Syracuse University Top Questions

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

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!