Rider University Top Questions

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

Lauren

Finding the right college or university for a student is important. Since most schools have their own personality and feel to the campus, it is suggested to research many schools and visit them to find a good fit. Students and parents should also speak with current professors and students at the prospective colleges or universities to get a better idea from people who experience that local every day. Parents and students should also inquire about intern programs, because that experience is something that can set the students apart from others when searching for a career. Ultimately, the student's college experience is in their own hands. It isn't difficult to find a suitable school with the necessary aspects. Students should become as involved as they can in various activities on campus, and most schools have a decent variety of interesting things to try out. Responsibility resides with the students themselves to try different activities or take a position on a board for an organization. Not only are these great learning experiences, but these aspects can also lead to meeting new people and possibly making significant professional connections, which can be helpful beyond measure.

Erin

Make sure to visit the school and choose the one that best fits what your personality is andwhat interest the student has. Also what their major is going to be.

Kelli

Find the one that you like best and offers what you want to major in. Make sure you get very involved in campus life so you are not left out. This helps you grow and get to know new people. You want to make the most of your college life before you have to enter the real world

Jessica

I wouldn't be as concerned about a career path or major when chosing a college. I would consider what kind of atmosphere will bring out the best in your student/yourself. It isn't about earning the highest salary post-college, it's about finding out who you are and becoming comfortable with that person. By surrounding yourself with a chance to learn new things, meet new people, and get away from your comfort zone, you can have the chance to become not only who you are, but the person that you want to be. Ultimately, that comfortability with yourself is the greatest gift that college can give to you or you student, and it seems to me, that once you have that, everything else will follow.

Erin

When I worked as a tour guide and student representative for my college, lots of parents and kids asked me why I chose Rider. I told them that you can make decisions based on location, financial aid and academic merit, but most colleges have mastered those areas- that's how they came to be a college or university in the first place. The most important part of choosing a college is making sure that it fits, making sure that for whatever reason, you just feel like you belong there. Following your gut instinct is so important when it comes to choosing a college and usually it won't steer you wrong. I would also tell them that college is what you make it. Try new things, get involved, meet people- if you try to become a part of the university you're attending college will be everything you hoped it would be.

Edgar

No matter what always make sure its your childs final decision to attend the school of their choice because if that doesn't happen they will not be happy and recent you.

Shane

N/A

Robin

take some classes outside your major.

Laura

The advice I would give to parents and/or students is to find a college that has faculty that is easy to reach and a lot of helpful resources like tutoring and financial aid. It is also very important that the school is up to date with technology. Also, you want to choose a school that is well known for your major and has the recourses avaiable in order to do well in that particular major. It is also important to notice what kind of reputation the school has (i.e : do the students seem serious about their studies or does it only look just like a party school). I would also recomend getting involved in intermurals or other extra-curricular activities to make the most out of your college experience. Becoming involved in fraternities and sororities can also be good for doing community service, and is especially good for networking. It is important to look at the area outside of the college for jobs and entertainment; going to a school that is in the middle of no where seems to have more drinking since there is nothing else for students to really do.

Christopher

Don't let the price of college influence decisions about going to college. It is something that has really helped me get out of my bubble and become the person I want to be. You will know the right college when you see it and visit it; it needs to be someplace that you can see youself being at for some of the most memorable times in your life and someplace that you feel will let you be who you are. Make sure to get involved around school to give school a good value and make yourself active. It makes you have more fun and encourage time management skills, which are crucial to doing good in college. College is an integral part of life that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Amy

My advice: Don't pressure your children into a school that isn't right for them. Let them research schools on their own and try not to influence them; this is their time to be independent and grow up. Give them advice but only in benefit for them and their future. To make the most out of your college experience, just let yourself grow up- try new things, meet new people. These simple actions will help you become the person you want to be and the person you are destined to be. Don't be afraid either because that will get you nowhere, and will hold you back. Think positively because in the end things will work out the way they are supposed to.

Amanda

I think that I made the mistake of not looking around enough. Make sure that you don't just settle for one school. Apply to several so you can have a variety to choose from. Also, get to know EVERYONE on campus. Don't be clicky and only hang out with the same group all the time. The great thing about college is that you can make friends from every walk of life. So do it! Live up every day and take advantage of every opportunity you get from your school. Don't party every night and sleep in until 2 pm every day and waste your life away. Sure, there are times to party and have a social life, but you have to remember that college is about learning and getting a degree so you can make it out there in the real world. Put effort into college. It will all be worth it!

Lisa

Visit as many schools as possible, and ask questions! Try to talk to some of the students who attend the university to get their perspective on the things that matter most to you. If you are unsure about what you want to do, go to a liberal school and expose yourself to everything! Ask professors for help and guidance.. they are usually more than happy to help you figure out what you want to do. Try to be open to everything.. and try to be careful about partying. College is meant to enhance your mind, not be an expensive party. Of course, socialize and have fun! It's not good to only study and never take a break. All in all, balance is key. Involve yourself on campus, in clubs, sports, or events. Keep focused and take advantage of the supports that your school offers you!

Josephine

Learn about yourself. Know what you want and go for it. Find your niche and do what makes you happy.

Teresa

I would tell parents and students to look for schools that suit their needs in everywhere. Consider the spaces you could be living in, the food you will be eating, and the area in which the school is located. Think about what is most important to you in the space that you live. Research meal plan choices so you get the most of the plan you pick. Also, meet with teachers and professors from the field in which you will be studying. Look into the requirements for your major and discuss the different classes with your advisor, knowing what is expected of you before hand will increase your chances of doing well in the class. Also, I would definitely talk to students that already attend the school and ask their honest opinions, likes and dislikes, and "secrets" they know about the school - knowing loop holes or other facts about the school will make your experience there easier. Furthermore, due to Facebook, finding out information about the school through profiles or groups is also a fantastic way to learn about the way things are run, as well as overall satisfaction from students speaking candidly.

Natallia

I would recommend to rely on research and references from family,friends, and colleagues.

Kelsey

make sure you find a place that fits all your ideas that you want in a college not just academics or financial or social it must fit all three!

Lyndsie

Every child will end up where they are suppose to be...its your child's choice

Candace

Do a lot of research on the school first. Just because the school is private and cost alot does not mean you will be providing with alot.

Melanie

College is about finding out who you are and, consequently, what you want to do with yourself, your talents, and your wishes. Part of the college experience depends on the area where the college is situated, because people tend to act in certain ways depending on their environment. However, I also believe that one of the most important aspects of college is to find the way to discovering yourself, and that would come with the help of teachers and classmates. My major is music, voice to be specific, and it is so valuable to me that I found a teacher who will help me bring out the best qualities of my talent, as well as push me forward. You can ruin your career by studying with someone who doen't do just that. Therefore, I advise people to contact teachers in your specific area of interest while searching for colleges, research their strengths and weaknesses. General academics will be strong in most colleges, but if you want something rare or extreme, research is the key!

Jason

Make sure you visit the college before you attend it and ask as many questions as you can. Find out all the information about the school you want to attend.

Rebecca

Be open and don't allow friends to influence what school you go to. Ultimately it's you who needs to make the final decision, and if you find out you don't like it there, you can transfer. You never know until you try.

Danielle

I would tell people to take a long time to decide and to look at all the variables. Make sure that the decision you choose is the right one for you and that you like where you decide to go. Looking for the right college is hard, but if you determine what the key elements you want you can compare places. When choosing a college the best thing to do is visit them multiple times and go up to current students for a truthful opinion. The guides are nice people, but are being paid to show people their college. Students are more likely to tell you the truth. You should have one on one conversations to see if that college is a good match for you. Also you should consider distance and where you will live. I know people who feel too far from home and wish they could commute, but can't. So these types of issues should be discussed before the final decision is made. A student can always transfer, however, so no decision has to be permanent. To make the most out of college find out about it, the activities it has, and get involved.

Gabriella

Do your research!

Alexandria

You should always pick the college that you feel most comfortable at. that as soon as you step on teh campus you feel at home. Get involved in everything once enrolled, the only way to meet people is to get involved and be open. Do not be afraid of being yourself, and do not be afraid if you do not know what you want to do for the rest of your life. College is the time to figure everything out. College is the best tim of your life, do what you want and do not let anyone else decide for you. Enjoy every minute.

Shannon

When chosing a college, pick somewhere that you will be happy. You will be spending at least four years at your school of choice, and it will be what you make of it. College is an opportunity to broaden you horizons, enlighten your mind, and learn in and out of the classroom. Its a place where you can meet new people and make great friendships. Its a place where you can find yourself. Find somewhere that feels like home, somewhere you will come back to with your children, somewhere you love.

Robin

Go for the college that feels right for you and will allow you the best personal success. Don't go to a school just for the name, size, popularity, etc. Go to the place that fits what you need at a personal level, and everything else such as academic success, friends, etc., will fall into place.

stephanie

Parents should be involved in their children's collge search. Parents need to take their kids to many schools so they can get a feel of what they are looking for. Parents and students should also look into financial aid while you visit these schools. Students should get involved in as many clubs and organzizations as possibe, especially if you go away to school.

David

Find a college that is simular to the place you live. For example small town small college, or city life, big college in big area. If you find a great school but is not the same size as the area you live in, or simular in ways to your home town, you may find yourself in over your head or just plain bord.

Briana

Do lots of research! And talk to students who have attended college, even if its not a college your thinking of applying too, it can only help to talk to someone who has experienced it before you.

Jacqueline

Visit all the schools you apply to, ask questions, talk to students attending the school. You want to make sure that the school is the right size and you don"t want to be just a number . Find a place where you will make friends that you fit in with, professors that truly want to help you succeed and listen to what you have to say, and where you can balance out your college experience academically and socially.

Valerie

Think about the size of the school you are looking to attend and the types of things the school has to offer, such as career services or a tutoring center. Look at the location and the surrounding area.

Jennifer

Make sure they can have fun at school. Students who are miserable tend to come home a lot or not study as well. You also want to make sure they are independent once they graduate.

Mike

Colleges, just like people, each have a distinct personality. Finding the one that fits you is the most rewarding choice of an educational career, and the easiest firt step in making the most of a college experience.

Tiffany

Visit schools and see what you like best. When I visited Rider, I instantly felt at home and knew it was the right school for me. Get involved on campus, and balance your time between studying and social activities.

Natalie

My advice for students is to make sure you are going to a school that offers the program you want. There are A LOT of school and chances are there will be a school with what you want. Also, don't get disscouraged by a reject letter. It just means you weren't meant to go there, and even though you think that school was perfect for you, your college experience is what you make it. No matter where you go, if you have a good attitude and look forward to the new opportunites available to you, you will have a good time. Parents, my advice for you is to let your children pick where they want to go, and what they want to major in. Don't force them to be what you always wanted to be. Let them realize their talents and their interests. Let them explore their options. Most of trust that they will choose the college that is right for them where they can discover who they will be in their adult life.