Suffolk University Top Questions

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

neangkanika

always check online for scholarship choices and always visit your campus. when applying, always have a backup school. don't underestimate the school's ability to reject you.

Meredith

I would tell potential college students and there parents to explore all options before making a decison. Be sure to plan first for your finances and then location and quality. The most important thing is to listen to each other, I now I wish I had taken my parents opinions into consideration a lot more when I made my choice; at the same time I wish they hadn't pushed me toward a major I knew I didn't really have intest in. The whole process is a learning experience, not only in the education you will recieve at your new school but in how you arrive there, how you make it though, who you associate with, and where you focus your energy. Keep a balance between social life and school work and appreciate that you get to be in college when many are not and you'll get the very most out of those years.

Ashley

Be honest with yourself and your parents. Remember that YOU are the one who will have to sit through classes and walk around campus every day, not Mom and Dad. I suggest that you take a piece of paper and list (and do be honest) every hobby that you want to keep up with in college. If you go on a tour of a school and you can't continue with most of your choices on that list, then maybe that school isn't the best place for you to be. If you know that you would rather be partying than studying, try and find a school that has more of a 'work' atmosphere. College is really important today, and because of its competitive nature it can be easy to just shrug it off and quit. Stick with your classes, and try to attend as much as possible. Just because attendance isn't mandatory doesn't mean that your professors don't take notice of your absence. Above all, remember this: Don't sweat it. Although it seems like a very difficult and life altering choice now, there is always tomorrow. Know that it is okay to transfer schools later.

K

I advise everyone to look for schools that fit them personally. There is a lot of pressure over attending the right campus but that won't happen unless the person attends a school that fits them and is able to provide them with the things that they need most. It is not neccessary to listen to where friends are going, but instead, one should really shop around and find that school that they believe will provide them with a home away from home.

Joanne

I would ask them to find out the student to teacher ratio. That is important because some students only do well in a small school environment. I would ask them to ask about the school learning center, because there will always be a course that a student need s extra help in. Find out if they have a career center, job fairs to aid student while in school and after graduation find a job. I would also ask them to see what extra curricular activities that the school offer, it can be from diverse culture groups to major groups this allows students to bound with other students and make new friends. I would also find out if they have study abroad programs. this causes the students to open their eyes to new cultures. I would ask then to check out the schools program for their major and assure that , that school is the best school to advance their career and that the right resources and courses are there.

Marie

I would tell students to visit the college over night if they know someone who attends there so that people get the real feel for it. Parents should also look at financial aid a little more closely. If the student gets into the college make sure there is great availability to on campus houseing.

Daniel

I would advise to look into the college housing. Make sure you know the college repuation. Make sure they have all the classes you want to take. Make sure that the students are wanting to learn and not doing it because their parents want them to or else you'll end up attending a college that is over priced and end up with rich kids doing nothing in class which makes the teachers have to follow their direction and make the classes easier because high school wasn't hard enough and noone learned anything.

Emily

Boston is a city full of innovation and possibilities. Educational, personal and professional opportunities are here for the taking. A cosmopolitan city, Boston has a rich cultural and ethnic mix. Its diversity is part of its strength. Boston has a solid economy led by a thriving business and financial sector. For Suffolk students, it means they?re part of the life of the city. Step out the door of any campus building and you meet a bustling Boston street. The State House, Boston Common, Public Garden, Quincy Market, and the Financial District are all within walking distance. But there?s more to Suffolk?s setting than city landmarks. When you?re on our campus, you?ll know it. There might not be a tree-lined quad, but there is a strong sense of community and vitality. there?s always a lot of activity on campus. Suffolk students don?t hide behind campus gates and dorm room walls. Whether it?s through internships, community service or working at local businesses, in learning and in action, they are empowered to interact with the city around them.

adele

Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Take loans out only as needed/necessary and move out of your parents house only if absolutly necessary!!!! COLLEGE IS EXPENSIVE SAVE YOUR AS WELL AS YOUR PARENTS MONEY AND FRUSTRATION! Keep an open mind with EVERY person you meet; race, religion, nationality, political views etc etc; this person can not only influence the person you are, but also become one of your best friends. Take advantage of any and as many internships as possible; the more experience you have, the more likely you will know exactly what kind of career you would like to pursue. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! A mind does NOT always work well under pressure. Your social life is always very important but your academics and professional experience will open the doors to your dreams.. Respect, organization and balance are key to having a successful and meaningful college experience.

Sarah

The location is everything. You must amke sure you are comfortable with the enviorment you are being thrown into. Entering college is stressful enough thereofore, you want to pick a college or university that fits your lifestyle or one that you can easliy adapot to. Classroom sizes are also very important to the academic side of school. Some lecture halls have between 60-500 students in them. I personally want to be reconized as an indivdual rather then a minor part to a major whole.

Nathaniel

I would say that it is really important to think about how far away from home one can handle being... I went to school 3,000 miles away from home and ended up transfering to a school two hours away because I did not want to be that far from home. That is really an important issue that many students often overlook. Also really give some thought as to whether you want to live in a city or a town and what type of campus you are looking for. If you like to spend a lot of time outdoors or in bars and partying. Really try and be open to other people when you first get to school and give some new activities a shot. Find out what your school has to offer and be sure to take advantage of it. Have fun but make sure you remember what you need to do. If you know what program you want to be in be sure to find a school that has a good reputation for that program. Know your learning style... if you need small classes and go to a school with 200 person lectures it won't be fun.

Stacie

Advice that I would give parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of their college expereince is trying to found out what type of atmoshere you like to live in such as the city, county, etc. Find out what interests you the most and also know what kind of school community you are looking for such as the size of the school and how the class sizes are. Some students enjoy big lecture halls while other students love small classes where they can have one-on-one time with faculty members. But the one true thing that you need to follow always is your heart. It will lead you to the right place in finding what college will be best for you.

Sharniece

I would tell them to spend the time thinking about the the type of classes and environment of the college. The hardest part of selecting a correct college is figuring out what it is you really want to do. (which hardly anyone knows). Pick a college that has general studies if you are unsure of the type of career that you'd like to pursue. Check out the type of organizations, if you are into them, and see if they have what you like. Research the school and you can't go wrong! Good Luck and happy searching!

Roy

I would make two recommendations for those making the difficult decision of which school to attend. Perhaps the most important aspect is to make the decision for yourself. Don't listen to what school your parents think will be best, or choose the school which school your best friend from highschool will be attending. You will be spending the next four years at the school of your choice, not your parents, and if you are under the impression you need to keep your friends from highschool in your life, you have probably passed over the beauty that is facebook; don't worry, you WILL make new friends! I also believe that it is important for students to know what they are looking for in a school, both in regards to academics, as well as environment. If you want to study business, look at schools that specialize in business, not liberal arts. This will insure a higher quality education, as well as better job placement in the future. In regards to environment know exactly what it is your looking for. Do you want to school in a city, or in the country? Each will offer its own perks!

Casey

none

ashley

let the student choose the college because it's their life. if there's a will there's a way!

Colleen

Find a school that you feel will help you learn more about yourself, and don't limit yourself to just learning postivie things about yourself, because you learn just as much, if not more, from mistakes.

Alexa

go to suffolk.

Elizabeth

I would say to definitly trust your first instinct. My freshman year I chose a school based on what other people told me, I ended up transfering to a place I had originally looked at. I am much happier now too. You need to be open to every experience that is offered to you, and take advantage of every opportunity that you are given outside the classroom. The only way to get to know people, to learn more about yourself, and to give back to those around you is to have an open mind.

Robert

I would say that students must first tour the different schools that they are seeking to apply to in order to find out which one is the best fit for their needs. Some people may want an urban campus, while others seek a rural school. University size also plays a part in the process, as class sizes can be an important issue to think about. To those students, I would just tell them to make sure they really put a good amount of effort into their selections process, as they college they will be attending will basically be their home for the next four years. You do not want to be stuck in a place you hate for some of your education. Really pay attention to your own needs and choose a school based on how much it suits those needs and requirements that you have listed down. College is a fun and exciting part of your life, and there is no need for you to treat it like it is an unimportant event. Make the best choice you can, and you will not regret all the effort that you put originally into that choice in the first place.

Kim

Picking the right college was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. It is going to influence who you will become and what you will do as an adult. So once you have picked the right college you want to ge the most out of it obviously. Your spending all this money, you need to get your money's worth. My advice is to speak up in class, talk to teachers and talk to new people in your class or dorm room. Take advantage of teachers office hours if you have a question about anything, they love even talking about subjects other than the class your taking. I know when I first came to school I was very shy and held back but I have stepped out of my comfort zone because I have been so inspired by how outspoken and intelligent my classmates are that it makes me want to speak up. Also make as many friends as possible because as much as you love a school, if you don't have a good group of friends lean on during those tough finals or a night on the town, I guarantee you that you will want to transfer.

elizabeth

To find the right college parents have to leave their opinions out of it. New students must be able to feel comfortable and at home almost immediatly. A large part of the college selection process is about feeling, not statistics and rankings. There are so many to choose from, there will always be a right fit for everyone, therefore it is important that the student feel at home, however some may not find a school that they love. Just like relationships with people, it takes time to get to know one another, and a perfect fit may not always be clear immediately. It is also important to remember that things can change, a student can always transfer or decide to go somewhere else. Most importantly the parents need to remember that their child is the one going to be living there and getting the most out of the education, therefore even though they may be paying for it, what the child loves is more important than what the parent wants. Mot of all students need to learn to break out of their home routine and therefore different is a great thing, even if its scary at first.

Emma

Go on tours and ask lots of questions to students who go to the college. One tour can really make all of the difference. Decide what you want, if you want a city school, and a country school. Campus life, sports or being independent and making your own fun. College is what you make of it, decide what you want your expierence to be.

Andrew

You can make the best out of any college. To find a place that can suit all your needs is probably one of the hardest things a high school student will ever do, but once you go to wherever it is you choose, YOU have the power to make it better. Never have regrets and follow that hunch, that instinct, and you will find that the choice you make was the best. If you end up transffering, which is also a life changing opportunity, do it, but remember that you learned something great from this expirience. Consider everything and choose right, but when in doubt, follow your instinct and never look back.

George

Location, People, Family, Education is key. And should make your primary decision.

William

Personally I would measure the cost of traveling far away and take into consideration every vacation and holiday you would like to go home. I chose my school because it is not only fairly close to home, but it is also in the best city in the world (boston). A good piece of advice would be to decide if youd rather a rural or a city campus because the activities and ammenities will vary greatly between the two. I sacrificed having a big closed campus for having a whole open city at my fingertips.

Tamara

I would advise that the atmosphere of the institution be appealing to both the student and/or parent(s). This is the most important part of going to college. If you aren't in a comfortable environment, you would be less likely to want to acheive and succeed. The whole point to going through higher education is to succeed in life. So, Iwould visit/tour the institutions that you have been accepted to, prefereably during a semester. This way you can observe the interactions of the staff, student, programs, etc. My next emphasis would be on the accreditation the school has for the major that you are looking into. This is important, but I don't think it is that big a deal. A degree just shows that you have the determination and self discipline to hold your own in the real world.

wissam

you look for a school that best fits your interests and your major. you should also make sure your kids go to a school they want to attend as opposed to one the parents want them to go to. Have fun in school enjoy college be safe, and make sure you always have time to study since you are paying for a wonderful experience.

David

I would advise physically visiting each of your top five choices in order to gain a sense of the regular classroom atmosphere and everyday student involvement. Choose a school with students who ask lots of questions and are truly excited about learning, they motivate each other towards success. When you find the "perfect school" don't be deterred by the financial cost, there are thousands of scholarship and aid organizations ready to help you. Be confident in your choice and that it is right for your future. If you're not excited about learning when you step into your first classroom, chances are you won't be satisfied when you graduate. Best of luck in your search, David

Alison

Choosing a school should be based on what you hope to gain from your experiece. If you want to gain a social network, go to a party schoo but if you want to succeed in a professional field, it is necessary to weigh your options out. Choose a school where if there is a chance you may change your major, that they will accomodate that in order to prevent having to transfer and starting over again. Also, talk to strangers...even if it's a simple question about class... I have made many long term friends doing just that. Don't be afraid to try something new such as a class you may not have previously been interested in. Do not only socialize with people just like your friends from back home. Try to stay strong emotionally and academically because both can affect each other. Learn as much as you can because even if you may not use it in your career, it is still important to somebody. Most importantly, don't get too stressed out because you will not accomplish anything with 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfaction.

James

College is the greatest four years of your life right? Well sure if you managed to live through the stress from the year before. Picking the right school is a tough choice and theres no easy way to do it. My advice is to try and simplify it for yourself. Do the work needed so you have the options, dont be lazy. In order to have the best college experience you need options. You have to know yourself too. Don't apply to a school with 30 or 40,000 people if you dont want to be overwhelmed with new faces everyday. Simplify the stress by having options and going where it will make you happy. For the parents, guide your kids but dont make the decision for them. Let them visit as many schools as they need so they feel comfortable in the end. Dream big, expect the best, and engage in your school. The more involved you are the more people you will meet and more oportunities will be presented to you. Think of your school and everything to come, if you can smile with excitement and enjoyment your doing the right thing. Good luck.

Taryn

I would really not give the parents any advice besides letting their child decide on their own what is best (or what they believe is best) for them. The parents are not going to have to live there, make friends there and learn there so the choice is really not theirs to make. The best advice they could give their child is to do what feels right to them. For me, I knew I was going to love Suffolk right when a representative came to my high school to speak about it. It was in Boston but it was a small school. It was the best of both worlds; living in the big city while having a small enough school to not feel overwhelmed coming from a small town. I looked at a few other schools but I didn't get the excited feeling that I had about Suffolk when I visited them. I felt at home there. That is how someone should choose. They should find the place they feel comfortable at because if they don't feel comfortable it will make it all that more difficult to succeed.

Brittni

Really get to know the college before you decide to go. Don't go to a college you've never heard of. Also, it really helps if you know someone that has or is attending the college so you get the chance to visit, and see how it is on weekends. Ask other students how they feel about the college. Last but not least, make sure it is academically challenging otherwise it is just a waste of time.

Adam

Visit college campuses early and often! If a prospective student has connections at a college campus already, utilize those resources. Visit a friend - stay the night. Even if the visitor has a lousy time he/she can reflect and realize what they did not like about their experience. The more one can learn about how college life works, the better they will be able to determine an appropriate fit. When building a list for applications, diversify! You never know who may want you, and you may not know who you want. The more options the merrier. Once the letters arrive, re-visit the campuses, eat the food, talk to passerbys, look in classroom doors, envision yourself there. Finally, when you have made your decision and you arrive on campus in the fall, hold nothing back. Open your doors and your mind, embrace the different cultures experiences around you and the fun will find you!

Amanda

Never take the time that you have for granted. Make the most of your dorm living and college experience. And remember, always buy your books used and you never have to rely solely on the bookstore.

Kelly

Let your child apply anywhere that they want, its better to go away and findout that you dont like it then say close and wonder what it would have been like if you went where you wanted! college is a great learning and growing experience, the first step in building your own life!

Meagan

College experience really takes you by surprise. I applied to my university without ever having visited. It was one of my safety schools, and I didn't really consider going there. However, as soon as I step foot on campus, I fell in love. Visiting a campus makes a huge difference on your view of the college and it is worth a trip to see it. Part of the college experience is utilizing the services available to you. I found more than one summer job offered through a job fair at school; my involvement in the university program gave me a leg up over competition. Extra resources are available through libraries and, especially, professors. Professors are there to help! They can personalize learning, shaping it to your own needs, and can offer more than a book ever could. I was very intimidated when approaching one of my professors, but afterwards realized that he was more than happy to help. Never be afraid to ask questions!