Johns Hopkins University Top Questions

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

Gerald

My advice would be to begin life as a college student with focus and discipline. I would also tell myself to apply to all schools that interested me. Finally, I would tell myself to apply for scholarships.

Sean

Use the Pomodoro technique! Use more elaborate mnemonics! Take harder classes! All of this would have prepared you better for the intense academic rigor at Hopkins. You really should practice better studying, find ways to cut procrastination short, and start up a study routine. Otherwise, you may be disappointed. Hopkins is tough as nails and almost everyone I know there is flailing -- don't let this be you.

Maude Theo

Nobody knows you like you do. So do not let outside pressures dictate what you feel you should or should not be doing. Look inward and rely on your internal compass to stay true to your own hopes, desires, and dreams. That is not to say that others cannot provide meaningful life lessons, help and advice, for they can. But you are the master of your own destiny. Set goals, self-evalute, and seek happyness and fullfilment above all else.

Lauren

College is an entirely different ballgame than high school was. There's a lot more freedom, which is amazing. The biggest change for me, was that I got to pick which classes I wanted to take (instead of just being told what needs to be taken for each year). As a result, I ended up taking a lot of classes that I enjoyed, but that weren't practical. Our generation has it tough - unemployment is high, and so there's a lot of competition for every single position. If I could go back and talk to myself again, I would advise myself to take more classes that really would make my resume pop when applying for internships and jobs. This isn't like high school - you really want to take classes that will help you in the real world.

Melody

After excelling in highschool, the dream to study at JHU finally came into fruition. Unfortunately, these high achievements gave me a false overconfidence. During my freshman year, I was struggling to balance volunteering, research, and schoolwork. I was not succeeding the way that I expected to. However, I wasn't initially willing to cut out extracurricular activities from my life: it has always been important to maintain and pursue interests that lie outside the classroom. The shock of my grades made me recognize that something had to change. I reprioritized schoolwork, and temporarily cut out personal commitments. I made a promise that I would return to my extracurricular activities when I could achieve a balance between academic rigor and a rich personal life. I recommitted myself to school. I wasn't used to asking for help, but instead accustomed to succeeding on my own. I needed to put my pride aside and seek outside help. I learned that asking for help is a vital skill that doesn't portray weakness, but rather signals a willingness to collaborate and share opinions. With support, I developed stronger study habits and raised my GPA. I learned to tackle my schoolwork with greater humility.

Megan

Dear Meg,As my young adult years unfold, I am still undecided what exact path I should follow, yet I have discovered the one aspect of life you cannot live without; RISK! To understand what I mean, you must consider the following quote, "With great risk comes great reward." In the years since graduating from high school, I have pushed myself to take tremendous risks that have frightened me to the point that I almost quit and crawled back inside my shell of comfort. However, through my perseverance and determination, I tackled the obstacles that accompanied those risks and have only felt more rewarded. I now have amazing relationships with people I would have never been friends with before and have been privy to experiences that have changed me for the better. Overall, I have become a stronger and more inspiring person and realize that in order to develop further I must continue to take risks in every aspect of my life. As a result, my advice to you, a younger version of myself, is to take large and small risks, day in and day out, in order to make yourself the best you that you can possibly be!

Darius

Apply to more scholarships. Apply to everything as early as possible. You can skip a few high school obligations in order to prepare more for your future.

Breevahn

I would tell myself to get involved in all those clubs and extracurricular activies offered on campus! Learning in the classroom is one aspect of education but getting out there and getting your hands dirty is what really leads you to your path. I think about all the clubs that sounded really interesting that I didn't get involved in because I thought I didn't have time and was too focused on my studies. Looking back at it now, so many college graduates are lost in their paths and passions because they did not take the time to explore what their heart was calling them towards. Those experiences are what allow you to refine you passions. I would study what you love, not what you think will make money. Go out on those weekend trips with campus clubs because that is where you will meet people on the same wavelength of life as you and it will feed and stimulate a part of your intellect that a classroom cannot.

Claire

Dear Past Self: College is very, very different from high school - while you will have much more freedom to choose how to spend your time, you will feel the very real need to devote much of it to studying and learning material for classes. Prepare to study more than you ever have, and seriously use a planner - make a schedule and stick to it, and you'll find that you have plenty of time to get everything done (and get a good night's sleep!). Don't stress too much - four years passes in a flash, and it's better to take the time now to enjoy the little things than to regret afterwards not having done them! Love, Me

Victoria

Keep calm and turn the cartoons on. If you have ever watched cartoons, there is always a hidden lesson to be learned. In Wile E. Coyote, we all know that the Road-Runner is never captured, but is that the main point? Well, obviously not or there would only be one episode! There is constant trial and error, but the one overlooked characteristic is the Coyote's determination. The Coyote faces countless obstacles and boundaries, but never gives up, complains, or gets held back in failure. Rather, he is positive and persistent. If he fails, he brushes himself off, returns to reading his little Acme book, and creates a new master plan. He possesses the greatest amount of drive and willpower. No matter how many times he is electrocuted, run over, set on fire, or pulled off a cliff, he remains resilient. My message for you is to be like Wile E. Coyote! Never surrender and even if you feel like doors are being slammed in your face, never lose hope! Lastly and most importantly, never sell yourself short because the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams. Goodluck!

Channing

Honey, there is no need to stress yourself out. You are more qualified for these colleges than you give yourself credit for, you’ll see. College isn’t going to suddenly demand that you solve advanced physics problems or write 50 page long essays. You will have time to explore and grow and learn about yourself and interests gradually because the purpose of undergraduate college is to teach you how to learn about anything and everything. All you really have to do is allow the school to help you, engage in class and participate in clubs or sports whether they are passing interests or deep passions because you have the time and it will pay off in the long run, I promise. And when you feel homesick, just remember that your friends and family are always just a phone call away, ready to support and love you in any way they can because you are not alone and going away to college is never going to change that. Don’t worry, starting this new chapter in your life is going to be more rewarding and exciting than you can possibly imagine.

Carrie

The most important pieces of advice I could ever give myself, no matter what time in my life, are to be true to myself and to love myself. Appearance pride and reputation do not mean as much as I sometimes think they do. No matter which college I could have attended, I have to constantly remind myself that these two pieces of advice will allow for me to become a happier person. I sometimes forget who I am while I'm under peer pressure but the times I do remember, my life is much better and those around me are also affected positively as well. I must be true to myself and everything else can come after that because happiness is motivation and motivation leads to much greater things.

Jacklyn

I'm an only child who grew up in Brooklyn, Ny. As an only child growing up in a rough neighborhood I took always relied on my parents. I was cyber bullied before it became a popular term and I grew up scared with low selfesteem. I made a few mistakes but my first was listening to my mother when she claimed that the SAT's were nonsense . My dad is an EMT for FDNY who can barely pay the bills and put food on the table at the same time, and my mom is a housewife who can't seem to hold down a job. If I could speak to my high school self I would tell her to use her common sense and do the best that she can do. Stop skating along, you aren't going to be a teenager forever. You're going to work a retail job (which you're going to hate), struggle more than you have ever imagined to go to school, and only be able to afford community college. Please Jacklyn, your life is now and you are doing a disservice to yourself and your future.

Brooke

If I could go back to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to not be worried and just relax. Everything will end out working out and stressing out over it will just make you go crazy over the summer and for the beginning of the school year.

Catherine

As a high school student I would give the advice of do not take on too much. Having a plan is important to accomplish what you want in life but taking on too much can be a hindrance. Evaluate the priorities and don’t try to get everything done in one day. Everything will work out, concentrate on the here and now, keep the future in mind, but living in the present. Second don’t care what anyone else thinks about anything, as long as they are productive positive choices. Not caring what others think can be a struggle especially for a high school student. The thoughts people have in high school are not as important as what you think of yourself. The last set of advice I would give myself is to develop very successful study skills. There are more projects, papers and more in depth homework. It is vital to have good study habits in school. The best advice I would give any high school student is to create a well thought out, study plan and schedule and stick to it – no matter how hard it is. That will pay off in the end.

George

Back when I was a high school senior, my perception of college was this: If I get into one of the greatest colleges in the nation, I'm set. If I succeed just academically, everything would go downhill from there. But college is more than just textbooks and chalkboards. It's about the people, the environment, and the beliefs that the university holds that truely makes the college experience. I've explored many different colleges, and I can say that no two colleges are the same. Some schools are relaxed, some are in great places, some are extremely rigorous. Each college has its own sort of 'aura', and it's that, not just the education, that really shapes you. I'm in a lab more than I am at class because of the importance of research that my university holds. The international feel of my school also broadened my views the world. Putting a rank for a college used to be my standard to rate schools. But I now find that not accurate. College should just be an extension of who you already are. And the college you attend is a decision of who you want to become.

Alexandra

First of all, I would tell myself to not worry about picking a major. I would tell myself that it is fine to try out classes in different departments. I would tell myself to relax and to figure out what I liked most. Then, I would tell myself to make the most out of dorm life, that I should try to meet everyone on my floor and constantly keep my door open. I would tell myself that freshmen year is the best opportunity to make friends, and that I need to take advantage of that. Beyond that, I would tell myself to get involved on campus, to join clubs and student groups. However, I would also tell myself not to commit to too many extracurriculars. I would tell myself to form study groups and to study with my classmates on a weekly basis. I would tell myself that the school is one giant support-system, and that I should not worry about struggling in my classes because there are so many people there to help. I would tell myself to relax and to enjoy my college career.

Margot

FIrst of all, relax and don't worry. You've done everything to make yourself as appealing as possible to Brown, the school you've dreamt about since middle school. But, don't be surprised when life sends you a twist, one that ultimately proves to be hundreds of times better than what you expected. I won't say where you're going, but it was a longshot that you followed on a whim and have never regretted since. When you get to school, don't worry about making friends. Don't let your parents, especially mom, stress you out when you go dorm shopping (and heads up, you will cry after they drop you off for the first time). You'll meet so many people and feel lost, but after a bit, you'll meet great friends who are willing to watch Disney movies and sing along to Phantom of the Opera while eating oreos on a tiny dorm bed. You'll still love your home, your pets and your old friends, but this new phase of your life is amazing and believe that you'll never want to change a thing.

Matt

TAKE A YEAR OFF BEFORE GOING TO SCHOOL. Listen, buddy - you think it's gonna be easy? Moving across the country to go to school and living on your own is no cakewalk. Kiss your allowance and the roof mommy and daddy generously put over your head goodbye. Instead - I'm offering advice that is counterintuitive to what you will read anywhere else. Take a year off after high school. Work your brains off and out your ears senior year. Be sure what you want to study is going to be worth it and that you have a clearly defined plan for both fun and success. These are the greatest years of your life - spend them well and learn and enjoy everything that is going to come to you. Move to the city your university is in and work for a year or do an internship in the field you want to study. You can always defer your scholarship - but you can't get back the time spent taking uninteresting classes or goofing off at fraternity parties. Go to school once you get that burning sensation in your gut, letting you know you're heading in the right direction.

Nicolette

To be honest, I would tell myself to take more chances in college. When I was a freshmen, I focused almost all of my time and energy on my schoolwork. Although doing well in college academically is definitely important, I found myself at the end of first semester with very few friends, as I had spent most of my time in my room, studying with my roommate. I didn't attend many of the optional orientation events because I'm shy and thought I would be uncomfortable. However, I now wish that I had taken advantage of more of these opportunities, not having realized beforehand how important the social aspect is to the college experience as well. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to be brave and push myself out of my comfort zone. I would tell myself not to be afraid of being who I really am. I would tell myself to go to every school event, no matter how lame it might sound. Education isn't the only thing that lasts a lifetime; friendship does too.

Andrea

If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would give myself advice about focusing more on my own academic abilities, rather than constantly comparing myself to other people. My first semester at Johns Hopkins University consisted of me worrying more about how much I didn’t know, instead of honing onto my already acquired skills to do well. Hopkins students can be very cutthroat when it comes to grades and GPAs, and I thought I wouldn’t have a problem fitting in with being the valedictorian of my high school. But I had a rude awakening when I discovered that I was way behind where I should have been, when compared to many of my classmates. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to take it all as a challenge, and do all that I could with the study skills that helped me during my high school years. Also I would warn myself to realize the college experience is about one’s own success measured by one’s own capabilities, not by those around you. Personally, it would have made my transition much easier and I would have believed in myself more.

Mackenzie

Looking back I would tell myself to relax. Don't worry about all the small details, college essays I wish I would have written differenly, or fret about the distant future. I would tell myself to savor the moment. To enjoy giggling with my high school friends, and capture the feeling of a warm greeting and hug from my mom home. To not be so eager to start a new life, so eager that I forget to live in the now, because it will come in the same due time. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now." Everything will work out just fine. Don't forget to enjoy the road your life begins to take, because it's a much more pleasant road if you realize the gifts and embrace the opportunities you are given.

Deedee

Come with an open mind and prepared to reach out when you need to.

Amber

Going back to the time I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to start early and apply for a lot of scholarships. Not only would I tell myself to apply for more scholarships, but also read into detail the information and programs given in each of the schools I applied to. By using this advice, it would have been better prepared for my transition into college.

barbara

Don't worry so much! Whether or not you text your crush won't matter a few years from now, heck, it won't matter a few weeks from now. (Also, your'e wasting your time on him. Move on already.)That bum grade that you just got back in AP Government won't ruin your life, and sending that one application out on January 2nd just goes to show that you didn't even want to go to that particular college. Take things as they come, one at a time. You think everyone's counting resume pages and adding SAT scores, but people remember words and actions more readily than numbers. Focus on doing things that don't make you feel like a zombie and don't get so immersed in college applications that you begin rethinking your decision to go to college. Think about how you want your peers to remember you, and be that person.

Marisa

Explore. No matter what you choose to do, where you're going, or who you're with, make sure that you make it an adventure. Discover something every time you walk out the door. I can't even begin to tell you how important that is. Ask lots of questions. Usually being young has its disadvantages, but since when has a disadvantage stopped you? Use it! You're new and starting out in a whole new world. There are so many opportunities, if only you ask about them. People are more willing to help than you might initially assume, so what's wrong with putting yourself out there and asking them to share their knowledge? The most important advice I can give you is to smile. The simple action can get you far simply by just showing people that you're an open and happy person. However, I'm not advising you to smile for others to see. I want you to keep smiling for the feeling for you. It might be hard being alone in a new city and strangers might seem intimidating, but armed with a smile I can assure you that you will never feel alone.

Alexandra

Dear high school self, Be prepared for the transition to college to be hard. You are not going to know anybody, but neither will anyone else. Go to lots of orientation events to get to know people at the beginning. Expect to be lonely but also know that it will not be that way forever and that other people are experiencing the same difficulties. Work hard in your classes, achieving the best grades possible. Get to know your teachers as they are interesting and engaging people that will make the subjects richer for you. They can also be helpful for writing recommendation letters. Also, get a job that you enjoy. This job will help structure your weeks and will provide money you will need to buy things that make you happy like going out for an ice cream date with your friends! Join a club that you are passionate about and work hard for it. Good work ethic and showing that you care about the mission of the club can lead you to leadership positions in the club. Most of all, be involved and enjoy as much as you can! Love, College self

Ashela

My college experience was unbelievable. I was far away from home, but going to college far away made me grow up and learn how to care for myself and handle my business. Although I had an idea of what I wanted to do after college, I solidified my plans and created my own path to get to my dream career. I met people who came to be apart of my support system and who were and still are my mentors. I gained valuable experience from my classes, from my community service and extracurricular involvement, and my jobs. College taught me not only to dream big, but to make a plan and stick to that plan while allowing for changes. I learned how to be flexible. College taught me so much about myself, and I appreciate it. Even though there were times I was ready to leave my alma mater, I am glad I stuck it out and learned from everything I experienced.

Annie

Learn from people you meet at school and outside of school. As one matures, you realize learning is actually fun and knowledge is very important.

Glenn

College is one thing in life people look back on. college gives you the oppurtuity and freedom of doing things and living your own life. and also its good to go because it teaches you about independance. what I have gotten out of my college experience is that you are responsible for doing your own work, you have to be motivated everyday to come to class, and if you get help early and making that connection with your teachers can pave the way for you to graduate in the next few years. it is valuable to attend because you get the benifit of doing things you love to do and to pursue the degree you want in the major of your choice.

Daniel

No matter what the degree you pursue, college will benefit you later in life. Education is not a waste of time or money.

Natalie

Academically, I have boadened my horizens by taking challegeing and intriguing corses. It has made me more knowledgable , think critically, and express my self better. Besides academic knowledge, I have learned many life skills and people skills. I have learned how to be independant and selfsufficient as well as get around and live within a big urban area. I am far away from home and have had to rely on only myself for taking care of classes, to handeling illnesses, and day to day life. I have had to advocate for myself and had to take the iniative to go and see professors. The whole experience has been valuable to me because I have had to preform at a higher academic level and cope with challeging courses, as well as adapting to new environments. Further, I have met many different and intersting people and have learned to get along with them even if we do not see eye to eye on everything. I think it has been a valuable experience for me, because I have not only matured, but have developed key skills that i can continue to use later on in life.

Rose

College was definitely a time of learning, not just academic but about all the other aspects of life that makes life so interesting and unpredictable. Not only did I get preparation for continuing my academic career but I also made some life-long friends and experienced many new things along the way. College was also an important stepping stone between high school/life at home and emergence into a true adult life. The independence at college was something exhilirating and scary at the same time. After learning to adjust to life without supervision most of the time, it makes it that much easier to continue living an independent life and become "real adults" after graduating college. College was full of ups and downs, lots of life lessons, lots of last-minute studying, and is an experience that can never be matched.

Jennifer

College was not what I expected, and I am not where I expected to be once I graduated. But one thing I learned is that college is an oasis of resources and if you're truly smart, you'll learn to drink as much from it during your time there. College is that bubble of support- financial, academic, and otherwise- that you will have a hard time finding once you're out in society on your own. It taught me to jump on an opportunity, and not waste time by dawdling for a better option, when you might not get it later. When you're crossing a desert, it's not smart to stand around with your arms crossed, saying you'll wait for the next oasis which might have cooler water. You have to learn to drink when you can, and take what you can for the long-run... College does have all the hand-holding you need to get through, but if you're truly looking for that passion, that long term satisfaction, you learn to step it up and become the decision making adult you need to be to get farther.

Julia

Dear High School Self, You?ve been accepted to college! But where to go from here? I can help. First, don?t be afraid to leave home five thousand miles behind. Your family?s just a phone call away. Next, since you have this amazing opportunity, take advantage of everything! Apply for research positions as a freshman; you?ll be surprised by the results. Don?t forget to explore the surrounding city: Baltimore has excellent seafood restaurants. High school has prepared you well for the academics. Know your weaknesses and plan ahead, accounting for procrastination. Meet people! Here, your friends basically become family. You?ll make new memories: whether it?s going to watch a meteor shower at 4am, having your first snowball fight, or preparing a Thanksgiving feast (turkey stuffing from scratch included!) Don?t ever feel pressured to do anything. You can have fun at a party without drinking and get high on happiness itself. So you still want to join Doctors Without Borders and take on the weaknesses of the health system? College is the stepping stone. You won?t have a lot of time to look back because many changes are coming ahead! Love, Future Julia

Amanda

Think about it hard. Make sure you consider everything; look at the city, at the extracurriculars, the teachers, the campus. A student needs the right combination of all these things to get the most out of their college years.

Victoria

I've always known that college would be a time of great transitions. All through high school, I worried about how I would handle those changes. Would I be able to successfully balance fun and studying? Would I be tempted to drink or do drugs? How competitive was the school environment REALLY (not that "all our students are equally brilliant!" speech they give on campus tours)? If I could talk to the seventeen-year-old-me, I would reassure her: you'll be fine. Your parents have brought you up to make the right decisions, and you're not as naive as you're afraid you are. Your study habits are not the worst, and you'll make plenty of friends. There's a reason you've been accepted here, and it's because this school thinks you belong and thinks you can handle the pressure. You're supposed to make mistakes, just like you're supposed to grow from them. You won't come out of college unchanged, but you WILL make it out unscathed. So don't sweat it, enjoy senior year, and have confidence in yourself. You know what you're doing.

Keyana

Dear Keyana, I have ventured into the future and seen all the obstacles that may drop into your path. This is a letter to help you prepare and teach you how to conquer those stumbling blocks. First off, covered grades do not mean grades do not matter, because they very much do. You need to stay concentrated on school and your goals at hand. Secondly, and I'm telling you this because I've seen the future and I want you to succeed, dont let your social life become a priority over school and your goals. You are an intelligent young lady, but goals are much more important than having fun. And oh, talk to all your professors; they know what they expect on exams and work, you dont. Manage your time better, and no procrastination, IT NEVER WORKS!!!. You will succeed, Keyana from the future

Stephanie

Hey Steph! I know you've been having a rough year but I'm here to help make the next one great. I've finished one semester (you're going to be a Hopkins Blue Jay!) and I have lots to tell you. First, you are going to be one of the only commuters. It'll be difficult in the beginning but you'll adjust quickly - your friends and family will always support you; just because you don't live on campus doesn't mean you can't bring the fun of school to you. Second, go out of your way to meet new people - teachers and peers. They want to make your college experience great, you just have to let them. Finally, don't let your differences discourage you or lower your self-image. Instead, embrace what makes you unique, like living at home with a mom who makes great dinners that your friends will love (especially compared to the cafeteria food), your childlike curiosity, and your passion for the elderly. All of these qualities will help you explore the myriad of opportunities at your fingertips and prepare you for your future. Enjoy senior year - see you again soon!

Abigail

Armed with the experience of my first semester at college, I would love to visit the high school version of myself and give to her the understanding I have gained about education as a whole. The strength of academic achievement doesn't lie in the difference between an A and an A+, but rather in the connections you can make between the subject matter, your life, and the world around you. So, I would encourage the high school senior "me" not to focus on the perfection of a worksheet, but rather become inspired by the infinite possibilities that are available, even before college, to expand your mind.

Rita

Take it easy academically the first semester, especially if it's pass/fail, but then start studying hard in sophomore, junior, and senior years. It's not a good idea skipping section classes just because it's too early in the morning and the class seems easy, as the professor can be tricky on exams. Have fun making as many friends as possible for social connection and social networking purposes, but don't pursue significant others just because of loneliness. Wait until senior year, at least. Find good internships starting in the summer of sophomore year to help your future career opportunities. Take one language in freshman year and stick with it , either Spanish or Chinese possibly. Ask questions during professors' office hours whenever you don't understand something or visit the TA often because they are really helpful. Don't just take easy classes to get an A but take at least one challenging class each semester. Try to participate in outdoors events like mountain climbing or biking to meet new people and have fun. Find a good Bible study group to keep your faith fresh and alive. Learn to work well with others for studying and having fun.

Tara

Knowing what I know now, if I could talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to worry and that in college I am happy. I would tell myself I have no regrets about the school I chose to attend and that I have made friends with a diverse, talented, and amazing group of people. My knowledge of the transition to college life would prompt me to stress not being afraid to take the initiative to invite a new friend to grab lunch between classes or strike up a conversation with someone sitting nearby. I would tell myself not to worry about the future too much. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the inundation of new information in the first few weeks and intimidated by some of the other students, but it is important to keep the focus on yourself and your own growth as a person. By the end of your first year of college you will look back on the person you were at the start and see how much you have grown for the better since you first unpacked all of your belongings into your dorm room.

Eugene

Trust yourself and your abilities. You will come in uncertain of your standing amongst your peers, especially coming out of a small high school in Idaho, you will quickly realize that you do not have the same credentials as those coming out of highly renown high schools in New York City or California. Everyone will have an adjustment period, so as long as you keep up, you will be on the same playing field as everyone else, and you can do well under those conditions. Make sure to make friends during your first semester while grades are covered, this is not only important for making study groups, but vital when considering the limited social-life available on campus. Finally, diversify yourself. The grades will come and you will be able to do fine, rather than over-stressing yourself over your grades, look to involve yourself in either research, doctor-shadowing, and clubs that will give you a reprieve from the intense academic gauntlet which faces you in the near future.

Marla

As a high-school senior who was obsessed with Pennsylvania State University, I was convinced that my life was laid out for me. I was accepted in November, my boyfriend was a freshman there, and I was head-over heels in love with him. I had applied to other schools, but I strategically applied to schools comparable to PSU, and schools which were extreme reaches. Everything seemed right, and I thought that nothing would come in the way of my happily-ever-after. Then, I was accepted to Johns Hopkins University in February. Suddenly, reality came crashing down on me. What should I do? Should I compromise my romantic interests in hopes of a promising career further down the line? Would I be happy among the over-achieving students at Hopkins? I wish I could have saved myself countless sleepless nights pondering these thoughts. If I could go back in time knowning what I do now, I would tell that lovestruck girl that she finds happiness in Hopkins. A boy is never worth compromising one's future. She will find the best of friends there, and she fits right in among the students. If I had only known then...

Alexa

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for the future I would say that no school will be perfect for you. Don't expect to go there and be happier than you were back home with your friends and family, even though you can barely tolerate living at home. Yes, you will make new friends and they will feel the same pain as you but just try to concentrate on school work and eventually you will get a vacation. Also, do your absolute best to make sure you don't get sick. It's not like high school, it won't help you at all. The best to do that is to get eight hours of sleep each night. Furthermore, being an engineer is incredibly trying and difficult. You will need to work at least 40 hours a week and somehow there manages to not be enough time in a day, so you really cannot procrastinate. This means taking multiple days to study for an upcoming exam because going to extra-help (which you will need) and doing extra problems takes a long time. Although college life is different, you will get used to it.

Kevin

The most important days of college at the first three days. Within these three days, you will meet most of your friends and make connections that may last a life time. In these first few days I would recommend meeting as many new people as possible. It is much easier to start conversations and find new students with an array of different interests in these first few days. Once the first week of classes start, you stick with the few bonds you have made and may ulitmately have limited yourself to number of friendships that could have formed.

Claire

Get ready for the transition to college - it's a crazy one. You're about to be thrust into a brand new world, full of people you haven't met and places you've yet to explore. Give yourself time to get into the swing of things, and don't be too disappointed by grades lower than you're used to - there is almost guaranteed to be a curve by the end of the semester. Seek help if you don't know what's going on, and study the material you cover regularly - you WILL NOT be able to learn it all the night before a test (believe me). On a different note, don't go into college looking for a boy. If you focus on yourself, and make sure you are enjoying yourself even through the craziness that is class, the right boy will find you. If you're focused on finding a boy, you're almost certain to feel less comfortable in your own skin, and that confidence you're lacking is what the men are attracted to. Love yourself, and don't forget to study!

Andrew

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself two things. First I would tell myself to try out for the men's varsity soccer team. I regret not trying to make the team here after playing soccer since I was four years old. I believe that being on the soccer team would have allowed me to meet a completely different part of the student body. Also, it would have forced me to stay in shape which is something that I think is important for students who get bogged down with a heavy workload. The second thing that I would tell myself to do would be to apply to private scholarships. Finding private scholarships can be difficult but the potential payoff is great. I did not apply to any private scholarships before or during freshman year and I have regretted not giving myself the chance to earn any. Besides, nothing can make a students' parents more happy than help paying for their college education.

Alexandra

If I traveled back in time to talk to myself without the fear that I would destroy the space-time continuum and shatter the fabric of reality, oh goodness, would I have advice for myself! First off, give Mom a hug. She?ll miss you and she made everything possible. That?s right, soon you?re going to sound this preachy; I?m your ghost-of-schoolings-yet-to-come. Appreciate Mom and her dinners, because (believe-it-or-not) you'll miss them. Learn to be a little independent! Do some laundry! You?ll be sorry when you?re clueless whether gray goes in the color or non-color wash. Also, learn how to study. Just wait?you?ll wish you had studying down to a science. I don?t mean study all the time (have fun kid!); I just mean practice the habits your teachers taught (in case you were wondering, they do know more than you). Finally, stop worrying so much! Your SAT scores aren?t the end of the world. You?re at your dream school and guess what? It?s better than you imagined. And you?re still around to give yourself some advice, mahalo.

Laura

It's not high school. Relax. You will be happier than you have ever been in your life. Just control your spending, you always gave people advice as to how to save money, take your own advice. There is no point trying to be who you think people want you to be because for the first time in your life your friends will be true friends who just want you to be you. There is no more game of who can be the most popular or who is the most talented. For the first time in your life you will really feel beautiful and those around you will think you are beautiful, it sounds cheesey but amazingly it is true. All the stresses of senior year will seem utterly pointless and unimportant, living without your parents can be one of the most liberating experierences of you life if you keep all that they have taught you in the back of your mind and use your head when you need to. Just relax, the hardest time of you life is over and the wonderful real world awaits you--don't look back, movee forward!