St John’s University-New York Top Questions

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

Stacey

Make sure you visit the school a few times. Know the rules and regulations because they may not fit you. Look into how long the school provides you with housing. Don't just go to a school because your parents like it. Its your choice, your life, your decision. Remember, you do have to spend four years there. Get out there! Do not sit in your room all the time. There are so many oppurtunities that colleges offer it's unbelieveable. GET INVOLVED! Speak to students that attend the college. They give the best advice. Do not pick a school at the last minute. Give it as much time as possible. Have fun, but make sure you know how to balance your time. WATCH OUT FOR THAT FRESHMAN FIFTEEN!

Alisa

I would say narrow it down by major, region of the country and the size of the school you want. It makes your choice much easier when you know those three main components.

Jillian

I recommend finding a college that you or your family can afford. I would also recommend a college in a college town. That way the student can have a full college expeirence with out any regrets.

Rajiv

A student's college experience is mostly up to what he or she makes of it. While institutions and faculty play somewhat of a role, at the end of the day, it is the student's attitude that will dictate how much he/she takes away.

Arline

You have to make sure that the college you are interested in is, first and foremost, the best school for you acadmically. Finding a school that is very strong in the field you choose to study is of the utmost importance. Networking with teachers who are commended professionals in that field can and will help you in the future. Personal experience from professors is very helpful because in the real world, there are some things that cannot be learned from a textbook. Secondly, you must find a college that is realistically affordable. This means taking into consideration things like tuition, transportation, books, rent, and food. You don't want to be stuck with student loan bills the rest of your life. Lastly, in the long run, you can really get the most out of your college experience by making sure it is in the geographical area that best suits your personality. Are you someone who likes to go surfing at the beach, go clubbing downtown, or relax in wide open spaces? It is all about location, location, location.

isabella

that they have to visit all their top choices, make sure you can afford it and its somewhere you wont have any regrets about going there.

nelsina

visit the colleges for an overnight stay before you choose where you go

Allyson

Visit more than once, find out about all financial aid, dorm policies, and ask REAL students you run into while you're there how they like it at that school as well as their personal preferences.

Kashina

I would say that first pick a school that is in a enviroment that you are comfortable in. Next, look at the price and make sure you are able to afford it because you dont want to take out to many loans. Once you get to college, you need to use your resources. Most freshman waste time and dont jump toward the opportunity at scholarships and class advancements.

Abu

The advice I would give to both students and parents is to never rely on anybody but yourselves when it comes to education. College life is not easy and really should not be taken lightly. Take it as your only way out to establishing a decent career in the future. Also, to parents I suggest in supporting your kids financially however learn to let them go at this point. They can no longer be spoonfed and must be responsible for what steps and actions they choose to decide now. To students, when choosing your first college, In my own experience I found that commuting is actually more helpful than dorming to a distant campus, this way you still feel as if your home and would not bump into distractions or obstacles during your studies. Choose the college that pertains to your major/career in which you wish to do! That's very important as you cannot afford to waste your time taking courses which might not benefit your major. That is my advice to parents and students who are upon entering college.

Erin

I would definitely advice the student to visit the schools before they decide on one. The school needs to feel right, just as when you buy a pair of shoes, you try them on first to see if they fit. Sometimes you get home and change your mind once you've worn them for a little while. Maybe they hurt or maybe they're just not what you were going for. In order to avoid feeling this way about the school you choose, be open and friendly-this will help you to meet friends, feel comfortable, and have a good time. More likely than not if these things go well you will enjoy your college experience. It's easier to meet friends if you are a part of something-find a hobby, play a sport, join a club. Get involved somehow. But also don't forget to take advantage of the money you are spending to go to this school by a getting a fabulous education and becoming an even smarter you!

saana

Follow your heart. Do not allow the distance or the size of the school make a major effect in your decision because you will only regret not listening to your heart and allowing yourself to be open-minded and willing to follow something new. During your decision make a list of definite needs in your college or university and during your search take tours of these schools, ask if you can shadow a current student, and take that oppurtunity to ask questions you believe are silly or just plain dumb. Remember only you will regret not following your dreams and taking a chance. Campus life is the only college life. You will never experience the same things if you commute.

Jarvis

To the students. make sure you choose the best college for you, and only you. Also, make sure to take advantage of this great oppurtunity. To the parents, there are much scholarships, grants, and aid, for your children to attend college, it is the most important investment one could and should take advantage of.

Bianca

dont choose the first college that comes along

Justine

I would advise parents and students to pursue enrollment at a college that they believe is right for them. College advisors in high school are not always correct when they discourage a student from applying to a college based on their grades, or other factors. You could miss out on a big opportunity for yourself if you take their advice 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}.

Stacey

They should visit the campus, meet the people and see how its like before choosing a university.

Cedric

look at the colleges that feel right, forget about everything else, step onto the school and see if it feels right. You'll be spending 4 of the most amazing years of your life there, make it count.

Samir

For me, finding the right college is about finding your comfort zone. If your outgoing and social, your probably more inclined to attend college in a populous area, whereas if you tend to be more introverted and enjoy spending your timely quietly to yourself, you would probably be better fit for more of a smaller, rural college. In finding the right college, the most important asset to your search is currently enrolled students and alumni. Find out what advice they have to offer, and what their honest opinion of the school is. To make the most out of your college experience, you should really try to get involved/put yourself out their. Yeah, college education is extremely important and first priority, but their is also a lot of fun to be had at college. The last thing you want to do is to look back and have second thoughts and regrets.

Rachel

College is supposed to help students discovery their passions and interests. It is hard for a student to do so in an enviornment they are not completely comfortable in. The right college is one that a student is excited about. He is ecstatic about attending; he looks foward to going to class. The desire to learn and grow is strongly based on a student's willingness to do so. Obviously, he would be more willing in an enviornment he is comfortable in. However, one must gauge how much this is worth. Having an enjoyable college experience may not be worth $120,000 to a frugal person. If this is the case, the right school is one where he feels all aspects of his personality will be accepted. Once a student feels accepted, it is easier for him to be comfortable in his college environment. This can only lead to the student becoming more apt to get involved in campus life and make the most of his academic endeavors, which are the keys to taking the most from college.

Luis

Find the one that is close to home and just right for your son or duaghters major. Have a good school with good reputation and good finanical aid. Also make sure they are going to have a blast at the school not a workload to haul around.