Cornell University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would first exlpain how college is not what you expect. I would tell myself that even though few people know each other, not everyone will be excited to meet new people. That's not saying, though, that college isn't great. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people and have fun, but they're not always obvious; sometimes you have to go looking for them. Another thing I would tell myself is to really consider what you are looing for in a school and what various schools have to offer. And don't wait untill the last minute for those applications, as some of them take longer than you might think. Don't be dissapointed if you get rejected; there are plenty of good schools out there, and you don't know if your dream school would have been a perfect fit in reality. Stay positive and don't go against your gut or your convictions, even if it means not fitting in in certian circles. There are plenty of people at any college who think like you, so don't be afraid to meet people.

I'd say "Don't worry, about a thing. 'Cause every little thing's, gonna be alright." -Bob Marley

What if the classes are too hard? What if I don't make any friends? What if I get home sick? What about roommates? Can I do it? Going to college is a huge change in ones life and if I could go back in time there are definitely a few bits of advice I would give myself. The first thing I would say is not to be so nervous! Most colleges have special housing just for freshmen so the transition is easier. I would also say; YES, IT IS GOING TO BE HARD! But you?ll do JUST FINE! I would remind myself that I?m a hard worker who has never given up and should have no reason to think I would do so now. I would say, yes, you will get homesick, but you'll get through it; remember that you're not alone and that no matter how far they are you're family loves you. Also, you WILL have problems with your housemate nevertheless, be yourself and it will pass. You will make TONS of friends who will help you through the awkward times. I would mostly emphasize that school is demanding but not unmanageable.

I would offer myself the following pieces of advice... Apply for scholarships Keep deadlines in mind Utilize student services And most of all, RELAX! These are truly the most important aspects of a smooth transition from high school to college. I have been in college for a short time and I have already learned so much, not just intelectually, but also about myself. I have learned that there is an entire world after high school and the key aspect of living that life to the fullest is to be as happy as possible. While I was in high school I could never get past the competative aspect of everything. I wanted to be the best and most involved. That, however, is not what I know to be important now. Now that I am in college I know that what is truly important is being brave enough to admit that what others expect of you, and even sometimes what you expect of yourself, is not the right path for you. While pleasing others can be tempting, being happy and fulfilled is far more important.

The first thing that I would tell myself is how important time management is. Time management is a major reason why I have been successful in college. Time management is so important because of the new freedom that a person gets when they start college. Time management is also a factor in what I would tell myself next. I would also tell myself not to wait until the last minute to work on my assignments. One way that college is different than high school is that in college the professors assign homework assignments and give you a week or more to do them. Most students wait until the day before to start their assignments so they are rushed and therefore do not do as well as they could have done if they would have started on it when it was assigned. Another thing that I would tell myself is to make sure that I stay organized. I was not organized at all in high school and I still managed to do very well. When I started college I quickly realized that organization would be a key factor in my success.

Kaylie, you are a hard-working, kind-hearted young lady who is happiest doing a variety of activities. I know you swore that you will focus solely on academics your first semester of college. For most people that is what they need but Kaylie you don't need that. Don?t force yourself to be someone you aren?t by taking away what really matters to you-building relationships and helping people. You'll still struggle with classes and at times feel like you?re failing; you will have to work harder than you ever have in your life too, and at the end of that first semester you?re going to be disappointed in your grades and your GPA because you hold yourself to a very high standard. Just know this: that number, your GPA, can never truly reflect how hard you had to work to stay in the college of your dreams. Do not let that number define you or all that you have accomplished. As long as you stay true to whom you are and your values while working hard and enjoying your college experience you have truly succeeded?and that?s the greatest achievement of all.

Forget everything you've ever been told about what you need and what college is. Take a moment and breathe. Ask yourself who you are and what you want. Don't panic if you don't know the answers -- a main component to the college experience is self discovery. It is so easy to get caught up in the statistics and the rankings, but that may not be what is truly important to you. Only you can know what will make you happy, so try and put the rest on mute and listen to yourself. It sounds corny, but its true. Do what will make you happy.

Don't forget to define yourself - know who you are. All throughout high school, I had the sort of friends that took me years to find, but who, to this day, form a tightly-knit group that I would hate to ever see fall apart. When I entered college, I was unsure of where to put myself - how to relate to people who don't know even the first thing about me, except that I'm just another one of the many freshman who happens to be in the engineering school. The first few days, I felt truly unsure of what I was doing, at this university with so many brilliant and engaging people. I racked my brains desperately, wondering how the heck I wound up finding the amazing friends I found in high school. I started to realize that my tendencies were to be more withdrawn, chosing to read a book in my room rather than go downstairs to the lounge. In turn, I started making friends in class, sitting with random people at meals, and making an effort to get to know the other people in my hall. The rest will come in time.

I would give no advice. Life is best when lived blissfully and unironically.

If given a chance to speak with the high school senior version of me I would advise ?acknowledge your fear of failure, but try anyway.? It took me the majority of my college career to recognize that I had purposely overcommitted myself to multiple extracurricular activities as a way of ensuring I never had enough time to dedicate to my academics. By allowing myself just enough time to pretend to study, I could convince myself that had I actually put the necessary time into studying I would have surely earned an ?A? rather than that ?B?s? that adorned my transcript. Secondly, I would stress the fact that asking for help does not make one weak much like not asking for it does not give one strength. While I had no problems asking for help in an academic setting, when it came to my organizations I believed I had to do everything myself instead of delegating tasks to other competent members of the executive board. Thus every semester I would be off to a great start then my midterm grades would remind me that by trying do everything by myself I was just hurting myself and my GPA.