SUNY at Fredonia Top Questions

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

ErinMcGarry

When choosing a college, don't simply go for the big name, ivy league schools. Public schools are cheaper and give you the same quality education, if not a better one, than private colleges. Take a tour of the campus and get to know the faculty of the academic department that you're interested in. You'll know which college is right for you when you walk around the campus and can picture yourself going to school there. Make sure that the college you choose has everything that you feel you need to make your experience the best.

Alecia

Finding the right college is finding the place where you would belong. I knew I didn't want to be anywhere near home but not too far away so I couldn't come home when I wanted to. I fit right in in Fredonia. They had a good program for what I wanted to do with my life. Fredonia wasn't my first choice but I'm glad I made the switch from Potsdam and decided to transfer.

Tiffany

whever you end up just make the best of it. Don't transfer unles it is for a change in Major it will always set you behind. Don't stay in your room, get out!

Brea

The advice that I would give to parents would be to keep in touch with your kids. If a student is going away to school the parents have to understand that their kids are going to be very busy and not get aggrivated if they don't receive a phone call every day. To diminish this problem, parents should simply call their kids! For a student to find the right college to attend it is absolutely necessary that they base the decision solely on the needs of his or her self. Never let a girlfriend/boyfriend influence a decision and take into account cost, location, and the majors that are offered.

Joshua

It takes time! Be patient.

Brenna

When coming to college, don't ever feel like you have to compromise your personal beliefs or interests in order to fit in with the crowd, or "typical" college activities. You'll mostly likely meet a good amount of people that share your beliefs/interests, so don't worry about not making friends. You earn 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of what you get out of college based on what you put in to it. College is a time to work hard, and also a time to find yourself. Try lots of new and different classes, clubs, and activities, in order to get a better feel for what you're good at, and what you like and don't like. Don't feel pressured to figure out your life plan by your second year at college; college is a time for learning and exploration, and you should cherish it. Look at lots of different schools and remember and assess the feeling each campus gave you when you visited. Sometimes your perfect picture of college ends up being a lot different than you thought! Above all else, don't stress! Take life as it comes, and you'll be just fine.

Alexis

this is the time to discover yourself. So you need to make a choice that best fixs you. I know you wanta do what your parnet say and help them out with the tution. But like i said this is your time, so you need to find a program and college that fixs you or else after four years of college you will have a degree in something that isnt useful to you.

Stefanie

If you want to go away then go away. Dont make your decision on just the location. Enjoy everything that the college/campus can offer and put your self out there to make good friends. Try to live on campus because that is how you make the best friends and get involved in more things.

Jasmine

Being in college is the experience of a life time, make the best of it and keep in mind that you never know if you don't like something until you try. Every school has different qualities, you just have to find the one that fits you, what you like to do and what you think will make you a better person in the long run. For the parents it is hard to be away from your kids , but when they leave you then you get to see how beneficial your job of being a parent was.

Megan

I think in order to find the right college you have to know what kind of life you want to live for the next four years. Do you want to be at a big school or a small school? What kind of major do you want? Do you want to be far from home or close to home? You have to find a school that's as close to a perfect fit for you as you can find. As for making the most of the college experience you have to get out there and sell yourself. College is all about making yourself who you want to be. Join clubs, make friends! I'd say the biggest mistake I made freshman year was not getting out there and making something of myself on campus. Now I have a good social life and I am in a lot of clubs. It's scary to meet new people and try new things but you'd be amazed at the outcome if you tried a few things that make you nervous. Get out there and work hard, and most of all have fun because these will be the best four years of your life!

Meghan

Find somewhere you will feel comfortable. Thats's most important.

Sara

Students, go where it feels right for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how stupid. It's okay if you don't know what you want to do for the rest of your life, you'll figure it out eventually. No one expects you to know at 17 and still in high school. When you do choose a college, get involved. It makes a big difference on how you rememer your college experience and you meet a lot of people while doing. Just don't forget that academics come first. It's extremely easy to lose sight of that while you're doing so many great things. Parents, support the fact that your kids are going to college at all. Who cares what your kid decides what they want to do? As long as they're happy then you should be too. They'll figure it out as they go along, just like you did. Give them the freedom to learn and experience. This is the time in life when we learn a lot of the important basics for being an adult, and we can't do that if you're still trying to "baby" us.

Nicholas

Go somewhere where your child's or your skills can be recognized, pushed, and maximized. Any institution that asks unquestioning submission to its methods likely does not deserve it. Go to a place where respect is earned by the faculty and students, not a place where any if given or asked for unreasonably.

Shauna

When you start looking at colleges with your kids, make sure you know what they need. Help them with deciding what they want to do, make sure that's what they want to do. If it's something like business or teaching, see if they can shadow someplace for a day. Most kids only need to see once that what they thought was great was actually the wrong choice. Also, don't just consider academics. I nearly went to a conservative Catholic college because it was close and had teaching. I'm a liberal and a lesbian and if I had gone there, it would have been the worst choice for me. I only considered it because I got early admissions whereas I applied last minute to Fredonia, got in, and now I love it so much I can't even consider the thought of leaving!

Amanda

pick the college that you get a great first impression of...

Richard

In order to find the college that will be the best choice, One has to find a college that offers the major that he is looking for. One has to look at the college and see if they can picture themself on campus. For example, if one is looking at a college in the city, and they can't see that; try a rural college. Also, one should look for a college that offers many things that one would not necessarily be able to do right away, but is interested in trying. College is all about learning and experiencing new things; whether it be about yourself as a person, about you interests or even about your future career. For advice about making the most about ones college experience, I have only two words: GET INVOLVED! Colleges offer many diverse organizations to be a member of; whether it be in sports, in music, or even in a multi-cultural group, such as Gay- Straight alliances, or a group to bring together certain racial groups. To make a college experience something that one is going to look back on and smile, one has to get out and get involved!

Cyndi

Go look at the colleges, talk to the students. Don't just look at the paper facts, talk to acutal students. Don't take the student tour guides word for things, they are slightly biased!

olivier

I think the only advice I would give is to do researches and know the history of the college and/or succes stories from people who people who studies there.

Allison

I would suggest to pick a campus that fits you. Make sure you visit the school because I think that is the most important part. When I chose SUNY Fredonia as soon as my tour was over I knew it was the school for me. The atmosphere, the people and just the general feeling a person gets when at a particular school it was means the most. Do not go where your parents, siblings or friends want you to go, do what is best for you. Also do not be nervous to put yourself out there. I tell everybody that I know that is going to college to go AWAY to college. It will be the best experience of your life. Uou will meet so many new people, acitvities, have responsisbilites and most important you will find yourself and who you are. And to all of the parents, let go of your child I promise you they will be absolutely fine. I know it will be tough for you but sooner or later you will have to, just let go now. They will not forget about you, I promise. And that would be my advice to parents and students.

Clara

Make sure to visit! They will know what school is right when they see it!

Mary

Don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people! There is something for everyone at nearly any college, so go for it! It'll be the time of your life!

Emily

Start early. There are almost endless possibilities and it takes time and patience to sort through them. Stay organized. Keep a binder with all the colleges you are considering and a chart with what you will need to complete the applications. Be open minded. The school that is right for you may be in an icy tundra in Buffalo when you rather be on a warm beach in Miami. What really matters, in my opinion, is your professors. If you are a musician, get to know your private teacher and conductor, if you are an architecht, read about the group of professors you will be working with. Once you have made the desicion, stay on top of your school work and most of all, get involved. Join something, try something you may have no experience in, like a painting club, or if you prefer to stay clean, join the rugby team. And remember, there is always money out there, keep looking for scholarships, and there are always inumerable opportunities.. but you have to look for them! Oh and one last thing, never say no, always volunteer in class and never be afraid to put yourself out there.

Donald

Make sure that you are looking at schools that fit your personality. If you don't want to get lost in a crowd, pick a smaller school over the large ones where you could end up nameless.

Sarah

Even if you don't get into your first choice school, make the most of where you end up. Take advantage of clubs and meet new people.

Katelyn

I think the most important advice I could give is to actually take a trip to visit the college. You'll get that feeling as soon as you step on campus whether or not it is a good fit for you. If a place feels like home, you know it will be a good choice. I would also suggest to keep in mind what you want to get out of your college before you decide. For example, if you would like to study abroad, make sure the school you choose has a quality program. If you are undecided, make sure the school you choose has a lot of options and introductory courses so you can make the most educated decision possible. Lastly, have fun! This is a process you only go through once (thank god!) so take advantage of the experience, and find a good fit for you! :o)

Sophia

Make sure you utilize what the campus has to offer to its fullest.

Angelica

Whether you are a parent or a student, choosing a college is going to be a ton of work, and is going to be a big decision. The college is what employers are going to look at when deciding who to hire if two candidates are neck and neck at all other areas. So, its a big choice. Websites are full of the FAQ's. Some of the lesser mentioned questions could be major setbacks though if unanswered. Questions such as...is there a doctor/hospital nearby that my insurance covers? Are there hotels nearby for the family to visit students? Females...what is the latenight campus safety like? And, don't forget to look ahead! Students, if you even have the slightest idea of studying abroad, does the campus have the resources or programs set up to assist you in this? Look for more questions, and don't let them go unanswered! Better to go through this once, than twice. On a closing note: parents, your kids are learning to grow up. It's time to let them. Students, your parents are learning to let go. It takes time. This experience good place to begin to cross that line.

Christine

When you are looking at colleges do not just look for the place that has the best academics. This will be your home for the next three plus years, it needs to be a place that you can picture yourself living. Also, make sure that it fits with your own morals and values, college is a time to explore and change but if you are conservitive and you go to a liberal minded school, you will most likely find yourself unhappy. To make the most out of college, get involded in things that you are passionate about. No matter what it is, there is probably some club or organization that addresses it. You will meet people with similiar interest and do what you love. Always keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try new things. College is an exciting time and it can be hard at first, but give yourself time to adjust, don't just give up when things get a little bit hard.

Robert

I attended two different SUNY schools for my college education and found them both to be about the same from a liberal arts education perspective. I would advise students to not pick a school simply because of its location or apparent cache, but to look at the school's strengths academically. This can be hard for students who don't know what they want to study when they are going into school, but being a program that was intellectually unsatisfying was the most frustrating thing about my college experience. Socially, I would advise students to be open to trying new things and talking to new people in school. Too often in college people tend to glom onto those that have exactly the same thoughts and ideas as them already and they're the ones who become the most stagnant, one-dimensional, and boring by senior year. Seek out those that disagree with you and that have had different experiences. They will often turn out to be the most interesting people you meet and in my case, my best friends. Finally, don't stress too much about academics. For the most part, it's easier than high school was.

Allison

Don't settle for anything less than what you really want. Make the most of your experience because it will be over in a blink of an eye. Get involved in different types of clubs and activities, not all in the same area. Make friends with as many people as you can. Keep your dorm room door open. Don't worry so much about financials, remember your experiences will pay off in the future. Study abroad. Don't take the easy classes so you can graduate, take the hard ones to say you could do it. Learn as much as you can it will pay off later when someone asks what college you went to because your so knowledgeable.

Megan

Make the best of college and enjoy every minute of it!

Katie

Make sure to visit the campuses and pick the one that feels right. Make sure you put yourself out there, don't seclude yourself from the rest of campus. Don't drink too much, and have fun.

Joe

choose a campus that you feel comfortable with, and it will help you succeed in school

Kelly

When you choose your college, you need to find a few important things. I am a firm believer in the pyramid called Maslow's hierarchy of needs. What it says is you need a few basic things before you can attain higher learning and achievment. You need to have all your instinctive needs met-such as food, sleep, shelter and water. You also need to feel safe and secure, otherwise you will nto be able to learn. When looking for a college, you should focus on the living part of it as well as the class part. It needs to be a place where you feel safe, where you can get food and proper sleep, good exercise, fresh air, and good socialization and interaction with other people. It can't be too big or too small for you.

Michael

I believe that college is a very valuable experience in one's life that only comes around once. You grow intellectually as well as individually. At college, a student will learn a great deal about the world and themselves. They will be given chances to make new friends and experience many new things that are unique to the college environment. They will have the chance to discover who they are as well as their values and goals. Because the college experience only comes once for most students, it is important to find the college that is right for that individual. You want the best college experience possible so you would want that experience to be in the best possible environment. If their choice isn't the right one, the student or parent won't be getting the most for their money. Remember that college is more than just an education, it's an experience.

Aliza

Always reconsider your preferences. I though I had to be in a city but have surprisingly loved my experience in a rural community. Small schools over a different type of college experience. In a city you do not have to socialize with your student body if you choose not to. In a rural school there really isn't anyone else to socialize with and you tend to get to know your student body in a much more intimate way. Also, look at the program that you are going into. SUNY Fredonia offers an amazing music education degree but their business degree is nothing to write home about. NYU has an amazing business degree but not the best music education. For me Fredonia made sense and I would not change my mind for the world. Think about what is best for your future and education, the social scene will come if you want it to and are open to new things.