Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

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.