Emory University Top Questions

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.