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.
St. John's University Students

College Application Checklist: Requirements, Tips, and Timeline

Essays, recommendation letters, deadlines, score reports; applying to college is a lot. But with a clear plan, you’ll stay on top of everything and avoid last-minute stress.

This simple college application checklist guides you on what you need, when to do it, and how to succeed.

St. John's University Campus in Queens, New York City in the Fall

4 Flexible Ways to Earn a College Degree on Your Schedule

The traditional college model wasn’t designed for the way most students live today. Work schedules, family responsibilities, financial realities, and shifting timelines all influence how—and when—you pursue your degree. For many, the biggest challenge isn’t choosing a major; it’s finding a pathway that actually aligns with the life you’re already managing. That’s why colleges and universities like St. John’s University are reshaping what flexible learning can look like.

In this guide, we break down four realistic pathways that give you more control over how you learn so you can find an option that truly fits.

St. John's students on campus

From High School to College Life: What Really Changes (and How to Thrive) 

Do you wonder what really changes when you leave high school behind and start college life? The quick answer: a lot—but that’s not a bad thing. From managing your own schedule to handling bigger classes and more independence, the transition can feel like a major shift. It’s also an excellent opportunity to grow, try new interests, and carve out your own path. 

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.

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.

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.

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.