Syracuse University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Syracuse University know before they start?

Carly

Finding the right college is such an intense, overwhelming process. There are so many factors that go into one's decision like academics, price, social life, location, etc. The only way to choose properly is to go with one's gut feeling. In my experience, I felt that it was easier to sort out the colleges I didn't like right away. It sounds cliche, but when you know, you know. When everything excites you, when you feel like you can become one with the student population, when the scenery itself invokes something in your soul, you know you have found the ideal place to learn for the next few years. After selecting your school, the next step is making the most of your experience there. You should never be afraid to try new things, but in fact, embrace the unfamiliar. See the speakers, go to the shows, buy tickets for games, immerse yourself in the college culture. Never feel like you have to become something you're not to fit in, because odds are, you will be very unhappy. Instead, if you are true to yourself, you will find others with similar interests, and throroughly enjoy college life.

Kiana

Parents and students should start looking into various colleges as of right now. It is never to early to seek out what different colleges and or universities has to offer. Students should also check out the admission office, the dormitory/appartments, and the corrucilum provided for their courses. Parents should make sure the school has many resources provided to their child for the long run. Students should have a set of questions prepared for the admission office to make sure that they are going to be satisfied with the different programs.

Soon-Young

There are many factors to consider in choosing the right college. I was accepted to every college that I applied to, and this college I am attending right now was my safety school. After considering every aspect of college life, academics, finance, and future, my parents and I decided this would be the best school for me. My whole life could be different if I had attended a different school, but I do not regret any decisions that I have made. College is basically what you make out of it. If you choose a school and attend with a positive attitude, you will have fun. Social life and alcohol should not be a concern because it is up to the student to be responsible and make the right choices. As long as you manage your time well, you can have fun and be successful in college.

Katie

It's not all about where you go. It's more what you do when you get there.

Rebecca

I would suggest that they follow their heart. When I first walked onto the campus of Syracuse University, I knew this was the place for me. When you find the right place, you'll know it. If it is at all physically/financially/emotionally possible for you to go to the place that is your absolute first choice, then you should because you will be living there for the next four or more years. Parents, work with your children to ensure that the place they pick is a place that you can live with. Make sure that your child knows the boundaries of their possibilities, whether it be financial or geographical. You wouldn't want them to get their heart set on a place that was not within their grasp. Remember to stay involved, because, honestly, this is a big decision and your child probably is pretending to know all about it but is actually at ground zero. As long as choosing the right college is a collaborative process, it will be rewarding. Most importantly, remember that there is a place for everyone. You will get in somewhere.

Dorothy

To all parents and students searching for the perfect school, I would definitely say to make sure to keep an open mind about all schools visited, and make sure it is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} the student's choice on deciding where to go . Do not be pressured by anyone's decision but your own. Make sure not to just consider the majors offered, but also the extra curricular activities, whether you're interested in Greek life, going abroad, or volunteering in a community. When visitinig a college or university it is often a good idea to arrange a meeting with a professor in a major that interests you. Thouroughly look into the curriculum, and what classes goes along with the major, as well as oppurtities provided, such as field placement or volunteering programs to apply the skills you have learned. Attending college has been one of the most rewearding and memorbale experiences of my life. Be sure to value every moment, and make the most of every opportunity and assignment given, because it will be truly beneficial at the end of your academic career. To all who are applying, I would like to say good luck, and please choose with your heart.

Kathleen

Go somewhere that has a lot of options - academically and socially. Take a chance and leave your comfort zone; if not now, then when? You can grow so much in these four years and limiting yourself is limiting your ability to grow into who you're meant to be. You might change your mind about the things you think you want academically and socially, so go somewhere that will allow for those shifts. I can't imagine the person I'd be today if I hadn't taken advantage of my college experience. Give yourself the opportunity to grow as an individual while pursuing an inspiring education and college experience.

Hari

Talk to as many people as you can at the school, get a good feel for it to know if it really is for you. If you are someone who is normally introspective but want to still make a lot of friends, go to a school that provides opportunities to do so (school with greek life etc.), if you are naturally extraverted, greek life may not be so important. Make sure your school also offers strong career placements at high income levels with good firms. College is an investment, make sure you will be walking out with more than just a piece of paper after graduation, but instead a wealth of amazing memories and a successful future to look foreward to.

Jeffrey

The college experience is supposed to be the most fun in your life so it is very important that you pick a school where you get an good education while also having the chance to have a great time. However, this is a very hard decision. Students should definitely visit schools and try to get information from friends who attend the school on how it is like and if it would be a right fit for that person. The person already in the school can probably tell you best about the school. You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you are getting a good education but having no fun at all. Do you not pick a college just because of it's name but because you can see yourself fitting in there and having a great time. My mistake was I did not do much research on the school I attend. I am receiving a good education but as far as me having a great time, that is not the case. I am having an ok time but for the price I am paying at this school, I should be having a great time.

Gretchen

Visit, Visit, Visit! You can really get a feeling ( good or bad) as soon as you step onto campus whether or not it is the right place for you. Talk to students ( who are not part of the school tour), they will give you the honest and truthful opinion about the school, pros and cons. Choose a school that offers a variety of Majors/Minors; not only can you take classes in many interesting subjects outside of your own major, but it also gives you the opportunity to change your major if you decide you want to switch career paths. It also will attract a wide and diverse study body. Make sure the school has banks, stores, airports, dunkin donuts, etc. in a close proximity, they will come in very handy. Choose a school with a big athletic program. Attending football, basketball, etc., games and cheering on your school is not only old fashioned fun, but the school spirit will create a great bond with your school. Most of all...Cherish every moment!...it will be ( hands down) the best 4 years of your life.!

Katie

I would tell them to keep an open mind. One college may seem like a perfect fit until you get there. I think that it isn't necessarily WHICH college you go to that will ultimately make it or break it for you. A lot of my friends have tranferred, and most have changed majors at least once- even those who went into a program that they thought they were certain they would complete. Just be sure that when you get to college you are pro-active and get involved right away.

Nicole

Visit every school you are considering again before you make your final choice and make sure that you visit at a time when students are around (early to mid-week) to get a good feel of if you belong there.

Diane

make sure you visit the campus. As a tour guide for Syracuse U., I found that students always had very important questions. It is also best to hear from a student when asking questions. We obviously know the campus the best as well as what it has to offer and we really won't lie to you about our experiences. If you feel as though you don't fit in, then don't worry about it. There is a school out there tha will work for you.

Xiao

I think understanding the weather, ethnicity, l and surrouding of the school is really important. These factors can really change a student's experience in college, because some students may not like to stay in a snowy place and make them feel sad the whole time. This may keep students from joining clubs, organizations, and even get involved on campus. This can really affect a student's thougth about their college. Also, try to do more research on the schools that the student is going., such as safety of the school, school's policy, regulation, etc. One thing that I think is really important about choosing a school is the location, because some students like to study in their hometown, but others choose to go study three- ten hours away from their home. Each one of these choice have benefits. Students that choose to stay in their hometown will not feel so depressed, because they won't feel lonley all the time. However, students that choose to study three -five hours away from home will learn to be more independent, at the same time they have to sacrifice the loneliness in college. It all matter fact of choice.

Catherine

I would advise to expect the unexpected. My experience at Syracuse Univeristy led me onto paths that I never imagined while I was still a high school senior. Attending a medium sized univeristy allowed me to be exposed to cultual and political expereinces that I am positive a small college wouldn't have been able to provide. The opportunites to study abroad or away from the campus were fantastic, and I loved that most students participated in this programs. The social scene at SU that allowed me to make lifetime friends. I would encourage freshmen to give appropriate amounts of thier focus to both academics and the social/extra-curricular part of college. My academic pursuits have led me to a job that I love as an alumni, but it is my friends that I look forward to catching up with over the phone and visiting all over the country when I am out of work. College was a complete experience for me, and I wouldn't take back a single day or penny spent.

Dan

Keep in mind that college is a social as well as an academic experience and that the needs of the student need to supersede the wants of the parents - at some point the student (child) needs to take responsibility for their life and choices.

Kaled

Always visit the campus. In this case, first impression means everything, from academics, to the beauty and location of campus. You do not want to be going to a university where the academics are great, but you hate living there. This is the beginning if the rest of your life, choose wisely and remember, you will be living at the school for the greater part of the year so make your choice in how you want to live your life, whether is social or academic or both, and picture yourself living that life in the university you are considering.

Kristian

Start early looking different colleges and Universities. Visit your best choices colleges'campus Get information about the specific field you are interest . Apply to more than 10 Universities ,with a variety of programs

Dianne

Although I have only been attending a four year university for a year now, within that year my life and perspectives on life have dramatically changed. I have matured through sprouting wings, leaving the nest, and moving six hours away to recieve a good education. Syracuse University has greatly impacted my life; more than I even expected it to. Not only does the college of your choice become a second home, but it provides you with a lifestyle. I applied to six different schools including UConn, St. Josephs, University of Delaware, Penn State, etc. During each visit I took note of what the student's lives seemed to be composed of over-all. This is the key to choosing the right school. During each visit, you must picture yourself living your every day life amongst those students and buildings you are seeing. Of course, you must discover how good of a program a particular school has for the major of your choice as well. Take everything into account. College is the basis and the platform of one's future, and every block that goes into building that platform will effect you.

Kelsey

A student and the parents definetly need to visit the campus. You get a feeling when you are on the right campus. Parents feel safe, secure and informed about the campus. Students can see and imagine themselves there. Important facts are cost, academic program, extra-curricals, location, study abroad and anything else that is important to you. To make the most, get involved. Whether its sports,music or art, get invovled. You not only feel a part of campus but can find friends for life. Go to the games, see the galeries, check out the mall and resturatnts, its all part of the college experience. You only live once, dont' have regrets, do everything you can. You only go to college once!