Stockton University Top Questions

Not only have I learned what seems like a lifetime worth of material during just one semester, I have also gained the knowledge and importance of independence, responsibility, and self-reliance. I now realize every move I make must be intended to secure my future and better my chances in succeeding in college. I have learned everything from balancing chemical equations to the importance of friendship here at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and would not trade my experience at this college for anything.

As a high school senior, I dreaded graduation day because I loved my high school. I was indifferent when it came to making any decisions that pertained to college. I didn't care which college I attended, whether or not I lived on campus, which courses I took, etc. The one decision I had made about college was that I would try my hardest to avoid student loans. I have two older sisters who I've seen struggle with student loan debt for 10 years and counting. Therefore, I was planning on just attending whichever college would be the cheapest. As move-in day approached, I was emotionless. It was inevitable, just the next step in my life. I wasn't planning on having fun. I was going to college solely for an education. However, during my first week, I realized that fun in college was inevitable, as well. I'm having the most fun I've ever had. I love my college, and going to class, even those that start at 8:30 AM. If I could, I would tell my high school self that college could be fun, and that I should embrace the idea of college.

Given the option to go back, I'd make sure that I put more time into the college search process, specfically while visiting each school. College life has hundreds of aspects that many seniors don't take into full account while visiting or researching online. I'd give myself the advice to look at more student reviews, talk to more current students and look for honest opinions, and make sure that the area surrounding the college is a place that I can spend four years in. Also concerning the location, I'd look to make sure that there are businesses and opportunities for internships in my field without having to travel too far. This becomes very important towards the end of college, and I think many students can avoid transferring if they put in the extra time during their junior and senior years researching details that are of specific interest to them, rather than reading about facts and numbers that apply to the general public. In short, make sure the college experience you select best caters to your individual needs, and you'll find great success in whatever you do.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the greatest advice I would give myself about college is "IT'S ONE HUNDRED PERCENT WORTH IT!" When I graduated high school I wanted nothing to do with college. I thought that I could just make it and that I would "figure it out". The only thing I figured out was that college is definitely the right path for me. As for making the transition, I would tell my-"high school senior"-self that the switch from high school to college was a positive experience in all aspects. Classes are shorter and you choose them by what suits your desired career best. You are not forced to do anything you don't want to do. College well rounds a person and makes them intelligent in more ways than they could imagine. I am very thankful for all of the opportunities that will come my way and for all of the friends I have made and will make along the way. A high school student needs to know how broad their horizons can expand through the college experience.

If I could go back in time to talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to not only work hard, but to take everything in. College is about finding yourself and figuring out what you would enjoy doing in life to make a career out of it. To do this properly, you should join as many activities that you can and take classes that are not only interesting, but fun and rewarding! By seeing what is being offered, you can make the decision of your future with careful thought and consideration. So, entering college without an intended major is a great idea! You give yourself the broader aspect of seeing all the fields out in the world so you can choose something YOU enjoy, not what you think you will enjoy. It also does not matter what the rest of your family thinks. I know that it is important for their support, but if it is what your heart is telling you, do not let anyone get in the way of what you think that your dreams are.

Dear high school version of myself, Always be honest. Be honest to yourself and to those around you. You will be taken far more seriously if you speak honestly and straight-forward. No need to make excuses. It?s no way to live. No one cares. No one will send you to detention. Adults say it like it is, apologize when necessary, and learn from every experience. Good luck, Brege

I would say to really look into financial aid more and the options that are out there for paying the cost of tuition.

You should never give up on yourself. Your goals may change and the outcome may be different than you had initially anticipated, but that is "ok". One goal that you should continue to pursue is a degree, which is something you have earned that no one can take away from you. Be prepared for some failures, but brush yourself off and get back up again. You have an education to pursue and a degree to earn. You are no longer a child, in which your decisions are viewed as "easily influenced". You are about to become an adult. The transition of "think you're an adult" to becoming an adult in the "real world" is one that you cannot prepare yourself for. You must experience life, failures and successes included. There are people who can help you along the way, but you must be receptive to help. Outsiders view you differently then you view yourself. They can see your faults much easier than you can. Working in these faults allows you to know more about yourself than you thought you knew. This will make you more eager to achieve success; which is part of college student survival; an irrevokable education.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, there would be a few things I would tell myself to ensure my college life would be better from the getgo. The first piece of advice would be to try much harder to be outgoing. I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask people to hang out, make friendly conversation with whomever is near me, and be sure to keep in touch with those people who I did make friends with during the semesters. I would also be sure to forbid myself from sharing a dorm room with my cousin. Jumping at any opportunities that may come upon me in order to make new friends (such as the camping trip before the first semester began) would be strongly advised. Finally, I would state not to feel guilty for following my own dreams to help reach a future career that I want to be involved with rather than listening to the preferences of my parents and other family members. Anything correlating to social life and my future would definitely be spoken about in depth to myself as a high school senior.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself many things; it's difficult to sum it up in just 200 short words...I would tell myself; "Stay true to yourself, and never stop believing; you are smart, and you can do anything you put your mind to. I'd tell myself that yes, it is going to take a ton of blood, sweat, and tears, but it is possible, and college is nothing like high school. I would tell myself to just push through high school, ignore the students who don't care, and don't listen to the one's who tease you about caring so much about your school work. I would tell myself that even though I've been through a ton of challenges throughout high school, (including being diagnosed with diabetes, my father's diagnosis of Leukemia, and a battle with anxiety that put me on homebound for months) that I've proved many wrong when I came back to school, that I am a fighter, and, seeing what I have seen (the future); it was all/will be worth it."

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy every day. Everyone is feeling the same confusion about classes and being away from home. I would also tell myself to have a little more fun. Of course I'm at college to learn, but I'm also there to get the whole college experience. It's also important to make connections with teachers and to always buy your books online, the book store rips you off. Finally, I would tell myself not to do too much with track right after my appendicitis.

I knew when I had to make the decision of which college to attend it would affect not only my life for the next four years, but my future. If I could return back to my senior year of high shool, one of the biggest things to consider about college is: are your ready to live away from home? Your college choice can be immensly affected based on the answer to this question. Living away at college involves taking on more responsibilities and sometimes sacrificing things you have become dependent on such as your car. Some colleges do not allow freshman to have a car on campus. This is a big adjustment to students who are used getting in their car everyday and driving to the grocery store or the mall. It is a big adjustment from having something there everyday and becomming dependent upon it, to not having it there at all. Adjustment also involves making responsibile decisions such as choosing not to stay up all night and then sleep through class the next morning, doing your own laundry, and budgeting your own money. For some students this adjustment comes easily, but for other it is extremely difficult.

If I coulds sit down with myself in highschool I would tell me, "Be you and nothing else. You are strong, you are smart, you are driven, you are happy, you are flexible, you are moral, you are a leader. Strengthen you're qualities and mind, but do not forget who you are.

I don't think there is really a way someone can fully prepare themself for college life. Moving from high school to college, the transition was huge. Everyone is always excited and nervous when starting college. Unfortunately, freshmen year can be the best or worst time for you, however it is up to you to determine the fate of your college experience. I advise to find a balance between school work and your social life or your social life may take too much away from what you accomplish in the classroom. Another piece of advice is to get involved! Half of your college education is what you do outside of the classroom. Find a few clubs or activities that interest you. You will learn as much outside of the classroom and you will inside and that is something employers look for upon graduation.

I would tell myself to stay open minded because although Stockton isn't a Division I school, I have learned to be a strong student leader on campus. I would encourage myself to continue to apply for different scholarships and financial aid programs like the Education Opportunity Fund because this program helped with my transition into college. I would also tell myself that it is ok to be undecided and want to do a little of everything. I don't need to come into college knowing my major and how the rest of my life is going to plan out because as a senior I don't know what doors may open. Find out all I can about the college/university I plan to attend because they all offer different programs that you won't know about until late like a 4+1 program that will allow you to do one year of graduate work and put you that much closer to a masters degree and different study tour classes. Finally, I would tell myself to keep meeting new people because they are the ones that are going to expose you to the truth behind the school.

I think that I would not change or alter my decision. I love my current school and everything about it! It is close to my home, and very convenient for me. I am glad i made the right decision, although I would have to warn myself about how the huge expense of tuition. I am just overwhelmed with school loans, and maybe I should have gone to a community college first to save a little money. This debt puts a lot of pressure on finding a successful job right out of college. Also after Stockton College, I plan on attended a university to receive my Masters degree. This will just pile up my debt even more. Overall I believe I made the right decision, but I would tell myself to consider a community college first to eliminate some of my debt.

Back in high school I had no idea what to expect in college. I was clueless of the class selection process and how financial aid works. I would have asked my counselors more questions about whole these processes work. I would have probably tried to start saving money during my senior year, because now I am about to be a college graduate, it is difficult for me to find a job, and I am getting married in 7 months! I feel that I have made the most of my college experience. I had a great time living on campus, and meeting new friends. I do not feel like I was too unprepared, because I did well in my classes and I dealt with the transition pretty easily.

Going away and being far away from home is NOT the most important part of going to college. You really need to think about what situations will be good for you in the long run, financially, socially, and of course academically. There's going to be plenty of time to have fun and enjoy yourself, but don't get too caught up in and DO NOT forget to give back to the community and environment. The experiences you have throughout these years will be just as educational as the classes you take.

"Family is always going to be there, focus on your education and grade. You could do it!"

The advise I would give myself as a high school student would be, don't give up! Let me tell you a story Past Marissa. As a HIgh School student you struggled through school. It was not because of behavioral problems, you just had a difficult time comprehending certain materials. If it were not for God and your family you would not be where you are today. You may have taken longer than expected to finish County College, but you did it. You may have not been on the Deans list, but you persisted and have an associates degree to prove it! You will grow and prosper in knowledge at The Richard Stockton, and will be so appreciative for the oppurtunity. High School Marissa: you can do it, you can achive it, you can accomplish anything if you persist. Do not call your self dumb, because you are brilliant in your own unique way. Your stuggle will be a true testament to those younger and older than you. Keep your faith in God strong, and know that He will truly guide you all the way! You rock, and will influnce others towards greatness. Love, Marissa(Present)

"DO NOT TAKE AP CLASSES! PARTY IN HIGH SCHOOL AND STOP WORKING SO HARD!" is what i would yell at my 17 year old self if i was given a chance. I entered college with 32 transfer credits from AP courses and good grades. I worked more than any teenager should in high school, spending all my time worrying about my academics and extra-curricular activites. I thought, "the harder I work, the better my grades, and the harder classes I take, the farther I will succeed. " I'm now shocked to know how wrong I was. A majority of dental/medical schools will not take my transfer AP credit, even if it was already accepted at my instituation. Although I had academic scholarships that helped me pay for school, it was not enough and I've had to take an extra year anyway to make up for credits that medical schools will not take. If I would change anything about who I was 4 years ago, I would be more relaxed.

College is not the real world. It is highschool kids living in dorms next to each other with no idea what to do and with no mommy and daddy to tell them what to do and no authority. Ive seen kids lose scholarships, girls lose their virginity, and kids lose their lives. KNOW why your there!!! Once you get off course get right back on! Call your parents everyday they will put things into perspective for you. Make friends that are different than you become more accepting of the world and you'll grow as a person. Go to a party and dont drink the first time you go. Because you'll then see what guys/girls will try to do to you and how easy it is to be made a fool. Then and only then will you have a plan. Dont go to far from home no need to run away. You'll miss your parents the first week. Keep in contact with old friends! Most important go to class!! You dont go the teacher wont be mad they'll just FAIL you! Make them earn there money, speak your mind! Be open to new things!

look at a lot of schools, and find out about the actual program you plan on taking.

Start early on during your senior year. And really look in to schools. Go visit them when they have open houses and see what they have to offer. I know I didn't do that when I was a senior in highschool. I only went to see two schools and didn't even really want to be there. The first time I saw my college was on orientation day, thank god I like it, and didn't have to transfer.

to parents: let your kids make their own decisions about school. to students: RELAX. college is what you make of it and it is totally unlike high school. i am doing things i never would've dreamed of doing in high school. be yourself and try new things. you have 4 years to decide your future and to have fun!

The most important thing is to find a college where you feel you belong. A community that you can see yourself being a part of. If you're going to spend the next four years of your life there you have to feel comfortable on campus. Research as much as you can about the universities you are applying to, and have options. Don't get discouraged if your top choice turns you down. There are hundreds of schools out there. Even though the application process can be grueling, stay positive. Pick the college you love, not the one that you can settle for. College is what you make of it. The experience you have depends on how much you are willing to put into it. Participate, study, be social, cheer for your school's athletic teams, attend events, and just be a part of your school.

Sometimes the most expensive school isn't the best choice or the best education. To save money and get a great education you should look into your state's colleges. It's cheaper than going out of state and its the same, if not better education. With this economy, it's best to do whats going to be right for you. Just because you have a college degree doesn't mean you have a career-based job. It's better to owe the shopkeep a favor than the remainder on your tab.

You have to select a college thats best for you. If you enjoy small class rooms, then pick a college that suits that. You also want to pick a college where the faculaty are willimg to help their students succeed and find work after graduation. You want to find a beautiful campus that makes you feel comfortable. Finally you want to find a college where you can have fun, make great friends, and just be yourself.

The most important thing to take into consideration when finding the right college is whether the schools of choice have programs for the students future major. Another thing to keep in mind is location. If the school is in a busy city, the student may feel anxious about their environment and unable to completely concentrate on their classes. Don't forget to take the cost of the school into consideration as well. From personal experience, it can be very stressful dealing with the cost and loans. Lastly, make sure the student is ready to goto college. There are a lot of young people going to college who aren't quiet ready yet. Let the student know that there will be a lot of temptations on school but if they work hard on their school work instead of partying with others, it will pay off in the long run.

I would advise parents & students to really look at the academic programs that the school offers. The cost of a college education is so expensive now and if you have any financial hardships, it can be very stressful trying to concentrate. Talk with other students to get their views before you enroll and encourage students to talk to their parents about their goals-don't just go to school without a plan. Make sure you go over your class selections carefully and insist on getting help from your counselors. Don't just let them tell you what to take for requirements-DO YOUR RESEARCH! And finally, hook up with the right people who are heading in the same direction as you are because you can easily fall into the wrong group and cost yourself and your parents a costly venture.

My advice to parents and students who are trying to find the right college would be start early; as soon as you get the chance to look at colleges. Look at all types of schools, because you won't ever know that you truly love a small school if you have never been to a big or medium sized school. Most importantly, disreguard titles and reputations. Decide on the school you want by what seems to fit you (the student) the best, and what feels right as a school. One knows the school of their choice when they arrive, its a good and comfortable feeling. As far as making the most of the college experience, get involved! college is what you make of it. When one goes off to school, such great opportunities present themselves such as networking, leadership training, social developement, and things such as that. I would never have the commections that I do now if I had not become so involved my freshman year; I even was ab;t to become an RA duuring the second semester of my freshman year as well as an Orientaion Leader. And lastly, make wise choices, and be responisible for yourself.

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experiance would be to really research and find one that's a perfect fit. The most important piece of advice would be to do well in highschool so that you can get a scholarship to go to the school that you really want to and not have to settle for what's affordable.

I would tell people looking at schools to be thurough and not to get hung up on one. Really look around and search for the right school. Make sure they have everything you are looking for and not to settle for less because there are so many schools that one will have to fit what you are looking for. dont give up searching and do not be loose on your applications. Also if possible take tours and set up interviews.

The most important thing to do when finding the right college, is that you should definitely visit the campus. If you don't know what it looks like or where it's located, or even how the atmosphere is on campus you might end up regretting your decision. Make sure the college has your major if you are decided on what you would like to study. Also, you have to make the realistic judgement on whether or not this college you want to attend is in fact affordable, for you or for the person who is paying for the cost. You have to ask yourself if you feel comfortable being at this college by yourself if you are going to live on campus. Finally, you must want to go to the college and you must make the decision based on what you feel is right. The decision has to be for you and you only, not your parents or for your friends; because when it all comes down to it, your future is in your hands...

Do your homework! Visit schools, ask questions, and make sure you know as much as you can find out before you choose the school you will attend!

Look for a school that has the major you desire and is well known in the community or state. Better to go to a bigger school then smaller due to you seem to get better teachers. Athletics can open up windows that your grades might not let you get into. Always talk to multiple students on vists to see how they truely see the school not just the way advisors and tour guides see it. Students will let you know their true feelings and how the classes are. Better to attend a good academic school over a party school because you future should be the most important thing when attending college and this is while i transfered schools to get a better education then my last college.

Always try to visit the college. Don't just take the tour the college provides, go off on your own, talk to some "real" students (not just the tour guides). Go out into the surrounding community- make sure it is really the RIGHT school. Do not trust the reputations attached to a school's name until you see for yourself. Once you choose a school, go to the freshman orientation- it is an easy way to meet some people before you even move in to the dorms (or where you might be living). Once you do move in, meet the people living around you. Chances are these are going to be some of your closest friends for the next few years. Leave your door open. The biggest thing though: go to as many events as you can and meet as many people as you can. The connections you make in the first few weeks of that first semester can have a BIG effect on the next few years of your life.

Make sure people there are similar to you

If you are not sure of your major yet, go to a community college and then transfer to a good college. Community college will bring your grades up and save you money for your first year, then you can decide what you want your major to be.

College is your key to a successful future. Many students chose schools which take them to far away places or where they can have the best possible time but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that college is for your education and to make you the best person you can possibly be. When looking for schools, parents and students should look for a school where they can get the best education for the field they intend on working in. It may not be the school which is right by the beach or near cool clubs, but it will help you be prepared to go into the real world. There is always time for fun, but time management is also a very important lesson to learn. I am involved in cheerleading at my school, a theater group, and I work two jobs while attending school full time. Even though I'm constantly on the go, I make time to relax or involve myself on campus and become a integral part of campus life. Enjoy your time in college with friends and activities but don't forget why you're there: to learn.

To have a lot of different choices and make sure to stay on campus for a weekend to see what its really like.

I would suggest to definatly go to a 4 year school. Don't waste your time going to a 2 year school first hoping to transfer later. Look into your local state schools first, especially if the student is unsure about the distance. Most students become home sick and wind up changing schools any way. The only true way of finding the perfect school for you is taking tours and paricipating in overnight orientations.

Visit the Campus

The advice that I would give is to definitely visit as many schools as you can. It will give you a better feel for the school that is right for you. If the school has the option to spend a night with one of the students, definitely do it. Its the students who can give you the most insight into the happenings around the school. If you are able to, join clubs and activities because that is where you will meet the most people especially if you are going to a school where you dont know anybody. In your freshman year, dont get wrapped up in all of the partying and things because I've been there and it really messes with your academics. When registering for classes, always check on ratemyprofessors.com to see what students had to say about their professors because it helps to match you with a professor that will work with you. Also if you are the type of person that is easily distracted by friends, then do not take classes with them because they will definitely distract you! But if you arent, then do it so you can study together. Save book $ half.com.

I would take your soon to be college students on visits to the schools of their choice and encourage them to stay on campus instead of at home that way they can experience a true college experience

Size can be a very important factor. If a person feels out of place at a large college, that may not be something that can be easily overcome. There are smaller colleges out there that are just as good as the large ones, you just have to look a little harder. Also, don't just go to the open house events. While these can be very informative on the technicalities, they are rarely informative on the actually college experience. Some colleges have overnights and let you sit in on classes. These experiences can be much more informative. Also, while it is not completely accurate, look at rating sites like ratemyprofessors.com for student reactions to professors, especially ones that teach subjects you are likely to take. Since money is always an important factor, always research scholarships at the offices and keep applying. Above all, don't just rely on websites. Physical visits are the best way of getting the "feel" of a college.

I would say that you should definately visit each school. I saw a few schools but immediately when I drove onto the stockton campus I knew it was for me. Make sure to ask questions about the schools services no matter how silly they seem, this way you'll know for later, and there's probably someone else thinking the same thing. Don't pick a school because of parties or sports, but because you feel comfortable being there and it reflects your personality.

Many students feel a lot of pressure to choose the perfect school for the career they want to have and to go to the best undergraduate school possible. My school is probably not the highest ranking institution, but I am learning so much every day. Choose a school that won't leave you tens of thousands of dollars in debt when you graduate, especially if you plan on going to graduate school. You can get a good education no matter what school you go to, it's up to the students to get as much out of it as they can and take advantage of all the opportunities and resources available. Even small state schools like the one I go to have great resources for students to learn in and out of the classroom, to connect with people in their field in the real world, and to engage in extracurricular activities. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I'm getting a great education and won't be in a lot of debt when I graduate with my bachelor's degree.

Make sure that you know what you like. Doing something for a living that you hate, even if you make good money, will make you a slave to your job and make you miserable. Also, LISTEN to your student about what they like about a campus and what they don't like. Don't force them to go to a school you like but isn't right for them, it's their time for school, not yours. Keep in mind that the best campus for your student may not be the closest to your home, it might very well be in another state or even across the country, let them choose. Study abroad should be mandatory since it is a great experience and gives a perspective not gained when you just stay at home but can give you an outside view of your own homeland, a must for every student!!

When choosing a college, make sure to go and visit them. It's great that many schools can show you everything online, but you won't really know the school until you go see it for yourself. See if you can shadow a student for day so you can get a feel of typical college day. Go for tours and ask students at the college questions. Consider the type of area that you like living in (rural or suburban), small school or big schools, classroom size (25 or 100), the food, and the area around the school (beaches, malls, theaters, transportation. A big part of looking at schools is going to see the living facilities. If you live on campus, you'll live there for a year or more and you want to make sure that you'll be comfortable there. Parents and students should also look at the academic program. Do they have your major? Do they have access to jobs or connections for jobs in your field? Also, do they have a variety of classes and courses so you can look at every major and really get a feel of what you want to do in your life.