Emory University Top Questions

When deciding on your undergraduate education, reputation matters, but above all, consider how well you can do within your concentration. While graduating from a Top Ten University is always impressive, it may be more so if you graduate at the top of your class from a smaller college or one that is less competitive. Also, be sure to look at other resources the university has to offer. I know you have always wanted to be a physician, so make sure you pick a college that will provide you with additional resources that you need to succeed in that field. However, definitely have a backup plan if you change your mind. Lastly, if you haven't learned already, you will learn that college is one of the few opportunities where you are expected to make mistakes. Use these mistakes to learn and improve your understanding or experiences. Do not allow yourself to give up on your dreams or ambitions because of a mistake you may have made, and learn to overcome any academic obstacles. Learn to have fun, and deviate from your plans every now and then. You never know what new passion you may discover.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would give myself the following advice, make the best of the opportunities available by being involved with groups or organizations that would assist in demonstrating qualities or skills such as leadership, innovation, volunteer spirit, etc. in addition to mastering the classroom educational skills. I have now come to the realization that universities look not only at academics, but they seek well rounded individuals with the capacity to excel both in and out of the classroom. Colleges are in pursuit of students that are consistent in their behaviour be it through involvement with a particular interest group, accomplishments in the classroom by means of examinations and grades to produce citizens that can make valuabe contributions to both the university and society. In addition, I would embrace every opportunity to participate in school trips and activities to gain the exposure while developing a sense of independence. These qualities and attributes combined would assist in good time management while preparng me to function and make sound decisions on my own.

I remember the feeling I experienced when I read my acceptance letter into Emory; that confusing mixture of excitement and apprehension. As Icompleted my senior year of high school, it became more difficult to distinguish the more potent emotion. I would be casted into a new community, without the familiar faces I had grown up with or the simple routine I was accustomed to. Although the prospect of freedom was alluring, I believed it would be accompanied by anxiety and even loneliness. What made the uncertainty of college?s new andchallenging environment was my fear that I would be doing it alone. Now, after surviving and enjoying almost two years of college, I wish I could have assured my high school self that by utilizing the resources available, thetransition would be more of an adventurous journey than an arduousfeat. Along with programs geared specifically towards creating a wonderful freshman year experience, the students and administration at this school show a genuine effort in helping students excel in all aspect of campus life. The biggest piece ofadvice I would offer, however, is to trust in my own strength, because too often what we think we need, we?ve had all along.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to apply early decision to a college. When I was not accepted to my first-choice school, I was absolutely devastated. I reluctantly filled out the rest of my applications and decided to apply to Emory as an afterthough, and only because my two aunts had attended the school. After I was accepted, I came to visit and immediately fell in love with Emory. I knew this would be the perfect school for me and could not be happier with my choice. I now know that my first-choice school would have been a terrible fit and cannot believe how upset I was when I was not accepted. The truth is, people can find a way to be happy at whatever college they choose to attend, all that really matters is keeping a positive attitude. The message I would like to send to high school seniors is not to get caught up in the craziness of the college application process and to know that you will end up at the right school for you.

Explore. That is all I would have to say to my high school self who was entering college. Explore new oppurtunities, explore new relationships, explore the world. As a senior I was a shy, timid and reserved child. I still am in many respects, but I think with a little push my younger self would have been more exploring. By explore I am urging my younger self to immerse themselves into the college experience and all it has to offer, meet more people, take an odd class, join a cool extracurricular Anything, really. I just wish I had been less reserved and shy upon entering college, but they say hindsight is 20/20. With the right push I might have has a different first semester experience at college,, and I, like everyone else, like to think that it could have turned out better.

To think twice about acting on impulses, and to think twice about watching TV before working on your academics. Also, to reach out to your professors for help since they really do care about your best interests

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school senior self not to worry about the name of a school and to trust that everything would work out in the end, although I probably wouldn't have believed myself (after all, that was exactly what every adult had been telling me all year). I ended up at the last school I thought I'd attend and I could not be happier. There were many times where I stressed out and even cried over making my final college decision, and I wish I had relaxed a bit more so that I could have enjoyed myself more and made the college process much less stressful. Usually, I am a very laid-back person and I tend not to get upset easily and I wish this normal aspect of my personality had translated into my college applications and decision. However, I have now learned (albeit the hard way) to trust in myself that things will work out the way they're supposed to.

When you are first trying to make decisions about college, find out as much as you can before committing yourself. Attend as many information sessions, open houses, and tours as you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with being excited about college. Even if you do not necessarily like the university they are presenting about, you can usually find some helpful tips about college life in general. Like when you hear people tell you that college will be hard, and you can?t simply cruise along as you may have done in high school, they aren?t simply trying to scare you. Turns out most of that stuff is true. Yes college is meant to be fun, and there?s nothing wrong with enjoying your new found freedom and going completely nuts the moment you get there. Try new things and explore all you can, because you never know when a great opportunity will disappear. Make sure that no matter what you do, however, you never lose sight of your real goal. You are here for an education, and in the end, all that will matter is that you learned something of worth.

As a college freshman I find myself wondering what kind of person I would have been if I knew certain information whilst I was a high school senior. For example, I made the wrong choice in college. If I had known then how vital the college decision was I would have spent more time during the decision process in order to find which college suited me best. Also, I would have bought the car that I promised myself for graduation before I applied for FAFSA, because I would have known that if I waited then I would end up spending that money on the first year of college after maxing out the amount of federal loans I could take for that year. The final thing I would advise myself on is to relax and pay attention to small details because time goes by so quickly and if I do not cherish the many minute moments within it I would deeply regret not making the time for happiness. I would tell myself that the key to success is happiness. If I am happy then all accomplishments that I make result in pride and with that comes success.

Congratulations on being accepted into the college of your dreams! You must be enjoying your senior year with a feeling of relief, but just make sure not to get too lazy with your schoolwork. College schoolwork is on a completely different level than high school, and you have to really focus and work hard. It might be a little overwhelming at first, with all the new friends, environment, opportunities, and professors that you are surrounded by, but remember that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. You may feel pressured to get great grades in such a competitive school, but you also have to focus on your personal well being. College is all about a balance between school, work, and social life, and you cannot allow one of those aspects to overpower the others. Work hard in school but also make sure to save a little bit of time for some fun for yourself! Work to the very best of your ability and put 110{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} effort in everything you do, and you will be amazed with what you will achieve.

I would tell myself to prepare for some real studying. My study and work habits from high school will not be very effective in college. I should become familiar with the idea of completing my homework and projects on time or early, if at all possible. I would also warn myself about financial planning. High school is the best time to apply for scholarships because my first choice school is not cheap, and once I get in college I will forget to keep applying regularly. Mom and dad will always be there if I need money or support, but college is a good time to learn how to be a self-sufficient adult. I would also tell myself that in college a lot of young adults have a tendency to worry too much about the future. I should have long term goals, but I should also be flexible and do what is best for me. Depending too much on one career could prevent me from finding one that truly interests me. Finally, just relax, learn, have some fun, and make new friends because it will all work out in the end.

Don't put so much emphasis on school rank and prestige. The most important factor to think about are how well you'll fit in at the school- you're spending the next four years at college and you don't want to go through it apathetic and dissatisfied. You can make great friends anywhere, of course, but how much will you like the student body? How much will you like the atmosphere and spirit of the school? College is a time to grow academically and socially- don't stunt that by choosing what you think will look best to others. You can get a great education anywhere if you really apply yourself, so it's important that you focus on each college's lifestyle and attitude. No matter which college you choose, make sure to put yourself out there as soon as possible and get involved in what you're truly interested in. Try to get out of your box and connect with people you would normally ignore or feel disinclined to become friends with. Do new things, and don't be afraid of the consequences.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to work on my time-management. This has been my main problem in college. I have this mentality that I will always get my work done, but I might just lose sleep over it sometimes. While many find this acceptable in their academic lives, I know that it is very unwise for many reasons, most importantly because it causes me so much unnecessary stress. By putting off work until the last minute, I am hurting myself not only academically and mentally, but also physically, and not taking proper care of one's own body is simply a sign of immaturity. I would tell myself that being involved on campus and off campus is very important. Spending time with friends, studying with classmates, volunteering, and working are ALL important things to do. Find the time to do these things; work them into a schedule that will still allow time for eating three meals a day, sleeping at least seven hours a night, exercising at least thirty minutes a day, and finishing school-work on time and without unnecessary stress.

Don't lose sight that you are going to college for yourself to follow your own dreams, not the dreams of your parents or friends. College is a great time to learn and be pushed out of your comfort zone.

The most important thing I would tell a myself as a high-school senior is not to limit myself by applying to only one school. Although I applied Early Decision to Emory University, was accepted, and am thrilled to be at Emory, I always wonder about where else I could've gotten into and what it would've been like going elsewhere. I think its important to apply to a multitude of schools so that you not only have financial options, but truly find the school that suits you best. Additionally, I would tell any high school senior to go into college with an open mind. College is definitely a time of self-discovery; you might going into it thinking one way, however; you will always leave thinking differently. Not only do you learn a tremendous amount in the classroom, but you learn a lot about social interaction and relationships. I have learned the importance of pursuing what I truly care about and maintaining strong, intimate relationships, two things that were difficult to grasp in high school. The transition from high school to college can be easy or difficult; you just need to prepare yourself for it.

College was a great time for me to learn not only about academic subjects, but about my personal self. Given the opportunity to speak to my high school senior self, I would sit him down and explain to him the great time I'll have in the next 4 years of my life and the personal development I will undergo. But I would warn myself to make sure I am grounded in my goals, beliefs, and values. I had moments in my college years when I was sidetracked and overwhelmed by the independence and freedom I had come to experience, in addition to the opportunities I were never presented prior to college. I would caution myself to fully take advantage of the great experiences college has to offer, but to not forget who I am or what defines me as me, and to prevent myself from becoming defined by those things around me.

I would have told myself to learn how to study and have time management. While I was in high school, I didn't really need to know how to study. I would just take down notes and listen in a class, and I would get A's on my test. Time management is important since you don't have the same classes everyday, so you need to use that "free" time to do homework and study.

Benjamin, look at me. Don't dump your girlfriend of a year and a half just because you see a pretty girl on campus. You have to realize that, since you're being homeschooled, you haven't experienced a lot of the real world yet. So be careful. Like they say, don't do anything your parents wouldn't do. Get ahead on your work early. Don't wait till you have four papers due in the same week. It's not smart. And you're going to college to be smart. If you start to fall behind, don't give up. You'll make it through. And with your friendships, watch yourself. You tend to give in to your feelings too easily, but reason DOES have it's place in decision-making. Remember that. Also remember to call home every so often. Your parents will miss you, let me tell ya.

Make sure to keep your priorities straight

I believe that since entering college, I have learned so much about how to interact with other people and gained perspective on what it means to be me. I would encourage "senior-me" to make a lot of the same decisions I have made so far--get involved, abstain from activities that result in conduct violations, and approach each subject with an open mind. Granted, I would have some operational knowledge about better professors to take and who my friends around campus would become. But I feel that the path I have traveled so far has managed to shape me in ways I would never be able to conceptualize without that sheer process of experience. I would exploit an element of hindsight, however. I learned in my first semester last year about my autoimmune condition. Due to shame, feeling "too busy," and a number of other ridiculous excuses I delayed seeking treatment. Given the chance to relive my entrance experience, I would have opted to take advantage of health services earlier rather than living with illness, hospitalization, and cycling through multiple medications. Though in keeping with my experience theory, I feel that also taught me the importance of being assertive.