The Johnnies Blog
How to Land Strong College Recommendation Letters
When it comes to applying to college, letters of recommendation can play a surprisingly significant role—especially if you apply test-optional or want to highlight your personal growth. But how do you choose the right recommender, and what makes a letter truly stand out?
Finding the Right College Starts with Asking the Right Questions
Not sure what to ask on a college tour? Use this checklist and tips from experts at St. John’s University to get real answers and find the right fit for you.
College Rankings Are Useful. Campus Culture Is Essential.
Rankings only tell you so much. Campus culture shapes your college experience. Learn how to find your fit and see how St. John’s University in Queens, NY, gets it right.
Impactful Extracurricular Activities to Add to College Applications
Wondering how to make your college application stand out? Your high school extracurriculars might be the key to catching an admission officer’s attention and securing that acceptance letter.
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.
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.
How Changing Majors Transformed My College Experience
Declaring a major can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your choice. Like many students, I selected a major without certainty and hit a few bumps. By my second year, I decided to change my major, which put me on the right track.
If you’re considering changing majors, don’t worry! With the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. Now, as a St. John’s University senior, I share how I successfully made the change and the campus resources that helped me.
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.
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.
How Early Action Applications Can Help You Get into College: What You Need to Know
Does applying early to college really help? Discover how Early Action can give you an edge in the admission process and help you make college plans sooner.