Brown University Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell my high school self not to rush things. I was too obsessed with not "falling behind" that I rushed and did poorly in my earlier years. I'm still trying to make up for that today. I'd tell my high school self to take things slowly and to be careful in regards to my studies.

I would tell myself- do not try to hurry life. I thought that I needed to go straight from high school to a four-year university, make my parents proud, and have the perfect college experience. I quickly learned that being on my own was expensive (I went to school full time and then had to take on two part time jobs). I also learned that I missed my parents. I left home before I grew my wings to fly. I was at a university for one sememster and I then came home and started at the local community college. That is the biggest thing I would have told myself - do not underestimate the worth of a junior college. I have grown so much since I came back home and went to school here locally. I have learned to handle money more efficiently and quickly found out the importance of class size. Had I known then what I know now I probably would not be the same girl but luckly I did not. I have grown into the young woman that brings the pride in my parents hearts.

I would tell myself not to be afraid. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make friends. Don't be afraid to try something that scares you. Grades are important, but at a place like Brown, grades aren't everything. Do something interesting, and strive to be interesting. Give everyone and everything a chance. You might be surprised. But also, don't be afraid to let some things go.

I was devatstated. Although I was surrounded by the beautiful scenery of New Zealand, I didn't get out of bed for three days. Why? I was waitlisted by my top school, Dartmouth College. I felt that my life was over, as if the Dartmouth admissions team sought me out just to ruin me. I mean, sure, I got into Brown University, but it wasn't my sweet Datmouth. Before this apocalypse, I began to notice that maybe Dartmouth and I weren't a good fit. However, I pined after Dartmouth for 4 years and I wasn't about to let Brown University take its place so easily. One year later, I have finished my first year of college at Brown University. I would rather be nowhere else. Less to say I wish didn't let my emotions ruin my trip. Life is about adjusting and rolling with the tides. In high school, I always fought against the ocean and it would erode the very thing I was fighting for. I deserved to have the time of my life and didn't because no man and fight the power of life and its tides.

you need to hit the ground running no matter how bright you are.

I would say not to be afraid of getting out there and making new friends and trying new things.

Take advantage of the Open Curriculum and don't be afraid to broaden your academic horizons.

As a high school senior, I stressed over not knowing what I wanted to major in when I got into college. So, if I could go back in time knowing what I know today about college, I would tell myself to RELAX because it is not important for students to make this decision ahead of time. Relax ... take the time to learn new things that may intrigue or interest you ... and, it will come to you! Yes, my parents provided me with similar guidance when I was in high school; however, I was unable to hear their wise advice at that time. But, maybe - just maybe - I would be able to listen to myself this time around if I was able to go back in time.

You want to do everything, to meet new people, to take super hard classes and prove that you belong. These are generally good things, but focus less on taking super hard classes and more on really getting to know Brown. Go to interesting lectures, spend time listening to all of the Acapella groups and maybe even try out for one. Definitely don't always lock yourself away in your room studying but find great friends who you can both have fun and study effectively with. Make sure you don't let go of your health. Not sleeping is a relatively normal part of college, but make sure you are eating regularly and find some way to get exercise (I strongly recommend TaeKwonDo because the team here is AWESOME). Make sure that you are having fun in everything that you do and if something stops being fun, stop doing it (this includes academic subjects). Finally, spend some time getting to know your professors. They would love to talk to you and they are really awesome, interesting, helpful people who you can learn a lot from and who will undoubtedly enrich your time at Brown. Have a great time!

Pace yourself! You don't have to jump into the hardest classes during your first semester of freshman year. Take some time to explore a variety of classes, and get the feel for how college classes are different from your highschool classes. Develop effective studying strageties before trying to pile up too much on your plate. You have 7 more semesters after the first one to get settled into your major. Don't forget to get to know as many people as you can -your social life will be just as important as your academic life. And all those new friends you make can introduce you to new classes and academic experiences that you might not figure out on your own! Most of all, savor your time in college, enjoy every day for what it is.