Salem State University Top Questions

I went back to college as an adult. Some may say that I should have my masters degree by now, and I'm still working on my undergraduate, but waiting was the correct choice for me. When you are in college, the most important advice that I can offer is that you need to take personal responsibility for everything you do academically and socially. Nobody is forcing you to be in class; you are actually paying for the privilege to be there, so get your moneys worth! Your advisors and professors are there to help you learn, and help you expand your knowledge in your field of study. Partying is fun, but being a beer pong champion isn't going to get you a job, but finding a balance between your social and academic lives is incredibly important. I know that sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees, but think of your future and push yourself to achieve your goals.

College is all about preference and what you want to get out of it. If you want to live at home and commute to save money, but still get a very good college education, there are plenty of commuter schools out there that offer a good education at a low cost in which most students do not live in campus. These schools generally have a relatively boring campus on weekends and such, because of the lack of students living there. If you are looking for the total live away from home and meet new friends experience, a majority commuter school just will not do for you. Its all about what you want to get out of college, there is a school for every need, small class sizes, social activities and networking, easy commute and low cost, specific major and so on. The best thing you can do is find out what you are looking for, research schools of that nature, and visit each campus to find the perfect school for you. Get involved and don't be shy, and you can make friends immediately at any college, and have a good time regardless.

Having a good college experience is not determined by where you go to college. It is determined by what you make of it when you get there. If you have it in your mind that the school you are in is no good, you will hate it. If you have it in your mind that you want to succeed, you will make it.

Don't worry so much about cost. Make sure you can get financial aide that supports your choice, but go where you really want. Be sure and follow your dream, but keep consequences of those dreams in mind (such as if you want to be an art major like me, take into consideration the cost of supplies). Don't be afraid to go out of state or far away from home. It will be easier to move on to your own life in the future if you use college as a way to get used to the away from home life. And parents, keep an open mind about your kid for when they go off to college. Don't be a bother, but keep an eye on them and make sure they aren't flailing. You want them to try living on their own some, but be willing to help still. College is a transitional time in a person's life. Let them feel free to explore their individuality, and out of all the things college is for, I think discovering individuality and a sense of self is just as important as one?s education.

Keep your eyes open kiddos. There's a school out there for everyone. Do not base your choice on tuition. Sure, you won't have to pay off college loans the rest of your life, but sometimes people make the wrong choice for the wrong reasons. Explore the country when looking for schools. It's a big world out there don't get stuck in the same place the rest of your life, unless that's what you're looking for. Make sure you're comfortable where you are. College is about getting to know what you're made of and if you feel out of place it makes the experience a lot more difficult. Parents, help out your kids. Make sure they expand their horizons. Don't follow your dreams, chase them.

The most important thing is to make the decision yourself. Do not go to a school because your best friend is going or because your sibling went there. I made my college choice by myself and I couldn't be happier. But of all of my friends (and my sister) who went to Salem State because I enjoy it, not one is still enrolled. Also, don't worry about choosing a major or a career. You are young and you are going to change your mind anyways so DO NOT STRESS!

Get to know the people in your major's department before you've even been accepted. I met one of my professors before getting my acceptance letter and it just seemed like such a welcoming place. It quickly became my number one choice for a school.

I used to believe that if a college costed 30,000 dollars, then it would be much better than the college I was going to attend. Now in my fourth year of college, and previously attendeed a small private college, I can say the name and price of a school does not determine the education you receive. It is about the experience. I love my college. It is less pricier than many of the surroundind four year colleges, and I have learned so much since I have been there. The key is talking to not just one person who attends or graduated from a college, but many people. I believe that if you are willing to do the work and learn, the experience will be beneficial in any college setting. I am proud to go to Salem State College, and believe it is very underrated. It is not all about getting the degree, but it is also about becomong an adult, a more well-rounded individual with much to offer in this big world.

Advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to find a school surrounding that best fits you. Find a school that you can relate to and that you will be able to have the time of your life but also be able to succeed academically. Choose a school that will help you to mature and grow while you complete the next part of your life. College is suppose to be fun but also challenging so make it worthwhile.

let the child choose what's best