Stockton University Top Questions

"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.