The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to the Johnnies Blog—where your college journey comes into focus. Designed for prospective students and their families, this space brings together authentic student voices, expert perspectives, and practical guidance to help you explore opportunities, navigate decisions, and build a meaningful path forward.
Future college student setting academic goals  for the first year

How to Set Academic Goals: 4 Steps for Early College Success

Entering college is an exciting chapter filled with possibilities—but without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Setting academic goals can transform your experience from simply getting by to achieving extraordinary success.

This guide helps you master academic goals, stay focused, and unlock your full potential in your first year and beyond.

A group of transfer students at St. John's University

Planning to Transfer in Fall 2026? Don’t Miss These St. John’s Transfer Scholarships

Thinking about transferring to St. Johns University? We get it—making the leap from your current school brings both excitement and questions. Will you find your place in our community? Can you afford it? Good news: as a transfer student joining us in Fall 2025, you have access to scholarships designed specifically for students like you who are continuing their educational journey with us.

These transfer scholarships can significantly reduce your costs, making your St. John’s degree more affordable than you might think. In this article, we walk you through all your options so you can see exactly how our financial support can help you achieve your goals.

Student on a labtop preparing a college application

How to Stand Out in College Applications and Impress Admissions Officers

When it comes to college applications, there’s a common myth the more extracurricular activities you list, the better. Maybe you’ve heard you need to be in every club, volunteer at every opportunity, and take on as many leadership roles as possible to impress admissions officers. But here’s the truth: colleges don’t want to see a long list of random activities—they want to see meaningful commitment.

Future College Studente Preparing for Academic Success

Precollege Preparation: 6 Proven Activities for Academic and Mental Readiness

Are you counting down the days until you begin your college journey? As a high school senior, you are likely experiencing a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Transitioning from high school to college is a significant milestone, and making the most of your remaining time before your first year of college can set you up for success academically and mentally.

St. John's Student-Faculty Mentorship

How to Build Long-Lasting Relationships with Your College Professors

As you prepare for college, you enter a transformative period filled with growth, discovery, and countless opportunities. One of the most valuable connections you can make from day one is with your professors. Let’s explore why they should be at the forefront of your networking efforts and how these relationships can shape your college experience and future career.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
St. John's University Campus

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.

First Generation International College Students

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.

International Student at a St. John's Welcome Reception for First-Year Students

Six Reasons Why International Students Love Studying in New York City

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!

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Students talking about their scholarship applications

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.