The Johnnies Blog
How to Build Your College List: Reach, Match, and Safety Schools Explained
Building your college list can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to create a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools that align with your academic goals, interests, and future plans.
What is an Undecided Major?
Many incoming college students feel pressure to know exactly what they want to study or which career path to pursue. But starting college without everything figured out is far more common than many students realize.
In this blog, you learn what it means to begin college as an undecided student, why it can actually be beneficial, and how to make the most of your first year while exploring different possibilities.
Core Curriculum, Prereqs, Electives: College Class Terms Explained
Confused by core curriculum or prereqs? Get a clear guide to college course types and learn how St. John’s University supports your academic success.
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.
Top 5 Reasons for Transferring Colleges
Transferring colleges is a big decision. It’s not something to take lightly, as it involves a lot of planning, paperwork, and sometimes a change of scenery. For many students, though, transferring can be a positive and life-changing step, opening the door to new opportunities and a better college experience. Whether you’re debating on transferring colleges due to academic, social, or personal reasons, it’s important to understand the key motivations behind such a decision.
Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why students transfer colleges and how to navigate the process successfully.
The First-Generation Student Advantage: What Sets You Apart?
What does being the first in your family to attend college mean? For many, it’s about breaking barriers and stepping into new opportunities. First-generation college students, especially those studying outside of their home country, bring unique strengths and perspectives that make their journeys one of a kind.
In this blog, we explore what it means to be a first-generation college student and hear directly from those leading the way, sharing their experiences and the advantages they’ve discovered.
How to Choose a College Major: 5 Steps for Success
Are you staring at a long list of college majors and wondering how anyone’s supposed to choose just one? You’re not the only one feeling that way. Picking a major can feel like a huge decision—and while it is important, it’s also something you can approach step by step.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what a college major is, how it can shape your college experience, and five practical (and low-pressure) steps to help you figure out the right fit for you.
7 Tips to Prepare for Your First Semester in College
Time away from exams, class syllabuses, and assignments is much needed. It allows everyone—including the professors—to recharge and recover; however, transitioning from a semester break back to class is not easy. Thrown-off schedules, low energy levels, and poor organizational habits are just a few of the struggles. Luckily, there are many ways of combating the first-week dread to lay the groundwork for a successful semester. Here are seven tips for a productive new semester.