State University of New York at New Paltz Top Questions

You need to pick a school that you feel comfortable at right away. Dont go to a school if you feel you cannot be yourself and grow there. Also make sure the school has a good academic program and will ensure you getting a good education. You are paying for it, make sure it is good. Just make sure you feel like you fit and you feel like you can prosper and be a good student at the school you want to go to.

look at the environment

College is often not about the school itself, but about the person you are when you arrive. If you bring yourself to college ready to be transformed, to come in contact with much about yourself that had been unknown to you, that is to say, educated in the deepest sense of the word, then all that you ask for will come to you. Statistics and competitiveness, dormitories and campus services do not matter nearly as much as who it is you are willing to become during your time at school.

I would tell them to stay as focused on their studies as possible without letting them get in the way of social activities. Join as many clubs that they wish to join, etc.

I would tell parents to really have their children look into the school that they are going to especially if it is far away from home. Many people including myself thought that it would be easy but living off campus and being a transfer student is harder to make friends then one would think, at least harder than I thought. Just stick it out and get through it. Find a job and join clubs in order to meet people and tell your kids to never give up!

Obviously take into consideration what you would want to study and if that school has that opportunity for you. At the same time it is just as important to make sure that you can picture yourself living at the school you choose. The social and living situations must be taken care of in order to be able to take full advantage of the academic opportunity at the school.

I would tell future college students and their parents to have fun when searching for the "right "college. Educate yourselves and eachother while taking tours of the schools you are most interested in. Look into the abundant amounts of financial, acadamic, and scholarship offerings presented by each school. Look into schools that are at a comfortable distance away from home. Also look into the schools that have your intended major or majors you as a student have profound interest in. Once arrived at your selected school, immediatley get involved and bond with your rommate(s) as your relationships will last a lifetime. Study hard and keep the lines of communication open with your professors. Remember to make time for yourself and embrace the knowledge, opportunities, and friendships at hand.

you definitely have to come visit the campus, look around, sit in a couple of classes, TASTE CAMPUS FOOD!!! and find out about deadlines of financial aid

Make sure to visit during the school year, take a tour, and if you know anyone who goes to the school ask them any specific questions you may have.

Beginning college is tough. It is the biggest transition because as teenagers we are used to having mom wake us up in the morning, get our food ready, bug us to do our homework, etc. Choose a college location based on how comfortable you are with leaving home. Visit as many colleges as you can beforehand in order to get a feel of what it would be like to go there. You should really know beforehand that it is not all fun and games. If you go in and don't take it seriously you can definitely flunk out very easily. You won't have your parents there pushing you to do well or teachers reminding you about assignments. You have to stay on top of your goals and remain determined in order to succeed. I'm on my second year and I am still learning and getting used to my time management skills. I have to be able to review my notes outside of class, study, get involved with extracurricular activities, maintain my social life, and spend time with my boyfriend. It can be overwhelming but hey that's life and college is meant to prepare you for that.