Quinnipiac University Top Questions

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

Megan

Stop thinking about what my parents want, and what schools they like, and go where I really want to go.

Bill

Give yourslef plenty of options and visit as many schools as possible. The availability of schools to choose from makes the process much less stressfull. Also, visit every campus you are interested in. It will give you a much better grasp on the life-style of the campus and students. Another thing to mention is making sure you know your financial limit for college. Ask the school about financial aid they offer and the percent of students who receive it.

Jenine

It is very important to visit the school and if given the opportunity do an overnight stay with a student who lives on campus during the school year.

Cassandra

Make sure to go where you want to go-regardless of cost, your parent's opinions, and where your friends/girlfriend/boyfriend are going.

Jaclyn

In finding the right college it is imporant to visit the school. Visit the school when it is in session that way you can look at the people and maybe even be able to sit in on a class. This way you can see if its something you may like. Also, if you are thinking of going to a "reach" schoolbe prepared that college in general is hard, soif you go to a schoolthat is hard for you to get in, you will have to focus on work. Party schools sound fun, but if you want to do well in school and go far in life, it isnt the best choice, it will be distracting and you will get no work done.

Bonnie

I would be sure to tell high school students that you cannot define or choose a school by its appearance. A lovely campus can have many academic flaws, and after the first few weeks, you no longer care what it looks like. Pay for your education, not the aesthetics. Also, to engage yourself with a diverse group of students can be one of the most exciting things you do in college. Not only will it allow you to have new interactions and experiences, but you will have a greater selection of students to meet and make friends with. In high school, many of us live in a shell, befriending only others who are a lot like us. College allows you the chance to branch out and see how the differences between a Jewish student and a Catholic student or a white student and a black student are so similar and so different in countless ways. Take advantage of every opportunity given, whether it be to grow socially or academically.

Jessica

Make sure it is somewhere you see yourself going for 4 years. DIfferent is always good and give your school a chance even if it is not the school you origianlly wanted. Make sure you can afford your school.

leeann

dont pick a school based on popularity. pick a school based on your own needs.

Colby

It is important to make sure that you find the college that is definitely the best fit for the student. Although it is important to make sure that the school is affordable for the family, price should not turn you away from your dream school. There are always ways of financing an education if you have your heart set on it. Make sure that a school has your major before you apply, if they don't see how flexible they are. Don't go to a school just because your friends are going there, sometimes it is differences that make people stronger. Make sure you are willing to work for your degree and that you are able to handle your courseload. When you fall in love with a school, don't second guess yourself. Once your at the school you've chosen, make sure that you get involved in something. Don't over extend yourself, but you will definitely regret it if you don't get involved. Make sure to balance your social and academic life, after all you are in school for the education. Lastly, parents let your children do what makes them happy.

Corey

It all works out! Everything happens for a reason so make the most of it

Erin

It is important to get an idea of what you want in a school before you begin to narrow down your options. Factors such as campus size and location are practical considerations that will greatly influence the experience at a particular school. Although the large number of colleges in the United States can seem daunting, considering these factors will make it easier to focus on schools that offer what the student needs. Your college will be you community for four years, so make sure it is a good all around fit for you! It seems that students who are ultimately unhappy with their college decision seemed to focus on one or two deciding factors, to the exclusion of other important aspects of college. Try to consider the school and the experience as a "whole package." I was happy with my college choice because I considered all aspects of the school, and was not blindsided by any surprises when I arrived on campus my first year. I knew exactly what I wanted, and exactly what my school had to offer. Do as much research as possible, and find out everything you can about about potential colleges before making a decision.

Kailey

For Students: You will spend the next four years here--choose wisley. The college you attend will affect every aspect of your adult life; your future job, your future freinds, your future lovers and your future self. It will shape you in ways you would not believe. Remember to work hard, do not forget to continue to dream and the next four years of your life will bring you memories that will last a lifetime. For Parents: Be proud! After years of tender love and nurturing, your children will walk out into the world as wide-eyed and curious young adults. The next fours years will be some of the most amazing years in your son or daughters life. However, with anything in life, college too, comes with its own ups and downs. Parents, be reliable listeners and neverending supporters. That is the best advice I have.

Emma

Visit schools of different sizes before choosing what size school you would like, because I really thought I wanted a big school and only looked at big schools, and hated it and transfered. Also, dorms are a big deal because thats where you will be living, and just how many people will you be living with? My college ended up putting 10 people in an 8 person room my Sophomore year because of the amount of students needing housing, so find out if this is common practice. Also, shuttles are a HUGE convenience, especially when going out to the bars because you don't want to be driving or relying on someone else not to drink, so find out what kind of shuttle service there is.

Kezia

look for one that fits you best in every way and has the type of program that you are looking for. You'll know when you find it.

Lauren

Find a college that can help you acheive your future goals, but also one that is affordable. Decide whether commuting or living on campus is best for you given the distance. Lastly, make sure the student is prepared and willing to learn the balance of school work and social fun.

Eric

Students should pursue their dreams. While choosing a college, students often become overly concerned with their parents' vision of the perfect future. While thinking about what their parents want, the students often forget to engage in a field that interests them. When a student has a degree that bores them, they will get a job that bores them. When a person does not like their career, they eventually will become depressed and miserable. Since I first quit college I have had several careers that bored me. It is not fun despising your occupation. This was my reason for returning to college and challenging my mind. I have not had the traditional college experience because I am married, do not use alcohol or drugs, and work full-time to pay the bills. Though not traditional, my experience has been great. I have made friends with fellow students and members of the faculty and I enjoy learning about my major. I am proof that a student does not need to party to have a fun social life. By not wasting time and brain cells partying, a person realizes what is really important in a successful college experience; friendship and learning.

Andrew

I suggest really getting into researching and picking the right school. You want to pick a school where you will be for the next four years in order to get a great job. You also want to make sure you pick a place that you will have fun and be comfotable. Also, look into extra cirriculars and get involved in them.

Michelle

When choosing a college, take your time, ask questions and talk to people who already go there. To male the most of the college experience it is important to hang in there your freshman year. Adjusting to the many changes in your life can be difficult. Seek help from friends and family. Most of the time, things will be much better the year.

Kaitlyn

Some advice I would provide a parent/student with about finding the right college is making sure they have visited that school and feel comfortable with the campus and the type of students who attend. The second I set foot on Quinnipiac University's campus I knew it was the right place for me. I felt safe and comfortable walking down "Dorm Road" and it seemed as though the current students were already my friends. College becomes a student's new home and knowing you can relate with people and feel comfortable on campus is critical. Making the most out of college can be difficult. In my experience, professors in college like to pile on more work than I ever received in high school. It is imperative to concentrate on your studies, however, it is even more essential to manage your time so that you can enjoy the total college experience. I have learned that you have to take a break once in a while and just watch movies with your roommates or go out to dinner with your friends. Building strong friendships is just as important as doing well academically. These memories will last you a lifetime.

Anthony

College is much more than just schooling, it is an experience that will last a lifetime. You will make friends that will last forever and memories that will last just s long. Students get nervous when looking for a college and this is completely alright. This decision is one of the biggest that you?ll make in your life and will help determine your future. The thing to remember is that no matter what your teachers, parents, advisors, pamphlets or magazines say about a college it is up to you to choose. You are going to wake up every morning and go to class there and you must be happy with where you are and who you are with. Personally, I wake up each morning and thank God for the experience I am receiving at my school and even though it?s not the most affordable for my family and myself. While at college be as involved as possible while keeping up on your studies. Being able to enjoy your years at college, while receiving a good education is the number one priority in choosing a school.

Alexandra

make sure you really look into the type of people that apply to the school- not just the academics

Leslie

dont spend 40,000 a year for school...

Matthew

Make sure your kid is going to take it seriously and now waste away a college experience

Natalie

Find the college where you can see yourself living and being a part of the community. Get involved and make friends.

Brooke

dont rush

Samantha

Make sure the school they choose has a backup major the student might be interested in. Alot of people go into school having one major and then switch.

Heather

See if the school is a perfect fit for the child and if she/he will thrive there.

Kevin

I would tell students to make sure they enroll in a college/university that feels right for them, and not just where their parent(s) want them to attend. You can tell immediately when you walk onto a campus if it's right for you or not. Apply to a range of safety schools, realistic schools, and reach schools, and then after you start receiving acceptances, go on campus tours of all of the ones you got into so you can really get a feel for the schools and its campus life. As for getting the most out of the college experience, I would definitely reccomend getting involved with a club or organization in your freshman year. This is a great way to start meeting people and to get a jump start on building up your resume. It is important to get out there and socialize, but at the same time you need to remember to focus on your true objective in college, academics. The most important thing in college is your GPA, and its so easy to let it fall and very difficult to build it up.

stephanie

dont overstress your child - when i look back, everyone made it seem so scary and its not - also the "best" school you get into may not fit you personally so dont feel obligated to go there just becase of the name - its not worth struggling and being unhappy

Katherine

Students who are currently trying to figure out which college is their perfect fit should absolutly develop a proactivec role in discovering each and every school. This is going to be the place that you live, learn, and develop long last relationships . Your college undergraduate years can serve you great potential for personal growth if you choose one that will nourish your own personal needs. I believe that it is absolutly vital that students who are seeking a college level education simply cannot take a 'backseat' role as their parents travel from college to college. As a student you must ask questions; you will be presented with an overload of information at each tour you attend so it is your duty to personalize each visit. Picture yourself sitting in the classroom that the tour guide shows you. Imagine yourself living in the dorm room presented. Imagine youself interacting in the surrounding community. Can you realistically picture yourself there? As a senior in college I can firmly attest to the belief that happiness is the key to success. If you are not happy where you are, then your leaning potential will not be met.

Michelle

A college experience is individualized. It is varied and full of life. The experiences can be positive or negative, full of bright colors or dulled out like rusty bicycles. It seems safe to say that the decision on where to attend has to be considered by these factors. Does the student want a chance to stand out among the crowd and be a leader, or do they want to blend into the tapestry? Each and every question has to be answered fully beforehand. Are they comfortable with smaller classes or larger ones, do they like the school activities and organizations, and most important, do they feel welcomed by their socio-economic class, race/ethnicity or religion? As a parent, the bigger questions of education are also a factor. You want to know that your child is getting the best education that prepares them for life outside academia. My advice is to first give adequate time sifting through all the positive and negative qualities for each college. Then base your decisions on the ones that fit your comfort level the most. And of course visit the campus, meet the staff, and take the tour before you make that final decision.

Matthew

When going on a tour of the campus, ask yourself (the potential student) can I see myself being part of this college community?

Michael

Always go with your instincts when selecting a college. Don't go for what you think someone else would want you (especially your parents) to do since you will be the one experiencing it first hand and need to feel comfortable. I am so glad I listened to my instincts as I love the college I went to and would definitely pick it again or recommend it to anyone looking to at least give it a try, or look, when they are searching. My experience the last 4 years has been great on and off campus and with my studies.

brian

Go somewhere that's in your comfort zone to begin with - don't complicate things. If you aren't happy at the school you end up at, you'll want to transfer and it costs you valuable time and money, believe me. Let your son/daughter choose the school that he/she wants to go to as long as it's feasible. Loans can always be paid back, but the college experience is generally once in a lifetime. For students, don't feel you need to "make" your college experience. Four years is a long time, let things happen in their own time. Do your work, have fun, get an internship somewhere. You don't want to be known as the person that's going nowhere in life. Most importantly, be happy where you are. Until that's the case, you'll lack the drive and desire you need.

Emily

There is not necessarily one college for everyone. Visit all different types. But only you know what kind of college experience you want. Let your guidance couselors guide you but do not let them do the entire search for you. Visit the campus. By this time you know what you like, if you think city life is exciting, apply to a city school. If you plan to play sports, go to a school with club sports or varsity sports. Get involved! Be friendly and open to new people! Everyone gets homesick! It is ok not to like your college, but you have to be honest to yourself.

Hector

I would have to say that doing tours of the college you interested in first helps, seeing a picture of a school and actually being there are two different things. You really get a feel for the college when your there and walking around.

Robert

You have to be able to find the place where you fit in the most. Most schools are geared towards learning, but some help out more in different fields then others. Choose a school where your major is a majority of the population on campus. this automatically gives an advantage of meeting more kids with the same interests as you. Always asks students who go there how they feel about the school. Don't base your decisions on how the people who are trying to help you enter the school feel. The kids who attend the school know it best, value their opinions higher than anyone elses's.

Meagan

Only the student can really make the decision on where they want to go. It's not up to the parents or friends because they aren't the ones attending, you are. Don't be afraid to make new friends and open yourself up to others. Get involved on campus, whether it be playing a sport, joining a sorority or fraternatity, or volunteering a couple times a semester. Lastly, get the most out of life you can during the years you attend college because they will truly be the best 4 years of your life.

Rory

Make sure to research schools and go see the campus and its facilities. Candid student opinions are the best pieces of information you can get about a school. The purpose of college is to grow so going to school out of state or in a different area from where you live is beneficial. Be open to any and all new ideas and people, everyone has a story and something to offer. Pinpoint your passion and be active in things related to your major and your dreams, enjoy the moment.

Jessica

When you visit the school, if you can see yourself there, then it is the right choice. Don;t be worried. Everything works out!

Chelsey

go with what feels right and comfortable because you are going to be living there for 4 years!

Michele

Attending college open houses as well as reading up on various schools makes this process much easier

Hannah

The key to finding the right college for you is to look beyond academics as the guiding light of your search. Of course, the point of going to college is to gain a higher level educational experience that secures a future career path for the student. However, I have found that in order to become successful in terms of academics, one must always feel comfortable and welcome within his or her surroundings. Therefore, when applying to, and selecting schools for visitation, remember to rate the school according to YOUR OWN expectations. Do not settle for a college that simply fufills your academic needs and neglects to satisfy your social/evironmental expectations. If you take this small piece of advice into consideration, I am almost certain that you will make the right descision! :)

Christopher

I think that the biggest mistake people make when choosing a college is staying in their comfort zone, relying on student loans to cover tuition no matter what the cost, and choosing a college based on an early career choice. I saw countless students change their major a ton of times (I changed it at least 6 times myself), and end up in a major that the student could have gone to a much better school for less money. Nobody knows what they want to do at only eighteen-years-old. Choose a school that is diverse academically, doesn't expect the student to know what they want to do the first one or two years and have to subsequently create a schedule to reflect this, otherwise the student may end up behind if they decide to change his/her major. Choose a school that lets the students experience something different and to gain real world experience rather than chosing a school that "feels right" or appeals to the needs of the student at that given time or life situation; guaranteed the student will change his/her mind a dozen times as this is a transitional period in life.

Michael

College is college, it is not for everyone. If you don't find the correct college the first time there is nothing wrong with transfering.

Heather

The key to finding the write college is visiting it not during an open house or on a tour, but just hanging out when students are in session. In this way you can truly see how students interact with eachother and decide if you would fit in there. A good way to observe the students: in the cafeteria, this way you get to try the spread too. If you know what you want to major in, this should also be a part of the deciding process and you may have to make a decision to skimp on if you might fit in or not if the program is really good, or to go for a place you know you will fit in even if the program is not as great. Make the most of the college experience by putting yourself out there and trying new things. Do not hold yourself back, try everything once (well, not EVERYTHING). You will learn something about yourself and meet new people in the process.

Elizabeth

Research as many school as possible, go on college tours of every school you apply to/are accepted to, talk to students who go there - try to observe students in a natural setting to get a real feel for the atmosphere of the school you are considering.

Sarah

Tour all of the colleges that the prospective student is looking at. And after seeing all of the choices and hearing back acceptances, ask the prospective student "which do you most see yourself in?" And that is the college. the choice should be based on academics, campus life, and safety, but mostly overall happiness and what the prospective student saw in the school.

amanda

make the decision yourself

Dave

Ask students on campus what they think about it. They know it better than some of the tour guides and faculty.