Hunter
has a wonderful freshman program called the “Block Program” where
new students will choose a “block” or area of interest
and have the same sequence of classes with other students
in that block. This guarantees all your classes in the
first year (while fulfilling the general requirements) and makes the
transition from high school to college much easier. Since you
will have classes with the same students, it will also
be easier to make new friends and not feel so
isolated. If you opt not to participate in the freshman
block program, it will be more difficult for you to
register for the classes that you need or want since
the registration system is based on your seniority in the
college. As you continue your studies at Hunter, you should
make a trip to the career center on the 8th
floor of the North building and meet with a career
counselor so that you can begin the early stages of
career planning. There’s also a discovery computer program and other
assessment tools to help you start this process. If nothing
else, you should at least try the computer program to
help you see what fields you might enjoy working in
based on your interests and skills. Try to get experience
in areas that you are interested in as early as
possible. I did, and it helped me realize an unsuitable
career choice! The career counselor/internship coordinator (Paula Wicklow) is very
friendly and helpful. She has access to many different internships.
There is a decent career library next to her office.
Make use of the resources offered to you.
If
you maintain over a 2.8 GPA, you can study abroad
while earning credit at the same time. I would
highly recommend that you participate in at least one if
possible, especially if you’ve never traveled abroad. There are
many destinations and subjects to study from. Check out the
web site for more info.
You should also familiarize
yourself with other classes in other CUNY schools. You can
take their classes on a space-available basis and as long
as you have an advisor approve the class (and you
have fulfilled any pre-requisites for that class), it will be
applied towards your degree. I took classes on permit
to Baruch College in Business and Arts Administration, which were
classes not offered at Hunter, and it was a good
experience.
Side note: Many students work (part or full-time)
while they earn their degree. It is, like other CUNY
colleges, a “commuter” school. There is a dorm, although I
hear it’s very competitive. If you like diversity, there is
a great mix of cultures and people of all ages
who attend Hunter. If you’re looking for a social life,
it can be difficult since many do not have time
to hang out because they have to work. But, you
can find plenty to do in the city! Transportation is
excellent; the 6 train stops right in front of the
college and many buses do as well.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Hunter College and I
hope this information helps you. Seek advisors in the areas
that you are interested in and counselors to help you
along the way. Good luck!
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