Seton Hall University Top Questions

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

Alvin

If I could talk to myself in the past, I would try to give my current wisdom. I would tell myself "Don't waste any free time while on campus!" Being a student is a job! If you're on campus from 8 to 5, you might as well do some reading and homework when you're not in class. You don't have to cram information the night before the exam because you have already studied. Two others tips I would definitely give is to "Read/Skim/Skip" and to "Remember to take a break". For the first tip, I remember when studying I read practically everything in a textbook. This gave me unnecessary stress and overloaded my brain with information that wouldn't be on the test. I should've READ the important topics, SKIM the ones that I might need or wasn't sure about studyinf, then SKIP the unnecessary. For the second tip, I can work really hard without taking a break. Studying is like exercising, but like all muscles, the brain needs an occasional break to be more effective. Taking 5-10 minute breaks every hour is more effective then studying five hours straight.

Ryan

If I could go back in time and share what I have experienced in college to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself college is not easy but it has its perks too. I would share that eventhough you go to a school where you might not know anyone you will make friendsand have fun. Adjusting to college is not easy either. You are responsible for yourself, no one will baby you like mom did. The best advice I could give is be yourself dont let college change wo you are, make college the best years of your life nit the worst. Try to stay away from the wrong crowd because they just lead to problems you don't want or cant handle(Trust me!). Make sure to keep up with your school work, always think work first fun later. Through this advice college can be a real rewarding experince, you make many friends in the process; college is where you find yourself.

Yasmeen

The greatest advice I could give myself is to prepare myself for just how intensive a college program of study truly is. Although I took honors and Advanced Placement classes in high school, the level of work was fairly balanced. In these high school courses, students had many opportunities to better their grades through quizzes, tests, presentations, homework, etc. In college, however, the final course grade often depends on solely two or three grades, usually the midterm, final, and maybe one other grade in between. While in high school, I depended on the various little grades, especially when I had not done particularly well on something. Now, I must discipline myself to read my texts closely and to constantly review my work. If I only have two grades in one entire course, then I have to commit myself wholeheartedly - WHOLEHEARTEDLY - to my studies. No longer am I receiving a free, public education. Rather, I am spending thousands of dollars A SEMESTER for an education that will provide me with the tools to improve not only my life, but the life of my ailing mother and my younger sister who also has college to look forward to.

Vanessa

If I could go back in time to discuss how to adapt to college life, the first thing I would mention would be time management. During the first week of school, try to get all your semester projects out of the way because you may not have the time later on in the semester. Also, try to find a good balance between sleep and school work. Not enough sleep will make you pay less attention in class, and not doing your school work to the best of your ability will affect your GPA. Spend a lot of time studying, even if you know what you are doing and seek out extra help from your professors and the campus tutors. One thing I learned in my University Life class was to be proactive. No matter how bad things get, do your best to make them work and achieve your goals.

Peter

You're doing pretty good for yourself, and you're handling the college transistion pretty well, but there are some areas that you should shape up in. For one, don't procrastinate! You're just stressing yourself over small things that you would otherwise think nothing of. Get stuff done early, and it gives you time to go back over, check things through, and get help if you need it. Another little tip for you is to kep looking for schools throughout your time at community college. Two years go by fast, and the college selection process is much more time consuming than just looking on their website for 5 minutes and filling out the application. You really should go to all the schools you are seriously considering and not put all your hope in one school until that. Believe me, I did it and here's a hint: I'm not going there. It sounds like too much work and too much time to invest, I know. But it's better than spending 2 or 3 YEARS at a school that's too expenive and you don't even like it. Oh, and fill out your FASFA every year.

Becky

The tips and values I have learned in college have helped me become the positive and empowered student I am. If I had the opportunity to go back in time, I would change the way I prepared for college during my senior year. Paying for college is a very important factor in getting an education. I should have applied for more scholarships and grants. My friends used to spend valuable time writing essays and applying for various scholarships. They took so much time to do this to aid their parents in paying for college. Now, I realize that I should have taken the time out to apply for more scholarships to help pay for my college tuition. Along with applying for scholarships, I should have taken AP courses throughout my high school career. Many of my friends did not have to take some courses in college because they took that subject as an AP course in high school. I should have worked on strengthening my study habits during senior year. Towards the end of the year, I would just wait until the day before of the exam to study. Studying throughout the week will help one get a better grade.

Erin

Were someone to invent the time machine that humankind has long sought after, and were I to return to my senior of high school and inform my past self of how to transfer to college life, there would be two major points I would tell myself about. First, I would tell myself to get up and start searching for colleges ? in high school I let the colleges find me, instead of actively searching for the best one. I am of the mindset that regrets are only upsetting if one allows them to be, but I clearly see in hindsight that I should have toured and applied to more than four schools (which I did not). A broader spectrum allows one to find the school best for them, which makes for an easier acclimation to college life. Second, I would assure myself that the prestige of a school is not everything. What with college rankings and a competitive market, schools are always trying to outdo each other in the PR arena. Attending a lesser-known college is not anything to be ashamed of. One could even think of it as a challenge: to be the school?s first distinguished recognized graduate.

Paula

The advice I would give myself is to make better efforts in highschool to achieve better grade. After having been in college for three years, all the work I did in high school is easy compared to what I have studied in college. And for that reason I should have no excuse not to excel in highschool and have a better GPA.

Marissa

Dear Marissa, Stop worrying and just enjoy the process. I know you don't want to leave high school but trust me, college really isn't that bad. You will see that despite all the anxiety you turn out to be just fine. You are able to succeed academically and keep mom and dad proud so don't fret. As for softball, it all works out. You make the team and it in turn becomes your family. Softball continues to provide you with the support you need to make it through. The game is the one thing in your life which stays the same despite everything else changing, including the people you play it with. But don't worry, they're great and you become closer to them than you could ever imagine. Oh and one more thing, make sure you talk during the first few months, it's a shame to let that wit go to waste for four months; people didn't know what they were missing.

James

Don't put so much emphasis on grades. The last 18 years of your life have been one big grade. Go to college and enjoy yourself. That doesn't mean not work hard; it just means to understand that there are more important things in life. The next four years are going to the best four years of your life so cherish them. You're not going to remember the grade you got in Business Policy thirty years from now, but you will remember all the good times you had with your friends. Always keep things in perspective. Remember this, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did so ake some chances and never look to the past because you won't be able to change it. Most importantly, have fun.

Megan

Read the syllabus, read the book, listen to the professor, take notes and do the work...parties are for AFTER the work is done. Spend more time with friends, going home is great but friends can help you more with your studies. Smile more and leave the boyfriend at home.

kerry

I diont have time to finish this since it is thanksgivng eve and I just got home

Jaclyn

I would sat that time management is something to focus on. COllege students have a heavy workload and the only way to get everything done is to prioritize and plan out the time. Also, make sure you are up for everything you get into.

Angelica

I f I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have changed alot of things. I would have advised my self of the many things no one my senior year advided me of. I would have advised my self to complete as many scholarships as possible, to visit the campus, and to make sure the correct amount of tuititon.

jose

work harder to try to get some finalcial money from school or state.

CHRISTINE

I would say to myself to take college seriously. Even though you are going to have a bunch of free time on your hands, it doesn't mean that you can watch 8hours of Spongebob and party all night while leaving your school work for the morning. This is not a joke and its very expenisive. There are people that would kill to be in my shoes so I should take advantage of my oppportunities. I would tell myself to work hard but also to learn to balance my social life. This should be the best four years of my life and i should make the most of it while not slacking off in my school work. I would tell myself to make my parents proud because they never got the opportunity to come to a university so this is not only important to me but to them too.

Caitlin

Caitlin, Remember to look into schools that are similar to SHU, your first choice. It is important to you to go to a school that is culturally diverse and respects and has a place for LGBTQ members. You like big cities, so be sure that your school is in or within close distance to a large city. Remember to make numerous, diverse friends, but make sure you can go to a few close friends when you need to talk. It is also important to do well in your classes and get to know the professors and administrators. Your experience will be better if you follow these suggestions. Always remember you can go home. Sincerely, Caitlin

Marie

I would tell the high students that they have to take the classes seriously because this the foundation for college.

Taylor

For myself, finding the perfect school was taking in all the qualities of my ideal school, then finding the schools that best fit my perfect school. I chose Seton Hall because it was the perfect size with a nice school spirit that was located in a smaller town just outside of my favorite city. I believe that everyone should make the most out of their college experience because not everyone has the opportunity to attend college. Making the most really just means doing the things you love to do, while still maintaining a good GPA. I love theater arts, along with a few sports; so I joined the theater council and played intermural soccer and volleyball. I had an amazing first year and met so many great people that I know I will continue being friends with for a very long time. Make the most of the opportunities you are given, because some people are not as lucky.

Cynthia

Firstly, I would tell people to CALM DOWN! College is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life, and it's not worth the amount of stress that parents and students go through. Do your best in high school and then apply only to colleges you would actually attend. Don't do a top choice, because if you don't get in you'll feel resentment towards everything else. Visit the schools that you might attend and then let your heart guide you the rest of the way. You'll know when you've stepped on to the campus you belong to, that's how I felt when I toured Seton Hall. Secondly, once you're at school, do everything 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. Join clubs, work hard academically and sure, party too! If you are dedicated and enthusiastic about your education and your future, only good things will come to you!

Sydney

i feel that in order to fulfill your college experience one must step out of their comfort that is for students and their parents. I feel that people should take more advantage of the local community colleges. I went to a community college to obtain my associates degree which has set me up for advancement while attending Seton Hall. I wish that more students would take advantage of the great two year colleges we have in the U.S. When most students first come out of highschool they don't know why they are going or what they are doing. I feel that at a Community college or two year college level students can discover themselves and what they want to do for a career. I am thankful everyday for the path that I have chosen and wish the best of luck to college students all over the world.

Asante

The right college is a really hard choice for one to make. There is alot of thinking and planing that should be involved such as the area surrounding the campus,does the school have your major. But the best thing to do while school searching is visit all the schools and attend the orinations. Only spending time on the campus will truly give you a feel of what the school really is like.

Sam

I would suggest to look at all of the aspects that the school has to offer including the majors, the surrounding area, the campus, the reputation of the school and so on. I would also encouarge everyone to visit the campus and take a tour to find out more about the school and take a look around. Definitely review all of your options and make a decision based on whatever looks right for you.

Samantha

You should visit the school on more than one occasion, on different days and at different times and try to make friends before you go to the school. You should look into whether students can have cars and availability of parking. Taste the food in the cafe. Carefully read all the school rules and regulations, Seton Hall provides laptops (built into tuition) and they have Tech services if your laptop breaks however, you have to PAY if anything goes wrong with your computer.

Christina

Students must find a campus that is the right environment for them, meaning in the city or country, has big or small class sizes, and one with similar common political and religious views. Having international students and many programs to study abroad is very enlightening. A college that has a strong program for your field is quite important. A program that offers a rich variety of professors, forums, and internship opportunites is a great opportunity for students.

Alexis

For students, two words: Get Involved. Surprisingly enough, having loads of free time my freshman year hindered me instead of helping me. I found myself procrastinating instead of being productive. This year I vow to volunteer and join another club. Stay on top of your assignments and realize that your friends will still be there when you're done with that paper. Also, group study sessions are seriously fun and helpful. To parents: Don't worry if your kid doesn't call you every night or come home every weekend. Believe me, they'll need your help/miss you a lot. Every kid adjusts in different ways, so standing back, being supportive and keeping an open mind is essential. Also, remind your kid that you're proud of them even if they're struggling. Knowing that someone believes in you is a great motivation. Oh yeah and back to the students: call home, they miss you.

Sean

Be sure you are comfortable in campus. It helps a lot more than you may think at first.

Marie

First, every institution has their positives and negatives, their job is to advertise their best features so it's up to you (the student) to visit the campus. Stay for a while, a week if possible (preferably during classes). Secondly, while it's nice for parents to give their child advice, at the end of the day it is the student that will have to live with the consequences of this important decision; to the student -- just follow your heart.

Lindy

Before making a decision about a college, students truly need to examine themselves and their goals. It is important to be realistic because although college is supposed to fun and different, it is preparing you for the rest of your life. I made the mistake of not reflecting intrinsically on personal values, and for this I feel that I made the wrong choice in schools. Though the school was not the right "fit" for me, I tried to make the most of my college experience. Try new things that you cannot do at home. Put yourself out there, leave your comfort zone, because if you do, you will find out more about yourself and make lasting memories. Those that don't branch out never learn quite as much as those who think inside the box. The first year of college is an adventure, and you are more likely to be successful and happy if you get involved and make the most of every moment and opportunity.

Steven

For parents, I would tell you to let your son or daughter explore their options and not to push them towards a school that you may prefer more. Every college has something unique to offer and it all depends on what a studen is specifically looking for. Students should know that it is not always about where your friends are going or how big of a party school it may be. College is all about getting a fresh start and making new adjustments to your life. Whether you will be a commuter or a resident on campus, college will change the way you live your life. New students need to be open to the change and embrace whatever comes their way.

Stefan

Make sure you budget the college and try to get as much help financially from the school as possible. Make sure the student is comfortable and it is an envionrnment that they want to be in.

Matthew

In college, be open and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take little steps doing new things, and eventually you'll find your niche and succeed, making lasting friendships in the process.

Monica

I would say that visiting is a great thing to help you determine which school is right for the student and to make the most of it, get involved! Its the best way to make your college experience the best it can be. With classes giving you work and being stressed out, a group of friends is the best way to make it through.

Aleksandra

I would encourage students to apply to every school in which they are interested. Parents should give their children the freedom to make their own, unencumbered decisions. The time to live vicariously through one's children, if there ever really is a time, is not during applications pocesses such as these. The students should of course take advice from family, friends, but ultimately, it should be their decision. In addition, pecuniary needs are an important factor, but do not let them be the ultimate factor. Loans will be paid off.

Erin

It is my belief that community is an integral part of the college experience. In addition to finding a college with suitable merit and academic standards, I think that an important part of university life is made of its people and the events they organize, ranging from internship to community service opportunities. Many organizations on my campus, Seton Hall University, are entirely student-run, such as the well-known radio station, WSOU, while others are run by faculty. Students and faculty often play a very active role in the university community. To find a school whose academics and community are both of worth, I recommend consulting an alumni of each university investigated. Alumni can have a lot to say about the college experience and be living descriptions of their campuses. Further, they can continue to be very much involved in campus activities, and helping new students adjust or find internships, such as some upperclassmen and alumni did for me.

Dorothy

Don't change yourself to fit into a college - let the college fit you. Think of yourself not as a prospective student, but as a student with prospective colleges. Make a list of necessary criteria your school should meet, and reserach each institution based on your needs list. A monkish disciplined student nearly void of original sin should not apply to a party school, nor should the talented musician join an intensive technical academy just to please her parents. Some items to think about are class size, demographics, student organizations, price range, and academic programs. Academic programs should be perfect matches to your criteria because they are the core purpose of your college attendance. Research the faculty and staff, their publications, the work of school graduates, and ask yourself if you can learn something from these people. Can you commit to the level of the program's intensity? If not, there are many more options out there. A diploma is just a piece of paper, wherever it's from. The importance is graduating with fond memories, professional skills, and the ability to excel afterward.

Hilary

Its a very hard and stressfull time for both students and parents so I would advise both to be patient with each other and talk things out instead of fighting.

Kyle

Don't base your choices off what your peers are doing. Pick somewhere that you think you personally will actually enjoy, and if you know what you want to study then pick a place that has a good program in it. Social life and extracurriculars are important, but the purpose of college is to learn and earn a degree, so that should take priority.

Vincent

weight your options.

Raquel

Make sure that you make the choice for yourself! Don't let anyone pressure you into making the choice for you. Your choice of college will affect you, not only for the next 2-4 years, but for the rest of your life! Make sure the college has the kind of programs you're looking for, because, in most cases, choosing a college is the first step in choosing a career path that you will have to stick with for the rest of your adult life. Choose a major that fits you, and don't only think about the money. If you choose a major you like, you will be able to make money doing whatever it is that you choose. Happiness is much more important! Good luck with your search, and have a happy future!

Stephany

My advice about finding the college for parents and students, is go on open houses so you can get a feel of the atomsphere on campus. When you are on a open house you have the liberty of asking as many questions you want. Another important advice about finding the right college, is search on time do not wait last minute, becuase you want to have time to really research where you want to spend the next 4 yours of your life.

Alessandra

Find what you want to major in.

Alana

I suppose that no high school student will truly understand how important it is to take their high school courses seriously, and to be involved. This means Chorus, Band, sports, volunteering, etc. Whatever it is you like, then do it. Colleges look for invested students. That being said, take the time to begin college applications early and VISIT THE SCHOOLS. No college will take an applicant seriously unless that student takes the time to come and show that they are interested. Parents must learn the fine line between nagging and reminding their children to fulfill the suggestions I gave above. You must also make sure that you stay on top of the financial aspect of College. Do not, DO NOT, forget to submit a FAFSA form, or to contact the school when you send in information. Most importantly, call your children when they are at school and make sure they are assimilating. Visit them, not too often, but get them to introduce you to friends. Also, encourage them to speak directly to teachers and deans when they have questions. Most importantly, an involved student is a happy student. College is a community, be a part of it.

Angelina

I would suggest to them that one should really get to know more about the college or the university before the student decieded to attend to that school by doing research about the school. During campus tour, they only give you some facts and all the good, positive things about school; but as a potential student for that campus, one should really know what's actually going on on that particular campus. Also I would suggest that the students should think about what kind of school or campus they are looking for, such as the setting, and surrounding area, finaical support and such.

Janell

Visit colleges and make sure you are comfortable on them, not just socially, but academically and financially as well.

Rhea

College isn't for everybody. Make sure that you know what you want to study in school and choose the best program that suits your interests. Talk to advisors and the career placement center and ask them what majors are satisfactory for the career path you have in mind.

Annalicia

remeber to look at every aspect of a college from the academics to the social life because they all play a role in making the right decision

Gena

Take a lot of time when choosing a school, and really think about what you want out of life. Don't be afraid to aplly to a school because you think your not good enought, just do it.

Tania

Research Research Research!

Mark

Make sure that you feel at home wherever you decide to attend. You will most likely be spending the next four years there so make sure it is a place where you can see yourself or your son or daughter flourising. You know when it is the right fit, just like you know when it is not. Do not be afraid to ask questions when touring or visiting the campus. Talk to the students to see what the feel or the campus is like! Best way to make the most of your college experience: GET INVOLVED and take LEADERSHIP!!! Everyone I know who does not like their school is not involved on campus and does not given themselves the opportunity to grow.