SUNY at Purchase College Top Questions

Finding the right college at eighteen is a hard thing to do. Going to college at eighteen and trying to find yourself is even harder. My advice is try to find yourself before you make your decision. When it comes down to it, college isn't about the parties and the crazy friends you find, these are highlights, but they aren't what is important. You have to have a value for education if you're going to go to college; a need to learn. Be passionate, creative, and find an interest in everything you come upon. Question everything. Have an open mind and use your voice while at school. I feel like I chose the best college for me, because I knew who I was at eighteen and being here I?ve found myself even more. I feel like my college supports who I am and what I value, and also supports whatever differences I might have to someone else. Education is such a beautiful thing if you're willing to work at it. Most importantly, don't be afraid of the future, embrace it!

Talk to the other students at any prospective college, not tour guides or R.A.s. Pay attention to how much freedom students are given both academically and residentialy. If the college you or your child end up attending is know for its prevalent drinking and drug use do not get overly involved it will hurt both your GPA and your social life. And remember, college is not real life, do not take anything you experience there too seriously except for your studies.

Give yourself time to decide on a major, try everything. Once you find out what fits, go for it full throttle. Get close with your professors--they know a great deal and want to share with you what they know, and they will help you procede into professional life. Read everything.

All through high school I was convinced that I wanted to attend Sarah Lawrence college. Never, though, did I actually visit the school, never did I stay at a weekend retreat with upperclassmen. And I believe this was one of the primary issues with my freshman year resulting in tears and transfers. As a commuter I never was able to spend enough time on campus and meet students. Those who I did try to meet shunned me because of my economic status. I really feel that it is important for a prospective student to spend time on the campus of their choice. Either through a summer program, or just a weekend visit; this opportunity allows students to get to know the environment on campus and the collective personalities of the students who attend there. Its a great way to get the feel of the community that theyll be moving into and the only way to know if youll fit into the school you long to go to. Prospectives are also given tours of the campus, allowing them to know the ins and outs of the area, and giving them time to bond with students over their favorite pastimes.

Visit schools, talk with professionals in the field you want to go into, talk to students who go to the school and talk with instructors before choosing a school. Additionally, look for small class sizes and an atmosphere that is caring and supportive.

Parents and students should remember one thing about choosing a college: environment is key. If you don't fit into your school's surroundings then you're probably not going to have a good time and your grades might even reflect that. If you're a city guy/gal then find a school in a city and vice versa if you prefer wide open spaces. Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy psychological level is essential in becoming successful and the environment in which you live is one of the most prominent factors influencing your mental well-being.

It has to feel right. There were two other schools that were really appealing to me, but the one I chose felt right to me. It definitely helps to visit the campus, find out what you can about its programs, features and professors, and especially TALK to former or currently enrolled students. Whether it's in person, on Facebook, or by phone, talk to people who know what the school is like, and find out what they are like. If you talk to someone who says the school is amazing, but you don't think you would get along with that person, then you should take it into consideration that the school may not have the same effect on you. Finally, remember that it isn't the end of the world if you pick the wrong school. A good portion of my friends are transfer students and are doing fine. Good luck!

Honestly, I only visited two colleges, one of which was with a friend who was thinking of attending that school. I only applied to one college which I got in, but I always will regret not visiting and doing more research on other schools. Deffidently keep your options open, visit as many schools as possible, ask about the curriculums and all the necessary information of course, but talk to the students while you're there. Ask for their honest opinion, what the teachers are like, the weekend life, dorms, how the offices help you, they'll tell you without trying to make the school sound better than it is, they're living it. For the student applying, don't be a hermit and deffidently don't judge a book by it's cover, get out and socialize and converse with the new life that you chose for yourself. Even if you're a commuter, like myself, don't separate yourself from campus life. There's a lot going on and the schools and students try to make that information available via internet or bulletins. Take advantage of what you are offered and make the most out of it.

I chose my college based on three things: it was affordable, somewhat close to home, and I got into the creative writing program that I really wanted to be in. But I never actually took the time to take a tour of the school to find out extra information on it, which I think is something parents and students should definately do when deciding their school. Ask students and teachers on campus what they think, sit in on a class, stay over for a night and see how you truly think and feel about the school because you are paying money to be there and it is the one time in your life that you will be at college, so of course, make the best out of it! When you're at school dont hold back from making friends, joining groups, and getting the most from your classes. If you keep a positive outlook and have a good support group of friends you will definately be fine. Its the friendships and the memories you make that make you want to go back to your school. Enjoy every minute and just be yourself! It's the best time of your life.

Make sure you visit the school! That is so important. I like Purchase a lot, but I wish I had visited more schools, just to be sure. Also, talk to people who already go and who are in the program you'd like to be in. Facebook.com is a great resource for finding other students at your prospective school. Current students will give you the inside scoop: they'll be honest about how to food is, what the teachers are like, the social life, dorms- they really have nothing to lose in telling you the truth. Finally, parents should be involved, but not too much so. There's nothing worse than feeling like you have to pick a school because your parent went there or because they like the campus or anything else. Support your children, but don't pressure them into any decisions.