State University of New York at New Paltz Top Questions

When picking your school, weigh every option possible, and never limit yourself. When I applied to colleges, I was a little bit safe in my choices. I am very happy here at SUNY New Paltz, but I definitely am curious as to what other schools would have accepted me. Consider every option. Location is very important if you are close to your family. Make sure that the programs you want are available. Make sure you are happy as soon as you get on campus, because the time you spend there is going to be so important, such a vital part of your development in life.

Advice I would give to students and parents looking to find the right college is to make sure its somewhere you can see yourself being. Make sure you visit the campus and talk to as many people as you can. Make sure it's the right size and that the people are friendly. When I visited I made an appointment with the school of business ( I'm an accounting major). The dean was the nicest person I ever met. He introduced me to students of the same major and they took me to an accounting club. Everyone there was friendly and welcoming. I knew from that reason on that this was the school for me. You just have to have a great experience and feel comfortable somewhere. The key is seeing that you could belong.

Students and their parents need to sit down and have a serious talk with each other. It is important for a parent to give their input and opinions of the school's their child applies to, but they do need to understand that in the end, it is the child's choice. Students need to decide how big they want there school to be, and how far away/close to hom they would be willing to go. They should also look at the majors offered, social activities, class sized, diversity, academic/personal help offered on campus. I would seriously advise doing major research into each school, because that's the place you will be calling home for 4 years, if all goes well. You want to be happy, satisfied and comfortable in that enviroment. And you want to be able to make the most out of your college experience! If you're in the right place for you, it will be an unforgetable 4 years!

Make sure the school has at least two personal interest outlest, like frats or clubs, and two academic interests, like clubs and majors

To pick a school that makes you feel at ease and one that has all of your interests as majors because you will probably not stick with what you wanted. And don't go too far from your parents, you'll need them more than you'll think.

To parents: allow your children to live their lives the way they would like to. Allow them to explore different schools and choose the school they woud like to go to, on their own. You can help steer them in the right direction, if they know what they would like to do for the rest of their lives, but do not force them into something they do not want to be a part of. Let them make decisions for themselves, they are adults now. Students: Choosing schools can be very tough, but you should research everything you can about a certain school that you are interested in. In order to make the best of the college experience, you need to work hard in your classes: do you work on time. College is different than high school - teachers do not bug you and remind you when assignments are due, you have to keep up for youself. Join clubs in order to meet new people and make new friends. Do not stay in your dorm room all day, and for first year students, I suggest living in dorms and keeping your doors open- SOCIALIZE! Finally, HAVE FUN! and be who you are.

To visit all colleges and then make a decision based on how at home you felt there.

It's important to decide what enviroment you want. Big school, small school, city or village, athletics and clubs... its all just as important as the academics when it comes to fitting in. Make sure you think about who and what you want around you before you decide where to go. Find clubs you're interested in and make friends; be out-going and remember no one knows who you were in high school. College is a fresh-start, a chance to make changes or to be completely yourself (and not who friends and family think you should be). And it is important to remember that the decision isn't final. If you end up somewhere you don't like, make the most of it. The first few months are always tough. But if you really hate it, you can always transfer somewhere else. And finding the wrong college can be just as much of a learning experiance as finding the right one!

look around and ask students/formenr students/faculty about the schools

Make sure that you're going somewhere that you're going to be happy. College is going to be the best time of your life, so make sure that you don't waste that time at a place that you don't want to be. You'll find your best friends, and they'll become you're family. College is time to grow up and be yourself... so even though you love your parents, go far enough away from them that you can develop into your own person. Weekend visits are always nice and appreciated, but never leaving high school doesn't make for a good college experience. I wish you all luck, and hope that you choose the best college for you; I know I did!

You need to pick a school that you feel comfortable at right away. Dont go to a school if you feel you cannot be yourself and grow there. Also make sure the school has a good academic program and will ensure you getting a good education. You are paying for it, make sure it is good. Just make sure you feel like you fit and you feel like you can prosper and be a good student at the school you want to go to.

look at the environment

College is often not about the school itself, but about the person you are when you arrive. If you bring yourself to college ready to be transformed, to come in contact with much about yourself that had been unknown to you, that is to say, educated in the deepest sense of the word, then all that you ask for will come to you. Statistics and competitiveness, dormitories and campus services do not matter nearly as much as who it is you are willing to become during your time at school.

I would tell them to stay as focused on their studies as possible without letting them get in the way of social activities. Join as many clubs that they wish to join, etc.

I would tell parents to really have their children look into the school that they are going to especially if it is far away from home. Many people including myself thought that it would be easy but living off campus and being a transfer student is harder to make friends then one would think, at least harder than I thought. Just stick it out and get through it. Find a job and join clubs in order to meet people and tell your kids to never give up!

Obviously take into consideration what you would want to study and if that school has that opportunity for you. At the same time it is just as important to make sure that you can picture yourself living at the school you choose. The social and living situations must be taken care of in order to be able to take full advantage of the academic opportunity at the school.

I would tell future college students and their parents to have fun when searching for the "right "college. Educate yourselves and eachother while taking tours of the schools you are most interested in. Look into the abundant amounts of financial, acadamic, and scholarship offerings presented by each school. Look into schools that are at a comfortable distance away from home. Also look into the schools that have your intended major or majors you as a student have profound interest in. Once arrived at your selected school, immediatley get involved and bond with your rommate(s) as your relationships will last a lifetime. Study hard and keep the lines of communication open with your professors. Remember to make time for yourself and embrace the knowledge, opportunities, and friendships at hand.

you definitely have to come visit the campus, look around, sit in a couple of classes, TASTE CAMPUS FOOD!!! and find out about deadlines of financial aid

Make sure to visit during the school year, take a tour, and if you know anyone who goes to the school ask them any specific questions you may have.

Beginning college is tough. It is the biggest transition because as teenagers we are used to having mom wake us up in the morning, get our food ready, bug us to do our homework, etc. Choose a college location based on how comfortable you are with leaving home. Visit as many colleges as you can beforehand in order to get a feel of what it would be like to go there. You should really know beforehand that it is not all fun and games. If you go in and don't take it seriously you can definitely flunk out very easily. You won't have your parents there pushing you to do well or teachers reminding you about assignments. You have to stay on top of your goals and remain determined in order to succeed. I'm on my second year and I am still learning and getting used to my time management skills. I have to be able to review my notes outside of class, study, get involved with extracurricular activities, maintain my social life, and spend time with my boyfriend. It can be overwhelming but hey that's life and college is meant to prepare you for that.

Attention College-bound students and parents: College is an exciting time in a young person's life. It's a time to grow academically, spiritually, and interpersonally. It's the first step towards adulthood. Of course before getting to this point, homework must be completed, tests and quizzes must be taken, participation in clubs and extracurricular activities must occur, and the dreaded SAT's must be taken!!! My advice to you is "Don't stress this process! Relax, take a deep breath! Set aside time to develop a plan! Follow through, and it'll be smooth sailing from there on out!" The most essential step in the college application process is visiting several schools. Upon the visit, ask the tour guides questions (they're friendly--trust me). If you apply to a handful (10 or more) just visit the ones that are closest and the top picks. Also, see if any schools offer a virtual tour on their websites. Additionally, apply for as many scholarships and grants that you can find (via the internet, school, family connections, etc). Finally (for students), upon choosing a school, MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE! Study hard and get involved on campus!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Go to school were you feel most comfortable, learn the most about the school before you get there. when you get there stay in your books but, have fun, all work and no play is not a good plan. Be yourself and stay true to who you are.