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.
A student looking at options for Majors, Minors and Concentrations

A Guide to Majors, Double Majors, Minors, and Concentrations 

College isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey—and your degree doesn’t have to be either. From combining two areas of study to adding specialized skills, there are several ways to shape an academic path that reflects who you are and where you want to go.  

In this guide, we explore the difference between a major, double major, minor, and concentration; what each path offers; and how to build a degree that’s truly your own. 

St. John's University Resident Assistants (RAs)

Why Students Choose St. John’s: Stories in Their Own Words

At St. John’s University, students have access to opportunities that can truly shape their future—think leadership roles, global study-abroad programs, real-world internships, and a campus community that feels like family.

Whether you’re just starting to explore what St. John’s is all about or you’ve recently been accepted and are thinking about what’s next, these five student stories offer a real look at what it’s like to grow here. In their own words, they share what made St. John’s feel like home—and how they’ve taken full advantage of everything it has to offer.

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.

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
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.