What I wish I knew about the college search when I was getting started
Long Island college students share what they wish they knew when before they started their college search. Credit: Kiera York; Eko Polizzi; Nina Thomas
The college search comes with no shortage of factors for students to weigh, which can quickly turn an exciting coming-of-age moment into a source of stress.
Choosing a school can be nerve-wracking long before receiving a decision letter. A 2026 survey by The Princeton Review found that 73% of college applicants and their parents reported high or very high stress during the process.
For students who have come out the other side of college applications, their experience can offer a helpful perspective. Here are five things Long Island college students wish they knew when they were getting started.
Cast a wide net
You might surprise yourself.
—Nina Thomas, South Huntington resident and SUNY Binghamton University student, on applying to different schools
Nina Thomas, a third-year student at Binghamton University, recommends keeping an open mind throughout the college application process and applying to as many schools as possible.
Thomas, of South Huntington, encourages students to consider schools even if they are not initially at the top of their list. Applying to a range of colleges gives students more options and allows them to make the most of the opportunities they receive.
"You might surprise yourself," Thomas said.
Don’t let others choose your college
Alex Polizzi, a freshman at Syracuse University, wishes he had succumbed less to outside pressure when deciding where to attend college.
"I was comparing myself to a lot of other students that were applying to schools at the time," said Polizzi, of Port Washington. "Everyone was going to a big school, a school with a lower acceptance rate or a school that was very known. I thought that was somewhere I wanted to be."
Credit: Eko Polizzi
I was comparing myself to a lot of other students that were applying to schools at the time ...
—Alex Polizzi, Port Washington resident and Syracuse University student, on applying to schools
Polizzi recommends students "ask themselves a bunch of questions" about what they want most out of their college experience before choosing a school.
Let your personality shine through
Credit: Aurora-Isabel Mata
[Do] not be afraid of being vulnerable ... put yourself out there.
— Aurora-Isabel Mata, a Port Washington resident and University of South Carolina student, on college essays
College application essays can be daunting, with students often feeling they need to dazzle admissions counselors with their accomplishments and prose. But Aurora-Isabel Mata, a freshman at the University of South Carolina, said counselors "are not looking to be impressed by the essay, they are looking to see who you are."
Mata, of Port Washington, said her essay allowed her to "show a vulnerable part of her." She wrote about building Legos and connected the hobby to her love of theater. Her advice to students is to "not be afraid of being vulnerable and put yourself out there."
Your major isn’t set in stone
Credit: Kiera York
Everything can be switched if you want.
—Kiera York, Albertson resident and SUNY Binghamton University student, on picking a major
Settling on a major can be overwhelming, but Kiera Yorke, a senior at Binghamton University, shows that changing course doesn’t mean falling behind.
Yorke, of Albertson, started college on the pre-med track before switching her major to economics. Her experience is reflective of many college students, as nearly one-third change their major at least once, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
"Everything can be switched if you want," Yorke said.
Advocate for your own needs
Credit: Darcey Greene
Even though you are becoming an adult, it’s still good to have help.
—Darcey Greene, Smithtown resident and Suffolk County Community College student, on advocating for your needs.
College marks a major milestone in becoming self-sufficient, but students with medical needs shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, said Darcey Greene, a freshman at Suffolk Community College. Greene transferred to SCC after experiencing a severe allergic reaction to cross-contaminated fruit from the dining hall at her previous school.
"Figuring everything out on your own is very challenging," Greene, of Smithtown, said. "Even though you are becoming an adult, it’s still good to have help."
She encourages students to advocate for themselves, especially if they are planning to go away to college. "Trust your gut," she said.
