Admissions

Come visit Simmons! You will feel welcome right away. Plan an overnight visit with a current student, and definitely try to sit in on a class.

Visit the school and attend the prospective students days. They are geared toward introducing the school and the surrounding area. Half the battle when choosing a school is determining where you want to live and what you want to be doing in you free time. These days will lure you in to the area and from there it is clear how many opportunities there are to get off campus. I suggest applying to the honors program to anyone who has the academic standings required.

simmons is a stepping stone to your successful future. they are willing to help you in every way possible with the many different opportunities that surround our school. our professors are constantly in the news for their research in their field.

Don't be afraid to speak up. About anything. The teachers are generally even-handed, and won't judge you too harshly for anything you say so long as it isn't too offensive. The most common reason a class stagnates is because people won't talk, or because the same few students keep talking.

Talk to someone. Everyone is nervous, and the best way to make a social group is to just find someone and talk to them. You don't have to stay within your grade or major either. None of my closest friends study what I do, and it'll help when you're filling out class modes.

Don't go in if you're still indecisive or unsure of what you want in a major. It might be better for you if you try out a couple of majors in a less expensive school first, and after a point there's only so much wiggle room you have if you change your mind.

Although there are art programs and Simmons claims to be a school for Arts and Sciences, the truth is it's primarily focused on science. The art classes are still fairly scientific, and generally sub-par compared to what a more art-oriented school would offer.

Go on campus and take a tour or even spend the night with a current Simmons student to get the feel of the school.

Like many many schools, the profs are fantastic, the adjuncts are so-so, the staff are angels, and the administration is middling-terrible. Many of my classmates (and I myself) have been burned by misleading or straight-up dishonest course catalog information. There is no 4+1 MA/MFA in Children's Lit. I repeat: there is none.

Talk to your department heads, talk to the head of the school of management or nursing if that's your program, talk to actual professors who have advised students like you through their programs. I guarantee they will know what is and is not possible for you. Academic advisors are kind of hit-and-miss; I got a good one but I've heard some unfortunate stories from other students. When in doubt, talk to your department head.

Also, do not be afraid to make yourself a nuisance. Follow up with your advisor, follow up on your paperwork, follow up on everything. Whichever school you end up at, college is a system that you work best by engaging.

Research your major. We have many accelerated programs or programs that allow you to receive a higher degree in a shorter amount of time.
Take advantage of small class sizes and really get to know your professors. This will help with networking.

Do not look at the big ticket price. Simmons College is a private school and they absolutely love dishing out HUGE grants, which is free money in the sense that you will never have to pay it back or anything. It would cost me more money to just own an apartment in Boston than it does for me to live here, get fed, and get a quality education.

One tip is to definitely plan financially! College is so expensive and you don't realize it until you start taking out loans. Scholarships are a great way to pay for college because you don't have to pay them back. However, it takes a lot of research and time but it's worth it! Talking to your financial aid adviser is also important because they can give you tips. Also, buy a planner. There is a lot more free time in college and staying busy will help you beat procrastination.

1. Get to know your professors and classmates as soon as you can. The more comfortable you feel with them, the eaasier it will be asking for help.

2. Try your best in figuring out what the professors want from you. When you do that your classes become a bit easier.

3. Bring rain boots. Trust me, you'll need them.

4. Many of the first year dormitories don't have overhead lighting, so double check if you need to buy lights.

5. The walls are thin, so monitor your noise level in the dormitories .

6. Explore the library. It has so amazing hidden study areas.

7. Apply for work-study jobs early, as early as the summer before.