Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Top Questions

In attending college I have obtained a better means to guide myself. My time spent in school has shed light on the world around me and provided a better vision to build my own path from. With every class that I take I encounter new peers who enlighten me. I build relationships with my professors who continue to inspire this quest for knowledge. Every course I complete leaves me standing more confidently and more at ease with my human condition. The time I have invested and plan to invest in college has been well spent. With all of the understanding I have gained from my time in school I am better equipped to help preserve what we have built and to improve the future.

Write down the important things so that you remember to do them on time. Write down the not-so-important things so that you remember to do them at all. Wash your hands before and after class, and shower everyday, even if your friends do not. Look both ways when crossing the street. Keep your head up while walking through the hall. Tell your mother you love her, even in front of your classmates; they will never remember, she will never forget. Laugh when you find something funny, cry when you are upset, and do not be ashamed to do both while taking an exam.

Going to a college, or graduating from a college should not be the goal of your life. It may be short-term goal, but it is better to have a vision you want to pursue in your life. The sooner you discover what you want to do in your life, the better. But do not limit yourself to one area. Ask yourself a lot of questions. Try many different things. Challenge yourself because without challenge, there is no progress. Discover your talent, your strenght, and yourself. And have fun and enjoy times in high school!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to prepare for my AP classes more. AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC credit would of been extremely valuable at Cooper Union and helped the transition to the huge work load. I would also tell myself to save more money before college. Without a meal plan, food in New York City is very expensive.

I wish I had used my guidance counselor in high school more for the resources they had to offer. Preparing yourself financially for college is difficult, but with proper guidance and preparation it can be managable.

Don't waste a great opportunity.

Make learning, rather than prestige, a priority. Sometimes all that comes with a big-name school is the name. And from experience, the overall mood in a top-notch school is figure it out and deal, no matter how bad a professor is, how busy you are, etc. A smaller school, or more relaxed school, may allow you to take your time with classes and establish your own learning pace. Also, make sure the school is flexible with major changes. You probably KNOW what you want to do right now, but that may change. Even if you want to be an engineer, the type of engineer you want to be may be shaped by the classes you take. Lastly, college will be difficult. If it were easy, everyone would do it. But it doesn't have to be difficult because your professors purposefully teach over your head, or because you are taking way too many credits to handle, or because you dislike the area. If it isn't a match, transfer immediately. But if you just dont like the city you live in, give it 1 year. I went from hating NY to crying when I left.

VISIT VISIT VISIT! and ask questions of the students there! Ask about the work load and make sure you can have somewhat of a social life.

The "right college" is not always dependant on the ability for the programs, facilities, and faculties at the college to be strong. Programs change, facilities are different when you experience them everyday, and faculties may be knowledgable but may not exactly click with you. Follow the intuition and the desire to do something that really excites you, relating to both thought and passion, to find the right college, because you'll always have authority over your own interests. Be intuitive of your college choices, and then research deeper before you apply. When it comes to college experience, be invested in your work, but be certain to allow yourself time to relax and just enjoy the college life. College goes by faster than you will expect. College is the time between "given" highschool assignments and "work life". It's the time that you can test your wits, outlooks, and experiment within your field without consequences. Push the boundaries. Do what you love, but also love what you do.

Parents should let their children attend the school of their choice. Ultimately, it's the child's future. Go to school, study hard and play hard.