SUNY College at Brockport Top Questions

It is important to find the college that fits the student. The area is important as the student not only adapts to a new school and different work ethics, but also with the fact that they are now living on their own. Also, be prepared to different ideas and different ways to do your own work. One of the toughest things for me was the fact that I was used to the same teachers all through out high school, so I knew what they valued and looked for in my work. However, at college, every semester is new classes and new teachers who all look for different things, and have different formats of teaching. Being able to adapt quickly n classes is essential to succeeding in the classroom. One more thing: be involved on campus! There is so much to learn! So many people to meet! Go! Dream! Discover!

I know you will think I am crazy, but make sure you find a school that does not just focus on education and education alone. If you go to college for four years and only come out of it knowing things from a textbook then I believe you have wasted time and money. College is about learning, true, but it is also about becoming your ownself, making friends, and creating memories. Pick a school with a good education program AND a lot of clubs, sports, and activites. Make sure the student body has a place by looking at the student government. Finally, remember that this is the time before going out into the real world. It goes by quick. Work hard, but also play a little. Soon , you will have no time which means no play time either.

Students should look for a college where they feel comfortable, and can easily picture themselves as a student there. It's difficult to get involved and enjoy the experiences available if you are on edge about the environment around you. There are always opportunities to participate in activities and programs, and students should take advantage of those chances.

Get involved.

Most often the best colleges are not the ones that are farthest away, they are the ones just far enough to give the student the experience of a lifetime and just close enough to allow them to come home when they want to because no campus food is ever as good as the food made at home. When I first went to college, I tried to convince myself I was only there for an education but after a few months it becomes obvious that there is more to life than good grades. Your college experience should not be measured by your GPA, or about how many parties you have gone to; it should be measured by how much you've learned about yourself, others, and the world.

The best advice I could give a prospective student would be to take advantage of any overnight, weekend, and/or summer orientation programs before choosing a college. The best way to determine whether or not you will enjoy your college experience is to experience the college as a whole prior to attending it. Since that college will most likely be the first place you live away from home, it is best, in my opinion, to test out the living situtation before you make the important decision to attend. Attending overnight, weekend, or summer orientation programs allow you to experience the college the same way you will be experiencing it when you begin classes. You can get a much better idea of how you will like/dislike that college this way, as opposed to the usual half-day visits.

Personally, in choosing a college I think the most important thing is to think about what your goals are. With teaching as an end goal, I didn't think a very expensive private college was appropriate. So I chose a state school with a good reputation. I applied to a few state schools with good reputations, but after having done that, what really important was the scholarships offered. That is one area in which SUNY Brockport has really delivered. Especially for Valedictorians and Salutatorians. In making the most out of your college experience, I think you really have to remember why you went to college. To learn. Sure, you can say "It's just for a piece of paper," but then you tend to cheat yourself out of the most important thing- an education. That's not to say that you shouldn't have fun and find great friends, but it is important to gain a quality education from your experience as well.

My advice to students trying to find the right college is this: be picky. If there's something (even if it's small and no one else gets it) that you don't like about a college you're looking at, then don't go there. When you get to the right place, you'll know. Everyone is different and everyone has different things that they're looking for in a school, you just have to find the place that has everything you're looking for. As far as making the most of the college experience, I would say get involved. Go to sporting events that you aren't really interested in... they're way more fun in college than in high school. Everyone wants to make new friends at school, so don't be afraid to just walk up to people that live near you in a dorm and say "hi." They'll be glad you did, and you'll have a new friend instantly.

Choose what feels right to you! Don't let what people say determine where you go to school. Although, some advice can be helpful, it is important to check ou things for youself. Visit potential schools, sit in on classes, see the dorms etc. This is where you will be educated for your CAREER, so it is a pretty big decision.

Making a decision on college is one of the most important decisions one will make in their life. One should make their decision based on where they think they can be the most successful and one that can help them prepare best for their future. As for parents, they should support their children in their decision despite possible location issues and financial situations. To make the most of a college experience, students should be open minded to experiencing new things both socially and academically. Socially, joining clubs with people who share your interests is a great idea. Academically, one should not be ashamed or embarassed to seek extra help, whether it be from peer tutors or a professor. Seeking extra help can really benefit the student and help them to achieve their goals.