New York University Top Questions

I would tell myself not to pick a school based on reputation alone. I would tell myself to really think about what makes me comfortable and what type of people I'd like to be around.

It is difficult to prepare for college because it is such a big step in life. You become an adult, responsible for your grades, your health, and your expenses (regardless if you are away from home or not). However, there is not much to do in order to prepare for college. Senior year of high school is no time to slack off because those habits can carry over to college. The best advice for anyone looking to be successful in college would be to try your best. As cliche as it may sound, giving effort is the one thing that you are certain to control in your life. Grades are a great example of this. You may feel dissapointed at the end of the semester when your grades seem low. If you put in the time and effort, however, you have nothing to be mad about because you did your best. High achievers have the potential to go far in life because they continuiously pursue excellence.

Look up more financial aid.

Look, Gabe, college is and never will be the "be all end all" in fact, you may discover that college life itself isn't for you. Unfortunately, High School is just training for college and no one bothers to look at the individual. They just wish to see that slip of paper that says "I owe 10 years of money to this school." It's harsh I know. But it's the way the world turns. You don't have to go to college this year. You can even wait, but should you decide to do, know that you are going to deal with a bureacracy and all those images you have of people being legitimately nice in big positions are just veneers. Whatever you choose, I trust you'll do your best. Good luck and God speed.

Relax. Everyone is just as nervous as you are to be starting college. Be prepared to have a culture shock because you will meet different kinds of people from all over the world. You will start discovering yourself as you meet these new people. During classes, take part in more discussions because you will grow from them. Don't be afraid to explore the city- freshman year is the time to look around. Really take advantage of all the programs NYU Stern gives because first, they're free and second, they're really helpful- the advising sessions, taking tours around the city, just mingles to meet other students, etc. Be bold and confident. This is a new chapter of your life when you discover new people and things. Do the things you want to do, but be smart about it!

I would probably have worked more to save some money for school and looked into more scholarship programs. It is difficult to be on your parents wallet when you are in university because it is extremely expensive. I would have also quite soccer earlier because it is way too demanding. If I was receiving a scholarship to play I probably would have continued but it is not worth the time and stress that playing a varsity sport while attending a competetive univeristy requires.

Do not let anything pass you by. Work out as much as your schedule allows in order to keep sane. Do more extracirriculars, just sing more!

I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask questions and learn the value of time management. No matter how stressful college can be, there is always someone or some program offered to get you the help you need. Occassionally you'll come across an unwilling faculty or staff member, but for the most part college is filled with all the tools you need to succeed. Finding them is all a matter of asking a simple question no matter how embarrassing it may seem. In regards to time management, buy a planner and a calendar. There's so much to keep track of whether it be assignments or social events.

Don't stop taking voice lessons over the summer because you can't afford them - you'll make your life a whole lot easier when you begin the program. Take dance classes. Never take an unpaid internship or a job without specific guidelines for pay. Don't move out of the dorms after freshman year - even though you think living in an apartment with this friend will be better and cheaper, you will regret it after cleaning up after him every day and dealing with a massive cockroach infestation. Audition for more professional productions and take classes outside of NYU to get a more realistic perspective of the industry before senior year approaches.

Dear Maria, Get off the couch and start moving and shaking. Nothing will happen if you just dream about it, you must figure out a process to acheive your goals and then go about doing them. What does all this abstract advice mean to you? First of all, continue to get good grades (duh). And I mean the best grades you possibly can, so that you do not lose your momentum. At college, there will always be someone better than you. Second, get financial aid or die trying. There is nothing more disappointing than realizing every day that you are not making the most of the $40,000 investment you and your parents are making for you to attend a top school. Whether your parents pay for school or you take out a huge loan, the financial strain will torment you throughout your years in college and well into your adult life. There is money out there, your just have to overcome your laziness and go ahead and write all those essays and personal statements. Finally, try to actually learn, rather than just get good grades. Your elite education is worth nothing if you forget everything right after the exam.