Johns Hopkins University Top Questions

If I could go back to being a high school senior, I would give myself advice about focusing more on my own academic abilities, rather than constantly comparing myself to other people. My first semester at Johns Hopkins University consisted of me worrying more about how much I didn’t know, instead of honing onto my already acquired skills to do well. Hopkins students can be very cutthroat when it comes to grades and GPAs, and I thought I wouldn’t have a problem fitting in with being the valedictorian of my high school. But I had a rude awakening when I discovered that I was way behind where I should have been, when compared to many of my classmates. If I could go back in time, I would advise myself to take it all as a challenge, and do all that I could with the study skills that helped me during my high school years. Also I would warn myself to realize the college experience is about one’s own success measured by one’s own capabilities, not by those around you. Personally, it would have made my transition much easier and I would have believed in myself more.

Looking back I would tell myself to relax. Don't worry about all the small details, college essays I wish I would have written differenly, or fret about the distant future. I would tell myself to savor the moment. To enjoy giggling with my high school friends, and capture the feeling of a warm greeting and hug from my mom home. To not be so eager to start a new life, so eager that I forget to live in the now, because it will come in the same due time. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now." Everything will work out just fine. Don't forget to enjoy the road your life begins to take, because it's a much more pleasant road if you realize the gifts and embrace the opportunities you are given.

Come with an open mind and prepared to reach out when you need to.

Going back to the time I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself to start early and apply for a lot of scholarships. Not only would I tell myself to apply for more scholarships, but also read into detail the information and programs given in each of the schools I applied to. By using this advice, it would have been better prepared for my transition into college.

Don't worry so much! Whether or not you text your crush won't matter a few years from now, heck, it won't matter a few weeks from now. (Also, your'e wasting your time on him. Move on already.)That bum grade that you just got back in AP Government won't ruin your life, and sending that one application out on January 2nd just goes to show that you didn't even want to go to that particular college. Take things as they come, one at a time. You think everyone's counting resume pages and adding SAT scores, but people remember words and actions more readily than numbers. Focus on doing things that don't make you feel like a zombie and don't get so immersed in college applications that you begin rethinking your decision to go to college. Think about how you want your peers to remember you, and be that person.

Explore. No matter what you choose to do, where you're going, or who you're with, make sure that you make it an adventure. Discover something every time you walk out the door. I can't even begin to tell you how important that is. Ask lots of questions. Usually being young has its disadvantages, but since when has a disadvantage stopped you? Use it! You're new and starting out in a whole new world. There are so many opportunities, if only you ask about them. People are more willing to help than you might initially assume, so what's wrong with putting yourself out there and asking them to share their knowledge? The most important advice I can give you is to smile. The simple action can get you far simply by just showing people that you're an open and happy person. However, I'm not advising you to smile for others to see. I want you to keep smiling for the feeling for you. It might be hard being alone in a new city and strangers might seem intimidating, but armed with a smile I can assure you that you will never feel alone.

Dear high school self, Be prepared for the transition to college to be hard. You are not going to know anybody, but neither will anyone else. Go to lots of orientation events to get to know people at the beginning. Expect to be lonely but also know that it will not be that way forever and that other people are experiencing the same difficulties. Work hard in your classes, achieving the best grades possible. Get to know your teachers as they are interesting and engaging people that will make the subjects richer for you. They can also be helpful for writing recommendation letters. Also, get a job that you enjoy. This job will help structure your weeks and will provide money you will need to buy things that make you happy like going out for an ice cream date with your friends! Join a club that you are passionate about and work hard for it. Good work ethic and showing that you care about the mission of the club can lead you to leadership positions in the club. Most of all, be involved and enjoy as much as you can! Love, College self

My college experience was unbelievable. I was far away from home, but going to college far away made me grow up and learn how to care for myself and handle my business. Although I had an idea of what I wanted to do after college, I solidified my plans and created my own path to get to my dream career. I met people who came to be apart of my support system and who were and still are my mentors. I gained valuable experience from my classes, from my community service and extracurricular involvement, and my jobs. College taught me not only to dream big, but to make a plan and stick to that plan while allowing for changes. I learned how to be flexible. College taught me so much about myself, and I appreciate it. Even though there were times I was ready to leave my alma mater, I am glad I stuck it out and learned from everything I experienced.

Learn from people you meet at school and outside of school. As one matures, you realize learning is actually fun and knowledge is very important.

College is one thing in life people look back on. college gives you the oppurtuity and freedom of doing things and living your own life. and also its good to go because it teaches you about independance. what I have gotten out of my college experience is that you are responsible for doing your own work, you have to be motivated everyday to come to class, and if you get help early and making that connection with your teachers can pave the way for you to graduate in the next few years. it is valuable to attend because you get the benifit of doing things you love to do and to pursue the degree you want in the major of your choice.