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.
Person crafting a statement of purpose for graduate school

Crafting a Winning Statement of Purpose for Grad School

Are you considering graduate school? Remember to add writing a statement of purpose to your to-do list. Don’t be intimidated; with the right approach, you can craft an impressive statement that showcases your passion for your chosen field and your potential for success.

This blog is intended to offer valuable information and insights on creating an exceptional statement of purpose. You will learn what it is and why it is important and receive guidance from a graduate admission expert on its crucial components and common mistakes to avoid.

Female Student Looking Through the FAFSA 2024-25 Updates

Navigating the FAFSA® 2024–25: Top Changes to Know

Are you a current or incoming student preparing for the upcoming 2024–25 academic year? Here’s some exciting news for you! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) has undergone significant changes that promise a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
 
This blog post will discuss the significant changes made to the FAFSA® and what they mean for your eligibility for federal financial aid.
 

Group of students visiting colleges like a pro

Unlocking Success: Mastering College Visits Like a Pro

Visiting colleges is an essential step in the college admission process. It’s your opportunity to get a feel for each campus, learn about the academic programs and extracurricular activities offered, and meet with current students and faculty. But with so many colleges to choose from and so much information to take in, it can take time to figure out where to start.

This blog post shares essential tips for visiting colleges like a pro. Whether just starting your college search or getting ready for an upcoming college open house, continue reading for tips on making your college visits successful.

Students Walking on St. John's New York Campus

A Student Guide to Transferring Colleges

Deciding which college to attend is one of the biggest decisions of a young person’s life. But, the reality is, we don’t always get it right on the first try. In 2021, more than 1.2 million college students made the decision to transfer. While this is a relatively common occurrence in the academic world, it can be daunting—but when you make the decision to transfer colleges, you could find a better academic fit and campus culture, improved financial aid opportunities, and more. First, you have to figure out where to start. That’s where we can help.

College students discussing majors at St John’s University Campus

How to Choose a College Major: 5 Steps for Success

Are you staring at a long list of college majors and wondering how anyone’s supposed to choose just one? You’re not the only one feeling that way. Picking a major can feel like a huge decision—and while it is important, it’s also something you can approach step by step. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down what a college major is, how it can shape your college experience, and five practical (and low-pressure) steps to help you figure out the right fit for you. 

Young female professional
Toni Critelli
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
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