University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

Go in with an open mind and don't be afraid to try something at least once. I don't want to give too much advice because college is a time to find out who you really are. It's ok to change your mind a million times. In the end, the experiences all add up to make you the best person you can be.

sdf

Just because most students will take part in the new student orientation festivities, you don't need to step out of your comfort zone to fit in with others. There are people who share your ideas of fun. Going to frat parties are not all they are cracked up to be. You spend so much time getting ready and looking but then go to a basement flooded with alcohol and intoxicated students. My advice is to stay true to who you are. Drinking is not necessary to have fun. The transition can be tough especially for people who don't follow the "norms" of society. Remember to take time to relax as classes will get progressively tougher over the years. Live off campus for at least one year to experience something closer to "real life". Freshman dorms are notoriously bad for the spacing and quality of food available. Try different clubs and groups since you never know what you might find really interesting.

I would remind myself that going from high school to college is a huge transition. Do not expect to love it immediately. Some people enjoy it right away, but for others it takes more time. While you are transitioning into college, it is important to maintain an optomistic attitude, and realize that it will get better with time. I would tell myself to be open to learning from everyone. You meet such a variety of people in college that it is a shame if you don't engage in conversation with them. Also, join different clubs because it is fun and gives you a great social network. I would tell myself that it is so much fun living away from home, but it is sometimes hard to balance socializing and work. When you need to do work, you should go to the library, and not stay in your room. It is better to push yourself, and do great work for an hour than stay in your room and procrastinate for five hours. Choose your college based on academics and the people there. Visit it and see which one you feel most comfortable at.

Don't wait. I thought I would take a year off and then go to college, you know, see the world, work for awhile. It's been three years now, three years I could have been learning about animation, art and gaming, working towards my goal of being who I want to be in this world. My mom is going back to college now and wishes she would have started earlier to. I'm listening and learning now. Don't wait.

It's all a game. You need to play to the best of your abilities and hope for the best. It may seem overwhelming now, but it WILL work out. No matter where you end up, you will still be able to be a successful adult and achieve your dreams. Just think of the bigger picture and relax. Work hard and try your best, but know that it WILL work out.

Don't worry about the little stuff. Everything will sort itself out eventually. Have faith in your instincts - they'll help you to find the college that is best for you.

Penn is awesome.

Reach for the stars, and when it seems like you can't grab them, grab them anyway. Someone will notice your effort and you will be rewarded accordingly. Get off the couch and get out there, to get what you want, you have got to try above and beyond what others are willing to do.

I would say do everything to the full. Study as hard as you can, be as freindly to your school freinds as you can, go to as many social events as you can afford to go to. Don't wast one second. Be happy in what ever you do, otherwise there is no point in doing it. FInd something that you love doing, not something that you thingk your parents would love you to do because in the end your the one who is going to have to put in the hard yards. I know this sounds corny but highschool is the most carefree and easy time of your life. You are surrounded by people who want you to do as well as you can, its up to you to do it! Remember always that eventhough you are in high school and you can't wait to get out into the real world and start your life, you are already there and if you arent wise you could end up missing out on four great years of your life while you are waiting for school to finish.