Stonehill College Top Questions

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

Jessica

The advice I would give to myself is: just be Jessica. Don't try to impress other people by doing things that are not your style. Don't try to act like someone you are not. Just being Jessica is enough and you should not have to justify that to anyone. This may mean that you have to work a bit harder to find a group you fit in with, but that extra effort will be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} worth it in the long run. Take the time to find those people that truly like you for you and hold on to those people, they are the ones you will be friends with for a long time to come. So, just be Jessica and enjoy the crazy, emotional, educational and never-ending-fun that is the next 4 years of college.

liam

I would tell myself to try and make as many friends as possible because it will help in the long run. Also be prepared for anything when it comes to your roommate.

Nikia

If I could go back in time as a high school senior I honestly would tell myself, " I have worked really hard to get my high school diploma at a rigorous college prep high school. College will be difficult but I CAN'T give up because I deserve a college education and money should not be a reason to not attend. If I work hard in school I can accomplish anything no matter what it is!" With that mentality I would have went it to college with a better attitude and not have felt so timid because I'm a minority struggling to afford school.

Ryan

Put yourself out there more! The people at Stonehill are nice and outgoing, but you have to be willing to try to make friends instead of waiting for others to approach you. Also, don't act like you're still in high school. At Stonehill, you actually have to study for a few hours a week in order to do well. And, no, being able to ace the AP biology test and intro biology course without studying does not mean that you don't have to study in the future. Either you can accept that now or spend the next three years learning it. And, above all, be open-minded! Accept the fact that you can't plan out your life, as much as you may want to. Because it may just turn out that you don't actually want to go into research after graduation. It's even conceivable that you could end up applying to -gasp- nurse practitioner and physician assistant graduate programs. It's okay to admit that you aren't sure what you want to do next year, let alone for the rest of your life.

Katherine

Don't be afraid to go to a big school. No matter what college you go to, there's going to be a transition period: meeting new people, getting to know the campus, and learning how things work. So don't limit yourself to a small school that has little to offer you culturally, musically, and socially. Taking advantage of all that is available is the most important advice. College is a time to explore and discover what is right for you--take advantage of that and use these four years to learn exactly who you are.

Timothy

Since I spent most of my highschool years sleeping in class, I would tell myself to stop sleeping and study more. Graduated with a 2.9 GPA from highschool, and now that I am in college many years later, I have proven that I am smart enough to carry a 4.0 GPA. If I would only had applied myself and did better in highschool, I could have earned scholarships and could have had a much better career with a much better lifestyle. I would tell myself to to stop being lazy and work hard to get the education that I would so desparately need in the future. I would suggest that I apply for every scholarship available and to take advantage of every opportunity that I can because even though I could not afford college when I was that young, my mind could have brought in the money through scholarships, grants, and good grades.

Gabrielle

If I had to go back to senior year with advice, I would tell myself to relax. By no mere exaggeration I was a ball of anxiety during high school and went into college the same way. It took me over a year to really escape the overwhelming anxiety that I faced due to my self-imposed pressure. So what I would say is that grades do not matter as much as you think they do. It does not make a difference if you get an A, A-, or B+ so stop making yourself crazy in classes that are not worth the effort. This was the greatest realization that I made in college and something that I have passed on to many freshmen over the years.

Gabrielle

I would tell myself to take more AP classes and to work on my study habits. I was not fully prepared for how challenging my college classes were and the amount of time I would need to spend studying outside of the classroom in order to succeed. If I'd taken more AP classes I would have had a better idea on what to except from a college class, and maybe even could have gotten out of a few if I'd done well on the AP exams. I also would tell myself to not worry about meeting new people. It's extremely hard leaving behind your friends and family, it's scary at first, and it does take time but you'll make friends and they'll become like your family. And college will become your home away from home.

Jessica

During high school, I consistently challenged myself with a rigorous course load at an International Baccalaureate school. In addition to a rigorous academic program, my high school also embraced service as an important element of our education. Throughout high school, I volunteered at Special Olympics, volunteered in a hospital, volunteered in a library, interned at an aquarium and participated as Co-Captain at Relay for Life. Volunteering ultimately led me on a personal journey to becoming an active, contributing member in my community. My high school experience has also shaped my confidence in a very different way – the confidence to be myself. In addition to receiving two high school diplomas, the rigor and intensity of my high school curriculum definitely prepared me for college. I have set many life goals that I wish to accomplish and am thoroughly enjoying my jouney at Stonehill College. Although I am closing one integral chapter of my educational journey, I know this spirit will continue throughout my new academic venture in college. I have set many life goals for myself that I wish to accomplish; however, I am currently focusing on enjoying the experience.

Alexandra

The sooner you get involved on campus, the better. Stonehill has so much to offer, so start taking advantage of it from the get go! Join a club, take a class you never though you'd take, try a new sport, take a dance class, run for a student government position. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the community here, so DO IT!

Lauren

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to shine. I did not realize the importance of confidence as you go through your college years. I would remind myself that I do have a future. I can achieve my dreams. I can live a happy and successful life despite what others may believe. In the words of Marianne Williamson, "Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do." This is not to say arrogance is acceptable; rather, it is to say that by radiating a wonderful person, wonder will be refracted back to you.

Holly

Attending college has given me a new outlook on life. The many interactive, discussion-based classes that I have had at Stonehill College allow me to contemplate multiple issues that are prevalent in today's society. I have the ability to sort through dilemmas that I would not have been able to solve had I not received this education experience. I am also more open-minded and more readily able to consider other views, not just my own. Such an endowment is vital in today's society because there are so many social issues that remain unresolved.

Kathleen

Allow yourself time to adjust to the college setting and life living away from home. It will be hard the first semester of college, even the first year, but once you get used to your classes, the amount of homework and living away from home and high school friends, everything will fall into place. Make sure to allow time for fun as well as schoolwork, for if you spend all your time on academic work you can burn out ,leading to deterioration of your physical as well as psychological health. However, don't allow the fun and new atmosphere of a college campus lead to your schoolwork being affected, for it will only hurt you in the long run. Partying too much can lead to damage of your GPA, which is hard to raise once it is established. College is a place where you will grow up and learn more about yourself as a person. You will meet lifelong friends, learn many valuable things, both academically and personally, and have the time of your life.

Alisha

The only piece of advice I would give myself if I had the chance to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school would be to put myself out there more. As a naturally shy person I have never been great at being open and making friends right away and I feel that hindered the first few months of my college experience. I also didn't get involved in too many things on campus during the first semester and I really wish I had. That would be something that I would tell myself to do if I could talk to myself as a high school senior.

Tazia

The most important advice would be to not worry so much about what you look like. The social life is important but education is far beyond that. Also I would not procrastinate with reading assignments, it is not worth staying up all night trying to get it done. It is much easier to do a little very night than all in one. Another helpfull tip that I have learned is to study the information that you learned in class, as soon as you can after. It helps me obtain the information better, and I don't forget the little details that the professors add in.

Helen

When you enter college don't havea set plan. Because you will most likely find that you do not like your plan after takinga couple classes, and seeing whatelse college can offer. Be open to trying new activities and pay close attention to your core classes because you might find a subject that interests you that you didn't know was out there. Don't expect to be ready when you arrive, because there will be a lot of adjustments in your life when going to college. You independence is more than just living away from your parents. You finally need to enjoy every minute of college because it only comes around once and this is the time when you find yourself, what you love to do, and who you will become; but never forget that you came to college for an education so have fun, but not too much fun. This is step one to your new life.

Michelle

If I was able to go back in time, I would tell myself that volleyball isn't everything and that I should look for schools that really suit my personality and that could help me define myself. I decided early in high school that I wanted to play volleyball in college, so my entire college selection process revolved around what schools I would be able to play at and receive financial aid. I would tell myself that college athletics are not the most important aspect while attending college and that opportunities for internships and work experience are important to develop invaluable skills for your career path. Juggling athletics and competing with other students for important internship jobs is not an easy task. While participating in varsity athletics can be a fun experience, the benefits from working a job in your desired field will be much more rewarding. I would finally tell myself that after you graduate college, it is most important that you are prepared to enter the workforce with as much experience you can learn from.

Katherine

If I had the opportunity to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior there would be a few suggestions I would tell myself for the transition to college. First off, I feel the hardest transition into college has been the step from high school writing to college writing. I would challenge myself to explore different writing styles and better my understanding of writing at a more professional level. Instead of trying to complete the assigned essay just to be done with it, I would recommend thinking about the topic in a deeper way. Secondly, I would tell myself that the trasnsition to college is much easier if you become familiar with the college I was attending. Due to the fact that I was extremely nervous of the transition, I often tried to not think about the next four years of my life. Instead, I should have set goals for myself for the beginning of my college career.

Amanda

I would tell my high school self to speak more in class, participate more. Participation is a large part of a person?s grade in all classes. I would tell myself to not be so shy, scared or insecure but to be confident and speak in class. To raise my hand, answer questions, and add to discussions, in the end it will help your grade and your understanding of the material. I would tell myself to be careful of how you spend your money. Money goes very fast with all of the different events, vendors, and nights out. I did not spend a lot of money but I wish I was still more careful and selective with my spending. I would tell myself to be more outgoing and sociable. I have done this more in college but still strive to be better; to talk to more people, be more social. I would tell myself to not care what others think, to be myself, and enjoy all of college. The time goes by very fast and needs to be cherished, live to the fullest.

Bacall

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as high school senior, I would remind myself to be open to all kinds of people coming into college. I went to a relatively small private Catholic school, where little diversity existed, so even coming to Stonehill was a bit of a culture shock. Even though I try not to pass judgement on anyone before getting to know them, I definitely has preconceived notions about people based on superficial characteristics. I would also advise myself to hit the ground running when I enter college, and get involved right away. Although I attribute this delay to transitioning into college, I still wish I got involved in extracurricular activities, such as SEA (Students for Environmental Action), sooner rather than later. The final words of caution I would give to myself are: the freshmen 15 is not a myth! It took my awhile to figure this out, but I finally discovered that alcoholic beverages and ice cream every night didn't exactly flatter my figure. It would have been a lot easier to maintain a healthy weight by taking preventative action, rather trying to fix it later.

Stephanie

I would tell myself not to freak out about the transition from high school to college, that everything will fall into place. I would tell myself to be more outgoing and talk more in classes at college and be open to different people. I would also tell myself that although college is a lot of hard work but I will learn so much and meet some of the greatest people.

Cortney

The college process is often built up to be an intimidating and feared ordeal but it doesn't have to be that way. The most important thing is to start early, give yourself plenty of time, and get started with an open mind. You definately want to look at a variety of schools so that you have plenty of campuses and experiences to compare one another with; you won't be able to determine which school is the right one until you've seen some that definately aren't the right school for you. Once you've narrowed down your search and are trying to determine which school is right for you make sure you have visited the campus and can see yourself living and being a studnet there, walking across that quad, going into that building, just living your life. Once you're at your school don't be afraid to get involved and force yourself to get outside of your comfot zone. Everything is going to be new, awkward, and scary and the only way to get rid of that is to emurse yourself in the community. Always listen to yourself and do what's right for you.

Aimee

In my opinion, a lot of students choose their college using the wrong reasons. Many base their decisions solely on things like academic prestige, athletic sports teams, location, or even size. In my experience, a college is made up of much more than it?s general characteristics. Each college is a collective community with different opportunities and diverse peoples, attitudes, and morals. Prospective students should make their college decisions based on whether their personal views are reflected in the academic environment. It is crucial that one feels somewhat comfortable in their surroundings in order to grow and succeed.

Ray

Upon walking on the campus for the first time and feeling a sense of belonging is one sign of discovering the right college or university. Observing the student body, facilities, and experiencing actual class time are the biggest key elements to finding the right niche in the institution that was meant for you. Afterall, there are hundreds of institutions throughout the United States alone and finding the right institution will influence the rest of your life. I recall being told, "College is what you make it" by several Alumni. This simple philosophy is the best description I can give to a prospective student upon being asked how to make the most of the experience. Colleges have an impressive multitude of resources and it is really up to the individual as to how well they wish to make use of those tools. One can go through four years and not participate or you can engage what the college has to offer and make that time a truly fruitful experience. The resources are present, it is simply up to the individual to reach out and take advantage of all there is to offer out of this life.

Kelly

I thought I knew where I was going to end up, and on the day that I got five rejection letters in the mail, that notion was flipped on its head. I spent all of my junior year and some of my sophomore year researching colleges, and spents hours and days on my applications during senior year. I still wasn't accepted to schools that I definitely could have flourished at. I think this was the best lesson, though, because it reminded me that college is college. You're there to learn and complete your degree and get yourself a good footing for your career. No matter where you go, if you go in with the right attitude, you'll love it. I ended up at a school that I thought was beneath me and I'm having a great time. I can't imagine having met better friends or professors at another school and I'm grateful everyday that those snooty schools didn't want me. I went into school with optimism and I'm enjoying every day of it.

Deirdre

Truthfully, as helpful as it is to have the assistance of parents, guidance counselors, and friends in the college search and decision making process, it ultimately comes down to what the student wants. The student must understand that he or she is making a commitment that he or she can hopefully stay with for four years. In that time, the student will be preparing for the rest of his or her life, and quite possibly be making friends and connections that will last a lifetime. Consequently, the student must be happy in the place he or she chooses. Students, do not be swayed in your choice solely because of what others say; rather, take some time to truly consider what will make you happy and where you feel you truly belong. As far as making the most of a college experience, GET INVOLVED! It sounds cliche and obvious, but it truly does make all the difference. The more clubs and activities you try out and lectures or programs you attend, the more people you meet who share similar interests, and the more you learn about yourself and what you truly enjoy.

Kayla

You have to go for what you want and not settle. You have to keep working for what you desire and go to the school where you will enjoy learning and will make you happy. Make sure you go to a school for the right reasons because you don't want to end up dreading attending the school you chose and be miserable for four years. Stay focused on your goals and work with your parents to settle the finances. Believe in yourself and you will achieve your goals. I know first hand this advice works because I will be a junior in the fall and will finally be transferring to the school of my dreams.

Kristen

I think to make the most of you college experience you need to plan ahead in a variety of ways. When visiting the school, make sure to talk with students that attend the school. They will be able to give you a better idea about what the school is really like and more truthful answers to the questions concerning campus life. Also, make sure parents and the student discuss financial aid opportunities and loan information many times throughout your college career. I was surprised when I graduated concerning some of my student loans but I feel if I talked to my parents about it each year, everything may not have been such a big surprise. Also, consider job opportunities during your junior year of school. Even now the economy is worse then when I graduated and you want to have a job or other definite plans before your graduation day. It will relieve a lot of stress and also make you feel better about your college experiences.

Melissa

College can be a tricky place to be...students often find themselves juggling a million things at once between jobs, classes, internships, having a social life, etc.. It's about studying and learning, but it is also about finding out about yourself and who you are, which can be pretty tough. As a senior, I know I have had my share of rough times, but overall, I am glad I have had this experience because I am coming out of it with a stronger sense of self and vision for my future. With that said, when you pick a college, make sure you listen to your heart and go with what YOU really want out of it, and VISIT the campus to determine if you can see yourself there. At college, don't be afraid to be yourself, even if it is different than most others, surround yourself with the right people, take opportunities that come your way because you never know what they might lead to, and seek out any resources that you think would be helpful. If you think you can do it and you work for it, you can. College truly is what you make of it.

Stephen

When choosing a school it is very important that you thing about the 'sterotypes' that the school has, although sterotypes are not always correct you are more apt to find many students that fit that sterotype than not, and if that sterotype seems to be a good fit for you, then I would strongly recommend checking out the school further and/or taking a tour and allowing yourself to know what you're getting yourself into. For example, if the school you are thinking about attending has a reputation for studying hard all the time and the kids there are sterotypical 'nerds', and you yourself like to play sports and don't find that you enjoy spending all your time studying, then perhaps it would be best to allow yourself to find a school whos personality is better suited to your own. All schools have certain personalities, and you just have to find the one that matches your own, you can do this by taking a tour or attending a class or talkign to people who have gone there/who attend said school.

Lauren

Go where you feel most comfortable. Your gut instinct is right.

Alexia

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college is to both research and VISIT colleges. As amazing as a college might look on paper or the internet, it is not until you are actually on the campus and experiencing the atmosphere first-hand that you realize if the college is a good fit or not. Once you are actually enrolled in the college, really embrace the new and exciting experience that is beginning. You are going to make lifelong friends that really turn into family, and along the way you will discover SO much about yourself and grow in so many different ways. My number one piece of advice would be to put yourself out there and join different clubs/activities in order to meet new people. When you first start college, everyone is going to be in the same boat as you, so it is the best time to make new friends and really put yourself out there. Focus on the school work, but don't let that be the only thing...make sure you leave yourself time to have fun!

Timothy

Realize that your undergraduate is very short, and that where you go to graduate school is what really matters. Get the best education that you can, the best GPA, and get involved! Passion will make you a success.

Jeff

Do not just depend on published surveys and word of mouth. Talk to students who have had good and bad experiences at the school. Be honest with yourself as to the type of school you should be at. Why go to a school in the countryside if you are a city person? Why go to a small school not near anything if you want to take advantage of the arts and sports options? Do not let your parents overly influence you!! Get organized soon so you can get off to a good start. You will likely make mistakes as far as lifestyle goes (too little sleep), just try to minimize these issues...

Alex

Finding the right college is a long, time consuming experience. The best way to prepare for this is to research different colleges and do it often. Make sure that you apply to a few schools that are considered "safety schools" just in case, but also go after a few "reach schools." You never know what the admissions office is looking for in their students so do not be afraid to apply any where, but understand the situation you are getting into and be prepare for rejection. However, do not let rejections let you down. If you don't get into the school that you absolute love, you can always work hard at another college for a year and apply again; and you never know, you could fall in love with the school you attend at first. Visit the schools you plan on are have applied to. Get a feel for the campus and make sure that you feel comfortable in that enviorment. Also make sure to look into the school's extra-curriculur activites. There is more to college than just studying in the library, have fun.

Casey

Parents should be open minded and supportive of their child's prospects and decisions in choosing a college. Students in turn should be conscious of their parents financial situation, location, and what they want from their college experience. Freshmen should do everything they can to become involved with their school and be friendly and social. It is a new place with new people and each person has a chance to change and start fresh. Students should have fun but also remember the goal of their years ahead and to find a balance between fun and work. The great thing about college is that it becomes such an integral part of your life. You eat, breathe, and live college. Whether or not that experience is positive is decided by the student and no one else. When people say that college is the "best four years of your life" they aren't lying; make the most of it.

andrw

Make sure to find a college that is suited to your academic interestes and needs, more so then siz, location, price, or campus. if a college can not provide the academics you are looking for it is best left off the list of applications, and academics after all are the most important aspect of college

Shannon

You're never going to find the perfect school. There will always be things about it that you don't like. But, talk to as many students as you can when you're on tour, through e-mail, or whatever. Be sure you get honest answers. Ask them what their favorite and least favorite parts about the school are. Determine what your priorities are for the school of your choice, and focus on that. Also consider that you'll be spending four whole years there.

Maeghan

Take tours and visit the colleges your REALLY considering a few times.

Sarah

Look at many different types of schools.

Courtney

As one of Stonehill College's Student Ambassadors, better known as tour guides, I know how rehearsed the facts and statistics of a campus tour can sound, especially to those prospective students who are like me and went on approximately twenty college tours. So how do you differentiate between this information and find the perfect fit for you? First, ask questions of yourself! When on campus tours, can you visualize yourself going to that school? Being friends with the people you see around the campus? Be informed! Do they offer the major you are interested in? What careers do alumni in your field hold? Does the school have the clubs and activities you are looking for? All of these questions are important, but most important is knowing your personal priorities and making sure your potential pick satisfies these. Once you have been accepted, there are numerous ways to make the most out of your four short years at school. Go in with an open mind, be ready to meet new people, and get involved. Involvement will lead to new friends with similar interests and better time managment skills. My final hint? Don?t blink - it goes by fast!

JM

Good luck, and apply early.

Jennifer

In order to find the best college for you, you need to first think about what you are looking for big or small, city or suburbs. From there you have to visit as many schools as possible to get a better idea of what you look for in a college. Once you move into campus in the Fall you MUST be outgoing. You can't wait for people to come up to you, you need to make the effort. Make sure to get involved with clubs, sports etc. You should also get to know your teachers well and make sure they get to know you well. You are going to need letters of recommendations and you need to have a professor that will write one for you. Lastly, always be positive, no one wants to be friends with someone who is always negative and complaining. If the school you chose isn't for you, transfer, it isn't the end of the world.

Samantha

In order to pick the right college, students must take a tour of potential schools. Tours allow prospective students to get a feel for the atmosphere and community of a college. Research is also an important factor in picking the right college. One should compile a list of schools that are geared toward their interests. Students need to research a school's size, majors, setting (urban or rural), and other unique distinctions. This will allow one to make a decision about which schools to visit and send an aplication. To make the most of one's college experience, one must get involved within the community. Students can do this by joining new clubs and activities. This also allows students to meet new friends and boost their resumes. Intramural sports are another way to find new friends and stay in shape at the same time. Therefore, become involved on campus and be open to new experiences in order to make the most of your college years.

Allyson

I say just visit the campus and really think to yourself, "Is this a good fit for me?"

Kaitlin

Definitely visit schools before even applying to them. Make sure that you like the school before sending in the application. After receiving acceptances, revisit the schools. When at college, GET INVOLVED!!! Join clubs, teams, intramural sports, anything and everything. Every school with have something that you are interested in. Make sure that you have fun with everything you do, even schoolwork.