Syracuse University Top Questions

Make sure that you have a game-plan going into college. Not necessarily about what you will study, but more so about where your priorities will lie within the kind of decisions that you make in college. I believe too many students go into college without a game-plan, and that's where poor and sometimes life-threatening decisions can be made. If you set your life-choices on a higher bar and with a game-plan on how you will do that - transition into college will not only be more safe, it will also be more enjoyable. As far as finding the right college, get a good feel for the college's atmosphere. Do the professors care for the students? Do the students as a whole care for each other, not just their own benefit? What is the school's purpose/function in the community that is resides in? Is there a sense of community on campus? These are questions that after being in college for over 2 years, I realize are crucial in asking before one considers going to college there.

There were a lot of factors that led to me choosing Syracuse University for my undergraduate experience: the location, the program, the school atmosphere and more. But there's more to choosing a college than a pro and con list. I loved the journalism program at Syracuse and I loved that it was a comfy 5 hours from my parents. I also loved the city but not a city location and the beautiful campus. But what won me over was the vibe I got. A good friend of mine said he chose Syracuse because he visited the campus on probably the nastiest day in winter (and trust me, it can get nasty) and he chose Syracuse because, despite that, everyone he saw walking on the campus still looked happy. That's a great way of describing what I felt when I walked onto campus for the first time: it felt right, it felt like I belonged. Syracuse is a university that despite 4 abysmal football seasons, people still show up and everyone still wears their orange around campus. I would never choose a college based on numbers or facts. Some decisions just need to be made based on a feeling.

The most important part about finding the right college is finding one you feel most comfortable in that can provide the best education for you. It's your experience and no one else's, so take the time to find the one you feel best suits you and everything else will fall in place.

To the student: Do not follow what your friends or parents think is right for you. Choose a school that you like. Choose a place where it feels like home, where you know you will fit in and have friends, where there are activities for you to participate in, and choose a school that has everything you are looking for. Everybody has a school for them, find that one. Don't choose a school you only partially like, choose something that you can love with your whole heart. Pick a school that can change and make you better, not one you want to change.

The quality of the school is very important but during the decision process pay more attention to tuition cost and other charges. It can be easy to get into debt. Its hard to transfer out, not because of the process but because you get attached to the school and your friends there and so you don't want to leave even if you can not really afford to go there.

Talk to people that actually go there instead of simply listening to what the tour guides are giving you.

You just need to find that fit that is right for you. A lot of people search for 'big name' schools, instead search for the right environment and programs that will help to make you happy and get the most out of your college education. Through being happy with your choice, it will be much easier to succeed in life.

My advice to anyone looking to find the right school for them would be to visit every campus and see where you feel most at home. You will spend four years of your life at the school and it needs to be somewhere that you feel comfortable. That comfort will be what allows you to suceed. A major part of feeling at home somewhere is the necessity to find something to be involved in on campus. Having something other than just classes allows you time to separate yourself from your work and lets you take a break. Whether its politics, volunteering, sports, or greek life anything that makes you take time away from your studies makes your college life that more enjoyable.

It's important to feel "at home" on the campus before attending as a student. Know what the school's programs have to offer and make sure that those programs cater to your individual needs. Once attending, get involved and try out some different groups or organizations on campus as a way of meeting a variety of people outside the classroom and dorm setting. This will also give you the opportunity to expand your interests and try something new. Part of going to college is discovering yourself, which often happens through the people we meet and the opportunities that we are presented. Remember that college is your experience and it is your responsibility to make the most of what is offered to you.

To parents, Your children will choose what they really want, they usually are the best people to know what is good for them. The advice I would give to you is to support them in whatever decision they make and to try and help guide them without trying to run their lives. Even if it is a bad decision, experience has always been my greatest teacher. When it comes down to finding a good college, try to help financially as much as you can. Especially the first year because it is one of the biggest ajustments in life and it is harder to adjust when you're stressed about money. To students, Do not get caught up with freedom, it is the biggest downfall. It is great to have a social life and to have friends, but do not neglect your studies because of it. Find a balance between school work, friends, and sleep. Choose the college that is right for you, don't let anyone change your mind. And try to join clubs or do extra-curricular if you can; I regret not being able to do any myself because of lack of time.