The Johnnies Blog
Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation College Student’s Story
My name is Teodita, pronounced “tea-oh-dye-tuh.” I once felt my name was a burden, as it often led to teasing from peers and teacher mispronunciations. However, my name embodies my identity. I am half Guatemalan and half Dominican, and both cultures have profoundly influenced who I am as a first-generation college student.
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.
Six Reasons Why International Students Love Studying in the USA
In the 2023–24 academic year, more than one million international students chose the United States of America (USA) as their destination for higher education. What draws them to the USA? Here are six compelling reasons why studying in America could be the transformative experience for which you’ve been searching!
7 Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid: Fund Your Education in 2025
Scholarships are an essential way to help fund your education, but with many students competing for the same opportunities, even small mistakes can hurt your chances of success. Whether you’re applying for the first time or you’ve already navigated the process, knowing what common mistakes to avoid can significantly improve the quality of your application and increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
In this guide, we identify common mistakes in scholarship applications and provide expert advice from the undergraduate admission leadership at St. John’s University to help you submit the strongest application possible.
How to Write a Personal Essay that Moves Admissions
Learn how to write a compelling personal essay with guidance from St. John’s University, Queens, NY. Discover tips, examples, and ideas to make your college application stand out.
Test-Optional: What This Means for College Admissions
Discover the reasons behind the shift to test-optional admissions from the experts at St. John's, and see how this change is influencing the college application process for all students.
What I Wish I Knew before Attending College out of State: Tips for a Smooth Transition
Explore essential tips for a smooth transition to out-of-state college life, from managing costs to building friendships and overcoming homesickness.
LGBTQIA+ Student Support: How St. John’s University Leads the Way
As an LGBTQIA+ student, choosing a college or university that truly supports and celebrates you can transform your experience. St. John’s University is committed to creating a campus where you feel safe, valued, and empowered. Here, you find a community that genuinely embraces diversity with a strong dedication to fostering personal growth and academic success.
In this blog, you explore the resources and initiatives at St. John’s that make it a leader in LGBTQIA+ support. Plus, you hear directly from students and faculty involved in making campus life inclusive and supportive.
Letters of Recommendation: Do They Make a Difference?
In the ever-evolving landscape of college admission, students often wonder which components of their application hold the most weight. Essays, test scores, and interviews are common focal points, but what about letters of recommendation? Once considered a pivotal aspect of the admission process, do they still carry the same influence?
In this post, we explore the true impact of letters of recommendation in the undergraduate and graduate application process and provide insights on making the most of this critical piece of your application.