Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

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

Ermina

I would tell myself to have more fun in high school, and to not take as many classes as I did. College is a lot more work, the classes are bigger and professors are not willing to change your grade because they like you. I would tell myself to enjoy senior year more, and to give those people who are also going to Rutgers an extra hug, because chances are that you will not see them again. Go out of high school with a bang, and then get ready to really work.

Daniel

Don't be concerned about where your friends are going to school etc, just choose where you feel is right.

Zaid

One important lesson I have learned is time management, so I would need to tell myself to start working on that early on while still in high school and don't wait on important work. i think I would also tell myself that my freshman year will be the most life changing time since every college student discovers themself during that year and find out who they want to be defined as. I think I would also mention that I should ease up on the extracurriculars while in college to focus on my schoolwork more.

Lorenzo

I know your dream is to be back home and represent your state university in a uniform, but walking on to a division 1 team is pretty much impossible at a university of this size. The professors do not care about you as you are just one of severeal thousand. Pick a smaller school where teachers actually teach instead of wasting your time by making you attend class to sign in for attendance , going off on tangents, then making you go home to read everything they were supposed to be teaching you in class. This big university is nothing like described. It is simply a party school with a prestigious reputation that it doesn't deserve. You can participate in an Air Force ROTC program anywhere; it doesn't have to be in New Jersey. Once you commission, you'll never see home again anyway. Just be smart, you know that Rutgers is out of your price range; control the controllable, don't let a university take advantage of you. They don't care about you because if you decide to leave, there will be thousands others to take your place. You're not special.

Karie

I would tell myself to be more easy-going and be a little more outgoing. I was not used to living with someone else in such close quarters, so that adjustment was especially hard. I had to deal with her getting up early every morning and opening the blinds and blow-drying her hair when I was trying to sleep. This lead to problems, and had I been a bit more easy-going, some of these fights may have been avoidable. And even though I made some great friends last year, I wish I had been more outgoing as well. I didn't join any clubs or teams and I didn't really try to talk to people in my classes. Looking back, I wish I had gotten more involved to meet more people.

Justine

"Justine, start working hard now," would be the first thing I would tell myself. I went to a Magnet high school where they only accepted the top students out of that county. They pushed us to work hard and expected us to rank among the highest in the nation. Before I attended this high school, I was used to being among the higher ranked students in the class without putting my all into my school work. When I started attending Magnet it was the opposite; I felt like no matter how hard I tried I was barely passing my science and math courses, the classes my high school concentrated on. I began to give up and got used to doing the bare minimum. Before my senior year, I learned that there are much more worse things that could happen to me and that I had to start working hard to get where I wanted to be. Although I am not the perfect student, I would tell myself that I have to keep up at my hard work if I want to get anywhere with my dreams. I would also tell myself to stay positive and everything will be worth it.

Brenda

The most important advice I would have given myself was not to move out of my parents house at the age of 17 because of a disagreement on which school campus I should stay on. As a high school senior I should have went to NYIT to study my first interest, architecture. I would have been in a completely different place than I would have been two years ago. I should not have abandon my architecture dreams just because of a disagreement with a father and daughter. I should have listened to my parents because, I might not have known it then but they knew what was best for me. The most dissappointing aspect of my life right now is that I have lost two years of my life to a wasted life because I choose not to listen and instead to do what I thougt was best for me. The best advice I would give to myself and other seniors, is to listen very carefully to our parents because they are the ones who have lived our lives before and trully know the best for us.

Melissa

I would definitely tell myself that it is important to form study groups right from the beginning. Study groups not only help you by opening your eyes to different study methods, but some of those people may know what the professor is like and what types of questions will be on the exams. It is always helpful to be ahead of the rest of the class, but also, the study group will help you make friends and socialize. You will meet some of your greatest friends by socializing with those nearest you. That is why you cannot afford to be shy when you start college, make sure you get out there and introduce yourself to everyone. Making the transition from high school to college is hard for everyone, initially, but that is why being around others helps. Everyone is in the same position and therefore, they can relate to you. Also, do not be naive and think that your friends from high school will always be your friends. Things change, especially personalities once people enter a new environment. People who you once thought you knew will become foreign to you, but thats okay because life is ever changing.

Vincent

The best advice I could give would be to base my decision on value and definitely not "the brand." I was fortunate to make the right decision my first time around, even though value was only a partial motivator when I made that decision. After one year of college, I realized that deciding in terms of value results in the most encompassing method of analysis. In talking to former high school classmates about their schools, I discovered that their experiences of going to classes and interacting with students and professors as well as dealing with the school administration were very much of the same ones I experienced. Only after discussing with my former classmates did I understand that value was truly something that could not be overlooked. I originally had the decision to choose between Johns Hopkins and Rutgers. I choose Rutgers mainly due to financial reasons. However, if I were in the same situation, I would ask myself, "Is the $52,000 tuition at Hopkins worth it?" Based on my conversations with classmates and experiences, the answer is no. Luckily, I choose right the first time, but it's better to understand than to be lucky.

Jamie

If I could go back in time and see myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to worry so much. When I graduated high school, I was in a small town, and didn't know what it would be like moving to a huge university in a big city. I was afraid of making new friends and trying new things; basically, I was afraid of any change. But college has been the best time of my life, and I'm only 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} done! I've made so many new close friends that I don't know what I would do without, I've learned even more about myself and what I want to do for a career, and I've worked harder than I ever have in my life, which makes me feel extremely proud and confident. If I could see myself as a high school senior now, I would say "Stop worrying about the future! Everything is going to work out better than you could have ever wished."

Christina

Students should visit their prospective colleges to get a feel for the campus and the people to see if it is a place they would like. They should trust their instincts when deciding where to attend college, regardless of the reputation of a school, or what their parents believe to be right for them. Parents should guide their children, but also allow them to choose for themselves where to attend college. The college with the best repuation is not always the best pick for every student.

Nicole

A person doesn't really know much about a university until they attend it. Don't worry about not getting into the school that might have been your first choice, because you could end up somewhere a million times better. Its not so much the school that molds you into the person you become four years later, it's you and the decisions you make. So make sure you get the most out of college, and participate, make friends, and most of all learn and follow a major that you're passionate about.

Ngan

Allow your child to choose a setting that is more comfortable for them. Don't base your choice on the school's reputation, but instead, allow your child to choose a more comforting environment for them to be more socially and academically involved.

Oluyinka

To parents: Although I understand that you are most likely the one paying for the college and you believe you have more experience in choosing the educational setting that would be best for your child, it is my belief that choosing the correct college should be primarily your child's decision but of course with input from you. It is your son/daughter that will be going to the school and he/she must feel that it is the place where he/she belongs and can best be who he/she wants to be. To students: In picking which college you go to, don't just completely ignore your parents, they do know what they're talking about but in the end the college you go to is you decision. Once you get to college though, don't feel like you have to be mature and on your own. Look to your parents and create a strong friend network because it is they who will help you survive those tough days that are really inevitable. Have fun and don't be scared to try new things but in doing things think about how you want to be remembered by everyone.

Julia

College is only four years out of your life, so when choosing a college try not to rate a school by how much a school costs; the best schools are the ones that try hardest to make themselves available to you and your family. The schools that really care and want you at there are the ones that will work with you, and the ones that end up being easiest on your family sometimes end up being the best choice for you, because the kids that go to that school are going to be kids just like you. You want to feel at home at school, and when you are with people you are most like, this happens. When you go off to school, make sure that there is enough for you to do out of the classroom, because if you are bored on the weekend when you cannot go home, you will become bored of the school. College is only four years out of your life, and it is the best four years of your life that you will ever have, so make sure that happens.

Urmi

Apply to as many colleges as you think you have a chance of getting into. Start researching for colleges at the end of your sophmore year of high school. Start studying for SATs and other similar tests early. Don't procrastinate at all. Neither in deciding your area of interest nor deciding your school, and plan accordingly.

Brian

Students and parents should clearly identify the students priorities. They should also carefully research the characteristics of a range of schools. Some important things to consider are the size of the student body, the location of the school, the types of academic programs that the school has to offer, campus life, cost, etc. Creating a wide spectrum of priorities will make it easy when it comes down to picking the school you are going to attend for the next four years. To make the most out of the college experience, one should really take advantage of everything the school has to offer. Whether it be a club sport team or attending a football game. But at the same time they should stay focused on their academic work to succeed in life.

Meewa

Don't listen to your high school guidance counselors and don't be swayed by what parents/friends/relatives are telling you. Do some research on your own and talk to ACTUAL current college students.

Magdalena

When parents look at colleges, they want the best for their children. Financial aid and academics are the most important aspects. Big schools have many majors and variety of campus activies. Small school are quiet and safe; however, students do not experience diversity and living independly that much. Also, big school offer more choices of living and help to find everyones' niche. Being in the college, means being active on campus and tring new things which give lifetime expereince. Sitting in library is not the answer either, balance between campus involvment, work and school is the goal that almost every college student should aim for. Distractions are everywhere; however, with a good time management it can be achived and help in a future workfield.

Chris

I would advise prospective students to take the time and research the colleges that they are interested in. It is important for them to find a school that fits their needs academically as well as socially. The student should go beyond researching the programs and majors of the school and really try to focus on what the college can offer them including: class size, tutoring, accessibility to professors, student population (cultural and socioecomomic), and clubs or organizations to expand their mental horizons beyond the classroom. I would advise parents to be active in their child's college search. Take the time to visit the schools with you children, and help them assess what aspects of the college experience are important for them. Also, try to help your child choose a school that will be affordable, but still will satisfy their main priorities. Overall, the college search should be an interactive process between parent, child, and counselors or advisors from the high school and college. With everybody working together, the process can be much less stressful and far more exciting!

Megha

Parents, don't force your child's decision. It's a stressful process, and entirely exhausting as well as nerve-wrecking. If your child gets rejected from their dream school, don't add to their grief by telling them you saw it coming. Console them; be their support, because they'll remember it, when they're homesick and thinking of you. From the schools they get accepted to, make sure you visit them. Check out the living situations; the dining situations; and the social life. Yes, your kids are going to college for their education, but a social life is important too. Prospective students, I know you're scared. You're allowed to be. But be brave; don't be shy. It's your chance to change whatever you want about yourself, if you want. Embrace this new start. It'll be a great ride.

Joseph

College is a different experience from high school. It's a better experience, one that offers you the chance to learn skills and knowledge that you will carry for the most significant years of your life. Before you start your application process for whichever school you had in mind, try to have a general sense of what you want to do as a career. You don't need to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain, but definetely have an awareness of what the schools offer. Some colleges specialize in certain areas. Ask yourself if that specific college will cater to what you are looking for, and if it has other desirable degree choices just in case your first choice was not what you expected.

Uzoamaka

I would suggest your chile make a list of potential majors and find a school that offers the best program and go for it!

Jay

Students and parents assume that the most top-ranked and academically selective college would be the best possible choice for a bright future. My parents and I also had this similar view of college. However, because of financial reasons, I had to settle for a "decent" school. I will never in a million years regret making this decision. All the campus tours and student orientation programs made it extremely easy to become socially active. Within a matter of hours, I had made bonds with people that will last a lifetime. Yes, college is about education and building a future, but it is up to the student to make his or her own path to their future. So parents, why pressure your children into getting into top-notch schools? Education and knowledge can be attained by any individual with a passion for learning and some books. What matters in college is how students learn to utilize their education. So, my advice to the students is to focus on studies and not let freedom tempt you away from your goals, but do take advantage when opportunities are presented to you because college is a once in a lifetime experience.

Kris

If you or your child has already been accepted to a certain college, then the first and most important part of whether this is "the right college" is taken care of. If you are chosen to join the traditions, academics and cultures of a college then you surely belong there and were deemed qualified and able enough to be content there. The rest is upto the individual who is attending in the fall. Promise yourself or get your child to vow to make the most of these next years. Talk to everyone who intrigues you and to research new ideas to the fullest. Take advantage of the computer labs, research opportunities, extracurricular groups and social events taking place at your college, but also remember to manage your time for all of these things. A crucial reality of college is taking on more responsibilty and being able to manage it. If this is done, then success and happiness will come mutually. Most importantly, do not forget to see the big picture of this time of life, realize that the smallest pieces, such as helping out your community and the environment , will help you in discovering yourself and your campus.

Jasmine

Choosing the right college can be a challenging experience. The best part about selecting the right school is visiting each college campus and getting a feel for what the social and academic life is like. First years may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the amount of people on campus and how comfortable they seem to be, but the best part about visiting each campus is that the student will immediately know where he or she feels most comfortable. Parents may not want to "let go" of their children, but attending college is truly an unforgettable experience - whether one is living on or off campus. College is where students begin to form more personal, independent views on life, politics, and reason. Time-management is one the most important things a first year could have, without it one will find it very hard to adapt. To truly make the most of the college experience students should go in open-minded. My first year was one that is invaluable. I opened myself up to the opinions of others, learned to manage my time, and met life-long friends. Choosing the right college can be difficult but the experience can be life-changing!

Alexia

Envision college as a time and place of discovery and experimentation. During your first semester, I advise you to only focus on the general degree requirements of your college. You should take this time to experiment with different fields of knowledge. Never begin your major requirements during your first semester because many students I have encountered have done this and have ended up changing their major later on. If you start your major degree requirements early and you end up changing your major a year or so later, you can potentially end up with more than a handful of courses and credits that do not count towards your new major. Some students feel sure about their major early on. I went from Biochemistry to Biological Sciences to Psychology. I now have a handful of courses and credits that do not count towards my new Psychology major. I felt so sure about my first major that I did not experiment and now I wish I did. No matter what happens, I ask that you always try to enjoy and experiment with, at least, your first semester because this semester is usually the hardest to adapt to and fully experience. Good luck!

Zeeshan

Finding right college: Don't think of ivy leagues and big name too fast. Think of the important things: Distance from home, and cost. After than then narrow choices to find which college suits you based on program of studies, what it's known for, and where graduates are known to go. College experience: Everyday when you get up, remind yourself why you are there and don't forget that you're there to get an education and barely anything else.

Emily

Don't let academics stress you out or consume you completely. School is about getting an education, but it is also about maturing as a person. Enjoy the new friends you make and your new environment. Be sure to join clubs and open yourself up to new things. Always check message boards for fliers, you never know what you will find! Don't be afraid to ask for help, there are plenty of counselors, teachers, even friends, who will help get you through not only academic problems, but also emotional stresses. It is very hard to leave home and start anew, but give things time, and realize that many other students are feeling just the way you are. And finally, for actual academics, read the textbook as you progress through the semester, don't just cram at the end! Take the time to understand the subject. In college, especially if the class fulfills some of your major's requirements, it is important to understand it all. You can't just get an average grade and move on like in high school. But don't be intimidated by that, because when you get involved in the subject, you will succeed effortlessly.

Nicole

Take your time in picking a school that fits you. If you don't you could end up being miserable in what should be one of the greatest most rewarding times of your life.

sueda

they should visit the college few times, and make sure if the college fulfills their child's dream.

Munir

Look for a school that is big enough so that you're son/daughter can make a lot of friends and have a great time. College is 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} fun, 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} academics. The worst thing your kid can do is get straight A's because he or she will lose out on the most valaubale years of their lives. It's very possible to have a great time and still end up with a great GPA...it's all about persistence and determination, and any kid in college should have those qualities.

Suhaila

As a transfer student, you really need to decide if a large or small school is best for your personality. Its a drag trying to transfer.

Stanley

I would say to find a college that is diverse because you may learn about the different values and opinions that can contribute to your personal enrichment. I believe that the biggest advice is learn to network with other people because a lot of times in life is not what you know, it's who you know. It may be a great academic school, but without involvements in student organizations or clubs may disadvantage you in the future when you are searching for a job. Overall, just try to join all the clubs that interest you and become active in the student community and try to find a balance between school work and social life. I find that this approach is what currently making the most out of my college experience. Hopefully it was helpful!

Usman

Go to a college that exceeds in what they would like to do for their career.

Sara

When trying to find the right college parents and students should consider the following: Parents.... 1. Take into consideration how safe you feel on the campus. Go with your instincts and gut feeling, they're usually right. 2. Is this where you want to go to school or where your son or daughter wants to go to school...and also, what are the reasons you each feel that way? Students... 1. Can you see yourself at this college, almost everyday? Do you feel comfortable? 2. Does this college offer classes you enjoy or a major of interest? 3. Sports and activies you enjoy? Are they available? Both... ***Take advantage of all chances to go to orientations and any activities that allow the opportunity to meet new people before your first year and during that first year as well.

Cassandra

College is meant to be enjoyed, and to further one's education in the direction one wants it to go. Be free, and study what you enjoy. If living on campus, make sure to eat in the cafeterias at schools you visit, food is a major factor in your life, and if you're not satisfied with your meals you won't be satisfied with anything else and your performance will suffer. If living in a dorm, talk to your neighbors. They can be your most valuable allies and closest friends - on the same note, if you and your roommate don't get along, you can always switch.

Shari

Visit the college, don't base your opinion on what you see online, or what people tell you. It all comes down to your own opinion and how you feel on the campus.

Deborah

I would tell everyone to be open and willing to try new things. College is about finding yourself and you have to try a million different things before you actually can see who you are.

Kathrine

Find somewhere that you can picture yourself in four years. Do NOT go were your parents tell you, unless it is what you want. Find somewhere that you can change your major, dont go to a major specific school unless you are certain it is what you want to do. Definitly factor in the types of people and social life that the campus has, if you do not like the social life, chances are you will have a bad college expirence. When you find a school that you are intrested in, go there and talk to professors and students in that area. Both students and professors are very open to helping you find what you are intrested in, and getting you involved. Most of all DO WHAT YOU WANT. Its your expirence not mom or dad's or your friends so do what makes you happy, do what you enjoy.

Gianni

When picking the right college for you,one key factor is to visit the campus and try to envision what life would be like there. Money is always a factor in choosing colleges but make sure to not only take into account the financial aid that the school will give you but also how happy you think you will be or the fit of you and the college together.

Jennifer

I really think that you should look at all different schools around you and not limit yourself to one or two. Check out big schools and small schools to try to get a feel of what you would like better and think about if you can really last in this place for the next four years. Talk to people around the school and campus, students as well as adults who live in the area and see what they have to say as well. When you do choose a school involve yourself in clubs, fraternities/sororities, sports teams, etc and that will really give you the best possible experience you can. Immerse yourself in your schools spirit and be proud you are there. It will make the world of difference in your experience.

Janet

Finding the right college is a huge decision and should be looked into carefully. What I regret most is not looking into various opportunities at all of my choices and not taking the time to visit all the campuses. For the parents, the advice I would give is to continue growing an excitement about the college experience and encourage them to test the waters in choosing their majors. This can often be stressful for students, so support them in their decisions. Most of all, trust your child; they are adults now and are capable of making choices and mistakes. For the students, I would say take each opportunity as its own and be bold in trying new things, whether they are extracurriculars or an interesting sounding class. Also, if you were accepted into that college, that means you are good enough to be there, so work hard and don't doubt yourself! I think motivation is crucial to having a successful and fun college experience. Parents are also a big help in finding that motivation with their prospective college attendees.

Chukwuma

Always select a school that fits your personality. The nature of learning is practically the same in every school you just have to make sure you surround your self with people that are as focused as you granted that is if you are a focused individual.

Nida

I would advise them to figure out what they would like to study before even deciding on a college. It is also very important to visit the prospective schools and speak with both the current faculty and students there. Also the location of the school in terms of where the student will be placed for employment is also very important in forming connections with future employers.

Erica

Definitely visit the college prior to deciding whether it is the college right for you. Ask people from the school what they like or don't like. Visit collegeconfidential.com for forums to ask questions. See whether the student will be comfortable with a school that has a large population or small population and whether over 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} drink alcohol. Even if you don't, you'll still find plenty of people who don't drink (the Asian church kids). But definitely do your research.

Larissa

Research every aspect of the colleges you are considering attending. Even if you are interested in staying close to your family and friends, never make a decision on where to go simply based on proximity, because no matter how important you think that aspect will be to your decision, the academic and social atmosphere of the school will end up being far more important. Don't be afraid to transfer schools or change your major. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind about where or what you want to study, but sooner is always better than later, so don't put it off. Admitting you may have made a mistake is incredibly beneficial to helping you find out more about yourself and your interest.

Erica

Choosing a college that best fits you can be more difficult than expected. This will be the place that many students will call home for the next four years and therefore must be as comfortable and it is academically a match for you. My advice for parents and students would be to choose a college that you believe will foster the your set values and beliefs while also providing you with the academic rigor that you require of yourself. While looking at the classes and dormitories do not forget to check out the extracirricular activities that they offer. Your school community is like a second family and it important that you feel most comfortable there.

Jennifer

For students chosing what college to attend, pick colleges that match your personality. If you like the home-town feel, maybe choose a contained single campus school where it's tight knit. If you need freedom and like a more out-going campus then choose that instead. Just ask yourself where would you want to spend your next four years? What would feel most at home for you, and you'll find your answer. As for making the most of your college experience, I can't stress enough to get involved! Join anything from a club, a committee, a sports team, or Greek life. Getting involved makes college seem so much smaller and it gives you opportunities to experience things you haven't and make the most out of your time at College. For me, joining a Sorority made a big school seem so much smaller, it gave me so many lifelong friends, gave me leadership experience within our organization, and also broadened me to community service and giving back to others. It made me more connected to the school and gave me a homer away from home. It was by far the best choice I've made at College.

Derek

I think that sometimes parents have too much influence on where there kids show go to college whether because they went there or because they want their kid to go somewhere. From personal experience, when they pick your schools for you, acceptances from them isn't the same adrenaline rush and you just aren't as excited to go to those colleges. The kids should do their own research and really find schools that they think that they would be well matched with. If the schools happen to be the same schools that they parents would want than there is no prblem with that, I just believe that this is the students decision and if they don't have a majority of the freedom in these choices than their experiences there could be hindered because of subconcious thoughts that revolve around: if something goes wrong--"if only I chose where I wanted to go", or you hear things from other people at other schools--"I wish I applied there." In summary, I think that it is good for parents to have some input, but it should be the student who has the ultimate decision in find the right college.