Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

take advantage of all PSEO and AP courses available

Work hard from the beginning, and have a drive to learn new things, so that you can grow as a person and as a student

Your old study habits may need to change; procrastination will not help you through that Biochemistry test. Whatever you do, attend the Supplemental Instruction classes taught by students who have already received an A in the class! They know the teacher's style, and their free study sessions break down tough material into common terms. Keep in touch with special high school friends (snail mail means a lot!) but get involved early (marching band, philanthropy groups, youth groups) because Case is semi-antisocial and making quality friends will take time. All the students try to impress each other at first; don't be intimidated! Instead of worrying, study!

To be completely honest, I would not give my high-school self any advice to change anything during my college years thus far. I believe that one of the main parts of the college experience is the unexpectedness of it all. Being able to adjust yourself in a completely new enviornment socially, academically, et cetera is a valuable lesson that will most definitely come in handy for the future. Although I have made some poor decisions during my freshman year, such as not getting involved with the extracurricular activities as much as I would've liked or not actively looking for a job, I have discovered from them a priceless tool which is the most important aspect of my life: overcoming obstacles and learning to improve. Because of the mistakes I have made, I know that I will be better off in the future. If there had been someone with me during my high school years giving me advice on what to do and what not to do in college, then nothing would have been new, and I would not have learned anything firsthand. I treasure all the experiences of my life, the good and the bad.

Stick to your gut feeling about which college you want to go to, even if you accepted at the most prestigious college! Pick somewhere where you WANT to be for the next four years of your life!

Looking back, I have learned a lot about myself through the college experience. It was the perfect opportunity for me to go beyond the little street I lived on and explore realms in life that I had not previously imagined. Beginning of freshman year of college, life was changing for many of us who attended the university. We were all very excited and had a strong sense of camararderie and friendship. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to hold on to that eagerness and zeal for as long as possible. Once it is gone, it is easy to lose yourself amongst textbooks and papers, which can become very lonely. Similarly, it is important to also find yourself. I struggled for countless years resisting the pressures of my parents while also trying to figure out what I really wanted to do in life. I bounced from class to class, taste testing various majors in hopes of finding myself. However, everything is a learning process. It may have taken me awhile to figure out my future, but at least I can take pride in the fact that my career decision was based on my passion for life.

I would tell myself that college life is extremely different from high school. The expectations increase a lot and people expect you to act as an adult and take responsibilty for all actions, good and bad. I would tell myself not to get sidetracted by the idea of freedom that comes leaving home. I would remind myself to stay focused and remember why I decided to go to school. I would advise myself to speak up in class and befriend my teachers because they'll seem a lot nicer once you know them. I would also encourage myself to meet new people and get involved in student life on campus because it's true that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Time management skills are essential and so is finding all the resources that are available to students. All in all I would remind myself to be myself, try and work hard, and appreciate this opportunity to attend college, a milestone many people do not reach.

Do not let your parents influence your decision. I made my own choice and it was the best thing I have ever done. I truly feel at home at my university.

Make sure you can afford it before you start and give yourself time to acclimate to your new surrroundings. DO NOT go home until you have been there at least 2 months.

Students: try to determine early in the college search process what you are looking for in a school. Also, make sure that you visit any schools that you are interested in to get a feel for each campus. The campus visits really helped me to decide which school was the best fit for me. You can do research on a school all you want, but no amount of facts and statistics will tell you if the school feels right to you. To make the most of the college experience once you are there, it's most important that you get involved - introduce yourself to people, join groups, go to campus events. Being social will ease the transition into your new environment and make it feel like a second home. Parents, relax. The college search and enrollment process can be very stressful, but it will do no good to panic or worry excessively. Trust me, my parents drove themselves crazy worrying about deadlines, finances, etc. These things need to be taken care of, but just tackle them one at a time and you'll make it through. Your most important role is to support your student in his/her college endeavors.