State University of New York at New Paltz Top Questions

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably first say, "what in the world are you wearing?" then maybe proceed onto a more important topic; what to do when you reach your college destination. I would simply say to my seventeen year-old self, "do not go into college thinking you know what college is like...because you don't." I would say this because as a senior in high school I had a clear idea of what college could and would do for me in my infantile mind. I knew who I would hang out with, what clubs I would join, how well I would do academically and how healthy I would diligently remain. However, moving day came, I moved in, my home moved out of me and I was left with the eerie feeling of sudden emptiness. I would ask, 'I came here knowing everything so why isn't any of it coming true?' And then I noticed that during my second semester I found friends, received good grades and got in shape. So I would tell my younger self to not expect, but to just be.

To senior Krystal I would say continue with what you are doing. you have always been one to think ahead but the one thing that I do suggest is that you should get a jump start on your financial aid. you are going to run into a lot of problems down the road due to our family's financial status, but you will see it through. you should get started in June right after graduation. Also, try applying for more scholarships, I know you think it's kind of tedious and would rather pay up front or take out a loan but believe me, it would pay off in the long run...we're still kind of working on that. Besides that though you will get through the transition pretty well. New Paltz is the place where you will grow and learn so many things about yourself you would be amazed. keep up the good work and remember, the sky is the limit.

The transition to college will be a bit different than the transition to high school. Reason being that high school and college are two different environments, two different atmospheres. All of the friends you know right now will go seperate ways. Things might change, people will move away, people will end up droping out, becoming parents and/or go into the military. College life is a start of a new life. You will have to start over completely from rock bottom because you are going into an environment you have never been in before. Nobody knows you, You will have to socialize. You will have to make friends. You are in charge of your education and your life. My advice to you is to cherish the times you have with family and friends. And to make sure you focus really hard on making it onto deans list!

There's one day I remember more than any other during my high school year. The pre-thanksgiving chill during the 2004-2005 school year beat against my face as a seventeen-year-old me was driving at a simple solution to a complex world: "I will not care for anyone but myself." In the lunch hours of that Tuesday before the holiday, I surrendered to the selfish thought. I sat next to that frail teenager and knew this statement would throw him off: "Hi, my name is Martin," I said as I extended a hand. He smurked, not looking at me. Good, an impression. His silence maintained. "Don't expect to get her back," I finally said. He immediately turned to look at me, a grimace building. "But there is someone waiting for you." I showed him a picture of a sexy and smoldering young woman. "SHE is yours, and you belong to her," I told him. He looked back and gave me a look of surprise and disbelief. "What's her--" he started. I stood up. He almost rose from his seat, so I turned and said "Become an engineer and find out." That day my future shined.

If I could go back in time and give myself some vital advice for college life I would say: 1. Learn how to effectively study! It is one of the most crucial parts of life in college. 2. No one is here to hold your hand. This is your time to shine ; if you're not going to take this seriously no one else will for you. You must realize that if you aren't here for yourself you won't be truly happy. 4. There will be moments in college where you feel as though your world is crumbling but DON'T EVER GIVE UP! There are people out there willing to lend a helping hand. If you need help, ask for it. 5. Look for guidance in your professors and advisors; they truly are there to better your academic experience. 6. Don't forget to have fun and make time for yourself. A little rejuvination goes a long way. 7. Remember your body is a temple so take care of it. Eat right and stay fit. 8. Time management. It's better that you learn to hone this skill now; you will definitely need it later in life.

I would start first by constantly reminding myself to stay organized by always having a planner on hand and keeping a running list of short and long term goals, and possible career choices. This helps to keep you headed in the right direction and reminds you of the reason you are at college in the first place. With that, it is a must to take all opportunities, with yourself and your success in mind and to never be regretful because there is a reason for everything; all obstacles are learning experiences. Remember that actions speak louder than words and your actions predict the outcome of your future, so you must always put in exactly what you want out from school work; time spent studying in the library or with a friend always pays off in the end. Expanding your horizons is also important for personal growth while in college, so speaking to as many people as you can helps with networking and lifelong friends for the future. However, always be yourself and don?t ever change for someone because the best friends you will find will be the ones who accept you for who you are.

Stay out of trouble. There will be a lot of pressure to drink and do drugs, but don't give in. Focus on school, get your GPA as high as possible, and don't smoke cigarettes. SAVE YOUR MONEY. Get involved in clubs and activities, maybe become an RA. Keep your friends close, but not too close, they may stab you in the back.

The first semester is only as hard as you make it...sometimes it'll be easy to make friends and sometimes it will be difficult. The classes will be harder, but they'll also be more interesting. And there will be plenty of parties. But whatever happens, do whatever you want to do. Don't be hindered by fear; any kind of fear. Put yourself out there, and have a great time no matter what.

College is gonna be fun, just make sure to saty on top of your work. Don't worry so much about running, it's not the same in college. The team lacks as far as motivation goes. You're going to change in college, but not too much. For one thing your social life will be much better. You are going to switch your major to physics education. So just start with that major so you don't get behind in classes and have to take extra classes in the summer. And try to conserve your money freshman year.

In high school, I always feel like a little girl and everything is depended on what my parents told me. But now, I am away from home and I become more indepence when I am a college student or I am here at SUNY New Paltz which is my college.

I would tell myself to focus a bit more on school and choose your friends more wisely. As a freshmen, I made some academic choices with some classes, that I could have done otherwise. Other than that, there isn't much that I would warn myself about coming to New Paltz.

TO STUDENTS: Do your research! Find out what kind of scholastic opportunities/programs/classes you are interested in. Look for schools that offer the degree you aim to achieve. Also look into what type of extra-curricular activities, clubs, organizations, student resources, and study abroad programs are offered. YOU make your college experience what it ultimately ends up being! Don't forget to visit the campuses and facilities of the schools on your list-- you might decide immediately you like or dislike the surrounding area, the size of the campus, or the facilities in which you will spend your college career. Talk to other students! Graduates of the school, those currently attending, and other prospective students-- learn about their perspectives, experiences, and beliefs about the school TO PARENTS: Support your child through this hard process- it's dynamic and emotional! Be patient and insightful, offer help and support when you can! Remember though- it's up to your child which school they choose to attend and how successful they are in their education!

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Visit the school, and stay over night if it is possible.

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is for them to make sure that the parents money and the students time toward /in the school is worth it. A parent should be able to know that their child is safe and that faculty is in their best interest on a personal level to help their child achieve a goal in life. The should be able to know that their child can go to any professor, especially their advisor and speak to them on a 1 - 1 basis and get the help they are searching for. On another note, the advice I would give a student would be to make sure that there are enough extracurricular activites to keep them occupied. It's not good to always overwhelm yourself with work.Make sure to always have some space for relaxation and try to attend stress free events where you can take your mind off of work and socialize with new/different faces. Try to be as involved as possible because not only does it build your resume, but you find out what you are capable of.

I would suggest to take your time and if you are making a decision between a few schools visit them a few times if it is possible. I would also suggest to talk to a few different students to get an idea what other peopl's experiences have been. Spend a lot of time researching and do not just look at the educational aspect, the social aspect is important as well because if you are not going to be happy then why stay there? Take all of the opportunites you can and surround yourself with all different kinds of people because I have not only learned a lot in the classroom but a lot from my peers as well. Above all enjoy yourself while still getting your work done. Time managment is everything and you can have fun and do well in school if you find the right balence.

For parents and students looking for the right college, I believe intuition is more important than careful deliberation. Make a list of standards, such as location, competitiveness, size, etc. Chances are, there will be several schools that live up to those standards. Remember, you can get a great education at a State University too! Give these schools a chance! After coming up with a list of potential choices, go with your gut. The place that feels right is probably the right choice. Go where you feel comfortable, but also inspired and challenged. Once you're there, remember that you will walk away with what you put into the work. Do all of your reading and you will continue to be engaged and inspired. Don't forget to have fun! These are the best years of your life. Don't be afraid to explore, change majors, and change your mind. Finding yourself is part of the experience. Good luck! Also, be assertive when requesting financial aid.

When a prospective student is searching for the best college, he or she should look beyond the popularity of the school, and really search for a school in which he or she would feel most comfortable in. As for getting the most out of ones experience, the fatal flaw would be just studying and partying. Get involved! That does not mean one cannot party, nor should one neglect their studies; yet, the best places to connect and meet people is through getting involved around campus. Sure you meet plenty of people at parties, but the true friends and best ways to make connections is through getting involved. Join a sports team, attend one of the small clubs on campus, plan a school event. One of the greatest things about college is meeting people with the same interests, and making those friends and connections that will last you into your career and beyond. Therefore choose a school that you would most be comfortable at, and when you get there, do everything you possibly can. Those four years will be gone before you know it.

I think the best thing for students to do is to stay overnight at a college. They can go and visit a college during the day with their families but you need to see how the students act when your parents are not around. Make sure the college you want to go to has a variety of majors you may be interested in because 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of college students change their major. Also, find a college that makes you happy regardless of what people say about the school.

Go to the campus. Plan ahead and start the process early. Make connections with the people working at the college, if you can't do this in person, a phone works just fine. Go one semester at a time, and spend more focus semester by semester, and it will fall into a big picture at the end with the most refreshing feelings of great achievment. Never give up on your dream! Here in America a country that news a retvitalized future starts with ambitious students just like us!

Keep looking until you find out what fits you best. Theres a college out there for everyone. Don't settle for the mudane.

It's important to consider the following when choosing a school. - Distance from home base ... can a student get there and back reasonably well? - Environment ... city or country campus - What goals does the school have academically ... does it offer the direction your student wants? - Disability resource center is important to me ... does the school have that or other supports available? - Social life ... does the school offer the kind of social or religious atmosphere the student want? - Quality of daily life ... how are the dorm rooms (clean?), safe. Food the kind you like? - High quality teachers.

Finding the right college is impossible. First parents and student should not search for a college only because it has some type of prestige. There are so many schools out there that are probably a better experience. Parents and students should look at the student body, the social life, teachers, and extra-curricular activities; but as they look at all of these things, they should also understand that there is no "right college" and that there is always something that you'll find wrong with your chose, its human nature we can't help but complain. Once the student realizes this then they can make the best out of their college experience. I've had friends that complain everyday about their college, I tell them to go out and make the most of it, to find that one thing that they love about the school and stick with it. It can be anything from joining a team, club, sororiety/fraternity, or the group of friends or person that will make your college experience all the more better. Its about understanding that college is difficult and change is more difficult, but once we accept that fact we change for the better.

Be careful what you study. Try for a double major. it only adds more value to your degree and experience.

The greatest advice I can give incoming students looking into any school is to check the food and become involved. Nothing makes a place feel more like home than knowing that you are a part of making it not only better but your own. Nothing is more miserable than eating the same bad food over and over. That a sighed, most people I know who did not fall in love with the colleges they chose their first semester just stayed in their rooms and did not give their school a chance. College campuses put a lot of funds into clubs and organizations so that students can get involved meet each other. Only through becoming overly involved in campus did I truly fall in love with it. If I did not step right in and take advantage everything your school has to offer.

I didn'nt want to go to SUNY New Paltz at first, wanted to go to UVM. Why? Cause i was naive and wanted a big college with a crazy Division One basketball team. But then the price tag came in and my parents were not happy. Luckily I got into SUNY New Paltz, and, though i did not like the idea at first, I came here and fell in love. So my advice to parents and students is look into the cheaper state schools as definite choices, they are cheaper and you are getting the same education. If you are one of the lucky few who are able to recieve financial aid and get scholarships, go for the big expensive schools, but for everyone else, don't kill your wallet. Especially in today's economy. There is nothing to be ashamed of by going to a state school, it's cheaper and just as good as any college.

My mother never pushed me to do what was expected, and right after school instead of going right to college she supported me emotionally in moving to the city and doing an internship. I ended up finding out what wasn?t for me. Never discourage your child from taking the rout less traveled I know so many people who wished they had taken time to think about what they wanted to do. After having spent time in a world of name dropping and money making I decided I wanted to make a difference and help people who grew up poor like me. Once you get to college take part in a college activity I would recommend a fall sport you go early and get to know people already attending the school when you start you have an instant friend group. Also take advantage of orientation a lot of people I know who are open engaging people are still friends with people they met during orientation myself included. If your having a had time tell someone it could be an anonymous counselor or your roommate just talk it?s the best way to get through all those hard times.

Visit the college first. Don't ever assume you will like a college without visiting first.

Trust your instinct. When you visit the right school you will know. I feel in love with New Paltz in the middle of a freezing cold day in February, the weather didn't matter, all I could see was the amazing possibilities for me to productive and happy.

KNow what you want in life and strive for that goal. Take a stroll around the campus all on your own during an avaerage day to get a feel for life on campus. Try and ask people who are walking around what they like or don't like about the school. Most importantly look for teachers you like and can learn from. Finding the right teacher is paramount.

In finding the right college for you, you must know what you want to do or know whats close to what you want to do with your life. The school you choose must also reflect who you are, what you are comfortable with and what you are willing to deal with. Location, diversity, academics, and campus life can affect your decision. So when looking for a school visit as many as you can and the one you feel most comfortable with should be the one you choose. Making the most out of your college life is to learn how to play hard and work hard. You must also know how to balance your funding. You may not be able to get all you want but start off with what you need. With that , get to know the people on your campus. Learn the ways of your campus. Learn about the campus life as a whole from upper classmen to lower classmen, from greeks to clubs and from teachers to students. Learning and living helps you to the max.

Picking a college is extremely hard today because there are just so many choices out there for students to choose from. The advice that I would give to someone to help them to find there right college is to do alot of research.. The next thing you do after you research enough and make some sort of list is you should make appointments to visit the colleges right away. I recommend visiting the college in the middle of a semester because than you will be able to see the campus in action. . If you are still unsure about a few schools visit again! if possible. There are so many different tools for sutdents to find out about colleges now. For example, books, internet, advisors, students.I think they should exhaust every single one of them before they pick the right school. To make the best of your college experience is to make sure you are fully prepared for the work that is going to be coming. If you take your work seriously and manage your time wisely it will give you plenty of time to hang with friends. Do not leave things to last minute, college life will be better.

Make sure to find a school that matches your own personality. Make sure to visit every school that youare interested in order to make the best decision.

Visit a lot of schools and talk to students who go to the school, it's the best way to find the right college for you.

Honestly, it is really hard to find a school that will really satisfy all of your needs. During my search of a university i looked for 1. the fields that i was intrested in. 2. the amount of students attending. 3. the diversity rate 4. the cost 5. and the location. Currently i am really happy with my outcomes and this is my 3rd year in college. Dont worry too much about the social life because it will come, but make sure you visit the school just to see if you feel comfortable and welcomed within such environment. That's what most mattered to me. www.collegeboard.com, really helped me.

Know the career your interested in and make sure they have a ton of outlets and opportunities in that area.

For all the parents and students out there trying to find the right college for them, my only advise would be to look at as many colleges, in as many states, as possible, because the only way to find the best college is to look at as many as possible. When I was applying to colleges, I only looked at SUNYs, because that was all my parents could afford (and barely at that). Once I came to college I learned about so many other colleges that would have better fit my needs as a student, and knew that I could have been happier somewhere else, but decided not to leave because I had already made a life for myself in New Paltz. As for the students that are looking for ways to make the most out of their college experience, my advice would be to try to open to new experiences as possible, as one will almost always be introduced to something new as a new student. However, and this is important, remember to keep a good balance between your social and academic life, because, as a new student, may lose sight of what is actually important: school.

I would suggest that the student makes the decision based on what they want and not what their parents want for them. This is going to be their life for the next four years. They must be happy with the decision they make.

Spend a night there and visit.

The most important thing to remember when looking for the college that best suits you is that choosing a school is not a binding conrtact. Plenty of students transfer, so it doesn?t hurt to try. If you choose a school that ends up not being what you thought, you are allowed to change your mind, but you never know, that school may end up being the perfect school for you. I wanted to go to University of Delaware and my mother warned me that I was going to be lost in a school that big, so she urged me to try SUNY New Paltz and if I was unhappy I could transfer. I?m so happy my mom made me try something I was unsure of because if she hadn?t, I would not be as happy as I am today. So remember, keep your mind open to new ideas and experiences and you might accidentally find the school of your dreams and friends to last you a lifetime.

The first and most important thing to do is visit the school and get a first hand experience. Explore things like the environment on campus and surrounding campus, student population, classes, teachers, buildings and residential and dining halls. Try to go on a day when classes are in session to get a real feel of the college. Make sure all aspects of the school meet your expectations. College is more than just about the academics, while those are extremely important, it is also important to remember that your future college is also your future home. And you must be comfortable with where you are in order to succeed.

Start looking for schools early and visit as many as possible. Its good to have a large selection of schools and to know about each of them and accomplishing that takes time. Select a school that has more than one major of interest to you, that way if you don't like your major, or don't know what to do, you have the option of changing. Also, apply early, you dont want to be shut out of a great school! When you do go to a school, live on campus and stay for more than a year, it will allow you time to adjust to your surroundings and embrace the college way of life!

Vist the college during different seasons (when its warm out and also when its cold), the mood of the college tends to change with the seasons. Take classes you want to, even if they do not fit into your specific degree plan, you can graduate with more credits than required. Internships are very helpful for gaining real-life experiences and look good on a resume.

go with your gut! visit the school and if it seems to be the right place go! also check out the text books in the book store for your ideal major.

The advice I would give is based on how I made my decision. Prior to choosing New Paltz as my top choice, I had a long list of private schools (which were more expensive and exlcusive) at the top of my list. New Paltz was only on the list as a back-up state school (not even my first SUNY choice!). It ended up on my list because a high school teacher raved of its beauty and atmosphere. Luckily, my parents had me visit each and every one of those schools before making my decision. At all the other choices on my list, I felt uncomfortable on the campus -- I can't really describe it, it just didn't feel right! When I stepped onto the New Paltz campus, I felt immediately comfortable and was like, 'This IS my school'. I ended up getting into all the schools I applied to but I chose New Paltz based on that initial gut feeling. So, my advice is go with your heart and soul and don't listen to what others tell you! Although it wasn't always easy, I truly loved the place and continue to visit occasionally!

The college process can be difficult, but finding the right school can result four amazing years of one's life. I think it is very important to take a tour of the campus and ask all the questions you want, its your tour of the school, make the most of it. Make sure to listen to your instincts about how you feel on campus by talking to some students, finding out if there are facilities and programs that you are truly interested in. One thing that drew me to SUNY New Paltz was the quaint, hippy-esque town that is a five minute walk from the edge of campus. There are always programs offered on campus, but it is nice to not feel trapped there and be able to go for dinner or out in town. College is all about trying new things and meeting new people, while learning a lot about the subjects you are taking, and most importantly, yourself. I think that it is very important to be open to meeting new people and challenging yourself to try new things.

Look until you find the place that has all the resources you will need to graduate in your desired field but also a place where you can have fun and relax. College is about balance and time management. Obviously your main goal is to get an education but at the same time the social life and interactions one has at college are some of the most memorable times. College is an opportunity to step outside of your shell and experience new things.

visit the college first, talk with students and faculty. make sure that you are able to see yourself as part of the campus life at the college you choose because that makes a big difference between being happy and being miserable. look at a list of majors and minors that the college offers, see if there are at least a few that you are interested in, not that you have to know right away but something should look a little interesting. you dont want to be stuck with a major you aren't interested in. and remember, college is going to be a large part of your life. you are going to make life long friends, advance your education and work towards you life long goals. make sure you can make the best of it and really look at every aspect of the school before you make your final desicion. good luck and have fun.

I would suggest that all parents and students visit the school of their choice before they make a decision and ask yourself "Do I see myself coming here?"

While applying for admission to college I would simply tell parents and/or students to go for the college that they feel will best suit their needs. Do your research, know your limitations, and stick to the reality of your situation. I'm surely not telling people not to go for their reach schools, but know that if it is a difficult school to get into, they will have to prepare to work for what they want. College is definitely about getting your education, but it is also about relishing in the experience of it all. Learn everything you possibly want to know in and outside of the classroom because no one is going to be holding your hand in order for you, as the student, to get what you want out of your college experience. In only my first year of college I have acquired so much knowledge at SUNY New Paltz; not only from my professors, but also from my friends. These really can be some of the best years of our lives, if we make them.