom even wanted to sell it but I told her that I want to take it over.

Ashley

When deciding which University to attend I asked everyone I knew and met for their opinions. In the end, however, the opinion that matters is that of the student. It doesn't matter how great the girls think the frat parties are, how high the boys say the sports teams are ranked, or how much debt you might be in when gradutae, or which color decal would look best on the back of your parents' car. In choosing a school, what truly matters is how you personally, as a student, feel about attending a particular school. On paper, a university may be the perfect match for you, but that's on paper. You need to visit and experience the campus life before you can make the decision for yourself. And in the end, don't worry about making the wrong decision, if it doesn't work out after the first year, you can always transfer. College is also an opportunity to start fresh. For once in your life your, possibly tarnished, reputation will not proceed you into the classroom or corridors. You can be who you want for the next for years, hopefully you choose to be yourself.

Andrew

Visit the campus, call the school and ask to speak with representatives to help determine what scholarships are available or financial aid is available based upon need. Talk with various students once there both during the first visit and multiple times when enrolled in that school. Keep an open mind about changing majors. Do not let any failures from high school keep you from pursuing what you actually enjoy and do not take no for an answer. People make mistakes just like you and are only human. Change your advisor to someone you like and someone who is knowledgeable about your field of interest. Also try to befriend some students in the student center or in one of your classes and ask them what they would do based on your situation. Consider tying your interests together with something that not only is interesting to you, but is also financially rewarding (this will help you pay for college when you are done). Often times professors or older students may be willing to help you with challanging concepts for free, so keep this in mind while you pursue your major.

Shanique

Make sure you think everything thrugh before you decide to do it. Even the smallest decision could have a huge affect.

Paul

Let the student make the final decision (granted that money is not TOO much of an issue). Do your research and visit each school. Get a feel for the campus and see if it fits your personality. Talk to professors and undergraduate students if you have the chance. Even better: sit in on a class. To have a great college experience: stay focused and motivated; be open-minded and curious; push yourself as it is when one fails that they learn the most; try new things; hang out with people you normally would not; take courses in a variety of areas and interests, as you may very well change your major; study abroad; volunteer; become friends with professors and faculty; go to sporting events; make time for yourself. In the end, it all comes down to time management. Four years of undergraduate studies will go by fast, so make the most of your time!

Shannan

Choose a college that makes you happy. Do not choose a college based soley on the name and prestiged attached. The college experience is what you make it. Get involved! Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Meet lots of people and try new things. Take classes that interest you, and do not limit yourself academically. Your limits are what you set them to be. Try not to lock yourself in. The more you experience the better. College is for making mistakes, and learning to pick yourself up again. It is a safe place to learn how to be independent without actually being fully independent., so make the most of it.

Erica

I would suggest visiting every college that you are interested in. You never know if you are going to like a university until you visit it. I would suggest taking the walking tour to get a feel for the campus, and to see the types of students on campus. Then I would research the website of the campus to see what major fits your needs, and what extracurricular activities you can join on campus. Once you choose the right college, I would suggest going to every welcoming event on campus. This enables you to meet the most amount of students and potential friends. Then I would join any activities that sound interesting. The more clubs you join the better. Academically, I would attend every class, and I would have study sessions with friends in order to absord the most amount of information.

Stefanie

I think all prospective students should ask themselves 3 crucial questions before settling on one school: "What", "Where", and "How". 1. What am I passionate about? People tend to follow their minds more than their hearts when deciding on a career, but I find that it is more beneficial to find something you love doing then discovering a career that harbors that passion. Once you find your passion, you can choose the area of study that will help make your dreams attainable. 2.Where do I want to go to schol? Location is critical because it is hard to be content when you dislike your environment. 3. How will this school make me the best person I can be? It is important to find a school that offers not only your area of study but also any extra-curriculars that may interest you. Academics should be the majority of the college experience but other activities help to round out one's character. Once you find the school that will open the doors to your future, you must apply yourself and reach for the stars. Dreams do come true, but only if you use your mind and heart to get there.

Gina

My advice to students and parents would be to take tours at many college campuses in different settings and areas, even if you know where you want to go, because you just might surprise yourself and find a location that you had never consisdered before. Choose the college that feels right to you and that you can see yourself still attending 4 or 5 years from now. To make the most of your college experience, join activities and clubs/organizations that interest you - even if your friends at college aren't interested, because you can never, ever make too many friends! Also, meet with Academic Advisors, and even stop by the Career Center as soon as possible. They will both have many resources for you, which will help you tremendously down the road when you register for classes and prepare for your future.

Tessa

Find a college that is right for you, a campus that you could see yourself living in for 4 years. Make sure that you are happy and feel safe with your surroundings. Just make sure you choose the right majoy and are happy with your experience.

Rachel

Make sure you can really pay before you go here. They won't award you any additional aid as an upperclassman. Be prepared to get off campus housing as an upperclassman (shop early, it fills up).

Eric

When decided one which college to attend I urge you to ask yourself how you would like to spend your time. If you want to devote a lot of time to studying and/or resume building make sure that school has challenging professors and coursework. Make sure their is a career services or and internship/co-operative office. If you are looking for school spirit and big time sports look at large state schools. If you are looking for a Greek life find a college where the campus is dominated by Greek life. Finally make sure your college has the kind of clubs you would like to join, and if they don't make sure they have the funding for you to start that desired club, so you can pursue you interests with passion.

Adaeze

It is very important to do your research on all of the schools to which you are considering applying. Go to the school, take the tours, and explore on your own. Don't be afraid to ask any questions that you may have because even the silliest question could be a deal breaker. Talk to your high school student counselor because they have a lot more information than you may be aware of. Once you get to college, don't be afriad to try new things. Remember that everyone is in the same seat that you are. This is all new to them, and they don't know anyone either. Make the absolute most of this experience.

Tim

Get scholarships and get involved

Sharon

Finding the right college is about finding a place that meets your personal needs but will provide you with new oppurtunities and personal challenges. While small colleges tend to be tight communities with small classes and a real sense of camaraderie , they may lack in diversity or extracirricular oppurtunities. Its important to list your priorities and weigh them against each school. To make the most of your expirience when you get to college, students have to go to every meeting or event that catches their attention, get to know as many professors on a first name basis as they can, and not be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers. You never know what lasting connections you will form or what twists and turns lay in the road ahead unless you give everything a shot!

Rachel

I think the most important advice to give is make sure to find a college that engages you. Whether you're interested in extra-curricular activities, internships to prepare for a career, or a certain field of study, make sure to attend a school that offers exactly what you're looking for. Even if the school is slightly out of your price range there is always the opportunity for finacial aid, and if a school appears to be the perfect fit take the chance and go there. It is vital that you don't settle for a school that doesn't have everything you're looking for, that is both a waste of your money and your time. College is meant to both prepare you for the future and broaden your horizons, a university that doesn't engage you creatively and intellectually offers no benifits for your future.

Kelly

My advice for students beginning the college application process would be to first take a look at the student's preferences. Afterall, it is the student who is going to attend the school. The student should take a look at the school's academic programs to see if they offer the intended major of study. Location is also important such as whether the school is situated in a rural or urban environment . I advise students to not overlook state colleges and universities since they may have tuition discounts. Furthermore, in light of recent economic woes, I, advise students to consider schools that would provide the most financial aid. Oftentimes, many factors play a role into choosing the right college and these factors should be weighed accordingly. At times, compromises have to be made. Increasingly, many students are accepted into their first choice school, but are faced with financial obstacles. I believe, therefore, that it is extremely important to be open-minded and flexible with respect to choosing a school. Also, I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaing an open-minded mentality once the student begins his/her college education since college is a time for students to exercise independence.

Matthew

Go with the feeling you have while you are at the school. You should feel comfortable, happy, excited, actually be able to see yourself on that campus. Don't just take a tour go out and explore on your own. Eat in the cafe when its not a big weekend to get the reall food served.

Sara

In the search to find the right college for you, I would recommend researching different options on-line; however, be sure to visit the campus before making any final decision. I thought that I was sure of the school that I wanted to attend until I began seeing different campuses. I chose my school by the gut feeling I got as I was walking through the campus and actually experiencing what it would be like to be there everyday. I also knew that the program was a perfect fit for the type of learning style that I have, so be sure to keep that in mind. To make the most of your college experience you have to be ready to take chances. Be confident in and outside of the classroom. There are plenty of opportunities for students at colleges and you should be sure to take advantage of them. This includes study abroad programs or even just joining a group or club on campus. You should focus on your grades, but don't let that consume you. Being social and comfortable in social settings can help prepare you for the real world along with what you learn in the classroom.

Benjamin

None

Dmitriy

Pick a school with sound financial services and a strong academic and career oriented cirriculuum.

Micah

Location! Knowing where you want to be is essential to a positive college experience. College is the gateway between childhood dependency and adulthood. If you aren't in the proper setting of becoming an adult, you won't mature healthily. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will steer you in the proper direction, whether that be far or close to home, in a city or rural environment. If you feel claustrophobic, go to school someplace where the only boundary in the horizon. But if you need the stimulus of a million living people, be in or near a city where you can experience what the entire human race has to offer. School size is also important. Do you want to be able to know everyone around you or would you rather meet someone new every day? Be sure to find a niche if in a big school and city. Academics are the clincher. In the big picture, all schools teach you the same principles with a few Ivy League exceptions. The difference comes down to how schools teach. Some schools get you practical experience as soon as possible where others want you book smart first and then turning you loose.

Alejandro

The hardest part of college is selecting one that meets your needs/taste. How do you know which one is the right one for you? Don't select a college because friends are going there or because it looks nice. Do your research well, what are the different programs the college offer. Does it offer the Business or Nursing program of your interest? Its your life and the future of it will depend on how much you put into this decision. Studying what you love will provide you with the best college experience you can imagine.

Mariel

Visit colleges and talk to professors and students. Make sure you're happy with everything, not just academics, or just the campus. Don't hesitate to apply to colleges that may be pricey, but when you get your financial information, choose wisely keeping in mind how much debt you may have when you get out, and whether or not you will be financially stable enough to pay it off with a degree from that college. Sometimes you may get a great scholarship from a school you didn't think would give you one. When you get to college, your academic standing truly effects how seriously you take your studies. Friends are important, but always put your work first, because that's why you're at college. If your friends don't take school seriously, you're more likely to get caught up in the hype of being at college and fall behind in your studies. You can't undo a bad GPA even if it's just one semester. Living on your own and trying new things, always ask yourself if you'll look back on a decision in 10 years and regret it and ask yourself why.

Nicholas

Pick 3 colleges that best fit your criteria and thourghly research and visit them to get a feeling of what the campus is like. Look for academenics, on campus living, jobs placement , and on campus jobs while you are at college, work study, internship and what you will get from your learning experience for your future. You will be spending 4-6 years of your future at a college make sure it's completley what you want. When you enter your first year make sure you are content with what you choose and good luck!!!

Stefanie

Finding the right college truly takes a lot of time and research. The most important thing to do when looking for the right college is to narrow down your choices. Applying to 12 or 15 different schools is not the way to go about it--be honest with your needs and wants and know that it's okay to choose a college that might not sound as popular or famous. Be positive about meeting new people because if the friends you have before going to college are really your friends, they will always be around. To me, making the most of the college experience means taking chances outside your comfort zone in order to live new experiences and create great memories while still getting a valuable education. Finally, time management is key. The freedom experienced in the first year of college is unprecedented for most students, so it is important to always maintain a clear picture of your goals for school while still allowing time for friends, family, and personal time. Know your limits and spend time defining what you really want out of these four years, because they really do go by fast.

Gretchen

I would advise students to begin exploring their options early. The more schools and majors/careers you explore, the better idea you will have of what you are and aren't looking for. I would advise them to look into anything that interests them and not to eliminate any possible choices early on. I would also tell them not to pick their school based on the amount of money it costs - try to let this influence your decision the least because college is a big deal and can really impact the rest of your life. I would tell parents to be sure not to try to push their child too much. College is a huge decision and they will need lots of support and probably advice, but it is also something they will have to live with for a long time and you should let them make the decision as much on their own as possible. Lastly, I would remind everyone that no decision you make is permanent. You can always change schools if you don't feel you picked the right fit, but try to give everything your all and have a positive attitude before doing so.

Nick

The time has arrived, you are stepping on the ledge of independence and for the first time you have the chance to make a decision for your future. This decision is one that needs to be made for YOU. It is not all about which school you end up going to, but also what you do and your experience at that school. You hear about this great school in the north, but you hate cold weather, you will see four years pass by, from the inside of your dorm room, very quickly. Make a list of things you are looking for and prioritize them. Your social life is just as important as your academic one. College is a time for you to grow in every aspect both from your professors and the interactions you have with friends sharing ideas. Think about what is important to you, diversity, size, athletics, climate, etc. You will go to class five days a week for a few hours, but you will live your college experience every minute. Take advantage of your time at school and get involved, go out and meet people, don't be scared we are all in the same boat together.

Brandon

The advice I would give to parents/students about finding the 'right' college is that there is no 'right' college. No one college or University is perfect in every aspect. No matter what, you are going to find things you both like and dislike about a particular college. I personally think the most significant key to picking the right college is finding one that has a good program for the subject you want to study. For example, If you want to be an engineer it is of the utmost importance to pick a college that specializes in that field and has a credible program with the necessary tools to help you achieve your goals in that area. The key to making the most of the college experience is finding the right balance between academics and extra-curricular activities at a particular institution. College shouldn't be about all work and no play so its important to find a school that has activities that appeal to you. However, attending college is also a huge opportunity that no one should take for granted. Preparing yourself for the 'real world' through education and learning should be the ultimate goal.

Vinsu

PLEASE DONOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL FOR ARCHITECTURE. THERE ARE SEVERAL CHEAPER AND BETTER OPTIONS OUT THERE.

Tyler

I would recommend that you take some time to get to know yourself. Figure out what interests you. What do you want to be doing in 5, 10, 15 years? Do you want to live in a city or a more rural area. If possible, I would recommend spending your first year or two at a junior/community college. It gave me more time to develop myself and figure out what I wanted, and it saved me quite a bit of money in the end. Once in college, I recommend going to every class, every day - no excuses. This will show your professors that you are really invested in your education. Reach out, be socal, ask for help, try to organize study groups. If I have any regrets about my first year at a major university, it was that I didn't spend enough time socializing and meeting new people. Your college experience is so much more rewarding when you have friends to share your experiences with along the way.

Lauren

not everyone knows for sure what they want in life. don't feel bad if you don't.

Helen

As the first generation to go to college in my family I did not have the opportunity to ask for advice before jumping feet first into the college whirlwind. Due to this, I remember telling myself to remember important things to tell my niece when she goes off to college. The best advice I can give to any student looking for the right college is to follow your instinct. You and only you know when you?re the most comfortable. You want to choose a college where you feel yourself and you don?t need to act like someone you are not. As for when you enter college, don?t think that you need to join every club to make your college experience great. Join clubs and/or activities that you enjoy because going to meetings that you are not really interested in is just going to make you more stressed. As for the parents, you understand you child the best. Therefore it is your duty to understand if the geographical location and costs is best for you and your son/daughter. You have a opinion and I am sure that your son/daughter would like to hear it.

Leanne

Selecting the appropraite college can be a tedious process, however certainly one of the most important. When selecting a college its important look beyond the financial aspect and see if it fulfills personal criteria like amenities and location of the campus. College is not just about the education and persuit of a degree but the first step of networking, the people you will go to school with are the future; they will be working along side of you. Make the most of your college experience because its supposed to be the best years of your life.

Jill

Do as much as possible during your time in college, such as study abroad or dual major to get the most out of your money.

Sara

If possible when visiting your school of choice visit a class or two that will be critical to you or your child's education. Chat briefly with a councelor or talk to a student who might be passing through the counseling office.

Joanna

For me it was very difficult because I was not accepted to my "dream" school.I was heart broken by the fact that I worked so hard and I didn't fit their mold. But that's not the end of the world, and once a student finds a school that really makes them happy, their whole life will change for the better. They will feel at home there and will easily make friends and have fun. I battled depression for a long time because I believed I wasn't good enough, but I realized that a school that couldn't see my potential wasn't good enough for me. Now that I am here at Northeastern I am finally happy with my life and where it is going. So never give up! My advice: there's always a school out there for you. And once you get to that school there are so many things you can do. Join a club or join a team sport or just make friends with your roommates and classmates. You can study abroad or intern, the possibilities are endless in college as long as you put forth the effort.

Shalini

I would tell parents or students to speak to current students who go to the school you are interested. You would get a better feel of the school and environment. Also, taking a tour of the campus would be very helpful. Things like on campus housing, facilities, and the surrounding environment of the school can affect your decision. The oppurtunity for a student to go on an internship and extend thier knowledge in their major would be something to consider when deciding on a school. It would also be helpful to look into what kinds of finanicial aid the school of interest provides for a student. I think in order for a student to get that full college exprerience he or she should join groups and be invloved in the activities.

Shari

It is the students decision, whatever choice they make, they are the wones who will spend the next four years of their lives there. Students: don't let your parents push you towards a school that you are not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sold on, even though they are funding it, if you're not happy you will not enjoy college like you should. The most importand part of college is that you learn whatever it is you wen there to learn. The second is to have fun, these are the best years of your lives!

Elizabeth

Do not settle for what seems the easiest to get into, there is most definitely a school out there for everyone it might just take some longer than others to figure out where it is that they belong. College has been the best experience of my life and I wouldn't trade for anything - not only have I learned so much, but also the experiences I have been through socially, academically and personally have changed me for the better.

Teagan

Take your time looking at schools. Find one that best fits your personality and interests and don't base your decision on where your friends or boyfriend or girlfriend is going. Don't let your parents talk you out of a school you really like. Ask questions on school tours and not just about classes but about social life as well. Get involved in university life but don't over do it. Relax, you will probably make at least one friend in ever class you have and remember what you are there for, make the most of your classes and the extra help offered to you.

Carolyn

To find the right college I suggest you definately visit multiple schools. While visiting go on a tour and an information session or interview if possible. There are many factors that go into chosing the right school. Do they have your major, tuition costs, location and size. But when you walk on to the right campus you just know it's the onw. You can picture yourself being at that school and feel at home. As a freshman try to get involved in different activities to meet new people whether it be in a club, sport, or greek life. The most important thing is to have fun at college while balancing out your school work. College years are the best years of some people's life. You grow and learn a lot during those four short years, so you want to make the most of them!!

Erin

I believe that choosing the right college is a decision that should be left to the student. The college experience is a coming-of-age experience and the setting and location can significantly influence your story. College is a place where you can really find yourself outside of the constraints of high school and living on your own. The incredible amount of opportunities and choices available to you can be both exciting and intimidating. Relax. You don't have to have it all figured out. Take your time. Find the college that makes you feel comfortable. Explore your options until you find your niche, your group, your cause, your career path, whatever it is that really defines you. Once you're there, get involved! Step out of your comfort zone and do something different. Take advantage of all that college life has to offer, but remember to stay focused on the reason that you're there. You have four years to learn and prepare yourself for the real world and you will learn both inside and outside the classroom so be open-minded to new opportunities, new ideas, and new experiences. The steps to success are there for the taking.

Ashley

Size of the school is very important. Also areas of interest. Find a school that closely matches the interests. Make alot of friends and do not burn any bridges by disrespecting faculty or professors. You will need a recommendation from the end in the end most likely. Make friends in every class so in case you ened help you do not have to study alone. Do not date! Or if you are in a rocky-bad relationship get out of it ASAP. GPA will suffer severely if it starts affecting you. Constantly keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities. Mind the crowds that you hang with because not everyone may be as determined as you. Live on campus. Commuting takes away the college experience greatly.

Joseph

Finding the right college for your son or daughter can prove quite difficult. When starting on your search, it is important to first identify what strongest interest of your child. They need to find a program that will allow them to excel in an area of study that they will enjoy. If they don?t know what they want to study in college, look at universities that offer a wide range of academic programs so they can explore their interests and make a decision that is best for them. It is also very important to identify whether your son or daughter would best learn and grow on a large university or a smaller university, or, in highly populated classes or smaller classes. The living environment has a great impact on the learning ability and overall happiness of students. Spending a weekend at an urban campus and then a rural campus can give insight to the different lifestyles that students lead. Finding the school that matches your student on multiple levels will ultimately result in a higher quality of learning, growth and happiness.