Boston University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would have a profoundly different view on the college selection process. I would assure my former self that no matter what happens, attending college is what you make of it. I would tell myself to worry less about the numbers and statistics and more about the look, feel, and overall atmosphere of the schools I was considering. I would make it clear that it is important to get involved with the community right away and find something outside of classes that makes you happy. Whether it is a intramural sport, an a cappella group, or a greek organization, it doesn't matter. College life is about learning who you are as a person as well as learning knowledge that will help you throughout your life. So, I would assure my former self that it is possible to be happy almost anywhere, as long as you have the right attitude and an open mind. "You're going to get in somewhere," I would say, "you just have to figure out what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing."

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take AP classes or summer classes prior to attending college. I would also tell myself to keep in contact with all my friends throughout college while making more in college.

A year ago I was applying for scholarships not knowing what was in store for the future. Now I am applying for scholarships determined to make the most out of the present to make the best future. After my first semester at Boston University with a brand new beginning a lot of change happened at once. I was living in a new city surrounded by a multitude of cultures creating a new life. If it was possible to go back in time to give the younger me advice I would tell myself to take a breath and enjoy the smaller things in life. I believe that the smaller things in life composite into the larger things. This is what creates positive change. I would also tell myself to not live in fear but to take risks. If it wasn't for the risk of moving across the country I would not be the person I am today. A year ago I believed that everything happens for a reason. Today I still believe in that but with assurance and determination to help change the world. "You must be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi.

First, I would insist that I apply to Boston University. It is the school for me and the best possible choice for my major, Classical Archaeology. Second, I would tell myself to snap out of the rebellious and individualistic mindset I was in. In college I struggled to express myself and be comfortable in my new home. Had I abandoned the idea that I didn't need friends or family to achieve my goals, I would have made more friendships in the first few months of school. Consiquently, It would have been easier to express myself and fit in with my community and I could have relied on my new relationships to help and support me through the academic intensity of college. High school was nowhere near as demanding and exhausting as college is, and my attitude prevented me from smoothly transitioning into an intensive, but extreamly beneficial, program of study. Though I pulled through in the end, and have already achieved more than many of my fellow students, I feel like my grades and friendships could be stronger and more reflective of the life-altering experiences I have had at Boston University.

I would tell myself to start working on my shyness a lot earlier. I wish I were able to truly open up to people and make friends more easily. Also, I might encourage myself to look into smaller schools within the city. In the environment of a smaller school, I would be in contact with more of the same people more often during the course of the year, and would probably make more friends. Either way, it would be better if I were less shy. So that is absolutely the sort of advice I would give myself: start now. It will benefit you in college to put yourself out there starting right now, trying your best to talk to people as much as possible, to speak your mind, and not be afraid. My second piece of advice: live now. Look for opportunities to enjoy your childhood while it lasts. Don't let life pass you by. And that is exactly what you're doing right now. More fun experiences right now will help you later. Finally, there is academic advice: Take another computer class. Forget that extra study, you don't need it.

As a senior, I remember stressing over everything and not exactly believing in myself. I had trouble accepting my accomplishments, feeling that I wasn?t doing my all-time best; but the truth is I always did my best. If I could go back in time and talk to this version of myself, I would tell her to leave this state of mind behind ? that I'm doing a great job, and will be very successful in the future for I'm living proof. However for my own sake, I wouldn?t want to give away too much information about the future: being rejected from Ivy League colleges, or getting the opportunity to meet Nobel Laureates at the International Science and Engineering Fair (a dream that took us four years to accomplish). I would want her to hold her head high, take in every moment with her friends and family, and be a proud person for making it this far seeing that graduation is not too far down the road. I don?t have many regrets, but I do wish that this girl could come to a self-realization that she's an exceptionally hard worker and an outstanding student.

It isn't the great experience everyone guaranteed, but an opportunity to make it into something that suits you. Only you can make you happy and not the college or the people at it.

I would tell myself to go into college with an extremely open mind, and to try everything! Now I regret not joining as many clubs as possible - because the few I did join, I don't belong to anymore because I found out they didnt interest me. Going to college is a huge change, and its best to try EVERYTHING once. You don't really know what you will or won't like until you try it, this is why you must keep an open mind. Join a club you'd never thought you'd join. Take a class that you find slightly interesting, but maybe never took in highschool. These will give you chances to learn more about yourself, and to meet as many friends as possible. Definitely consider joining some sort of team - varsity, club, intermural, or even a physical fitness class, because its very easy to let your physical fitness fall to the wayside when swamped with homework and exams. However, working out is a good break time and stress relief - especially during those tough weeks! Look for resources from your college/university to keep your all around well being healthy - it'll amaze you whats available!

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to take classes more seriously and to not be too overwhelmed by the entire college life adjustment process. As a high school student, I was very successful and confident in my academic abilities, and I looked at college as my ultimate goal. I believed that once I was in college, everything would fall into place and I could start living a more exciting life that involved more than studying and schoolwork. When I started college, I focused too heavily on establishing my social life, not realizing that I was compromising my academic performance and losing interest in what I had once loved: learning. As a college junior, I now realize that the real reason I am here, as well as the reason I want to be here, is to pursue knowledge and prepare for a career in medicine. I can now fully appreciate my love of learning, and I would go back and tell my eighteen year old self not to forget that.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to be so worried about making friends. As long as you are open to meeting new people and kind to anyone you encounter, chances are you will eventually find people that you click with. And don't freak out if the people you hang out with in the first few days at school don't end up becoming your best friends. Chances are they're just "starter friends," and you just haven't found your true group yet. I wish I could have told myself not to stress when my starter friends turned out to not be that nice. I remember sitting at my computer crying one night because I felt like I would never find the perfect group of people. The next day, though, I met a girl on my floor who I immediately connected with, and by that afternoon we had met two others. The four of us do everything together now, and they make my college life amazing.

I would tell myself to better my issues with time management and procrastinating. I would tell myself how big of an adjustment it is from high school to college, and how much harder it is. The freedom you receive also comes with much responsibility and in order to be successful you must accept it and use your time to the best of your ablility. Do not under-estimate the work that is needed to achieve good grades and most importantly, college really isn't all about fun. While you can have fun, you must make schoolwork a priority over your social life.

I would manage my time more wisely, and keep my credit excellent. Work hard keeping my GPA above average. I would network with more students on campus to build a great student relationship. This will help me and the students build a strong market after college. I would spend more time brushing up on my basic skills, because they will help me stay sharp while learning a new skills. Spending more time in labs, and getting extra tutoring when needed will help out with success in college.

Just breath and remember that everything will work out fine.

If I could rewind the clock to the beginning of my first semester at Boston University, I would sit myself down and clearly explain, "Do not underestimate any part of your college career, from your academic classes to your social life." My present self might blankly stare at my future self, "What exactly do you mean?" Entering into college, I wanted to be active around campus, achieve amazing grades, meet tons of new unique people, and overall just be involved. Throughout the first semester in Boston I worked hard at accomplishing these set goals but I strongly overlooked some aspects; I underestimated just how much time and energy all of this would take. I quickly ran myself into the ground because I just kept on underestimating as time went by, taking the semester with it. When I should have been asking for help with classes I pushed on until I finally caved in and sought help with tutors and teaching assistants. By then my grades had suffered and I realized my fault. I had been active, volunteering and participating in functions around campus, but I lost myself in the rush of the moment. "Practice self-awareness; be sensible."

The shock of meeting a future version of myself is merely a harsh exaggeration of the disbelief I already felt as a high school senior; the secure life I had been meticulously building for years was crumbling, leaving me vulnerable to the mysterious universe looming ahead. Instead of preparing, I obliviously focused on my old life, fearing change. ?Stop worrying,? I would tell my younger self, ?College isn?t scary! You won?t need to abandon old friendships, but you?ll find it easy to connect with new people if you extend yourself. You don?t need an outlined career path; you?ll form academic goals while exploring your interests. You?ll have independence to follow your passions, but stay organized so you don?t become stressed. Also, spare yourself early classes; you are not a morning person.? If I took my advice, I would not have been anxious. I would not hesitate to strike up conversations in the elevator, ask professors for help, or explore on weekends instead of retreating home. It would have been helpful to hear these words from such a valid source, allowing me to fearlessly leap into college life instead of gingerly easing into it.

Sometimes it would be great to be able to go back in time to be a senior in high school again and to follow a different course of action. In my case I chose Georgetown University because I thought I wanted to be a part of the "real" world one day with a "real" job. Political science and international relations seemed to be the way my logical brain led me. I had devoted my childhood to creative pursuits playing violin and piano since 4 years old and was accomplished as the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra concertmaster. I didn't want a career in musical performance and felt a "real" job was the answer. During my first semester in college everything inside me screamed with rebellion. I hated politics in a political school. I then followed my passion which led me to film, screenwriting and cinema. This is me. I have found a small group of artistic types , including my alternative rock band at Georgetown and I will survive until I can pursue film and writing as a graduate student. My advice is clear--- follow your passion and don't be pressured by the real world around you. Be true to yourself.

If you go to one of the many schools in the cold, windy northeast, make sure you?re driven by something to propel you through the long winter nights, and don?t you dare let that something be brooding. I know it?s in your head now that an institution or another person will lay out life for you, as if an acceptance letter were a feast that could keep you full for a decade, but I?m afraid such a banquet does not exist. Pull out a shovel and a spade, build up a few ideas, and hope that you?ll meet people along the way who are brave enough to come by and knock them down for you, otherwise I can?t imagine how else you would learn anything. Cry out and stamp your feet in indignation, but it?s equally acceptable for life to be terrible and for life to be lovely, either way, you don?t deserve either, you?ll only find what you were looking for. Even love, you?ll find that even in love you?ll have to work.

Just relax. Although this is an extremely stressful time, just know that you will end up where you are meant to be. You will know the second you walk into your audition whether this is the school for you or not. All of this hard work will pay off in a year. College will be the most exhilerating, enlightening, frightening, energizing, altogether AMAZING time of your life. You're almost there.

I would tell myself to savor the moments with my family. I have two sisters and a divorced mother who I neglected in over-packing my schedule with extra-curricular activities and studying. I forgot to breathe and just enjoy being young, healthy, and full of promise, and was instead tortured by anxiety about whether I would get into the college I wanted and how I would pay for it. I wish I had realized that wherever I was accepted, that was where I was supposed to be-I would make the most of any academic program I was accepted into because it is not the prestige of the college that defines the individual, but the student's own work and research and curiosity. I would have told myself to put down the AP Biology book, to stop memorizing the process of respiration in plants at least for a moment, and to spend time with my family on Sunday nights, to not spend Thanksgiving getting in some extra time studying. As a senior in college and completing a BA/MA program, and prospectivly pursuing a PhD in the UK, I know that I will never have those moments back again.

I would have advised my high school senior self to worry a lot less. While the task of picking a university was daunting, it would have been a lot less stressful if I would have realized that things fall into place and that trusting my intuition was equally as helpful as the extensive research on different schools and the excessive effort I made to do everything possible to advance my chances of going to a good university.

If I had to describe my senior year in one word it would be without a doubt, MIT. My place in the sun. My everything. I was deadest on going. Any other school was not even an option. I applied early, got deferred, got waitlisted, and then got waitlisted again (I didn?t even know that was possible). And then MIT said no. I had sent them a postcard, every single day I was on the waitlist. But they said no. And I was crushed. I stopped doing everything I had once loved. I didn?t run. But once at BU, that all changed. I realized that MIT wasn?t the only option, it wasn?t all that great. I liked BU. The people were interesting to talk to. They were funny, smart, and kind. I was in love all over again. So, if I could go back in time, I?d tell myself to stop being a melodramatic teenager, get over yourself, tell MIT you don?t even want to be on the waitlist, stop writing postcards, go for a run, enjoy your senior year, plan a senior prank, tell your girlfriend you love her, live life.

Honestly, if I were given the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior. I would tell myself to study harder. I lament constantly that I didn't prepare more for my AP exams or even that I didn't take more of them. There are so many interesting courses at university that I have the opportunity to take but not the time, because I need to take care of my general requirements first. I look at my parents who own their catering company and I watch their struggle and realize how lucky I am to still be in college. These are the best four or however many years I'm going to have and I want to take full advantage of them.

Let it all flow. Everything turns out awesome!

Don't feel like you have to fit in and find best friends immediately. Feel it out first. Try out some clubs, go to some meetings, talk to people in class, go to dinner with you floor. Step outside the box, try new things. This is your time to figure out the person you want to be so try everything first! Be open to getting to know everyone you meet, and decide who you click with and who you don't. You can have casual friends you only talk to in class, it's okay. You'll find true good friends, but sometimes it takes time. It's hard, but don't get sad if it doesn't happen right away. It may seem like it's only you, but that's untrue. You will eventually find your true friends, and all the sadness and uncertainty will be worth it in the end!

Really consider the size, location and your major program at different universities. I would advise myself to make the best of whatever place I ended up at and really seek out more resources and take advantage of more opportunities (internships, conferences, talks, etc). Also, I would advise myself to engage and really be diligent and disciplined about my studies because the benefits from having good grades is enormous

If I could go back and speak to myself when I was a high school senior, I would let myself know that moving far away from home is the perfect thing to do for myself. I have learned a lot about who I am and this is only because I am growing up and learning how to deal without the accustomed things. The transistion between high school and college life will not be that different. Yes, you will be moving half way across the country, but the key is to contact those who you miss as often as possible so it doesn't seem that you are too far away.

I would tell myself not to go into the Pre-Med program because it will cause my GPA to suffer and I will not be able to get into the Film program that I love so much. I would tell myself to work harder and not wait til last minute to do my work. I would tell myself to keep an open mind and be more outgoing.

Do not stress too much about the transition from high school to college. You mature greatly in the simple process of becoming a college student-- graduating high school, and registering at a college. If you think you can do it, you can. Even though you are living on your own and are becoming an adult, colleges offer tons of help in any area you can think of. If you are ever worried about something, there is always someone close by to help you out.

I would have been more conscientious about the amount of money it costs to go to school. I would have told myself more about what actually happens when you take out student loans for 4 years, and the possibility of applying to a different school that may have offered me more money. I would have also told myself to not be so shy! And just go out there and do everything I ever wanted to do.

Advice I would give myself is to prioritize my time better by keeping a schedule of what I should be doing each day, turn off the TV, do not eat so much even though the meals are buffet style, to always have back up for documents on the laptop, and to enjoy the city. I would get a printer because it is costly to get assignments printed in college. Another advice is to communicate with roommate early so that it won't be so difficult later on. Finally, always have enough cash on hand so that when there is an emergency, I would be ready. To always have a balance in life between academics and social activities.

Don't underestimate how much more work college requires for the same grades you got in highschool with less effort. Don't get lazy or discouraged, reach out to all of the resources BU provides and to your classmates- they all want to help you. Get involved with all the different school activities but don't let them take over your time to study. Also, go to your professor's office hours! They may seem scary when they're lecturing, but they're thrilled when you come to see them and ask questions, so don't hesitate! They'll end up being such a good resource for doing well in classes. Don't be nervous about the size of BU, it really is pretty small once you get there, especially with everyone willing to point you in the right direction if you get confused. Take advantage of living in the city- there's so much to do in Boston, so don't get stuck on campus!

Well, If I went back to high school, I would change my department to be linguistic to make me life happy because I love english language. I will try my best. I would like to tell myself that ....If you think that thing is right, do it and don't worry about anything and be strong to complaint of someone. Do the thing that you like..do not follow other people. Don't be afraid the way that you never have been to. Don't be angry with people who always insult you...try to prove yourself that you can do it. If you do the thing that has a lot of friction or just follow other people, you will never reach to your goal because it's not yourself. The last thing, don't forget to take care your heart too.

College is not what you're expecting. Your roommate will not be your best friend and you won't have time to go out every night. Yet Boston is so much more than you imagine. The city is beautiful, yes, but it's breathtaking at moments, and the transformation through seasons is spectcular. Don't forget to visit your professors during office hours, they appreciate it when their students take initiative. Plus, get rid of the shyness! You will meet someone new every day and you will answer the same questions many times, but you will also make great friends who will always stand beside you. There will be times when you will feel like you chose the wrong major or the wrong school, but it is only because great things don't come easy. Sometimes you won't do as well as you expected, and at other times you'll be pleasantly surprised, but through it all, stay true to your work ethic and never, ever give up. There are hundreds of great clubs at BU. Don't forget to check the events calendar, because there are amazing events almost every night that you don't want to miss!

I would advise my high school self to not worry as much. I focused a lot of attention on doing everything I possibly could, academicly and in my extra activities. I wish I would have realized that I did not need to do everything, but only the things that I was passionate about. I also wish that I would not have put so much emphasis on the application process. I applied to a lot of schools, and it would have been better to narrow my search before applying, instead of applying to all the schools that seemed interesting to me. It would have been less pressure and I would still have ended up in the same place, equally as happy.

Dont be afraid to open up when you first move into college, as that is the key to making friends and getting established within the school.

Try to pick a school that you like, and not just one your parents will approve of. Also try to think beyond college. While it might be fun to go to one school, it might be better for job placement after school to go to a different place. You're going to enjoy yourself wherever you go, so choose with academics in mind.

Get ready to work harder than you ever have and don't overwhelm yourself with work. Take the easiest classes, not the most interesting, as the A is important. Anything really interesting or useful will not be found in a class under a 300 level.

If I had the chance to go back in time, and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. The application process was the most stressful time of my entire high school career. I found myself doubting my academic performance and extracurriculars, wondering if I was good enough for any of these schools I was applying to. I know that this happens to many high school seniors, and it detracts from arguably the most fun year of high school. If I could turn back time, I would sit myself down, offer myself a glass of lemonade, turn on a little soft rock in the background, and calmly explain to myself that no matter what school I get into, my options are still open. I was under the impression that the school and program I get into would determine the next four years of my life. I know now that most schools have a diverse enough curriculum, that I could end up content no matter where I went. This information, offered to me, by myself, would have proved invaluable during the application process.

Follow your gut instinct, and don't enter college declared as anything. Apply to more than just big-city schools.

to make sure you start work and do the reading from day 1, as a first bad semester is not a good way to start. and also to learn from other peoples mistakes in your freshmen year as everyone makes them and take the range of what people do wrong like late assingments and getting caught drunk by BU or worse. and try to have as much fun but remember when alcohol or when you are doing something you shouldnt you need to realise the consequences if you get caught. You need to deciede if the 10 minutes of fun would be worth it for the trouble after.

I would advise myself to stand behind your morals, beliefs and values. When you're thrust into a new situation, it's normal and expected that you're going to feel slightly uncomfortable. Every college freshman feels this way; if they say they don't, they're lying. That being said, you can easily find yourself in a a compromising position: doing things you've never dreamed of doing, saying things you wouldn't normally think. The most important thing is to be yourself; you'll find people who will appreciate that. It took returning to my hometown for summer after my freshman year to understand this completely, and because I'm more comfortable with myself now, my sophomore year has been exponentially better.

The workload is at another level. I should prepare myself, especially in senior year, taking as many as APs and feel at least some academic hardships seriously. Moreover, besides academics, the environment is important. Do lots of research so I can attend school that fits just for me.

Realize that it only gets harder and be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. But don't let that stop you from trying new things.

I would have visited a wider variety of colleges. I would have liked to explore the possibility of attending a smaller school or a school closer to where my high school friends were going because then I could have them as a support while adjusting to college. I think I also would have liked to investigate school closer to my hometown such as schools in New York City. I would advise not to apply early decisions and leave all my options available until I was completely ready to make a decision about the college of my choice.

I transferred to Boston University this year as a sophomore. I was accepted into Boston University for my freshman year, but I was scared I would not be able to handle attending school on the other side of the country, so I attended Arizona State University my freshman year. If I could talk to my high school self, I would encourage young me to go to Boston University for my freshman year. I would let myself know that going to college across the country is scary and different, but that I knew little me could do it. I would help myself to envision all the adventures that Boston University could offer and to realize that the possibilities for growth at Boston University outweighed the safety of staying close to home. I would stress the necesity to embrace the unknown and remind myself that "everyone deserves a chance to fly" (Defying Gravtiy, Wicked).

There are a few fundamentals essential to succeeding in college. These are persistence and determination as well as a passion for your field of study. Work hard at your studies and take it very seriously. My father always says had he worked as hard in college for the four years as he does now, he would not have to work today. Although college should be taken seriously, do not let the stress get to you. After all, that is a part of the learning experience. Work hard and take time to enjoy yourself and your friends.

When I was a high school senior I was lost trying to decide between two schools. One was in my Wisconsin hometown and the other was a plane ride away in Boston. I was completely terrified of making the wrong choice. I was stressed out. Today, I?m a junior at Boston University and I?d like to think that I?m a lot wiser than my high school senior self. If I could give some of my new glorious wisdom to myself as a high school senior, I would say, ?Be confident! Everything will work out if you?re confident in your choice.? When I made my choice and I moved into my dorm I was sure that I had made a mistake. I know now that my mistake was thinking that I couldn?t make it work. Since then I have grown to love my place at BU because I found out how to trust myself. When thinking about what college is right for you do your research and find somewhere you know you can feel confident. Once you figure out how to trust your instincts you?ll know that you?re growing up. Mom will be proud.

Don't be afraid to try new things and meet many new people. It's so liberating to step outside your comfort zone and see your efforts pay off in a big way. You just might meet some lifelong friends and you will definitely learn new things about the world around you.

My advice to parents about helping their children find the right colleges for them is to take the time to research schools with their children, take the children to visit the schools they show interest in, and to read a lot about financial aid options. It is not necessary to opt out of sending your child to a school because it is a private and expensive institution. There are plenty of options out there; I come from a family with very limited means and attend one of the most expensive universities in the country. There are always scholarships and government aid available to those who need it. To students, I would say to apply to the schools which are located in the type of environment that you feel most comfortable in. When it comes to choosing the one college you will attend, do not worry too much and listen to what your gut is telling you to do. Most of the time, there will be one school you will fall in love with & that is the one for you. Lastly, nobody should pick a college based on one particular major they are interested in because most students change their majors.

I would advice them to love their safety schools and make the best of their situation and take pride in themselves and what they're worth.