Stockton University Top Questions

I would tell myself to relax and enjoy every day. Everyone is feeling the same confusion about classes and being away from home. I would also tell myself to have a little more fun. Of course I'm at college to learn, but I'm also there to get the whole college experience. It's also important to make connections with teachers and to always buy your books online, the book store rips you off. Finally, I would tell myself not to do too much with track right after my appendicitis.

I knew when I had to make the decision of which college to attend it would affect not only my life for the next four years, but my future. If I could return back to my senior year of high shool, one of the biggest things to consider about college is: are your ready to live away from home? Your college choice can be immensly affected based on the answer to this question. Living away at college involves taking on more responsibilities and sometimes sacrificing things you have become dependent on such as your car. Some colleges do not allow freshman to have a car on campus. This is a big adjustment to students who are used getting in their car everyday and driving to the grocery store or the mall. It is a big adjustment from having something there everyday and becomming dependent upon it, to not having it there at all. Adjustment also involves making responsibile decisions such as choosing not to stay up all night and then sleep through class the next morning, doing your own laundry, and budgeting your own money. For some students this adjustment comes easily, but for other it is extremely difficult.

If I coulds sit down with myself in highschool I would tell me, "Be you and nothing else. You are strong, you are smart, you are driven, you are happy, you are flexible, you are moral, you are a leader. Strengthen you're qualities and mind, but do not forget who you are.

I don't think there is really a way someone can fully prepare themself for college life. Moving from high school to college, the transition was huge. Everyone is always excited and nervous when starting college. Unfortunately, freshmen year can be the best or worst time for you, however it is up to you to determine the fate of your college experience. I advise to find a balance between school work and your social life or your social life may take too much away from what you accomplish in the classroom. Another piece of advice is to get involved! Half of your college education is what you do outside of the classroom. Find a few clubs or activities that interest you. You will learn as much outside of the classroom and you will inside and that is something employers look for upon graduation.

I would tell myself to stay open minded because although Stockton isn't a Division I school, I have learned to be a strong student leader on campus. I would encourage myself to continue to apply for different scholarships and financial aid programs like the Education Opportunity Fund because this program helped with my transition into college. I would also tell myself that it is ok to be undecided and want to do a little of everything. I don't need to come into college knowing my major and how the rest of my life is going to plan out because as a senior I don't know what doors may open. Find out all I can about the college/university I plan to attend because they all offer different programs that you won't know about until late like a 4+1 program that will allow you to do one year of graduate work and put you that much closer to a masters degree and different study tour classes. Finally, I would tell myself to keep meeting new people because they are the ones that are going to expose you to the truth behind the school.

I think that I would not change or alter my decision. I love my current school and everything about it! It is close to my home, and very convenient for me. I am glad i made the right decision, although I would have to warn myself about how the huge expense of tuition. I am just overwhelmed with school loans, and maybe I should have gone to a community college first to save a little money. This debt puts a lot of pressure on finding a successful job right out of college. Also after Stockton College, I plan on attended a university to receive my Masters degree. This will just pile up my debt even more. Overall I believe I made the right decision, but I would tell myself to consider a community college first to eliminate some of my debt.

Back in high school I had no idea what to expect in college. I was clueless of the class selection process and how financial aid works. I would have asked my counselors more questions about whole these processes work. I would have probably tried to start saving money during my senior year, because now I am about to be a college graduate, it is difficult for me to find a job, and I am getting married in 7 months! I feel that I have made the most of my college experience. I had a great time living on campus, and meeting new friends. I do not feel like I was too unprepared, because I did well in my classes and I dealt with the transition pretty easily.

Going away and being far away from home is NOT the most important part of going to college. You really need to think about what situations will be good for you in the long run, financially, socially, and of course academically. There's going to be plenty of time to have fun and enjoy yourself, but don't get too caught up in and DO NOT forget to give back to the community and environment. The experiences you have throughout these years will be just as educational as the classes you take.

"Family is always going to be there, focus on your education and grade. You could do it!"

The advise I would give myself as a high school student would be, don't give up! Let me tell you a story Past Marissa. As a HIgh School student you struggled through school. It was not because of behavioral problems, you just had a difficult time comprehending certain materials. If it were not for God and your family you would not be where you are today. You may have taken longer than expected to finish County College, but you did it. You may have not been on the Deans list, but you persisted and have an associates degree to prove it! You will grow and prosper in knowledge at The Richard Stockton, and will be so appreciative for the oppurtunity. High School Marissa: you can do it, you can achive it, you can accomplish anything if you persist. Do not call your self dumb, because you are brilliant in your own unique way. Your stuggle will be a true testament to those younger and older than you. Keep your faith in God strong, and know that He will truly guide you all the way! You rock, and will influnce others towards greatness. Love, Marissa(Present)

"DO NOT TAKE AP CLASSES! PARTY IN HIGH SCHOOL AND STOP WORKING SO HARD!" is what i would yell at my 17 year old self if i was given a chance. I entered college with 32 transfer credits from AP courses and good grades. I worked more than any teenager should in high school, spending all my time worrying about my academics and extra-curricular activites. I thought, "the harder I work, the better my grades, and the harder classes I take, the farther I will succeed. " I'm now shocked to know how wrong I was. A majority of dental/medical schools will not take my transfer AP credit, even if it was already accepted at my instituation. Although I had academic scholarships that helped me pay for school, it was not enough and I've had to take an extra year anyway to make up for credits that medical schools will not take. If I would change anything about who I was 4 years ago, I would be more relaxed.

College is not the real world. It is highschool kids living in dorms next to each other with no idea what to do and with no mommy and daddy to tell them what to do and no authority. Ive seen kids lose scholarships, girls lose their virginity, and kids lose their lives. KNOW why your there!!! Once you get off course get right back on! Call your parents everyday they will put things into perspective for you. Make friends that are different than you become more accepting of the world and you'll grow as a person. Go to a party and dont drink the first time you go. Because you'll then see what guys/girls will try to do to you and how easy it is to be made a fool. Then and only then will you have a plan. Dont go to far from home no need to run away. You'll miss your parents the first week. Keep in contact with old friends! Most important go to class!! You dont go the teacher wont be mad they'll just FAIL you! Make them earn there money, speak your mind! Be open to new things!

look at a lot of schools, and find out about the actual program you plan on taking.

Start early on during your senior year. And really look in to schools. Go visit them when they have open houses and see what they have to offer. I know I didn't do that when I was a senior in highschool. I only went to see two schools and didn't even really want to be there. The first time I saw my college was on orientation day, thank god I like it, and didn't have to transfer.

to parents: let your kids make their own decisions about school. to students: RELAX. college is what you make of it and it is totally unlike high school. i am doing things i never would've dreamed of doing in high school. be yourself and try new things. you have 4 years to decide your future and to have fun!

The most important thing is to find a college where you feel you belong. A community that you can see yourself being a part of. If you're going to spend the next four years of your life there you have to feel comfortable on campus. Research as much as you can about the universities you are applying to, and have options. Don't get discouraged if your top choice turns you down. There are hundreds of schools out there. Even though the application process can be grueling, stay positive. Pick the college you love, not the one that you can settle for. College is what you make of it. The experience you have depends on how much you are willing to put into it. Participate, study, be social, cheer for your school's athletic teams, attend events, and just be a part of your school.

Sometimes the most expensive school isn't the best choice or the best education. To save money and get a great education you should look into your state's colleges. It's cheaper than going out of state and its the same, if not better education. With this economy, it's best to do whats going to be right for you. Just because you have a college degree doesn't mean you have a career-based job. It's better to owe the shopkeep a favor than the remainder on your tab.

You have to select a college thats best for you. If you enjoy small class rooms, then pick a college that suits that. You also want to pick a college where the faculaty are willimg to help their students succeed and find work after graduation. You want to find a beautiful campus that makes you feel comfortable. Finally you want to find a college where you can have fun, make great friends, and just be yourself.

The most important thing to take into consideration when finding the right college is whether the schools of choice have programs for the students future major. Another thing to keep in mind is location. If the school is in a busy city, the student may feel anxious about their environment and unable to completely concentrate on their classes. Don't forget to take the cost of the school into consideration as well. From personal experience, it can be very stressful dealing with the cost and loans. Lastly, make sure the student is ready to goto college. There are a lot of young people going to college who aren't quiet ready yet. Let the student know that there will be a lot of temptations on school but if they work hard on their school work instead of partying with others, it will pay off in the long run.

I would advise parents & students to really look at the academic programs that the school offers. The cost of a college education is so expensive now and if you have any financial hardships, it can be very stressful trying to concentrate. Talk with other students to get their views before you enroll and encourage students to talk to their parents about their goals-don't just go to school without a plan. Make sure you go over your class selections carefully and insist on getting help from your counselors. Don't just let them tell you what to take for requirements-DO YOUR RESEARCH! And finally, hook up with the right people who are heading in the same direction as you are because you can easily fall into the wrong group and cost yourself and your parents a costly venture.