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.
Queens, New York City with the View of Manhattan

Is New York City a Good Place to Attend College?

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to picking a college, but one factor can make all the difference: the location. New York City offers an exciting environment with plenty of opportunities. But is studying in NYC the right choice for you?

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
A bird's eye view of the large, yet intimage St. John's Queens, NY Campus

Deciding between Colleges: 7 Key Factors besides Academics

You are at a crossroads of possibilities, surrounded by a stack of college brochures and admission letters. Each college or university represents a unique opportunity and a different path. How do you choose the one that’s right for you? It’s not just about the academic program a college or university offers. That is why we have created a list of seven key factors to consider when deciding between colleges.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Overhead shot of three students looking at laptop

The Ultimate Guide to Early Action vs. Early Decision

Selecting a college can be challenging, but once you’ve narrowed your choices, creating a strategy for submitting your application is crucial. Along with the standard, regular decision application process, you can opt for an alternative route, such as early decision or action.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Male and female students standing in front of the Queen's Unisphere

Diversity: 5 Ways it Boosts Student Success

When embarking on your higher education journey, it’s crucial to think about what can help you succeed as a student. Choosing a campus that values diversity is one factor that can bring many benefits—not only in college but also in your future career.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Maj. Gen. Joseph A. McNeil, Bill Freeman and Joseph McNeil Jr.

My Grandfather, One-Quarter of the Greensboro Four

On February 1, 1960, four African American first-year students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) courageously took seats at a “White only” F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. This seemingly small act of defiance in the South sparked similar protests for racial equality and civil disobedience across the United States.

Kimimila
Kimimila wi McNeil, Class of 2025
Three students sitting on couches speaking with professor

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.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Female student in cap and gown raising arms in excitement

Four Debt-Free Ways to Pay for Graduate School

We often hear about the rising costs of student debt and tuition fees, but fortunately, there are options to fund your graduate program—including a few that don’t require a student loan.

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
Graduate Student Standing in front of Tobin Stock Ticker

Should You Pursue an M.B.A.? Benefits and Advantages

An M.B.A. is a popular choice for those considering a career change or advancing an existing one. In fact, more than 250,000 people are pursuing an M.B.A. worldwide. However, pursuing an M.B.A. is not a decision to be made lightly. There are several factors to consider such as: going full-time vs part-time, financial impacts, and your career trajectory. And while there are certainly career benefits, an M.B.A. is not a magic wand that will instantly put you in the C-Suite. There are several benefits and advantages to pursuing an M.B.A. that include applying skills recruiters love and marketing knowledge and perspectives that make you a desirable employee.