Vanderbilt University Top Questions

If I could speak to myself as a high school senior I would only want to say one thing, " Stay excited". The most rewarding, thrilling moment of my entire high school career was when I opened up my undergraudate acceptance letter; I was shaking with pride and joy envisioning the friendships, opportunties, and knowledge that was in my future. Since thenI have tried to keep this passion with me everyday of college. As a part of our human nature, we are always chasing after 'what is next'. With this sometimes we forget and become dulled to the great joys in our lives. For me, I did not want to forget that pure happiness with my acceptance to college. Beginning my first year, I joined a mentorship program for high school female students. In this progarm college females are paired with highschool females to learn about female empowerment and the transition from high school to college. Now, four years later I am the president of this same organization and I could not feel happier with my choice to stay invovled with this mentorship program and be a role model to young women in my community.

If I could advise my high school self, I would definitely tell myself not to worry so much about the college application process. I was overly concerned with getting into a few specific schools, and based my happiness and worth on these acceptances. I did not end up getting accepted to my first choice school, and it was devastating. I would like to tell myself that one school or one acceptance does not define your value as a person, and that everything works out in the end. I ended up choosing to attend Vanderbilt University, and I can honestly say that I am at the best school for me. I thought I knew what was best for me then, but I was actually guided in a much better direction. I would also like to tell myself to be more comfortable in my own skin. I have always been shy, but college has given me a much greater sense of confidence that I wish I could have had all along. Greater self-assurance and self-esteem would have made my transition to college easier, since it is easy to doubt yourself in such a new and intimidating environment!

Don't be afraid to go out and meet other freshman.

Five words would have completely changed my college experience - welcome new experiences without fear. I never imagined that I would go to a school like Vanderbilt University. In fact, I had not considered applying there until my high school debate coach, an alumus of the school, encouraged me to apply. This was the first moment that Vanderbilt tested me - would I shy away from a seemingly daunting experience, or would I boldly confront my fears and step into the unknown? I first had to overcome my fears of being the only Black girl in class and of being the imperfect student before I could fully appreciate the rich history that makes Vanderbilt a remarkable institution. Little did I know that these meritless fears were unimportant once I found a supportive network of people who were just as eager I was to do well academically, while making time for relaxation. These fears were frivolous once I became part of an environment where I interacted with students willing to engage thoughtfully in conversations about society's most pressing issues. I learned to appreciate the power in the ability to welcome new experiences without fear as the difference between being average and legendary.

Do not focus on what you or what you think you lack compared to other students whether it is education, money, prestige, or talents. You were admitted for a reason because your school saw potential in you. Although it is important to know your weaknesses, do not focus on them. This will debilitate you if you only focus on what you lack. Do not focus on what other people would think when you make a mistake. Know your strengths and use them to your advantage. Show yourself and everyone what you are capable of. You may feel like you are the only one who feels the way you do but there are many other students who hide their insecurities behind their smiles just like you. College is difficult but you will enjoy yourself. Just keep your head up, be yourself, and do not be afraid to use your talents.

I would say to myself, "Sam, why are you hung up on attending an Ivy League college? Sure, the national reputation of the Ivies supercedes most other colleges and universities, but there are so many other amazing colleges out there. Think about your high school.... it's not as reputable as many of the other schools in the Atlanta area, but look what you were able to accomplish. You can do the same when you get to college, as long as you have the resources available to you and an environment in which you can grow and express who you are, and make friends. Sam, you need to talk less and listen more. Don't get so upset when people don't agree with your views - listen to where they are coming from and chances are they will give you equal respect when you state your side. Seriously, listen more.... talk less. And one final thing. Stick to your summer running schedule. If you do, you might be state champion in cross country - sure Cameron Thornton is tough to beat - but you have to at least give it a shot.

Always try your best, don't be lazy. You are so smart do not slack. Apply for as many scholarships as you can because college is expensive. You should work hard and achieve the best grades you can. Do not be afraid to speak up in class. You can achieve your highest aspirations you just have to work really hard. Whatever your dreams are you can do it with will power. Get into good organizing habits so you can keep track of all your notes and assignments. Study hard especially in math. Make alot of friends. Create memories you will never forget and please dont wear those silver heels to graduation.

I felt very prepared going to college. One thing though that surprised me was how I made friends. I expected that I would make friends with people in my classes, like I did in high school. However, that was not the case at all. All of my friends were made on my dorm hall. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to be extremely friendly, outgoing, and open right away with everyone on my hall. While I did manage to make friends with everyone on my hall eventually, it was hard becuase I was acting shy. I would make sure to tell myself to not be shy and attempt to make as many friends as possible, especially on my hall.

Go with your gut and don't be afraid to take a chance on unfamiliar things. It's okay to change your plans: no one will be upset with you if you do. While you know you won't be the smartest person here, you also aren't the dumbest: you're hardworking, determined, and stubborn (the good kind) and professors (as well as future employers) will take notice. Take time for yourself sometimes because hammering yourself into the ground makes things worse. Make time to unwind, relax, and if need be, go see someone at the PCC to help you cope with your anxiety problems.

My senior year of high school, I was faced with many difficulties, which at the time I thought were the end of the world. I fell into a slump that I could not get out of. Losing a family member and experiencing a tough break up not only consumed my mind at home but it also did at school as well. I missed a lot of school, let my grades slip and blew off my friends. While I did not stay in this funk for long, I still experienced damage, especially to my grades. Knowing what I know now I would tell myself that life goes on and whatever pain I am going through will only make me stronger in the long run. I would also tell myself to pull through the grief and make the best of my last year of high school, which I will never get back. I will never roam those halls or sit in those desks again so I need to go to class and excel like I know I can. I should not take my friends for granted, I will not see them everyday anymore. I would tell myself, greet the day and smile.

If I could go back in time, I would advise my high school senior self to figure out early in my college career what subject I would like to be my major. I could have easily double majored had I realized earlier my subjects of interest. Additionally, I would advise myself to think about the fact that after college you need to find a career path. Although picking a major you enjoy is important, it is also important to make a living after college to support yourself. While I thoroughly enjoyed my major and it did allow me to find my current job, I now need to go back to graduate school in order to have a successful career in the field. It is worth thinking, while in the beginning of college, if you would really like to go back for a graduate degree. I could have found a major that I would have enjoyed that would have also allowed me to get a job with just a bachelor's degree such as engineer or finance. In conclusion, find a subject you enjoy, but also consider the career possibilities.

I would tell myself not to be nervous. I would also tell myself to talk to someone who was already at the school i was going to so I would have a better idea of what I was getting myself into.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that going straight into college would help me for the rest of my life in many ways and that the fun and free time would be much more enjoyable after college! The benefits of starting college immediately after high school would far outweigh any fun and free time that I think I need to prepare myself for more school! Not just the financial benefits of going straight into college, but the personal growth that being a college student brings is worth far more than time spent on fun and free time!

Dear Past Deb, Do not schedule morning classes. No matter what you may think, you will never make 8am Calculus and General Chemistry. You will think it is smart to cut your hair short and dye it purple, but really it will be the first mistake of your Freshman year, and that cute boy you will meet at a Mayfield party, will break your heart 2 years later. As a result, you will spend weeks sleeping in your best friend's room when she's in class, watching Jerry Springer, Maury, and Judge Joe Brown; while eating a lot of disgusting food combinations (ex. onion dip and hot cheetos). Regardless, the person you will become, is far more composed, accomplished and proud of the ridiculous banalities of freshman year. There's nothing I would do to change you, except maybe to tell you that your gut instinct is far more right than your overthinking rambles, and that Ashlee will become your best friend/one of the most influential people in your life; even though you thought she was ridiculously loud during your Doreways program. Head up young person, the world is yours for the taking. Sincerely, Future Deb

Going into college, I did not understand what it meant to be self-motivated. Throughout high school, my parents were behind me the entire time, pushing me when I became lazy or distracted. When I arrived at Vanderbilt, I did not know what to expect academically, and was subsequently exposed to the harsh reality of college academics. I had to learn on my own what it means to work hard and go above and beyond what is expected of me in the classroom in order to succeed. This is a lesson that I will never forget and has made me a much stronger person in every area of my life that needs that level of work and commitment.

If I was taught anything in high school it was how to succeed, to excel, to be the best, qualities that were no doubt exacerbated by my acceptance to Vanderbilt University, an self acknowledged prestigious university. As I arrived here I expected to shine and in all honesty I did, but I was unhappy for the first time. It is through college that I realized that academics and praise alone cannot create happiness. College is vital to one’s life experiences because it forces you to evaluate what you believe to be important, to humble yourself enough to admit that you aren’t always right, that you don’t know necessarily know best. We, as freshmen, walked through the gates of our respective colleges ready to tackle serious academia and whatever challenges the world saw fit to throw at us. And while we may not have succeeded academically, the college experience remains invaluable. College tests the very mettle of the student, their courage, and their ability to adapt, all traits needed to thrive in a career an in personal relationships. It is a trial by fire that, when attempted, will widen our narrow horizons and spark creativity and critical thought.

The biggest thing I have gotten out of my college experience is learning myself. I have learned my likes and dislikes. I have learned how to trust and handle different kinds of people. i have learned how to be myself inspite of the odds that may be stacked against me and the people that dislike me. I have learned how to be independent and handle the situations life throws at me with maturity and tact. Most importantly, I have learned that hardwork and dedication pays off. Being myself, taking care of business, and not letting anyone or anything deter me has made me the individual I am today and I would not change the college experience I have gained at Vanderbilt University for the world.

I have learned that college not only gives you an education, but also the qualities that many employers look for such as being able to speak in front of large crowds, work with groups of people, and be reliable when others are depending on you to do your part. Being graded for my attendance has made me understand the significance of always being there, and being on time. I know now, after attending college, that things aren't going to be handed to me and that I have to work to acheive things, such as good grades and high test scores.

Knowledge is more valuable to me than anything else. While there are those that have had it easy and have already graduated from college or a vocational school I in the other hand have not. If I had college experience it would be worth more than gold itself. I believe that when a person is taught something from someone, a part of that someone lives inside that person forever, and as long as everyone teaches your lessons to other people you will live on forever. Knowledge is more valuable than anything else which is why I would attend. Thank you for listening

Vanderbilt University has an aura that greatly simulates the demands and professional expectations of the working world in which ultimately I must operate. My college experience has afforded me the special opportunity to learn to interact with a diverse group of individuals; attend a world leading research facility; and study under highly qualifed and renowned faculty professors. The emphasis on academics and career preparation, while also addressing social and community awareness, allowed me to become a more well rounded student, individual, and responsible member of humankind. The value of my having attended Vanderbilt Univeristy is multi-fold. The networking streams are invaluable in terms of the potential to assist in my future career journey. In addition, I gained the benefit of substantial confidence in my ability to succeed through proper equations of faith, hard work, humility, endurance, and self-accountability in completing a task. The accurate measure of value relative to my Vanderbilt experience and degree completion has its quantification in my long-term ability to significantly and positively impact the social, natural, and human environment with the tools my education has granted me.