Ramapo College of New Jersey Top Questions

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

Jennifer

I would tell students to keep their options open when applying to colleges, and that they should visit each school if they plan on living on campus. Apply to as many places as possible, putting all your eggs in one basket may not work out for you in the end. Also keep in mind that not getting into your "dream school" isn't the end of the world, you can find plenty of other nice schools that may actually be better suited for you. Be open to new experiences in college and get a little bit out of your comfort zone. The more things you open yourself up to the more you'll learn about yourself. Don't be afraid of new things, some things that seem scary can actually be pretty fun. Finally keep in mind that there are hundreds, possibly thousands of students that are eager to make new friends as much as you are. You'd be surprised at how many friendly people are on your campus.

Gregory

If you care about your child's learning, Ramapo is a great school to attend because the faculty is helpful and the students are friendly.

Juliette

Do your research! Find out about programs offered, classses, financial aid, housing, opportunities for jobs, etc. , and most importantly, visit the campus. Try to spend the day and imagine yourself as a student there. Once you are a student, get involved in those programs, activities, or clubs, that are most meaningful to you. Don't be afraid to speak to the professors about any problems or concerns you may have. They will they will work with you, or they can direct you to someone who will be able to help you. Enjoy the experience and take every opportunity presented that will help you reach your goals.

Shalia

I would tell them to make sure they really look into the schools and academic programs. Make sure that when you get on campus you make the best of it, and if you are living on campus remember work comes first. Enjoy yourself, have fun, and study hard!!!!

Kristina

When searching for the right college, make sure you can see yourself at that school, in those buildings, in those classrooms, and with your peers. The most important thing is to be comfortable with expressing who you are with those around you. If there are specific activities you are interested in being part of, make sure the school offers the opportunity for you to be a part of them. Also, the technology at the school is very important, especially in regards to computer and science labs. Those are things that constantly should be update in order for your learning experience to be fulfilled. Be aware of the student life at the college to make the best of those amazing years of your life. College is an amazing experience and it is so important that the student is happy.

Jonathan

I think I have learned perhaps one of the most important life lessons during college. Finding a school that encourages education and prepares students for a job is only a small factor in searching for the "right" school. I have found that a good school is one that prepares its students for life, to give them an outlook for life that is positive and that because of their experiences and lessons learned inside and outside of the class, the student will succeed and be able to handle the challenges and blessings that life has to offer. Every school will have positives and negatives, but a good one, is one where a student can feel comfortable in their skin, and learn to think that the only limits they will encounter in their life, are the limits the student/person places on themself.

Ashley

pick the right one for you, not because it is what everyone else is doing

Katie

Make sure that the college will satisfy your social and academic needs, everything else will fall into place.

Kazi

Chosse a school that will be best for a student's career. Do not choose a school for party and friends cause sooner or later it going to come back to bite. Also choose a school that are affordable. Never take too much loan. Always try to stay from loans over thirty thousands dollars.

Jelene

I would advise parents and students to calm down with the fast paced college process so they can truly open their minds to the overall atmosphere of each school rather than getting stressed out by visiting and applying to various colleges. College is more than just getting a degree; it is an experience in itself, if not, harder and more disciplined in its academic courseload while being more free to make your own choices. When you go on college visits, look at the students: Do they look happy? Busy with their studies? You can tell a lot from the students' moods at the moment. When you get to college, try to join and be active in one club on campus. Being involved gives you something to do asides from being in your dorm room all the time. There are chances that you will meet new friends, possibly for life.

Demelza

spend a weekend there first

Kelsey

Visit a lot of schools. You will know which school is for you when you get "the feeling" and you can picture yourself in the school's setting every day. Look at the students expressions; do they look happy to be where they are?

Charraye

Pick a school that is known for the program you are interested in. Then, pick based on size. Know that if you go to a huge school, you will be in huge lecture halls. Smaller schools have more intimate classes where you know everyone. Try to pay tuition as you go, at least some of it. Make absolutely sure you do an internship. It is not necessary to live on campus to make friends and be involved.

Julie

Once you've decided whether you want to live home or away, decide the size of the college you want to attend. Be sure to visit the schools you're considering. Don't make your decision seem life-or-death; if you really hate it, you can transfer! Talk to some students who attend the schools you're considering to get a first-hand opinion.

Michael

The most important advice anyone can receive about find the right college and making the most of the college experience is that you need to go with what will make you happy. If School A has a great reputation, but School B is where you think you can make the most of your time there then go with it. Don't choose a college because of parental or peer pressure, make the best decision for you... that's what's important.

Craig

College is not just for education. College is used to build a social lifestyle which helps help you on your path to success. Make sure you do all of your school work, but also make sure that you have a fun time as these are "the best four years of your life." The college experience is by the far one of the best experiences anyone could have in their life. Make sure you utilize all of the college's facilities and all of the professors and faculty who help and guide you along the path to your success. Make the best of your college career; if you do, you will be successful in in the future.

Cortney

Parents and/or students who are looking to find the right college should first start by assessing each college in question: location, expenses, etc. Once accepted to the schools of your choice, take the time to visit the school and surrounding area for a few days during the school year to get a feel for what campus life is like. You will know as soon as you step foot on campus whether the school you're at is the one for you. Listen to your gut, it is always right. In order to make the most of the college experience, don't hold back. You need to focus on your school work, but also take the time to be adventurous. It's important to take risks in life because you can't go back in time to change your decisions.

Timur

I suggest looking at a number of colleges and what they really have to offer. Not just the cost of the college and the people who attend it, but what the school looks like and what kind of atmosphere it tends to give you when your there. The more you enjoy just being in the college, the more you will enjoy actually living and studying there.

Diyan

Just go with ya heart. Make sure you visit the college you find interesting and make sure that you are able to fit in wit the environment

Courtney

Make sure you feel comfortable with your surroundings before chosing your school.

Jasmine

When giving advice to families about colIege, I think I would divide the conversation into three sections. I would first talk directly to the parents. I would explain that college is going to be one the most difficult times in their child's life and they must be supportive. I would explain that, although they have their ideas on the "perfect" college, their child's opinion is the most important. If a student does not like the school, there is no incentive on doing well. I would then sit down with the prospective college student and discuss the reasons why they are choosing certain colleges and not others. I would explain that yes, it is important to have fun, but it is just as important to get a good education. I would tell the student to get involved in as many activities as possible and enjoy the experience because it is going to go quickly. Lastly I would speak with the entire family and discuss major issues such as money. I would explain that it is important to take advantage of scholarships and finacial aid because loans can become very expensive by the time graduation comes around.

Juliette

First of all, when starting the process of college selection, do not limit yourself to choosing one school. Choose a variety ( small, large, urban setting, rural setting), and, do visit the campus. Decide on what requirements are most important to you that the school should meet, and make a decision based on those. I would also suggest that if you are unsure of your major, or if money is an issue, a good alternative is to attend a 2-year college first where you will be exposed to a broad range of subjects which can help you decide on a career. Then when you transfer to a 4-year college, you can totally focus on your chosen career path. There are many activities, organizations, clubs, etc. on campus and you may be tempted to join many. But again, choose those that are most meaningful to you. While it is important to expose yourself to variety, be an active member of your school community, and enjoy the full experience of campus life, one should not lose focus of the fact that you are there to learn, to be successful, and to build a solid foundation for your future.

Alanna

When applying for college, students and parents alike are given many words of advice. Although they come from a good place, I've learned that the best advice I could give is to ignore the advice given by others. A college choice is such a personal decision. People's opinions differ about everything. Do your own research. Ask your own questions. Visit the schools yourself. Figure out a plan that works for you and your needs. Depending on someone else's view of a school will set one up for disaster. After all, you're the one paying, you're the one attending, and you're the one who will have that school's name on your degree that you earn after you live there for 4 or more years. College can be a fun and exciting experience if one lets it be; it becomes scary and nerve-racking when one doesn't understand or isn't sure about anything. Let the college do its job and entice and show you why you should attend there. You are a customer. You are not a slave. Don't feel like one.

Jaime

When it comes to finding the right college, it is important to not let others influence you. While your loved ones are allowed to give you their suggestions, the final decision is yours. It is not the end of the world to go to a college none of your closest friends attend. That allows you to meet new and interesting people and make new friends. It also is not the worst thing to not go to school with your boyfriend/girlfriend. It allows you to focus more on your work and less on your physical appearance. You should not go somewhere that is too big or too small for you: Find that happy medium. And once you do arrive, you do not have to jump into everything full force. Take some time to get a feel for the campus and explore all that is offering. After that, pick and choose what you would like to get involved with. College life can be fulfilling once you figure out what your priorities are and what you would like to accomplish in the coming years. College can open many doors, and far be it from anyone to not allow you to take advantage.

Justin

Make a point on the college tour days to find a friendly looking student not appointed by the college and adk them about the expirience, as well as a look at their room.

Rebecca

When I moved away to college, I was concerned with the immediate future. I didn't want to be too far away from my life at home so I chose a college that was far enough from home where I could escape, but close enough to where I could easily see my mom when I needed to. If I could do the college-search again, I would try to think more of my post-undergraduate life. In most colleges, programs are in place to help students gain co-op experiences and acquire local jobs in their field of studies. This is a great opportunity while in college, but after graduation, life changes drastically. Look at the college town and the surrounding area. Does it have start-up housing options (apartments, single family homes)? Can a graduate afford the property taxes? If not, the graduate may have to relocate and start all over again. All of the contacts made during college may be lost during a move. If I could pick another college to attend, I'd find one where I could start a life, and afford to live comfortably, in the nearby area.

Eric

Look at the student count and be open to smaller schools. They can be fun too. Remember, for the most part it's not what school you go to it's what you make of it!

Alyssa

When parents sit down with their children to discuss colleges, they should create a list of what exactly they are looking for in a school. What is important to both the student and his or her parents? Parents need to be realistic here... Obviously, most are terrified of the thought of their children going to college and, in many cases, living away from home. If a school is known to be a "party school", parents shouldn't automatically eliminate it from possible choices. This is a chance for parents to show that they trust their children to make good decisions, as well as an opportunity for students to prove they are ready for "the real world". Do some research and select the college that best matches the needs/preferences on the list. While at college, it's a good idea to be friendly, positive, and helpful. Remember, everyone is new to this. There are many ways that students can relate, so take the time to get to know others, and tell them about yourself. Very important: If you are in a relationship, do NOT let it prevent you from making friends and socializing. Be yourself and have fun!

Raymond

All i can say is go with your instinct. Only you, the student know what college is right for you. Do not worry about what the academic prestige of the college. You can go to a small unknown college, and if you truly want to succeed in life, you can do so in any academic facility. Also, you must realize that college is not just about academics; like it or not, it is your home for 10 months of the year for 4 years. You need to not only enjoy on campus life, but off campus as well. Does the college have a surounding environment that you can enjoy on the weekends and when you are finished with your studies? Also, you will not only grow knowledge wise, but you will grow as a person. You will discover yourself and your own political, moral, and sexual views about yourself in college. So if you go to a college, look at the people walking around campus and ask yourself. "Are these people most like myself? Can i truly feel comfortable enough to grow as a whole here and not be judged? " If the answer is "yes", then you found your college.

Alana

The best advice that I can give is to do research. Not only attend open houses, but talk with the students. Ask them questions about the things that are important to both the parents and the student. Make sure that you don't hear just rehearsed answers. Listen to the students already attending the school. Ask them not only about the academics, but how the social life on campus is, what the dorm rooms are really like, the clubs, activities, and sports, and anything else that could be considered important. You want to know everything when going to a college, and the best way to do that is talking to the students. Also try and meet with some of the professors that would be teaching in your chosen major. Going into the major with a clear understanding of what work is involved will help aid in the decision of what major to participate in, as well as familiarizing yourself with the staff at the school. In short, the best advice I can give: ask questions, never stop asking questions.

Katie

When you start looking for schools, it's probably best to start by deciding exactly what you want from a school: size, location, courses offered, on-campus housing (if needed), cost, and scholarships available are some important things to consider. Try to decide if you want to stay close to home or go somewhere out-of-state. If you will be eating the food on campus, you might want to try it before committing to it-some college cafeteria food can be pretty bad, and you don't want to be living off of cereal or mac and cheese for four years if you won't be able to cook in your dorm room. Consider things like: would you feel more comfortable in a city environment or rural? in a class with 300 students or 30? Once you get started at any school, one of the most important things to remember to get the most out of the college experience is to get involved. Joining even one extra-curricular activity will help to meet people with similar interests, make new friends, and get more involved in the social life on campus.

Brian

The only thing that college is is a peice of paper you get after four years of non-sence . But you need that peice of paper so you have to deal with the non-sence, very expensive non-sence.

Lauren

Parents should encourage their child to attend a school where they will initially feel comfortable. This will enable the student to grow mentally, spiritually, and academically. I would tell students to challenge themselves; Students need to think outside of the box. A student should be encouraged to learn something new about themself and the people they are interacting with. It is also necessary to leave one's comfort zone in order to learn about different religions, nationalities, and ethnicities. Learning about others opens one's eyes to new ways of thinking. A student will then be able to ask themself, "What do I really believe?...Are these stereotypes true?...What kind of people do I want to hang around with?" Getting involved with organizations that support diversity will aid one in becoming more worldy and loving of differences. College is the perfect opportunity to learn how to interact with diverse peoples.

Michael

You need to find the college that suits your personality. I know it's tempting to go to that big shot school just because of its reputation, but in reality if that school doesn't offer what you're looking for or is an area you don't like chances are you're not going to have a good time which is almost as important as the education you'll be receiving. The Ramapo College of New Jersey was just right for me because it's close to home, it has a beautiful campus that promotes a ton of events and activites, and it provides a top-notch education at a reasonable price. The small classes at Ramapo have helped me, a shy person by nature, become more outgoing and less timid. As a person I have truly benefited attending a college that was just right for me rather than trying to fit in at one that was not. And that is the most important thing of all.

Jaleesa

If you are searching for a college, the most important thing is how you feel. If you feel the learning techniques are what you require and you feel it will make you succeed, then go for it. If its not a serious college, go to the next. When I say serious I mean if its just college students drinking all the time and professors not caring if you pass or fail. When I first went to Ramapo College of New Jersey my Freshman year, I was a little skeptical becausee I never been away from home and Im living with a stranger but after a while you will get used to it and it will make you a strong person. Just stay focused and stay inspired. I know parties and other things in your social life may try and interfer but if you want to be successful then put school first and then worry about your social life. You have to be on that path to graduating and recieving that degree. Sometimes the studying and work can be overwelming but it will all work out and the end. It will get better. Just stay focused on your dream.