College of the Holy Cross Top Questions

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

Nolan

Be more focused accademically when you arrive on campus. Freshman year was easy, but have an idea of where you want to be when you compelte the 4 years because GPA is a very important tool for medical school admission officers to judge your application.

Patrick

In life, when we see others who are not making the same sacrifices as ourselves, we have a tendency to reject and rebuke them: judging them in order to justify and secure our state of control and relative happiness. However, we have no right to judge others based on the assumptions we make about them. The basis of our judgement stems from a irrational fear of the unknown, which we have the ability to overcome. If I could give my high school self one piece of advice, I would tell him to fear not what you do not understand, for one day you will, and then you will regret your mistakes. I made the mistake of judging others in college because I was afraid of potentially being negatively influenced by them and changing into the antithesis of my ideal self. So, I erected my mental shields and tried to stand isolated and unwavering in the face of the unknown as a symbol of higher morality and maturity. Ironically, my extremist actions proved that I was neither. For it is reasonable to be steadfast in one's beliefs, but it is ignorant to shun others based on their different ideologies.

Nikiander

My experience at Boston Latin Academy has been the most rewarding in my life. During that period I spent too much time trying to hang out with friends and too little time hanging out with my books. As you can imagine this decision had the predictable consequence of lower grades, grades that kept me away from my aspirations. Yet, the experience was not totally self-defeating. Though I struggled with my school work, I learned the power of being an individual, and not letting the forces around me direct my life, as I did sophomore year. After my failure in high school, I decided that it was about time to stop living a life of mediocrity and to start living a life of fulfillment. Refusing to let the prior experience be a prologue to my future, I began visiting the libraries of Boston, reading anything I could that would help me in my quest of enlightenment. With each book I read, I was presented with a different window through which to see the world from. Of all the windows, the one with the clearest image was the one through which I live my life today—spectacular preparation precedes spectacular success.

Katie

If I had the chance to go back and talk with my high school self I would tell myself to give up my pride. It was my pride and my desire to fulfill a certain image of having everything together that held me back from my potential. It was my pride that kept me from asking for help when I could have used it and my pride that kept me from taking chances or joining clubs alone. I restricted myself because I feared what my peers would think. So much of high school is spent worried over an appearance which ultimately prevents making the most of high school. If I had relaxed and not worried about what others would think I believe I would be more confident and more experienced in how to deal with life; not to mention I probably would have enjoyed the overall experience more. Looking back I regret having fears because I missed out on opportunities to improve myself and grow as a person. In the end I realized that I was only hurting myself. In fact had I shown weakness or stepped outside of my comfort zone I actually would have built a better image.

Diana

Take advantage of all of the AP Classes, they will really help you transition into college. Start to work independently and set goals for yourself. Take advantage of classes given at other colleges, having them as part of your college transcript will make it easier for you to try other classes and will allow you to have more college credits.Don't try to take hard classes on your first semester; you don't need to start with your major right away. Try the random classes first or go by the ones that interest you, not what you think you need. Give it your all don’t rely on thinking that you know the material. If the professor assigns it, do it. If you bought your books even if rented you better read them, they are there for a reason. You will get to where you want to be as long as you work hard so don't try to rush things, enjoy them.

Allegra

Pick a school where YOU feel at home, not the school that someone tells you to go to. Make sure you time manage well and go to see your professors in office hours! Don't be afraid to take risks and say your opinions- people will respect you more and you will make more friends. Be yourself, not who you think others think you are. School work is important and do well, but don't sacrifice a social life either- you will not always remember that exam in Biostats you had, but you will remember Senior Ball. Set goals for yourself and work your hardest to achieve them, but remember life does not always follow a straight path.

Jhonatan

"Okay, Jhonnyboy, just relax" is what I'd say to my past self. All the worrying, constant trips to teacher's offices for recommendations, and the everlasting fear of rejection. I remember having all those emotions and the feeling of everything closing in on me. The funny part was that I was all worried for nothing. I'd continue saying to my past self that even if you don't get accepted to your 1st choice school, it doesn't matter because getting into college is a huge accomplishment, so be proud of that. Just pay attention to the deadlines and you'll be just fine. Once you get accepted you'll realize, "oh that wasn't hard," but then you'll come to tackle you're next fear, leaving home. It's hard to say good-bye to your home, after all you lived there for 18 years. That's why you should always bring something from home. Also the first couple days of school might seem overwheling, you've always been told to get involved, but first take a few weeks to see how your classes work. You should get a feel of balancing work and free time.

Matthew

Dear Matt, This ability to write to you in the past is a strange and wonderful opportunity. I hope this letter finds you well, albeit stressed. I write now advice I wish I had in my high school years. First, you must never lose your work ethic. I think you may begin to realize this but you don't know how important it is. That alone sets you apart from a number of students and will propel you far in life. Second, know who you are and who you want to be and don't stray from that. Always allow room for the criticism of others but you must always make your own decisions. Do what is best for you. Finally, never lose sight of what you really want. Always strive towards those goals. People will try to tell you what you want all through your high school years. Stay your course because only you know what will (in the long run) make you a truly content and successful person. Have faith in God, in your family, and in your closest friends and they will shape who you want to become. Do good kid, Matt Portu

Stephanie

I once heard the quote, “I always wanted to be somebody until I realized I had to be more specific.” Stephanie, you don’t have to walk into college being specific of what you would like to study or want to be. Challenge yourself in taking time to explore the curriculum and taking courses that seem interesting or that catch your attention. Who knows? You may discover a newfound passion. Take advantage of all the opportunities the college has to offer whether they extend to immersion trips, research projects or volunteering. Remember to be yourself! Educating yourself is more than just pursuing excellence in what you are learning. It is about educating the whole person. That means engaging in dialogues that require you to challenge and encounter new ideas, discovering where your talent meets the world’s needs and finding our common humanity. Lastly, the thief of joy in college is eagerly wanting to fit in that sometimes it requires losing ourselves. Don’t try to fit in. Try to standout by being your best self! As the first person in your family to go to college, I couldn’t be more proud of you. Congratulations!

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school me, I would tell him to not give up. Sure, dropping out after Junior year and getting my GED was an easy thing to do back then, but now I look around, and I see all the people that have passed me by education wise. People my age and younger have been done with college for years, and they have a career that they hopefully love that can provide for them. Meanwhile I’ve had to fight and claw my way from job to job only to find myself coming full circle, and here I am 12 years later finally getting the opportunity to go to college, when I could have been done had I started earlier. I would warn myself that what starts off easy, quickly becomes harder without an education, and with a couple years of hard work and determination to get things done, life would be a whole lot easier in the long run. Don’t give up, stick with it, and everything will work out just fine.

Rumya

Dear High School Senior, You think you are very young-and you are- but you can take some time to think critically about your future while still having fun and relaxing. These decisions include your college major, and the type of friends you would like to have for the next four years. The courses you take and who you surround yourself with are the two biggest factors that will shape your undergraduate life. Moreover, it's never to early to think about what kind of career you want after you graduate. These ideas will put your entire college years into perspective, and will make the transition from high school much smoother. Knowing your values, what you stand for, and what you will not stand for, are essential before entering college. It will decrease anxiety and create a sense of optimism and confidence in yourself. Having said that, feel free to explore acitivities beyond your comfort zone, and befriend at least one person with a different set of opinions than your own. It will broaden your mind and open up a whole new outlook on life. Don't hesitate reaching out for help when you need it- good luck!

JOHANNA

First, I will have to be smart about it high school kids are not easy to approach. The most important thing is I would have to place myself in a student's place I will start with, what do you want to be when you get out of high school. I know back in High School I didn't have a clue on what I wanted to do. My dream was art being an actess was on my head all the time. I will offer a tour to college and give her an explanation on what steps and the process they have to go through in order to be in college. Second, I will sit with her, and give her a survey that match her personality with the type of career she wants to pursue. I will explain that college is not like high school that is a very serious process and that it involves a lot of responsibility to take her time before she makes that change in her life. I can share a lot of my experience about choosing a major, and later on changing it because I wasn't prepare enough.

Lenore

There is so much to do in college and it is important to love the mystery, the opportunity of being able to do anything that you want to do. College will be a place of academic, personal, and spiritual nourishment. You will continuously grow into someone with wisdom and courage. And you will see other students at grow in these ways, too. You will realize that although you may struggle differently from other people, you are connected to your peers with your struggles. What’s important is the readiness, the openness to try new things, make a difference, whether that difference is to create a campus group, stick-up for what is right, pray every day, plant a flower or two, effect social change, write a novel, find a cure, or score the winning points for a team. Try your best and have fun!

karina

When I was in high school I got assigned two college courses my junior year, which was English 1301 and Histyory 1301. As a teenager I did not want to take college courses because of the fact that i would have to study while all my other friends would go out and not have to worry about their classes. The only reason why I never dropped my classes was because my mom kept urging me to take these classes so instead I failed both. This was the biggest mistake i have done and I now regret it. If i knew what I know now i would convince myself to try my junior year and take more college classes my senior year, but of course i can not go back. I have learned from my mistakes so I now advise my younger sister to not follow in the same footsteps I did and to take college courses so she can further her education and so she can get scholarships and she will not have to struggle in the future.

Jodaelle

I would advise myself to do more research of not only the school, but also where it's located. I would also advise myself not to attend a school solely based on the positive/negative experience I had during a visit because the visit only shows how the college is during that ONE time. It is not a full view of the reality of the college.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself not to worry so much. You can handle the work and succeed very well if you relax and take it a step at a time. I would also tell myself not to worry so much about the social aspect of school; people are generally very friendly and if you act true to yourself, people will befriend you and accept you. I wasted so much energy on stressing out about work and making friends that I could have been using to explore new opportunities and hobbies. I would also reassure myself that leaving for college does not mean leaving your previous life and friends behind; your friends from high school will be there to give you a big hug when you get home. Now you have the opportunity to make life-long friends who come from different backgrounds and life experiences and who can teach you a lot. Let go of all preconceptions and enjoy the experiencec before it's gone.

Jennifer

Holy Cross has enabled me to take classes that have made me a more well-rounded student and is preparing me for my future career as a research biologist in the field of marine science. I am currently conducting research with a professor at school and we are in the process of writing a manuscript to be published regarding manatee migrations. One of the most important things I have gotten out of college so far is the ability to network with other scientists and aspiring scientists as well as learning about myself and what I want to do in my future. Attending this academic-focused college will help me become a competitive applicant for graduate school to further my passion in the biological field. By attending Holy Cross, I know that I love biology and conducting research and I have some of the necessary background needed to conduct my own research in my own lab after receiving my PhD. The professors who I am networking with and seeking out advice have opened doors for me regarding internships and career path advice, which is invaluable.

Elesi

When I was a little girl I have a dream of becoming a scientist. I use to be curious about the earth and the solar system. I use go outside and look at the moon and the stars in the sky. I use to ask myself is there life on the other planets? I studied astronomy when I was in the third grade . After I done my research about the solar system I discovered that planet saturn have six rings instead of one ring around the planet. Recently the scientist discovered that there are planets on the other side of the milky way. Science is an interesting subject. Every year science and technology are always evolving. When I studied physics at Central New Mexico Community College last year, I read in my physics book that the astronomers discovered that pluto is not a planet. The scientist discovered that pluto is an astroid that is made out of gas. NASA sent a satallite to study the atmosphere on pluto last year. Albert Einstein life story has inspired me to go to college and study earth science. Albert Einstein has ADHD. He became a scientist despite the odds that was against him.

Nathan

Although I believed when entering college that I knew exactly what to expect, I quickly realized that I was utterly clueless. Not only were my courses based on more specific and challenging material, but I was now entirely on my own. With no parents or over-bearing high school teachers constantly looming over my shoulder, I knew that it was up to me to make the best of my college experience. So far, this has been the most valuable lesson I have learned. My success is no longer contingent on the adults in my life constantly begging me to keep working. Instead, my academic achievement is born of my own motivation. Where some of my peers saw their grades slowly begin to slip as they took advantage of their newfound freedom, I recognized immediately that the decisions I made would directly impact the rest of my life. The independence I found in college, then, allowed me to grow as a person, to find my own voice, and to begin to shape myself into the successful and driven person I know that I will one day become.

Mary

I do not know what compelled me to accept my admittance into the College of the Holy Cross in April of 2007, but I am very glad that I did. I have never been happier than I am when I am at the College. I have learned a great deal in my classes and labs, and I have had the opportunity to truly form lasting relationships with people whom I have met at Holy Cross. There is a great feeling of community at this university, and I would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a college education to look into Holy Cross. Although I cannot say what it was that drove me to attend Holy Cross, I could not see myself having a better college experience anywhere else.

Lyndsey

College has been quite a rollercoaster over the past years. I was always a great student in high school but I was not ready for college at first. I ended up dropping out for a few quarters until I was able to get my head on straight and develop some sort of plan for where I wanted my life to go. After the little break, I went back to take an EMT course which I completed but then decided it was not the path for me either. Just this fall I finally graduated with an AA at a community college after 5 long years of stress, tears, and frustration, but it was all worth it. I learned how important it is to always try your hardest even when you think there is no way to succeed because it feels amazing to complete a goal and move ahead in life to reach another one. College has given me the life skills to get out on my own, be independent, and think outside the box. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and I fully intend to give my remaining college years everything I have.

Julia

I have gotten the opportunity to pursue a higher education at a prestigious college that has also afforded me the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with my peers that I know will last a life time. I have worked hard and committed myself to community service while also managing a full course load. I recently learned that I made the deans list for the fall semester. I am proud of my academic acheivements and will continue to strive to continue my sucessful journey while at Holy Cross.

Kate

Having been at Holy Cross for a year and a half now, I feel like "time management" would be the go to answer for any college student. But really, I think the most important thing I learned and would advise me and anybody else on is to really just be yourself. Don't try to fit in because it's the cool thing to do- join a group because it intrests you, even if you don't know anybody else joining it! And don't be afraid to try new things. This is an experience you'll only have once, and you will really want to make the very best of it. It will be hard at first, but as long as you stay true to yourself, you will find happiness someway, somehow.

Allegra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to remember to time manage. It is easy to get lost in the transition and realize too late you do not have time to finish a book or go to that movie. Also, remember to call home a couple times a week- just because you have freedom does not mean your family does not miss you! Take an hour to yourself every night to relax and watch a television show or read a book. Do not stress over other people- college students are much more mature than high schoolers, meaning there is not all the high school drama. Make sure academics comes first, but have time for friends and acitivites too! Get involved not only in the school, but the community around it- you are a resident there now. Do not be afraid to ask for help and meet new people. Some of your closest friends could be the upperclassman you asked where the library was. Go to your professors' office hours- they are there to help you learn, not to flunk you. Lastly, do not forget to have fun!

Elizabeth

If I could go back in time and give myself advice after having experienced college life, I would tell myself not to get too wrapped up in the social aspects of college and to utilize the office hours professors provide. Since starting college in the fall, I have noticed that the students who go out and party all of the time tend to not do as well in school, so I think that it is important to find a balance between your social life and your academic life. Of course, it is important to be a part of the social life on campus, because everyone needs a break from the stresses of school work, but taking part in social life should not be what you spend the most time doing. I have also found that the professors are really want to help you and the only way for them to do that is in office hours. When I took biology this past semester I had a difficult time grasping the material, but after going to see the professor regularly, I was able to better understand the material because he explained things to me in greater detail and more thoroughly.

Michaela

As a high school senior, I got through school using my natural smarts, instead of working my wa ythrough things. I never had to try very hard for good grades. I studied, and went to extra help sessions, but I never really stressed out about tests because I always knew I would do well, or at least pass them. When we learned a new concept in class, I usually understood it pretty quickly. In my heart, I knew this could not go on forever, but it was working for the time being, so I decided not to change anything. When I got to college and enrolled in the intro chemistry class, I realized what a mistake I had made. Senioritis was fun in high school, but I had forgotten that the most important part of my schooling, college, was yet to come. And my GPA suffered for it. Because my first semester I had to teach myself how to study all over again, and had to find a work ethic that was never really there before. If I could give myself any advice, It would have been to think of the future, and change my behavior now, and not wait.

Caitrin

Grades are important, but getting the most out of your school is more important! Holy Cross is an incredibly demanding college, with a monstrous workload and professors who truly challenge you. As a former straight-A student, it was difficult to adjust to the idea that I was working harder but getting lower grades - it took me some time to accept that a 75 was a good grade on an organic chemistry exam. It took a semester or two, but once I allowed myself to believe I was still excelling academically with a 3.4 GPA, I was much happier. I allowed myself to pursue my passion - music - by participating in six ensembles over my 4 years at Holy Cross. While this took significant time away from my studies, it also allowed me the well-rounded experience I was looking for, including once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like singing at Lincoln Center in New York City and the Vatican in Rome. At the end of the day, I still got into my first choice graduate program - the highly competitive Accelerated Master's Entry track in the Boston College School of nursing, where I got my nursing license in 11 months!

Adri

I definitely give myself the following tips: Manage your time wisely Academics before extr-curriculars Get involved in AS MUCH AS YOU CAN to implement diversity!!! Remember that although your college selection maybe a culture shock from high school, this is the REAL WORLD!! Make office hours whether you need help or not Form study groups with kids you do not socially interact w/ all the time to get work efficiently done Above all, dont be a hermit!!!! Take a break from the books on Friday and go out!!!! You have an inifinite number of things to do on campus

Megan

The key to having a successful college career is to get involved and being true to yourself. When picking a college make sure the school has programs, classes, clubs, and activities that incorporate all of your personal areas of interest and give you room to explore new avenues. Unlike high school college isn't about building up a resume but rather finding out who you are by doing what you enjoy. Over the past two years I have not only learned a lot about myself but I have met some genuine people whom I could relate to and connect with on a deeper level because of our shared interests. Therefore, my advice is to not only study hard and focus on academics but participate in extracurricular activities, because they are what will make your experience most fulfilling.

Stephen

Communicate. Students, I know you're convinced that you're an adult and can make decisions on your own, but it won't hurt to get the advice of your parents. When it comes down to it, you really don't have to take it anyway. Parents, if you're really concerned about the way you see your child's life heading, voice your opinion. Again, that doesn't mean they'll take your advice, but you won't have to live with the notion that you could have prevented them from making a huge mistake. The college process needs to be a collaborative effort. Everything will go much smoother if it is.

Christine

Visit!!!

Ryan

Choose a school based on your personal academic interests and abilities. Don't choose the school with the best name or reputation, because in the end the name of the school has nothing to do with your individual self. Take your time and look at and apply to a multitude of schools, and then research further into the ones you were accepted into. Don't choose a school just because of one particular aspect (i.e. great sports teams), choose a school with various aspects well-suited to you. In the end, your college career won't be about the name of your college, it will be about the classes you took, the ways in which your mind was expanded, the friends you made, the various organizations you joined, and your overall connection with your college community.

Andrew

Go to a school with a good program for the field you are thinking of pursuing but make sure that college also provides you options for a backup plan in case what you thought you wanted to do isn't exactly what you thought it was. Don't get caught up in the social drinking and partying scene because there is always much more to a college than that. Definitely be sure to be active and participate in student organizations and other campus activities because you never know where new inspiration may come from. The final thing is live on campus and be prepared to open your mind, please learn to become independant too, it is part of becoming an adult and living at college and taking care of yourself from the most part is a good transition point. Good luck.

Chelsea

Visit the colleges so you can get a real feel for the students and the community that you will be living in for four years. And don't be afraid to ask questions!

Shane

Size matters. Find a school with the appropriate class size. I knew I wanted a smaller school and I really appreciated the accessibility and class size at my school. Don't worry about funding if you're smart enough to get in. If you belong at that college they will give you what you need to be there.

Maggie

When choosing the right college, it is important not to worry about what career you would like to pursue, since many graduating high school seniors will change their minds several times. Rather, choose a school which will encourage you to develop socially as well as intellectually, which stimulates discussion and debate.

Kim

College is about a lot of things, but most importantly it is about learning and growing into a more educated adult and finding a job that allows you to follow a passion, yuse your mind, and add value to society. When choosing a college you need to find somewhere that allows you to both be comfortable and stretched. You learn as much from the students and professors that surround you as you do from the courses and curriculum. It is important to take each lesson you learn in the classroom -- be it political, historical, lingual, or technical -- and find away to incorporate it into your life. The opportunity to work volunteering wih refugees in Worcester allowed me to use skills that I learned in French course, in African politics courses, in psychology courses, and childhood education courses. You need take your classroom growth and make something tangible out of it in order to cement your knowledge and figure out which skills you like to use outside of the classroom. Whatever college you choose, you need to make sure that there is an infrastructure that will allow you to gain practical experience through alumni connections, internships, community service, and your peers.

Thomas

Students can be happy most anywhere as long as they're not dead-set against a place from the start because it wasn't their first choice. At most schools, you can find ways to be engaged. You won't love everything about a place, so just look for things and people that you can love about it.

Ashley

In finding the right college, a student will immediately find a sense of comfort upon stepping foot on the campus. A sense of pride in the school should be felt and the student should believe he or she will be challenged in the classroom. The parent will see the excitement in the eyes of their child and know that their child is excited about his or her decision, thus giving the parent reason to support the student's decision to attend the school.

Vanessa

Parents: Watch and help your children through the process, but the choice is up to them. Even if you're helping to pay for college, if they are at a university that they are miserable at, your decision will not have been the right one. Students: Stay overnight at the college and sit in on a few classes to get a better case study of the college. This will give you a more realistic impression than any admissions-created pamphlet. Both: Enjoy the process and think the whole thing through. It is the student's first major life-changing decision, so make it count.

Sarah

I think it is really important to visit the colleges you plan to apply to. I based a lot of my college decision on how I felt when I visited the campus. Once you are enrolled at the college, I think it is important to try and focus on the things you do like rather than the things you don't like. Remember the reasons you chose to attend the school. Also, maintain a positive attitude. I think it is really easy to let yourself fall into negativity, especially freshman year, as you are adjusting to the new place. But try to keep in mind all the things that you enjoy about your school. When I was unsatisfied with Holy Cross, I finally had to realize that I could not change the school, instead I had to embrace it for what it is. I was much happier once I came to terms with the fact that Holy Cross would not change and that I just needed to enjoy it for what it is.

Laura

I would say that visiting schools is one of the most important parts of the application process. Most people can intuitively sense if they will fit in and be happy on campus just from seeing the other students walking around and from touring the facilities. If the student does not the school for any reason, it is probably not a good match. Being happy at college is all about having a good attitude and being open to change, and these come about most easily in a comfortable environment. Find a school that puts you at ease, and you will be more likely to enjoy the college experience and let yourself grow as a person.

Margaret

I think that students need to trust their gut instinct when they are visiting schools. Have in mind what you want in a school and do the research but I think that so much of it is the feeling you get when you step on the campus. Also, keep in mind the type of students that attend the school. You may like the classes and the teachers and the look of the campus but you need to be able to get along with your peers as well in order to be happy at a school.

John

It's easy: When picking a schoool, just go with your heart! When making the most of the college experience and making decisions, do the same!

Kate

Apply to a diverse number of schools in different geographic locations, with different student body populations. What you may want in high school isn't what you may want in college.

Caitlin

I would say apply and visting a variety of schools. Keep in mind what you want to do in life, and how is that will be to achieve at a certain school. Distance from home and settling into college is hard enough, so keep in mind to pick a school where you can excel.

Andrea

In choosing the right college, go visit the campus and spend as much time as you can there. For me, choosing a school was based on how I felt there. Try to picture yourself living there and taking classes. Spend an overnight and go to a class if you can. Ask a lot of questions, it's good to know as much as possible. Talk to students, they'll tell you what the college is really like. Don't choose a college that you think will be too difficult for you, because then you will be overloaded and overwhelmed all the time. To make the most of the college experience, work and study very hard, but also get involved! Join clubs, teams, groups, and make lots of friends.

Marian

I would tell parents and students that the most important factor in choosing a school is the visit. It is necessary for the student to be on a potential campus, walk around, and experience the interactions with others who are around on campus. Students, when you're on the right campus, you'll know it. This is the only way to know whether or not the size is right for you. Also, I would suggest searching for financial aid early; before accepting an acception to a school. To make the most of your college experience you need to be open minded and ready to make friends. Talking to people and socializing is the best way to feel comfortable and safe.

Joseph

Find a school that has the right size classes for you.

Patrick

Honestly, I think the best way to get the most out of college is to attend a school where students are most like yourself. I do not mean in terms of race/ sexual orientation or other options requiring a politically correct term, but rather in terms of academic and social interests. If you want to work really hard academically, then go to the most challenging school you can get into. If you would rather spend your time partying then maybe a bigger state school would be best. Don't try to fool yourself; you know yourself better than anyone else and it's important to be happy during these four years. Some people use college to enter a career, others use it to learn how to drink be more social; there really isn't a right or wrong option, techincally either way your are developing. While at college, make sure you enjoy it because it goes by fast. Don't spend all your time studying, b/c you will miss out on a lot of good times and great people to meet. Learning how to balance your academic and social life is the key to success.