SUNY at Albany Top Questions

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

Lynnette

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM AND STOP BEING SCARED! It's going to hold you back if you don't believe in yourself. You are intelligent and you just have to stop thinking pessimistically. Nothing comes easy and you have to bust your B-U-T-T to get what you want. Please don't settle for an easy route, because honestly, it's only going to make things more difficult for you at the end of the day. Yes, it takes a while to adjust. Yes, it' scary and sometimes you will want to give up - just like you did in high school. BUT YOU MADE IT! And if you made it this far please just go for what you want. I promise you it will be an amazing journey and it will all be worth it at the finish. Push past all of that fear, that is the most important part. You have all of the support you can imagine. When you're afraid someone will always have your back. Now go do what you really desire - never ever settle for less than that. When you realize you settled, you'll also realize you made a big mistake.

Amanda

I would tell myself to make as many friends as possible and to not stick to one group of friends. I would also tell myself to absolutely join an abundance of groups on campus. Getting involved is the most important thing you should do when going to college. Focus on your studies your freshman year and get to know every professor you have from the first day of college to the last. You do not want to start with a low GPA because bringing it up will be hard. Still have a social life on the weekends but during the week, study , study , study. Also, still keep a close connection to the people in your life back home. It is easy to not talk to your loved ones for days on end while you are away at college. And lastly, learn how to BUDGET your money!

Marissa

Embrace the nervous excitement you have about college, don’t let it hold you back. Take every opportunity you have to explore something outside of what you’re comfortable with. These experiences are the most rewarding. They help you realize who you are or an interest you have that you may have never known. Take advantage of the time you have to figure out who you are and who you want to become. Try to envision the kind of future you want to have and make the necessary steps to get there. Everything you get from college is earned, not given.

Peter

I would not give myself any advice. If I went back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would change my past, I would not have the same experiences as I have had, and I would not be me anymore. Logically, I can't see how the present version of myself could exist, without making the many mistakes I have learned from. I could not encourage changing my past path, because my current self would no longer exist. My point is: regrets are counterproductive. Experience is the greatest teacher. We live, grow, mess up, grow some more, roll with the punches, hit the ground -- running, or flat on our face -- and pick ourselves up when we fall down. Without my many mistakes and "learning the hard way" I would not be the person I am today, and I don't want to be anyone else. If given the opportunity to talk to my high school self, I would decline... he's a smart kid, he'll figure it out eventually... or not. Life is meant to be lived with risk.

Emily

Your biggest enemy will be yourself. The stress you pile on, the assignments you let pile up, it is all a self-sabotaging system. Overcome it by learning to breathe and welcoming the future even if it scares you, because I know it does. You do not need to tell anyone because they know too. Your existence seems to rest on the moments you are having now. You make bucket list with friends, you try to fit in some last ditch teenage rebellion. All are good efforts, but it is for naught. Life will keep going and the experiences you have had so far are specks in time to what you will experience as you keep living. My best advice is to take it by the day and learn to breathe because someday you will look back at all the stress and just laugh to yourself at how petty all the drama was. Breathe in acceptance, breathe in relief and breathe to remind yourself to keep on swimming.

Katarina

When that joyous day on which we receive our high school diplomas finally arrives, some of us have clearly defined the rest of our lives. We know what career to pursue, where to live, and how many children to have. Two years after graduation, I can say that my current plans have greatly deviated from the ideals I set then. Having gained experience outside the realm of high school and in the larger world of academia, the plethora of ideas, people, and places to which I have been exposed has changed my outlook on life and helped me grow in more ways than one. Today, I would go back and assure the high school senior version of myself that goggles are not needed for the dive into the unknown. Intricate plans can be made but they are not always executed; it is natural and okay to change course as we are influenced minimally or tremendously by each of our experiences. Ultimately, shape your plans around your dreams but find comfort in the fact that we are dynamic creatures whose aspirations are destined to change, for it is impossible to foresee the mystery that is what makes the future incredibly beautiful.

Stephen

I would have told myself that it is ok to be afraid. After high school ended, I avoided making many major decisions with my life, mostly because I was afraid of failure. I loved music, linguistics and history but I allowed myself to be talked out of pursuing these subjects for fear of the lack of prospective jobs. I realize now that, while people who gave me this advice may have been sincerely concerned, I should have listened to my heart. It is ok to try and fail. It is NOT ok to not try at all. That has been my biggest regret. Now, after a few years of staying in my comfort zone, I am beginning to break free from it. I am taking well-calculated risks. I have pushed myself to start playing live music again. I am meeting new people. I have a GPA which I have checked over multiple times in joyous disbelief. So, this fall I will be studying what I am passionate about, not what can get me the most money or the nicest things. Though I will encounter challenges along the way, it will be with determination that I pass through them.

Leah

Go to class, join more clubs on campus

Saskia

It's 6 years later and you've done it! You've earned your bachelor's degree and this Fall you will be a graduate student at NYU. You're feeling good, albeit a bit stressed over finances and living arrangements. That's something I'd like to warn you about, since I am well aware of your saving habits. As you enter college remember you are working towards the future! Saving is key, since I know from experience that we will always work hard (that will never be an issue, it's in our blood!) but also always find a way to spend it. Aside from this, I want you to remember that anyone offering free advice is worth listening to. You will hear a lot of information and it seems difficult to sort through it all but most of it is worth knowing. Be patient and try not to be distracted from what you are being told, in and outside of the classroom. People have your best interests at heart if you surround yourself with those you love and admire! So- be kind, be patient, be thoughtful because the future holds some difficult and fantastic things for you!

Michael

Don't be afraid to be bold and out there. I regret not doing that a lot in my freshman year cause it probably would have made it way better. Suck it up and write your damn papers, I know they suck but it's worth it in the long run. Also join the sketchy characters, they're an awesome group.

Danielle

If I was able to talk to my high school self I would tell me that in the summer after I graduate I should go to the community college in my area and I need to take a couple classes. Something along the lines of calculus or physics would be best. Having some of these classes under my belt before heading off to college would have greatly helped me in my major. Although I had taken some college level classes in high school I didn’t really take any that could really put me a step ahead in my college career. Also I would have told myself that I should probably take the college level chemistry class my high school offered so I could finally get that class out of the way. Maybe even taking night classes during my whole senior year would have been something to consider. I believe I could have done it back then and it would have helped a lot now.

Emily

I would tell my high school self to not be afraid to get involved. I would tell myself to sign up for tons of clubs and meet lots of new people because making these connections to other students is critical in being able to succeed in college. Interacting with all these new people will be so benificial to your life in the long run even if it might be hard in the begining. Another thing that I would tell myself would be that college isn't has hard as I thought it would be. In high school I learned things very quickly and I never really struggle with a particular subject. When I heard all of these college horror stories I got really worried that I wouldn't be able to handle it. But now that I'm here I realize that being academically succesful isn't out of my reach. I would tell my high school self just to pay attention, go to class, and do your best and you will have no problem with the amount of work there is in college.

Nathaniel

It's the end of GradNight 2010 and all of the seniors in my class are exhausted. We had been at Disney California Adventures on rides, laughing, dancing and enjoying the moment of celebration. Nostalgia is the feeling. It's the beginning of 2013 now and I've spent the last year and a half working for a non-profit organization. They sent me traveling all across the country to speak at high schools and universities. It was the endeavor that I always craved. I left the town I grew up in and saw America. I'm home now, sitting on my parents couch, no money, no education, no car and stories of adventure in my heart that I hope to share. If I could send a whisper back in time and if that whisper could find its way to Nate Pavon who thought GradNight2010 was the mountain top, the light at the end of the tunnel, the dream.......'GO, DO NOT STOP' is what I would whisper. Whatever track your life is on just love the people around you, work hard and above all, love God. GO, DO NOT STOP enjoying the moments that make life beautiful.

Stephanie

Do everything that you can to get to where you want to be, dreams won't come true on their own!

Chelsea

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, some advice I would give myself is make sure I am prepared for college. Be prepared to study a lot harder, do a lot of work, and continue to focus more. With these things, I can become successful. Also, I would say going to a community college is much easier than going to a four year community college. Also, going to a communtiy college prepare and give you some experience on what college is like for when I transfer to a four year college. Some other advice is always give my best effort in everything I do for school whether its a project, test, homework, quiz, or a exam. The reason for this is because everything you do for class helps you out in passing a course. Last, just do my best, give my all, and never settle for anything less.

Deborah

I would tell myseld to major in environmental science and to go to George Mason University. I would also say that you should be who you are and not worry about what other people think, especially your family. Do what is right for you.

Gold

"Do not take things lightly. I know you think that college is going to be just like high school, with few assignments, teachers who you have a personal relationship with, an amazing social life, and sufficient time to watch movies and catch up with long distant friends. College is a whole lot complicated, and tough. You have to focus, prioritize, and be at the top of your game. Most importantly, set goals, know what you want to achieve because without these goals, you would be like a man driving without a set destination. College is filled with a lot of distractions. The freedom makes you do things that are insane and these things, you would regret when your end of semester result comes out. Always remember that focus is the key to a successful college student".

Hui

The transition from high school to college may be hard, but I think the best way to go thought it is the prepartion and self-control. Prepartion you can know what your schedule is like and arrange proper work time or other things you want to join in the school activity, self-control is improtant because college no body will remind you for anything and you, suddenly have too much of freedom you may lost yourself in a mess.

Sharon

I wish I could actually do this from time to time. I would have told myself to stay focused on my school work, put aside my family issues and retail work load and focus on myself. I would have told myself to be a bit more selfish for me, I spead myself thin sometimes and it take a toll on a person after a while. I am a people pleaser, but I forget about myself sometimes. I would have tried to focus less on everyone elses issues and kept my head in my books. Everything would have been much different had I tried harder to be there for everyone else and myself as well.

Joseph

Joe, You have a prospective future ahead of you, but be weary. Don't commit to a major too early. Get more involved and remain optimistic in your endeavors. Try not to let others bring you down. Study dilligently and at least a half-hour more than what you find comfortable.

Lashana

If I were to go back in time to my senior year, I would tell myself to stop worrying. I would tell myself how easy and non-scary college actually is, and I would tell myself about the fun activities that Calhoun offers.

Maria

When I was in high school, I actually didn’t have any plans to attend college. Because I didn’t have motivation to go to college, I didn’t really strive to become the best student i could be. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make more effort in school because it would pay off in the long run. I would also tell myself to take more advances classes that would better prepare me for college classes. I would advise myself as a college freshman not to take more classes then I could handle. The last thing I would tell myself is not to take too long deciding to go to college. I took a break after high school. That break lasted four years, and now I’m regretful because I could have almost been done with my degree.

Brittany

If I could go back in time and tell my high school self about college advice, and I really wish this was possible and that someone could have warned me, I would start by explaining that college provides a vast amount of possibilities and activites for networking yourself to the world and this should be taken advantage of. There is plenty of fun to be had in college but you must be responsible, for goodness sakes, go to class! Make a scheduele and stick to it, that goes for classes, homework, tests and even social gatherings. Organization helps with everything in the hectic college life. Join more clubs, be apart of something or a lot of things; again, with the networking it's important to know people. Put yourself out there as much as possible because you never know where it can take you or the opportunities it can give you. Start payments on loans and apply for more scholarships. Last, but not least, enjoy the time you spend in college because eventually you have to graduate and start a career based on what you've learned.

Auday

I was right about I already knew about Suny Albany

Tatiana

It is extremely important to see an Academic advisor to go over your own strengths and weaknesses, what you like and dislike, and how you see yourself in a few years. These assessments will help an advisor to guide you through careers that best fit you. As a new high school graduate, is important to explore the professions and job market and areas where you would like to live, and if you are willing to even relocate. Relationships and people you are involved with also influence the direction that you may go to, whether is to promote you in a positive or negative way, so be wise and careful about the choices you make and the people that surround you. Saving by getting a part-time job is another big aspect for a college student, and developing healthy financial habits are crucial to succeed in college. In that way, unnecessary debt would not interfere in the student’s sound mind, which is indispensable to perform in school and get ready to exercise in the chosen profession with a fresh and positive mind and attitude. Preparation and projection prior to starting a career is key factor to become a remarkable professional.

Jennifer

Personally, I was very overwhelmed about my choices for college. Going to high school in New York State, I had a lot of state schools to choose from for college. I ended up choosing my school mainly because I knew a few friends that were going there. If I had to do it all over again, I would have spent more time researching more details about each school to find the best fit for me. In the end, it actually worked out in my favor and ended up being a good choice for me. I think it is important to research your schools early on in your junior year. This way you can take time to make an nformed decision on what school will be right for you.

lauren

I would tell myself do go into college more open-minded. That picking a major going in was a bad idea. To take any many course in your first year that have to do with everything so I would get a feel for everything. I would tell myself to be a little more open and not be as shy becuase people are not as mena or judgmental as i thought. Most importantly I would tell myself to have fun and make mistakes because those are the things that shape the person you will become.

Brittany

Dear High School Self, First thing is first, be on top of your game; by game I mean academics. Remember sitting in class listening to your teacher lecture about how easy high school was and how college would be nothing like it? And then you, sitting there thinking " whatever, that’s what they said in junior high about high school." I’m pleading with you now to heed their warnings because all those lectures had purpose. I’m asking you to become the intellectual you have the potential to be now, so that you can be ahead of your fellow peers instead of struggling to barely keep up. I am you, as a college student and I’m obligated to tell you that the class work is hard, there will be no more 4 paragraph essays, nor will there be movies days where your allowed to slack off. Attending a university requires commitment. I’m not asking you to eat, sleep, and breathe academics but I am asking you to put as much time possible towards it. Though you may be smart, remember this quote: "Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard." -Unknown

Andrew

Try not to bite off more than I can chew. Sometimes I find myself involved in too much and I lose focus of what I'm truely there to do which is to learn and be successful so I can move on to graduate school. I would tell myself to take it a little slower, find a routine that fits and work around it with the activities and work that i chose.

Thomas

If I could give myself advice, I would write a letter like this: Dear Tommy,Don’t worry. I’ve been ahead of you, and though you won’t end up where you expect, you’ll be okay. Actually, you can’t even guess how good things are going to be, even if you mess up, like I have. Study hard. Physics is rocket science, after all. You’ve got a life to live, a career ahead, a family to impress. When you make your mark in life, make it count.You don’t have to fit in. I’ve seen your friends, and the different ones are the best. They care about you, even when that’s hard to do. Do the same for them. Never let them down, and you’ll never regret it.Above all, be humble. Remember what Benjamin Franklin was once told: “Stoop as you go through life, and you will miss many hard thumps.” It takes courage to admit that you’re wrong. That’s the greatest kind of courage.Stick to your guns, boy. I’ll see you in a few years. Tommy (at 18)

Nieema

If I could give advice to my high school self it would be to love who I am and to study long and study strong. I went to a catholic high school and the curriculum was pretty rigorous. Out of 8 semesters, I only made the honor roll once. I always felt like I was stupid because I would see people getting acknowledged in class for making the honor roll when I didn't . It made me feel bad, but I knew that college was where my grades counted most and that I could make up for my lack of academic success. In addition when I first entered high school all I wanted was to be popular and have a boyfriend on a sports team. I didn't dedicate as much time to studying in the areas I didn't do as good in. If I had known what I know now, I would have given my academics my all so that I could have gotten into better schools upon graduation. One of my biggest battles in high school was having a lack of self love. Having high marks would have given me the confidence booster I needed.

ally

It is often that I think of the person I was a few years ago in high school and wish that I provided myself with advice then that I know now. Prior attending college, I considered myself an independent person. It was not until attending a university that I realized the true meaning of independence. I attending Brooklyn College (CUNY) for three semesters and transferred to the University at Albany subsequent. While attending Brooklyn College, I worked about four days a week which was straining. In my first semester of college, I received a 3.2 GPA. I was not satisfied with this grade due to the fact that I worked very hard. These numbers taught me time management which caused me to receive a 3.8 GPA. Although I was happy with that grade, it seemed as if the 3.2 GPA haunted me. As a senior of Midwood High School, I wish that I gave myself advice pertaining to being independent. I am thankful for my transfer experience to SUNY Albany because it made me a self-sufficient individual. Living on my own and dealing with my several loans, gave me a priceless experience. ThankYou for this opportunity.

matthew

if i could go back in time i would have told my self the importence of geting a good edication and i would have advised that the harder i study and get good grades the better the chance of me geting a good job with all the thing i want and need. also to stay away from the people that drag you down in life avoid helping you and discurage you and in your college dreams even if its your own "family" and to just remember that no matter how hard you think you got it there is always worse rock bottom is only where you perceive it as being, so dont give up things will get better.

Jeanruth

Be motivated to learn, don't feel like its an obligation, but a personal pursuit. Be excited about learning and open to knew ideas. Take your academic career as a career, seriously, but don't feel pressured to just choose any random major, choose one after careful consideration. Find a campus with high ratings regarding staff. Definently visit the campus before you attend and make sure it is worth the financial cost of attendance. Make sure your credits transfer to many schools, you never know what you will want to do after a year, or even a semester.

Molly

I would advise myself to get involved in groups on campus earlier. Right now, as a senior, I am involved and hold a position in seven different groups. Being involved in each one of these groups has given me public speaking skills, leadership qualities, organizational skills, networking skills, and friends who share a common goal of graduating college with a good GPA and continuting to grad school. Through my involvement I have been able to create connections with the community, network with government officials, go overseas and teach English in a school in Haiti, and discover who I really am. My first two years of college I was not very involved with groups on campus. I would be with friends and spend time off campus shopping or doing other things not related to school. Being involved is what allowed me into being the Representative for two differnet programs, the President of one honor society and Membership Chair of another, President of an advocating club for EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) and President of the Haiti Fundraising Committee, and Fundraising Chair of Future Educators Club. I am now considered a Leader on this campus.

Nancy

If I could turn back the hands of time I would definitely become more involved in school. As well as improve my studying skills. Both of these are great acquired skills that can help you be involved in your new college setting as well as succeed in your classes. Making you a well-rounded student.

Kaitlyn

"Don't assume your high school advisor knows what's best for you. Don't limit your possible schools to affordable state schools. Do look for scholarships from the more-expensive schools. Do look for private scholarships as well. Don't feel pressured and make a rash decision. Do visit schools and explore your possibilities. Don't assume your college advisor knows what's best for you. Take care of your Gen. Eds in the first two years. You don't need to fully commit to a major until Junior year, but do take the first two years to think about it. When you have a major, make sure the classes you need will be offered when you need them; then, just take them as they come. Do aim high but don't forget to enjoy the experience-- relax, make friends, enjoy your time. The degree is an accomplishment, a milestone; proof of your four years' work, but also a reminder of the memories that made those four years. You might as well have enjoyed it and made it worth the tuition.

Brittany

If I knew then what I know now, I would tell my high school senior self about my Speech Pathology career goal. When I was a high school senior, I was not sure about my path in life. I only knew I was interested in Psychology, and that is why I chose SUNY at Albany. If I could go back in time, I would persuade myself to chose a school that specified in Communication Disorders. I would also tell myself to become a bit more outgoing and decisive. Transitioning into college is a scary yet exciting experience. I think if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to try to be more outgoing and make more friends in classes. Education wise, I would tell myself to be sure to take advantage of teacher's office hours. Besides these tips, I believe I would do just fine going to college.

Rachel

I would have told myself not to be lazy and to study hard once again to do better on my SAT's. As seniors in high school, we really don't understand how much we have to do to get to where we want to be. So it is best to do all that we can until the end so that we may end up in a place that we deserve, without feeling that we could have done better. I also would say to myself that it was a wonderful decison to take the 2 college classes that I did. Thoses classes remarkably made the transition to college much easier. The studing and work load for those classes undoubedtly made me prepared for what I am expericing now as a freshman in college. Another word of advice would be to get involved and stay involved with out jepordizing time to study. Staying on top of deadlines is more than helpful in many situations and can be practiced before starting college. Now, during senior year, is a perfect time to prepare and should be done with the greatest expectations of the future.

Anna

Dear Senior year Anna, Hey it's Sophomore year Anna speaking. I'm just writing to you to warn you of a few things for what will seem like the most emotionally and economically unstable years of your life. But don't misinterpret these words, because these will also be the most rewarding. You will go to the school you've wanted to, so don't be scared and don't sell yourself short. You can be as successful as you want and put your mind to. Secondly, your first year will be a little overwhelming and might go through some tough losses. Remember that through the pain there will come a smile. The last two points are of time MANAGEMENT and SAVING YOUR MONEY. Time management is key to succeeding in college, you'll find you have some free time. Dont use it for a nap, use it for something useful and productive. And lastly, save your money. You'll find that things get harder, economically, at home and you'll be on your own for money alot of the times. Be smart about how you spend it. Hopefully we make it out of these hard times.

Angela

I would tell myself to manage my time efficiently. My first year in college, I always procrastinated and put things off until the last minute, and therefore did not do very well my first semester. I would also tell myself to put in all my effort while writing papers and doing tests. High school effort and college effort are two totally different things. In high school, I basically didn't have to work hard to pass. But in college, if you don't work hard and give it all you've got, you're going to fail easily. I would also tell myself not to be so shy! College kids are a lot more mature than high school kids, and therefore I should not be so shy and afraid of talking to my peers. Chances are they're just as nervous to talk to me!

ashley

high school sucks, things get better in college. But college is not all fun there is also a lot of school work that needs to be done if you want to maintain a good G.P.A also make sure you stay active on campus by joining clubs so you can get the full college experience.

BEGUM

NOTHING

Rachel

Be more job focused! I took classes that interested me, but when it came for applying for jobs, I felt that I didn't have many useful skills. Sure I could write a paper, debate an issue, or talk politics, but that didn't translate into a job I really wanted. I would have also taken advantage of the free computer workshops offered on campus, so I would have an advantage over others in my majore. Lastly, I wouldn't have taken all the aid that was offered to me. It didn't occur to me that I should or could turn down money. I could have accepted less and lived on less, since I was also working at the time.

John

Be more friendly to people during your first year. Make lots of friends, and don't be afraid to go out of your shell and try new things. Take more chances in life. Make sure to budget your time well, including time for homework and fun. Don't stress about school because you are only young once, and you should enjoy it while you can.

Shareece

I would tell myself I needed to focus on my schoolwork better.

Amanda

Don't start dating your best friend right before college starts, no matter how much you love him. He's too messed up for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you fall into depression. The psychologists are free to see. It's ok to talk to someone when you're sad and having a hard time transitioning. Remember, you are not alone. Don't skip any classes, no matter how tired you are. Apply for all the scholarships you can, college is only getting more expensive and you're not rich. Don't be afraid to talk to new people and try new things. And remember, life is very short. Do things for others you would want done for yourself, but don't forget that it is ok to do things for yourself. You matter, too. Enjoy college. Things will change rapidly and often, but embrace it. If it's scary, go for it, because it's probably worth it. Keep an open mind and, most importantly, an open heart. Don't forget to smile.

Christen

c

brent

If I could go back in time and give advice to my high school self, I would tell me to never give up on anything. Even if you failed atlest give it your all. I would also tell him that start saving up for school, because its a tough world out there. I would also tell myself to think things through before doing anything, that every action has consequences, even if it's good or bad.

Mitali

My favorite quote: "Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." I have never exactly been a clutch player, so it makes sense that, if I could, I would offer this saying as advice to myself as a high school senior. Indeed, myself as a high school senior aside, I would offer this piece of advice to myself even now, and then again in the future everyday. It's a life lesson that keeps on giving. As a high school senior, I remember being overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty of virtually kind: literally moving from one end of the country to another, leaving everyone behind, living on my own, forging new friendships, worrying that I might fail my classes... ad infinitum. Little did I know, however, how groundless my insecurities would be. As such, someone who was once well on her way to being a high school dropout (literally) is now in graduate school, having earned her BA with a 3.65 GPA. And that someone, I am proud to say, is me. Simply by trying, I have shown myself what I am capable of, and yet not. Because I am only getting started.