The Johnnies Blog

Welcome to Johnnies Blog—your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
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.

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.

Students walking on campus and talking about potentially changing majors

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.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs
Stack of several Letters of Recommendation in an application pool, emphasizing the role of strong endorsements in standing out among candidates.

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.

Row of flag banners on campus

What Makes St. John’s University in Queens, NY, Unmissable

St. John’s University is renowned for its diverse academic programs, distinguished faculty, and lively campus environment. Whether you are a prospective student or just want to learn more, this guide provides a detailed look at several factors that make St. John’s an unmissable choice.

St. John's Students in Classroom setting

Tips for Getting Accepted into College: Dispelling Common Myths

Applying to college can be a daunting task, especially with so many myths about college and misconceptions surrounding the process. Whether you’re anxious about choosing a major, affording tuition, fitting into a religious campus, or meeting academic requirements, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some college application tips that dispel common myths and provide clear, actionable advice.

St. John's College Student Packing for the Dorms

College Room Essentials: A First-Year Packing Guide

Your first year of college is an exciting time to make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and experience newfound independence. If you are going to live on campus, knowing what to bring is essential before you can fully enjoy all the fun! As a rising senior who has experienced residence life over the past few years, I would like to share some of my college residence room essentials to help you better prepare.

St. John's University Student
Madison Coombs