SUNY at Fredonia Top Questions

In order to make the most of the college experience it is important to create a list of schools that accomodate your academic and professional goals in order to ensure that the first step is the right step toward success. The next step is to visit the schools and see them for yourself. Touring the facilties, dorms and meeting with faculty will help to generate the right feelings so that when you do decide on a college, there will be fewer feelings of anxiety since you have familiarized yourself with it. Once at the school, it is important for the new student to engage in new activities and join a club or two, or perhaps even a sport. By doing so the student is more likely to meet other students that share the same ideas and also expose them to new ones. Socializing makes the transition easier and more comfortable. Once situated with the school, it is important for the student to explore internships and activities that pertain to thier interests so that they can start building up experience in thier related field of study. The most important thing to remember about college: relax, study, and have fun!

I would definitely say to research schools! Don't be afraid to take long trips and visit schools- it's the only way you will get to know what the campus is like and meet with faculty and staff. Shadow a student. Get to know what the classes are like (sizes!) and the faculty and staff. Don't be afraid to ask questions and inquire about extracurriculars, the social life, and especially academics. Making the most out of the college experience requires motivation! Get out and meet people. There are always events going on in residence halls as well as off campus. Just ask! Also make sure to dedicate every night/day to your studying. Start your college career off right by focusing and working hard. Get involved. This is a good way to meet people and network with classmates as well as faculty and staff of the college campus.

The best thing I can recommend to prespective students is make sure you visit each campus you're interested in. I thought I had made my decision on one school, then I went there to visit and realized it wasn't for me. The people you're around make all the difference, so getting to see how students interact with each other and how they react to you can really help you decide. These are the people you're going to be with for at least four years, you want to feel welcomed. As far as getting the most of our your experience there, make sure you participate! Don't be afraid to speak up in class. If there's a group you want to join go for it. Introduce yourself to everyone you can and above all be yourself. High school stereo types are in the past, college is more mature and far more accepting. Don't try to be who you think others want you to be, do your own thing and be happy with that.

Try to find the right major before heading to college, then pick the appropriate college. Also consider the kind of area and environment desired

Hang in there. Freshman year is always the worst because it's your first year away from home and you're making your new "family" at college, but it will get easier, better, and more familiar. Good luck and congratulations for choosing to further your education!

Find a college that fits what you are looking for. Determine what kind of environment you first want to be in- whether that be a small town or a busy bustling city. The type of environment one is surrounded will greatly determine success rate in college. One needs to explore the size of the school and the specific program. I believe small classes sizes are a big part of the success of the student, but it is up to the individual preferences of the student. It is important to truly build a strong relationship with a professor. If at all possible it is good to find a mentor, which will increase one's education tenfold. It is important to love learning, and the more you put into your education, the more you will get out of it.

Unless you are getting a degree to become a doctor, or a lawyer, or something that cannot be obtained from a state school, GO TO A STATE SCHOOL! Nazareth College was my first choice, but I wouldn't receive any financial aid. I ended up going to Fredonia, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! My four years there were wonderful! I got a terrific education without being completely overwhelmed with student loans.

You make the choice of what you get out of college. I know a number of people who flunked out because they spent too much time playing video games, or people who had no social life because they spent their time to themselves instead of getting out there and getting involved. Make the most of the best four years of your life.

Take into consideration the internship opportunities that the school has, along with the extra-curriculars. If there isn't much to do besides school work than you won't be happy at school.

I know when I was a senior, making my decision from the colleges that accepted me, the main factor in my decision was ultimately the proximity of my school from my home. I wanted to be far enough to start my own life and experience true independence, but close enough to go home when I really needed chicken noodle soup and TLC. I know now that I wasn't considering alot of important factors. First off, I only paid attention to the campus itself when I visited. I completely neglected to notice that there were only ten stores in the entire town (practically). Also, though a good party scene can seem like a positive aspect to a school when making your decision, you're better off not going somewhere that the social aspect revolves around drinking. Sure it's fun initially and college is as much about experiece as academics, but do you really need that extra challenge? It is harder than high school, it's better too, but partying will hurt your GPA no matter what, even in moderation. Another bit of advice would be to check out ratemyprofessors.com and see how professors in your major stack up.