Syracuse University Top Questions

The engineering department at SU is lackluster, you could do much better at another school. As much as you'd love to think that "classes interfere with your college experience" you really need to buckle down and work hard. High school was a breeze, and is absolutely nothing like what college turns out to be. You actually need to do homework, you can't pass just by showing up. As R. Lee Ermy wonderfully stated in Saving Silverman, "Boys, stay away from women. All they want from you is your man juice. If you get any urges you can't suppress with hard liquor, use this *holds up hand*". While that's not entirely true, don't get caught up in serious relationships. Like your tuition itself, you'll just end up wasting more time and money. No matter what happens, never just sit in your room with video games. Get out there, hold multiple jobs, keep an open mind on everything, meet everyone, and always keep yourself busy. School work comes first, but everything else is a great plus. You're awesome, no matter what others say, and you'll do great. Travis Mitchell and Alex Thompson, meet them.

Don't expect to glide through college, especially an engineering program. Work hard and get the best grades that you possibly can (remembering that grades are not everything - grades are important, but your work ethic and attitude are extremely important as well). Work hard and your teachers will realize it and if they are wise will recognize and help you along in your education. Apply to any college that you want to go to because you never know what my happen. I never thought I would be accepted to Syracuse University and here I am, a junior in the engineering school!! Unbelievable! My advice would be is set ambitious goals for yourself. Aim high and work like there was no tomorrow to reach that goal. It has paid off for me, and I wouldn't want anything less from myself. Anything is possible with good people behind you, guiding and cheering you on!!!

Studying will become a major part of your college experience, but by surrounding yourself with friends with similar course loads, you can make studying fun. Go to class and take as many notes as possible. Get a job and keep it. Be true to your friends and have their backs, because at some point, you will need yours covered too. College is just like any other facit of life you have lived through so far. Live it to the fullest but keep all of your priorities in check. Remember that your here for a reason and that reason is to learn how to study and to learn how to live life.

One thing that plagued me as a high school senior was the cost of college. It was the #1 reason why I chose to apply to the schools I did. Although my experience at Syracuse wasn't as exciting as I'd like it to be, the major factor that contributed to it was that I didn't have the social network I wish I had. I couldn't relate to anyone, the people here didn't deal with the things I had to nor did they experience the kind of life I did. We were lost in translation. If more students based their ultimate decision on things like their interests and activities rather than the cost, I honestly feel like my experience here at SU would have been more rewarding. The cost of private school on paper is daunting but once you realize that private schools offer more financial aid than public schools, I wish I had applied to other private schools. As long as you have the credentials, money should NOT be a factor in what schools you apply to. Don't pigeon-hole yourself into a limited number of schools because of the cost of attendance.

I would definitely tell myself to keep an open mind during the transition into college life. Leaving your home and setting out on your own is a very big transition for any highschool senior. During the transition, students come across many different people with diverse ideas and backgrounds. Students should try and be open to all the new friendships and connections waiting to be formed within college. Keeping an open mind when choosing classes also allows students to experience a variety of different professions which aids them with their final major decision.

First and foremost I would tell my self that life is not a bed of roses.Its about the hardwork and the experience you have in life that will see you through the storm. Focus is of prime importance and keeping the right focus at the right time is the secret of a good career. Another important thing I woulld tell me self that you have to work to master a skill and it does not come overnight , persistence is key and success is the breakthrough which is always the light at the end of the tunnel.I have always stood by this saying "There is always a silver lining..its the will to walk the line, the dark line, that gets you there" . With this foresight I would make the required transition without a speck of doubt all ready to go all guns blazing with whatever I am faced with!!

I would tell myself to take advantage of the numerous scholarship opportunities and social activities. Though academics is important in college, I would have stressed the importance of experiencing more social events and functions that displayed the variety of cultures on the campus.

I wouldn't be as nervous as I was to get to college. The adjustment has been very easy and I find that I love college life. I have only had positive experiences so far here at Syracuse, and I look forward to the next 4 years.

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the main peice of adivce I would give myself is to live on campus. As a high school senior, I decided to live at home with my family and commute to Syracuse University. Now I deeply regret that choice. Living on campus gives students the opportunity to meet and make many new friends, experience living by themselves, and having overall more freedom than living at home. Also living on campus provides students with a great social life. Living at home, as I do, hinders one's social life. It is extremely hard to meet new people and get invited to parties when I have to go back home after I finish class, rather than going back to a dorm room and socializing with other students. Also on weekends students on campus get to meet one another and make more connections, which students who commute do not get to do.

Put asisde all of your fears and uncertainties and just go! You are about to embark on the most important and rewarding journey of your entire life. The college experience is like none other and will be the most fun you've ever had!