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.