Admissions

When applying to different colleges, make sure you actually go visit them. What you see on the internet may be completely different than how you see the school. It may take longer to get there, or may be closer than you thought. It is important to know what the class size is like, how far (or close) each campus is to one another, and the rules and regulations in the dorm rooms (curfews, security in the dorms, etc.) When you find a school that you like, it's O.K. to visit it more than once. If you known someone that you're close with that goes to that school, ask to stay over so you can get a feel for what the dorms are like, as well as the meal plans and living situation. Before you commit yourself to a school, make sure it is what you want.

- Study! I cannot stress this enough. Many of the professors won't overload you with paper after project after paper, but will give you many reading assignments. If you don't do the reading assignments because you're used to being able to slide by them in high school, that would be your biggest mistake. Much of the material that is covered in the reading assignments/books is seen on your mid terms and finals as well as in classroom tests and discussions, and discussions are often times a big part of your grade.

- Get involved! Salem State offers so many opportunities for scholarships and being involved in big projects for those students who step up and get involved in any of our student leadership programs/honor societies/Gay-Straight-Alliance/etc.

- Make sure you have an alarm, and make sure you wake up to it. I can not stress how big of a grade attendance is at least 60% of the time in classes. I know in all of my classes attendance was at least 25% of my grade, so if you're one of the people who ignores your alarm clock most of the time, I'd invest in two or three alarm clocks and make sure they're all set up extremely high so you don't sleep through your classes all of the time. You'll regret it in the long run if you do.

- Get your application in as soon as possible. While Salem State is based on a rolling admission, some of the majors are difficult and challenging to get into (like nursing, for example) and if you apply too late, you'll be rejected or wait listed simply because you waited too long.

- Get your financial aid application in on time or better yet, early! Salem State College as I mentioned before offers SUCH good financial aid if you get your application for it in on time before the dead line, and unless you're independently wealthy through your parents, that makes such a big difference in whether you're struggling to get through the semesters or not.

- Visit the campus. Make sure that it's what you want. Don't just look at the...

For anyone who is thinking of attending Salem my tips to you would have to be, tour. Make sure you come and look at the campus and try to truly picture yourself here. Every college looks identical online, it is only when you actually are there that you can decide what you want. Also remember the cost of college. Salem makes sure that every student can get an education for a reasonable price and when choosing a college to attend that may even be the deciding factor.

Join clubs, it makes it so much easier to make lots of friends and helps you really get connected with the school.

Come to see the campus and talk to current students and professors. Everyone here is very friendly, and they'll be sure to help you as best they can.
Be sure to bring an Ethernet cord if you become a resident student because the wireless internet network in the freshmen dorms occasionally acts up.

During freshmen year, get out and socialize! These will be your go to friends for the next four years... and the rest of your life! I am now a senior at Salem State and the people I met freshmen year are now my best friends, and I can not imagine my life without them!

apply early, especially for any online courses. meet with your advisor as often as you need to, and utilize any resources (such as writing lab or math lab) that will help you live up to your true potential.