Pratt Institute-Main Top Questions

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

samantha

You know that girl in your highschool, the one that was called to the stage at graduation and you thought to yourself " Who is that?" Yeah, I was that girl. I was ok with being that girl. I was/am an introvert. And if i could go back and give myself advice it would not be to go out and be more of a social butterfly, but to just cherish the friends I did have because they're real keepers. Most importantly, I would advise her to use all that time that she wasn't spending out with friends and be productive. I would tell her to paint more because it turns out that she loves it. She should also work on getting her grades up because even though she excelled in school it wasn't at all challenging for her and in collage it won't come as easy to her. I would remind her that Pratt, her dream school, is extremely costly and whatever money she comes into she should spend wisely. And lastly i would tell her to to live happily because it gets so much better and no matter what stess will be her worst enemy.

Jamarkus

If I had a chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior after the college life the advise I would give myself is to work harder that I did when I was there, not taking anything for granted including sports. I did not take sports as serious as iI should have. I worked hard but not as hard that I knew I could. I wish that I had gotten more involved in organizations such as student government, FBLA, FFA, and many more. Most importantly I would have told myself to practice my study habits because I would have recieved A's instead of B's. With better study habits, being more involved in organizations, and being the best I can be in sports will take me one step closer to achieving my goals.

jenna

If I had a chance to go back and talk to my high school self as a senior I would make it aware that grades are far more important than friends. I would explain how responsiblity works without my parents and how well it is if I do it right. I would make sure money is saved before hand to save my parents the time of worry. I would make my parents finacial status a priority before assuming I had it all made. I would show myself a little piece of the future to show that all "mistakes" and "regrets" I thought were everything were for a reason because of college. I will also tell myself not to worry about being alone and save myself the stress. More importantly I would make sure I made my self thank my parents before leaving for all the have done for me and let it be known that I care more than it seems. That the only reason I am making college a priority is for them to make them proud and to prove myself wrong that I can handle life and college.

Bethany

Read! I would have encouraged myself to read more often in order to build vocabulary and general knowledge of historical events and philosophical ideas. I also would have encouraged myself to be more involved in extracurricular activities such as sports and/or school clubs. Involvement in those kinds of activities are experiences that are unforgetable and futuristically advantageous. Further, I would have reminded myself to have fun! Just to enjoy those times because they will never come again.

nadine

If I could go back and tell my high school self anything, it would “GET MOM HELP, SHE’S GOING TO DIE” and apply for so many more scholarships. The reason I say this is because my mom passed away in February 2013. I want to tell my high school self not to believe her and take her to a specialist, not just urgent care. Her leg pain is bone cancer. Her back pain is breast cancer. Her mood swings were not menopause they’re brain cancer. Stop being a moody teenager, it was just a phase for you, but it was the last phase of your life she ever saw. Every time you want to say, “gosh mom, you’re being irrational,” stop yourself, end the conversation, and just give her a hug. Losing my mom has been the hardest thing that has ever happened to me. But, even harder than that is losing my home and what little inheritance I would have had to the cost of cancer. There are few people and no money left to help me with my education, so I should have started applying for four times as many scholarships while in high school.

Sharon

If I could go back in time I would tell my high school self to endulge more in the arts to build my portfolio and volunteer in different places whether it be in a animal facility or kids art's programs. I would tell her to look into more colleges and find out exactly what they need to get in and to apply to more than two places. I would tell her to not worry as much about the future because everything does work out in the end. That even though there are many hardships that come with growing up to never actually give up. To cherish and have fun with the friends and not get stuck in the dramas that come with high school. Just enjoy life before getting into the grown up world. Get out and do what I want instead of following what others want me to do. Stop people pleasing cause there is no way to please everyone and you just need to do what is best for yourself. Don't be afraid of being who you want to be because you are going to do wonderful, and amazing things.

Rachel

I would advise myself not to waste so much time. I really wish I had spent more time being creative in high school. I would also have advised myself to save more money! I ran out of the little money that I had saved really fast, and now, I have to ask my parents for money. Additionally, I would have instructed myself not to pack so much stuff! There's no space for it! I have to keep bringing a second suitcase when I go home that's just full of stuff I don't need! I would have told myself to do random selection for my roommate choice. I think that sometimes a little surprise is good in life and can sometimes turn out good. What I've learned is everyone is not who they seem. Finally, I would have told myself to participate in my theater group more. I really miss it.

Rebecca

The first thing I would tell myself is to listen to my mother, because she's been right more than once. I didn't really take my mom's advice when she said "apply for scholarships" and so now, I am buried in loans. When I think about it, my school really didn't stress the importance of applying for scholarships and now that I know how important it is, I am left scrambling for them. Another thing I would tell myself is to be true to yourself and to keep pushing on. I believe that in order to fufill my goal of happiness in life, I need to stay true to myself and my conscience. This is something that I have discovered over the past few months that has proved to be very rewarding in life and in school. The last thing I would tell myself is that Pratt is worth it and to not lose sight of that. I say this because I have seen success at Pratt, and am determined to do whatever it takes to stay there.

Mary Clare

I would have told myself to remember that you make an impression on people, good or bad, its important to remember who you are and why you display yourself that way.People judge, and sometimes they misjudge, but once you have portrayed yourself a certain way, or given away a part of you, you cant really get it back. Be who you are, just remember to respect others, and not judge, people may surprise you.

Jamie

I have learned that no matter what happens to me in life that I can overcome it! I have learned not to let scotomas rule my life, and that I have control over my destiny, and that with hard work, studying, and faith I can and will finally graduate from college, and be a better role model for my children!

Tabetha

Pratt Institute has made me a tougher individual. I am confident in myself and know that I have many interests. It is not the most nuturing environment but thats the schools lesson; that no one is going to hold your hand in the real world. Brooklyn is a tough place and for someone that came from a small town it is a great place to learn how to deal with crowds, high competition, and survial. If you can make it in this school you can make it anywhere.

Shirley

I've learned many things through the past year -- my personal ideals, my work ethic, and most importantly, what I want to do with my future. For many years, I dreamed about being an architect. I admired all the beauty in our built environment and was determined to help contribute. However, after completing my first year in architecture school, I wasn't entirely sure about my dream anymore. I realized I had fallen too in love with the idea of being an architect. I created a fantasy in my mind of what I imagined architecture to be and ignored the limitations. Luckily, with time, I found the right career choice. I discovered industrial design was really what I wanted to do. It shares many characteristics with architecture yet still allows freedom that I so desperately sought. In the short time of a year, I realized my true desires and how to apply them to a future.

M.C.

Nickolas, I am so glad I caught you before your last few days at Grady High. We are both fortunate enough to have the fantastic ability to be both in the future and past at the same moment. I know you don?t like Sci-Fi, but that will change in December of 2007. Anyway, what I want to tell you is very important. It?s about your transition from life in Georgia to your college life in New York City. With everyone telling you to think about your ?future? every waking moment, it?s easy to start to think about college being over before it has even begun. Don?t feel the pressure to rush through this special time. There are endless learning opportunities, friends to be made, and goals to meet while in college. Just remember this time is for you, and for you to enjoy. Leaving your highschool self behind to enroll in college can be daunting. If you are going through a tough transition into college, just remember that now you can take up the reins and make your life into what you truly want. Enjoy the ride, your journey through college is worth every moment.

Kayla

I was one of those abnormal kids who never wanted to graduate. While my friends were dying to leave high school, I cherished every last day as a Senior. I had good grades, loyal friends, and a car. It was my ideal world where I didn't have any tremendous responsibilities and everything I loved close to me. As a Freshman at Pratt, I have no advice for my old self. Instead I would draw a map. The map would show my High School drawn as a tiny island. Next to it would be my college as a continent. Last year I failed to see anything beyond the walls of high school. In reality it was a very confined space like a speck of land. The beauty of college is how much more expansive it is. Since being here I've been able to stretch my brain over so many new things like meeting people from different cultures, and trekking through New York City as opposed to my little home town. Years of high school couldn't amount to the growth I've experienced in a month here, and my former self would've been thrilled to see that.

Brittany

I think this also goes along with what I wish I had known before attending the school I am at now. I would give myself the advice to explore myself and be aware of my likes, dislikes, interests, and what moves me. It is important for you to have a close relationship with yourself and with that, you'll be able to work towards what will make you happy. I spent so much time working towards a degree that I knew nothing about. I wish I could turn back time and start communication design straight out of highschool. I could have saved a lot of time,money and worry. College is expensive and it can also be a burden for your family. I can't let myself feel guilty about it now, but I can give other high school students the advice to really think about your interests and what will make you the happiest. School is a time for you to grow and evolve, but it's also very beneficial to have a bit of an idea before you attend school. Not only for your education, but for the relationship you have with yourself.

Lauren

I would tell myself to hang in there and just relax. I have had alot of adjusting to do here at school and it really did take me a while. I almost wanted to give up and go home the first couple weeks I was here. But I love when I am doing and I had a bunch of great friends who helped me through it. Also my parents are a big part in my success. I don't know where I would be without them. I would also tell myself to just kick my butt and work hard even when I feel like I couldnt work anymore. I regret wasting time last year in the beginning because I did not have the drive that I wish at first. However, I have that drive and ten times more now that I know what I can accomplish if I really work at it.

Lauren

Good planning is what makes your college career possible. What?s most important is that you make those plans yourself. An in-experienced high school student is more than likely to allow the majority of the application and enrollment process to be the burden of their parents. They also plan their financial aid awards around their parent?s income. I would advise myself and anyone who would listen NOT TO. You can never predict the economies effect on your parent?s finances, nor can you always expect their constant aid. Plan for the worst, because the only resources you are guaranteed are your own. Begin as early as possible and NEVER make a choice that you alone can not answer for. Because in the end, it is YOUR education and whether or not you recieve it only affects you.

John

I would tell myself that having a fun time is part of the college experience but the most important reason is to prepare yourself for a career that makes you happy and will support your family in the future. That 2 or 4 years of studing and attending classes is not that big of sacrafice and if you apply yourself you can have a much better life. Finishing an assignment or studing for a test is more important then going to a party. Make sure it is something that you will enjoy also, research your career choice and the long term employment opportunities and advancements in that particular field

Christian

Infuse your ongoing life experienceses into your work and you will always be sucessful. People who go above and beyond their expectaions love what they do!

Blanca

Advise I should of told myself would of been to be thrifty and learn to save money. Purchasing books and school materials without shopping around really takes a punch out of your savings account. Through the process of going to school I learned to shop for used books and materials, swap materials with friends and research for bargains. A would also tell myself to speak up more often, not that I am not outgoing but I feel like asking questions and being ascertive can help in the long run.

April

College will be a challenging transition only because you need to get used to time management. Don't get so bogged down with school work. Always make some time for breaks and the unexpected computer failure (make backup files just in case.) Learn a hobby that has nothing to do with your major. Always be respectful and you will be respected. Don't be afraid to share your voice with others, but be tactful. Have fun in the classroom and out. Never lose your passion for learning. Don't be afraid of making mistakes or failure, just learn from them so you don't repeat them. Do your best but don't forget about sleeping and eating. You'll do just fine so don't worry.

Heather

Being that ,my ten year High School reunion was last weekend, what I would say to my High School self goes beyond college life and transitions. One word comes to mind when I think of what I should have done ten years ago: Perservere. I did well in high school and my problem when I went to college initially was lack of commitment and perserverance through the rough times. I don't regret the time I have taken off since I left college and returned this past fall. I learned a lot about myself as a person and as an artist. I learned to be responsible, accountable, and respectful in the time I've spent working and providing for myself. Now that I have returned to college, older and with more determination, I don't know if i would have changed anything. Perservering through my first try at college, perservering through working and being an independant adult, perservering through humiliation, regret, and resilliance, I have come back stronger, more focused and ready to take on whatever school throws at me. I would tell my high school self: Hang in there kid, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Rona

If I could go back in time and give myself a piece of advice, would emphasize on getting hands-on experience in high school! It is important to understand the specifications of your industry and going in to companies, small businesses or facilities to experience what you will be surrounded by and involved in for the rest of your life if you choose your interested profession. If, however, you are confused or uncertain about how you want to progress with life, it is even more important to go into real businesses and experience what they are like in order at eliminate the industires in which you know you do not want to be involved, and thus narrowing down your true passion. This will save you a lot of time and you will be much more confident and advanced in your degree than many of your peers!

April

Save up money while you have the time!

Ariya

I'll tell myself not to come to the US because there's not much to offer other than education. There is no culture here and there is nothing to do, even in New York, outside of academic activities. I should've gone to Japan or maybe somewhere in Europe where I could've learned another language and experiencing something truly different instead. College is not just about education that you get in class and at school, but also the life lessons you learn from being in college and the place you're at. Going to college is supposed to give you a learning experience that will be valueable to you in the future. Coming to the US I didn't get any of that apart from education from instructors at Pratt Institute.

Christina

College. In reality, the first twelve years of our educational experience is gearing us towards this next step into adulthood. For many of our parents , it will always be just a dream. But for those lucky few who have the honor of finding themselves looking at an acceptance letter, finding that perfect fit is the hardest part of all. My advice to finding that one college, is simply be true to yourself. Do not give up on your ideals and what you want. If California is where you want to go, then go. If division one football is your dream, shoot for that. This is YOUR future. Make the best of it. Now once you are in college, it's a whole other ballgame. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there to meet new people and do new things. Go to freshman orientation, plan to join a fraternity or radio talk show, or just talk to people. Two seemingly dissimilar people can have so much in common without even realizing it. It's truly a gift to be able to attend college and meet people who have as much passionate about things as you do.

Jia

The things you should take into account are major, place, and lastly finance. Depending on which is more important to the student and the family; some students look forward to a specific major and only look for schools with that major, but that usually ends up in schools with unaffordable expenses so if the student does not know what they want to major in it is best to stick to an affordable school until they have decided. There are parents that want their children living close by and there are students that want to be for away from their parents when they go to college so dorming has to be considered; even if the college is close by their house it is best not to dorm for this adds a couple more thousands of dollars to the annual amount which in turn could be used to purchase food, books, school supplies, and many other things which the student would have to obtain even if they did dorm.

James

Parents need to weigh the cost of attendance to rate of pay you anticipate your student making. Concider starting at a community college to offset the cost of school. And dont let friendships decide were you want to go, because friendships change in college, and if that person(s) is the only reason your there, you will hate it when they are gone.

Johanna

I would say the best advice is to visit the school many times beforehand, and not just on "tours", because on the campus tours only the ideal areas may be shown and when you attend the school you will discover this. So visit all the buildings on your own, if you can. Also make sure the financial aid is sufficient and that they will not be tricking you in the future.

Suzie

In order to find the right school, you have to find somewhere where you will feel comfortable, a place that you would want to spend the next four years of your life. When you find an environment you are comfortable in, other people with similar interests will be drawn to the same environment as well. Confidence is key, when you feel good about yourself, you will feel good about other things around you also. This is how you will make friends and enjoy your college experience. Also, a strong decision maker is your major, if you know what you want to do, the location is very important. For my major New York was my best option, it has helped me get internships and to network in the fashion industry even though i'm still in school. There are so many opportunities in the city and it opens so many doors for the major of my choice. The location varies among everyone, and you should pick a school that is situated in a place you enjoy being in.

Anna

Start off my looking at three types of colleges, big, medium and small then work from there. Once you know you like a small campus feel then it rules out the other million colleges to look at. Also keep in mind about what you are like. Do you like to be able to move around and go out on the weekend or do you want to be on a campus 24/7? ALWAYS go with your gut feeling and don't buy into the shit that colleges try and sell you with special alumui and free stuff. Keep in mind what you need, facilities, a good room and involved teachers. If a school has that then your golden.

Robert

I believe the environment the college is located in/is apart of. I went to school in New York City, and I knew, as a writer, the city would be a beautiful and adventurous place to live, as well as liberating. A lot of high school students feel, being among the nature of contemporary social conditions, that college is a piece of the youth-to-adult process. I do not believe that to be trute. Some time between high school and college might help, in terms of academic stimulation. College should not be seen as necessary. College should be viewed as a privelege, as an opportunity to travel and live somewhere new/as an opportunity to meet established and influential minds. Of course this all depends on what kind of soul the prosepctive student looks forward to harvesting in the future, but I just feel that too many young adults are forced into higher education and end up concerning themselves socially rather than academically. High school in this society is more of a social competition. Education is no longer viewed as a privelege. Patience can help immensely. Young adults should travel. Independence and patience. Independence and patience.

Michelle

Finding the right school to go to can be very tough. I believe it is very important to let the student deside what is best for them rather than the parent. Having the chance to go anywhere in the world may be much, but it forces you to take the time to do research and truly figure out what schools offer the best for an overall education if you are undecided or if you are following a dream, what college can best prepare you for it. Making mistakes and figuring out how to make the best of them is the challenge and often embracing these challenges makes us who we are. The best experience one can get at a new school is to become involved. It doesnt have to be big like joining the frat, but can be something as small as a snowboarding club. Also, explore what lies around your campus. The campus walls are only there when you have to be serious about your future, but when classes are over, the walls break down and there is a lot more to expolre and more resources are at your disposal.

bridget

In my experience faculty and alumni are the best way to evaluate at college or university at a glimpse. One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Schweitzer, ?Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.? With that in mind wouldn?t it be best to attend a university where the professors are also alumni and where the alumni dominate their field? Surrounding yourself with others that share your passion and drive will make unforgettable college experience.

AARON

Don't settle for anything less that what you want. This is your education and your future. Don't choose an art school for its name because you are trying to make a name for yourself.

Melissa

Go with what you love

anthony

my advice is to really think about why you want to attend college, and how that is ultimately going to help you to accomplish your goals and live a successful life. based on how you answer that is the beginning of how you start sorting through what schools will help you in those ways the most.

marissa

Research school, but not too much. Have a good idea of the kind of education you want, whether it be business or painting there's a school out there. Take full advantage of your classes and teachers as well as the community. Keep your mind open and try to stay positive no matter what.

Ashley

Make sure that you pay attention to how you feel when you step on campus. If your initial feeling is that you are uncomfortable and don't fit in, it may not be the place for you. Give it time, explore your options and take everything in. Research the area of each school, see if there are activities that interest you, you will be there for four years or more so you should find some place that you could see yourself living in.

Lyla

Go to colleges, check out their facilities. Try to check out the facilities and talk to the teachers that are related to your field of study. Make sure most of the teachers used to work in the fields that they teach in. Try to go to a college with a close-knit community within the college. Try to avoid commuting if you can. Make sure that the people who graduate the college your interested in also go to jobs related to their field when they graduate. Make sure there are other majors that you can easily switch to that you are interested in incase you decide what you're studying isn't right for you. College is about learning, but its also about the social life, so try to see how the campus kids are and see if they seem to have much of a social life/are people you'd enjoy hanging out with.

Michael

The best advice that I can give to parents and students about finding the right college is finding a comfortable environment. Once you commit yourself to a comfortable environment, you will have a great college experience. Education is about expanding your horizons, so there is also a need for you to explore and experience the world. Your attitude at school should be about accepting, relating, and understanding. College is a huge step towards finding yourself and performing to the best of your abilities.

Matthew

Talk to current and past students to find out what they got from their education. Find out what types of things students really do in spare time. Research some of the professors and hand select those best suited for you. Do not choose a school on a whim.

Lila

Campus life is just as important to consider when picking a college as academic reputation. It's okay not to know exactly what you want when applying for school but it is important to know who you are and what you need to thrive.

Crystal

This is a day in age when the prospect of a higher education can be depressing at best. I would suggest first of all for the parents, NOT just the highschools, to not only aid a teenager in choosing a career path early, but collecting a large list of schools appropriate to that career path. This of course could save you emotionally and financially. It may be unfortunate, but don?t trust what the schools tell you about the reality of fully paying for school without large amounts of loans and private loans. Colleges can be deceiving with regards to how expensive they actually are, tuition can actually account for a small portion, at my school it accounts for a little over half, so call the government to see what your economic status can provide you, do serious research so you know well in advance if it?s intelligent financially to go to a certain school. Finally try your hardest to visit the schools and talk with the students, they will know better than anyone else.

Karolina

Research, research, research before you go. And print and save EVERYTHING you do for financial aid.

Michele

Parents: The most important thing to do is find something that YOUR STUDENT wants to do. Regardless of if YOU want them to be a lawyer or doctor, if they don't want to do it and you're forcing them, they WON'T BE MOTIVATED and they WILL DO POORLY. Students: Find something you want to do. If you don't know, find a school that has a LOT of options for you to try out! Leaving the options open in a large liberal arts school with strong dance, art, film, writing, whatever departments is MUCH better than maybe thinking you want to go to Art School then deciding after a year that you made a mistake. You can always transfer into a more specialized school from a non-specialized school.

Scott

Don't worry about finding a college thats "right for you." If you pick a college, chances are there are alot of people like you who picked the same college.

Charlotte

I had a pre-college experience, and during my undergraduate studies at Pratt Institute, I studied overseas for a semester. First, I think parents and student should consider how important it is to have a campus experience, if even only a modest one. Second, location is important for the development of the student, whether it puts them in or throws them out of their comfort zones. Third, the student should really consider what they want to study, and then get in contact with students or alumni of their choices of interest. Fourth, visiting different locations, if possible, helps to seal the deal. Finally, I think it's important to consider college as an experience, and a stepping stone; so study hard, but don't forget to enjoy it!

Ryan

Apply to as many schools as possible. Visit the schools more than once, engaging in activities offered by the school. Go to orientations and read about the schools online. Go on tours and talk to students that attend the school. Research who's graduated from the school and see what they're up to. See how much financial aid and scholarships are offered compared to other schools. Investigate requirements of the school to be accepted to guage how much students will learn and who would be accepted. Check out the area to see what kind of jobs are available and also shopping and laundry whatnot.

Nicole

I would say to find the right fit for you, you never know until you experience it yourself. Try high school overnight programs they give the best insight to what its like at a campus before attending it. Choose a school that has your major, that has working proffesionals and that has a high success rate. Find not only a campus you enjoy but a community as well.