SUNY at Purchase College Top Questions

College is a nice place. There isn't any adjustment needed. It is like summer camp for the first few weeks, so enjoy it.

Make sure you are ready for the commitment. Eng 101 is no joke, this is your future you are preparing for, think about your choices and talk to others before you jump in. Dont presure yourself to pick a major your first semester. Take classes that interest you and your major will find you. Use the resources avaliable to you like the advisors and tutoring. Always ask questions this is a skill that will help you in life. The best teachers in life want to answer your questions and want to participate in your education. Also keep up on core classes dont wait untill the end, it ruins the fun in the experiance. Try your best and stop to apreciate all your hard work and how far you have come.

I would tell myself not to be scared to take as many credits as possible. When I started College I was scared to have too much work and not have time to finish everything within the deadlines, as the result I took less credits that I could have. However I learnt that I am in college to take challenges not to be scared of them. When entering college I chose of my field because it is something I like doing and having a lot of work in what you enjoy is simply having more to enjoy. Another thing I learned is that challenges are what will make you better and more interested in the subject you are learning so why should you limit yourself. Fear of the work isn't the right attitude when you go to College, instead you should be exited, motivated and ready to do your best in what you want to become in the future.

I made a lot of mistakes during the college application process and throughout my transition into college. I didn't pay enough attention to the financial aspect of my options. I limited myself to schools that were close to home so I wouldn't have to go too far outside my comfort zone. I went to the same school as my boyfriend (I said he had nothing to do with the decision, but I really don't know if I would have made a different decision if he wasn't in the picture). I took classes that were too early in the morning. I could go on; but I wouldn't change any of it. All of those mistakes I made led me to the place I now occupy and the person I have become, and I'm happy. I'm learning and growing and figuring out what I want to do with my life precisely because I made (and continue to make) mistakes. So I wouldn't go back in time and give my past self advice. I may not have known what I was doing, but I did just fine anyway.

First of all, drop the boyfriend. Second, you're way too judgmental. Yet I can’t really blame you, as the last two years have felt like a blur of perpetual judgment. Since you began the college admissions process, not a moment has passed without someone, somewhere judging you-- judging your grades, your after-school activities, your financial situation and standardized test scores. All your choices leading up to the present point are being evaluated by faceless administrators across the country with the power to determine your entire future. They aren’t the only ones judging you, as every new development in the college process will be quickly assessed by your family, friends, and teachers. When a classmate gets into a school that you didn’t, the judgment of everyone feels palpable. Applying to college can feel like running a race, with clear winners and losers. But here’s what I wish I knew: It’s not a competition. Nothing is, not the college application process or your life. There is no sure way to measure success or happiness, nor are they equivalent. Do what makes you feel good, and forget what others might think.

Look at scholarships just as much as you did schools, the cost is really high especially for the top schools you're going to be looking at. Also look at studying either abroad or oversea entirely. Purchase isn't for you, you're going to end up transfering, you might be better off taking a semester off or a whole year. Make sure you stay motivated and inspired, your work will reflect it if you don'. Your portfolio is strong however it could be a lot better and you know it; work a lot harder on it. Friends are fun but school, art and scholarships are much more important because they'll matter down the road unlike people in the present. Lastly always work progressively and have a goal.

Dear Senior-Me, You've been through so much in your life and you've accomplished nearly everything you put your mind through. College isn't going to be like high school, you're not going to have as much help and you're going to need to really buckle down and ask for help when you need it. Ask your elders for advice because they've been through the hoops and all they want to do is help you on your path. It's not silly to not understand, but it is silly to make life harder for yourself. Don't paint yourself into a corner because you're too shy to ask questions. If you need help in a class, contact your teacher or the tutoring center if you have trouble in a class. Rome wasn't built in a day, nor was it built by one person.

I’ll tell myself to go to college right after high school, never take out any loans, and apply for as many scholarships as possible. First, I would go to college right after high school. Maybe by now I would have been established with my career. My career choice was to be a Registered Nurse. This is what not listening to my mother got me… In 2007 I tried to attend a one year vocational college for a medical assistant certificate. When I completed the program I was left jobless. In 2009 the school closed and I found out from my credit report that the 1 year program took out 5 loans on me, and 2 grants. I would inform myself on and about scholarships. If I would have applied scholarships to my education the first time, I would not be in debt this time. I don’t think I was not properly informed on how to go about applying. All that will change once I educate myself on the topic. Lastly, if I went to college after high school and never took out any loans I would be debt free. I’ll have my scholarships to thank for that!

I would tell myself to stop stressing out so much over college. Yes, it is a big part of my life and it is a huge transition, but that does not mean that I should spend most of my time worrying about how different things are going to be. It also doesn't mean that I should bring all of my belongings to live in a dorm. I would tell myself to relax a little more and enjoy my last time at home with my high school friends, and let college happen when it does.

As a high school senior, I thought I knew it all. I knew exactly what I wanted, where I wanted to go, and who I wanted to be. It turns out that I really didn't know any of those things. Making the transition into college wasn't that big of a deal, or that difficult. But the time before that was very dificult. If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself that everything happens for a reason. Things may not always go the way you planned, and things may not always be perfect, but learn to be versatile. Learn to accept and move on. Don't sweat the small stuff. There will be plenty more to stress about later in life. Where you are right now is not something to go crazy over. You will succeed and go on to do great things. Make the best of every situation that you can, and the outcome will be better than expected. I promise.

I would tell myself to pursue anything artistic in my last year. That way, when I'm surrounded by all of the talented artists at my school, I won't find myself so lacking in creative skills, like I did when I first arrived at Purchase.

Don't be afraid. The college life might seem imposing or scary, but it’s not that bad. It’s a lot like high school in fact. There’s nothing too terrifying or severe. Everything moves along at a gradual pace, and you will be prepared for everything that you have to go through. There aren’t huge surprises or blindsided attacks. It all will come naturally to you, with time. I would also say work hard. Eventually, you’ll graduate from college, and be out in the big world. You need to work hard, learn various skills, and make business connections. It’s hard to think about that sort of thing when you’re in college, but you always need to plan ahead.

I attend Purchase College as a dance major and the dance conservatory is one out of the top ten in the world. I feel that the program is strong and that it prepares me well for the real world. The campus community is active enough for me personally, but I like a slightly more quiet campus. The campus community activities that are most successful are, unsurprisingly, arts centered, especially gigs or dances in the student center. Academically, all of the tools are there, the student work ethic in my opinion is not as high as I would like it to be. I enjoy the academic opportunities I have that I can take advantage of. I take courses outside of my major that interest me. At times there are scheduling difficulties, but I am still almost completely capable of taking the courses that I want. I feel that the social community is vibrant, there is a lot of academic potential in the school and the artistic opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom are vast and numerous. I know that I wouldn't be happier anywhere else.

When I was first accepted into SUNY College at Purchase I felt that I knew nothing and everything. By attending this school I feel that I have been able to grow as an adult: I have new interactions that no longer consist of play-dates or chatting on the bus. From my professors I have learned to analyze current events and now have a clearer understanding of American society as it deals with itself and the international community. Through various tests and papers I have learned how to formulate more concise and eloquent arguments and through the errors pointed out by my professors I have found what I need to improve as far as my academic skills. I have met young men and women with backgrounds far different than my own and realilzed that we are all human, no matter where we come from or how we grow up and as such we have a responsibility to keep learning about one another in order to better interact on all levels of society. Though I have been at school only a short time, I feel confirmed in my intended career and hope to work in international relations in the future.

I have spent the past two years at Pima Community College pouring my heart and soul into my education. Although I have had incredibly wonderful teachers, the most important things that I have taken away from the experience are that one must be self reliant and self motivated. Organization and time-management skills are mutually important for success as a college student. The skills I have developed at college are not limited to technical knowledge in specified fields, but extend into critical thinking and problem solving skills that are extremely beneficial in every faucet of life. In addition to the development of those important skills, college has instilled in me a sense of wonder about the world that I have never known before. If I were to not be in college, I would still spend the forty hours or more a week studying that I do currently. Once my eyes were opened to how much I do not know and how much the world is in need of people to stand up and be proactive, I can see no other way that I would rather be living my life other than to strive toward a better world.

I can see the change in myself from when I entered Purchase College to now, my junior year. I have grown and matured an amount that is almost unbelievable. I look back and cringe at my awkward self that entered the brick campus two and half years ago and then see myself now--I can hold a conversation with a stranger now (a feat that sent me cowering in high school). I went into college undeclared--the prospect of picking one course for my future that early scared me. I had absolutely no notion whatsoever what I could possibly be interested either. Teachers told me that I didnt have to pick my future just yet, but not having any focus, I felt lost. Sophomore year I took an anthropology class not really knowing what anthropology even was. What I found was my passion. I realized that everything anthropology had to offer was everything I was unconsciously looking for. Now, I can see a can see a path, even if it is not crystal clear yet. I really owe Purchase College for these two, well, life changing opportunities.

College has given me an important life goal to work towards and a sense of value in my life. It has turned my passions and hobbies into potential career avenues, which in turn motivates me to continue my education as far as possible. College has also been a large financial hardship. This has helped me grow into a responsible adult, learning how to manage my money, time, and work load in ways that benefit me most. College made me look to the future and plan. Plan what I wanted to be, where I wanted to go, and how I was going to reach my goals. I became a more confident person during my educational pursuits thanks to the challenges and accomplishments along the way. My college experience has opened doors that might have otherwise remained lock, which is a great value that will serve me throughout my career as well as my life.

I received a necessary degree that will allow me to pursue my future educational goals. In addition to this I also was able to hone my artistic skills, within the sculpture department. Throughout my time at Purchase College I was able to complete a number of bronze casts and many other metal sculptures. This access to the facilities necessary for the creation of art enhanced my college experience and my artistic portfolio. Within my legal studies classes I discovered a strength and aptitude for understanding and interpreting the law. Without the support and encouragement of the knowledgeable professors I never would have realized this talent. I have developed an interest in the law and wish to pursue higher understanding of it.

I loved my college because I was surrounded by artistic people that I could relate to on a day to day basis. It was amazing to walk around and see people drawing and painting and music issuing through the halls. The teachers were easily accesable and the art history program was extremely amazing and educational.

In my freshman year alone, I was able to get back stage of three major Broadway musicals and meet a bunch of working professionals just by saying I'm a design/technology major at SUNY Purchase. I can't wait to get out into the professional world because I know this school prepared me to be one of the very few people who gets to work on these amazing productions.