Syracuse University Top Questions

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

RJ

I learned how to be an adult. I learned how to manage my time. I learned how to live with someone that was not a family member, who had a very different life style and belief system. I learned to advocate for myself and for others in need. I learned that I have no one to blame when things do not go right except myself. I learned how to study. I learned how to manage money. I learned accountability. I learned responsiblity. I learned that it is hard to follow the crowd and still stay true to my beliefs and values. I learned how to make difficult life changing decisions. I learned that I have a fantastic support system in my family. I became an adult!

Socrates

College has allowed me to find or help find who i am in life and who i will become. As i came in to college i dint know what to expect. I was rather scared and lost in a completely new enviorment. coming from a conservitive family the social life was something new to me. But ive learned to communicate with other as well as to get along with others .College also taught me the value of being responsible,independent and truth worthy. Its an expirience that every teenager should go through .

Donald

What I have gotten out of my college experience so far is a different outlook on life. College life is very different from high school. When I first arrived it was wierd and sadening being away from my mom and sister that I had grown up from. College definitely matured me and made me stronger. For me I see college as the making or breaking point in being successful. High school was beneficial, but college you are more independent and you have to use the skills you were given even more. I have learned a lot through my friends at Syracuse. I was never the best speaker and I tended to be a little shy. Through observation and just hanging hanging out with a lot of my friends I have become a better people person and my speaking skills have gotten a lot better. College has made me a better person because I am more outgoing and I am not afraid to fail or try new things. I know who I am more inside and I know I have alot to offer while in college and once college is over. That is why college has been valuable to me.

Inhye

Throughout my college career so far, I have learned many meaningful lessons, even beyond academics. College is definitely a difficult, emotional rollercoaster ride. This is why it's important to remain positive and keep in mind that life is short. An experience like this flies by so making the most of it is vital. It's best to apply your fullest effort into academics and create a social life that exudes happiness within yourself. College provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships/friendships, and feel a sense of accomplishment and involvement. So, it's up to you to seize the opportunities that come your way.

Scottie

I am hoping to further my career for my family and myself.

Darius

I have gained new friends and have experience with equipment that I will be using in my future career. These opportunities aren't offered everywhere, so I am glad that I could attend this college.

Sarah

I have learned so much as a person and about my talent as a Musical Theatre major.

Noureddine

This University has given me the most awe inspiring experience. The campus is beautiful, the academics are challenging, the student population is diverse, the professors are helpful and I feel i can succeed.

Amanda

There is so much to say about my college experience. I started attending Kaplan online around November of 2009. When I graduated high school in June of 2009 I thought college wasn't for me. Then I decided maybe I should look into it just for giggles. Well those giggles turnt into a 2 year program in which I graduate November of 2011. My degree is Associates Degree in Applied Science in Business Administration. I love working with children so I decided that maybe I would like to own a day care center someday. That what I started out thinking, then I started thinking and thought about changing that. Who knows I'm not done with my degree yet so I may change my mind again. I decided maybe I'll have an SPCA. I absolutely love animals, especially cats and I hate seeing them on the road. I thought okay I'm going make this education thing worth my wild. I'll collect any stray cat I see on the road and somehow get a certificate saying I can't give it back to the owner unless they get the animal a name tag with the names and numbers.

Michael

My college experience at Syracuse has given me a different world view. I think differently than I did a year ago , and I have a better grasp on how the world works.

Lewis

The people I have met and places I have gone are amazing. I did not think I would be able to grow in such a short amount of time, but attending Syrcause University, or really any university, is such a big step forward from high school. I am now thinking differently about nearly everything that I see and touch. How I interact with my environment, how I communicate with people, and what I want to do in life.

Morgan

By attending the Newhouse School of Public Communications, I have gained experience in the fields of television, radio, and film, that I never would have had otherwise. The resources offered at Syracuse University are extensive, and taking classes with leading professors in their fields has provided me with an unbelievable college experience.

Laura

My college experience has been good overall. I feel a step closer each semester to being a successful adult with an educated career. Sometimes it is hard to stay motivated but those are the times where you just need to dig within yourself and push through. College gives you a chance at something more with your life. When I look around at everyone who has not had the same opportunity or chose a different path, I thank God I chose college. Going to college is one of the best decisions I will ever make in my life.

michelle

I learned to be more independent now that I'm in college. College is very different than high school, and it is very expensive, especially since it's a school like Syracuse. I've gained a lot more experience being away from home and experiencing a place that is not New York City. My previous schools were not the best schools, I feel like i did not learn much because of the community and I felt like my other schools were not giving me the help I needed. In syracuse I meet so many types of people and I learn from them. People in high school are very immature and foolish. However, there are people that likes to drink alchohol and smoke but i think it is so much better than my other schools i attended.

Maureen

I came from an all girls Catholic high school and a predominantly white suburb. Coming to college, especially a college as large and diverse as Syracuse, was a major eye opener. As a student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse, I am getting an incredible education through my classes. I learn more and more everyday than I thought was possible. Yet even once my classes are done for the day, I find myself continuing to learn from the people around me and the experiences I go through. The lessons I have learned in the past year and a half have truly transformed my view of the world and of myself in a way that would not have been possible or as beneficial if I had not attended Syracuse University.

Jenessa

From my college experience I have gotten friends but most of all I have come to see what it takes to get to where you want to go in life. College has taught me determination and going after what i want and need in life. It has been valuable to attend because it has a learning experience and college has lived up to everthing that people have said. College is where you find out who you are and what you want. I'm still on that journey but I feel like I'm slowly approaching the point where I know what it is that I want and need.

Ann

What I have gotten out of my college experience is a transformation into a more social and outgoing person. Because of my college experience, I have both seen and learned the value of putting myself out there to meet new and interesting people. My university has been valuable to attend because it has made me a more well-rounded person. The courseload and activities I took on taught me better time management and study skills. The people I met showed me how to be comfotable in my own skin and not be afraid to be myself. Overall, attending Syracuse University has been the best decision I have ever made for myself and for my future.

Nicole

I am learing alot of valuable information, it is very important to attend all of my classes because if i'm not here than how can i be learing what i need to learn to keep my GPA at a 4.0 and to graduate on time.

Kimberly

The most valuable things in life are your family and education. Without a college experience, I would not value my education as much as I do know as a mother. I want to start a career and be a great example for my children. My previous college experience, before my children, was to expand my knowledge and experience adulthood. My college experiences in the next 18 months will show my children, and even my husband, how to have determination and persevearance to reach your goal and achieve someting you want. Most of all, I want to show everyone that nothing is impossible or out of reach.

Priscilla

Being a part of the Scholars Program at Santa Monica College has been a very rewarding experience, in terms of academic advantages and school support. High school offered me so many gifts ( free books and classes, experienced educators and unlimited opportunities), but college is a privledge, not a right. I have to earn my place in the program, strive for excellent grades while trying to find money to pay for an experience I used to be given without any question of money or qualifications. Attending college has been an eye-opener, an introduction to a new world of hard work. I think this is a valuble lesson: Earn your place- nobody owes you anything, so give beyond your best. Though I miss the simplicity of a high school schedule, the soft atmosphere of mediocrity and government sponsored education, I believe the college experience will bring out my true potential. I do not need to be handed opportunity on a silver spoon; I would rather fight for it, demand my place amoung the college elite. If college has taught me anything, it has made me realize that the amount of work I put into a task is equivilent to my reward.

Richard

I had gained many skills and knowledge while I worked for Kmart. One skill I detained was of time management. If I had to work at 5:00 pm, I made sure I was ready thirty minutes in advance just in case of any problem that might happen. Another knowledge that I gained was being trustworthy. All my employers trusted me to come in on time because if we were missing somebody it would be hard to work with all the customers. The third knowledge I seized was getting along with others. If someone did not get along with one another we always decided to talk it out. This was good for the future because in most jobs you have to work with people you do not agree with all the time. The last skill that I picked up was being exceptional with assisting others. Every time I worked, customers needed help finding things whether it was the bathroom or toys aisle. All these skills and knowledge are good in helping me in many ways from academics to my everyday life.

Sakina

After my first year in college, I was able to discover who I am as an individual. I am greatful to be given the opportunity to get an education that will be valuable throughout my life. I have learnt the importance of family and friends who were a crucial part of my support system. Not only have I made long lasting friendships, but I discovered the importance of time management, which is an essential element in life. College not only gave me a memorable experience, but I learnt how to cope up with the pressure of doing well in classes, along with balancing my busy schedule in my personal life. I work part time, go to school full time, and my family is a very important part of my life. College taught me how to balance my priorities and still be able to have fun in life. That i believe is the most valuable lesson I could have learnt, because life is not always going to be easy. College has taught me to be able to cope up with the pressures and problems life throws at us, and still be able to enjoy time with friends and family!

Arielle

It was important to attend Syracuse University because it taught me that I can achieve anything if i study hard and try my best. Eventhough i am transfering, Syracuse has taught me valuable life lessons and college credit.

Courtney

Though I am only going to be a sophomore in college this year, I have already taken so much away from my experience at Syracuse University. Upon returning home for the summer I feel as though I have grown up in a way I could have never done at home. Every day was exciting, whether it was a stimulating conversation in Political Science or getting hands on experience behind the camera in Broadcast. I have been able to immerse myself in academic subjects that mean something to me. I have not only had wonderful experiences in the classroom but also outside of it. I have joined a sorority, a dance club where I hold a leadership position, become an avid orange sports fan, and have made friends I already know will last a lifetime. College has already opened up so many new doors for me as a freshman and I can't wait to see what the next three years will hold.

Danielle

Throughout my four years at Syracuse University, I have not only met people from many different countries and backgrounds and learned of their life experiences, studied under the tutelage of world-renowned professors and met some of the most interesting people I have ever met, I have learned how to learn. A Liberal Arts degree prepares you for life in the most simple way: by teaching you how to adapt to any situation. As I continue on in my life, I know I am well prepared to adapt to any job I am fortunate enough to get or to return to school to further my education by acquiring a Masters Degree or perhaps even a Ph.D. I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend Syracuse University, an experience that no doubt has shaped my future and prepared me for whatever may come my way.

kassie

Once I attended college I realized just how smart I really am. I ued to think that I was really dumb, and I always tried to tell my mom that I had a learning disability. I love college. I love the feeling of working towards something. After I finish college I get something out of it. I get to do whatever job that I choose. I love it.

Jerry

The most important aspect of college is preparing is to prepare one for life. This includes gaining exposure to careers, which is especially important for business school, but also more personal lesson. For many, college is the first step to taking care of one self, making responsible decisions, and to get a feel for the real world less the risks. I personally believe one must make bad decisions before one can fully make a correct one. College is the place to make those mistakes. Alcohol, time management, understanding relationships, values, beliefs, responsibility, and actions are some of the things students are to experiment to be able to make correct decisions in life. College is also a place to make life long friends. People that will important through ones life.

Krystal

I have gotten so much out of my college experience. I have made so many friends I can't even hang out with them all. I have learned so much that it's not even funny. I love Syracuse University.

Lisa

I was married for three years and out of school for about six years. My college experience has and continues to be very rewarding. The past three semester have taught me alot and helped me find an interest in the psychology field. As a started college my major was biological sciences and now it is behavioral science. I also found that I'd rather write papers than study chemistry. With the opportunity to go to college right after my divorce helped me to focus on my future and not my past. College has been a great experience and a great filling of achievement. I plan to continue my education at a university to complete a bachelor in psychology, and maybe my masters. I definitely encourage everyone I know to have a college education; it's not only necessary for a higher paying job, but a better understanding of yourself.

Eduardo

I am currently a freshman in a 2 year college. I have gotten plenty already out of my college experience. I have learned tat hard work above all is the most important thing, along with effective time management and good networking. Having friends and contacts in each class becomes very useful, from these people I have learnt just as much as I have in the classroom. Thanks to them I have also expanded my culture, I am now able to see society and those around me from multiple points of view. This skill will always be useful in my life because it allows me to see how fortunate I am for the things I am able to do and that I do have. And with it I will be able to help others in life and I will be a better proffesional.

Marissa

College makes you grow stronger in every aspect. Whether religiously, mentally, physically, or educationally. You have to fend for yourself. The only one who can go out & make your dream come true is yourself.

Jesse

Collage has been a great experience. The community college I attend allows me to learn new and exciting way to express myself and obtain the thorough knowledge in my field of study. I?ve learned how to coincide with others and understand people of a different ethnicity may have a dissimilar point of view. I?ve also learned how to research date to support my facts and analysis my material to be accurate. Being a father of two kids and having a full time job makes college a big challenge, but I?m blessed that my college provided me the opportunity to engage in courses at night. The instructors are friendly and helpful making learning fun and rewarding. The education that I?m receiving here will allow me to unearth the dream job that I?m seeking.

Gabriela

Coming from a small island, Puerto Rico, where everyone is different but basically all share the same culture, it was impacting for me to come to Syracuse, New York to study. Besides the drastic differences in weather as soon as I got to my dorm the first day of college orientation I started meeting people from all cultural backgrounds; Hindu, Jewish, Koreans, Turkish and many others. I would have never thought that my best friend would end up being a guy from Zimbabwe. By meeting all these new people I have learned to be more understanding of life, of the how and why people think the way they do. In the middle of my freshman year and I must say that I am more than happy to be in college. It has been a couple of months filled with new and great experiences that have opened my eyes and made me more tolerant by the minute. College is my world where I am practicing to better serve the people on this planet. Through friends, professors and all the university community I am learning to be a better citizen of this world.

Heaven

High school was a social outlet for me because I had it bad at home. I felt the need to stand out and be noticed especially because I wasn?t noticed in my personal life at home. In class, I was too busy creating closer bonds with friends via written notes and text messages. This ultimately fulfilled something that I wasn?t receiving at home, but caused me to neglect my future. If you?re a student with similar challenges, do your best to change your perception! School may be a social haven in the moment, but what would it be like to actually have the ultimate independence when moving onto the University setting? It only gets better, more students to socialize with, and more activities to participate in! Hang out with friends, and support one another in applying for scholarships. Work hard in your classes until the end, so you don?t jeopardize your entrance into the University of your choice. Open all the unlimited possibilities to your future by staying focused and college bound!

Brad

Don't make any assumptions about anything beforehand. Try to keep an open mind to new people and new activities. College is about trying new things and meeting new people. It is easy to be judgemental of people, events and organizations, but don't make up your mind about anything before you experience it for yourself. Sometimes a bad reputation may haunt something on campus, still give it a shot. Most often, you won't regret what you try, only what you don't (this does not apply to drugs). Many students sit in their dorm rooms and try to establish a comfort zone. Attempt to make any situation a comfort zone for you and experience as many different activities and clubs as you can before you decide what to dedicate your time to. Yes, it is okay to spend time relaxing (video games, doing nothing, etc.) but try to limit this time. Also, it's best to make as few enemies as possible and stay in touch with as many people as you can. It is always nice to see a familiar face anywhere you go!

Laura

I would tell myself not to be so worried about going to college. Don't worry about not meeting anyone or making friends because at the same time that you're moving into this new environment where you don't know anyone, so are hundreds of other freshman, and they're all as anxious to make new friends as you are. It is truly a time of your life unlike any other, where people feel completely free to walk up to groups of other freshman and introduce themselves, hoping to find a future best friend. Just let go of your worries and anxieties about being away from home and have a good time. Keep an open mind and try to meet as many people as possible, don't get too stuck in one clique right away because over the next four years, you never know who will beome a true friend.

Melissa

I would tell myself to stop being so shy and to take risks in reaching out to people and befriending them. I would remind myself not to judge others before truly getting to know them. I would advise myself not to be proud, remembering that I don't know everything, and can always learn SOMETHING from everyone. I would encourage myself to remain strong in my religious beliefs--while learning about and taking into consideration the religious beliefs of others. I would emphasize how important it is to just be myself, and to be confident in who God made me to be, rather than trying to impress others by pretending to be someone I'm not. I would advise myself to take care of myself: get enough sleep, work on projects ahead of time rather than procrastinating, eat healthy, and exercise regularly; when you feel great, you perform well. I would remind myself to take advantage of the incredible opportunity of being at the university--the facilities, the paid-for materials, the wisdom of the professors, etc. Most of all, I would remind myself to stay positive and make the very best of every situation and day given to me.

Kate

See yourself as a child. When you call a child stupid, telling her she?ll never do anything right, she will hold that hurt and carry it around. It happens to all of us. Perhaps we feel too fearful or worthless to try, creating a world of untapped potential. Regardless of who we are, we are all faced with caring for an inner child. Many of us go on to abuse this child, telling ourselves that we can?t, we?re not good enough, or what we want is too far-fetched. We do this because we forget how powerful our thoughts are; but before we know it, our self-resenting thoughts can turn us into our own worst enemies. It is our responsibility to love and forgive our inner child?the part of us that yearns for love and support, especially when we make a mistake. With love at the base of all our actions, we can share it with ourselves and and the world, making it a safer place. So give that child a hug. For she will always need you, and she will always be there for you. And you?re both perfect the way you are.

Ayinde

I would make sure that before I went off to school I handled all my financial issues while I still had a good deal of resources because if you wait until the last minute it makes having to worry about whether or not you can afford to stay in school that much more stressful.

Yuk

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go to Syracuse University. It is a great college for engineering and I enjoy being here due to all the wonderful friends I have made. I would advise myself to travel whenever possible because college is the best time to do it. One piece of advise I would tell my high school self is to stop procrastinating because there are so many activities out there for students who are early. I would tell myself to start planning my college time because four years isn't enough time to try everything.

Samantha

As a transfer student, I believe I have many key insights into the college selection process and, having found some of my needs unmet at my former college, I opted to transfer to another institution. I feel that in high school you cannot be aware of the true atmosphere at college based on organized tours. I encourage any high school senior to go and stay with a friend or an acquaintance at the college they are interested in. It is so vital to ask these people about their experience at school in order to get an accurate description of life at that respective university. I also would say it is important to think about your upbringing and how that might influence your experience in college. For example, I grew up in a fairly religious environment and being cast into a college atmosphere lacking a sizeable community subscribing to my religion was a bit shocking. Also, I think it is important to take into consideration the main types of people that attend any given college and where they come from. It is so important to relate to the study body. As with anything, it is important to start college open minded.

Kathleen

I would start by telling myself to say hi to everyone I meet on campus, on my dorm floor, and in my classes. A top thought would be to open myself up a little bit more to more people and try to make more diverse friends. You can never have enough friends and sometimes meeting people from completely different backgrounds and groups can be uplifting and knowledgeable. I would also tell myself to keep in mind that it is not high school and reading the chapters are a top priority. On that note, I would also add in the notion of telling myself to think that papers and projects are due a few days before they truly are to force myself to do the work early and give myself time to go back and look it over or possibly re-work it if necessary.

kristyn

As a high school senior, I would have told you that I was 100 percent prepared for college life. I was not concerned about the transition one bit; I knew I'd adjust very quickly. However, during my freshman year at college, I made almost no friends, I liked almost none of my classes, and I cried on an almost daily basis. I felt very alone, and simply put, I hated college. Coming back as a sophomore, this all changed. I honestly can't say I know why it changed, but it did. I made more friends within the classes and activities I was in, I started finding classes that I enjoyed, and I even went out and had fun in my spare time. If I could tell my senior-self anything it would be that it's okay to have a difficult time adjusting. More importantly, you're not the only one! You don't have to make a best friend, find a future husband, and pick a major on your first day at college. You need to make the transition, and transitions take time. I would suggest to take all the time you need.

david

Make the best of it and do a good job.

Holly

I would tell myself to dive into college, head first, without reservation. One day, I know I will have a set routine; in the near future, my environment and I will be more contained. But now, while I am still young and relatively free, every small thing feels like mine. The steps to class, the conversations, and the thoughts are all integral parts of my personal experience. As a film student, college has been a process of education that has oriented me to technical, creative, and personal improvement. I would urge myself to get involved in campus activities as proactively as possible so as to better understand my interests in feminism, film production, and sexual violence prevention. The Syracuse Campus has a particularly vocal social climate which allows for the exploration of questions of fairness and equity. The best way to engage yourself in the university setting, is to find peers and mentors who are truly passionate about similar issues. At Syracuse University, there are many like-minded individuals, but finding a embracing community withing the college requires enthusiastic pursual of opportunities. There are amazing experiences waiting out there, but you must discover them.

Catherine

As a high school senior I worked very hard. As a result, I was often very worried that no matter how hard I tried, it would not be good enough. If I could go back and tell my high school self one thing, it would be not to stress so much. In my senior year it seemed like every small problem would be the end of the world. Of course today the world is still intact. Back then the most I had to worry about was my grade in history class or a track meet. This year, in the past semester alone, I juggled a part time job, an extracurricular poetry group, and management of a non-profit organization with being a full time student. There were times when I didn't believe I could get everything done. But I managed and did so knowing that if I failed at one thing the world would not crash into the sun. Today I know the only person I can let down is myself. And I know that if I tried my absolute best, then I can only be proud of what I achieved.

Nicole

I would tell myself to get involved more and be very active on campus. Also I would make sure I would get more involved with clubs and activities that can build my resume. Also to get a had start on school work and to make sure that I dont fall behind in any classes and get help when needed because there are so many people that are willing to help you out! I would also tell myself not to be shy and explore all the opportunities and career fairs that are available on campus!

Roberto

Assuming I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is to relax and enjoy the next four years because they will without a doubt be the best four years of your life! Not only will you build an educational foundation that will last you the rest of your life, but you will meet many people and will make connections that will last a lifetime. Sure, you'll miss family and friends when you move to campus, but don't spend too much time wishing you were back home because there's a whole new world out there waiting for you to experience it. Don't go crazy trying to do everything all at once, but learn how to prioritize activities and get involved! Getting involved and trying out many activities doesn't mean you can go easy on your studying though. Give it your all with your studies! Some classes will be easier then others, but all will contribute to your personal knowledgebase which you will find yourself tapping into years after you graduate.

Stephanie

If I could go back to my high school, I would tell myself not to judge my peers too harshly. Even those that were mean to people, made fun of you, or fooled around in class, I now realize that people change when they get to college. It seems as though these peers of mine were just stuck in certain roles in high school that they were afraid to branch off of and be more friendly; but almost all of these peers of mine have turned into mature young adults that I can respect. More importantly, after being stressed my first year of school, I would say to "not stress the small stuff". One less hour of sleep, or one B+ instead of an A is not going to be the end of the world. Life is just too short not to see that one movie, lend that shoulder to your one friend who needs it to cry on, tell that one special someone just how much they mean to you. If you really let go, you will find you can stay healthy, make lasting friends, and excel academically if you just have faith in your own ability.

Jessica

When I first started college I was nervous. They tell you so many things about how college is totally different from high school, but I have found out it really isn't. The professors really do care if you show up to class or not and they are really helpful when it comes to work. However, the work load in college is way bigger than it was in high school. So I would tell myself just to space things out and give myself time to do my work. It can get pretty complicated trying to balance a part time job and college so I would tell myself to make sure to take at least one day off a week to get my work done.