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The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnies Blog—your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
St. John's University Campus in Queens, New York City in the Fall

4 Flexible Ways to Earn a College Degree on Your Schedule

The traditional college model wasn’t designed for the way most students live today. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial realities, and shifting timelines all influence how—and when—you pursue your degree. For many, the biggest challenge isn’t choosing a major; it’s finding a pathway that actually aligns with the life you’re already managing. That’s why colleges and universities like St. John’s University are reshaping what flexible learning can look like.

In this guide, we break down four realistic pathways that give you more control over how you learn so you can find an option that truly fits.

Nursing students in red scrubs working with faculty in white scrub

How to Find a Strong Academic Program That Supports Your Goals

What does it really mean when someone says a university has a strong nursing program or a great business school? How do they know? And more importantly, how can you know?

In this post, we walk through the telling signs of a high-quality academic program and how to do your college research successfully, using St. John’s University as a real-world example.

female_students

College Support 101: What is Academic Advising?

Starting college represents a new level of independence. You’ll have the opportunity to shape what you study, explore new interests, and set a direction for your future. But with so many decisions in front of you, it’s natural to wonder if you’re choosing the right path or spending your time in the most meaningful way.

That’s where academic advising plays a transformative role.

St. John's University students

How to Balance Academics and a Social Life Without Burning Out

College life looks exciting from the outside: freedom, friends, opportunities, and the chance to finally study what you care about. But behind the highlight reels, most students are quietly juggling an impossible mix of classes, work, social plans, and the pressure to keep up.
 
Finding balance isn’t just about managing a schedule. It’s about managing yourself. It means recognizing that energy, focus, and mental health all have limits (and learning how to use them wisely). The truth is, balance in college is not a fixed point you reach. It’s a skill you develop, week by week, through awareness, boundaries, and small daily choices that protect your peace and your purpose.
 

St. John's students on campus

From High School to College Life: What Really Changes (and How to Thrive) 

Do you wonder what really changes when you leave high school behind and start college life? The quick answer: a lot—but that’s not a bad thing. From managing your own schedule to handling bigger classes and more independence, the transition can feel like a major shift. It’s also an excellent opportunity to grow, try new interests, and carve out your own path. 

A group of Fast-Track St. john's students walking on campus

Fast-Track vs. Traditional Degrees: Why Accelerated Programs Work 

With rising tuition costs, competition intensifying in the job market, and the drive to make an impact sooner, today’s ambitious students are increasingly turning to accelerated—also called fast-track — degree programs. 

In this blog, you learn what a fast-track program is, how it compares to the bachelor’s and master’s traditional degree path, and the transformative benefits it can deliver for your career.