Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

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

Oraia

If I could go back, I'd tell my 16 year old self to stay in high school, rather than drop out during Junior year. Although I received my GED, a lack of a high school diploma proved to be a hardship for me, as I was regulated to low-paying, menial jobs. Although it was always my goal to attend college, it seemed out of reach. Initially, I was only accepted to community college, which further impacted my learning opportunities. I couldn't always afford to take classes, so I worked hard and saved money until I could re-enroll full-time. Once I returned to college, I received excellent grades, then scholarships and then transferred to my dream school: Columbia. As a low-income, non-traditional student, I'll finally graduate in 2016, which is exactly 20 years after I started community college. I'll also be the first in my family to receive a degree, something I'm very proud of. From high school drop-out to the Ivy League, I'm proof that the path to higher education may not always be an easy one. However, if you focus on your goals, you'll always succeed!

Marco

You have to find this strength inside yourself and use it.

Henry

Read, read, read. And when you are done reading, write, write , write! It's not enough to attend college. You should be a competitive student due to the unpredictable world of work. Therefore, the more prepared you are before you get to college, the higher your chances will be to score high and land a job. The pre-work is just as key as the work you will execute in college.

Emily

"Places!" The world is your audience, you are the director, and there is no script to follow. This is what I wish to share with the next "actor" who stumbles onto that college campus stage with a pre-written script they are most certian will land them that perfecct job, perfect life, and perfect self. Whether an actor or not, in order to get the most out of college and life, one must look at the world as a stage and prepare themselves to play any and every part. The key to giving a riveting performance is to savor what inspires you, listen to your every dream, and not fear the unexpected. Inexplicable beauty and promise lie between structure and improvisation . When one is able to accept that a definitive path may not always lead to where you expected, it's the tool of improvisation that fosters the resilience needed to persevere. Lastly, though you will be asked to play many roles, some which may feel uncomfortably far removed from your true self, remember that it's just a costume and your just an actor and underneath it all, YOU are still there. "Lights, camera, action!"

Lisa

I would evaluate carefully what I would like to being doing either for a career or a purpose in life. Then I would focus my efforts on reaching that goal as quickly as possible without allowing minor or major setbacks interfering in my striving toward that goal.

Ben

The best piece of advice I could give myself would be to “finish strong.” Towards the end of high school, I had already been accepted to college, and, as many high school seniors in my same situation have done, I was not exerting full effort towards my studies. I didn't understand that attending school was a privilege; it is rare in life for learning to be one’s primary responsibility. So, it would behoove me to take advantage of my time in a learning environment. Now is an ideal time for me to return to the academic environment of business school, to be surrounded by like-minded and collaborative students who wish to share their unique experiences and perspectives. My work experience has provided me with important technical skills and a useful knowledge base spanning corporate finance, accounting, valuation and investment management, amongst other areas of focus. Returning to school will allow me to focus on specific areas to round out my skill set. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of me, and to fully dedicate myself to my studies while I am enrolled.

Diego

I would prepare myself to cultural exchange. I would make sure to know that I know how to adapt to people from different cultural backgrounds and mindsets. I would strenghten my experience through extra-curiccular activities. I would attempt to engage in as many creative initiatives as possible, in order to strenghten my creative thinking and problem-solving skills. I would travel. By whatever means available, I would discover new countries and cultures. Because this is what you do on a daily basis at Columbia University.

Michelle

The predominant societal view prevails that college is the ultimate gateway to your career and future success. Consequently, the overarching goal to get in and out quick with the degree with the highest job prospects will loom heavy over you. My greatest advice is to live free from this burden, and take the college expereince in its entirety, as a process. In this way, college will not only be a means to an end, it will be the "end" in itself. With this mentality, you will see that the real point of college is to grow as a person while you achieve your aspirations. During these next four years the smartest thing you can do is to soak each experience in, pursue every opportunity, be confident in who you are and make each day count. As you push yourself to become the best possible version of yourself, the things that seem to matter will fade away, while the questions you seek answers to, will naturally reveal themselves. In the end, you will be exactly where you need to be. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy every step of the way.

Olga

To imagine my ideal career and put all my efforts in order to succeed and to reach my desired life and fullfilling career.

Denis

Dear Denis, I know you are utterly confused right now. Having spent the first seventeen years of your life in a country where education is neglected by a corrupt government, you have not realized yet how hungry you have grown for knowledge and for the real challenges of learning. There is no reason to worry, however. You will soon leave Russia and start a new life in America where countless educational and other important opportunities will begin to unravel before you. When you decide to enroll in community college and then become insecure because you are in a foreign country speaking a foreign language, try to stay confident. Do not run away from your fears because, let me tell you, by finding the courage to face them, you will step upon a road that will lead you to an Ivy League college in New York City -- a dream you cannot even imagine right now! As your future self, I promise you, you will regret not having addressed your fears early on. You are capable of achieving your dreams. Never cease to believe in yourself.

Henry

As a high school senior, you're probably wondering what college is going to be like, curiuos about the amazingly talented friends you'll meet, and somewhat worried about classes and getting a good GPA. Rest assured that the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has been a wonderful tool to help prepare you to deal with any academic difficulties and stresses that you may encounter. I'd even go so far to say that the workload at IMSA was more difficult than what you'll experience in college. Instead, focus on the incredibly diverse and multi-faceted array of individuals you'll meet during orientation week and throughout the semester. The true learning and fun you'll have in college will be through interacting with these students and faculty and discovering their pool of knowledge that will help you mature and gain a more comprehensive worldview. While Columbia University or any other school you apply to may be prestigious and filled with expensive labs and famous professors, the true value of a college education lies in the students who make up and define the university itself. Never forget that and always seek to branch out and meet more such individuals.

Ingra

I would tell myself that college is a little more complicated than high school so just commit and stay focused, because that's all it takes. Keep your eye on the prize which is my degree leading to my career.

Alexis

I would tell myself not to try to take six classes every semester, because there just isn't enough time to do that and other things. I would say to take more math classes earlier, because it definitely does help in chemistry and physics later on, and to start going to the library to study freshman year, and not wait until junior year, because it really is easier to study there. Lastly, I would say to get out and do more fun things, because college isn't just about studying. Yes, classes are important, but that doesn't mean that they have to take over your life. Especially because I go to school in New York City, I would tell myself as a senior to really take advantage of that, and to get out and explore more - leave campus occasionally!

Molly

Instead of taking a year off before college, if I could speak to myself as a senior, I would say, “Have courage. Do not let your fears discourage you.” I have learned that procrastination is dangerous because it gets in the way of progress; without it, I may have had an Associate’s Degree in Nursing today. This period in my life was very difficult because going to college seemed to be an impossible feat: I was afraid. It’s hard to know what to expect, because some people portray college as a colossal task. Although it is challenging, it has brought about positive changes in my life that I never anticipated. Had I not taken that bold step to begin attending college, I may not have discovered what I wanted to do with my life: help others. I have surprised myself by exceeding my academic expectations and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. College has made me a more knowledgeable person, formed character in my life, merged my path with that of new friends, and implemented in me a passion for learning that I never possessed. Most of all, I know now that people should welcome frightening learning experiences ahead.

stacey

As a high school senior living the teenage life of peer pressure and trying to fit the right crowd is not the answer. What I have learned durning the time of being a college student I recommend that all high school students please choose your career and school pathway. You don't really have to attend a four year college just to get that big degree you can also attend a 2 year college to start you off. Don't never say never to reaching your goal of making the best out of life because having a high school diploma is just not thee answer to getting a good job now days. Always believe in yourself and never give up on trying because as long as you try you will make it. Always put GOD first and foremost in your life to keep you focus on what you are here for and what you are trying to do. Learning is the key because whatever skills you have learned over the time you can use in many other areas in your life time.

Richard

My advice would be; don't run. College will be an exciting time. Though you shouldn't take it lightly, approach it with excitement and vigor instead of apprehension and fear. Also, don't limit yourself in where you can go. There are many colleges out there and thousands of scholarships to apply for so take advantage of them.Trust me, it'll make all the difference. Now once you've gotten to where you want to go focus will be key so study and be responsible. No one's going to be there to babysit you, keep track of your assignments, or force you to take notes. That's on you, so take responsibility for your education and do the very best you can, afterall this is your future. Once you get the hang of this though (and you will) I want you to try and have some fun. Be social, make some new friends, (they may turn out to be the best ones you ever have) and try to enjoy this new and exciting chapter in your life . Well that's my advice, what you do with it is up to you.

f

1. get more dining dollars and flex and fewer meal swipes 2. be confident, be independent. seek help if you need it. it's out there for you but you need to go get it. 3. take advantage of the endless opportunities at Columbia and in the city! 4. be daring. try something new. don't worry if you hate NSOP, it gets so much better. 5. use culpa.info to find professors and classes

Jinghua

It's okay to take a gap year off to figure out what you want to do with life. Don't waste your time trying to impress other people by being someone else. Be exactly who you are. Make lots of close friends. These are the people that will be there with you for all the important moments for the rest of your life. They may be your future bosses, coworkers, or employees. During college, you won't have your mother to cook for you and take care of you. This doesn't mean you should just let go of your health and order pizza every day and go out drinking every night during the weekend. Make sure you get a balanced diet and go to the gym regularly. Do take a shower daily and do laundry often; no one likes a smelly date. Choose a major that you're interested in, not because it's easy or because you think it will help you get a better job or earn more money in the future. You'll be most successful at what you love. Take time to enjoy college. These are the best four years of your life.

Jaclyn

Regardless of the strange looks you may get from time to time, or the rare failures to connect, it is absolutely worth it to approach people and just say, "Hi," even if it may be awkward. Especially take advantage of this during the first weeks of school, because the opportunity closes itself off as groups form and classes start. Take yourself out of your comfort zone, and you will be surprised of the connections you'll make.

Nikita

I realized that you really need to be proactive in life. If you work towards what you want you will get it. To pay for college I need to go out there and look for scholarships and work on them. I need to actively participate in my parents business to help. Some professors are not the greatest so if I want to pass a course I need to read the textbook. If I want to finish college earlier I need to work to my full potential and take an extra course, not just watch movies online. I realized how hard life can get and how hard other people work to achieve their goals, and if I want to do the same, I have to work hard to. In grade school, you were handed everything you had to do, take extracurriculars, volunteer, and do your homework. College is different. More is up to you. You make the choices of where you want to go and you have to discover the paths that will get you there. Of course there is still people to help you, but they won't be at your doorstep, I'll have to go to them.

Nicole

The choice to attend Columbia University was an easy one. The moment I walked on campus during a high school open house, I knew that it was where I was meant to be. The tough part was applying and waiting for the acceptance decision. Overall, my experience has been rewarding. I have been immersed in the culture that is New York City and have chosen to remain in the city after graduation. The experience of the college campus in the heart of the city cannot be replaced!

Melissa

I have been exposed to more of the world in the short time I have spent here at Columbia University than in the rest of my lifetime. Having lived in Miami my whole life and traveled extensively, that's saying something. But the incredible diversity of students, the unparalleled knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of faculty, and the countless opportunities and experiences available here are almost overwhelming. It's impossible to leave Columbia without feeling inspired by something, passionate about something, and absolutey qualified to put that passion and inspiration to good use in the professional world. People often describe college in terms of how well it prepares you for the "real world". From the service organizations to the student asociations to the hands-on research and multicultural events, I would venture to say that Columbia, in many crucial ways, IS the real world, representing all it's facets in one way or another.

Paris

Oh wow, how am I supposed to answer this in only 200 words? I have become accustomed to writing pages and pages of academic dithering, and now I have to reduce my experience down to a mere paragraph? It's actually refreshing, and a lead in to my realization on what, exactly, it is that I have gained from my college experience. It has been valuable for me to attend Columbia, if only for two semesters, because being here has taught me to value the simple things in life. I have felt completely and utterly overwhelmed at many times in my brief time at this school, and I have questioned my purpose in being here. I value 200 words now, as I value my own personal worth in attending Columbia, whereas before, I would have reduced them both to being inconsequential. That would have been my presumptious high brow Ivy League talk talking. A semester or two of being humbled, however, in the presence of smarter kids with higher I.Q.'s than me, however, has taught me the invaluable lesson of pride and how to curb it. I will never forget it. And I am grateful.

Sanjana

I have gotten a lot out of my experience at college. There are so many opportunities available to students. There is so much help available to pursue anything one wishes to pursue, I have found it most exciting to explore into all the avenues that I have ever wanted to, and this has been a very liberating experience, as nothing is out of reach here at Columbia. It is almost as if someone had waived a wand and asked what I wanted from life, it would be to gain fulfilling career opportunities and an outlet for intellectual creativity, stimulation and depth into every subject area that I have wanted to learn about. I have fortunately found all of those at columbia, including the immense help and support that is available for students on campus for everything from financial aid to student housing; there is a resource center for every imaginable query. It has been a great experience so far.

Anthony

I really thought college was going to be like high school. Just a bunch of boring classes all day and I would just wait to get out of class. Then I got there and something happened. I wasn't bored! I found myself interested in what my professors were saying and I wanted to learn more. Then I got a job and realized that I wanted to be in health care. My school provided emergency medical technician training. So I enrolled in the program! Just a semester later I was a licensed EMT. I know that if I never went to school, I would never have been able to make that happen. I still wouldn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I think that is what college is there to do. It is there to help people realize what they want to do in life, and then provide the resources and learning opportunities needed in order to allow people to achieve there goals.

Michael

By attending Columbia University I have been given the opportunity to meet the most facinating intellects of the world, and been given the chance to learn, live, and play with them. The university has this mist of intellegence that floats above it, and with every breath it fills you. Here you are able to work to solve the biggest issues of the world or invent the new biggest idea in the world. My experience with Columbia has been something that I would never return nor regret because now since I have attended the university every opportunity I can imagine has been opened up, and all I need to do is choose which one I wish to acquire. The university strives to build your understanding of the world we live in and build your knowledge of everything our world has to offer us, and this is something I highly value out of a higher education.

Stephanie

A college education is a blessing that only some can experience. Being a first-generation immigrant, my parents did not have the fortune of attending an ivy league institution so my college experience have taught me to cherish any opportunity given to me and take nothing for granted. College has also bolstered my potential. With every class attended and exam passed, I am brought one step closer to making my dreams a reality and that is exactly what college is supposed to do. I would not trade in my college experience for anything in the world-- it has helped me realize who I am and who I want to be. Thanks to my college experience, I want to become a Rhodes Scholar and I also want to attend Harvard Law. Fifteen years from now, once I become a successful attorney, I am going to look back and be thankful for my time at college and the doors it has opened for me.

Michael

My college experience so far has been outstanding. It is amazing when one thinks about the areas of study that are available to a person, how your entire world changes as soon as you take your classroom education and apply it to the streets. I have grown as a person, as an academic and I consider myself and every student I have studied with very lucky to be able to obtain new and challenging perspectives, and I think with fondness how lucky we all are to have that opportunity available to each and every one of us.

Kevin

At my high school, I was placed within the top percentile, but after entering college, I have been knocked down a few pegs. The people I study and learn with are well at my level and some are far more intelligent. Therefore, I am now far more humble about my education and about my achievements in general because I know I am far from the best. Also, by becoming more humble and not bragging about what I have done, I feel that I make friends much more easily, which for me, is one of the most important parts of college and of life. The friends I have made in college are invaluable and by being with them I am learning new things all the time. But that is not to say that I don't have anything to offer; they teach me just as I teach them. Because of my college experience and the people I have talked to, I have learned that you are never the best, so why brag about your achievements? People do not wish to hear about you bragging, rather, people want to know you as a person.

Christopher

What i have gotten out of my college experience so far is a chance to learn something i actually enjoy learning. I can wake up everyday knowing i am going to learn something new everyday that is going to better me in the career i have chosen to experience. The ability to meet new people and make new friends that will be in the same field that i am. Getting the full hands on experience on what i am to encounter in the field of my career. It has been valuable to attend because everyday i walk down the halls all i see is smiling faces. It makes you feel proud that you are in school. The most valuable thing is that i dont have to enjoy attending school alone becuase my brother is there with me helping me every step of the way.

Rachel

My college experience has allowed me to mature. I was able to be involved with campus activities while also studying hard for my classes. I have learned how to make friends, get involved, study and enjoy myself while at college.

Lydia

I was able to explore intellectually with like-minded students and faculty who actually cared about the subjects at hand. I took classes ranging from music history to the history of philosophy. My entire class took two full years of the same seminar courses, so that we could stay up late in our dorm rooms arguing about what Adam Smith really meant and whether or not we believed Freud?s theories. At graduation, the speaker made a joke about Boccaccio, and the entire graduating class laughed. There are very few colleges left that dare to maintain base curricula of major texts for every student to learn, even the biology majors. I went to the Met, MoMa, the Guggenheim, and P.S. 1 for free for four years. I took a class with Orhan Pamuk after he won the Nobel Prize. My roommate heard Iran?s President Ahmadinejad speak in person. Even after I?ve graduated, most of my professors still make time to have coffee with me and check how I?m doing.

Luz-Maria

Breathe. There's no need to go away to school and have a career immediately after graduation. You enjoy travel. Work! You're young and you're able to get a position waiting on tables or as part of a kitchen staff. Retail is not your thing so don't bother. Earn the money required that will allow you to visit the South American and European countries that you read about in The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Gabriela, Clavo y Canela. Once you're in those countries, breathe again. Enjoy it and I mean give yourself over to the experience, the aromas, the voices around you, the colors, the warmth or coldness of the people, and give back. Remember, you're in their country and a person's home is sacred. You will meet people and discover all the wonderful things you're capable of because you're living instead of waiting to live. After your time away, you might decide to go to either a college or university or you might not. Either decision works because it's your decision and only you answer to you.

Eugene

I would tell myself to stay in school. I dropped out of high school as a senior. I spent many years, after that, getting into trouble and learning many hard lessons about life. I am now completely dedicated to taking my education as far as it can go and I am enjoying the process. Telling myself as a high school senior that life is an educational process would be invaluable. I'd let myself know that dropping out of school is not an escape from mental challenges. I would impart words of encouragement to myself that would've allowed me to push through my struggles, at the time. College is a foundation for a challenging and rewarding life. If i could tell myself this before I made the biggest mistake of my life, I could've accepted one of many college scholarship offers instead of struggling, now, to pay for school while supporting a family. Last, but not least, I'd tell myself not to regret any mistake in life, if you choose to make amends.

Alicia

Think about what you are interested in. What do you like to learn about? What do you like to do? What do you get excited to learn about? College is, in part, a time to build up your knowledge in a field that interests you, and sometimes thinking about it this way rather than as a specific step en route to a specific career can be better. Many of my friends began the way I did: "After college, I want to be a ____." But many of us have found that we might not be interested in the classes required for a specific job, or don't like the practical reality of a specific job. "Wannabe" doctors who hate biology pr journailsts who don't like to talk to strangers have to find a subject - not a title - that really interests them. So, pursue your interests and explore new ones - take every opportunity to try something new or chase after a passing fancy. And if you find yourself missing something you used to love, whether it's badminton, volunteering or playing the violin, get back into it! New academic, career, and personal interests might develop!

Alejandro

Treat the college-selection process like a game of ?Hot or Cold?. As you consider each of your choices, garner a sense of ?how warm it feels?. The warmer a choice feels, the more it is in alignment with what you want and expect from college. This, of course, encompasses everything from the perks of moving away or staying near and surrounding environment to the financial burden and school strength in your intended degree program. It is a decision that your personality should dictate: you?ve always been one to climb to the highest ledge and then take a leap of faith. Direct yourself toward a population that you either already enjoy or aspire to be more alike. Socially speaking, personas are fine to have, but just be sure they are all naturally occurring and true to you. When in doubt, be yourself and treat every new face like a potential friend. Be aware that your resources extend beyond your immediate family and friends, and utilize those resources like an RA, a professor?s office hours, or career center services to your greatest advantage. Remind yourself that everyone wants you to succeed, but nobody expects you to do it alone.

Aaron

If I could go back, I would tell myself to always try to be ten steps ahead of the next challenge. Preparation and hard-work are the keys to success and procrastination never helps a situation. Although, you should never apologize for taking some time out if you really need it. I would tell myself not to be afraid to take on things that seem impossible because failure only stems from lack of effort. I would say that your life will be far from ordinary or predictable, but then again it never has been. Besides, predictability is boring and prevents you from truly pushing yourself. I would tell myself that it's okay to cry when tragedy strikes as long as you don't let others see it. And although it's harder to see the pages, you can still work with tears in your eyes. I would tell myself to be more optimistic because everything tends to go smoother. Finally, I would tell myself to stop trying to be all things to all people, and simply search my soul for what I want out of life. Then work tirelessly to make it happen.

Julia

College, it seems, is all about testing your limits, be they academic, social or even financial. I think the most important thing I've learned in the last couple of months is that it's okay to do something that doesn't turn out in the perfect way you might have hoped. You don't have to know everything - you DON'T know everything, and that's really okay. Chances are, everyone around you is in the same boat. So go ahead, take that class that sounds kind of interesting even if you have no idea what anthropologic engineering means - you might end up finding your major. Introduce yourself to the nice looking girl sitting at the end of the table in the dining hall - she could be your next best friend. Join that club - it may lead you to your passion. Take some risks, put yourself out there - it is in the connections we forge and the passions we discover that the transition to college doesn't even feel like a threatening life change, but rather the beginning of a fantastic new chapter in our lives.

Katherine

"Welcome to college," I would say. "Here begins the most challenging and best four years of your life." Throw aside claims about your ability to never be homesick, to always use your newfound freedom responsibly and to get a perfect GPA, you are now entering into the real world, and realistic expectations are a part of the game. Columbia is a challenging school and environment, and when it seems like the next four years are too harsh to handle remember why you decided to attend college in the first place. When the experience is over, and you glance back on the snippets of memories you have acquired what did you do? Work, so that when this day comes you can say proudly, I tried my hardest academically and athletically, I made friends that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I never once doubted my ability to achieve all the goals my naive high school self threw out into the future for the taking. Four years may seem like forever, but your predecessors are not lying when they say it passes by in all but a moment. Enjoy every second, the good and the bad.

Nicholas

Dont be afraid, it's only the beginning of everything for you. Just hold onto the fact that you are strong, and only you know exactly who you want to be and what kind of life you want to lead. Although your career choice or even major may not be set in stone, theres no reason to panic because ultimately, this panic may lead you to choose something you dread doing. Listen to yourself, and if you need, take some time off and so some soul searching. Even though this time off may seem like wasted time, its not. Taking this time off will be able to get your bearings straight and take you away from the fervor of college life which can sometimes be blinding. Dont be pressured into doing something just to finish, take your time, and really take this transition as a blessing. It's a time not only to get somewhere in life, but 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of what should come out of this transition is knowing your core being.

tracy

First I would tell myself, ?Congratulations!? Graduating high school is a great achievement, and one of the first milestones in our lives, so enjoy the moment. I would take that time to talk about trying not to spend the first year of college in the dorm. I feel I missed out on a big part of the college experience being able to connect and form lasting friendships in those first few years. I would also council myself in being more confident. I would encourage myself to start to see myself for the person I am, not some made up image. Along those lines I would caution myself about money. To make sure I don?t treat it like something that will always be there and that my family will be able to just take care of it. After having this time with myself, I would just pray that I listened and took what I had to say about our life to heart, and remembered it as life got hard, or seemed unbearable, to remember, I make it through, and I learn from all of it, making me stronger, wiser, and a better me in the end.

Nina

Be prepared for anything. College comes with many unexpected surprises, and the only way to deal with them properly is to simply expect the unexpected. It sounds cliche, but it really is true. Be prepared for late nights of studying, lots of hard work, and the chance that your grades won't be as great as they were in high school. However, I think the most important piece of advice for college is to just make the most of it. Academics should obviously come first, but it is so important to be able to recognize that there is so much more to the college experience. Make great friends, explore your campus, and make great memories that will last, because in the end, this is what will matter. In the process of making these memories, you learn so much about yourself, which is one of the greatest lessons that you can learn. Your grades will only give you so much satisfaction; the friends and memories you make will last so much longer. There is nothing worse than looking back on your college experience, and wishing you had taken advantage of your surroundings, because these are years you can't get back.

Matthew

Keep your eye on your goals, don't be afraid to experiment, but never too much that it detracts from your main course of study. Give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to yourself and 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} to your peers when collaborating on assignments.

Natalie

I would say to myself, don't worry. That sounds like a clich?, but I remember how nervous I was about every aspect of college, from schoolwork, to moving across the country. I had thought that everyone would be smarter then me, that everyone would be cooler then me, and that I would end up with one of those horror story roommates. But the thing that one has to remember, in the midst of having all these anxiety provoking thoughts, is that everyone else in college has either felt the same way before, or is feeling the same way now. That knowledge can allow you to reach outside of your comfort zone: because everyone else is on the same level as you, it becomes easy to distinguish yourself by pursuing things you love. To be completely honest, the people who take risks in college and do what they truly are excited about, are the ones that are most successful and (you may not believe this but it's true) have the most friends. If you've found a college you love, have faith that once you overcome the initial awkwardness, college is the most fun experience you'll ever have!

Christina

The main advice I would give myself is to apply for admission to a strong liberal arts program. The mistake that I made was to limit myself to engineering, which I realized during my first semester was not a career path in which I was interested. I made a few friends, but my unhappiness with my classes and my potential future led me to hide in my room a lot and not build meaningful relatioinships. If I had been in a broader program, it is likely I would have been happier with my classes. I would also advise myself to join as many activities as possible, because they are a great way to meet people and avoid being in your dorm. The time that I spent playing for the rugby team was the best thing I did in my time at Columbia. Finally, I would tell myself to shed my inhibitions and never give up on trying to spend time with my classmates.

Kazim

The bureaucracy is a nightmare, and you will want to change it. You have only four years, so get started on day one.

Remy

I would tell myself to be as involved as possible, and relax. It is very stressful trying to make new friends, especially when you're used to the comfort of your old high school friends. However, by involving yourself in the community and staying focused on where you are in the now, the transition is so much easier. Many factors can hold us back from enjoying and exploring college life--long distance relationships, going home too much--both of these break your focus from the here and now. I would tell myself two ways to involve myself in campus life: do what I love, and do what scares me. Doing what you love brings the comfort and familiarity to school, helping me feel more at ease. Doing what scares you helps break you out of your shell, learn new things, and allows you to meet new people you wouldn't think of getting to know before. Telling myself to relax is most important--making the transition is hard for EVERYONE...no one is prepared, everyone is scared. Just trust that you've made the right decision. Relaxing yourself allows you to feel fearless, and nothing will make you happier.

Ludovic

I would have suggested to myself to work harder and not to follow the crowd. I would have explained to myself how efficient it is to think and be patient whereas mimic what professors teach us. Open mindness comes with age and maturity but learn how to think is a privilege than many's nowadays do not have access to. Regarding life in itself, I would have taught me tolerance. Other's looks are not always constructive. And unfortunately we have to admit that we can be exigeant only with ourselves and not with others. Life is short . Find equilibrium and live our passions is decisive for our future.

Jessica

Welcome to college! Please post the following ten pieces of advice by your desk and read frequently: 10. Leave your dorm room door open, especially at the beginning; you never know what new friend will walk in. 9. Exercise a few times a week. It clears your head and compensates for the cafeteria sundae bar. 8. Surfing the Internet does not count as studying. 7. Read a newspaper every day. It puts class in context. 6. Commit to going to professors' office hours at least once a semester. They're lonely, and you'll learn something. 5. Call your parents before they call you. It'll be a more pleasant conversation. 4. Buy used textbooks on Amazon.com or from friends. A little highlighting never hurt anyone, and your wallet will thank you. 3. Volunteer notes when a friend misses class. They'll return the favor when you need help. 2. Join something, whether it's the ping-pong team or the competitive noodle eating club. You'll make friends and take a needed break from studying. 1. Take time to breathe and enjoy the experience. You'll never get to go to college again!

Iris

Remain confident when your thoughts and opinions are challenged, yet open to alternative views and seriously consider why they may be valid. Select a major you are not only curious about, but consider this a field you would like to pursue a career in and a discipline that will enrich you as a scholar and intellectual. Visit every single professor during office hours, even if you don't any questions, demonstrate interest in their course. Be social, make new friends but always keep in perspective your priorities - your education and your health. This is an experience that will change your life. So have fun, enjoy the journey and grow as a person. Your potential is limitless. Most importantly, stay focused. Your education is the most priceless, rewarding investment you can make for yourself.