Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

Work harder. If you think you're working hard, comparing yourself to your friends, you're probably not. When you get to college, keep up your good habits, it's easy to get caught up in social events and forget that first semesters are usually a lot easier academically than the rest of your college experience. That being said, you can't subsist entirely on academics. Make friends, let yourself explore new things, go out, have fun.

College life is amazing . it means the world , the future and the knowledge . Some persons get the best things from . On the other hand , other people change things from righting to be unrighting .So , that depends on what we have grown up on . surely who uses his mind rightly he/she will get what he/she looking for .

Don't sell yourself short. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and apply even for the places that don't seem possible. You never know if you'll get in. I got into one of the top universities in the country, and was given the chance to move to New York City from the middle of nowhere. If I hadn't just gone for it, I never would have the opportunities that I have today. Reaching for the stars was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

As a high school student, you can choose what you want to be good at based on how it appears to others and how it looks on the outside. College is too hard for that; you have to choose what you want to do based on your passions and aptitudes, ignoring the pressures that others place on you.

Try something other than engineering. It's hard.

Do everything the same.

Have fun. Relax.

Don't sweat the small things. Life is about experiences and some of the things you think right now will destroy you help form the person you will be. Don't focus so much on homework and projects and essays that you forget to have fun. Family and friends will be your support blanket the first couple months of college so don't discount them simply because you won't be in the same place. College can be a time to redefine who you are or help clarify your image; mom isn't there to cook for you, clean your room or listen to you complain about your roommate. Use this time to strengthen relationships so that when you go to college you are not desperate for attention. There are the same social games in college that there are in high school but you can chose not to play. Dive into things that interest you as opposed to what you think others are looking for, do what you want to do and be who you want to be.

I actually do not think that I would give myself any advice about succeeding at Columbia. Part of being successful here is learning things for onesself and telling my past self what to do and not do would not allow that learning period to happen in the same way. Of course I could tell myself not to take six classes in one semester because it feels like class never ends and there is no time for homework. But while I may not take six classes first semester Freshman year, I would probably take that amount second semester or sometime Sophomore year because I would never really know the feeling of being completely inundated with work. But it was that exact feeling that allowed me to be so successful second semester, since I took one less class and felt like I had ten extra years to complete all of my projects and problem sets. I have learned about myself that I need to learn for myself. To make my own mistakes and bear the results, but I would rather bear those results for the next ten or twenty years than not know, so I would tell myself nothing.

I would tell myself to go out and experience everything I possibly can the first semster. Don't be afriad to talk to strangers about topics you wouldn't ordinarily discuss, because out of those discusions come some of your best memories and you meet some of your best friends. Put yourself out there and hang around with lots of people. Join any and all clubs that interest you because from there you might not only develop new interests but meet new friends. Strike a balance between academics and your social life. Don't get overwhelmed by the workload because you'll soon come to realize that not all the work assigned is neccessary for the class. Be proactive and presue relationships with people who you find interesting. Lastly, take advantage of all the resources on campus from the free food to professors' office hours.

Don't worry so much. You'll do just fine.

Spend some time getting to understand the "universe" of colleges. Look at the schools in your area, public and private, and take the time to learn about them, if they have good departments, and what else they have to offer. Think hard about what you really want from a good school, and then go after it. I decided to go to Columbia University after being in the military for five years, and it was a great decision. At first, it might have seemed like kind of a risk, but I did the research and saw that it was exactly the environment I was looking for, and so far it has provided me with many opportunities (academic, internships, meeting leading thinkers in my field, etc...) that I might not have gotten else where. So thats it; think about your choice, don't be afraid to go for what you feel strongly about, and learn the ins-and-outs of the college world, so you don't feel dwarfed by the vastness of the system. Having an education is a great, empowering thing, and there are so many good schools out there to suit any kind of student.

The visit counts for a lot! If you are comfortable speaking with people on the visit, go with that feeling.

Be true to what your looking for and remember that wherever you end up, the experience is what you make of it.

Talk to your advisor!

Be patient, but start early. There is no criteria for the "right" college or the "best" university; but that is not to say that the "right"/"best" school does not exist. It does, but only through much time, research, personal reflection, and exploration can one determine that school which is best. Be open-minded, consider every option (in-state, out-of-state, in-country, out-of-country) and eventually, the right school will turn up. Once there, do as much as humanly possible while still maintaining whatever standard of academic excellence to which you adhere. You've got four years, maybe more; make the most of them! Once they're gone and you're faced with the daunting task of adjusting to life in the real world, you will either look back on your experiences and be comforted with the knowledge that you are prepared, or you may look back and regret everything that you overlooked, everything that you didn't do. Make the most of it, nothing more, nothing less.

Take the time to visit colleges that interest you and speak to current students. Get a sense of both the acedemic and extracurricular aspects of the campus, as well as its location.

The most important thing is to remember when picking a college is to select the school that best matches your interests. I go to an Ivy League university and I am a tour guide at my school, so I talk to students quite regularly who want to go to my school for its reputation, not because its characteristics are a good match for them. Rank the things that are most important to you: whether it's class size, available majors, location of the school, research opportunities, or something else. Then search for schools that will fit that criteria. As for the college experience once you're at a particular school, act like it's a 4-year study abroad experience. Take advantage of all your opportunities, do everything you can, especially things that you won't be able to do once you've graduated. And every year, make sure to take one class on a topic you know nothing about. It's what college is for.

Choosing a college can be one of the most daunting decisions of an individual's young life, but it should also be fun. First, remember that there are dozens of colleges that want YOU as a student. In all the anxiety of applications and awaiting acceptances, don't lose sight of the fact that you are a commodity in high demand. Second, narrow down your selection by setting your priorities. Do you want to go to school in a major city? In a suburban area? Or do you want a more isolated campus, away from the world? How important is school rank to you? Diversity? Academic rigor? Are you looking for specific academic or extracurricular programs? All of these will influence which schools you decide to apply to. Most importantly, visit the campus! There's no better way to get a feel for a university than seeing it up close and personal. Talk to students if you can. It's more important to talk to upperclassmen than freshmen. All first years take some time to adjust to their new school, so talk to the veterans. They'll have a better feel for what the entire experience is like. Good luck!

Live it up.

When considering what college is best

Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. Try to surround yourself with people who are idealogically, culturally, ethnically different than you are.

Remember to make a good choice base on tuition fees, location and what you major in. Also if you as a parent look at what's your child want to do in life, that should be the determined factor. As a student, make sure you will be confortable and there is opportunity after graduation.

I think prospective students should approach the college admissions process with the idea that they can pursue absolutely whatever they want in college, and not be limited by ideas of what they should be doing. I also think it's crucial to keep a little distance from the college rankings bit, and instead focus on your own needs in a school. On a related note, I think all college applicants should keep their guard up against making one college into the "dream" school, but should be able to picture themselves having a positive experience at a number of different places. I know that for me, doing several overnight stays with then-current college students added perspective and reassurance that students were happy at a broad spectrum of colleges and universities.

Make sure you examine a wide range of parameters. Finding the right school is not just a question of academic prestige, but also of diversity, size, location, administration, support networks, social life, etc. I strongly recommend talking to current students, and not just the ones leading the tour groups. Strike up a converstaion with someone at the student center when you visit. You'll be surprised how willing most students are to share their experiences.

The most important factor in choosing a college and making the most of your experience there is finding a school where you can develop an interest in a wide variety of fields. I came to college with hopes of becoming an invtesment banker. Now I'm applying to graduate programs so that I can be Art History professor. Without my school's well-known economics program, I wouldn't have come here in the first place; but if they didn't have an incredible art history department, too, I might not have found the academic field that I'm truly passionate about. Everyone says college is about exploration, but it's important to realize that not every college offers the resources or possibilities necessary for exploring. When you find a school that does, then you're set.

Choose a college that has interesting classes that you would enjoy taking. When you visit a college look at the course listings so you know exactly what you're getting into. A lot of my friends went to colleges because they 'heard they had a great history department' but once they go there and saw the actual classes and requirements they weren't all that excited. Also, make sure the people who go to the college are the kind of people you woudl like to spend 4 years around.

Start early. Do your research. If you know your top choice, research whether it is benefical to apply early. In high school, do not focus only on grades -- it's the complete package: coursework, extracurriculars, part-time job, etc. College admissions wants to see passion in the being of a successful applicant.

You pay for your surroundings and the quality of your peers as much as you pay for your academic education.

Think about the factors that will make a successful and satisfying college experience: are you more comfortable with slow or fast-paced life? A town or a big city? A close-knit college feel or perhaps less school spirit in exchange for a greater availability of culture and diverse experiences? These factors help identify the type of school and location that would be beneficial. Academically, it is important to determine how much value a 'big name' will have for you and your future, as well as the academic quality of the school you're looking for. Larger colleges tend to have more big lectures and less individual attention, so if you're independent and able to handle less attention, a larger college may be good for you. The best professors often teach the largest lectures. Finally, join extracurricular activites and try jobs that may be relevant to a field of interest. It's a good way to learn more about what you want to do, and to meet more people who will be a staple in your life.

College is perhaps the most life-changing of experiences in your academic career. Its goal is to challenge the very foundation of your beliefs and values, and the most important piece of advice in making the most of your college career is to be open-minded. You will take at least one class that will challenge your current way of thinking, and perhaps make you uncomfortable with these new ideas being thrown at you. You are forced to accept them because you need the grade, but enjoy this experience because this is what makes college so new and exciting! Strike a balance between work and social activities, but keep in mind that there is more to a social life than partying. Be active in volunteerism - it is what makes society function at its best and allows you to meet new friends with similar interests. For those trying to look for the perfect college, remember that looks are deceiving. Immerse yourself in the college for a day - attend a class and talk to the students and faculty there. You will be surprised at how many things they tell you that are not in the viewbooks!

For me, I had a lot of trouble deciding between attending Northwestern or Brandeis University. I didn't make a decision until I stayed over at both schools and compared my visits. It turned out that I had an amazing time at Brandeis, where I met people as a prefrosh that I am still friends with today. At Northwestern, I found it boring and not for me. So I guess I would really recommend visiting the University while it is in session, and if possible to sleep over and stay with a current student to get a real perspective for the school. I was also very glad I chose Brandeis because of the courses required and the opportunity to study civil engineering at Columbia University. I wanted a liberal arts education but in my sophomore year realized I also wanted something related to architecture, and the civil engineering program with Columbia was perfect. So it is important to know about the courses you are required to take, because if I had attended a different university, with stricter required classes, I might not have had the chance to take the art and science classes that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Find the college that you can financially afford while receiving the best education for the price you pay to attend school.

Spend time there and talk to the people

It's a corrupt, unpredictable crapshoot; apply everywhere.

Go where you feel you can make the most of college experience. It is not about rankings, sats, your parent's ambitions. It's about expanding your horizon and stretching your mind in a place where you'll feel good and be proud. My advice is to go visit different colleges and try to find one where you have this inspiring moment where you know that you're place is there and it is in this environement that you will grow in the adult you will be tomorrow. I am an international student and even though I didn't speak english when I first came to Columbia, I immediately knew that the students I saw around me could be my friends because it felt right. Try to imagine yourself living in the college you're visiting and know if you like this image you see in your head. Also, remember that you're the only one choosing for how you live your college life, so make the most of it.

Use your gut instinct. Don't attend a school based on the name, the price, etc. When you step on campus it should feel right. Also, make sure that it has the major that fulfils what you want to do with your life. If you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain of what your major is going to be, make sure you choose a college where it's easy to switch majors.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. You are there to learn and you deserve to be there no matter what anyone tells you/

I would encourage parents and students to consider the holistic experience of attending each potential college, instead of focusing on a name brand. With drive, a student can get a quality education anywhere. What cannot be replicated are the social conditions unique to every school that will play a key role in shaping that student on the course to adulthood.

Know before you apply to colleges what career path you want to take and what kind of social environment you want to be in.

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Dear prospective students and their parents, There is no real trick to finding the right college; I just did it by having an open mind and knowing what was most important to me. Thats really all you have to do, pick one or two things that are most important to your personal development and have an open mind. The age old advice rings true here: You will get out of it, only as much as you put in. Don't be afraid to choose the place that is really for you! Good Luck.

The best advice I can give someone is visit the school and be honest with yourself on what you want in a school and education. Do not let outside influences factor in rather choose a school for you.

Most people will find a niche and grow at most schools.

When visiting campus, ask the students you meed what they do on a typical Tuesday night, not Saturday. Sit in on a class you're not in any way interested in. Find out what the school atmosphere is like really, not superficially. When you find yourself drawn to a lecture about something you find horribly boring, or could see yourself enjoying an evening of sushi watching Project Runway in your common room, then you have found a school you'll be happy at. Any school can have big parties, or great museums, or a professor you've heard awesome things about - the right school is the one you enjoy without any of the perks.

Do not think it is all fun and games. You must work hard to achieve success in the future, and college is just preparation.

Choose your college based on what they can offer you. You don't have to pick based on name or status, but how compatible they are to what you want to accomplish. Sure I went to an Ivy League school, but I didn't go because of the name. I chose Columbia because I would be able to get a great education and be a starter on a NCAA Division 1 varsity athletics team. Also, It might sound "cool" to go to school in a big city if you're from a small town, but sometimes you can get lost in the foreign enviornment. Having grown up in big cities, I knew I would be able to handle the big city enviornment and take advantage of all that it had to offer. It's also important to know how to manage your time. Being able to have a carefree social life is one of the joys of going to college, but don't abuse the freedom and learn quickly how to juggle academics, your social life, extra-curricular activities and jobs and you'll learn skills that will help you not only in college but post-graduation as well.

To parents I would say, 'Voice your opinions, but remember that the decision is ulitmately not yours.' Students know themselves-- their likes, and their dislikes--far better than anyone else. And while it may be difficult for parents to let go and stand back, this is one decision students have to make primarily on their own. To students trying to make the most of college life I would say, 'Step outside your comfort zone!' All college Freshman are in the same boat, and the best way to capitalize on that situation is to try something new. There are a million new opportunities, new faces, and new experiences to be had! Take a chance, step outside the box, and you'll find college is truly a place where you find yourself.

Go to college

To the students: Go where you feel the most at home. The college experience will be yours-- not your parents' nor your friends' nor your guidance counselor's. Look for everything that matters to you in your school, because you will be there for four years of your life, and it won't be cheap. Apply for financial aid, even if you don't think you need it. Both your parents and your wallet will appreciate it. Once you are there, take the courses that interest you and participate in all the activities that make you curious-- there will not be another time in your life when you will have the time (or the means/accessibility) to do it. And study abroad!! Broaden your horizons and learn about other cultures. It's the most fun you will ever have. To the parents: Let your kids choose their school. If it seems too costly, let them do what my parents did for me: take out loans not covered by financial aid. In the end, understand that your child makes the decision because it is their life, not yours (even if you think you know what is best). Let them enjoy!