Fairfield University Top Questions

Going back, I would let myself know that I will be okay. Reassuring myself as a high school senior that the choice I made was the right one would haven given me a far more positive outlook than I came in with. Because I chose to go to a school that was across the country from my own family, I think finding the optimistic outlook on your school of choice is crucial to enjoying your entire college experience. There is so much stress on picking the perfect and ideal school that sometimes people get caught up in it, expecting more luxiurious perfection out of their school than they receive. Actually, one of my rejection letters from my first choice school told me not to worry about the school I went to, for the school would be exactly what I make of it. I truly believe in that now. Although Fairfield University has its own problems, the problems uncovered a proactive part of my persona that helped me learn more about myself and my potential as a person. As long as you come into college with a more assuredly optimistic and proactive mindset, then you will have a wonderful first year.

As a full time student at Fairfield University, I have experienced the joys and stressors of being in college. If I could give myself advice, the first thing that I would point out is that college is different. As a high school student, I expected college to be exactly what our culture describes them as, full of parties and good times. I knew it would be hard work, however, my expectations were more focused on the social side versus academics. Furthermore, in high school, I was under the impression that college professor did not care about their students. I thought that professors were just there to teach and leave, not really caring about the students. The professors truly care about the students and wish for us to do well in class. They are readily available for help on exam as well as papers, or if I just had a question. Therefore, if I could give myself advice for college I would say, ?Even though college will be a lot of work, focus on your academics. The professors are there to help you succeed, ask a lot of questions and they will be happy to help you.?

Dear Tommasa, the high school senior, Please relax; you will get into a great university that you will end up loving. You should be enjoying your college process, it is a once in a life time experience filled with an abundance of emotions. Embrace your fears and excitements about venturing off on your own. I advise you to study hard for the SATs, apply to ?reach? schools, and have more confidence in yourself. You should also take some honors courses and a few APs here and there; they will benefit you in the long run. I suggest that you to think hard about your future and decide a path you wish to take so that when you arrive at school you can make the most of the classes offered. Do not waste your college years with classes that will not benefit you in your future goals. Choose a university based on its academics, location, and social life. Be open to new cultures and ideas; involve yourself with new clubs and activities. Treat freshman year as a learning experience, try out different things. Make the most of these years, for they will go by quickly. Sincerely, Tommasa , the college junior

Don't panic about applying to a lot of schools. Pick a few that you're really interested in and concentrate on those. Don't worry about fitting in! Everyone is in the same boat, and now is your chance to make a fresh start and be whoever you want to be and do whatever interests you. Get involved right away in an activity - it doesn't matter what it is, just something that you think you might like and try it! You'll make instant friends and have people to hang around with. Even thought you might miss your family at first, the freedom is really exciting, although you'll realize no one cares about you as much as your family does. College is great - just go for it!

Don't be in a panic to apply to a lot of schools. Select fewer schools to look at and focus on the ones you really want. College is great in that everyone is new and in the same boat as you. College is where you get to make a fresh start, to decide who you want to be and what activities you want to be involved in. Don't worry about fitting in! There is so much to do and try that you will definitely find your niche. The best advice is to get involved with some activity right away. I got involved in a sport I never did in high school, and it is the best thing ever because you make friends right away. You'll miss your family but the independence is nice, to be away from home, to know that you have lots of freedom is fun and exciting. But you will also learn that no one cares about you as much as your family does. Whatever you do, don't be afraid to try something new - go for it!

I would have done a lot differently. The biggest thing that I wish I learned in high school, was prioritizing. My senior year of high school was extremely busy. I soon found out in college that you have to down size. I would definitely say "less is more". I did WAY too much my freshman year (last year). I am a film major and I wanted to prove myself to the other people in the program - but I took too much on my plate. And I am still trying to work on this, just saying no. I'm not reffering to anything sexual or drug related (still say no then too). I mean saying "no" - that you have a lot to do. I would tell my past / future me to plan out my time. To stop and take a moment and block out time for study, time for projects / extracirricular things, and especially time for me. Just in case you forgot - my message is 'Don't do too much'. My smaller peice of advice is to make sure you have time for you. Keep your hobbies, enjoy the college atmosphere, because pretty soon, you'll be in the real world.

In high school, I didn't think the size of a school matters. Being at a somewhat smaller school (around 4000 undergrad), I'm extremely happy I made this decision. I feel like I'm always meeting new people, but I still see somebody I know on the way to class, lunch, etc.

Make sure you check out the college for at least two days to see if you think you would fit in and if you'll like it. A lot of people make the mistake of choosing a college because of the financial aid packages. Remember thoses packages aren't promised to you your second year on. Your college should be a place where you know you can adjust well so you can do well academically.

Do what you like, like what you do and the rest will come with hard work, determination, and a steadfast attitude. Don't ever give up on yourself and don't be afraid to try new things and have fun along the way! On your college visit, get away from parents, tour groups, etc.. and find a bench. Sit there by yourself for a few minutes and try to picture yourself living and learning there. If it seems like a good fit, it probably is and you should seriously consider attending that school.

Visit the school and just talk to one of the students about any fears or questions you might have. Students attending the school are not afraid to let you know the truth about the university they attend. The first year is always difficult, so don't abandon a university without giving it a chance to grow on you like the gloriously educational fungus that it is.