University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

Live your life for yourself, not for your parents or teachers. Never stop thinking about the future. Learn to love ambition. The expectations set upon you can be overwhelming, especially when they seem unattainable. Focus on just a few key goals at a time, even when some people may be pressuring you to have more. Part of the frustration of youth is everyone trying to tell you what's best and all the things you need to do to prepare, but it's really impossible to follow every bit of advice. You don't have to. Say "thank you for caring about my future", smile graciously, but do not adopt their advice unless it contributes to your own goals. A lot of it won't. Never listen when someone tells you to get a degree in something practical, just to be "safe". That's a recipe for dissatisfaction and mediocrity. Follow the path that inspires you, and find people you respect to help you walk that path. Be willing to take risks. Even when they don't pan out, you learn from the experience. You develop courage. And with a courageous heart, you can passionately follow your dreams without regret.

Currently, I am starting a second career in Nursing, and it has been a while since I was a high school senior. The advice I would give myself, would be to know myself as much as I can, so that when I enter college, I am clear in my mind as to how to make the most of it, both socially and academically. To get to know myself, the best way is to expose myself to different activities and to look inside to where my feelings and intuition are guiding me. Look beyond social conventions and expectations in order to truly know what it is that I want to make out of my life. Many times we let ourselves be influenced by others, but the right answer is a personal one. If after doing so, I was still confused about what I wanted to do, then I should work on raising my self-esteem , so that whatever I pick from a narrow list of alternatives, is still helping me be the best I can be. This solid self-concept and awareness would also help me attract good friends and support groups that would help me go through college.

Study what you're passioante about. The money will come.

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would have one message to convey: time management is the key to success. While in college, it felt as if there was never enough time to get anything done. Never enough time for homework. Never enough time to properly train for the track and field season. Never enough time to get to my part-time job. Looking back, I realize that the real problem was that there was far too much time, and a good deal of it was squandered over-sleeping, watching my favorite television shows or spending far too many hours in online collegiate chat rooms. I would go back and tell myself to make sure I got to class on time, but also make sure I get in a good night's rest, allocate at least 4 hours a day to either studying, homework or both, and that it's okay to have a good time but you have to pace yourself. I'd tell myself that my college years are going to be some of the best years of my life, so make sure to make every second count.

The college you pick is not necessarily for the next 4 years which can be a daunting idea. Instead, look at it as where you would be happy for the year; you can always transfer. Though, that being said, college is absolutely what you make of it. You aren't going to remember what you got on that Chemistry exam, but you can guarantee you will remember staying up until 5AM hanging out and laughing with your friends. Sometimes as a high schooler, you think that you know everything already, but step back and relax! College opens you up, forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you a more confident individual. So you just have to go out and talk to that random person sitting next to you in lecture, or chat with someone in the dining hall, you never know where you will find your best friends. So I know you are scared to head off, and worried that you didnt pick the right school, but you will fall in love with your school and with the people. Don't worry that it wasn't your first choice, it was definitely your best.

Congratulations on being admitted to college! This summer vacation will seem very long, so to ease back into the mental state of learning, I would recommend skimming through your college textbooks over break. When selecting classes, plan ahead by looking at prerequisites for courses you would like to take during later semesters. Be outgoing and explore the surrounding metropolitan area during orientation week. You will likely feel homesick at times, but remember that your family is only a phone call away. Once school starts, focus on doing your best instead of stressing about the curve, and form study groups with classmates. Also, don’t forget to visit professors during office hours to discuss the course material, ask questions, and build relationships. In addition, seek opportunities outside of the classroom like research positions and internships, and get involved with extracurriculars to pursue the things you are passionate about and make friends. Time management will be very important so be aware of assignment deadlines and exams well in advance, and work productively in between classes. Finally, do not forget about the world beyond the campus. Watch the news regularly to stay up to date on politics, the economy, and breaking global developments.

Dear Self, Experiencing everything that I have the best advise that I could give you is don't be afraid, be bold and go for what your heart desires. Always work hard and trust yourself. Dont let anyone tell you that you are less than great. Take every opportinity given to you and experience everything possible, it helps you become a better person. Always be kind to everyone because it builds character and helps you succeed. If times get hard just remember what is the most important in life family and friends. In the end just remember Grandpa's advice "Keep on, Keep'in on".

As the economic downturn continues and unemployment soars in the United States, I would advise my college-bound self to attend a more economical, state university rather than an Ivy League institution. I would advise myself to keep college costs low and save funds for graduate studies. In reference to college life, I would recommend myself to network effectively in my respective departments and through extracurricular activities, and to be courageous in asking questions ands "putting yourself out there". Additionally, I would tell myself that being proud of your individuality, avoiding peer pressure and challenging yourself through new circumstances will only make you a stronger person.

College has given me the opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest minds in both professors and peers, as well as the opportunity to explore new horizons, develop a global perspective, hone my leadership skills and, most of all, to be the best that I can be now and long into the future. College has also shaped my views on which career path I want to pursue and the options available for me to get there. It has solidified my passion for the sciences and pursuing a career in medical research, while allowing me to forge strong relationships with future leaders and build professional and social networks. Through leadership positions and local volunteering opportunities, I have become an even more responsible adult both on campus and in my community. I have been able to feed my endless intellectual curiosity and experience the various cultures. I have numerous opportunities with some of the best researchers in the world, which will help maximize my college experience. College is helping me achieve my career goals, be the best in my field, and have a positive impact on my generation.

At Penn, I have learned that one's academic pursuit ultimately is an independent endeavor. The resources are all available, but they aren't useful unless one goes out to find them. As a student on the medical career track, I feel well-equipped to succeed in medical school. Penn's balanced culture of academic, social, and extracurricular activities has helped me lead a balanced lifestyle. That was one of the main reasons that I wanted to go to Penn, for its balance, and I feel that I have become a more balanced person because of Penn.