Utica College Top Questions

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

Anton

When looking at colleges, don't just look at the big name schools, also look at the smaller ones. Look for small class sizes, good financial aid packages, and most of all, the female to male ratio. Too many males results in a very aggressive atmosphere, too many females results in too much drama, a 1:2 or 1:1 is good. One more thing, look for schools who don't have a large emphasis on frats or sororities. The hazing is horrible, and most end up become alcoholics in the process.

Crystal

Be sure to spend the night and get the overall exprience. Do notpick a college based on cost.

Kristen

The advice that I would give would for students to get information from the HS guidance counsler on the colleges that the student is interested in. Once the information is recieved the student should make appointments with the schools so the student is able to go visit the college (see the classrooms, meet faculty, become familarized the with housing and surrounding community). While at the college, the student can meet with finicial aid advisors to see what kind of assistance the student would be eligible for at that particular school. I think that having a visit to the school before actually applying is important becasue usually the student can get a feel of whether or not he/she would like to attend that school by that first initial visit. This will allow time for the student to possibly look into other schools before the application deadline.

Amber

Really look at what you want, not what others want.

Randi

Make sure you visit the colleges to get a good idea of what they are like. Talk to students and professors and ask their opinions of the college. Check out the dining hall and dorms-sometimes the campus tour will only show you the nicest rooms, so ask to see a room in each separate dorm building, or on each floor. Remember that most likely you will change your major at some point, so be prepared to stay in college more than 4 years to get a bachelor's degree. Try to get involved in activities and volunteer. If you plan on drinking, partying or using drugs, don't waste your money, your parent's money or the financial aid-take a year or two off and go back to college when you are ready.

Keino

Don not ask to many questions or you may start getting answers you dont like.

Cayla

Make sure you sign up for a college tour and research the college before you attend.

Arica

Make sure the circulum suits your learning style. If you do not do well doing work on your own, don't go for large class sizes. It's better to go to a school where your professors actually know your name.

Jennifer

If the college has an orientation during the summer, go to it. It gives you a good idea of how the campus works. Also, try to go on an overnight stay with currect students. That helps you get a realistic view of the campus, students and classes. Make sure you really like the school when you visit it. If you are unsure, don't go there. Chances are that you will be unhappy. Look at different types of school to see what type of atmosphere you like better. Try not to have a bad impression of a school when you visit it. This will hinder your opinion of the actual school. Make sure you want to pay the tuition and that it is worth it because if you do not enjoy it and all you do is worry about money then you will not do well and will not be happy. When you get there, be outgoing because everyone is going through the same experience and wants to find friends. It's easier than you think to find good friends fast.

Randi

It is very important for prospective college students and parents to visit a variety of different college campuses and speak with current students at the colleges. The prospective student has to like his/her college or he/she will not do well. It is also always a good idea to select a local, community college for the first year or two, in order to save money, figure out what direction the student wants to go in/decide what field to major in, and get acclimated to the college experience before moving away from home or spending a lot of money on an expensive college. In order to make the most out of the college experience, the student should be sure to volunteer, get involved in the local community and extra-curricular activities, study hard, stay focused, and not get caught up in alcohol or drugs, which can mess up not only your college experience, but your whole life. Students should realize that it is okay to be undecided, but if that is the case, they should take a variety of different courses to help them decide what they are most interested in.

Claire

Do the most research on each campus that you can, and have a large variety of schools. Visit as much as you can, and be sure to get a tour with a student on campus and not an employee of the college. When making the most out of the college experience, make sure that you meet as many people as possible and get close to them quickly, because they will be your friends for four more years. be open to new ideas and people and most of all, have fun!

Bridgette

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to make sure you have a guidance counselor or someone who is willing to help you explore your choices and to make sure they put your best interests at heart, someone to make sure that transcripts, paperwork , deadlines, etc. are all done on time. If these deadlines pass, there is a good possibility you will be stuck with whatever college is willing to accept you at the last minute, among many other problems which will create a domino effect. If things are left to the last minute, will not have much of a say in your housing arrangements, you may not be able to find a roommate who is compatible which can create a lot of problems. You may be stuck with the roommate from hell. You also may not have much of a choice as to the time and availability of classes. Please do not let deadlines pass, the amount of stress it creates will be overwhelming for both parents and students.

Eric

Make sure that your kids will recieve the best education they can without the most distractions and make sure you could always make sure your kid is doing ok.

matthew

My advice would be to make sure you have gone thought all the ways to find or get the extra money that is out there .Have a job will help with some of the extras.But sometimes it is very hard to keep up with school,sports and job.I guess i was not thinking how much school cost.

Kayla

Always go and visit the colleges you are interested in when they are in session. Pick your major based on your heart not on money. Do not go home the first weekend you are at school. You don't need half the stuff you think you need, so if you don't use it at home you don't need it at school. Trust your gut, if you think it is wrong for you it probably is.

Shaela

look at how big the school size is and if itr right for you. Also look at the available class sizes and the enviornment if it fits you or if you are comfortable with the size.

Kate

Finding the right college depends on what type of a learner the student is. When I was a senior in high school I wanted to go to a bigger school which means more of a social life. Yes having a social life is important but its not why you are going to school. I had my heart set on going away to this huge university but my mom influenced me into easing into it. Yes at the time i did disagree, but now that i look back on it im glad i ended up where i am. I am more at ease in a smaller classroom, able to learn easier, and there are less distractions. Plus I am extremely involved on campus with sororiety life so i guess i have the best of both worlds. My advice for people attending their first year is to check out as many campuses as possible and find one that best suits their learning ability, because if you choose a university that has a difficult learning environment, you are defeating the purpose of college.