Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

If I could go back, I'd tell my 16 year old self to stay in high school, rather than drop out during Junior year. Although I received my GED, a lack of a high school diploma proved to be a hardship for me, as I was regulated to low-paying, menial jobs. Although it was always my goal to attend college, it seemed out of reach. Initially, I was only accepted to community college, which further impacted my learning opportunities. I couldn't always afford to take classes, so I worked hard and saved money until I could re-enroll full-time. Once I returned to college, I received excellent grades, then scholarships and then transferred to my dream school: Columbia. As a low-income, non-traditional student, I'll finally graduate in 2016, which is exactly 20 years after I started community college. I'll also be the first in my family to receive a degree, something I'm very proud of. From high school drop-out to the Ivy League, I'm proof that the path to higher education may not always be an easy one. However, if you focus on your goals, you'll always succeed!

You have to find this strength inside yourself and use it.

Read, read, read. And when you are done reading, write, write , write! It's not enough to attend college. You should be a competitive student due to the unpredictable world of work. Therefore, the more prepared you are before you get to college, the higher your chances will be to score high and land a job. The pre-work is just as key as the work you will execute in college.

"Places!" The world is your audience, you are the director, and there is no script to follow. This is what I wish to share with the next "actor" who stumbles onto that college campus stage with a pre-written script they are most certian will land them that perfecct job, perfect life, and perfect self. Whether an actor or not, in order to get the most out of college and life, one must look at the world as a stage and prepare themselves to play any and every part. The key to giving a riveting performance is to savor what inspires you, listen to your every dream, and not fear the unexpected. Inexplicable beauty and promise lie between structure and improvisation . When one is able to accept that a definitive path may not always lead to where you expected, it's the tool of improvisation that fosters the resilience needed to persevere. Lastly, though you will be asked to play many roles, some which may feel uncomfortably far removed from your true self, remember that it's just a costume and your just an actor and underneath it all, YOU are still there. "Lights, camera, action!"

I would evaluate carefully what I would like to being doing either for a career or a purpose in life. Then I would focus my efforts on reaching that goal as quickly as possible without allowing minor or major setbacks interfering in my striving toward that goal.

The best piece of advice I could give myself would be to “finish strong.” Towards the end of high school, I had already been accepted to college, and, as many high school seniors in my same situation have done, I was not exerting full effort towards my studies. I didn't understand that attending school was a privilege; it is rare in life for learning to be one’s primary responsibility. So, it would behoove me to take advantage of my time in a learning environment. Now is an ideal time for me to return to the academic environment of business school, to be surrounded by like-minded and collaborative students who wish to share their unique experiences and perspectives. My work experience has provided me with important technical skills and a useful knowledge base spanning corporate finance, accounting, valuation and investment management, amongst other areas of focus. Returning to school will allow me to focus on specific areas to round out my skill set. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of me, and to fully dedicate myself to my studies while I am enrolled.

I would prepare myself to cultural exchange. I would make sure to know that I know how to adapt to people from different cultural backgrounds and mindsets. I would strenghten my experience through extra-curiccular activities. I would attempt to engage in as many creative initiatives as possible, in order to strenghten my creative thinking and problem-solving skills. I would travel. By whatever means available, I would discover new countries and cultures. Because this is what you do on a daily basis at Columbia University.

The predominant societal view prevails that college is the ultimate gateway to your career and future success. Consequently, the overarching goal to get in and out quick with the degree with the highest job prospects will loom heavy over you. My greatest advice is to live free from this burden, and take the college expereince in its entirety, as a process. In this way, college will not only be a means to an end, it will be the "end" in itself. With this mentality, you will see that the real point of college is to grow as a person while you achieve your aspirations. During these next four years the smartest thing you can do is to soak each experience in, pursue every opportunity, be confident in who you are and make each day count. As you push yourself to become the best possible version of yourself, the things that seem to matter will fade away, while the questions you seek answers to, will naturally reveal themselves. In the end, you will be exactly where you need to be. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and enjoy every step of the way.

To imagine my ideal career and put all my efforts in order to succeed and to reach my desired life and fullfilling career.

Dear Denis, I know you are utterly confused right now. Having spent the first seventeen years of your life in a country where education is neglected by a corrupt government, you have not realized yet how hungry you have grown for knowledge and for the real challenges of learning. There is no reason to worry, however. You will soon leave Russia and start a new life in America where countless educational and other important opportunities will begin to unravel before you. When you decide to enroll in community college and then become insecure because you are in a foreign country speaking a foreign language, try to stay confident. Do not run away from your fears because, let me tell you, by finding the courage to face them, you will step upon a road that will lead you to an Ivy League college in New York City -- a dream you cannot even imagine right now! As your future self, I promise you, you will regret not having addressed your fears early on. You are capable of achieving your dreams. Never cease to believe in yourself.

As a high school senior, you're probably wondering what college is going to be like, curiuos about the amazingly talented friends you'll meet, and somewhat worried about classes and getting a good GPA. Rest assured that the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has been a wonderful tool to help prepare you to deal with any academic difficulties and stresses that you may encounter. I'd even go so far to say that the workload at IMSA was more difficult than what you'll experience in college. Instead, focus on the incredibly diverse and multi-faceted array of individuals you'll meet during orientation week and throughout the semester. The true learning and fun you'll have in college will be through interacting with these students and faculty and discovering their pool of knowledge that will help you mature and gain a more comprehensive worldview. While Columbia University or any other school you apply to may be prestigious and filled with expensive labs and famous professors, the true value of a college education lies in the students who make up and define the university itself. Never forget that and always seek to branch out and meet more such individuals.

I would tell myself that college is a little more complicated than high school so just commit and stay focused, because that's all it takes. Keep your eye on the prize which is my degree leading to my career.

I would tell myself not to try to take six classes every semester, because there just isn't enough time to do that and other things. I would say to take more math classes earlier, because it definitely does help in chemistry and physics later on, and to start going to the library to study freshman year, and not wait until junior year, because it really is easier to study there. Lastly, I would say to get out and do more fun things, because college isn't just about studying. Yes, classes are important, but that doesn't mean that they have to take over your life. Especially because I go to school in New York City, I would tell myself as a senior to really take advantage of that, and to get out and explore more - leave campus occasionally!

Instead of taking a year off before college, if I could speak to myself as a senior, I would say, “Have courage. Do not let your fears discourage you.” I have learned that procrastination is dangerous because it gets in the way of progress; without it, I may have had an Associate’s Degree in Nursing today. This period in my life was very difficult because going to college seemed to be an impossible feat: I was afraid. It’s hard to know what to expect, because some people portray college as a colossal task. Although it is challenging, it has brought about positive changes in my life that I never anticipated. Had I not taken that bold step to begin attending college, I may not have discovered what I wanted to do with my life: help others. I have surprised myself by exceeding my academic expectations and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. College has made me a more knowledgeable person, formed character in my life, merged my path with that of new friends, and implemented in me a passion for learning that I never possessed. Most of all, I know now that people should welcome frightening learning experiences ahead.

As a high school senior living the teenage life of peer pressure and trying to fit the right crowd is not the answer. What I have learned durning the time of being a college student I recommend that all high school students please choose your career and school pathway. You don't really have to attend a four year college just to get that big degree you can also attend a 2 year college to start you off. Don't never say never to reaching your goal of making the best out of life because having a high school diploma is just not thee answer to getting a good job now days. Always believe in yourself and never give up on trying because as long as you try you will make it. Always put GOD first and foremost in your life to keep you focus on what you are here for and what you are trying to do. Learning is the key because whatever skills you have learned over the time you can use in many other areas in your life time.

My advice would be; don't run. College will be an exciting time. Though you shouldn't take it lightly, approach it with excitement and vigor instead of apprehension and fear. Also, don't limit yourself in where you can go. There are many colleges out there and thousands of scholarships to apply for so take advantage of them.Trust me, it'll make all the difference. Now once you've gotten to where you want to go focus will be key so study and be responsible. No one's going to be there to babysit you, keep track of your assignments, or force you to take notes. That's on you, so take responsibility for your education and do the very best you can, afterall this is your future. Once you get the hang of this though (and you will) I want you to try and have some fun. Be social, make some new friends, (they may turn out to be the best ones you ever have) and try to enjoy this new and exciting chapter in your life . Well that's my advice, what you do with it is up to you.

1. get more dining dollars and flex and fewer meal swipes 2. be confident, be independent. seek help if you need it. it's out there for you but you need to go get it. 3. take advantage of the endless opportunities at Columbia and in the city! 4. be daring. try something new. don't worry if you hate NSOP, it gets so much better. 5. use culpa.info to find professors and classes

It's okay to take a gap year off to figure out what you want to do with life. Don't waste your time trying to impress other people by being someone else. Be exactly who you are. Make lots of close friends. These are the people that will be there with you for all the important moments for the rest of your life. They may be your future bosses, coworkers, or employees. During college, you won't have your mother to cook for you and take care of you. This doesn't mean you should just let go of your health and order pizza every day and go out drinking every night during the weekend. Make sure you get a balanced diet and go to the gym regularly. Do take a shower daily and do laundry often; no one likes a smelly date. Choose a major that you're interested in, not because it's easy or because you think it will help you get a better job or earn more money in the future. You'll be most successful at what you love. Take time to enjoy college. These are the best four years of your life.

Regardless of the strange looks you may get from time to time, or the rare failures to connect, it is absolutely worth it to approach people and just say, "Hi," even if it may be awkward. Especially take advantage of this during the first weeks of school, because the opportunity closes itself off as groups form and classes start. Take yourself out of your comfort zone, and you will be surprised of the connections you'll make.

I realized that you really need to be proactive in life. If you work towards what you want you will get it. To pay for college I need to go out there and look for scholarships and work on them. I need to actively participate in my parents business to help. Some professors are not the greatest so if I want to pass a course I need to read the textbook. If I want to finish college earlier I need to work to my full potential and take an extra course, not just watch movies online. I realized how hard life can get and how hard other people work to achieve their goals, and if I want to do the same, I have to work hard to. In grade school, you were handed everything you had to do, take extracurriculars, volunteer, and do your homework. College is different. More is up to you. You make the choices of where you want to go and you have to discover the paths that will get you there. Of course there is still people to help you, but they won't be at your doorstep, I'll have to go to them.