Berklee College of Music Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Forest

WAKE UP!!! You are a living being with thoughts and self! You're RICH with time and the more you push it aside and take it for granted, the sooner it'll betray you. Don't question so much and don't be afraid to speak to every single person around you. We as a species are all friends and family. Realize the truth of how people think of you. Don't let the negatives weigh down on you and don't relax on the positives. The more you try, the more the universe decides to test you. Push through, keep being authentic and you'll reap what you sow. Practice meditation! Continue reading, pratcing your instrument, and stay away from technology as best as you can. You are an honest person and loved by many. Take a moment to understand that, breathe, and continue. This path toward education will always be rewarding, but continue keeping your mind alert and pay attention to what knowledge is valuable (while keeping an open mind). You are here to grow, not to sit on your ass. Your life starts when you want it to, so wake up and take a step.

Gretchen

Don't be afraid to chose what you really want to be in life. If you wanna do music you can do it in the best place in the world to do it.

Krystina

Thinking back to the long stressful months of endless college applications I can't believe everything that happened. I wrote and rewrote my college essay multiple times, spent hours looking at walls while attempting to write the most important work of my life. My advice is to remember that senior year is a time to enjoy the last year at home with your family and friends around you. Time seems to fly as we get closer and closer to the next big adventure in our lives and we lose track of the things that matter most. Make sure to get your homework done and hang with your friends the moments that you can. Be thankful for all of the people that have helped you along the way, and make sure you don't take anything for granted. The transition to college is tough, but if you have continued to remain close to those who have helped you along the way they will be there to support you and give you the strength to do your best and enjoy your college experience.

Alyssa

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know about college now, I would tell myself to slow down. You do not need to choose your college major right away. Your first two years are mostly spent on general education classes. I would tell myself to use my first two years of college to explore my academic interests even further. No matter how much you plan, the future has the ability to take you by surprise, let it. Things happen because they are meant to. Don't get yourself stuck in a career you don't want. Take a breath, step back and look at the big picture. Enjoy the time you have to focus on yourself. College is about finding out who you are and who you want to be! Take advantage of that opportunity.

Sandra

If I could go back in time and say the things that I've learned about college now, I would tell myself to be prepared. Work harder. Read more. Procrastinate less. The human population grows every year and there is someone out there ready to take that scholarship that you could have gotten if you would have just known about it. Be willing to spend hours on a computer just looking up the silliest scholarships. Any amount helps. Do this now to not have to deal with agony later. Think more about your future. Think of all the pain and sacrifice you can be saving your parents and yourself. As much as your parents can help you, don't let them. Our family is rich in love but not rich in money. And it's not fair to them to have to continue to support you even when you're already 20 years old. You should be supporting them. I would simply just listen to my mom and study harder, take extra curriculear activites and invest more time planning out my future.

James

Since I decided to wait so long before attending school, I would have made sure I was more prepared before attending school. This is not to say that I didn't prepare myself at all. I spent several hours each day preparing for my audition. I should have spent more time learning how to read music and more about theory. This would have helped me test out of some the entry level classes at Berklee. I did however gain a lot of real life experience by taking time off from school. This is one advantage I had over many younger students. The main point I would want to go back and tell myself is you can never be too prepared to go to this school.

Daneesha

My senior year was a great time for me. I left with a lot of great memories of my school, friends, and teachers that I am now leaving behind to attend Berklee. But while in high school, I made better grades than ever before, joined a lot of clubs and participated in many extracurricular activities. I was accepted into my dream college and will be attending with little to no problems. Overall, I do not have any advice for myself as a senior because in my eyes, I did everything just fine.

Luke

There are certainly a lot of things I would like to say to my high school self about the transition to college, but there is one important concept that comes to mind. I went to a high school in a relatively small town, and grew up consantly playing music and showing off my talents. By the time I was a senior, I was receiving so much praise that I stood out as a naturally gifted musician. However, as soon as I entered Berklee, I got a wake-up call, because I was breaking out of my little bubble and entering the real world. Everyone here was so uniquely gifted that I felt like the smallest fish in the biggest ocean on Earth. This was extremely overwhelming because I began to feel like I didn't belong, but now, having completed two years, I have realized that no one really stands out at Berklee. They blend together, learn from each other, and respect their individual talents as they do their own. Therefore, the advice I would give myself would be to simply find my place, go with the flow, work hard, and trust that I will eventually earn my own success.

Jesse

There are two main things that I would tell myself in high school. The first thing I would tell him would be to work harder at finding money to pay for college. I would explain to myself that it is important to apply for scholarships year round, so I could have a better chance of having more money to pay for college. I also would have told him to be aware of the FASFA deadline because there is a penalty. The second thing I would tell myself is that I would have to work hard to succeed in college. I would tell myself that everthing the teachers were saying about college was true. They said that you had to have a good work ethic to do well in college. I would tell myself that some days that you spend in college would be completely spent doing homework. I would also tell him that he would have little breaks in college, but it would be worth it in the end.

Leandro

I'd definetly advised myself to work and practice even harder so I can stand out when I get in the U.S

David

Get used to top ramen. No serisouly though, staying involved in all the activites you can find is the best way to fully take advantage of the new people and ideas you are getting presented to you. The best part about college is not the piece of paper you end up with, it's all the lessons and trials you've learned from in your academic endeavors. People you meet in college will change how you look at your own life and how you approach what you want to accomplish. Networking is key. Meeting the right people that will motiviate you to try harder and work harder is one of most advantageous things about college. So study hard, meet as many people as you can, have as many conversations as you can, and just enjoy life at your young age!

darius

It is a tough process and at times feels like an impossible task; getting into college. Just stay positive, be persistent and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Michael

The actions and decisions one preforms and makes define the person they will become. During my teenage years, especially my later years in high school, the actions I took and decisions I made were detrimental to any chance of success. Indeed, I was a outcast, a screw up, an uneducated, drug-addicted teenager that should have been used as an example of what can happen to a young individual when he or she falls into the abyss of the drug culture. Though my actions took me to the depths of hell, almost killing me many times, I would not tell myself to change. If every action one makes plays a part in the person her or she will become, my actions had to be as they were so I could proliferate into whom I am today. Though I do not wish to have my high school self change, I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay; tell myself that I will escape the shortcomings I have set for myself and grow into an individual that has a purpose and passion in the academic world. I would tell myself that there will be a first year in college.

Chelsea

Dear Chelsea,When you get to Berklee, know that you’ve got your head on pretty much straight, and you’re going to be just fine. But one big thing you won’t do that you absolutely should is talk with Michelle, Emily, Kaley and Kayla, your best friends from high school, a whole lot more often. You’re going to have a completely different college experience that they won’t understand, so you need to send them a text every now and then, and Skype more. (Mom will tell you all of this, of course.) It will save you and the girls a lot of head and heartache later on if you just send a message every now and then.You’re going to meet a lot of exciting people. Learn from them! Ask lots of questions. Embrace this new life and remember that you were accepted for a reason, and you are worthy, no matter how good the other pianists sound in the practice rooms. Oh, and you don’t have to call Mom and Dad every night. They’re just fine. Love,Me

Alyssa

I would start by encouraging myself, letting myself know that I've done well so far, especially considering what I've been through. I would tell myself that I need to spend more hours songwriting and practicing. This way, I could feel more prepared for life as a music student. I would tell myself to start taking networking more seriously, to talk to everyone I meet because they could all potentially help you in some way. I would also let myself know that I need to better prepare myself financially, that paying for college on my own is a lot harder than I realized. Lastly, I would encourage myself to get out there more and have as much fun as possible.

Sharon

A true life experience, and that is all i wanted, because that is what life is: Experience.

Nicholas

The music industry as an everyday field is incredibly enigmatic from the outside. I commend Berklee for being literally the only school, excepting perhaps Full Sail or something of the sort, for attempting to summarize a practical training in the modern music industry as an undergraduate college education. It's called Berserklee sometimes, and the Berklee College of Getting Projects Done Just To Get Them Done at others, because everyone who attends the school is constantly juggling an insane amount of insanely diverse assignments... all the time. While this may disgruntle and put off many, it's a very apt model for training someone to be adaptable, which is absolutely essential for a career in the modern, constantly evolving music industry, where job titles frequently dissolve, consolidate and re-consolidate, because they are centered more around describing the specific skillset of the people working than the positions needed within the company. Berklee is incredibly holistic in the agenda of their curriculum. They designed the school to be an all-bases-covered and self-sufficient education to the best of their ability. While this discourages specialization, it encourages adaptability and, most importantly, employability. They churn out diverse, capable employees, not doctorates.

Brian

My college experience so far has been everything that I had hoped it would be. From the first day, especially at Berklee, I have been continuously maturing and growing as a musican and as a person. I became aware of the steps I need to take to provide myself a career in music. I go to class with a positive attitude knowing that everything I am being taught and challenged to accomplish, will be worth the outcome. I have gained valuable lessons on my instrument and personal strives as a member of this musical community. This school has driven me, and will continue to push me to play, practice, and master ideals I have set out to be successful in, within a musical career. I am very lucky to be given the opportunity to pursue my dreams, which is why I think an effort to gain financial help is a great way to keep me enrolled and pursuing a career in music, also in attaining a satisfactory position with my life.

Megan

Dreams are made reality through hard work and dedication. By attending the Salt Lake Community College I am taking the first steps towards my goal of becoming a professional writer. I have found that words are a powerful tool and combined with a little creativity can create worlds only found in the recesses of our imagination. Through my writing I am finding my voice, fulfilling a deep desire to share my thoughts and challenging the limitations I have unconsciously imposed upon myself. While a student at the community college I have been given the opportunity to learn and develop my skills so that I may be better prepared to reach this goal. Attending college has been a very valueable experience. I have been able to further my personal growth and development and this has prepared me for my future endeavors and has given me balance as a person. In addition, it has helped me to hold on to my dreams and to feel a sense of achievement as I become ccloser to my goal. This alone is the most valuable experience I have gained from my time at the Salt Lake Community College. Without dreams where would we be?

martina

With such a school as berklee it has taught me alot. I learned alot about being independent,responsible ,considerate,focused,and keeping my head up high. Berklee is a school that allows you to have a alot of freedom,and being a responsible young adult i learned i had to put my studies before all the fun. Also going to bed at adesecent time,so that you could get up for your 9 am class. This school has done some amazing things for me personally. I am a singer and when i use to sing before i attended berklee i didnt have confidence in myself,and berklee bought out the best in me,I am more mature than i have ever been and it feels good to know that i can be away from my family and be independent and handle the pressure as an adult and get much respect.Berklee is an amazing school for anyone who is willing to work hard and get things done and accomplish many goals at such a young age. I would love to finish at berklee feeling proud, and accomplished.

Melanie

Only having been at Berklee College of Music for a full semester and now into my second, I can confidently say that I have already gained an immense amount of knowledge on so many different levels. My learning stretch has broadened and I am now doing things musically that I never thought I would conquer. Everyday I spend here these impossibilities become attainable. My college experience as a whole has been an outstanding experience thus far and I have had opportunities that I never thought to be possible. The city of Boston alone provides for a vast amount of opportunities for and artist to showcase themselves. Here at Berklee, I have been newly exposed to this multicultural world we live in, much different than my suburb at home, which has nurtured me in unleashing my creativity that has been withheld inside for many years. I have made important connections with both faculty and peers that can potentially help further my career. Not only that, but I have made friends from all over the country and all over the world. My experiences thus far at Berklee have been undeniably breath taking and it only continues with every day I spend here.

Mia

i would say, "apply to more schools, just to experience the process."

Courtney

If I could go back and talk to myself I would say never give up and loose all doubt. There is nothing you cannot accomplish Always be encouraged and listen your parents and understand that you are important to someone. You are not a product of your environment and no matter what comes your way in life stay focused and stay on that path. Understand that there are people who believe in your dreams and that you are talented beyond measure. If I could go back and speak to myself I would quote Marianne Williamson. She said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are we not to be? You are a child of God.Your playing small doesn't serve the world..." . Thinking back at that time in my life i would say what my mother told me "you got to have faith".

Cameron

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to make the most of every opportunity. I can't stress this enough; all the time I am realizing opportunities I missed and should have taken. The school I am at is about contacts, so jam with everyone you can, meet everyone in your classes, hang out with everyone you can. You never know where great things might come from. The first of the semester is when everyone else is trying to figure this college stuff out too, so make friends. Almost everyone is extremely nice once you break the barrier of communication: just say hello, it'll go a long way.

Damon

I am currently having a very difficult time finding legit scholarships to apply for. As a highschool student I took the easy scholarships for granted. I really wish I could go back in time as talk to mysef as a highschool student. The first thing I would say is dont limit yourself to scholarships over 5,000 dollars. Put the xbox 360 games away and dedicate at least an hour a day toward earning the scholarships you are elgible for. The last thing I would say would be to get all the scholarship money you can while you're a highschool student, considering that most scholarships are directed to highschool students. College is fun and it's a great opportunity so earn enough money now so that you will be able to afford more than two semesters.

Raul

All Berklee College of Music students are rated from a scale ranging from one to eight. The greater the ratings, the more opportunities the school will offer you. I purposely sought out becoming a four. I feared that anything higher would make college life too challenging. The truth of the matter is; although one may achieve high scores, it does not mean that school will be more of a challenge. At Berklee College of Music it simply means that you will have a chance to qualify and play with musicians who are better at their craft. Playing with musicians who are more comfortable and developed on their instrument is actually easier than playing with musicians that are less comfortable. Also playing with better musician creates a unique growing environment that allows you to make leaps and bounds in your musicianship rather than baby steps. In closing I would advise myself to find and memorize a solo of my instrument repertoire that would express the full extent of my musicianship to my adjudicators. Most importantly of all, I would advise myself never to hold back; the school acknowledges and helps those that strive to help themselves.

Kelli

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would tell myself to practice time management. Thought I have improved greatly since starting college, I used to have many sleepless nights. In art school, projects take a lot more time than most assignments in highschool. I've had some pieces take me weeks to complete. I know now the importance of time management. Without practicing this not only does the work sometimes not get completed, but it also doesn't turn out the way I would like. Especially considering the price of my school, I know getting the most out of the experience and my teachers is very important. Giving my all to the work requires me to spend all of my extra time on it. This is where time management plays a key role. With this in mind I now know how to balance being healthy and doing great work. Starting this earlier would have helped my transition, but I'm glad to have these skills for the future.

Sylvester

I would first tell myself to fill out as many scholarships as possible, because you never know what you can and can't win. Also, I would advise myself that it's not the best idea to skip classes because it can hurt your grade if done enough. It is very easy to get caught up in stuff that doesn't concern you, but as long as you stay yourself and deal with what affects you first, you will have time to have fun and stay stress free.

Rochella

My senior year of high school was one of the most stressful years for me. Everyone in my class was competing with each other and seeing who could get into the best schools. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to slow down and relax. Getting into the best schools does not make me a better person. As long as you are serious about your education, then that is all that matters. I would also tell myself how important it is to visit the school I plan to go to or am applying to. Take into context the weather, environment, the people, the culture, and of course the school itself. Visiting the school you are interested in gives you a better notion about that place. The first time I went to my school was the first day of classes. Those would be the two things I would tell myself. It does not matter if you do not get into the top schools, and it is important to visit the schools you are interested in so that you can make a better decision about where you can go.

Piper

College is about identifying your strengths and learning to make a career from them. Don't be afraid to try new things and allow yourself to experience every opportunity that you can.

Jessica

College will be nothing like you are picturing it. Be prepared to be living on your own with your family 3,000 miles aways from you. Be strong, you can make it on your own even though the living situation here is difficult. Working and going to school is demanding but it is worth it because you are helping your mom who has worked so hard to support you and your siblings on her own, if she could work two jobs, go to school and do well, and raise three kids on her own in a new country, then you should be able to do well, you have no excuse. Stay focused and stop trying to do everything because you will wear yourself out and get sick. People here are not what you are used to so do not be afraid, instead embrace it, and friend it up and make your mom proud.

Jasmine

As a young adult entering a large and confusing world, I would take a deep breath and dive head first into the direction in which my heart was pulling me. I have found, in the time since my graduation, that life without passion is not one worth living. I would tell myself not to be afraid of what my dreams could become. I would tell myself to follow my heart and never give up because sometimes our dreams are all we have. Somtimes they are all we need.

Allee

In my senior year, I was very focused on playing my instrument and not so focused on saving money, working part-time or looking for scholarships. Now, I'm faced with the reality that college is expensive. I wish I would have spent more time helping my parents out then so that it isn't such a burden now. With that said, my preparation musically has helped me more than I could ever imagine and creating good study habbits has benefited me even more.

Natasia

I would tell myself to stop playing aound "It's your future your letting pass by" And sign up for every scholarship that you can find. Get all the money you can don't fool around because nothing comes easy. College life will be great and you're going to love it just work hard, and don't put any stress in you future you. Sing like you never sang before study all you can study about music, and don"t give up on your dreams because I haven't.

Evanna

If I got the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college and making the transition I would have told myself to become more independent because as I came to realizing no one is there to take or hold your hand. As many students go off to college they also tend to develop homesickness so I would tell myself to start prepare yourself for being away from home by doing things that you enjoy doing, calling home when you feel homesick as you are away, or seeking counseling at my colleges counseling center. I would let myself know that at college you are responsible for nobody but yourself! I would tell myself to start saving up and apply for scholarships because taking out loans is not a good why to pay for college because you could spend a lifetime paying it back. I would also tell myself to start managing my money and spend it more wisely, and most of all always try to make the wisest decision possible because it adds up and turns out for your own betterment. This I would tell myself.

Krystal

If I could go back at in time, to talk to myself, I would say that the world is at my fingertips. Choices made reflect upon my future and to never give up on dreams and aspirations, not even for a year or two, and certainly not for anyone but myself. To work hard in school and to not lose focus of my goals. It may not be an easy task, but the end result is worth it all. College will be an amazing experience so dive completely head first into a pool of opportunity and learning. I would tell myself to be the best me i could be!

Paris

I would tell myself to make sure this is the school I want to go to for the next four years. Make sure when you wake up in the morning there is nothing else you'd rather be doing than figuring out what the next note in the chord should be. I'd tell myslef to form a great study habit and method before it's time to go to college so I don't feel overloaded when testing time comes. Also do not procrastinate; when you get it, do it. Last but not least, enjoy and embrace your musical talent and environment. Let no one tell you what you can't do, or that they are better than you. Feed off of their words and grow. You will be in an environment enriched with great talent do not fret but listen to their styles, incorporate your own and create a musical masterpiece. Have confidence in yourself.

Eleni

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the one thing I would advise is to always remember where I came from. Transitioning can be awkward and scary, but it's important to remember why you wanted to be there in the first place. It's hard to stay motivated at times, especially when you are trying to keep up with all your work and you don't have the comfort of being at home to deal with the stress. I would tell myself to be grateful for every little thing I might not think is important at the time, because at times you will feel isolated or like you are the only one dealing with the pressure of being away from loved ones and working on not just your career, but what is going to end up being your life. It would be important to remind myself that I wanted independence and opportunity, but not to let it all get to my head. After all, it was the support and experience at home that made me get to where I am today.

Ronnie

One thing I would do that I didn't do as a senior would give myself some more options and apply to more colleges and universities. During my senior year I would've also applied myself to more scholarships and found many other ways to pay for college and I would have taken my time to really decide on a college and not made a move too soon unless I was very sure and positive. As far as the actual transition into college, I would make sure that all my tuition and fees as well as housing situation were arranged and dealt with really early before school started to ensure less stress. Lastly, to gain some independence and responsibility as a senior I would get a part time job and get some work experience to build up my resume.

Andrew

Going from high school to college is a huge change in a student's life. College allows a lot more freedom than granted than in high school. But with that freedom, a college student needs to become a lot more responsible. Looking at my college experiance now, I would have made a lot more adjustments prior to entering college. I would definitly tell myself to learn how to manage time well. At Berklee, I had to learn to adapt to college itself, the work assissgned from classes and practicing as well. But at the same time, I learned not to overstress myself. Another piece of advice would just be to think smart, have fun and try your best. College is a whole different learning experience. High school prepared us well for college. Now college is preparing me for a future in the real world.

David

The best advice I would give to myself is to be very aware of time management. As soon as I got to college I realized I have to balance work and play and be organized about it. I was saving my homework until nighttime as I went out with friends during the day. I now know that it's best to do your homework right as you get home from school cause the concepts are still fresh in your mind from just being in class. I feel so much better going out with friends after I've completed my homework, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Just being organzied in general is a great tip. Knowing in between which classes you have time to get a bite to eat so your not going all day starving in class, and writing down your homework in a "agenda book" of some type are some good starters.

Christopher

If I could go back into time and speak with myself as a senior in high school. I would give myself the advice to never let anyone else affect your path and your dreams of success. Through the past few years I have been put down as an artist, and been afraid of showing other my talents and music for various social reasons, mainly the fear of their acceptance. I realize now that I can only create what I am inspired and educated to create. I wish that I would have wasted less time worrying about the other people pushing me around with my musical tastes. My musical talents and my paintings are not shown off nearly as much as they should be because of the fear that ensued through the transition into city life and a larger social audience. I recently have overcome my fears partially, and know that my education is still the biggest part of my journey as an artist; musical, visual, and literary. I look foreward to the journey in life. Knowing now what I would have told myself a fews years back is currently a stronger driving force than anything else in my life.

Khandeya

Take advantage of all the resources you have while in school. Your classmates and your teachers are valuable; interacting with them will give you life lessons that can help you when you go out into the real world. Make sure there is a balance between doing schoolwork and having fun; don't overload on too much of either, it's not healthy. Get involved in activities and hang out with people that better you as a person. And soak it all up, college will be the experience of your life!

Alex

I think that the biggest piece of advice I would give myself if I were entering college now would be to take a year off and work full-time to save money. I took this semester off and am returning full time next semester (January, 2010), but I have been living in Boston, so the money I have earned has been going to pay my rent and my bills, rather than being saved for tuition. I was able to come to music school and test out of a couple of classes because I had extensive musical training in high school, but having to work a lot outside of school has been difficult.

freddy

i would tell myself to stay focused on the acaemics and to try and find balance between my work and my social life. too much of either is unhealthy.

Reginald

I would tell myself to not procrastinate and to get involved in more community based organizations and reach out to the professtionals in the community. I would tell myself to get more organized and responsible and take the necessary steps to get to college in a timely manner. I would have also told myself to not be afraid of my gift and really put myself out in the open as a brand and as a confident musician who was put on this earth to really persue music and be a vessel to the masses in providing music for people to partake.

ALYCE

i would tell myself to never slack off or be a procrastinator. To always follow your hart. Study hard. Make a name for yourself. Be a leader in everythign you do. Never let someone determine your fate because only you can do that. You can graduate college no matter what statistics may say, or what tradition has been passed down throug hyour family. There is enough money for you to finsh and pay for school. Just believe in yourself. You can inspire yourself more than anyone else ever can. There will be hard times, and mountains to crawl, but do not let the trial, obstacle, or mountain defeat you. You tackle the mountain, and keep climbing.

Anthony

If I could go back in time, I would ease the worried mind of "high school senior" Anthony. I would say, "Anthony, you WILL eventually be able to find your way to your classes without getting lost, you WON'T be rejected by every cute girl you talk to, you WILL get used to living on your own, and with a little focus and a lot of determination, you WILL be the very best you can be at all of your academic and extra-curricular endeavors." And as I begin to notice "high school senior" Anthony relaxe his tensed-up shoulders and release his scrunched-up eyebrows, I would look him straight in the eye and say, "You are about to embark on the greatest journey you will ever know. Cherish these years, give 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into everything you do, and have the time of your life!"

Khandeya

College life is as much about the experience as it is about the end result of obtaining a diploma. Get involved in campus activities where you can meet different people. Prepare yourself to be, or perhaps become, open-minded as college is a place where your ideas about life and society are tested. When you graduate, you may not have all the friends that you made in your first year, but the friendships that do last will extend over a lifetime. Try to find faculty and peer mentors and positive people; keep them in your motivational circle. And as much as you would like to make your family proud, this time is all about developing your own person - time to find out who you are.

Channing

Life is short. You have a limited time to enjoy yourself on this earth. College is an important part in the human experience. Make sure that when youre choosing a college, it is really and truly the college you want to attend. Not the college your friends are attending, or the college your parents would like you to attend, but the college that is right for you. If you enjoy your college experience you will be inspired to succeed. Sometimes you have to accept the idea that the first college you choose, may not be what you were expecting, be open to the opinions of others, and let yourself be vaunerable to new experiences and ideas. Ultimately college is truly what you make it, so make it the best you can.