Salem State University Top Questions

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

Samantha

I went back to college as an adult. Some may say that I should have my masters degree by now, and I'm still working on my undergraduate, but waiting was the correct choice for me. When you are in college, the most important advice that I can offer is that you need to take personal responsibility for everything you do academically and socially. Nobody is forcing you to be in class; you are actually paying for the privilege to be there, so get your moneys worth! Your advisors and professors are there to help you learn, and help you expand your knowledge in your field of study. Partying is fun, but being a beer pong champion isn't going to get you a job, but finding a balance between your social and academic lives is incredibly important. I know that sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees, but think of your future and push yourself to achieve your goals.

John

College is all about preference and what you want to get out of it. If you want to live at home and commute to save money, but still get a very good college education, there are plenty of commuter schools out there that offer a good education at a low cost in which most students do not live in campus. These schools generally have a relatively boring campus on weekends and such, because of the lack of students living there. If you are looking for the total live away from home and meet new friends experience, a majority commuter school just will not do for you. Its all about what you want to get out of college, there is a school for every need, small class sizes, social activities and networking, easy commute and low cost, specific major and so on. The best thing you can do is find out what you are looking for, research schools of that nature, and visit each campus to find the perfect school for you. Get involved and don't be shy, and you can make friends immediately at any college, and have a good time regardless.

Allyson

Having a good college experience is not determined by where you go to college. It is determined by what you make of it when you get there. If you have it in your mind that the school you are in is no good, you will hate it. If you have it in your mind that you want to succeed, you will make it.

Angela

Don't worry so much about cost. Make sure you can get financial aide that supports your choice, but go where you really want. Be sure and follow your dream, but keep consequences of those dreams in mind (such as if you want to be an art major like me, take into consideration the cost of supplies). Don't be afraid to go out of state or far away from home. It will be easier to move on to your own life in the future if you use college as a way to get used to the away from home life. And parents, keep an open mind about your kid for when they go off to college. Don't be a bother, but keep an eye on them and make sure they aren't flailing. You want them to try living on their own some, but be willing to help still. College is a transitional time in a person's life. Let them feel free to explore their individuality, and out of all the things college is for, I think discovering individuality and a sense of self is just as important as one?s education.

William

Keep your eyes open kiddos. There's a school out there for everyone. Do not base your choice on tuition. Sure, you won't have to pay off college loans the rest of your life, but sometimes people make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. Explore the country when looking for schools. It's a big world out there don't get stuck in the same place the rest of your life, unless that's what you're looking for. Make sure you're comfortable where you are. College is about getting to know what you're made of and if you feel out of place it makes the experience a lot more difficult. Parents, help out your kids. Make sure they expand their horizons. Don't follow your dreams, chase them.

Emily

The most important thing is to make the decision yourself. Do not go to a school because your best friend is going or because your sibling went there. I made my college choice by myself and I couldn't be happier. But of all of my friends (and my sister) who went to Salem State because I enjoy it, not one is still enrolled. Also, don't worry about choosing a major or a career. You are young and you are going to change your mind anyways so DO NOT STRESS!

Zachary

Get to know the people in your major's department before you've even been accepted. I met one of my professors before getting my acceptance letter and it just seemed like such a welcoming place. It quickly became my number one choice for a school.

Maria

I used to believe that if a college costed 30,000 dollars, then it would be much better than the college I was going to attend. Now in my fourth year of college, and previously attendeed a small private college, I can say the name and price of a school does not determine the education you receive. It is about the experience. I love my college. It is less pricier than many of the surroundind four year colleges, and I have learned so much since I have been there. The key is talking to not just one person who attends or graduated from a college, but many people. I believe that if you are willing to do the work and learn, the experience will be beneficial in any college setting. I am proud to go to Salem State College, and believe it is very underrated. It is not all about getting the degree, but it is also about becomong an adult, a more well-rounded individual with much to offer in this big world.

Briana

Advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to find a school surrounding that best fits you. Find a school that you can relate to and that you will be able to have the time of your life but also be able to succeed academically. Choose a school that will help you to mature and grow while you complete the next part of your life. College is suppose to be fun but also challenging so make it worthwhile.

trisha

let the child choose what's best

April

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Mallorie

I would advise students to visit the colleges they think they may be interested in and to take extensive tours of the campus before applying. It's very important to see what the campus of your future school is like and how it is set up because some students prefer a smaller closed campus and others would prefer a larger open campus. It's also very important for them to make sure that the college they are interested in can provide them with some financial aid because I know that paying for college can be a burden for many families. You should also look into the extracurricular activities at your school, and stay well connected with what's going on on campus. Take advantage of the resources that your school can provide for you; advisors and teachers are there to help you and believe it or not they actually want to help! Also, make sure that you spend enough time studying and get your work done ahead of time because it really is much easier rather than trying to cram all of your studying in the night before a test.

sara

find the college that best fits with your major and that also fits with your needs as far as social and where you'd love to be for the time you're here. don't pick a place that's going to make you miserable. don't go someplace because your parents want you there; go someplace for you.

Isaac

Attend school away from home. The experiences, and the people you meet makes it all worth it.

Elizabeth

Finding the right college is a difficult process, but a vital one. Visiting the schools helps, but students may not always communicate how they really feel towards their school. I would recommend going online to third party survey sites as a way to see how students feel. You may also find some information at social network websites such as facebook and myspace. Of course, you will never really know whether the school is a perfect fit until you actually attend it. Talking to fellow students will help, but college is about individuality and exploring yourself and what you like to study. College is great grounds for experimenting and exploring safely. Realistically, every professor may not be an extrovert that is willing to pull an unsure student under his or her wing, but every department will have at least a couple; it is a simple matter of a little research and a little luck. The other large piece of advice that I can provide from my experiences is not to let problems and assignments sit until the last minute. If a roomate is upsetting you, do something about. If an assignment is due, get it done sooner then later.

Megan

I would advise high school students to start looking at colleges with their parents during their junior year in high school. If students know what they want to major in, I would suggest that they choose their schools based on if they have the best programs for what they want to study. For example, if a high school student knows that he or she wants to be a teacher, I would recommend visiting schools like Wheelock, Salem State, and Lesley. For someone who wants to study Communications, I would advise him/her to look into attending Emerson College. Prospective college students should also base their decision on the size and environment of the schools that they may attend. In order to have a positive college experience, I believe that it is important to feel comfortable on campus. Another major aspect to consider is whether or not the schools that a student may attend offers a variety of extra-curricular activities. If a student has plenty of opportunities to be actively involved in the college community outside of the classroom, then his/her college experience will be fulfilling.

Amanda

The most important thing you can remember to do is not to settle for less than what you expected. College is a huge part of who you'll be in the future, and you pay a lot of money and work very hard to be there. If you're not enjoying yourself, don't feel 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied with your education or feel like something is missing, do something about it. Try new things, go new places. You'll be surprised how many resources there are at your school for activities on campus and off that you may enjoy. Where you go to school, ideally, is where you'll spend the next 4 years of your life. But if you're unhappy, you should never be afraid to transfer. Most schools are helpful with this process, because your happiness is what is truly most important. Don't be afraid to ask a million questions, command thorough communication from your schools financial and academic resources, and try as many new things as you can pack into your life. When you can look around your college, take it all in, and smile...you know you've chosen the right place to be.

Nicole

state schools are a far better deal than private schools

Brett

In my advice, I found that visiting as many schools as possible was great, but when it came time to send out applications, narrow down your choices before hand, that way, the decision after acceptance letters aren't as difficult to decide between. Ask as many questions as possible on tours. Even one of the most common questions, "How big are the dorms?" Find out as much information as possible, don't be scared, and enjoy the process.

Robin

I would tell them to do your best in high school so they have many college choices. In choosing a college apply to a variety, including distance, size, location, and type of school. Also dont think of it as a choice you will have to live with. you can always change schools they are making it easier ever year. good luck!

James

Visit. Have your son or daughter go for a school week to live with someone who stays on campus. Living it is the only way to really know.

Tyler

The best advice is to make sure you're happy with your decision. Picking a college out of a catalogue will not define your experience there, nor will simply driving by the campus. Sit in on a class, visit professors, talk to students, wander aimlessly for at least an hour, have a meal or two, and sit and think about how much time you will spend there. Choosing a college is not french vanilla or hazelnut coffee. You are choosing the people you learn with as well as they people who teach you. You are choosing the place that you will pay to experience. If you cannot smile thinking of the next four years, then you have not picked the right college for you. It is just as much about happiness as it is about the quality of your education. I promise you will not regret your choice if find the right fit. Learn about your interests and you will learn about yourself. Make friends and you will never fail. Never hesitate on a chance to better yourself. College depends on you to make the best of it and nothing but your best will suffice.

Megan

Follow your heart. Im an out of state student, i never had thought about going out of state but I really knew I eventually wanted to end up in Boston or New York, and here I am! Im a half an our out of Boston and four hours away from New York, It gives me all kinds of opportunities I didnt have in my home state. I really reccomend finding a college that has atleast two academic programs that you would enjoy, and absolutely has a study abroad or exchange program! Live in the dorms your first year, its a great way to bond and create lifetime friendships!!!

Samantha

Finances always play a huge role in deciding where you can go but don't let it be the only deciding factor. If you are happy and work hard you can pay your loans off. You don't want to be miserable while you are at school because it wasn't what you wanted but it was all you thought you could afford. There are a lot of options out there and majority of colleges will work with you if you are passionate about you studying there.

Jamie

It can be tough to find the right school for you. Make sure to visit many different campuses, all of different varieties, so you can narrow down the school that would be perfect for you. Also, start looking early, then you will have time to find your dream school, and a great chance to research the financial aid offered, possible scholarships, and to have a better chance at being accepted. It is never too early to start looking at colleges! If the stress of seeing if your application was accepted is too much for you, see if your school of choice offers on-the-spot admissions. You'll be interviewed by the admissions department right on campus and they decided that day whether you are accepted or not! I truly believe the college experience is what you make it. Freshman year is always the hardest but if you keep positive and be yourself you will have the best experience before the end of the semester. Join clubs in your major; you'll be in a group of people with similar goals as you. Stay focused, work towards your dreams, and college will be the most memorable years of your life.

Kayla

Find a school that is close enough to come home when you need to, but far enough away that you have an excuse to stay at school on the weekends.

Randy

Once in college try to be involved...regardless if you live on campus or commute try to get invovled in at least one thing. The experience of joining a group and club can make the difference of a life time.

Matthew

Do alot of research and make sure you know what school is right for you. College isnt light on the wallet so make sure your choice is something you can enjoy and embrace the next 4+ years of your life.

Gia

my advice would be to make sure you are happy at whichever school you choose. if you are not happy then its not worth it.

Emily

I woudl tell people to mkae sure they are comfortabe where they aer going. Also it is not a sin to change you major, you are not locked in, so do not fret.

Joe

Let the student decide where he or she wants to go.

Brittany

Visit the schools you are thinking about attending during the time students are there to really see what campus is like. LIVE ON CAMPUS!

Andrea

I want to encourage parents and students to put their heart towards finding what college is best for them. I know I have. Don't lose focus and remember how rewarding it will be in the end. Get involved, study hard, persue your dream, and don't let such a wonderful oppurtunity past you by. It's your life, your future, and your success, make the best of it!

Sarah

Visit all the schools your child is interested in. Make sure your child is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} happy with his or choice .

Brittany

It is very difficult to look at college as something else other than a money game. However, if you go to a school that specializes in your major and are passionate about you as a student ? the money is worth it. So instead of going to the cheapest school or the school closest to home, consider your future or your son/daughter?s future. A good education will always pay off. A good education requires a student to be active in their education, study hard, and be organized. Ask questions, get involved, and enjoy life. If you don?t enjoy your classes then you are less likely to do well. As we all know, failing a class means wasting money. If you are going to your dream school and are paying for it why would you want to waste thousands of dollars? So - find the right school that will allow you to accomplish your dreams, be actively involved in your studies, and always try your best. Best of luck to all too all students and parents and welcome to college!

chirtopher

Look hard and chose wisely dont just pick cause u think it is good pick on what u want. dont settle for anything but the best for yourself or your kids