New York University Top Questions

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to be more open minded of others. Growing up in the suburbs of New York City , everyone who lived in my town was more or else exactly the same in terms of race, religion, socioeconomic background, level of education, political views ect. However upon starting my freshman year at New York University I was brought into this new enviornment where most people were infact very differnt from myself. At first I was ignorantly critical of those who were unlike myself. I was judgmental of those who would have been considered "weird" in the small town where I came from, and was completly baffeled by the beliefs and actions of some of the students who I met here. However after adjusting to my new life here at college I began to realize that it was me who was the weird one for forming judgements and opinions on people who I had never met beore, and soon really started to appreciate the different types of people I was surrounded by. I've since become closest with those who I never imaged being friends with.

Your grades are important. All though not the only thing you need, they do make a substantial difference when you apply for school. Work hard and stay focused. Participate in many different activities; volunteer work, sports, clubs, etc. But never forget to do what you love to do. If you like to play music, then play music everyday. When it comes time to apply for college the schools will like to see that there is something you are passionate about. Something that you've stuck with.

When preparing for college take more AP classes before your senior year. Starting at age 13 start applying for scholarships. Do more volunteer work and get more involved in community activities.

During my senior year in highschool I could not wait to go to college. I applied early decision and the moment I was accepted I was ready to go; I could not wait another day. Now as a freshmen in college, looking back, I wish that I had treasured my time in highschool a bit more than I did. Going away to school has made me think about things which did not always seem so important. It now becomes a treat when I can return home to my family and a home cooked meal. But the best advice I could give myself is to know what you want before you go to school. When choosing a school make sure it has what you desire, not just in terms of academics but in the broader sense as well. I have also learned to be more independent and confident. Living with a less than satisfactory roommate, it has become important that I hold my own ground and make college the best for myself that I can. This is something which I wish I had prepared myself for earlier on so that my confidence would now be able to shine thorugh.

Hello Grace. You chose NYU and are probably wondering if you made the right choice, and to be honest, I'm still not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that NYU is the school for you. The most importance advice I am give you is to go out more, join clubs, and stop being shy! Also, don't be afraid to go out and hang out with people without your roommate! You and your roommate will spend a lot of time together so go out and make new friends. Although you have heard this many times, stop procrastinating. As a freshman, you will take the hardest writing class and procrastinating will not help you at all. Also, in that writing class, don't be afraid to think out of the box. Being creative will help you. As the semester goes on, you will be lacking a lot of sleep so try to sleep before 1 and wake up early instead. There are also a lot of parties here but don't get too distracted. It's okay not to follow the crowd. If you aren't comfortable drinking, there are so many other things to do. Also, avoid the RA, she is dirty.

If I could could travel back in time and talk to myself as a High School senior I would tell myself to not be in such a hurry. Instead of jumping into the four year University miles away from home with many distractions, it may be better to take it a little slower. Maybe a semester or two at a local commuity school while still living at home. At 18 years of age you may not be mature enough to be on your own with such freedom. Also by going to the local community college you will save some money. Say the school does not work out right then and you may wish to return later in your life. If that happens, like it is to myself in present day, there may not be enough money to afford the tuition since so much money was wasted on the school so many years ago.

There are so many things that you learn in college, but essentially, what will stay with you is the strength of character you develop along the way. The decisions you make at time will be based on youthful ignorance, and may impact you in ways you would never imagine. Explore the opportunities that present themselves, stay focused, and remember that the people you meet will someday become very successful. Stay in touch with someone from every discipline, including your professors, who are the references you will need to land that first major job. Remember to get involved with extra-curricular activities that will help define your leadership skills. If you become lost, confused or have lost focus, step back or withdraw. It is better to have a "W" on your transcript, than an "F." Make sure you give yourself ample opportunity to recoup before going back to school. Take the extra time to search for free aid and apply for as many as you can. Stay away from credit cards as much as possible--own only one that you will use for emergencies. Don't let the peripheral things get in the way of your goal--your degree!

The best advice that I could give myself would be to be more outgoing and social. When I got to school the only reason I really made friends was because my roommates were social and outgoing so I was able to meet people through them. But I'd want my future self to take the time to get to know people and take some time out for herself. I wouldn't want her to completely stop doing the work, but to let herself take a break every once in a while to make friends and have a good (and legal) time.

I would advise myself to take the time to think about what matters to me. During two years of college, I changed my major four times. I wish I would have laid out my options and really thought about what would make me happy. In the end, I decided that despite the fact that I excelled in English, it made more sense to pursue something I was interested in rather than what came easiest to me. I knew from the moment I switched my major to nursing that I would have to work extremely hard, because science is not my strong suit, but I also knew it would be worth it. I would much rather work hard to do something I have a passion for rather than settle for something I do not love. If I had been able to say that to myself as a senior in high school, the whole ?finding myself? process that I went through might have gone a whole lot smoother!

Stop worrying about status, or prestige, and pick the school that you like that values your presence. You'll learn the city in no time, if you just explore with your friends and on your own. Definitely do the themed floor, it's an easy way to meet people with similar interests, and you get free events! Go to all the free events, immerse yourself in the culture, and do some more scholarships! And don't worry, you will make friends! Remember, everyone is new, life will be uncertain, but you are not, and will not be alone. Relax as well, take some time for yourself in the craziness!