University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

I would tell myself not to take my grades too seriously. The classes you take and the grades you earn ARE important, but your college experience is not solely academic. College is about managing a schedule of classes and homework assignments, social events, service programs, and projects. If you spend all your time in class, studying, or doing homework, then you won't make the most of your college years and you won't have a well rounded experience. Take your time on applications and essays; how you express your ideas isn't nearly as important as the ideas themselves. Take tours of schools that interest you, and talk to students you meet on campus. No one can tell you more about that college than an actual student; they'll tell you things info sessions and brochures won't. Take time to walk around campus and see places you don't hit on the tour. Watch how people carry themselves and interact with one another. The real essence of a school isn't in the admissions office.

I would have told myself that everything would be fine. In college, you will inevitably face new challenges and pressures from the environment, but nothing is insurmountable. Stay grounded in your faith and have confidence. For most people, college only happens once, so don't waste your life. Push your limits, and don't let fear or self-doubt keep you from trying new things. After all, the sky's the limit! In everything, do your best, but don't stress over perfection. You learn more from your mistakes anyway. Be flexible. Things are susceptible to change, which can be a good thing. Above all else, live purposely and passionately. Spend time pursuing your current passions and exploring new ones. Get to know the vast and vibrant campus community, and care deeply for those around you. REmember at the end of the day, you are still unconditionally and deeply loved, so live much and regret nothing!Such advice would have sufficed for every circumstance. Perhaps, hearing these words would have changed the entire course of my first semester. For now, it is simply a kick-in-the-pants, nudging me in a better direction for 2010 and beyond.

Go to a state school with friendly people, good sports, and strong academics. Don't fall for the prestige of an Ivy league school.

Come hungry. Entering college in the US is a wonderful privilege in today's world, especially in light of the recent crisis. These upcoming years will expose you to people of similar interests and different backgrounds and place you next door to some of the world's most brilliant minds--the individuals that will shape our future. Set a goal for yourself to meet as many people as possible; don't be afraid to interact with fellow freshmen and upperclassmen, many of whom are in the same boat as you and just need someone to say "hi. " It is here you will meet your lifelong friends, the co-founder of your new company, or even the partner with whom you will exchange vows. They are all out there waiting for you. Make sure you step out of your comfort zone and fine them. Time is precious, so seize every chance to learn and work while you can. The biggest difference between you and upperclassmen is experience; every step to close that gap places you a step ahead. Take full advantage of this opportunity to learn more about yourself, your colleagues, and the world around you. Good luck! --JZ

If I could give my younger self advice, I would definitely tell myself to try more things and take more risks. I've come to realize that nothing is ever a safe choice and that trying to choose the safest option leaves one cut off from opportunities. I first went to a college that I considered "safe," one that was not too challenging or scary. After freshman year, I regretted my choice and I transferred to my current school, which was the most frightening thing I've ever done. It felt like leaping off a cliff, but now that I am on the other side I'm so proud of myself for changing my life to go in the direction I want. I wish I could tell myself in highschool to go for the harder school in the first place, so I wouldn't have wasted a year in a safe but unhappy place.

Be practical. There is no need to spend $1000 trying to get the cutest things for your dorm or the most trendy outfits. In the long run, it won't matter what you or your dorm room looked like. What matters is how prepared you are to devote 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of yourself to your education.

Take a serious look at what you want, including doing things you didn't do in high school for fear of being caught, and recognize that you are going to make mistakes; minimize the damage these mistakes do. Don't expect any college to be perfect for you, since every place has some sort of flaw. Get involved with campus communities earlier and don't be afraid to dedicate a lot of time to them. Stay close with your high school friends, or at least don't forget about them once you meet your college friends. Remember who you are at the core, and don't try to pretend to be someone else; not only will it not work, you will feel like an idiot doing it. Finally, appreciate each day... don't wait for the next break, the next weekend, the next whatever... when it comes you won't know what to do, and you'll go back to waiting. Every day gives you the chance to wake up and choose to be happy.

CHill out

Be prepared for a huge cultural shock that ALWAYS occurs as soon as you step into college.

Going to college is a privilege and a life changing experience. It starts way before I leave home. I should learn to reach out to people around me and help them in all possible ways. If at all possible, I should travel as much as I can so that I can be informed of different cultures. Reading a variety of books can prepare me better to accept other college students' idea and thoughts. It is also imperative that I learn to express myself in a clear way so that I can engage in intelligent discussions during classes. Above all, having good physical and mental health will enable me to have a great college experience; so exerecising regularly and learning to handle stress the right way will rise to the top priority. Last but not the least, good time management and eating properly will enable me to have enough sleep and get the right nutrition. I am ready to go for four exciting years!

Go in with an open mind and don't be afraid to try something at least once. I don't want to give too much advice because college is a time to find out who you really are. It's ok to change your mind a million times. In the end, the experiences all add up to make you the best person you can be.

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Just because most students will take part in the new student orientation festivities, you don't need to step out of your comfort zone to fit in with others. There are people who share your ideas of fun. Going to frat parties are not all they are cracked up to be. You spend so much time getting ready and looking but then go to a basement flooded with alcohol and intoxicated students. My advice is to stay true to who you are. Drinking is not necessary to have fun. The transition can be tough especially for people who don't follow the "norms" of society. Remember to take time to relax as classes will get progressively tougher over the years. Live off campus for at least one year to experience something closer to "real life". Freshman dorms are notoriously bad for the spacing and quality of food available. Try different clubs and groups since you never know what you might find really interesting.

I would remind myself that going from high school to college is a huge transition. Do not expect to love it immediately. Some people enjoy it right away, but for others it takes more time. While you are transitioning into college, it is important to maintain an optomistic attitude, and realize that it will get better with time. I would tell myself to be open to learning from everyone. You meet such a variety of people in college that it is a shame if you don't engage in conversation with them. Also, join different clubs because it is fun and gives you a great social network. I would tell myself that it is so much fun living away from home, but it is sometimes hard to balance socializing and work. When you need to do work, you should go to the library, and not stay in your room. It is better to push yourself, and do great work for an hour than stay in your room and procrastinate for five hours. Choose your college based on academics and the people there. Visit it and see which one you feel most comfortable at.

Don't wait. I thought I would take a year off and then go to college, you know, see the world, work for awhile. It's been three years now, three years I could have been learning about animation, art and gaming, working towards my goal of being who I want to be in this world. My mom is going back to college now and wishes she would have started earlier to. I'm listening and learning now. Don't wait.

It's all a game. You need to play to the best of your abilities and hope for the best. It may seem overwhelming now, but it WILL work out. No matter where you end up, you will still be able to be a successful adult and achieve your dreams. Just think of the bigger picture and relax. Work hard and try your best, but know that it WILL work out.

Don't worry about the little stuff. Everything will sort itself out eventually. Have faith in your instincts - they'll help you to find the college that is best for you.

Penn is awesome.

Reach for the stars, and when it seems like you can't grab them, grab them anyway. Someone will notice your effort and you will be rewarded accordingly. Get off the couch and get out there, to get what you want, you have got to try above and beyond what others are willing to do.

I would say do everything to the full. Study as hard as you can, be as freindly to your school freinds as you can, go to as many social events as you can afford to go to. Don't wast one second. Be happy in what ever you do, otherwise there is no point in doing it. FInd something that you love doing, not something that you thingk your parents would love you to do because in the end your the one who is going to have to put in the hard yards. I know this sounds corny but highschool is the most carefree and easy time of your life. You are surrounded by people who want you to do as well as you can, its up to you to do it! Remember always that eventhough you are in high school and you can't wait to get out into the real world and start your life, you are already there and if you arent wise you could end up missing out on four great years of your life while you are waiting for school to finish.

Make sure you get involved in the community in your first year.

I would tell myself to always keep organized and on top of things. Don't stress out to much, there is life outside of school work. Be happy. Make friends. Join groups. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Try to apply early to college so you have a decision earlier and don't have to worry about the future as much. Remember that in college, you make friends that may last you a life time. These people will help you if you are struggling in life. College is fun, enjoy it while it lasts. And like that song in your favorite disney movie, Hercules, You CAN go the distance.

The next four years of your life will most likely be some of the most memorable of your entire life. So, when deciding on a university, keep that in mind. Try and find a place that suits both your academic and social needs. Visit campuses. Get the feel of what it is like to be a student at each of the universities you visit. Also, don't worry too much about getting accepted to your "top choices." In my experience, your top choices today may not in fact be your best matches. Wherever you end up going is where you are supposed to be. I cannot tell you how your university life will be, but I can assure you that it will be an incredible experience.

"When you enter your freshman year of college in the fall, develop personal standards and goals for how you wish to spend your college years. Get involved in as much as you can in a way that won't inadvertently affect your schoolwork. Think of how you want others to see you: how you want to behave, communicate and interact. This is the time in your life when you change into who you are supposed to be, so imagine what kind of person you may, and strive to become."

Get ready for an amazing time! Don't stress yourself out by being worried about what's ahead. Seize all of the opportunities that are about to be thrown your way. Not everyone gets to do this! Join clubs, meet new people, open yourself up, and take classes that interest you. Don't be shy! It's pointless! And don't fret about the change of pace or the change in scenery. It's a time to experience something new and fabulous! Don?t fear the upperclassmen. They?re not as cool as they think! Hold that map you got from orientation and strut through campus proudly! Don?t hold back! No regrets! Live life and live it to the fullest. It?s college and it only comes around once.

Don't be pre-med and go easy on the partying.

I would probably tell myself, "Don't stress so much! It gets so much worse at Penn!" I would tell myself not to be obsessed over getting straight A's and that high school is nothing compared to college. Furthermore, I would tell myself to choose to live with a random roommate over a friend; I lost a friend in my freshman year that way. I would also advise to really enjoy the summer before college; time flies so quickly here! Take opportunities to meet everyone while it's still possible; after freshman year it gets very difficult! Be careful of that one stair on the day it hails; I fell down the stairs and hurt my knee! Try to get involved in research as soon as possible. Research opportunities are EVERYWHERE at Penn - it's your chance to take it.

Make a more specified schedule for classes.

Things came easy to me, back in high school. I could float through a class with minimal effort. My junior year I never even opened the textbook for my AP United States History class, and I still got a five on the exam. Other students would scoff at my minimal effort, and my parents told me I'd regret neglecting how to study. I simply laughed. That all changed when I got into the University of Pennsylvania. Ivy League. The big time. I thought I could float through classes just as easily as I did in high school. I was wrong. Freshman year was a incredible wake-up call for me. Calculus, never my strongest subject, became the most dreaded class of the week. I struggled and barely passed, all the while thinking, "If only I had tried a little harder at studying in high school. If only I had learned how to focus." If I could turn back the wheels of time and talk to the me from two years ago, I'd tell her to work harder and work smarter. I'd tell her to put some effort into swimming, instead of just floating.

Take it easy. No need to be stressing. Savor college because it goes by quicker than you think. Involve yourself with as much as what's going on campus and with your friends because it's a time in your life that you'll never get to repeat. Don't ever let work just take over your life. Just plain have fun!

"College Knowledge" Benjamin Franklin, founder of our nation's first university, the University of Pennsylvania, once said that "an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." All students going through the college search process should take his advice when it comes to researching their options, for the most important thing in determining which college is "right" for you is obtaining college knowledge that goes beyond the plain facts and figures. Often, this will require a visit to the campus in order to really get a first-hand feel for the campus, student and academic life. Ultimately, there will always be comparable alternatives to any institution, and it's the in-person experience that truly sets apart a particular college from the others. Once accepted, knowledge is also the key to making the most of one's college experience. Get to know your peers, professors, and campus environment. But don't just make Facebook friends, make lifetime friends. Don't just sit in the back of large lectures, sit at Starbucks with lively lecturers. Don't just walk through campus nonchalantly, but explore and the environment in which your university resides - rural, urban or otherwise. Knowledge is power after all.

"Finding the right college" is one of the most exciting and difficult decisions in a teen's life. Going to college really means that you are growing up, and beginning to live the rest of your life, which makes picking the right college all the more important. What really guided me in my own decision was visiting the campus. I first visited UPenn in the fall, and I was completely blown away. The grass was a beautiful green, and the leaves were a radiant orange. I had no idea that such a rural place existed in such an urbam city. Thus, I was sold on attending the school soley based on appearance. It was not until I shadowed a friend that I realized the school's true beauty. As I sat in a classroom, I witnessed the powerful minds of students and faculty in action, and that's how I really knew Penn was the "right college" for me. You see, it is the people that make a college what it is, without them it's just another building. Finding the "right college" is like finding a home away from home, and what's a home without friends and family.

Just relax and apply to colleges that fit you the best, don't try to mold yourself to the school. If you do that, things would work out.

While a student's decision in choosing a college is very important, what is more important is what the student does with his or her college experience. All aspects of the college has to be looked into while the students and paretns are making a decision, which includes the academic courses available, the resources provided by the university, the social life and campus environment and of course the financial aid availabilities. All of these factors will allow the student to explore and figure out what they are really passionate about in life and to help the students to follow their dreams. I would definitely recommend visiting campuses in person and talk to the students who are walking around. Some specific advices I would dish out for students once they are in college are to find a good circle of friends who will become your network of support, talk to professors and upper classmen for their advice, attend on campus events, do volunteer work, subscribe to many club activities email updates and attend every class. Follow these advices and you will have a great college experience even if you are not sure you chose the right college.

Visit and choose a school based on fit, not prestige

Finding the best college is a daunting task, but ultimately just trust your instincts. Every school has benefits and problems, and many of them will not be apparent until you visit, so don't worry too much about minor details. One big thing that students need to remember about college is simple-GPA is not everything. Studying hard and doing well at any school is vital. Otherwise, there is no point in attending a school. However, you cannot forget that after graduation, much will be expected of them. There is much more to college than impressing your future employer with a 3.8 or higher grade point average. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be fully described with pen and paper, or on a computer. You will need to get out and explore everything that their school and their surroundings offer. Make an effort to discover not only how to write a Nestorian Order essay or find the optimal batch size of a product, but to find out what life has to offer. Search and strive for who you want to become, not just what people expect of you. Have the best time of your life.

Go with the college where you get that special feeling when you step foot on the campus, the school that you cannot wait to hear back from, and the school where you can only dream of going. Do not be afraid to take risks when picking the right school. Pushing yourself, going outside of your comfort zone, and becoming an independent person is key to college success. When you feel intimidated or challenged, prove to yourself you are capable, because chances are you can do it and it will help you in the long run. Parents, do not let scholarships or financial aids influence your child's decision, because they could be missing out on absolutely incredible and life-changing opportunities at a more prestigious school. Students, once enrolled, become as active and involved in the school community as possible because that is where you can find your identity and your home away from home. Also, it is through these activities that you will meet your closest friends, and your networking on campus will dramatically increase. Also, utitlize everything the university has to offer and explore your options. Finally, never surrendur or give up- you will get through it!

Find a school where you can be challenged academically and socially. Find a school that will allow your personality to flourish along with your mind. You get out what you put in, so don't hold anything back and don't have any regrets.

For one, don't be afraid to step outside of the mold. Just because your parent or your older sibling or your student went to a specific college doesn't mean it's right for you. Think about what you really want, and if you don't know, choose somewhere that gives you a lot of options. Also, consider taking a gap year, especially if you put a lot into your high school academics. High school can be tough, and you don't want to feel burnt out coming into college. Third, STUDY ABROAD! I've never heard a single person regret it, but the ones who don't go wish that they had. If you are in some program or working for a degree that doesn't allow for going abroad, go in the summer! Finally, make and use connections. Go to professor's office hours, e-mail a guest speaker who realyl impressed you, etc. Making someone's acquaintence can open lots of doors, which really helps you make the most of your college experience.

Go to Penn

Factor in your learning style, if you do better in smaller classes, you'll do better at a school where professors have time to give individualized attention or are more available outside of class. Going to an Ivy League school you pay for the name and alumni network but education-wise with the immense competition, it may be better to go to a less competitive but good school and be the best there rather than average at an Ivy League.

The college admissions process today is arbitrary and exhausting for students and, as such, it easy to forget what an extraordinary academic opportunity going to college is. Once admitted, students find themselves in a marketing tour de force; accepted-student visting days and brochures vie for each student's tuition. They show you young men and women with throngs of diverse friends, biology students who are also composing arias, and they invite you to become part of their seemingly elite club; they invite you to take on their lifestyle of extra-extracurriculars and high GPAs they've vowed never to look at until graduation. Although this sounds cynical, the fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter. In fact, finding the right college is about stepping on campus with your family, not a tour group, and understanding whether you can or cannot visualize yourself studying in the library, grabbing a latte at the local coffee shop between class, and bumping into friends on college green. Having fun in college is nonnegotiable so look to find a niche where you can buck the brochures and make your own mark.

Keep your mind open! Don't let an your college expectations taint the way you experience it. Unhappy students think too much before orientation even begins. They create a fantasy about how their lives will be, how they'll spend their time and what kind of people they'll meet. But if you have so many expectations, you're setting yourself up for disappointment--it's extremely unlikely that your life will match your fantasy. Instead of thinking about college in the abstract, you should take time to get to know a few of your options, and let them try to win you over. Go on as many visits as possible, but don't use them simply as fact finding missions. See if you feel comfortable on campus, and talk to any students you see. If they're not friendly and willing to talk to you, that says more about the true nature of the place than any statistics or brochures do. When you finally get to school, take advantage of everything it has to offer, however limited the options might be, even if you're planning to transfer. You'll be much happier if you do.

I think it is extremely important for high school students to spend time talking to current students at the schools they apply to, and staying overnight in a dorm if possible. It is very difficult to get an idea of college life from a brochure, and students should do their best to get truthful and accurate impressions from current students at the colleges they are applying to. Once in college, students should take advantage of what they have, regardless of whether it's exactly what they imagined. They should ALWAYS go to professors' office hours and attempt to form relationships with them, as this opens many doors and opportunities for learning and for life advice. They should attempt to get involved with campus activities--it's a great way to make friends, and college is about more than just academics. College is about growing as a pserson, and in order to do that, students should make sure that they do things that stretch their abilities and ideas about the world. Take that Gender Studies class. Join the tennis club. Learn from the people around you, and you will grow and benefit from college.

-Visit the college before making a choice -Diversify in your college applications -Find a school which offers what you think you want to study -Find a school that offers flexibility

I would tell parents and students that finding the right college depends on this: Do you see yourself happy, comfortable, and accepted at this institution? If so, that is the most important thing. Even though society, the media, and even our parents convince us that the most important thing about college is academics, it isn't (although academics are quite important). A student needs to attend a college that he or she falls in love with. It needs to embrace him or her with open arms. The first time that I stepped on to Penn's campus, I fell in love with it. I knew it was the right fit not only because of its physical beauty, but also because the students seemed excited to be there. They recognized their genuine fortune to be able to attend a school that genuinely cares about its students because of its emphaisis on academics as well as social life. What other school subsidizes Spring Fling-- so that Ludacris, Gym Class Heroes, and Ok Go! to perform that weekend? In order to make the most of your four years, get involved in on-campus groups. Lose yourself in the city to learn about yourself.

Do your research, but follow your gut.

As cheesy as it sounds, every college I visited definitely had a distinct feel to it, and I found that the most important factor was deciding whether it felt like a good fit for me. So students, ask yourselves: Would I feel at home here? Do I get a good feeling about the campus, the people I've met, and the classes I've sat in on? To that end, I think the best way to make a decision is to spend as much time as possible on a college campus, because it's too hard to tell on paper. Definitely take advantage of the pre-frosh weekends many schools offer and have the admissions office pair you with a student who has similar interests to yours. I guarantee that at the end of spending a full weekend on campus, you'll come away with a positive or a negative feeling about the school. And one more word of advice. Most people I know have loved the college that they went to - even if it wasn't there first choice or where they thought they'd end up. So keep an open mind, go gather information and trust your instincts!

I would definitely suggest spending a night or a weekend at the schools you are considering in order to get a real feel for what living on campus will be like. Really try to place yourself in that environment for the next four years and assess whether or not you would be happy. While academics are important, your social life is equally important and a pretigious degree won't mean anything if you leave college unhappy, without friends, without social skills, and without having had a good time. College is the time of your life!

Know your children. The big names may not be what is good for them. Do not push too hard but do not be complacent. Push them to do their best and make your satisfaction and pride something they want to earn and cherish. Let them choose what they want, chances are, they know a heck of a lot more than you give them credit for.