Stanford University Top Questions

First, I will tell myself to choose your career field, and make sure it makes you happy. Also could you see yourself retiring from this career in the future? Second, I would tell myself to make sure that I stick with school and finish it. Focus on my dreams and do not let any come between your success. It will be things that may discourage you but keep your head up . Make sure you surround yourself by successful people. Third make sure you have established realistic goals. Be very active in college. Have the mind to be willing to learned and very opened minded to new things. You may have to eliminate something that you are currently doing .So that way you could be a head of class. College is surely different, its not like you are in high school .But when it comes to college you have to pay attention are you may get left behind. College is more about independent and being on you own. High school you are still living at home. But if you put in a lot of hard work you will be very proud of your self in the end of it all.

A good friend once told me that if I devoured my chocolate too quickly, I would miss out on all the flavor and excitement. I didn't get it, chocolate is chocolate, right? Who cares if I eat it fast or slow? I came to realize it is the intricant slow appreciation of every bit of a piece of chocolate that makes it so good. If we apply this idea to life, the concept is even more relevant. Every moment in life is unique and can pack a powerful punch. But if we just go along trying to rush everything just to get to the next step, we miss out on the journey. Our lives are what we make them to be in each moment; our lives are the journey. I would tell my high school senior self to remember that. In other words, everything is not about "getting into college". If we do not take it slow and appreciate every unique moment, our lives will pass us by. Pretty soon all these high schoolers will grow up and wonder where the time went. Sure they probably achieved their goals, but are they happy-that is the question.

Finding the right college isn't about statistics or resources or the number of famous faculty on staff. It's about how even a prospective student fits into the school and life there. Because, after all, that young adult must find a place in which he or she will be comfortable spending four years. So, parents, back away from your child. Let him wander off a little, explore the place for himself, meet other students and prospective students. Let her have conversations with the people she may be spending the next four years with. And if she's happy with what she finds, then ask her: does this campus feel like home? Because if it does, then it just may be. Of the college experience, it's important to remember that what you give to the school and one's schoolwork is what one gets. Of course, students need to find a balance between social and school life. However, this does not mean that your social life must suffer for your school, and vice versa. Try new things, but get work done. College is for new experiences--both learning and life related. Enjoy it to your fullest ability, and succeed.

Make the decision for yourself, and don't let other people dictate your future. Go with your gut.

Visit the college and talk to the students there. Visit some classes, stay a weekend that is not admit weekend, and attend some parties. See what it is really about.

Only apply to schools you are DYING to go to. You might end up like me having to choose between the lesser of two evils.

College is a personal choice that is different for every applicant. Everybody wants something different out of their college experience. That's why it's really important to find out as much as possible about schools that might fit you, academically, socially, financially, and location-wise, among many factors. It's also important to consider a few dream schools too-- even if somewhere is out of your price range, applying for scholarships and financial aid might make it possible. However, the single most significant determining factor, once you've narrowed your choices down to schools that are financially feasible after April 1, is visiting colleges. There is no better way to get a feel for a school and realize you belong there (or don't belong there) than visiting schools with an open mind. Keep an eye out for programs or organizations that you'd be interested in. Once you've decided on a place, make the most of it. Get involved! Find things that get you excited about going to class or meeting new people and take advantage of them. College is a unique environment that allows for a really special kind of total involvement, and it's amazing.

It's easy to get caught up in thinking about the social aspect of college when you're getting ready to commit. Most students are really worried about fitting in on campus and finding friends, not how big their Psych 101 class is, or the resources that exist (or don't) to help them out when they're failing Statistics. Don't underestimate the academic side of college; take it into serious consideration and choose the school that has your interests and that excites you for possibly 'geeky' reasons. Keep in mind that the way you fit in a school academically can really affect your future; the better match, the better you'll do, and the more you'll be happy that you had such considerations when you're doing what you love in 25 years. Chances are that you'll find a group of friends at any school, but the bottom line is that you should align your priorities according to what's really important to you and if great ethnic centers or a more political campus are what make you tick, then follow your heart.

While looking for colleges, students should know what interested them in high school, and have some idea of what they want to do, or if they do not know, should apply to a larger college where they can change their minds without needing to change schools. Knowing what they want as far as location, social life, etc, is also important. Once in college, students should do more than just study. Joining a club or a sport is a great way to make friends with similar interests. Also, I would advise students to live on-campus if possible, as dorms are also a good place to make friends.

Be open-minded. Be proactive about discovering yourself--no one will do it for you. Work hard and have no regrets, even if you feel that you have made a mistake. Finding a college is like looking for a house-- it is your residence for the next four years. You will spend your best years in the college you choose and so, I would recommend spending time on campus, sitting in on lectures and talking to students before making a decision.