Searching for a college where you feel you belong shouldn't be high-pressure or feel like homework. Right now, you don’t have to know what you want to major in. You don’t have to know where you want to go. You just have to start asking questions and be curious!
Why should I start thinking about college now?
Sophomore year is the ideal time to focus on self-discovery, career interests and foundational academic habits without the pressure of narrowing down your college list and completing applications. This is the time to build good study habits, challenge yourself academically and expand your activities outside of the classroom.
Tips for Sophomores
How do I choose the “right” college?
There is no one “perfect” college choice. Trust us: there are lots of schools where you will feel at home and find your people, study subjects you enjoy and get the skills and experience for the career you hope to pursue. College rankings are only part of the story. It’s important to consider what’s most important to you in your college experience and then look for schools that are a good fit.
Start by asking yourself questions like:
Resources to help you explore
- BigFuture: Filter schools by majors, size and location, and explore career matches.
- Appily: Take major quizzes and compare campus vibes and costs.
- College Navigator: Research official federal data on graduation rates, costs and programs.
- Niche: Read student reviews
- Common App 10th Grade Guide: Get advice on high school course rigor and building good habits.
- Fastweb: Learn how scholarships work and spot early awards open to younger teens.
Get social
Checking out schools on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube can help you get a feel for the campus vibe and a real sense of what it could be like to be a student there. Browsing content posted by students at the school may be your first step. Then check out the official school channels, which often have student takeovers and voices. SUNY Oneonta is very active on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Schedule a visit
We would love to help you start exploring, and the best way to get a sense of whether a school is a good fit for you is to see it for yourself! SUNY Oneonta offers guided campus tours Monday through Thursday, and information sessions on Fridays. You are also welcome to walk around campus on your own any time to explore.
Join us for Fall Open House
Saturday, Nov. 7
Learn about our majors and programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and all the ways we can support your academic journey. Discover what campus life is like, including clubs and events, and get a student perspective on academics, campus activities and daily life at Oneonta.
Contact
Welcome Center
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States
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