Cornell University Top Questions

I have gotten a lot of education that I could have not possibly imagined

Personally, I believe the most rewarding part of my college experience has been more extracurricular in origin than anything else. Before attending Cornell, I was immensely worried that I wouldn’t find my place at such a prestigious school, seeing as I am not considered an extraordinary student academically by Ivy League standards. Yet almost immediately during my freshman year I came to realize that it’s not academic records that define Cornellians, it is the things they do outside of schoolwork that makes them unique. Cornell opened my eyes to an array of issues surrounding the globe that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. Since my freshman year I have been involved with an anti-malaria organization on campus that saves hundreds of lives each year simply by recruiting volunteers and fund-raising year round to purchase bed nets. Being a part of this organization has given me a new outlook on life, one which encompasses the idea that education should be used to help others as well as yourself. There is no doubt in my mind that choosing to attend Cornell has made me a better, more caring person and for that I truly feel blessed.

I have grown up. My parents are what I consider over protective, of course, this describes almost all parents. In high school, I would try to find ways to rebel and rarely was successful in my attempts. When I did get around them, I only ended up learning that they had their reasons for saying no. With one year of college under my belt, I find myself saying, "No, not tonight," to some parties and invitations. I am responsible for the work I do, representing my parents, taking care of myself, and working towards my future. I now appreciate my youth as time seems to be moving so fast. Life is more in prospective because Cornell forces me to live one day at a time. College has also improved my social life tenfold. In high school, I drifted from group to group with no foundation of people I could always turn to. I felt different and thought differently about certain issues. At Cornell, I have found great friends and good conversation. The campus is filled with interesting individuals so thoughts run the spectrum of creativity. I have found my place in a sense.

I've gotten to know really interesting people who teach me as much as the professors do. It's been challenging, but I've also had to learn how to take on responsibility for myself. The start of college is almost like a clean slate. Especially at Cornell, no one else knows much about my past, so the person that I present to them is the one that they'll know from now on. It's very interesting to see the kind of person you really are when you're stripped of your usual surroundings and comforts. It reveals much of who you truly are and what you're capable of.

I've met a number of wonderful and engaging people here and I feel that I have learned the skills that I need to succeed in life.

Leadership experience, a great education, access to more resources than I would have had at any comparable university. A great town to live in.

I have gotten a good education and I have receaved a good oppurtinity to improve my life. I have learned new things about me, for example the best way that I learn. I learn best when I can go at mostly my own pace and have oppurtunities to receacve help if I need it. But the biggest thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the sense of freedome that I have. I get to choose what classes I want to take and I can pick my own area of study.

Tick, tock. The clock droned mercilessly for months as I waited with bated breath to find out if my dream college would accept me. After receiving my acceptances, I paced relentlessly until the deadline, torturing myself with options. One year later, I am happily flourishing at a college that I did not expect to attend. I traveled 3,000 miles, leaving behind my close-knit family and friends. Now, I am happy at my school because I earned my place there. I am carving my own path as a distinct person. Don?t choose a college for prestige, location, or friends. Pick the college that you feel will make you happy and celebrate your choice. Once at school, talk to every person imaginable and smile at each person who walks by. School is more rewarding when you have friends to share your triumphs and sorrows. Time will fly quickly, so don?t regret the past. Soak in every experience. Squeeze knowledge out of every professor. Your choice of school will not shape your life, but your attitude will, so treat college as an dventure. Surround yourself with interesting people. Explore what makes you different. Experiment with creating your own destiny!

Dear Michael, If you thought high school was fun, then you'll love Cornell! Even though you'd eventually adjust without my advice (emphasis on "eventually"), there are a few things that you should know if you want to make the most out of your college experience. First, improve your study habits; I know that you're smart, but Cornell is tough and you won't be able to enjoy your college experience if you're always worried about low grades. Second, triple major. Seriously. 3 majors is the most you can finish in 8 semesters and I know that you're interested in more than just psychology (how about history and sociology?). If you're making your parents pay 40k+/year, do more with your time. Which brings me to my third tip: always make time for friends. Your improved study habits will make this easy; the adventures you have with your friends will be more meaningful than anything you do in class (provided that your GPA stays ABOVE 3.0!:)). Finally, no girlfriends until senior year; girlfriends = less time/opportunity for new experiences and self-discovery. Enjoy yourself, man. I know I did. Sincerely, Your future self

Before I left home to attend college my parents made sure that I knew how to do the basic things necessary to take care of myself. I knew how to do my laundry, how to set and wake-up to an alarm clock, and how to call home as often as I needed, even if this meant every day. I made sure that I knew how to take care of myself academically, being well-versed in the ways of studying, but my transition was still difficult because I had not yet learned the subtle art of time-management. If given the opportunity to go back in time to advise myself about transitioning to college life, my advice would center on time-management. In college you spend less time in class and have more free time that needs to be used wisely. I would share how to budget my time such that studying takes priority, getting the attention it needs, and such that I have time to enjoy with my friends . Perhaps most importantly, I would advise myself to take time alone to relax to prevent becoming overwhelmed by all the other demands and responsibilities of life as a student.