Syracuse University Top Questions

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

Diamond

Make sure they visit the school and know exactly what they want to study before they get there, and to actually plan out there four years that first summer.

Mark

Really take the time to visit schools you are serious about. And talk to the older classmen. Freshman are always in a daze. They think everything is perfect. Ask the older students and find out the problems/issues at each school. It's better to know them sooner than later.

Jia

Just give them time to settle in. Just lke how i was home sick, once they make the right friends and get use to the enviornment, they will have a different view. Don't worry about picking the right major as many students tend to change majors once they have a feel of what they love. With a school as big as Syracuse offering so many majors, you don't need to worry about them not having something that will interest you or suit you. During the first week of freshman orientation it really does help you settle down. Best time to ask question as there are people to answer them everywhere. Picking the right college is knowing the background of the school, how big the student body is and knowing how the environment is like. You don't want to go somewhere where the environment is something you don't like or not use to. Such factors are climate and distance to other surroundings such as distance to the city. You should decide if you prefer to dorm or travel as those can really impact your schedule.

Claire

try and make the difference between what you like, and what you want to study..but keep the two close together

Natasha

College is tough. You?re going to find it hard to adapt yourself to the school and all the experiences it brings! Here?s my advice: Get involved! Attend school games, get a feel of your school?s spirit...It?s the easiest way to meet people too! Explore the neighborhood, get to know your surroundings?Go to the frat parties and get a sense of the party scene! Accept all the chances you get for different activities?Don?t be afraid to accept challenges, take it all in! You?re going to find out the competition is much more than what you thought but, don?t let the pressure get you?you don?t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself so, do your best! Completely submerge yourself into the college life experience but, remember one thing: Now that you enter a whole different world you?re going to find out you can be anyone and anything you want to be?remember your values, were you come from, and who you truly are?never lose your soul because, it is the ONLY thing that will keep you going when the going gets tough. Remember who you are.

Corey

First and foremost, pick the school that makes you (as the perspective student) happy. Pick a school where you think you can achieve both your academic goals and be happy socially. Make sure the academics will challenge you, but not be too challenging. You don't want to be over-stressed, but you want to be able to take a variety of classes to keep yourself interested. Do you want to be involved in greek life? Not all schools have fraternities and sororities, but many do. At some schools, social life revolves around greek life, while at others greek life is merely a part of the social scene. Decide how far from home you want to be, and keep in mind how easy or difficult it will be to return home during holidays. Find a balance to keep yourself happy at school and at home.

Florence

Although being able to afford a college's tuition is very important, it is not the most important factor when choosing the right college. Every student should visit the colleges they were accepted to in order to make their final decision on a college. I received a full ride to a very prestigious college but when I visited the campus, I knew it was not right for me. A school's academic reputation is very important to me but I did not feel that that school was diverse enough and there was not enough student activity on campus. When I arrived at Syracuse, I knew I belonged there. The campus was buzzing with life. Everyone looked welcoming and friendly. Somehow, I just felt like I belonged. Even though it cost a lot more to attend Syracuse, I chose it over the academically prestigious college. So my best advice for choosing the right college is: every student should visit the campuses of college they want to attend on an ordinary day and see if they can imagine themselves spending four years of their lives in that school. If the answer is yes, they know what the right college is.

Sarah

So many people have advice about how to pick a school and how to make the most out of college. My college search taught me that there's no magic formula for finding a school, and there's no perfect school. But there are plenty of schools that could be good fits. When you begin your search, visit a few different types of schools, large, small, urban, rural, to decide what you like. Once you figure out what environment's comfortable for you, research schools with programs in your area of interest. It pays to start early so you can search thoroughly. Apply to some schools you're sure you'll be accepted to, and others that will be a stretch. Don't let a school's cost limit you. Just apply, then look at how financial aid works out. Once acceptance letters come in, make a pro and con chart weighing items that are important to you, such as cost, housing or campus activities. Accept advice, but ultimately, choose for yourself. And stay true to yourself throughout your college experience. Don't let your new surroundings define you or mold you into someone you don't want to be.

Melanie

Know what you want and then search for colleges. Decide on a major, the ranking of the college, the distance from your home and then the population size. It'll help narrow your decision down to a list. Visit the colleges because pictures always show the best sides of the campus and not the worst. Get involved in clubs. It'll help you to make friends and looks great on your resume. You'll feel like you're making a difference. Be yourself and don't give in to peer pressure.

Oriana

The college experience is the combination of learning, social life and feeling comfortable in an environment different from home. When applying to college, look for the kind of lifestyle you'd want to experience and at the same time, be able to handle. Extracurricular activities are the best way to make the best of college experience. Clubs can come in all shapes and sizes, and if you don't find one that fits your interests - you can found your own! Going for a college life a little out of your comfort zone keeps you motivated and enthusiastic to meet people, participate and learn. Today, many schools offer large varieties of cultural, experiencial and academic activities - its not hard to find something you like, it just takes a bit to know what it is you want.