Vanderbilt University Top Questions

My college experience has been invaluable. I have learned more in two years of college than in four years of high school. Along with the academic benefits of attending Vanderbilt I have also made new friends and gotten involved in volunteering and a few clubs. Along with Vanderbilts top notch academic qualities, Vanderbilt also provides and encourages opportunities to experience other cultures. One such opportunity I have found valuable and enjoyable is the foreign film festival. Throughout the school year Vanderbilt hosts various foreign films followed by an open discussion of the film. I have found these to be both enjoyable and enlightening. When I go back to school in the fall I plan to speak with Vanderbilts career center in order to help me secure an internship. This is yet another valuable aspect of attending Vanderbilt. In short, Vanderbilt University is a great school that offers the highest quality academic courses, taught by a diverse, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. It also provides a wide variety of extracurricular activities that are both enjoyable and worthwile.

I've learned discipline, flexibility, and the importance of a college education for helping me to succeed in my other goals in life, such as finding a job that I like and that supports me.

The knowledge that I gain in college will undoubtedly help me in my future career and will give me a much higher chance of success.

The college experience is a learning process in several ways. There is the learning that takes place in the classroom, but so much happens outside of the classroom that is just as important. First and foremost, going to class is an amazing learning experience because I am around so many brilliant people. Intellectual curiosity is common and a communal desire to learn spurs my own studies. Beyond this, college is a time where you learn to be independent without quite having to be an adult just yet. During my college experience so far, I have learned many lifeskills simply from having to do everything on my own and having to make my own decisions. These lifeskills range from simple things like doing your own laundry to learning how to budget and watching how much I spend. Besides this, attending college has allowed me to pursue a variety of things that interest me, allowing me to further understand myself and define who I am. Though my college career is far from over, I have already learned so much simply by the virtue of having to live away from home. Attending college has been one of the best experiences of my life.

My college experience couldn't get any better. I not only had the opportunity to meet many different people, from many different countries and backgrounds, but also had the chance to get involved in many clubs and other activities on campus. Not only that but the atmosphere at my college is comfortable and friendly. It's as though you can be yourself and still be accepted by everyone, regardless of your race or looks. I've learned so much and I've only been going to college for a semester! I've definitely learned to balance my personal life, school life, and social life and have learned a lot about life already from my professors. These are only some of the reasons and ways that attending college has been valuable and as I begin another semster I look forward to learning and achieving so much more.

Academics, research, friendship, scholarship, connections, a more open mind, and a renewed thirst for knowledge. These are the things I have gained from my college experience thus far. I did not know what to think when I first left for college last August, and it has far exceeded my expectations. I have been tested in my classes harder than ever before. I have formed closer bonds of friendship than I thought possible. I have become a leader and joined organizations like Model United Nations and Vanderbilt Student Government that I never thought I would be a part of. I have obtained a research position in a stem cell lab and have learned vast amounts in a hands-on environment. I also joined a sorority and have taken part in a rich and vibrant social scene, while remaining a diligent student. I have developed relationships with my professors and learned more than I expected by putting in that little bit of extra effort. At Vanderbilt I have learned not only how to be a student, but how to be a student, a leader, a fan, a friend and a better person.

I would tell my self to be open minded in college selection. I would tell myself to apply to more than just three big schools, and to not only look at places close to home. Vanderbilt is a place I origionally never imagined that I would end up, but now I couldn't be happier. Transfering here from The University of Michigan was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Nashville, and most of the people here, are not similar to what I have previously experienced. Therefore, I would advise my self to push to go somewhere where I can be exposed to new types of experiences, communities, and people. Somewhere that would broaden my horizions and shape me as the indivual and professional I am becoming.

As a senior last spring, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't slow down the inevitable arrival of May 1: decision day. Looking back after my first college semester, there are many things I wish I had known. First, I wish I?d realized that college rankings mean nothing. Prestigious private schools sound great, but a well-rounded education and college experience truly are more important than endowment. And to find the right fit, you MUST actually visit schools; don?t rely on the Internet or preconceived notions. Seeing campus size, typical classes, even gauging the weather and dorm life are all important factors (and great excuses to go road-tripping for a week!). Also, it was comforting to see one familiar face around in a brand-new environment. You will grow and change immeasurably in your college years, but some people you may regret letting go. So if you are where I was, stuck with a difficult decision, don?t fret too much. No matter where you go, college is what YOU make of it. Go with your gut. If you work hard, attend class, and make an effort to meet people, everything will work out fine.

If I could tell myself anything, it would be to be more socially ambitious. Everyone here is intelligent, well-accomplished, and hard-working, but not everyone is a social butterfly. I was always quiet and shy in high school, and I told myself I would be different in college since I was being given the chance to "remake" my personality, in a sense. The social scene here is great - there are tons of people to meet, parties to go to, and things to do in Nashville - but you can't enjoy any of them without making friends. I have broken my shell a little, but I did not put myself out there during the first few days. I still am shy when it comes to meeting new people, and I feel that if I had been more outgoing when I first arrived, I could have embedded the extrovertedness into my "new" personality. There is still time and plenty of opportunities for me to crack the social code, but I wish I had gotten more of a jump-start on things when I first arrived. So, to my high school self: Don't be shy!

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I wouldn't know where to begin! First, I would ease his feelings of finality. College is not the end of life at home; you still talk to your family all the time and you can always go back home for breaks. Once he felt less apprehensive, I would urge him to stand up for himself, even against a professor. The faculty is very accommodating and they want to know what you really think of them and their programs. Besides, the most important thing is what is best for the students, not what is most convenient for the staff. Mostly, I would emphasize the fact that college is not only about academics. The best lessons college has to offer are those learned in social situations. Meet people, try something new, stay up too late playing a board game with friends, finish that philosophical conversation instead of your homework. It's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Those experiences are far more crucial than any assignment a professor could give you.

Hello Senior-Me! Some advice you will learn next year, but would help to know now: B.) DO NOT QUIT NOW. This "senioritis" nonsense is a crutch and you don't want to begin college limping. D.) Professors are not like teachers. (Thus two words for the same occupation.) They are brilliant and they want you to learn, but they run a tight ship. Spend this time getting organized to be ahead next year, and appreciate the teachers you have now. E.)Time management. You have heard this a thousand times, but maybe you will listen to someone from the future. C.) Go to your sisters' concerts. Seriously, you will miss them a ton, so build up those relationships now.... and stop rolling your eyes at me. F.) Attitude is key. Stop thinking that college classes are impossible - they are not. But don't think they are easy either. It will take hard work and long nights, but you can do it. There you have it. Do awesome(ly). PS. Remember that senior porfolio you are stressing about? The school board is going to abolish it next year, so have some fun with it and go out with a BANG!

Flexibility and perseverance are the essential ingredients to success and happiness and college. Explore all of your opportunities, and be open to pursuing new interests- socially, athletically, philanthropically, and most importantly, academically. College will allow you to expand your horizons in ways you have never conceived, so it is imperative to always keep an open mind, because you may find a new career path that will make you happier than anything you have ever done before. Always go to class- whether they take attendance or not, it is guaranteed that whatever you miss in class will be essential information, because this is college- the professors don't feed you unnecessary information. Don't let failure discourage you, but learn from it and continue trying- never give up. Most importantly, know that while you owe it to your family to succeed, this is your time to accomplish great things that you can be proud of, and do it for yourself. College goes by far too quickly, so get involved early, roll with the punches, be persistant, and do things to surprise yourself, because they will better you. Oh, and get as much sleep as possible.

Sports in colleges are for those students who play sports only. Struggling in academics and participating in High School sports with the hope of getting a sports scholarship in College is futile. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Unless you are a gifted athlete don't break your back trying to participate in high school sports. Take part so long as you enjoy it.

Relax. Work hard on your college applications. Don't worry about things that are out of your control; eventually, everything will work out. Savor the moment. You only go to high school once. College is a phenomenal experience, but so is high school. Make time to hang out with your friends; you will soon have much less time to spend with them. Once you go to college, make friends, study hard, and get involved outside of the classroom. Leave time for yourself, though, to detox from the day. Always remember why you're at school... what your goal is. Never accept anything less than that which will help you achieve your goal. Most of all, have fun!

Learn how to effectively time manage. I do not feel that the rigor of the work in college is that much more difficult than High School. However in college there are so many things to do at any given moment, therefore it is really important to learn in high school how to balance your academics, social life and other activities.

Katie, Remember that the college transition is going to be difficult, but it won't last forever. Yes, you are leaving your high school friends, but you will meet new people and your old friends will be forever in your heart. Follow your own dreams when picking a major, and don't decide based on what you think your parents want. Continue to believe in yourself even when things get difficult; just because you have to work harder now doesn't mean you aren't still smart. You will learn things here that will carry you through the rest of your life. Remember to slow down and enjoy life on campus because you shouldn't be in any rush to graduate. Yes, you want to finish early, but you have the rest of your life to get a job and only the next four years to fully experience the joys of learning. When the pressure gets to be too much, remember that you are the only one who can define what is right for you, and act accordingly. Fondly, Katie in college

Its not about which school has the highest rankings, its about the school that fits you best.

The main piece of advice I'd give them is to not look for the label on the school. Look for a faculty member or a building or something that truly inspires you to work, grow and be yourself. Harvard is great for some people, but there might be a little school that is perfect for someone and they'd get more attention. It's alright to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

Go visit the school and if you can stay with a current student. Every top school can offer you great academics but only one school will feel like home.

During the final months of my college selection process, I was overwhelmed with stress because I could not figure out which college was right for me. I still did not know what career field I wanted to pursue, and I felt like I was supposed to find a college or university that offered education for the most career possibilities. One day, my dad delivered some very sound advice which eased my tension tremendously. He reminded me that no school would necessarily give me more opportunities than any other. Just the fact that I was going to acquire a college education would open up hundreds of doors which would not be available to someone with just a high school degree. No matter which college I chose to attend, I would be making the right choice simply by deciding to go to college and further my education. He was right.