New York University Top Questions

Looking back on my senior year of high school, I realize that much of the anxiety I felt had little to do with the practical side of going to college, and more to do with the emotional side. Going to NYU meant leaving behind all of my family and friends, all of the places I had known my entire life. I was terrified of starting over, of not knowing a single soul in New York City. As senior year continued on I began to panic, wondering how I would ever find friends. In hindsight, it?s clear that finding friends should be the least of a high school senior?s worries. College is a completely different place, filled with thousands of people. It?s impossible for a new student not to find someone with shared interests. Being oneself is a difficult task in high school, a place filled with preconceived notions of who everyone is. In college the slate is wiped clean, and all that is left is to jump in and make the most of every moment; no fear, no regrets.

College life was really different from what I imagined. If I could go back in time to the times of high school senior year, I would think harder before making a final decision about where to go for college. I chose to attend an out-of-state college because I wanted to go away from where I lived so I can have a brand new start in life. However, making the transition was not as easy as I thought it would be. Living in a place where I knew no one and having to meet new people and to make new friends were very hard at first and are still hard. If I had a chance to go back, I would probably think more about moving and living on my own with no family and friends around me. Also, I would not have slacked off during senior year. Most high school seniors become lazy because they have nothing to worry about after submitting in college applications and receiving decisions. If I could go back, I would work hard so it would not be hard getting into the studying mode when I come to college.

Fortify your communication skills. Take more science courses. There are many advices I could tell my high school self. However, none of them would be as momentous as the following: Do not come to New York University. As I concluded my application, I envisioned the happiness I would encounter. My need to gain an outstanding education while leading the perfect college life at NYU could become a reality. When I stepped into my first class, though, I watched students approach their classrooms with eyes of hopelessness. I tried to communicate with some but they would begin to cite the reasons why they dislike NYU, most of which were true. For example, the NYU financial aid package is not as great as they promised it to be. Due to this, I think on the thousands of dollars my mother has paid NYU to cover the expenses left over. I ask my younger self why you would want to attend a school that brings more misery than joy. NYU does bring loneliness and academic agony to its students, so why bear with it. To that end, I only hope that my younger self heed my warning.

I would give myself two pieces of advice if I could go back to my senior year. All through high school I was not a procrastinator, finishing assignments well ahead of their due dates. There were times when I relied on my mom to help edit essays or print a final copy for me. This fall, as a freshman, I quickly learned that I cannot wait until Sunday night to print something due the next day because printers and laptops have a way of knowing that I'm under pressure, it seems, and choose that moment to malfunction witout a parent to lend a helping hand. It's much better to plan ahead and get the job done several days in advance. As a senior, I wish I had known that it would be a short time before I met a new batch of friends and could leave some situations behind, never letting them haunt me again. During my senior some of my adolescent teenage girlfriends spread untrue rumors about me out of jealousy . Their actions hurt, and I wish that I had realized that in a few short months, I would be meeting new people and creating new friendships.

Dear Self: As you are about to embark on possibly the next chapter of the most important stage in your life, I would like to inform you of certain tidbits of information you may find vital to keep in mind. Time passes on fleeting wings. Even in idleness, it flaps away at the same pace. As each experience passes, realize that they are now lost and can never be recovered. Bear this in mind, because if you decide that watching the latest episode of the hottest show on television is more important than studying for that history test, that decision can never be revoked. Each decision in life is followed by resounding consequences that must be endured. You must be sure that these results for certain behaviors are acceptable. Grasp every opportunity available to you, beacause again, once they are gone, they are gone for eternity. Approach things with an open and accepting mind. As I'm sure you will be studying/traveling abroad, this is of crucial importance when encountering a different culture. Aim to understand and learn, and not to judge. When you set yourself up with an obstinate attitude, you will confront more impediments on your path.

I would tell myself to get ready for change. I went to high school with kids that lived in the same area of the country that I lived, so I for the most part shared similar views, acted in similar ways, and believed similar things that they did. But, when I went to college out of state I was thrown into a new way of life with people who believed completely different things than I did and acted in ways I never before experienced. No longer could I assume that everyone thought it was okay to be rich, or that everyone I met was a Christian. I also had to deal with change in my every day life. The comforts of home like a good, hot meal, a car, and money were no longer available to me. I has to learn how to cope, so I spent countless hours trying coming up with new recipes with ramen noodles, walked every where I went, and read a book or the newspaper instead of going out with friends. I would tell myself this change will be hard, but in the end it will expand my mind and make me a better person.

Instead of looking forward so much, I would try and focus on the present. As a high school senior I tended to focus on what was coming and how it would be when I got there, in example, college. I lost track of the presence, which I believe should be taken less for granted, seeing as the present is all we have. I was very caught up on the whole college application process, test-taking, and making sure I had a nice array of Extra Curriculars under my belt, that I lost focus of the beauty of being a senior, of the beauty of cherishing your last year, with teachers and friends that you may never again see in your life. It is often that we linger on the past, hope for the future and forget to cherish the present. If I were a HighSchool Senior right now, I would definitely give my mother a hug and kiss everyday when she came home from work, and really mean it. I would not just barely look at her and wonder what she would be cooking for dinner that night. Now, I know better.

Hey, 17 year-old Gemma. You're about to start a journey that will one day involve you living in an apartment in Bushwick, making nice dinners for wonderful people you always hoped would be your friends. Don't spend so much time worrying that you won't like anyone, or that no one will like you. You're about to come into your own. Pack for it, Gemma. Most importantly, bring a good pair of shoes. You'll be walking a lot. You have classes, rehearsals, and meetings to go to, and you'll want to explore. Those shoes will take you across the Brooklyn Bridge and through two years of creating (ideas and actual structures - you'll build a Plexiglass castle your freshman year alone), wandering, and discovering. On second thought, you should bring a bike. There are so many places to go and you'll want to go fast.

Kacey, listen: College isn't going to be everything you expect. New York City is exciting, fast-paced and full of opportunities, but it's also stressful, expensive and noisy. Try not to let that get you down, but don't be afraid to admit it when it does (because it will). Study hard. Don't take that Introduction to Psychology class - you're going to want to, since you did so well in AP Psychology, but this'll be different. In fact, avoid big lecture classes. That isn't the way you learn, and taking them is a waste of time that could be spent on a discussion seminar in which you'll retain information about what you're studying and about yourself. You're going to be hard on yourself, and that's alright, but remember that college is also about socializing; don't let the stress of classes and the city eat at you to the point where you won't want to spend time with friends. Oh! And budget yourself - it sounds silly and it's hard to say "no" to going out sometimes, but in the end, you'll be thankful you did.

My educational experience was unique in that I was already taking courses at a local junior college by the time I was in my senior year. Therefore, the thing that I would have told myself at that time would simply have been, "Keep moving forward." Due to health reasons, I had a rocky time through junior college, and nearly thought about stopping my education altogether. I am so glad that I did not make that choice, but I also wish that I had been more aggressive about getting my degree. Being sure that one is taking classes most helpful for your chosen area of study and taking advantage of opportunities outside of class are so important. They keep one's focus on the goal while simultaneously helping to achieve it. Many obstacles can get in the way of one's education, but with drive, one can still keep moving forward.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be more open minded of others. Growing up in the suburbs of New York City , everyone who lived in my town was more or else exactly the same in terms of race, religion, socioeconomic background, level of education, political views ect. However upon starting my freshman year at New York University I was brought into this new enviornment where most people were infact very differnt from myself. At first I was ignorantly critical of those who were unlike myself. I was judgmental of those who would have been considered "weird" in the small town where I came from, and was completly baffeled by the beliefs and actions of some of the students who I met here. However after adjusting to my new life here at college I began to realize that it was me who was the weird one for forming judgements and opinions on people who I had never met beore, and soon really started to appreciate the different types of people I was surrounded by. I've since become closest with those who I never imaged being friends with.

Your grades are important. All though not the only thing you need, they do make a substantial difference when you apply for school. Work hard and stay focused. Participate in many different activities; volunteer work, sports, clubs, etc. But never forget to do what you love to do. If you like to play music, then play music everyday. When it comes time to apply for college the schools will like to see that there is something you are passionate about. Something that you've stuck with.

When preparing for college take more AP classes before your senior year. Starting at age 13 start applying for scholarships. Do more volunteer work and get more involved in community activities.

During my senior year in highschool I could not wait to go to college. I applied early decision and the moment I was accepted I was ready to go; I could not wait another day. Now as a freshmen in college, looking back, I wish that I had treasured my time in highschool a bit more than I did. Going away to school has made me think about things which did not always seem so important. It now becomes a treat when I can return home to my family and a home cooked meal. But the best advice I could give myself is to know what you want before you go to school. When choosing a school make sure it has what you desire, not just in terms of academics but in the broader sense as well. I have also learned to be more independent and confident. Living with a less than satisfactory roommate, it has become important that I hold my own ground and make college the best for myself that I can. This is something which I wish I had prepared myself for earlier on so that my confidence would now be able to shine thorugh.

Hello Grace. You chose NYU and are probably wondering if you made the right choice, and to be honest, I'm still not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that NYU is the school for you. The most importance advice I am give you is to go out more, join clubs, and stop being shy! Also, don't be afraid to go out and hang out with people without your roommate! You and your roommate will spend a lot of time together so go out and make new friends. Although you have heard this many times, stop procrastinating. As a freshman, you will take the hardest writing class and procrastinating will not help you at all. Also, in that writing class, don't be afraid to think out of the box. Being creative will help you. As the semester goes on, you will be lacking a lot of sleep so try to sleep before 1 and wake up early instead. There are also a lot of parties here but don't get too distracted. It's okay not to follow the crowd. If you aren't comfortable drinking, there are so many other things to do. Also, avoid the RA, she is dirty.

If I could could travel back in time and talk to myself as a High School senior I would tell myself to not be in such a hurry. Instead of jumping into the four year University miles away from home with many distractions, it may be better to take it a little slower. Maybe a semester or two at a local commuity school while still living at home. At 18 years of age you may not be mature enough to be on your own with such freedom. Also by going to the local community college you will save some money. Say the school does not work out right then and you may wish to return later in your life. If that happens, like it is to myself in present day, there may not be enough money to afford the tuition since so much money was wasted on the school so many years ago.

There are so many things that you learn in college, but essentially, what will stay with you is the strength of character you develop along the way. The decisions you make at time will be based on youthful ignorance, and may impact you in ways you would never imagine. Explore the opportunities that present themselves, stay focused, and remember that the people you meet will someday become very successful. Stay in touch with someone from every discipline, including your professors, who are the references you will need to land that first major job. Remember to get involved with extra-curricular activities that will help define your leadership skills. If you become lost, confused or have lost focus, step back or withdraw. It is better to have a "W" on your transcript, than an "F." Make sure you give yourself ample opportunity to recoup before going back to school. Take the extra time to search for free aid and apply for as many as you can. Stay away from credit cards as much as possible--own only one that you will use for emergencies. Don't let the peripheral things get in the way of your goal--your degree!

The best advice that I could give myself would be to be more outgoing and social. When I got to school the only reason I really made friends was because my roommates were social and outgoing so I was able to meet people through them. But I'd want my future self to take the time to get to know people and take some time out for herself. I wouldn't want her to completely stop doing the work, but to let herself take a break every once in a while to make friends and have a good (and legal) time.

I would advise myself to take the time to think about what matters to me. During two years of college, I changed my major four times. I wish I would have laid out my options and really thought about what would make me happy. In the end, I decided that despite the fact that I excelled in English, it made more sense to pursue something I was interested in rather than what came easiest to me. I knew from the moment I switched my major to nursing that I would have to work extremely hard, because science is not my strong suit, but I also knew it would be worth it. I would much rather work hard to do something I have a passion for rather than settle for something I do not love. If I had been able to say that to myself as a senior in high school, the whole ?finding myself? process that I went through might have gone a whole lot smoother!

Stop worrying about status, or prestige, and pick the school that you like that values your presence. You'll learn the city in no time, if you just explore with your friends and on your own. Definitely do the themed floor, it's an easy way to meet people with similar interests, and you get free events! Go to all the free events, immerse yourself in the culture, and do some more scholarships! And don't worry, you will make friends! Remember, everyone is new, life will be uncertain, but you are not, and will not be alone. Relax as well, take some time for yourself in the craziness!

Definitely do the early decision to NYU --BUT-- defer when you are accepted and take your first two years at a community college and live at home. Still living with Mom will suck but as awesome as Freshman year was (at times) it was a $50,000 roller coaster ride. The friends you end up keeping from high school and the early years of college you would have been friends with / met in later classes, guaranteed. The others you could have done without. Focus more on actually doing your work instead of cutting corners. Use (high school) Senior summer to stabilize your drinking limits (**very important for all college freshman**). Do NOT get that extra credit card. Don't listen to Mom, get a part-time job; the city is expensive and Mom can't afford both our bills. Consider, just consider, joining a club. Oh yeah, and if guys even give you the slightest gay vibe, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT date them. Don't wait until Sophomore year for an internship, go right for them, the more connections when you graduate, the better. And don't get too serious, college is fun, go out, enjoy it!

?Remember that you?re going to be a freshman all over again, but it?s a bit different this time around.? Slightly-from-the-future-Me says to slightly-from-the-past-Me. ?Be confident, but not arrogant. Arrogance earns you a beating. Remember the freshmen YOU wanted to beat up? Don?t be one of them, but I warn you that weakness doesn?t gain sympathy; college students are compassionate, but competitive. Don?t let your guard down.? Slightly-from-the-past-Me nods in understanding. ?Bad grades don't signify the end of the world, but that doesn?t mean you can let your grades fall. You?ll pay for that later.? "But have fun, enjoy yourself. College is where you meet some of the most interesting people in your entire lifetime." However, I?ll leave you with this warning" Slightly-from-the-future-Me says sternly. "Don?t eat ?all-you-can eat? in the dining halls because you feel like you should get the most out of your meal plan. You?ll regret it by the end of the semester when you can?t lose that tire around your waist."

Prepare yourself. College is going to be a lot more work than you expected, and you will make mistakes. But it is important to not get discouraged. You are going to school to learn, so don't expect to already know everything. When you encounter a problem, don't view it as a road block, but rather a detour. It is an opportunity to think on your feet and find new solutions. And most importantly, learn to collaborate. The other students at school are not your competition, but rather your support group. Listen to their ideas, and let them help you.

If i was to go back to me as a senior in highschool i would press the issue on scholarships and finding other ways to pay for school. I would let myself know that the entire financial burden of school would be on me. I would also tell myself to pick a school that i want to go to and stick with, that transferring in and out of schools can cause set backs in my education plan. I'd tell myself to make sure to make the most of the on campus facilities, events, and student activities. You never know what imformation is there that is benefical. I'd also let myself know to build better relationships with my professors in order to have references done and also possible mentors.

I was scared as a high school senior, but I don't think I was nearly as scared as I should've been. I underestimated this transition, and, as a result, was entiely overwhelmed when things started to go wrong. To be frank, I'm not happy here all the time, and I didn't expect that. I'd built this place up in my mind so much, and my high school senior self needs to be smacked in the face. I'm glad I came here, but I want my younger self to really think of our reasons for coming here, and attempt to make a more informed decision. If the result was once again NYU, then so be it. But if it was somewhere else, then I would've needed to accept that. Also, I'd avise myself to not be so afraid of the counselor. She really is very helpful. Just because the high school counselor attempted to crush all your dreams doesn't mean you shouldn't give this one a chance. You'll like her a lot once you take the leap, I promise. Don't wait so long next time.

One advice is that I should always work hard and strive to do my best because the things that I plant now will grow later. In other words whatever I do now will reflect on my future so the harder I work the better chance I have for a succesful future. Also the more relationships I form with other people the more connections in the future.

I would tell myself to look into financial aid more. I'd warn myself to figure out what I'd want to do before applying. I'd also say that it'd be alright despite the pressure and frustration I could still have fun with my real friends from home.

I would tell myself, that studying is key to success. That there will be plenty of time for social events, but it isnt the end goal of high school. Being involved and giving back is also important, not just taking up space. I would say that taking time off in between, isn't always such a good idea; it takes longer to get back and is not easy the older you get. I would suggest investigating all options of education, grants and scholarships available, prior to deciding. That it is okay not to know for sure what you want to do when it is all over, changing majors is alright, but it isn't alright to not go to college. Life doesnt just happen, you have to be active in your future.

If I Knew Then? There are so many little things I would tell myself if I could go back in time, even just one year. Firstly, I would tell myself not to apply early decision to a school I was not guaranteed to afford. Instead I would have applied early decision to Columbia as it offers full tuition to students whose parents make under 60,000 a year. Of course I was unaware of this or the fact that NYU?s financial aid was so minimal at the time. And, in that situation, if I did not get into Columbia chances are I still would have received admission to NYU, whereas now I find myself struggling to afford even the spring semester. I would congratulate myself on my academics and advise myself to keep it up, even when it seems daunting. I would also advise myself to take the ACT at least once more. I would also tell myself not to worry so much about leaving Missouri, missing my family, and making new friends, as everything gets better in time. I would tell myself, no matter what I decide, to make sure it was something I would feel proud of.

Dear Rachel (high school senior), Relax! It is all going to work out just fine. You are going to love New York, and it will become home sooner than you think. Chemitry class is going to be harder than you expect so dont let it slide! And, just because it is a quiz that doesn't mean you dont have to study for it. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help from professors, TAs, or even other students; it will help you in the long run. Be nice to those around you, especially when your stressed because they will help you make the transition from a high schooler living at home to an independent woman. Most of all though, just remember that you can do it, even when it seems hard. I am here to tell you that you not only survived, but you succeeded. Love, Rachel (second semester college freshman)

College is hard. You get to be an "adult" and freshman year is about decoding what exactly that means. It's not all sex, drugs, and rock n' roll--even if you hoped it might be. Some people find themselves caught up in all that "adult" behavior from the moment they set foot on campus, but not YOU. And you'll wish you could, because in your heart of hearts, you've always envied the kids who know how to partaay. Who seem so "grown up." And so you'll spend your first semester diving into your homework and cutting yourself off from a social life you're afraid to have, or afraid to fail at having. You can't find your "adult" life! Look up! Stop crying into your Nietzsche, walk out the door, turn to your right, and knock. If you want to live your new "adult" life to the fullest, you don't have to behave like a fratboy and you also can't hide behind your books. Just take some time, every week, to meet someone new, go somewhere new, and make your OWN adventures. They might not be glamorous, but they'll certainly be yours.

I would advise myself to look at all of the different factors involved in picking a college. I am happy at NYU, but there are many things I would have liked to know then about what my life would be like now. When deciding on a college, it's important to think about what kind of lifestyle you want to lead in college. Do you to live in a fast-paced environment where it's easy to succumb to the stresses of school and work? Do you want to attend a school with a close-knit community where it's easy to make friends? What do the students do for fun on the weekends? Also, pay attention to the school population. If you're looking to meet the guy of your dreams during college, don't attend a school where there's a very disproportionate ratio of males to females. It terms of making the transition to college, I would just say to try new things when you get there. You won't know where you belong until you try out different things, meet new people, and get as involved as possible.

Looking back on my transition from high school to college, I would have one large piece of advice for myself: everything is going to change. Growing up in a small town and then moving to the heart of New York City, there really was no transitional period. While I was used to working very hard in school and in dance classses, I would have warned myself of the physical and mental exhaustion that college life encorporates. While I do have information that I could tell myself, there really is no preparation for moving away from home, leaving behind friends, living with roommates, and starting your new life as an adult. Everything must be personally experienced in order to fully comprehend the change that your life takes when starting school at a university.

For me, the most difficult part of college has been the loss of the friends and family that I grew up with. This past year, I moved from the Texas Panhandle to downtown Manhattan for school, and I had to say good bye to everythign that was familiar in my life. I spent a great deal of time worrying about the transition through out my senior year, and it felt as if I was having to choose between my dreams and my loved ones. If anything, I would go back and tell myself to relax. Too often I would let the stress of moving get in the way of enjoying that time that I did have left with the people I was worrying about missing. I would assure myself that if I just enjoyed the present, everything would work out. I would assure that I would have a wonderful senior year followed by a freshman year filled with letters, keeping in contact via Facebook, and making new friends at college if I would just relax and let things happen.

No matter how much you want to leave high school right now, part of you will miss it. High school is simple. You have your friends which you have known for years and you are doing course work which does not require all nighters. You live at home where your mom makes sure everything is available to you. College is different from high school. You have to put yourself out there and try to make new friends instead of waiting for them to come to you. The work is more interesting, but far more challenging. College burdens you with more responsibilty, but it is worth it. The biggest mistake I made as a high school senior was not completely enjoying my last year in high school. College will come soon enough. Spend time with your friends and enjoy the carefree days. In college, you will transition to some of the best years in your life as did high school.

Looking back at my freshman semester, I realize that there are a few things that had I been aware of them, my transition from high school to college could have been slightly smoother. Being in the middle of NYC has been a huge adjustment to the busy city life, as well as the busy city people! I wish I had a better grasp on the difficulty the transition would be from a high school of roughly 2,000 students, where we knew the names and backgrounds of almost every person in our graduating class, to a college of over 50,000 where you might be in a lecture of over 100 students and not know the name of the person next to you all semester. I tell myself that sometimes it really isn't possible to do everything that you want, and that it is important to figure out what things you are really passionate for. NYC and NYU are both overflowing with opportunities that it can really be overwhelming. It is important to remember, especially as a college freshman who wants to do everything, that it's ok to drop certain things in order to maintain a good balance.

Firstly, I would tell myself to enjoy what I have, at home in Oregon. Although life was certainly stressful my senior year (family problems, massive amounts of extracurriculars, and International Baccalaureate), it was also a wonderful time that I definitely took for granted while I was there. The second thing I'd say requires an amount of prefacing. This last semester was my first at NYU, and I entered as an acting student. After a month of being miserable in that program, I began the hard and roadblock-filled process of trying to change over to the individualized study program mid-semester. Although I would not inform myself of the specifics, I would say that the first semester will be rough, not nearly as ideal as I imagined it. I would tell myself that, in times of difficulty, there is no shame in relying on my father and step-mother, my former teachers, and even NYU's counselors for support. There was great value and growth in experiencing the semester as it was, all of the difficulty and pain included. I would never change the fact that I went through it, simply my resources for handling the confusion and homsickness.

I would tell myself to take more college level courses. The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming when it comes to the difference in work magnitude and content. The college level courses that are available to us in high school can be extremely beneficial. For example, high school A's are college B's if you are lucky. When it comes to writing, what is acceptable in high school can be viewed as the bare minimum in college. College work requires so much more thinking and time. I would tell myself to get in the habit of studying and reading daily. Also, extending my vocabulary even more. I would tell myself to listen more and understand that my way is not always the right way and it is best to stay open minded because there are so many different views and ideas presented in college. Most importantly, I would stress the taking of the college level courses that I mentioned earlier. I would take them in the sciences especially because I am a science-based major, Biochemistry. Also, I would tell myself to sleep because in college that is a rare thing to come by.

If I can go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior while knowing the information that I know now about college life and transition, I would seriously considered giving myself advice about time management. As a freshman at New York University, time management has been the biggest problem to fix. Procrastination is a problem that is developed early and I was a victim of it during my high school years. The adivce I would give myself is to manage my time, projects, and personal life. College work compared to high school work is harder, longer, and requires maximum attention and effort. I would tell myself to schedule projects, papers, and readings ahead of time in order to balance my time. Time management can help balance stress, sleep-less nights, and increase the grade you obtain. The best advice to any high school senior now is to learn time management early and quickly as possible because it is the best tool in college life.

Originally, I chose to only go to college and get my associate's degree. At the time, I thought that would be enough to allow me to enter the competitive job market. However, I realized years later how wrong I was. I am now enrolled at NYU to finish my bachelor's degree, and am very happy that I decided to do this. If I was to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have told myself to get a 4-year bachelor's degree, not just an associate's. In this day and age, it is extremely important to have a bachelor'd degree. Employers often do not even consider a candidate without a minumum of that. Additionally, I would have told myself to study a little more and focus better. Education is something that no one can take away from you, and is with you forever. I would tell myself to take advantage of this time to the utmost, learning as much as I possibly could. As a returning student years later, I find myself in this position, and try to take advantage of my time at NYU as much as I can.

Benjamin, first and foremost I would like to say that I am proud of you. Your actions and hard work will get you through to a great school. Your perseverance held steadfast and your creativity amazes me. HOWEVER, I must warn you now. Get your act together. This is your senior year and although you may feel like now is the time for slacking, I must very stearnly warn otherwise. Your work ethic may get you into college but to stay in it is a whole other story. Work hard now so that you may already build the strong work ethic you will need. There will be times in the future when you feel overwhelmed with the work load and there will be times when your competition will have you questioning your place in such a university but stay strong and remain confident. As mom always says, if you work the same amount as everyone then you will only get so far as everyone. Listen to mom, it's great advice, and learn to work your butt off now so that the transition will not phase you and you will only excel in college.

If I were able to go back in time, the advice I would provide myself with would be about the financial issues of college, adjusting from high school to college, and having fun. I would tell myself to start planning now for student loans, establishing credit, and saving as much money as possible. My financial situation has never been easy, but having more knowledge on loans and credit would have made my life MUCH easier. Adjusting from the transition has been difficult for me. I would tell myself to take some time before classes start or in my breaks to sit back and allow myself to realize that I am in college now. I think those small moments of realization would have made it easier. Having fun is something I never do, especially back in high school. Now that I am in college I would advice myself to try to have fun. Explore the city more! Go out to concerts, the movies, or just hanging out in the park with friends. I need to leave the four walls of my dorm room and just try to have fun with friends and enjoy my new college life!

To my seventeen-year-old self: don?t worry so much about what other people think. It?s your college, not your parents?, your friends?, your boyfriend?s, your teachers? or the community?s. Who cares if you do or do not attend an Ivy League school? Quit worrying about status and believe in yourself. People will still like you if you go to a less famous school. Do what makes you happy. Choose a school for the way in which it will educate you. If you can?t be happy at a huge, internationally accredited university, go to a smaller, more intimate college. Research your options. There are thousands of colleges on the planet. One of them is bound to make you happy, so don?t settle for a school that may be exalted by others but is only mediocre in your mind.

Dear inspiration, Thank you for your wide-eyed ambition and unparalleled hope in our future. Recalling how we used to think always brings me back to a place of inspiration. Your commitment to life was the push I needed this last semester. I am happy because I remember you. Now, remember when we said "Columbia or bust!" well the world is a whole lot bigger and you can find an academically secure university ANYWHERE! It's not even all at NYU. What makes the university special is having you there and believe me you make some waves. As an artist (our Tony's are coming soon, I promise) you are going to experience so much and it's really nobody's fault but God's...and yours-because you're so darn stubborn! You're going to know exactly what you want in life and it's right around the corner, kid. I urge you to be your own person. Do not allow circumstances and misguided whispers to alter your already stringent hopes. You are enough! If ever you remember something, let it be that affirmative. When you get to this place, rejoice because you made it from far away.

Although seemingly perilous, filled with big changes, descisions, and a crushing workload, the things to come are not impossible to face, don't require you to read a how-to book, and can't be preempted by some formula. Like in high school, people are different and have their own agendas. Some will want to party, some will only study, and some will try to balance fun and work. There will be people who distract you from your goals and there will be those who remind you why school matters to you. The key to being successful or having fun is not finding the perfect social scene or hiding in the library; it's being the person who can balance and prioritize. Most importantly, remembering the important staples in your life, like values and goals, will keep you grounded and prepared to take on changes with ease. You don't have to resist change, because that's what college is about, you just need to have confidence in what can do and the descisions you will make.

Preparing to leave for college was stressful. I was scared to leave the comforts I had known and loved for 18 years to brave the unknown.After stressing for months, I found myself in my new room. I had been at college for some time, in a new environment, and I was happy. No nightmares, simply contentment.It was then that I realized how useful it would have been in those stressful months of being a high school senior to know what I know now. College is the most exciting time of your life, You are on the threshold of your future, taking massive steps toward your dreams, with everything in your control. You have the power to make your college experience as great as you want it to be. And, college and all that it brings are additions to your life, not replacements for your former comforts. Leaving home doesn?t mean leaving your younger self behind. All of your previous experiences travel with you, coexisting with your newfound self to create a well-rounded individual. Leaving for college isn?t a ?goodbye?, but a ?hello? to new opportunities, worthy of excitement, not that stress I unnecessarily experienced.

If I could move back in time to when I was a high school senior considering universities for my future, I would tell myself to explore many different options. Being a transfer student, I did not consider the possibilties of large schools and made the wrong decision. Now that I am successful at NYU, I have realized that some schools are not best for everyone. I, personally, enjoy the benefits of a large student body. It has allowed the opportunities to involve myself in more ways than just taking classes. I would remind myself as a high school senior that the next four years of my life will be revolved around this one place and it should be somewhere that I felt comfortable, made connections, as well as friends, and learned vital information about my career path and future. Learning as much as possible about a prospective school is key to understanding what your personal experience will be like. I would also give the advice to be sure to get as involved as possible in clubs, sororities, volunteer work, elective classes, and research in whatever may be of interest. These are the best, and most important, days of your life.

"Be honest." I would tell myself to be honest with myself--why I wanted to go to school, where I wanted to go, what I was studying, who I was going to school for, etc. The truth is, school isn't for everyone, and it certainly wasn't for me when I first attended Indiana University. I dropped out after my first semester because I wasn't happy with who I was. Then, I returned to school because, well, I wasn't happy with who I was! The truth is, I didn't even know who I was; I simply kept discovering who I wasn't. I was so blinded by what my parents wanted for me, what my friends wanted for me, and what people in general wanted for me that, ultimately, I never envisioned what I wanted for myself. I've now spent several years not only discovering myself, but accepting, and loving who I am-even when my friends and family have struggled to do so as well, but I'm happy now. If I could go back and tell myself anything, it's simple. "Be honest."

Step outside of yourself. Try new things. Meet new people. Never be afraid of something different. As you try to develop your own artistic view, it is important to explore who you are and who you want to be. The more you grow as an artist (and a person) the better and more able you will be to make something that can hold meaning for someone else. The more you learn about yourself, the more you understand yourself and your emotions, the better artist you will be.

If I could go back and talk to my senior year self, I would recommend for her to take some time and apply for scholarships. I never applied for any scholarships my senior year and a huge adjustment that any freshmen in college must make is a financial one. Some of us are lucky enough to have parents who support us throughout High School, so the beginning of being financially responsible would have been easier if I had not had to worry about the insane price of my loans as well. Also, I would have had more money to spend instead of having to scrimp for money to do laundry, which ?yes, senior self, is expensive in New York City?. Another piece of advice I would have given my senior self is to have a planner in order to keep track of assignments, events, and job hours because time management is crucial in that first year since you will be bombarded with a whole myriad of opportunities especially in New York. Lastly, I would advice my senior self to just relax, and take it one day at a time because that is all you have for right now.