SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill Top Questions

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

Serandon

Serandon, you have half a day senior year, you should go to college for half a day! College is not nearly as scary as you think! And get a job! Its fun to work and go to school, it keeps you busy and your mind won't think as much! College is going to be fun and you're going to meet a lot of new, pretty cool people. Stop stressing and worrying about it! Just enjoy:)

Bethany

I would definately start planning things and buying things much sooner. Enjoy.

cheikh

Freshmen The college experience is very important to most new incoming freshmen. For the first time in their life they are free from the restraints of their parents, and can do whatever they like. From what I’ve seen, most freshmen screw up their first quarter at college, so make sure to get off to a good start. College is a time where you gain your own independence, but with more independence comes a lot more responsibility. College is also a time where you learn your limits. Learning your limit for how much you can blaze, drink, and study. Pretty much just growing up and becoming more mature. Don’t be lazy, go to lecture, do the homework, and make friends. To me the college experience is experiencing everything college life has to offer. That means going out, meeting new people, joining clubs and a fraternity all night cramming sessions, as well as all night gaming sessions. But most importantly the college experience is experimenting and experiencing new things. To me college is about making mistakes, because once you’re an adult you can’t be making those same mistakes. Also,education will help your good experience no mixtakes experience.

Jessie

My first year at SUNY Cobleskill was very valuable to me. First of all, my roommate was an international student from Oman. It was really interesting to live with her and learn about her culture. Seeing her interact with her friends and speak Arabic was so amazing; I always tried to figure out what they were saying! Second of all, I'm generally a quiet person, but throughout my two semesters, I became involved in three different organizations. I've become more outspoken and willing to take risks. Originally, my major was culinary arts. As I got a more realistic idea of the field, I realized it wasn't for me. When I changed to accounting, I was much more confident in my career choice and motivated in my classes. I've always been somewhat independent growing up, but attending college away from home has allowed me to take care of myself in many aspects, but mainly staying organized and planning for my future. In general, college has made me more confident, more involved in social groups, and overall a stronger person. I feel much more prepared for the real world and the many opportunities that will come to me.

Terrance

What i have gotten out of my college experience so far is, that in order keep up in this world you have to have an educating. With out an education it will be very hard to keep up with a basic life style. Many people around me i feel dont understand and i feel that me going to school will show them that an education can only better you it wont hurt to have that paper saying that you have a college degree and to me this is most important. I will be the first t go to college in my family. I feel that i have some thing to prove and by me going to school this will happen and this is very important to me and other.

Heidi

My college experience, from the very first week of classes taught me that it really is nothing compared to high school. There is no one who is there to tell you what to do. I?m refereeing to doing school work. If the work is not done that?s it, no turning anything in after the minute it?s due, no retakes for tests. You have to learn to make the appropriate decisions with school work. Also buying book from the bookstore on campus will burn an enormous hole in your pocket. The first semester of college I spent hundreds of dollars on books. My second semester I bought my books online and saved hundreds of dollars. Two important tips before you start school is to put your head on straight and do all school work, the other is to buys your books online.

Jason

A lot of high school kids have unrealistic expectations of what college life is going to be like and they often set themselves up for initial disappointment. College offers many new opportunities, but I don't think most kids should expect to be crazy about it right away. It takes time. It is OK to miss your high school friends at first. It is OK to be homesick. More kid than you realize share these same feeling but are embarrassed to admit it to others. Kids should know that it is OK if you are not crazy about college immediately and probably many other freshman share the same feelings.

Michele

I would tell myself to relax. There will be enough time for everything. The road less traveled is always the roughest, but it makes all the difference in the end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, you can acheive your goals with a little hard work and perseverance. In your free time have fun, but don't over do it, know your limits. But most of all, believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

joshua

if i could go back in time to high school, i would say to myself "buckle down. dont procrastinate and become a good time manager. dont worry about popularity and material goods, an education is more important. get the homework done and dont be a fence sitter. also start filling out scholarships now, or you will be fighting for every penny to stay in college and haveing your whole eduction sit on a game of chance by bcoming an RA. change your life now while its easier and sav both of us the trouble."

Narindra

Never give up on what you want to do in life.

Jeanne

Knowing what I know know about college life and making the transition, I would encourage my high school self to stick to the academic regimen I had for myself because it paid off in my attempt to maintain a high GPA. I would put more of an emphasis or real-world/life experience such as balancing a check book and not spending money on silly things because I am paying for my own education and housing so I have learned just how important the value of a dollar is!

Hillary

My best advice if I could go back in time would be to listen to my mother and not procrastonate, and really focus on my work, because now that I am in college I feel that it can be a real difficulty for me to sit down in a quiet space and do the homework the night it is assigned, so that it doesnt build up and then not have enough time to finish it to the best of my ability.

Andrea

Go through school working hard on homework and pay attention, it'll make all the difference. Go and visit the colleges to see which college might fit better, instead of picking a college that you know people. Have to really focus and learn how to study and what works, since college is a lot harder the high school and they don't prepare you enough for whats ahead.

Autumn

I would advise myself to take every opportunity handed to me. The years after high school really do go faster then you could ever imagine. Even if you don't know what you would like to go to school for, take a variety of classes, something may intrest you that didn't before. I would also advise myself to ask for help, and to talk to people who have been to college. If you don't speak up and ask for help when its needed, no one is going to know you need it.

Alleasa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior the first thing I would say is make sure you keep good grades! I would also sayu to join in every community service possible, and join clubs become an officer. I would also recommend getting a job and a credit card to build up some credit to be able to get loans. DO NOT wait until last minute to find loans, I've learned my lesson big time on that one. If your not a ery social person I suggest getting yourself out there before you go to college because at college you are going to have to do some things that you will be uncomfortable with. Go into college with an open mind and a fresh start.

Amber

Stay far from timid. You need to forget the sterotypes placed upon you in high school, college is a whole new world. There are new people to meet and new dreams to be reached, so don't let the past hold you back from making the best of it. Be the person that you know you truly are. You need to open up and be yourself from the start, you can't be shy. You can't be malleable to fit others expectations, or else you will never find real, true friends. Even though college is about making a new future, you can't forget the past either. Yes, you need to make new friends and explore the jungle that you have been thrown in to, but you cannot push aside those who have helped you get to where you are now. Remember your family, remember your first friends, and even remember your enemies. They have all allowed you to become who you are today, so always keep that in heart and in mind. You can never forget where you come from. When you have to leave the comfort you have known, always be true to yourself.

Megan

If I could go back in time to talk to myself in highschool I would start off by saying "take your time in choosing a college", the second peice of advice would be " Dont just choose the first college keep looking, there are other college have what you looking for as a major". The next thing I would tell myself if I could go back would be " Don't get dishearted if you and your roommate don't get along. Sometimes it just doesn't work out", and I would also tell myself "you don't always need everything that you think you do. You should really contact your roommate and decided what each of you will bring, this will save you money". I would also tell myself that " College is a new chapter in your life, don't abuse it you are paying for this, so try your best in college. But also have fun, dont just bury yourself in your work get out and enjoy this time, it will go by fast".

Isabel

Make sure you do all of your school work on time and remember deadlines for projects. Making friends is easy especially with your roomate and people in your residence hall so that shouldnt worry you. College life is more than what you expect it to be. Its alot of hard work but it is an exciting and fun experience.

michelle

Start college as early as possible. It is not easy to acclimate to the campus environment once you get older.

Christina

Make sure to visit the school, because it may not be what you expect. Consider all factors when selecting a school, like money, distance, and majors. Do not just pick schools that your friends are going to because you may be dissapointed.

Samantha

Follow your heart and your dreams. No one can make the desicion for you.

Ann

follow you r heart and you dream will follow... make friends and make your grades

Stephanie

To students I would say work hard in high school so you can get in the college of your choice. I was not able to go to my first choice until now (fall 2009). I had to go to Cobleskill before i could go to Oneonta. Oneonta has the major I need. To parents I would say just be prepared for the years to come. I know my parents were worrying about how to pay for my year at Cobleskill. Anyway, Good Luck to you all!

Francis

Advice, if any to give, would be that when making a decision, be sure to visit the campus, go on a tour. Also, make sure that they offer what the student needs to obtain a degree. Dont go right with the first choice, investigate early during the junior year in high school. When the college is chosen, to make the most of it, be sure to get involved with campus activites, otherwise you will find yourself doing nothing, bored, or even worse getting into trouble, or doing things that you should not. Live on campus, it for a better experience than living with mom and dad. One last important thing to keep in mind when searching for a college, is to optimistic, (parents- be willing to let your child go) (students- be willing to try new things, change is good).

Bethany

Go were you will feel good, and were you feel you can get the best education!

Rebecca

do the homework first and then party, everyone will be happier in the end

dsa

pick a fgood one

Cara

Ask alot of uestions, about everything!!!

Alyssa

To make sure that it is the right enviroment for your child. To also make sure that they like what they are going for, if they do not enjoy it then they should not waste the time doing something they do not like.

Alison

Unless you are willing to live in a rural place and have almost no means of public transit this isn't the school for you.

Katie

Make sure that you look at and consider every possibility and make sure there are other majors you are interested than the one that you're entering for because you might change your mind as to what you want to do.

Runie

I would put emphasis that grades are essential while in high school. Participating in extra curriculur activities can possibly increase the chances of scholarships. Tuition can be difficult but there are hundreds of scholarships in which to apply for. Applying to numerous schools gives you better chances of being accepted. Don't hesitate to make trips and visits so that you would be able to get a feel of the school you may potentially attend. Keep the process simple and stay on top of due dates for your applications. Make things convienant for yourself and have a positive outlook. Keep in mind that there are resources out there to help you. Initially, one might be shy at first, but there will be other students who are wearing the same shoes. Everything will be just a matter of time, especially until you begin to feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to use the talents you were blessed with, whether athletically or academically. Remember to take it one day at a time.

Josh

I would advise parents and students to ?test drive? a campus before they enroll there. Brochures and statistics don?t tell you as much about a school as 10 minutes on the campus. Don?t choose a college based upon its reputation. One man?s Harvard is another man?s prison. Ask to speak with a professor. If you have a student tour guide you should not be afraid to ask them questions. Most will open up and give you a true glimpse of the college. If you are wondering about how the bills will get paid you should speak with a financial aid counselor. They are pros. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that?s not asked. Even if you are in a group, chances are somebody else is wondering the same thing. The greatest way to get the most out of college is to get involved. While that phrase sounds clich? and is overused, it is very true. College offers more ways to get involved than most high schools. There is truly something for everyone. Most importantly, never forget to have fun!!