Ask Orange
Advice for incoming freshmen
Q: What should I know about the professors at SU?
Q:
A:
A:
Every professor has different expectations and grading methods.
Each has different elements he/she looks for when grading. Make sure
you are familiar with what each professor wants. You can familiarize
yourself by reading the syllabi, asking your professor directly, asking
your assigned TA, or reaching out to those who have had that professor
before.
Q: What are the biggest differences between high school writing and
What is the most important thing to focus on when doing an
assignment?
Make sure you address all questions completely and support
what you are saying with course material you have used in class or
other credible sources to strengthen your agrument. DO NOT
FORGET TO CITE YOUR SOURCES!
Q:
What is the biggest "no no" in college courses?
college writing?
A: College writing is almost never limited to 5 paragraphs. Drafts are
not just revised to look at grammar and spelling, but meaning and
substance. Most revising is done to highlight the strongest and weakest
content of a piece so that the author can work with and improve those
parts of their work. In college, we are also advised to write many drafts
because the more we write and the more we improve and the better
our work will be.
A:
Plagarism. Plagarism is not acceptable at SU. Our professors
greatly appreciate independent thought. If you need to reference
work that is not your own make sure to cite it and in the format
assigned by your professor. If you're not sure how to cite something
you can always reference "Purdue Owl", the DK Handbook, or you
can even ask your teacher or someone at the writing center.
Q:
How can I keep up with all of my classes?
Q: Are there a lot of resources that I can use if I have questions?
A:
A: Of course! SU wants nothing more than to reassure its students
that there is help in all places. There are advisors assigned for each
individual. There are also advisors for each college and certain careers,
such as pre-health. Every professor also has office hours and most
classes have TA's (teacher's assistants) that also have office ours. If that
is not enough, there are even tutors and clinics for most subjects.
Q: Is a college schedule easier, the same, or more challenging than a
high school schedule?
A: The answer to this question is very subjective. Your answer would
depend on your college course/credit load and your previous high
school experience. No matter what though, remember that the more
organized and on-top of things you are, the less stressed and more
successful you will be. College is about growing up and it is our time to
be responsible for ourselves. Make sure you are keeping up with your
courses and asking for help if you need it.
Q: What should I be thinking about when choosing my courses?
Time management is going to be the most important skill you
will acquire at college, if you haven't already. You will have to use
your agenda book to keep track of when assignments are due and
when tests and quizzes are. If you stay on top of your schedule and
complete the things you need to in the time allotted you will be fine.
Also, do not try to cram in college. It's best if you stay on schedule
with your work and keep up so you don't struggle when a test or quiz
comes. Lastly, if a big test is coming up, make sure to study days, if
not a week, before.
Q:
I am a visual learner and I feel like I have to make flashcards in
order to retain the information I am learning. I know there is a lot
more material needed to be learned in college than in high school,
will I need to change my study habits?
A:
I am a visual learner myself and it helps me to write things
down and see them in my own handwriting as well. When I came to
SU, I changed my habits in terms of time and not methods. I still
make flashcards and take notes on things, I just started doing these
things earlier in advance of a test than I did in high school. If you
manage your free time well, you can accomplish anything you want
to.
Q:
A:
When choosing courses, make sure you give yourself enough
time between classes to get from one class to another. Also make sure
you have your classes nicely spread throughout the week so that you
aren't too overwhelmed. Most importantly, think about the bigger
picture. Are you fulfilling your core requirements? Are you taking
courses that will be beneficial to your desired major or minor? If you
have trouble with any of these questions, SU advisors will be happy to
meet with you for an appointment and help you choose courses.
What is the most important piece of advice you can give me
about coming to Syracuse University?
A:
Make your mark. Do what you need to do academically first, of
course. But, make sure you dabble in all of the things that interest
you. Get involved. Be yourself. Find people that compliment you as a
person and have fun. College is your time. Make the most of it!
Welcome to SU!