CUNY City College Top Questions

As a college student that has already attended two different colleges, and hopefully transferring to a third university in the Fall of 2009, I would recommend that they first think about the objectives behind the particular university, visiting the university on a regular day and not only on open house days, and to consider what the prospective student wants from a university. First, one should get as much information on the university whether it be from the official website, respectable college rating sources, and most importantly from students that attend the university. If the university is not adequate to fulfill your academic goals and personal growth, then search for a different university that is more suitable. Once having found a compatible university, visit the campus to verify that your impressions of the university are accurate and not a false illusion. During this visit one should talk to many students and professors and discuss their experiences at the school, both the negative and positive aspects. If the university has passed the standards and the student gets accepted, then the student should do all he/she can do to get involved academically and socially within the school to develop as a whole.

Join clubs.

When I started high school, my teachers advised me that I should visit the college before I pick it. I didn?t quite understand the message then, however, four years later, I understood it. I knew I wanted to study engineering since I was strong in math and physics and also grew up working in construction. So it was only a decision between a few engineering schools for me. I decided to visit the schools and speak to the faculty, staff and students. I got many different perspectives from different people about each school. Finally, I chose City College because of the people there and also for the future if offers. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here since. I have enjoyed outside of classroom education by getting involved in student clubs that offers hands on work as well as making friends and socializing with them. I have enjoyed great relationships with my professors which is very beneficial when it comes to recommendations for scholarships and/or jobs. Your college life can be the best years of your life if you choose the right environment for yourself and take advantage of the opportunities that are available.

For the students: Do not choose a school your parents want you to go to. Attend a school YOU want to attend and be a part of. Somewhere you would feel comfortable and relaxed. A place that offers what you are looking for academically, financially, socially, etc. Most importantly, find a school that offers various majors and courses. Many people believe they know what they want to be when they are in high school but a lot of things change when you're in college so don't go to a school that is strict on a few majors only unless you are one billion percent sure that is what you want. As for the parents: Try to listen to your kids, don't be stubborn and think of only what is "right" for your child. Often students tend to go to the school their parents wanted or because they felt bad going away from homr and regret not going for what they wanted. So be open to opinions from your children, after all it is THEIR future.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to pick the college the student is comfortable at because most likely the student will be at the school for four years. In order to find the right college make a list about the type of college you will like such as do you want a big or small college, a religious based college or diverse college, does the college have a dormitory or affordable off-campus housing, questions like these will help the parent or child find the right college. In order to make the most of the college experience join clubs,fraternities/sororities that interest the student and make friends that have the same vlaue and interest as the student.

DO what you think is right and don't listen to anyone make your own decsions

make sure you will be happy

The advice I would give it to go away to college if you can. I would also advise that students pick a school that offers majors in the areas you are interested in. I started in a school that did not have the major I was interested in so I had to transfer to another school and because of this I will have to spend more time taking undergraduate classes to finish this major.

Be open minded to different options, schedule college visits, speak to current students, spend time in the area and make sure that the school has everything that interests you academically and socially.

I would tell the parents to not force their views upon their child. Often times the child end up taking up a major that they are highly dissatisfied with and when it comes their junior year in college want to change majors. To the students, I'll tell them to just learn time management and be responsible. Yes, you can party but responsibly, know your limits, what you can and cannot do, and know how to juggle your school work with a social life. I would also suggest to stay strong because often times you are encountered with your high school friends having more fun than you are but always think about the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, you may be missing out on some parties but the reason you're going to college is for a better and brighter future.