Princeton University Top Questions

First: relax. Although the college application process seems frightening, stressing about it every single second will not make it better. Take a moment to breathe and remember that all of your hard work up to now will actually pay off. Second: Remind yourself that you will be around people who are not from the same area as you. There will some things that your fellow students will do that you are not used to, and there will be things that -- while you may find normal -- they might find odd. As long as you keep an open mind and see things from other people's perspective, cultural differences will be less of a burden and more of a learning experience. Finally: Never forget to have fun. Yes, your primary reason for going to college is that you want to get an education that will prepare you for the real world. But there are many other ways to prepare, and some ways you can only learn from participating in an organization or going to campus events. If an event looks interesting to you, go to it! You may find a new friend, or a new talent that you never thought you had.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself in three areas: time management, the importance of companions and family, and the fervent use of my God-given talents. In regards to time management, I would tell myself to work hard, not letting any petty or frivolous distaction sway my attention, and to invest time in hobbies once the work was complete. I would also tell myself to invest time in the lives of others. Oftentimes, striving to succeed can distract people from the most valuable gifts of all: people who were there for you in your success and your failures, loving you every step of the way. And finally, I would tell myself to use my abilities with confidence. Sometimes people are more talented than they think they are; don't be afraid to be passionate about things that interest you, even if you aren't an expert!

I would tell my former self to spend less time partying an worrying about your social repuatation an spend more time on academics and ultivating a relationship with your advisor and professors. These relationships may last a lifetime. while false social relationships come and go.

After completing practice, finally having a chance to get dinner and shower in the locker room, much time has elapsed, and it is essential to complete the necessary assignments at a decent hour, in order to get a good night of sleep prior to class the following morning. To get work done in the most efficient manner, going straight to a library after dinner is the most productive means. Then, after completing all homework for the night, time can then be spent to relax a little and socialize with others at college. But while in season, managing time is of the utmost importance, as you are not just a student, but a student-athlete. The rigors of being a collegiate athlete are much more demanding than in high school, a lot in part to the challenges of a college curriculum as opposed to that of high school. Once good practices are established and a routine is in place, it is then easier to adjust and find times in the day and during the week that are more suitable for "down-time." College life is what you decide to make it, and the experiences had are dictated by your choices.

Meet everyone you can! Don't let anything hold you back from trying something new.

Once you graduate high school and enter college, don't assume that you can slack off. Just because you are now safely in college does not mean your life is set; you cannot sit back and relax. Now more than ever, you have to work, work, and work. As an entering freshman at Princeton, I thought that I had finally reached the peak of this mountain that I had spent the last four years trying to climb, only to find that I was merely at the summit of another mountain. If you thought getting INTO college was hard, wait until you actually have to get THROUGH college. Now more than ever, I realize that the process of striving never ends. As a high school senior, you probably are disheartened to hear this, but as you experience college and all that it has to offer, you will come to relish the act of striving for something you really desire. But at the same time, balance is key. All work can drive you insane, causing you to miss out on your college experience.

If I had the ability to speak to myself a year ago about my future college experience I would reassure myself that what I was going into was the right choice for me and that Westminster Choir College was an excellent fit for me. I think I would also mention how I would quickly come to really like the cold weather and snow!

I would probably emphasize how important GPA will be in simply getting an interview for a job. Furthermore, I'd advise myself to prepare better for each school year and do the best quality work that I can.

Give yourself a break. Grades and schoolwork is just that; don't let them alter how you live your life. Enjoy every moment and don't let the pressure of transition get to you. You only get to be in college once. Make the most of it.

Make sure you're roommates with acquaintances, not good friends. Rooming with a close friend can quickly ruin the relationship (though it sometimes works out).