Georgetown University Top Questions

College is totally your choice and the same thing with life it is a choice. You already think you do not get to make many choices, so prove that you can make not only choices but the right choices. And if you want to make the best out of life then college is the best choice. If you think that you are just tired of school, then you be tired of struggling with just a high school diploma. College is a growing up stage in life that I feel will be a great requirement for you. You will be in total control of your actions and learning styles, you will meet new people that will help or even try to break you, but you will be responsible for what you choose them to do to you. You will go to college and push yourself to do well and be a successful human being. You will not dream about what you want to do, but you be living your dream. And be a role model for those who think they cannot accomplish much out of life.

If I could go back in time, I would encourage myself to not have fences. During my college application process, I was very focused on staying close to home and on going to school in New York City. What I've realized is that location is in fact important, but my happen-stance application to Georgetown University opened up a new city to me. It also swayed my interest in my major and has opened a variety of doors for me professionally. If I hadn't by chance received a flyer from Georgetown, I would not have considered applying. As a senior in high school, I wish I had utilized my guidance counselor and other services more to see what schools were in my academic range, what unique offerings these schools might have and what opportunities a new region of the country would have to offer. It is too easy to stay close to home, and it does not challenge you to expand your capabilities. I was lucky that Georgetown found me, because I was too narrowly focused to find it on my own as a senior in high school.

I would tell myself not to worry about turning down scholarships and that Georgetown would be worth it.

To seriously consider the balance between social life and academics and to realize how important both are in not only enjoying but also learning during your college experience.

Be prepared to work hard, but do not obsess over grades. It is much better to have a small number of close friends than a large number of friends you barely know. Go to class; just by going your GPA will be a point higher. Take advantage of every opportunity available to you. Be yourself and not someone you think people will like. Pursue what you love, and do not join any groups you think will look good on your resum

To parents, I would say to let go. Let your child fully experience college and find out who they truly are. They will come back to you eventually but the only way that they will be able to grow up and function in the real world is if they are able to have a go at it alone. To students, take chances. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people. Join clubs that seem obscure and weird. Participate in class, even if you are not sure that what you're saying is the right answer. The four years will go by faster than you will know so do not be afraid to put yourself out there. You would be surprised at what you are capable of doing if you just put forth a little bit of effort.

College is not about how pretty the campus is. I did not see Georgetown University until the day I moved in. Pick the school you are going to attend because of the programs that it offers. Do not forfeit academics for a tropical climate or for a fun party scene. Be sure to pick somewhere where, when people ask where you attend, you will be proud to say the name of your school. Once you get to school, I find that it was best to not restrict yourself to one clique. Befriend many people, and as the year goes on you'll find out naturally who you enjoy spending the most time with.

The most important thing for parents to remember during their child's college application process is to step back and give their son or daughter some breathing room. This period is one of the most competitive and nerve racking experiences that we as young adults have to go through- there is enormous pressure from our classmates, teachers, college guidance counselors, and when we come home at the end of the day, we are looking for a place to relax and feel comfortable with ourselves again. Because there is so much external pressure involved with this process, often times students loose sight of their true and unique personalities as their aspirations are tainted by those around them who become inextricably involved with the application process. I know that a parent's involvement usually comes from the desire to help their child succeed, but the greatest gift a parent can give their child during this time is trust. Trust that your child is smart and creative enough to decide what type of school interests them, what subjects they want to study. Encourage them to make their own decisions, independent from the ubiquitous expectations of those around them.

As a transfer student, I was in a different position than someone coming out of high school--I was more focused, knew exactly what I was looking for and why I was there. Nonetheless, I would advice students and their parents to start their research early, and for parents to not lose sight of the fact that the student will be the one attending the school--in short, while guidance is necessary, not to try to push too hard in one direction or the other. For students, I'd say once in school, make the best of it. Get involved in activities that you're passionate about--after school isn't all about work. You have to play sometime, and social activities are a great way to meet new people that can be of great help when you've graduated and are looking for a job--after the world is flat. Academically, you might go in with a major in mind but the great thing is that you can, and should take courses in other fields that may surprise you and discover new things--I even did as someone coming in junior year--switched from Economics to History.

The most important thing about starting college is to go in with the right attitude. Remember, everyone else is in the same boat you are, and there is no better opportunity to meet new people and try new things. Going to college doesn't mean completely changing yourself or abandoning all the things you were familiar with in high school, but it is a time for you to truely begin to understand who you are and what is important to you. Also, you aren't being kicked out into the big, wide world all by yourself. There are tons of people surrounding you who want to see you succeed and will help you in any way they can.