Stonehill College Top Questions

I would tell myself not to freak out about the transition from high school to college, that everything will fall into place. I would tell myself to be more outgoing and talk more in classes at college and be open to different people. I would also tell myself that although college is a lot of hard work but I will learn so much and meet some of the greatest people.

The college process is often built up to be an intimidating and feared ordeal but it doesn't have to be that way. The most important thing is to start early, give yourself plenty of time, and get started with an open mind. You definately want to look at a variety of schools so that you have plenty of campuses and experiences to compare one another with; you won't be able to determine which school is the right one until you've seen some that definately aren't the right school for you. Once you've narrowed down your search and are trying to determine which school is right for you make sure you have visited the campus and can see yourself living and being a studnet there, walking across that quad, going into that building, just living your life. Once you're at your school don't be afraid to get involved and force yourself to get outside of your comfot zone. Everything is going to be new, awkward, and scary and the only way to get rid of that is to emurse yourself in the community. Always listen to yourself and do what's right for you.

In my opinion, a lot of students choose their college using the wrong reasons. Many base their decisions solely on things like academic prestige, athletic sports teams, location, or even size. In my experience, a college is made up of much more than it?s general characteristics. Each college is a collective community with different opportunities and diverse peoples, attitudes, and morals. Prospective students should make their college decisions based on whether their personal views are reflected in the academic environment. It is crucial that one feels somewhat comfortable in their surroundings in order to grow and succeed.

Upon walking on the campus for the first time and feeling a sense of belonging is one sign of discovering the right college or university. Observing the student body, facilities, and experiencing actual class time are the biggest key elements to finding the right niche in the institution that was meant for you. Afterall, there are hundreds of institutions throughout the United States alone and finding the right institution will influence the rest of your life. I recall being told, "College is what you make it" by several Alumni. This simple philosophy is the best description I can give to a prospective student upon being asked how to make the most of the experience. Colleges have an impressive multitude of resources and it is really up to the individual as to how well they wish to make use of those tools. One can go through four years and not participate or you can engage what the college has to offer and make that time a truly fruitful experience. The resources are present, it is simply up to the individual to reach out and take advantage of all there is to offer out of this life.

I thought I knew where I was going to end up, and on the day that I got five rejection letters in the mail, that notion was flipped on its head. I spent all of my junior year and some of my sophomore year researching colleges, and spents hours and days on my applications during senior year. I still wasn't accepted to schools that I definitely could have flourished at. I think this was the best lesson, though, because it reminded me that college is college. You're there to learn and complete your degree and get yourself a good footing for your career. No matter where you go, if you go in with the right attitude, you'll love it. I ended up at a school that I thought was beneath me and I'm having a great time. I can't imagine having met better friends or professors at another school and I'm grateful everyday that those snooty schools didn't want me. I went into school with optimism and I'm enjoying every day of it.

Truthfully, as helpful as it is to have the assistance of parents, guidance counselors, and friends in the college search and decision making process, it ultimately comes down to what the student wants. The student must understand that he or she is making a commitment that he or she can hopefully stay with for four years. In that time, the student will be preparing for the rest of his or her life, and quite possibly be making friends and connections that will last a lifetime. Consequently, the student must be happy in the place he or she chooses. Students, do not be swayed in your choice solely because of what others say; rather, take some time to truly consider what will make you happy and where you feel you truly belong. As far as making the most of a college experience, GET INVOLVED! It sounds cliche and obvious, but it truly does make all the difference. The more clubs and activities you try out and lectures or programs you attend, the more people you meet who share similar interests, and the more you learn about yourself and what you truly enjoy.

You have to go for what you want and not settle. You have to keep working for what you desire and go to the school where you will enjoy learning and will make you happy. Make sure you go to a school for the right reasons because you don't want to end up dreading attending the school you chose and be miserable for four years. Stay focused on your goals and work with your parents to settle the finances. Believe in yourself and you will achieve your goals. I know first hand this advice works because I will be a junior in the fall and will finally be transferring to the school of my dreams.

I think to make the most of you college experience you need to plan ahead in a variety of ways. When visiting the school, make sure to talk with students that attend the school. They will be able to give you a better idea about what the school is really like and more truthful answers to the questions concerning campus life. Also, make sure parents and the student discuss financial aid opportunities and loan information many times throughout your college career. I was surprised when I graduated concerning some of my student loans but I feel if I talked to my parents about it each year, everything may not have been such a big surprise. Also, consider job opportunities during your junior year of school. Even now the economy is worse then when I graduated and you want to have a job or other definite plans before your graduation day. It will relieve a lot of stress and also make you feel better about your college experiences.

College can be a tricky place to be...students often find themselves juggling a million things at once between jobs, classes, internships, having a social life, etc.. It's about studying and learning, but it is also about finding out about yourself and who you are, which can be pretty tough. As a senior, I know I have had my share of rough times, but overall, I am glad I have had this experience because I am coming out of it with a stronger sense of self and vision for my future. With that said, when you pick a college, make sure you listen to your heart and go with what YOU really want out of it, and VISIT the campus to determine if you can see yourself there. At college, don't be afraid to be yourself, even if it is different than most others, surround yourself with the right people, take opportunities that come your way because you never know what they might lead to, and seek out any resources that you think would be helpful. If you think you can do it and you work for it, you can. College truly is what you make of it.

When choosing a school it is very important that you thing about the 'sterotypes' that the school has, although sterotypes are not always correct you are more apt to find many students that fit that sterotype than not, and if that sterotype seems to be a good fit for you, then I would strongly recommend checking out the school further and/or taking a tour and allowing yourself to know what you're getting yourself into. For example, if the school you are thinking about attending has a reputation for studying hard all the time and the kids there are sterotypical 'nerds', and you yourself like to play sports and don't find that you enjoy spending all your time studying, then perhaps it would be best to allow yourself to find a school whos personality is better suited to your own. All schools have certain personalities, and you just have to find the one that matches your own, you can do this by taking a tour or attending a class or talkign to people who have gone there/who attend said school.