New York University Top Questions

I'd figure out how to manage my time a little more wisely. Also I would tell myself not to be so afraid, but remain confident and friendly.

Make goals. Set goals and stick to them. It's easy to lose track of where you are going in life at college, and having that goal is a good way to stay organized. Have a plan for everything, don't just jump in to things blindly. Although sometimes blind actions are the best actions sometimes. Do not be afraid to just go out there and be friend with everyone, because it will pay off when you have a lot of friends on campus. Make sure you hang out with the right people, and don't get caught up in the wrong crowd. Also make sure you go to class. Once you skip your first class it's game over because you will begin to skip all your other classes.

I would tell myself to not worry about the name and prestige of the school. Most schools in the United States offer quality educational opportunities and unique professional programs. Broaden the search for schools and visit each one in order to make sure that you fit in there and feel absolutely, 100 percent comfortable. Do not listen to people who pressure you to attend a school based on the name or "where they can see you." It is your future, your life for the next 4 or more years, your personal, professional, social, and spiritual experience that will help to shape the rest of your life. Do not do it for anyone but yourself. Work hard until the last day of high school, because exceptional grades will give you the opportunity to look into more schools and have more choices.

Time flies. These two words probably sound familiar and you've probably heard it often, but it is so true that I cannot stress it enough. Make every day count, because before you know it, freshman year of college will be over. Four years will go by in an instant. There are so many opportunities to take and people to meet out there, but you have to take action. Don't be passive. I hope that by the end of college, you'll be able to say, "I did something." Don't make yourself regret, make great memories instead. Just remember, time really does fly.

I would tell myself not to rush into anything. Even though it seems like there is so much pressure on you to make a decision, always trust your gut feeling. Even if you're not sure of what you want to major in, college will give you the chance to take so many classes and to make up your mind. Don't limit yourself to a few options just because that is what everyone recommends you to do. And let yourself open up to people because there is so much to learn from these people. They are just as nervous as you are and they can help you through this scary transition and help you stay true to yourself. And above all, enjoy yourself because time just passes by you.

By finally taking in on some experience of college life, I would have told myself to read much more during high school, because students basically teach themselves the subjects by reading as many books possible - professors act as a guiding force for this reading. I would also have told myself to write in a journal everyday to further enhance my writing skills, a quintessential element in college, as I have to write at least two papers every week. Having prior comfort to writing as much during high school would have made my transition easier and accounted for fewer all-nighters. Most importantly, I would tell myself to become more involved in school to set an example of being involved in college. Information does not come to me in college, it is up to me to find it myself, by asking people, making the right networks with others, and consulting upperclassmen, who have been in the same situation as I have.

RELAX! Follow your dreams, forget about guidance counselors and advisors for a while and go do something fun! College is far more important than the college application process. So stop freaking out about your stamp choices and stationary colors. Be yourself any good college would appreciate it. Apply to the schools you want to and don't worry about loans and course offerings just yet, you can do all that after they accept you. Have fun with it all and do what you want. No Ivy League applications? If your parents want to go there so much, I'm sure there are applications available. And if your friends don't like your college choice, trust me when I say they're jealous. Be happy for yourself first and those that help second. ~From some complete stranger

i will advice myself to be of good behaviour.

Knowing what I know now, I advise you to get the most out of your education and opportunities available to you. You should look around the school website and find out what extracurriclar activities and clubs there are. You should sign up on the listserv, for it emails you notices of upcoming events, most of which includes free food. Because there are so many clubs, you don't have to be an active member of every club, just show up to the events that you find intersting. For the clubs and organizations you are turly interested in, you should actively participate. You should pick explorations housing because in addition to meeting others of similar interests, it offers sponsored prorams and events that would otherwise not be able to go to. You should visit the career center early on and sign up for their listserv as well. Apply to helpful programs that will be valuable in helping shape your career path. I highly encourage studying abroad, especially in your sophomore year. It will be a wonderful and insightful experience where you will make friends for life. You shouldn't worry about being a loner for you will always meet new friends.

With all academics aside, College is much more of a social learning experience than it is a scholastic one. I had college pinned all wrong. Growing up in a city like Boston, I thought I would be prepared for the diversity of New York University. However, I was more naive and ignorant than expected. The greatest advice I could give to myself is to go into college with a fresh, clean slate. I needed to create my own judgements of people I actually knew, rather than rely on cultural or racial stereotypes. Having never met a Jewish person, an atheist, or a Buddhist should not mean you should not interact with them. Get their side of the story. Ask them about their beliefs and embrace each others differences. College has opened my eyes to whole new world of class, race, religion and sexual orientation that I have never been exposed to before. I admit, I was in shock. But as time progressed, I became comfortable with the idea that New York is a truly cosmopolitan city. I imagine that other colleges too, are a microcosm of the world at large. So my advice: embrace diversity- it is a beautiful thing.