Montclair State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Montclair State University know before they start?

Michael

Above all, the best way to find out about a college is to talk to someone who goes there. Unfortunately, not everyone always has the luxury of knowing someone who went to each and every school they apply to. In lieu of that, one must take many different things into consideration: weigh how much the school costs with the quality of education. Also, remember just because a school is expensive, does not mean its good; all colleges provide, to a certain extent, the same kind of education; do not be duped into spending $50,000 dollars a year on a school with a reputation when the quality of education is the same as a cheaper alternative. Try to visit the schools and spend some time walking around. Pay attention to the type of people that go there and the overall campus environment; try to imagine if you would be happy living there for 4-5 years. Also, try to have an idea of what major you want to pursue when going into school; it makes picking the school based on the program much easier and allows you more time to complete all of your requirements.

Lynn

Going to the best school possible is important. However, I also learned that finding a school that fits your personality is also important. I feel that I have found a school that makes me feel comfortable and want to learn. In return if you do well then that make that school the best school you or your child can go to. Ivy league schools are great for students that are ambitious enough that they can overcome the competitiveness and cut-throatness of their environment. If however, you or your child does not have that kind of personality, I feel that even if it is a good school I do not think that you will succeed.

Travis

Finding the right college will require a lot of research and comparison. Don't bother with that. Just send them to Montclair State University. Make sure that your child becomes actively involved in a club on campus.

Kelly

Life is all about being happy. Give something a try. If you dont like it, do your hardest to fix that problem. You learn alot about yourself in college.

Kelsey

start looking ahead of time atleast a year or two. Do not do things last minute. Write out a pro and cons list on what your dream school would be like, and when your looking for schools do not settle for anything less than your dream school. Do not let the amount of the college inferiorate you. There are ways to pay for college, loans, grants, scholarships, etc.

LaShawn

In life the second step in your life is college. Its always good to stay at one school grow adapted to your surroundings and get involved and feel at home. In making your decision for your school I suggest to you and your family that you search around and check out the clubs that are offered, the social life on campus, the internship availability and the amount of help the college/university gives to their graduates for job placement. Once you walk onto that campus thats right for you, You will automatically feel it. Good luck and best of wishes.

Therese

Investigate your financial options. Don't be afraid of expensive schools. Most costly colleges are aware that they are more expensive and the majority of them will be more understanding about financial aid. Also, don't expect a full scholarship, the trick to suriving the huge financial commitment is by fractioning up the costs over a variety of methods through combinations of scholarships, loans, aid, and workstudy. One final note, don't be afraid to bargian about your financial aid packet, sometimes you can get a LITTLE more.

JamieLynn

Choose a school that you will be the most well-rounded at, including activities you can participate in, classes you take, and one that you feel most comfortable at. This will make your college experience the best and most successful.

Leah

To find the right college isn't about statistics ,its about the correct fit. If you don't get along with the people at the school, no matter how great the program is, it just isn't worth it. I went to Pace Universtity my first year of college and although the program was perfect for me, the students and I didn't get along. College is more then a school with a great program, its an experiance. Without the experiance theres no point to go to college. As a parent or prospective student you should be looking at all aspects of the school. Look at the students, talk to the students, see what the students say about the program. The students wont lie, the faculty might. To make the most of your college experiance you should join clubs that intrest you so you dont feel alone. If you know people who like the same things as you, they can relate to you, and in turn they can become great friends!

John

educate yourself on your options. look at the surounddings of your campus to see if opertunities for your major exist there. dont be afraid to try new things, get involved with something you have a great passion for.

Heather

Parents, take time to explore your kids' college choices. It's important to visit colleges and do as much research as possible, because that's where he or she will gain the skills to lead a successful life. Even though it's tough to be away from your kids, definitely allow them at least a month without visits home to get adjusted to college life. Students, make sure that the colleges you consider have a few of your potential majors or interests. It's always better to have to switch your major than transfer schools, unless you're truly unhappy there. Also, get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations within your first year. Being busy helps you stay on top of your workload, because it makes you budget your time. Don't be afraid to try new things, because it's how you meet the people who might be your friends for life. Most of all, enjoy each moment, because college life truly flies!

Sean

Don't rush the decision. Chosing a college is the single most important decision that a teenager has to make. Once the decision is made there are still so many things that need to be done before arriving on campus. Just make sure that the parent and the child are on the same track. It's important for the parent to at least one time remind the student that college is extremely important and to take it as serious as possible and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Shara

I would say that it is to find a college that is the best at keeping the student focused. College can be a great experience but a lot of students end up lowering grades or flunking out, not because of parties or drinking, but because when classes become too demanding, students drop the ball and rethink their ambitions. Whether it be going to a small campus or qualified teachers, it is important for students and their parents to search for a good school that will keep them motivated.

Julissa

The right school should make you feel comfortable and brave. You should feel comfortable that the university will support your needs. You should feel brave knowing that you will be challenged at the school in every capacity that you can stand to grow.

Rachael

Before choosing a college, I would highly recommend visiting all potential choices. Reading about and seeing the campus are two totally different things. Making the most of college is simple: go in with an open, positive mind. Reach out to make friends. Don't feel rushed to make a career choice on day 1. Be ready for change.

Nicole

My favorite quote is: "If you want to do something, find someone who does it and ask them how they did it." My best advice to parents and students is to ask people who have gone to schools you are considering and/or are in a field the student is interested in to find out what their experiences were. As a dancer I had my dreams set on one particular school. After talking to a professional Broadway dancer who had gone there, he brought to my attention that about a million other dancers like me had the same idea and that getting lost in the crowd would be very easy at that school, a large factor contributing to what school I attend now. It is also very important to visit any school before you permiatly attend. You do want to see what is inside the buildings for yourself to make sure you will be able to adjust easily.

Jackie

Visit any and all colleges that your thinking about attending! Nothing beats seeing the campus, dorms, and classrooms better then seeing them in person, online pictures can be deciving! Be sure to make friends! Introduce youself to the people in your classes or on your floor (if your dorming). Most people are very ready to make new friends, don't be shy. Try and keep a positive attitude in everything you do. If you have the mind set that something is going to be to hard, or take to long, it probably will. Don't procrastinate! College gets busy and if you leave one thing behind, everything that comes after will be behind too. Watch what you eat, the freshman 15 is no joke! Take advatage of the recreation center on campus if you have one. Keep intouch with friends and family back home. It's easy to get caught up in your new life away from home. Attend events on campus, they give away a lot of free stuff. Balance studying and partying. And make sure you leave one day free of classes, (if possible) to comit to work. It could take a whole day to write a paper.

Kristie

Get involved. It makes the college experience that much better especially on a campus that is mainly full of commuters.

JzeNN

Go to the best school not the easiest or cheapest.