SUNY College at Plattsburgh Top Questions

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

Allison

Being that I have become quite profoundly versed in the art of transferring schools over the entirety of my college career, I would tell my high school self to follow her passion reguardless of where it takes her and what she has to suffer through. When I was a high school senior I developed a "master plan" of sorts to stay in my home town to save money and later transfer to my dream school. This ended up being a great plan that I wouldn't change for the world, however,it was my later choice to transfer back home for my junior year that continues to haunt me. Though I'm planning to head back to my dream college this coming fall, I realize that I have missed out on so many great opportunities and experiences by leaving and it is a choice I will continue to regret for years to come. I would pass all of this information on to my high school self if I could, but moving forward I've been able to realize where my future lies and I couldn't be more excited for what's to come.

jerime

i would tell myself, friends come and go. keep studying and one day you can do what you wanted to do since you were 5 years old. Getting a Ged is tough work and took a long time to achieve. Dont get me wrong, we have a beautiful family. She will still be in your life, as she is in mine. Its Fate, we're soulmates. But its tough to take care of our family without a education and a future. I know you will do the right thing. Stay in school.

Amanda

Don't sweat the small stuff. Everything works out in the end.

Ashlee

It's said over and over by those older than us, but cherish the moments while they last. I have the personality to get blind sighted by the stress of pressures of the situation, that I forget to enjoy the situation, stressful though it may be. My advice to myself, were I able to go back and speak to myself two years ago, would be to just breathe, enjoy the moment. Yes, the difficult times do come and they are challenging, but do not be so focused on finishing the task, that the task flies by without your noticing.

Rebecca

Take a breath your first day and relax. Don't worry so much about how you look or if people are going to like you. There are going to be people who dont accept you for who you are but that is okay because they aren't worth your time anyway. Take your academics seriously, but also know that you need to have some fun. If you don't do well on a test, don't sit at home and cry about it. Tell yourself that the next text you will study harder and you will get a better grade. Never treat someone badly and never judge anyone. You aren't perfect and you have made mistakes, so who are you to judge others. Just remember that "Life is short, so live it. Love is rare, so grab it. Anger is bad, so dump it. Fear is awful, so face it. Memories are sweet. So cherish them." You are going to be fine I promise. Just keep your head held high and never let anyone tear you down.

Erica

I've made friends that will last my entire life. The girls I live with have become the closest people to me . Friendships like these are so valuable to me. I also enjoy coming here because it is like my escape from my house and life back in New Hampshire. No one knew me when I first arrived and I started a new life and image here, something a lot of people are not able to do. This is a great college for my major and I feel like I am getting the most out of my education because of how many opportunities this college in the realm of TV Production and broadcast journalism. I feel like even in my second year at SUNY Plattsburgh, I have gained so much knowledge pertaining to my major.

Rebecca

From my first semester of college, I have gained a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities. Plattsburgh gave me the oppurtunity to be on my own for the very first time, and with help, I succeeded. This experience has been invaluable. I have made friends in my first semester that will last a lifetime. I learned that I can handle college workload and living on my own. Plattsburgh has also given me the oppurtunity to explore all my interests, and the school does not make me stay simply in my major. This has allowed me to discover what I truly want to do after my undergraduate experience.

Katerin

I have gotten alot of knoweldge in my field. I am a hospitality major and my professors are from very diverse backrounds in the field. The department itself is very diverse and opens various oportunities for the future. It has been a valuable experience because the overall environment of SUNY Plattsburgh is friendly. The faculty, staff, and student body portray a positive and helpful attitude and I appriciated that coming as a Freshman to SUNY Plattsburgh.

Pema

Since it is my first year here at SUNY Plattsburgh, I've realized that college is extremely different from high school. College is is valuable since your education does not stop with a high school degree. There are many other different things and areas to study and learn that aren't taught, in high school, elementary, and middle school. In college you recieve a deeper understand and comprehension towards a subject you're interested in and hope to pursue later on in the future.

Elana

College has introduced me to a new culture. Coming from a small, lower middleclass town, I was not prepared for such a diverse campus, however, the college encouraged getting to know others and greatly eased this small fear. The school has students from every part of the world and every part of the country. For this alone, I love my campus. As a Hotel, Tourism Management major, exposure to these different cultures has given me a new look on life and more experience where I need it most. Also, the classes and experienced professors have pushed me to excel in a way, I never thought that I'd be able to.

Katelyn

In short, I truly got to know myself. Allowed for me to embarck on the ever-reeling path of life with confidence in how to communicate and dictate myself and those I meet.

Melissa

SUNY Plattsburgh helped me become the woman I was meant to be! SUNY Plattsburgh provided me with a rich envioronment filled with the most caring, professional and educated people one will ever find. I never thought a city girl was going to get used to a place like Plattsburgh, but the people and the gorgeous environment grows on you more everday. SUNY Plattsburgh has very supportive staff and teachers who always make time to talk to you and give you the support and guidance that you need regardless of your gender, religion , ethnicity or sexual orientation. It is that small campus with the big heart. Everyone that steps into Plattsburgh comes out a different person. SUNY Plattsburgh allowed me to establish the first Latina sorority on campus, giving us Latinas the support and the guidance we needed to become active leaders in the community. SUNY Plattsburgh allowed me to leave my mark in their history book, it brought out the best in me and allowed me to step outside of the "crayola" box but most importantly, made sure that I knew what was inside "my box" (self-discovery) and embrace the person that I was and wanted to become.

Elizabeth

I am majoring in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, I have really enjoyed my major so far. I find my field to be fascinating because there are so many different ways I can apply the information learned. This field has opened my eyes to many different intellectual, physical, and mental disabilities that people can have. I believe that because of my choice in this major, I have become a much more tolerant person. I talk to people who have disabilities, the same way that I would talk to someone who does not. I now understand that he or she may be fully capable of understanding, even if it does not appear that way. I have learned ways to facilitate conversation between myself and others by using cues that I previously would not have thought of. I know how to slow my speech and use gestural cues to help in the understanding of messages. I feel that I am a better person because of what I have learned through my studies. When I am having a conversation with someone who is different me, I am better able to put myself in their shoes and understand their point of view.

Sue

What I would do differently today than when I was a senior is to not get so worried about leaving to go to school. I get cold feet during breaks and before the school year begins. My first year of college I was very nervous to pack up and leave. I kept saying good-bye to all of my friends every night. I am getting better about the transition and see that whether I live at home or on campus I am enjoying my life and not missing anything.

Benjamin

When preparing to choose a college--choose a college for you, not one that will impress everyone else in your class or community. College is not just a moment in your senior year to brag about where you got in--you actually have to now go to this college of "choice" and fit in both socially, academically and culturally. While it easy to be swayed by the big name schools, they are not always they best personal fit. Even if you can get in to the "name" colleges, they might not make you happy. Four years of college should offer more than just a name--or--even a classroom. Pick a college wisely that you can fit into quickly, yet one that allows room to grow.If a city really makes you uncomfortable, then don't pick a college in a city--even if it has a "big" name-- hoping you will get used to it. Finding a college should be like finding a good pair of jeans--you don''t have to break it in to be comfortable. It should "feel right" to you--even if it isn't the choice to everyone giving you the "right" advise.

Selena

I know that you have been stressed about college applications, grades, and SAT scores but I'm here to tell you to relax. Everything will get done, stressing does nothing to aid the process. In fact, it hinders it. When you get the chance apply for more scholarships. College is expensive and it's only going to get more expensive as tuition increases ensue and the cost of college books go up. Over the summer, rather then fretting about the big move make sure you have built strong foundations in math, grammar, and writing skills. A strong foundation in both will help you immensely in all of your college courses. Also take some time to get healthy! Eat better and exercise. College is a germ fest, sickness spread faster than wild fire. If someone in the next room sneezes you can be sure that you'll be sick soon enough, so start getting healthier today. Enjoy those moments with your family because you'll miss them soon enough. And in closing be sure to remember that as sad as it is to leave old friends behind you can be sure that new and wondrous ones are on their way.

Casey

Dear Casey, You are wise and intelligent but can be easily deceived. No matter what you do when picking a college, abstain from selecting one based upon others! Make your own decision. You should contemplate the college size, location, price, available majors, and it?s overall aesthetic appeal and inner community. Do not take your friends opinions into great consideration. While your friends opinions can be essential, they may love the college for different reasons. For example, they may like a college because the party life is amazing, but this is not what college is about! And I don?t mean to bust your bubble, but you?re going to choose a college for all the wrong reasons. You primarily based your decision on the price. However, cheaper is not always better! It is cheap for a reason. Paying a little more will benefit you greatly in the end. Listen to me and you will get the most for your money. I hope you take my advise and pick the perfect college! If not, I guess you could always transfer. Sincerely, Your Future Self

Theresa

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to worry so much about fitting in when starting a new school. I'd tell myself to relax and enjoy my last year of high school more without stressing over if I was going to fit in at a new place. Also, I'd tell myself that you should really take all the AP and college level courses possible because it really helps you out in the long run. College may seem like a scary place to go off to when you are 18 and leaving your home for the first time, but it opens you up to a bigger and better world, and thus far, my college experience has truly prepared me to enter the workforce upon my graduation.

Terra

High school seniors think they know it all. They are worry free and think they can handle anything. I too, was one of those teenagers. I was too busy being social and put the community college I was attending on the back burner. Because of poor grades from not seeing the reality of college, I stopped going to school to work full time. A few years later, I realized I had to go back to college to work towards a more fufilling career. I am now a full time college student with a 3.78 GPA persuing my career in childhood education. If I were to go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would want to make sure I understood that you need to balance school and your social life. School work needs to come first , that is what will make you succeed in life. It's not going to matter that you have a million friends when you go for a job interview. What matters is that you were successful in school and expereinced in your field. Being aware of the reality of college is the most important in the transition from high school to college.

Amanda

Plattsburgh State was my first choice college. When my sister went away to college, she chose to leave our small rural community for city living. I value my family, and all my family is here. I wanted to stay close by. Even with the benefit of having Plattsburgh State close by and being able to drive to school each day, there are a few things I would tell myself if I had the chance to go back in time. Most importantly, I would advise myself that even if a person goes away to college it does not mean they value their family less. Even a college a couple hours away from home would have given me more of a college experience than what I am accustomed to now. I am almost two years into my college life and I don't feel a drastic change. Eventually, there will come a time when I will leave home and become independant. I know now that college life prepares a person for that. Not only does it help you to become more independant, it also gives you that opportunity to make new friends and that is something I am missing out on.

Diana

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have many words of wisdom. I would tell myself that choosing a school based on how many friends you have there is a bad choice. I would also tell myself that having a hard schedule as a senior is important because you are going to have a hard schedule in college and if you start out with a hard schedule you dont have to adjust as much. The transition from high school to college in major, and if I were to tell myself something if I could go back in time I would say try to be as independent as possible when you are in high school because mom and dad arent going to be there for you everyday.

Shaun

If I could go back into time and tell my self something before i started school, I think i would mostly say stick with it. Try to not worry about your future and really try to get good grades. I wouldn't want to mention any events however i would say that something is going to happend to our family that will tear you apart and make you want to quit school but you need to realise that this is a moment in time that will be brushed away. Eventhough its a huge moment and it is something that changes everything try to keep your head strong and focus on yourself not others. Another thing i would focus on is reassuring myself not to think your not dumb and you can get through this school with great friends and great grades.

William

If I could go back in time and see myself as a senior this is what I would say : "Hey buddy. You're doing good. Keep it up. Make sure you keep working on those scholarships. You'll need the money. And make sure you email that lady back about that job on campus. A little spending money while your at school wouldn't hurt either. Don't stress so muc about the changes. The transition is easy. Its like high school. Except mom isn't there to wake you up in time for class or to have dinner ready for you when you get home. And your allowed to party. Trust me. You'll have a blast. Just keep your grades up for the reast of senior year and when you get to school make sure you dont start slacking. Keep your eye on the prize. Grades means money. The more you have now the less you gotta pay back and the better off you are when this stage of life is done. Go get 'em buddy. Your da man.

Zachary

I would tell myself to work harder in high school. Take challenging courses that will earn you college credit and save your money.

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to study more for the SAT and not worry myself sick about the test! By preparing more, I would have felt more confidant in my abilities to do well on the exam. I would also tell myself to follow my gut instincts about going away to school and trust that I wasn't accepted to my first choice school for a reason, as difficult as that may be but acknowledge that I was accepted to Plattsburgh and to be proud of myself and not compare myself to my friends! I would also tell myself to not be scared to travel six hours from home. It was the farthest I had ever been on my own, and the days before I left home were the most emotional and gut-wrenching for me. I would tell myself to start packing and organinizing my belongings much earlier than I did, so I could have had a less frantic "goodbye" with my family and friends. Finally, I would tell myself to sit back and enjoy the ride because everything will work out the way it is supposed to in the end.

Jennifer

Take as many AP classes as possible in high school!

Amanda

Don't rush into picking a college, because it's alot of money on such an important decision.

Eva

Act early. Talk to as many people in your field and major as you can. Look into every option and check again. Be polite. Be outgoing. If you think you have done enough, think again. Pack more than you think you need the first semester, then pack half as much next semester. Trust me, Make time for yourself, but don't neglect your friends or work. Your occupation is a student, not a socialite. Network. Call your parents a lot, and not just when you need money. Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and expect nothing.

Walter

Make sure you talk with current students at the college you want to attend. Learn about how the school works from the students view not just want the college reps say. Having that"inside" view would be a great way to see how easy you can get into classes. Don't get hung up on partying to much. Crack the books and study. Ask for help if you need it. You can always party latter but you can't ever change your grades and if you want to go to grad school a few bad classes can prevent you from getting into a good school/program.

Melissa

Research. Visit. Communicate. Those are the three things I found to be the most important in choosing the right college for me. Research collages and programs that seem to support the same sorts of things you or your student is interested in. Visit those colleges to see if their websites are accurate and communicate with as many people as possible during your visit. If the current students are happy there's a good chance you will be as well. As for making the most of the college experience, I think the best way to go about that is to find some sort of balance between your school work and social life. It's important, not as easy as it sounds and the only way you're going to get the most out of your time in college. I balanced my time by writing my paper Friday, having an adventure day with some friends on Saturday and sleeping Sunday. Find your balance and you'll fly right through while having the time of your life.

Sarah

Parents should leave the choice of their children's colleges up to their children. The child will know better than anyone else what school will work for them, and will get them what they want out of life. The student should never choose a college without first visisiting it. I would also recommend on sitting in a course in the field they plan to study. When it comes to choosing a college, never settle!! Pick a school that you really like, and can really see yourself succeeding at. A college should be chosed on what it can do for your future- not what the "weekend scene" is like. It's your future, plan it right!

lisa

I would strongly advise parents and students to take the time to vist various schools before making a decision in order to make the most informed decision. In my case, I knew that SUNY Plattsburgh was the right school for me when I set foot on its campus during Open House. Also, do your research. Ask alumni and orientation leaders questions because they are there to help. College is truly the best time in one's life, and it is essential to make the right decision because it will impact the future.

Monica

The best advice I can give a parent helping their child find a college is to allow them to be involved. I have a few friends here who are only going to this school because their parents wanted them to. These students are less motivated to succeed and spend a lot of time wishing they were somewhere else. My mother was extremely supportive while checking out colleges and I was able to come to a school I knew I would enjoy. To the students: When you begin college as a Freshman, I would suggest searching for all possible opportunites to get involved on campus. Walk around the college center. Write down any and every event you would like to attend; even if it may not seem like the most interesting. You never know what kind of people you will meet there or if the topic interests you more than you thought it would. College is the best time to seek out new possibilities and ensure yourself that your future will be the best one for you. To both parents and students: Good Luck!

Zack

Decide what you want your major to be, and find a school that accomodates that.

David

move far from home and desire a raised consiousness

Andrew

You should be fine anywhere, really.

Megan

The reason I choose to go to Plattsburgh, was because I was invited to a Scholars Weekend my Senior year of High School. This allowed me to get to know some of the students that go here and really be able to feel what its like to go to school here. My suggestion to others is spend sometime at the school you are looking into, see if they have any programs where you can stay with a student or can sit in on a class. Thats what helped me fall in love with PSU!

Jennifer

Always visit the school first

Rian

The best advice I can give would be, make sure you are choosing a school with a fun surrounding area. Make sure you are choosing a school that fits your personality, and most of all make sure you are going to school, particularly that school for the right reasons.

Kayla

Make sure you like the appearence of the campus. My mom knew right away and it became my school for the past 3 years unregretably. Talk to a few of the students you see around campus that you do not know and see how they respond to you. If they are friendly, your not in for a rude awakening. Ask lots of questions to your tour guides or orientation staff, chances are you are not going to see them again and chances are if they can answer all of your questions without too much thought, they are fond of the school and most likely so will your future college students. Remember that most situations can be changed and colleges will do their best to accomadate you if your child has a problem ,so take the time in looking at other things such as the size of the school. This is most important because it will determine how well your child will fit in, and how much expirience your child can allow themselves. By knowing the style of your child, you first must determine if your child needs a small, medium or large school, and then go from there. Good luck

stefanie

I do beleive that you shouldnt just jump into a college. dont go to a college just becuase your parents went to it or your siblling went to that college. You should find out as much about the college before choosing one. also dont be afaird to ask students on campus what they love about the school, dont ask the tour guide they are trying to get you to come here so they are selling the school to you. best bet is the people just reading a book in the lounge or someone walking from class. go on a tour on an off day not open house, everything seems fake at that time. maybe try to stay with someone on campus before choosing. becuase seriously you are the only one that can figure out if this school is for you. and take classes you wouldnt ever take it will broaden your horizon and maybe even change your mind about what you want to do with your life. remember to be your self and have fun. Remember parents this your child life not yours.

Kimberly

My advice for both parents and students when trying to find that perfect college is to definately go visit the school. I visited all the schools I applied too and I am very happy I did because some schools I could never see myself at. When you visit the college you will know what one is the right one for you. It is a feeling you get when you step right on campus. To me, that feeling was home. As soon as I got to Plattsburgh State I got this feeling that it was like my second home and everyone there was my family. When you visit make sure you interact with the faculty and see if they will be helpful to your needs. Also, visit the surrounding area around campus and see what there is to do in the town. If you can, interact with the students as well and get to know them. See what type of people attend the college and what they like to do in their spare time. Visiting the college would be my biggest advice because college will be your home and the people will be your family for the next four years.

Rebecca

In order to discover which campus is right for you, you must visit more than just one or two campuses. Seeing the campus, meeting faculty and students, and exploring communities these campuses are located in should help you visualize what your experiences there will be like. Location is very important in choosing a school. When I was trying to decide what school was right for me, I took into consideration how far away from my family I would be, I had young neices and nephew at the time and did not want to be far from them. Luckily I live only a few minutes from a wonderful school that turned out to be the perfect place for me. Looking back on it now, I am very grateful that I had many options while looking at schools, but it turned out that the perfect school was right in my backyard the whole time. Not everyone is lucky enough to have their dream school so close by, but it is definately worth it to look into nearby school for at least your freshman year, many people find it hard to experience a new place and new school without family support near by.

haley

find a place that feels right and has a curriculum that is worth your time./

Clara

There are many ways for parents and/or students to go about finding the right college. I believe that one of the best ways to find the right college is to do some thorough researching about schools. Contact colleges of potential interests and ask them to mail you information, speak to current students at the schools, and set up dates to visit these schools. Become familiar with the college of your choice before you start atteding so that the transition will be easier for you. Become aware of all the services and events that your college has to offer. Make it your job to get to know your professors and get feedback from them throughout the semester. Start saving for college as soon as possible; money is very much needed and essential when one is in college. Not being financially stable can really work against a student in college. Try to be outgoing and become involved in areas of interest at your school or school community. Try to become involved with community service and volunteer opportunities. Socialize with people and learn how to be positively social because you will have to have some people skills to get through life.

jaclyn

COME CHECK IT OUT YOU WONT BE MAD

Jean

Visit the college before you chose the one you want to go to. See if its really what you want. Ask questions about the college too, do not be shy during a campus tour. It will be your home for the next four years, and if you want the best for yourself do not be afarid to put yourself out there

Samantha

Students: Chose the college based on your needs, not where your friends are going. Moving away from home may be hard the first few weeks, but it is a great learning experience and can change your life. You will meet the most amazing people and it really is the time of your life. Parents: Dont choose the college for your child. You always are welcome to voice your opinions but let you child make the final decision. Let your child be homesick- incourage them to go out and make friends. Dont let them come home until after they have spent atleast one semester-- dont let them quit the first week. Things change quickly-- dont expect your child to return the same way they left- they will grow and expand and have new outlooks on life... its all apart of growing up and becoming independant.

Zachariah

In all honesty, unless you have your career path picked out, find a nice liberal arts college and start taking classes that interest you. There is too much emphasis on finishing your degree. So much infact that a lot of students miss out on the true meaning of college. It isn't supposed to just be the next step, its supposed to expose you to the things you were unable to experience in highschool. Never again will you have a melting pot of so many ideas, students, and facultiy who are willing to go the extra mile just to make a difference in your life. With this being said, another word of wisdome I would provide to the student is to research your college choices wisely. Not just for academics but also for enviornmental type and fell. 'Hippy Colleges' are good schools but someone who is more focused in computers or technology probably wouldn't feel they found their niche. The same would go for someone looking for a more outdoor oriented feel, but looking at a technology oriented school. Oh and one more thing, DO NOT AND I REPEAT DO NOT ATTEND A SCHOOL BECAUSE OF A BOY/GIRLFRIEND.