Syracuse University Top Questions

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

Philip

I would tell myself to draw and study works of various architects, and also contact students there to get a better idea of the curriculum and the full educational goal i would be undertaking so i could get a head start. I would also tell myself to start making models of constructs to elevate my skills prior to studio. I would also tell myself to set goals in my study such as focusing my time on certain subjects

William

If I were to go back in time to give myself advice on college, it would be to take your search for college seriously. As a high schooler it is understandable that your college search is not very high on your priority list. When you do find the right college, you need to prepare yourself to become more independent, there will be no more hand holding in college and professors will expect you to meet deadlines with no excuses. As for social life, there will be times when you will be offered to do something you have reservations about, it is important to stick with your convictions and think ahead before your decisions.

Guillermo

Do everything on time, don't leave anything for the last moment. Organize myself from the beginning in other words manage my time since the beggining. The secret to success is time managament.

Brendan

As a current college student, I would go back to be a senior to work harder. College is serious and things and fun that could be enjoyed in high school can no longer be enjoyed daily. I would learn to understand how college classes work in terms of lectures and scheduling of classes. As a current business student, I understand the meaning and importance of presentations as I would prepare myself for my future early. Failing to present a project successfully may be one of the most embarassing moments in one's life, but with early notice it does not have to happen. As a high school senior I was very reluctant to ask for help for teachers, but now as I struggle at some points in my year I appreciate help from others. In this case I would tell myself as a high school senior to seek help early whether it be academically or for personal reasons.

I would tell myself not to procrastinate and to get my work done as soon as possible or else I would fall behind. I would also tell myself to get know people who are in my major and also people who are outside of my major as a way of networking and making life-long friends. Also, if I am stuggling with something, I should seek help right away because it is always there.

David

If I could give my high school self advice on college life, I would tell him that he should not assume that he'll be happy anywhere. In order to discover what he wants in a college, he should really think about the things about his home town that make him happy. In high school, I lived in a small suburban community. I had ample personal space. I knew that I wanted to go somewhere exciting, but I did not know that trading space and community for excitement would not be worth it. At Syracuse, they pack us into horrible, horrible living environments. There are too many people in such a small space. Sickness and disease spreads quickly. The dining hall food is repulsive and there are no kitchens in the dorms for one to cook his own food. Freshmen are not allowed to have cars and the nearest grocery store is a 20 minute bus ride away. If I could go back and give my high school self advice, I would tell him not to go to the place with the best academics but go somewhere where he could live happily.

Marissa

So I randomly find a time machine, plug it in, decide that it works, and go back to being a high school senior? Awesome! I would definetly use this special privilege wisely. Now that I have experienced college life for a few months, I would love to tell my senior self a couple of things. The first thing I would mention is to take time in choosing a college. A college should not only be chosen based on location or activities, but based on what you are majoring in. That is one mistake I made because now I am considering other majors that my college is not able to accomodate. Another thing I would tell myself is to get all the childhood stuff out now. When you're in college, school and work are top priorities and there is little room for fun. When I was a senior, I had all the time in the world. I should have been just fooling around and enjoying being a kid while it lasted. After my trip and I return back the present, I will feel satisfied because I have made the right college choice and I am enjoying some senior year memories.

Breanna

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work just as hard in senior as I did throughout high school. I would tell myself not to take senior year so lightly especially in the AP classes, even though I know that I've already ranked in the top 20 of my class. Having taken so many AP classes throughout highschool, I would tell myself that the transition to college will be pretty smooth, and the workload is about the same. The only difference is I will have to manage my time by myself and not get caught up in the freedom of college life. Lastly, I will tell myself that in college you meet a range of people, some who you might get along with and some that you won't. I would say to have a open mind and try to handle every situation as mature as possible.

Wilson

"Do not slack off in sophmore year." If i hadn't done so poorly in sophmore year, my GPA would be higher and my chances of getting more financial aid would have been higher which would be a real help.

Tai

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to be prepared for the curriculum, to study harder, get a job, and be ready for the transition. As back then, when I was a senior, I was dependent, and I was not the brightest but I was the most hard working. I would always give any work I have to do my 120 percent. Also since my family and I did not have money at all for me to attend this school, except for the financial aids offered and loans then I was able to attend this school. My past self wouldn't have worried about anything at all. And I definitely would've told my old self to change, and also to get a job to help support my family. College education is definitely a lot more different then High School education, I was not ready for the transition as I had no idea. But now I do.

Rebecca

I would tell myself to apply to the liberal arts section of this school instead of immediately applying for the architecture program. Also, it is very important to get enough sleep and food. It's very easy to forget about those two things.

James

I would tell my highschool self not to worry at all because the college transition is a learning process that all students need to figure out for them selves inorder to mature, and that I would be just fine making the change.

Alexander

If I could go back in time and talk to myself there will be only be one advice I would give myself and it would be to learn how to manage my time. That's the key to success in college is all about knowing how to manage your time. College life is very busy and time goes by fast but if you know how to use your time wisely you will do great in college. When I first came to college I though I had a lot of free time at first but then as the semester started to goes on everyday seems to be more busier than before until it gets to a point when you feel there is not time for anything and there is when you really feel the pressure of college on you. The sooner you learn to mange your time in college the better off you will be.

Christine

Don't second guess yourself, I fou think you can do it and be good at it do it. Reguardless of how you might be persieved in others eyes

Lara

I would advise that weather and surrounding area as well as the general student body of the campus are key factors in the decision. The weather can be unbearable if you are not used to this type of weather and it is nice to have things to do besides just stay on campus.

WEIHUA

They should take as much as Advance Placement Classes as possbile. It really help your schedule and academic. You don't need to rush to take any classes, for exampples, you can complete 4 classes instead of 5. They will help you make the transition smoothly. You will have more time to study, and the chance for getting A is improved. Good Luck with everything!

Matt

Relax and don't stress about going to college. It isn't as tough as people say it is as long as you stay on top of your work and studies. Start saving up money for school.

Cree

If I could go back in time, I would definitly learn more writing and analyzing skills. College writing really woke me up because I was not prepared for this. I would also tell myself to expect more intellectual people who discuss things that matter, because as soon as school i noticed a difference in the level of conversations that people in college have as opposed to highschool classmates. I would also tell myself to learn more about whats going on in the world and know what matters to me and what doesn't. College really makes you notice things about yourself than you would have otherwise known. You have a lot of free time and you spend half of it prioritizing.

Aaron

Knowing what I know about college life and what a big transition it is, I would definitely have a few things I would like to tell myself. Most importantly, I would tell my high school self to acquire all the knowledge I can in high school because it becomes even more valuable when you get to college. I would tell myself to strive to excel in all of my classes and plan to take college credit AP courses. Having college credit entering college would have been a great benefit to me because it would lessen the credits I would need to complete my major and it would also give me a head start on the type of things I would be learning in my college classes. I now see how focusing more in high school and taking AP classes would have benefitted me tremendously. I would also tell myself to visit the college I was planning on going to in the summer and take summer classes. This would have giventhe opportunity to become familiar with the campus and its people. Not only would I have become familiar with college life, but I would have been more educated.

Gursewak

stay above all your work, never slack off, keep on going no matter what happens. College is going to be tough no matter what so if you want to get ahead dont ever look down but up at the professors and pay attention.

Andrew

The advice I would give myself is that college transtion is not that hard. The college made the transition very easy and that there is tons of friends and a lot of help that the teacher gives to have the students a successful college life. Although it maybe hard sometimes but you can always get threw it with some hard work.

Jade

I was very nervous getting ready to come to college from such a small school but what I think a lot of people forget is that every single student is also nervous so one piece of advice I would have given myself is to calm down and don't stress out too much because everybody feels the same way upon first beginning college. Another piece of advice: be open-minded, be ready to meet thousands of other students with different backgrounds much different than your own, and be open-minded about your professors and your homework, it is much different than high school, so be ready, I think the best piece of advice coming to college would be to learn not to procastinate! Although it is hard not to, doing so you will not have to worry about trying to pull an all nighter because that is not healthy. And lastly, have fun, make the best of it because it is going by fast already...

Jessica

Some things in life require more skill then one can ever expect. The most useful advice pertaining to what I have experienced about college life and making the transition would be that growing up is the hardest thing to accept. Learning about oneself and knowing that whether or not you are around people all the time, you can still be the loneliest person in the world. If you are not comfortable with whom you are and you do not know how to grow up there?s a serious problem. Learning about your insecurities as a person and taking the steps to correct them while trying to manage a good balence between social and academic responsabilities can be a struggle. As a current student I am still having trouble with trying to realize that most of the decisions that I make are for my own good. Which means skipping parties, engaging in activities that are not appropriate for me to be participating in are not the steps into making a better future for myself. I would like to tell myself that when the going gets tuff you must look at your self and figure out that change is the best way.

Chris

Knowing what I know now, I would actually like to go back all the way to my freshman year in high school and repick some of the classes that I chose so that I would be slightly more prepared for those that are needed in college. If I could only head back to senior year, I would advise myself for freshman year to get into more extra curicular activities because I feel that it would have increased the number of people that I came in contact with and would have met freshman year. I think that if I had continued some sort of sport it would have made the transition a bit easier as I would not have been focused so much on work. FInally, I'd make sure that I got into decent study habits freshmen year so that when the courses started to get harder, it would not be as hard to make after the first semester.

Surayya

I would tell myself to not slack off towards the end of my senior year and to do better on my SATs. I also wish that I had more extra curriculars and that I was an AP student instead of an IB candidate.

Yueran

1. Book is not everything for you, you need more social activities 2. Don't be so stupid with the so-called love. Treasure yourself and the person who cares you.

Nathan

Go into college with an open mind. There are a lot of different people and things to do and see at college, and if you chose not to open yourself up to new ideas, you will be limiting your development into a well rounded individual. This is important, but you must always remember do what makes you happy and what you have the most fun doing!

Chad

even though i didnt need to study in highschool i would tell myself to develope some study skills and good sleep habits

Takarakoten

Go Crazy, branch out. Live a little bit before you get to college, so that you won't be too overwelmed by the freedom in college. basically talk to everyone about anything, made an effort to engage in random conversations. above all Don't Be Afraid of what people think of you, if they are not your friends or family then their opinions will fade from memory. you shouldnt be afraid of what you say or do. act as silly as you want or as serious, true friends will get you. i think it took me 3yrs to learn this.

Byron

If I could go back to the great year of 2007, and see myself before going away to college, I would leave myself with one great piece of advice, "dont be shy". My whole life I've always had a problem with meeting new people, and trying new things because I was shy. Unfortunately, being shy has the capability to severely ruin someones time at college, because college is a time meant for independance and discoverey. Shyness played a role for me at my first college, University of Miami, when I was a freshman because I was closed off from other students for almost an entire semester--needless to say, that wasn't an exciting time. After my transfer I decided to do my best to be an extravertial person, and so far it has played out quite well.

Matthew

Unfortunately, I did not get all four years of high school because of a financial problem my family was having so I was allowed to graduate early. This means that during my Junior year in high school I was also a Senior but did not get the pleasures of being a Senior. Since I have been in college for a few months now I have realized that it would have been easier for me now if I knew what classes to take. At first I planned on taking some AP classes during my Senior year but did not get the chance and did not get to learn everything i could. If I knew what classes I would be taking in college I would replace all the useless classes I took in high school so I would be better prepared.

Jennifer

On first thought, advice that I would give myself would be to start thinking about what I'd want to do, or major in, eariler. I came to Syracuse University without really having an idea of which direction to go in and I felt that had I begun thinking about it earlier, I would feel better about my academic career. However, if it so happened that I came to SU again without really knowing what I'd like to do, the advice I would give myself would be, not to be afraid to seek help and take advantage of the services on campus provided to me--such as the Center for Career Services. Stemming from this, I would tell myself to not be afraid to get involved in other ways on campus, whether it be in extracurriculars, or volunteer service; because it will be these types of experiences that add to and enhance the college experience.

Jackson

I would tell myself to open myself up to the possibilities that will be provided to me. I would urge myself to try to not only study and analyze what I was provided (readings, projects, etc.) but ask myself what each individual piece meant in the larger scheme of my studies. I would ask myslef to understand that only by observing things with a curious scope may I succeed. Academic success cannot be measured by an understanding of the books laid in front of me, but by and understanding of why I need to understand it and how it fits into the larger scheme of my academic studies. I would also urge myself to be able to look beyond what academic resources was provided to me, and to look for my own answers. I would tell myself that professors only provide to you a basis of understanding, from which one builds up their own understanding of architecture. This is a time for development and understanding of myself, and I should treat my time here with respect. Learning is not limited to my time on the campus, but I can spend time outside of school to develop as an architect.

Thomas

Make sure you start doing your homework. You can't learn in college with the same level of effort you put into high school. Engineering takes practice and focus in every single class. Do not procrastinate.

Christopher

I would first tell myself that the feeling of not being able to live on my own without my mom is something that I will overcome. Basically I was afraid of getting sick and not having my mom around to take care of me. Next I would describe my classes to myself and certain stragies for success for example study skills that I picked up late in college and wished that I knew before entering college. As far as work is concerned I would advise myself about the different kinds of jobs on campus and give an honest oppinion about which job would best fit me. Since I would ultimatly go to the same university I would love to describe in my own words the look and feel of my college. Particularly because I did not have the funding to come and visit the college while I was in high school. Lastly I would introduce myself to the friends that I have in college now that way I could have started off college not feeling lonely.

Stacy

If I went back in time knowing what i know now, i would tell myself this: This is going to be the hardest , but the most rewarding years of your life. You will have to face living on your own, making payments, doing well in classes, and keeping up with friends, all at the same time. You are not going to like your room mate freshman year, and while it will be the hardest situation, you will learn more about yourself than anyother time in your life. So you dont become instant bestfriends with your roommate, you will istead meet the best friends you have ever known with the girls down the hall. Be strong in what you believe even if what you believe is changing, however dont let that change be because of anyone but yourself. These are the shortest years of your life, dont ever take it for granted. Good Luck.

Krystina

I would tell myself to get as involved as possible early in the school year. This makes the transition from high school to college much easier. You make friends and learn things from upperclassmen to help you get comfortable. Also I would tell myself not to be afraid of trying new things. There will be many new opportunities in college, so take advantage of as many of them as you can. Also, make sure that even if you do become involved with sports, music, or clubs, do not forget that school work comes before anything. It is important to have good grades and a high GPA to obtain internships and future jobs. As soon as internship opportunities become available, take advantage because real world experience is also very important in obtaining a job after graduation.

Cheryl

Question: What advice would I give myself if I could go back to my senior year of high school, while still retaining the knowledge I have now about my college experience thus far? I know that I make transititions from school to school slowly. I knew that in high school and I still knew it coming into college. However, I would tell myself to be sure about the decisions I would make about college and that I do not always need to listen to the professor or academic advisor. My freshman year of college my advisor told me to take seven classes...this was a mistake and I would advise myself not to do that. Also, I would not repeate classes for which I received a C or better. Beginning at the very first lecture of college, I would tell myself to always take active notes and to review the notes right after class as well as begin the homework. If there is something that I do not understand that I should immediately go to the professor or get a tutor until understand the matial. Do not wait until I feel farther behind. But also, get involved and have fun.

Ricardo

I would say to find a balance between academics sports and social life as soon as possible. I would remind myself that even though there are opportunities for great social freedom at SU, you can easily lose track of your academic goals. I would advise myself to put myself out there and make more friends freshman year. I would preach the importance of not just learning academic material in class, but also learning about who you are as a person outside the classroom. I would remind myself that college is the best time of your life, and even if you have to go through failures academically, socially, and athletically, you will adapt and find a way to become a better person through those experiences. Lastly I would advise myself to appreciate and cherish every moment I'm here at school, because it will be done with sooner than I expect.

Bridget

Be comfortable with who you are and don't be afraid. You don't have to know everything about who you are, but know what you stand for, don't let the people you meet define you. My biggest advice is don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to say hi to someone new, when you are a freshman at a new school that is the perfect opportunity to walk up to someone and introduce yourself, especially in your classes. As a freshman it's important to realize that eveyone is in the same boat, nobody has their "click" formed yet so saying hi doesn't hurt. Sit next to someone new in class and introduce yourself; that person could end up being your best friend. Don't be afraid to ask for help either, college is different and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Meet your professors and make yourself known; ask them questions when you have them. Don't be afraid to step up and get involved with anything that intersets you, you might meet new awesome people by getting involved with something.

Michael

To get involed right away, meet as many people as possible. Get to know your teachers personally, and get ahead of your work right off the bat. Don't let your self get behind.

Felicia

Giving advice to incoming freshman is always a hard task because there is so much you want to tell them. If I were to give myself advice I would tell her to prepared to feel lonely. The transition from high school to college effects you emotionally and academically. There may be thousands of people around you but if you can not relate to a person or a group your experience can be one that is lonely. I lived with three roommates my freshman year and I still felt as if I was going through motions and missed out on building personal relationships and friendships. My advice is to be open proactive to make friends. There is a balance between social life and academic life but without the similar companionships that you most probably had in high school, you can be left feeling a little lost. It is important to find your niche and hang in there cause there are only good times ahead. You chose this college for a reason, make the best of it.

David

If I were to go back in time and give my high-school self advice on how to make college life and the transition into it easier, I would tell my self to make as many friends as possible in the first week. Something I have noticed which I was never warned about by the countless people who told me how to prepare for college was the minute window in which friendships are made. Within the first week, I had basically met and become friends with all of the friends I have now, almost three months into the semester. If I had known what I know now, I would have made a much greater effort to make more friendships. In the first week of school, you are given the opportunity to make more friends than you could ever need, and that is an opportunity worth taking advantage of. The best way to go about making these new friends is to get involved. Even if you're not necessarily interested in joining a group, go to their meetings or practices and meet the people. It is amazing how friendly people are and how easily relationships can be developed.

Derek

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior again the first thing I would tell him is to have someone help him with getting good study habits. In high school (since high school is not even close to as difficult as college) I got straight A's and was in the top of my class. However, coming to college I have realized that classes are way harder then they are in high school so I have to study for my exams. Even though I have become better at studying and make it more of an everyday thing now, it woud have been nice to have had good practice at it atleast through my senior year instead of having to learn the hard way that it is not going to work like high school

Cherisse

Looking back, I would tell my self to be as well rounded and open-minded as possible. I would tell myself to get involved in many activities that benefit me and my community. I would go to all the open house events and get highly acquainted with college students.

James

As a high school student, a lack of motivation and personal responsibility left me little choice when it came to college. I joined the United States Army immediately prior to the invasion of Iraq, and within months of completing basic training, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The qualities that I was missing as a teenager quickly became strengths. Upon returning from deployment, I applied to Syracuse University and have striven for success in every aspect of my academic career. When reflecting on what advice I would give my high school self, the simplest answer is this: change nothing. Had I not been ignoring assignments and putting forth little effort, my options would have been considerably brighter. Perhaps I might have gotten into Syracuse years earlier. I know for sure I would have never joined the military, and in missing out on that experience I would have lost out on the greatest learning endeavor of all. The military taught me not only leadership and personal responsibility, but also taught me integrity in a way that no school could. Without that, I would have undoubtedly been lost in the swirl of college life.

Christine

I would tell myself that I need to put myself out there more. I've never been the most social person and not always much of a joiner, but I really should try to get more involved. Dorm life will/would have been less miserable if I got out and did all the things I loved in highschool that I missed out on freshman year. Theatre, art, and music groups are there for freshmen to join, they're a little hard to find but it is possible, and I should have worked harder to find them. Not only this, but I need to remember to do ALL homework assignments, no matter how trivial they seem. Yes, I got away with not doing homework in highschool, but this is college and its different, we actually need to do homework here. Also, don't worry all that much about not fitting in in class, being the only girl and all. Its surprisingly easy to make friends in predominately male classes, even though they're usually kind of a boys club.

James

If I could go back to before college and tell myself something?s about college, I would inform myself of the social differences of college. While in high school, your social experiences are limited by the people you know but in college an individual?s social experience are determined by their boldness. By this, I mean that in college if you are bold enough to walk up to an unknown person then you can grow this relationship into anything. This differs from high school because in high school the people you know you have most likely gone to middle school or even elementary school with. College is fun of new adventures and tasks use the opportunities to make yourself known and expand your horizons. I would also inform myself of the vast amount of opportunities that college holds because of meeting new individuals. By meeting new people, new opportunities are created which can open the doors to anything at all. If I could go back in time and tell myself about my college experience I would ensure that I met new people and did everything I possibly by trying all opportunities that arise.

Samuel

I would not give myself any advice. Making the college transition was the best part of school for me. I made some mistakes, but they will help me later in life. Everyone has to learn who they are by themselves and should not be afraid to make mistakes.

Sergio

Go to Syracuse,undecided for freshman year. Figure out from there what you want to do from there. Study hard, dont let anything get in your way, make as many friends as possible, enjoy your college life, because it goes by very quickly. College is the best time of your life, be sure you know what you are getting into.