Cornell University Top Questions

Before coming to Cornell, I wish somebody had explained to me the definite possibility that I would no longer be in the top of my class and that school would be very challenging. I wish that somebody had prepared me for the adjustment I would have to make to accepting B's as good grades. I am now a second semester sophomore, but it can be difficult at times to accept that a B is a good grade when in highschool, nothing less than an A was considered "my best" or good.

I wish I had known a little more about the social life at Cornell before I came here. When I arrived I realized that Greek life was very important and many events revolved around it. Because of Cornell's location it makes it hard to find things to do that are not school related, but it is possible. Also, because Cornell offers so many different activities I don't feel bored or forced to always be at Greek events. With time one can adjust to the social life at Cornell.

I wish I had known exactly how hard the curriculum for my major was going to be at the different universities that was considering attending. I knew it was going to be hard I did not think it was going to be as hard as it was my first semester. Before I started at Cornell I was pretty good at managing my time and I quickly found out the extreme importance of time management. I think time management is one of the most important things for a college student to have.

Shit's cold.

I would have wished to know more about the opportunities and classes that people would recommend, so I could make the best use of my time.

I wish I had known how to really study and take notes. I never really felt like high school prepared me for the rigorous course work and exams. My freshman year consisted of me having to completely relearn how to take notes and manage my time for studying. For example, I rely on making exam study sheets and flashcards. I review my notes every night after lecture. And I form study groups to review test materials. However it took a lot of adjusting to get to this point, and I'm still learning and adapting study skills.

I wish I had better high school preping, such as more AP classes but my school had a low budget.

I wish I had known how important it is to utilize social outlets like athletics or community service for building a surrounding network of support toward healthy student formation. There is such a strong emphasis placed on theory in academic development here that it is easy to feel somewhat isolated as an individual, less connected to the human elements so necessary to a well-rounded education. Of course, all these outlets abound and flourish here! But as in life after college, we all need guidance in choosing the right balance between learning though theory and learning through experience itself.

I wish I knew more about the colleges core course requirement, and the specific courses that meet the requirements.

It's alot of work.