New York University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, preparing for college, I would have a lot of advice to offer. The first thing I would tell myself is that its not just about showing up to every class but putting in the necessary work in order to do well. It is important to complete homework in a timely fashion and to start studying for tests and preparing papers before its too late. I would also tell myself that no matter what happens, no matter who wrongs you, you need to focus on school and push everything else out of your mind. Just because one thing goes wrong or one class doesnt go well doesnt mean that you can use that as an excuse to not put in the effort and do well in the other classes. I would tell myself to care more. To care about my professors, my peers, my actual classes and myself and my future. I would tell myself to enjoy learning. That's what school is really about. Learning about certain subject matter but also learning a lot about yourself.

College life is an amazing experience. Learn to embrace it with an open heart. Do not be afraid to take chances, because this is the one place where you will be able to try different things and discover all the unique attributes that you have. Even if you try something and end up not liking it, you will have discovered something new about yourself. Even failures here can be great learning experiences. You learn with each and every step, both about yourself and about the world around you. Always remember to keep yourself open to the world. College is a great place to be for those ready to expose themselves to more than just manifold classes. Join clubs, meet new people, try new things, it's all a learning experience. At the end of four years, you will become an individual in the fullest right; unique from others, but still understanding and welcoming. Most of all, never think that you are not capable of doing something. If you push yourself in the right direction, everything will fall into place. Just choose your goal, put your heart to it, and take a step; everything else just falls into place thereafter.

Liz, you know who you are and what you want out of life. Be confident in what you're trying to acheive, which is change for a better world. You know you're a city person. You know you want to be in a place that's going to push you to do the best that you can. You know you want a university that you can get lost in, immerse yourself entirely in. You know that you fell in love with NYU the moment you stepped on campus and it truly is the perfect place for you. Yes, it is a huge university, but you have the drive to find the clubs, the teams and the people to make your own community. Yes, the classes are hard and getting A's are even harder but the hard work you put in will open your eyes. Yes, the city can be scary and overwhelming at times, but you'll come to realize that you truly have the world at your fingertips. Activism, poetry slams, comedy clubs, good pizza, art, music, interesting people, new experiences. You name it. You can find it. NYU will change your life.

I know your a hard worker and I know that you can get the job done, but you're a little bit to carefree. You should go into college with the mind set to do everything that is giving to you. Do not get caught up in all the hype of and lose sight of what is important. Don't slack and get rid of your carefree lazy kind of attitude. That can lead to your downfall. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a little fun at times but make sure you remember what is important, graduating and getting the career you want.

As a very new college student (current freshman at NYU), I constantly think about the choices I made when applying to and ultimately choosing my colleges. If I were to go back in time to my senior year and was able to talk to myself, I would certainly tell myself to look into my college choices carefully and understand why exactly I am putting down the colleges. When I was originally applying to colleges, NYU was just another college on my list. I didn't really think twice about it because I live in NYC and practically everyone applies to NYU. Similarly, I did not give much thought to the other colleges on my list. So, as I visit my friends in high school who are currently seniors, I emphasize the fact that they should be willing to go to every school they put down on the Common Application because ultimately that is a very large possibility. I would also tell myself to look into various acholarship opporutunities because not all colleges meet 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} financial need. I feel like I greatly overlooked the cost of college while applying to some universities. Lastly, I woud tell myself: good luck.

First of all, I would say not to worry as much because things always work out in the end. If you feel that you are being pulled to one college more than other go for it. This stage in life is about you and no one else. It doesn't matter what your friends say or the fear that others may try to instill in you. Have the courage to make the decision on what you truly want to do and then be happy with it. With that being said do not be lazy. College is expensive you have to pay for everything, things you didn't even realize you used. Start looking for scholarships as soon as they are available. The more you apply to the greater chance you will have of receiving the funds. Apply early for everything do no wait till the last minute it will take off so much stress from your life. Read all the fine print, be more informed than your parents because after all you are the one that has to live with your choice. Get a job over the summer along with hanging with friends you will be happy you did both.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to live in a residence hall (dormitory). New York University is an enormous school that is located in the heart of New York City. It has no real campus and, therefore, no sense of community whatsoever. The students don?t have school spirit, and no one gathers for football games in NYU sweatshirts. Because of this, it is difficult for any new student to adjust to college life, and it was even more difficult for me because I live at home while 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of NYU?s students live on campus. I feel that if I lived in university housing, it would be a little easier for me to find at least some sense of community. I can?t stay for many extracurricular events or group meetings because most of them take place at night while I have an hour-long train ride home ahead of me. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely tell my high school self to live in an NYU residence hall.

If I were to go back in time, I would tell myself how important time management is in college. In college, one has to allocate enough time to homework, studying, sleep, food, and a social life. In my first semester of college, I spent most of my time during the first couple of months exploring the city with friends. As a result, I did not have adequate time to sleep and would often struggle to complete my schoolwork on time. When I began to see that my grades were struggling, I began to spend all of my time catching up on my studying. However since I was already behind, this took up a disproportionately large amount of time. As a result, I would often find myself skipping meals and spending weekends locked inside of my room studying. Had I kept in-line with my studies during the first two months, I would not have had such a stressful end to the semester. The problem was that a smaller workload in college made me believe that I could dedicate less time to my studies. However the difficulty of the work compensates for this difference.

"The events of my future have already been outlined by God. The lines have been drawn and the paint sits mixed and ready for me to use in the years to come. I believe that God will allow me to use my gifts to enhance His kingdom. My destiny is about to unfold!" This was my quote featured within my senior yearbook when I was in twelfth grade. These words should have continuously motivated me, however, they were forgotten throughout my first semester as stress and disappointment overshadowed my self-proclaiming life prophecy. Two weeks into my second semester, I have found renewed hope from the biblical passage of 2 Corinthians 8:10-11: ?It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.? Given the chance to advise my former self, my advice would be to never forget this passage. Fear of failure has no place in my life. I am a finisher, my destiny is complete!

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, the most important thing I could express is to remain open minded. Often times a high school senior becomes absolutely set upon one vision of their collegiate future. I personally had my heart set solely on one particular school, and when attending that school didn't work out, I was convinced my future would not come to the fuition I'd always hoped. After attending my current univeristy, I've come to realize there is no place I would rather be. I would tell myself that whatever happens is meant to happen and there is only so much I can do to prepare for my future. By recognizing alternate paths for my future as valid and positive opportunities and not as lowered expectations for myself, I would have avoided lots of unnecessary stress and anxiety.

I greatly regret not applying for scholarships before my second semester of senior year. My logic was that I would get through the stressful first semester of senior year, focusing on college applications and SAT II tests, and then use my next semester?when I would have much more free time?to search and apply for scholarships. My mother had advised me to start applying early for scholarships, but I did not heed her advice. Consequently, many of the big scholarships that I had a good shot at winning held December deadlines; I had trouble finding scholarships and ended up winning only a small one. Now, I'm going to have over $100,000 in debt after graduation. My future life would have been a whole lot less stressful if I had started looking and applying for scholarships my first semester of senior year (or even better, junior year). Now I realize that I am inevitably going to be stressed after school repaying my debt, but it is too late to go back now?I can only move forward. My advice to myself in senior year of high school would be to start looking and applying for scholarships immediately.

Dear High School Me, This may come as a shock but our teachers were right when they said college was not going to be easy. With the first semester of college under my belt I feel like I should give you some advice on what to do to get ready for college. First, time is valuable. In college the work load is heavy and your teachers are not going to check on you every day to make sure you're getting your work done. You have to learn to be responsible and do your homework when it's assigned to you. Second, STUDY! Many college students don't actually know how to study for exams, so now would be a great time to build those skills. Flashcards, highlighting, or acronyms whatever helps you learn the material USE IT! Lastly, get plenty of sleep and eat healthy. You only have one body so take good care of it. Try munching on carrots instead of chips if you need a snack and try going to bed before midnight. There's alot more to college than these tips but they should get you started in the right direction! See Ya In A Year!

The advice I would give myself would be to apply to more than four universities. At the time, I assumed that applying to four colleges would be enough, and I would get into three of them. Well, with that logic, I decided to apply to two colleges in my home state of Tennessee and two colleges in New York. I did get into three of the four colleges, but i got into two Tennessee colleges and one New York college; I wanted exactly the opposite. This occurence made me feel like I really had no other option than to go to the one New York college, since I really did not want to live in Tennessee anymore. I feel that I should have applied to six universities, with the other two being Harvard and Stanford. That way I would not only have more options, but I would have the chance to get into an Ivy League school that offers a great financial aid package. Looking back now, applying to more than four universities would have made my decision of picking a school harder and more stressful, meaning that I would have so many good options that I could not choose.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to enjoy my hometown and family dynamics as much as possible because it will never seem the same again. Scottsdale, Arizona is a beautiful place; unfortunately, it wasn't until I left that I began to realize this. As a high school student, I was too busy keeping up with my school work and social life to appreciate both my natural and man-made surroundings. In the process of becoming a college student, the way my family views me has also changed. Although I now command more respect, I often find myself wishing for those teenage lectures that I once hated so much. It wasn't until my first college winter break that I realized the value of my Arizona roots and the fact that my future may very well lead me even further away from them. To my high school self: open your eyes, mind, and heart because sooner is definitely better than later.

Don't worry so much! I would tell prospective students to only apply to the schools that they desire to actually attend, not necessarily the ones that just have a good ranking. Of course, doing your research and taking the time to find out the details about your schools of interest can definitely help narrow down the list. Don't fret so much about ranking or prestige, picking a place that you would be happy to attend is far more important. Finally, I would tell prospective students to not take college decisions to heart so much. The reality is that while being accepted to a school is the ultimate thrill, getting rejected to a school hurts probably even more. Understand that there is nothing wrong with getting rejected, especially since elite universities will reject far more applicants than they accept. Don't let yourself fall too far down in the dumps just because of one college's decision. I fully believe that just about everyone ends up where they belong in the end and wish the best of luck to all future applicants!

Hey Kathy! I know right now you're nervous about NYU because you didn't expect to be going there, but NYU is going to give you the opportunity to become more than capable of going after what you want with determination and sass. At NYU, you're going to be thrust into the driver's seat of your future, but don't worry! You'll be fine! You have many different interests, so try not to worry too much when you realize there's a lot you want to do. Remember: you have time to explore and this is the period and place to do it. Don't forget that your parents are behind you and give them a little credit! They were once in your place and know how different college can be. Don't hesitate on calling them, they will surprise you. Although I really don't have to say it, go and explore the city! At the same time, don't forget to work out once in a while and eat healthy. Otherwise, you might just rip your favorite pair of jeans on New Year's from bending over. Keep laughing and keep smiling! Love, Kathy

I would begin by advising myself to develop more rigorous study habits due to the increased manner of studying that I would encounter in college. I would also advise myself to begin to gradually let go of the unimportant things or activities that seem to take up most of my time as my college education, and required school activities would become important priorities in my life. I would also advise myself to try to get comfortable with spending time around people I do not know, as that is what I will be faced with in college daily. Last, but not least, I will encourage myself to gradually begin to familiarize myself with being independent, as this is basically what my college experience will be about.

Perhaps there?s a bit of fatalist theory in me?but everything does happen for a reason. I was forced to turn down my first choice, but freshmen year at NYU was one of the greatest years of my life. I couldn?t imagine being anywhere else now. The application process probably drove you mad, but remember: you will attend a school. Consider advice from others, consider academic prestige?but choose a college that?ll allow you to challenge yourself, to pursue every pulsing ambition, to grow, to be happy/successful?even if means compromising parental wishes. But keep an open mind. Keep your passions within reach, allow your education to serve as cornerstones for your career path, but look into universities that have arrays of options and room for exploration. Approach someone who intrigues you; be open to new relationships, perspectives, environments; balance the social and academic aspects of college; be the person you want to be; be independent but don?t be afraid to seek guidance, step out of your comfort zone, carve out your own opportunities, take an unexpected class, take the stage, have fun.

I want to get this ^^

Baby girl, I just wanted to let you know that I am very proud of you. As you take steps toward your next journey, here are some breadcrumbs to help you along the way. Pick a major that you will be happy in. If you are not happy in your major, then chances are you will not be happy about completing it. Make wise and sound decisions that will benefit you now and in the future. When seem overwhelming and out of control, take a step back and breathe, hang in there it will be okay. Just remember, quitting is not an option. This whole college experience is just that, an experience. It is a new road, a new journey for you to travel. Make good friends, not just with your classmates, but with your professors and advisors. They may appear to be intimidating, but trust me, once they see your potential and determination; they will be wiling to help you in any way possible. They actually want to see you succeed. Here's wishing you much happiness, success, adn support in all of your future endeavors Be inspired to greatness.... I love you "Me" in the future

I would tell myself not to pick a school based on reputation alone. I would tell myself to really think about what makes me comfortable and what type of people I'd like to be around.

It is difficult to prepare for college because it is such a big step in life. You become an adult, responsible for your grades, your health, and your expenses (regardless if you are away from home or not). However, there is not much to do in order to prepare for college. Senior year of high school is no time to slack off because those habits can carry over to college. The best advice for anyone looking to be successful in college would be to try your best. As cliche as it may sound, giving effort is the one thing that you are certain to control in your life. Grades are a great example of this. You may feel dissapointed at the end of the semester when your grades seem low. If you put in the time and effort, however, you have nothing to be mad about because you did your best. High achievers have the potential to go far in life because they continuiously pursue excellence.

Look up more financial aid.

Look, Gabe, college is and never will be the "be all end all" in fact, you may discover that college life itself isn't for you. Unfortunately, High School is just training for college and no one bothers to look at the individual. They just wish to see that slip of paper that says "I owe 10 years of money to this school." It's harsh I know. But it's the way the world turns. You don't have to go to college this year. You can even wait, but should you decide to do, know that you are going to deal with a bureacracy and all those images you have of people being legitimately nice in big positions are just veneers. Whatever you choose, I trust you'll do your best. Good luck and God speed.

Relax. Everyone is just as nervous as you are to be starting college. Be prepared to have a culture shock because you will meet different kinds of people from all over the world. You will start discovering yourself as you meet these new people. During classes, take part in more discussions because you will grow from them. Don't be afraid to explore the city- freshman year is the time to look around. Really take advantage of all the programs NYU Stern gives because first, they're free and second, they're really helpful- the advising sessions, taking tours around the city, just mingles to meet other students, etc. Be bold and confident. This is a new chapter of your life when you discover new people and things. Do the things you want to do, but be smart about it!

I would probably have worked more to save some money for school and looked into more scholarship programs. It is difficult to be on your parents wallet when you are in university because it is extremely expensive. I would have also quite soccer earlier because it is way too demanding. If I was receiving a scholarship to play I probably would have continued but it is not worth the time and stress that playing a varsity sport while attending a competetive univeristy requires.

Do not let anything pass you by. Work out as much as your schedule allows in order to keep sane. Do more extracirriculars, just sing more!

I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions and learn the value of time management. No matter how stressful college can be, there is always someone or some program offered to get you the help you need. Occassionally you'll come across an unwilling faculty or staff member, but for the most part college is filled with all the tools you need to succeed. Finding them is all a matter of asking a simple question no matter how embarrassing it may seem. In regards to time management, buy a planner and a calendar. There's so much to keep track of whether it be assignments or social events.

Don't stop taking voice lessons over the summer because you can't afford them - you'll make your life a whole lot easier when you begin the program. Take dance classes. Never take an unpaid internship or a job without specific guidelines for pay. Don't move out of the dorms after freshman year - even though you think living in an apartment with this friend will be better and cheaper, you will regret it after cleaning up after him every day and dealing with a massive cockroach infestation. Audition for more professional productions and take classes outside of NYU to get a more realistic perspective of the industry before senior year approaches.

Dear Maria, Get off the couch and start moving and shaking. Nothing will happen if you just dream about it, you must figure out a process to acheive your goals and then go about doing them. What does all this abstract advice mean to you? First of all, continue to get good grades (duh). And I mean the best grades you possibly can, so that you do not lose your momentum. At college, there will always be someone better than you. Second, get financial aid or die trying. There is nothing more disappointing than realizing every day that you are not making the most of the $40,000 investment you and your parents are making for you to attend a top school. Whether your parents pay for school or you take out a huge loan, the financial strain will torment you throughout your years in college and well into your adult life. There is money out there, your just have to overcome your laziness and go ahead and write all those essays and personal statements. Finally, try to actually learn, rather than just get good grades. Your elite education is worth nothing if you forget everything right after the exam.

College should not only be about preparing for a career but also finding a group of good friends.

While you may know what your field of interest is, do your homework on everything else. Knowing what schools are top on your list and what your priorities for your education are will help you make the most of the college experience. Don't get sidetracked! Life happens, but don't let it stop you from achieving one of the most important goals in your life: a solid education. Make sure that you stick to and finish one program before embarking into another. You'll finish faster and have something to show for your progress at all times. Stay committed to doing what it takes. Don't wait until tomorrow to finish a project and go above and beyond the requirements. Friends are great and can help you along your journey but they can also lead you from the straight road to a good education. Don't let lazy friends blind you to what's important: work hard even when others don't seem to care what grade they get. Also, don't set your standards so high you can never reach them. Go for the best and do your best but accept a B+ if you did.

Find a way to motivate yourself now because it will pay off in the long run. Take your courses seriously because it can affect your future. Getting good grades isn't always something that you do for just to satisfy your parents. Your sole purpose is to be a good student, the same way graduates find jobs and stay on top of their work. Have some integrity and enjoy your high school experience because it gets a lot tougher once you're in college. Lastly, cherish the friendships you've made, all the good times and bad, and remember to finish everything you start!

If I were to give guidance with the knowledge that I have acquired since high school, I would have told myself to be as productive as possible with any free time I had available. Procrastination is one of the major issues that most college students run into. In the end, turning the negative energy of slacking, into positive things like finishing assignments early, will make one's college career run much smoother. Not only will one's grades reflect the effort, but also their general well-being and health are less effected. The student will have a less stressful, happy, and more successful college career.

Stress is perfectly normal. It is a necessary catalyst to your work but it will also drive you mad. Those things you like to do now in your free time - don't forget about them. The moments you take for yourself are just as productive as the moments you spend working. Be good to yourself. Sleep. It will actually save your life. Learn to let go. Sometimes letting go is too easy: you will procrastinate and you will fail with money. Know this, but know that there are ways to educate yourself from failure. Self-discipline is a skill that can be acquired, it just takes a lot of work. And remember: thinking about doing work is not the same as doing work. Please remember that the teachers who give you assignments are human beings. Just as self-discipline is a skill to be acquired, so is falling in love with seemingly undesirable work. The assignment is the teachers' but the work is yours - fall in love with it! Above all, know that everything you do is a learning experience. Your degree is a culmination of your life, not just your work. Make it all count.

I would tell myself to relax and be myself around new people. I would also remind myself to buy a calendar because day-to-day planners are not as useful at a college level as in high school. I would advise myself to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and not take on too much at once. Avoiding illness is very important at such a demanding university. I would also suggest not applying for an on campus job and finding work off campus. On campus jobs pay less and are more difficult to find. Furthermore, I would suggest waiting until second semester before finding work so I will have fully transitioned to college life. Lastly, I would remind myself to go to the gym or Yoga on a regular basis in order to reduce stress.

At times college is going to be much easier than you had expected, then it is going to become harder than you could ever imagine; however, you will get it done and you should relax while you can. You won't have time to play lacrosse, act, or go to debate meetings any more but you will find ways of expressing youself academically and socially. While that might seem like a big deal now, there are better rewards ahead. Don't slack off about applying for scholarships. College is going to be much more expensive than you thought and the cost of living is way higher in New York City. Enjoy the summer and try not to pack as much as you wanted to because it isn't going to fit into your dorm room, well it will but you won't be able to see the floor. Good Luck.

I would tell myself to go to college right out of high school instead of waiting until I was almost forty years old. This way I would of already had a career in Paralegal. I may of even got a four year degree (Bachelors).

Firstly, I would tell myself to complete all assignments ahead of time. I have always waited until the last minute to complete papers and assignments, putting myself under unnecessary stress. This would have helped me to adopt better time management in college. Secondly, I would tell myself to get more involved in school activities as this would have helped me to develop my social skills. These social skills are a very important part of college life because without them you can become very lonely and not be able to network to get the very necesssary information that is need to navigate your way through colllege. And, thirdly I would start researching all majors that I am interested in within a timely manner which would have greatly aided my college selection process.

I would tell myself not to worry about anything. However, I would also tell myself not to let Leah give me a cigarette outside of Red Bamboo. This was quite a poor decision. Also, former self, do not drink enough jager to warrant hospitalization.

I'd figure out how to manage my time a little more wisely. Also I would tell myself not to be so afraid, but remain confident and friendly.

Make goals. Set goals and stick to them. It's easy to lose track of where you are going in life at college, and having that goal is a good way to stay organized. Have a plan for everything, don't just jump in to things blindly. Although sometimes blind actions are the best actions sometimes. Do not be afraid to just go out there and be friend with everyone, because it will pay off when you have a lot of friends on campus. Make sure you hang out with the right people, and don't get caught up in the wrong crowd. Also make sure you go to class. Once you skip your first class it's game over because you will begin to skip all your other classes.

I would tell myself to not worry about the name and prestige of the school. Most schools in the United States offer quality educational opportunities and unique professional programs. Broaden the search for schools and visit each one in order to make sure that you fit in there and feel absolutely, 100 percent comfortable. Do not listen to people who pressure you to attend a school based on the name or "where they can see you." It is your future, your life for the next 4 or more years, your personal, professional, social, and spiritual experience that will help to shape the rest of your life. Do not do it for anyone but yourself. Work hard until the last day of high school, because exceptional grades will give you the opportunity to look into more schools and have more choices.

Time flies. These two words probably sound familiar and you've probably heard it often, but it is so true that I cannot stress it enough. Make every day count, because before you know it, freshman year of college will be over. Four years will go by in an instant. There are so many opportunities to take and people to meet out there, but you have to take action. Don't be passive. I hope that by the end of college, you'll be able to say, "I did something." Don't make yourself regret, make great memories instead. Just remember, time really does fly.

I would tell myself not to rush into anything. Even though it seems like there is so much pressure on you to make a decision, always trust your gut feeling. Even if you're not sure of what you want to major in, college will give you the chance to take so many classes and to make up your mind. Don't limit yourself to a few options just because that is what everyone recommends you to do. And let yourself open up to people because there is so much to learn from these people. They are just as nervous as you are and they can help you through this scary transition and help you stay true to yourself. And above all, enjoy yourself because time just passes by you.

By finally taking in on some experience of college life, I would have told myself to read much more during high school, because students basically teach themselves the subjects by reading as many books possible - professors act as a guiding force for this reading. I would also have told myself to write in a journal everyday to further enhance my writing skills, a quintessential element in college, as I have to write at least two papers every week. Having prior comfort to writing as much during high school would have made my transition easier and accounted for fewer all-nighters. Most importantly, I would tell myself to become more involved in school to set an example of being involved in college. Information does not come to me in college, it is up to me to find it myself, by asking people, making the right networks with others, and consulting upperclassmen, who have been in the same situation as I have.

RELAX! Follow your dreams, forget about guidance counselors and advisors for a while and go do something fun! College is far more important than the college application process. So stop freaking out about your stamp choices and stationary colors. Be yourself any good college would appreciate it. Apply to the schools you want to and don't worry about loans and course offerings just yet, you can do all that after they accept you. Have fun with it all and do what you want. No Ivy League applications? If your parents want to go there so much, I'm sure there are applications available. And if your friends don't like your college choice, trust me when I say they're jealous. Be happy for yourself first and those that help second. ~From some complete stranger

i will advice myself to be of good behaviour.

Knowing what I know now, I advise you to get the most out of your education and opportunities available to you. You should look around the school website and find out what extracurriclar activities and clubs there are. You should sign up on the listserv, for it emails you notices of upcoming events, most of which includes free food. Because there are so many clubs, you don't have to be an active member of every club, just show up to the events that you find intersting. For the clubs and organizations you are turly interested in, you should actively participate. You should pick explorations housing because in addition to meeting others of similar interests, it offers sponsored prorams and events that would otherwise not be able to go to. You should visit the career center early on and sign up for their listserv as well. Apply to helpful programs that will be valuable in helping shape your career path. I highly encourage studying abroad, especially in your sophomore year. It will be a wonderful and insightful experience where you will make friends for life. You shouldn't worry about being a loner for you will always meet new friends.

With all academics aside, College is much more of a social learning experience than it is a scholastic one. I had college pinned all wrong. Growing up in a city like Boston, I thought I would be prepared for the diversity of New York University. However, I was more naive and ignorant than expected. The greatest advice I could give to myself is to go into college with a fresh, clean slate. I needed to create my own judgements of people I actually knew, rather than rely on cultural or racial stereotypes. Having never met a Jewish person, an atheist, or a Buddhist should not mean you should not interact with them. Get their side of the story. Ask them about their beliefs and embrace each others differences. College has opened my eyes to whole new world of class, race, religion and sexual orientation that I have never been exposed to before. I admit, I was in shock. But as time progressed, I became comfortable with the idea that New York is a truly cosmopolitan city. I imagine that other colleges too, are a microcosm of the world at large. So my advice: embrace diversity- it is a beautiful thing.