New York University Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, preparing for college, I would have a lot of advice to offer. The first thing I would tell myself is that its not just about showing up to every class but putting in the necessary work in order to do well. It is important to complete homework in a timely fashion and to start studying for tests and preparing papers before its too late. I would also tell myself that no matter what happens, no matter who wrongs you, you need to focus on school and push everything else out of your mind. Just because one thing goes wrong or one class doesnt go well doesnt mean that you can use that as an excuse to not put in the effort and do well in the other classes. I would tell myself to care more. To care about my professors, my peers, my actual classes and myself and my future. I would tell myself to enjoy learning. That's what school is really about. Learning about certain subject matter but also learning a lot about yourself.

College life is an amazing experience. Learn to embrace it with an open heart. Do not be afraid to take chances, because this is the one place where you will be able to try different things and discover all the unique attributes that you have. Even if you try something and end up not liking it, you will have discovered something new about yourself. Even failures here can be great learning experiences. You learn with each and every step, both about yourself and about the world around you. Always remember to keep yourself open to the world. College is a great place to be for those ready to expose themselves to more than just manifold classes. Join clubs, meet new people, try new things, it's all a learning experience. At the end of four years, you will become an individual in the fullest right; unique from others, but still understanding and welcoming. Most of all, never think that you are not capable of doing something. If you push yourself in the right direction, everything will fall into place. Just choose your goal, put your heart to it, and take a step; everything else just falls into place thereafter.

Liz, you know who you are and what you want out of life. Be confident in what you're trying to acheive, which is change for a better world. You know you're a city person. You know you want to be in a place that's going to push you to do the best that you can. You know you want a university that you can get lost in, immerse yourself entirely in. You know that you fell in love with NYU the moment you stepped on campus and it truly is the perfect place for you. Yes, it is a huge university, but you have the drive to find the clubs, the teams and the people to make your own community. Yes, the classes are hard and getting A's are even harder but the hard work you put in will open your eyes. Yes, the city can be scary and overwhelming at times, but you'll come to realize that you truly have the world at your fingertips. Activism, poetry slams, comedy clubs, good pizza, art, music, interesting people, new experiences. You name it. You can find it. NYU will change your life.

I know your a hard worker and I know that you can get the job done, but you're a little bit to carefree. You should go into college with the mind set to do everything that is giving to you. Do not get caught up in all the hype of and lose sight of what is important. Don't slack and get rid of your carefree lazy kind of attitude. That can lead to your downfall. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a little fun at times but make sure you remember what is important, graduating and getting the career you want.

As a very new college student (current freshman at NYU), I constantly think about the choices I made when applying to and ultimately choosing my colleges. If I were to go back in time to my senior year and was able to talk to myself, I would certainly tell myself to look into my college choices carefully and understand why exactly I am putting down the colleges. When I was originally applying to colleges, NYU was just another college on my list. I didn't really think twice about it because I live in NYC and practically everyone applies to NYU. Similarly, I did not give much thought to the other colleges on my list. So, as I visit my friends in high school who are currently seniors, I emphasize the fact that they should be willing to go to every school they put down on the Common Application because ultimately that is a very large possibility. I would also tell myself to look into various acholarship opporutunities because not all colleges meet 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} financial need. I feel like I greatly overlooked the cost of college while applying to some universities. Lastly, I woud tell myself: good luck.

First of all, I would say not to worry as much because things always work out in the end. If you feel that you are being pulled to one college more than other go for it. This stage in life is about you and no one else. It doesn't matter what your friends say or the fear that others may try to instill in you. Have the courage to make the decision on what you truly want to do and then be happy with it. With that being said do not be lazy. College is expensive you have to pay for everything, things you didn't even realize you used. Start looking for scholarships as soon as they are available. The more you apply to the greater chance you will have of receiving the funds. Apply early for everything do no wait till the last minute it will take off so much stress from your life. Read all the fine print, be more informed than your parents because after all you are the one that has to live with your choice. Get a job over the summer along with hanging with friends you will be happy you did both.

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to live in a residence hall (dormitory). New York University is an enormous school that is located in the heart of New York City. It has no real campus and, therefore, no sense of community whatsoever. The students don?t have school spirit, and no one gathers for football games in NYU sweatshirts. Because of this, it is difficult for any new student to adjust to college life, and it was even more difficult for me because I live at home while 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of NYU?s students live on campus. I feel that if I lived in university housing, it would be a little easier for me to find at least some sense of community. I can?t stay for many extracurricular events or group meetings because most of them take place at night while I have an hour-long train ride home ahead of me. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely tell my high school self to live in an NYU residence hall.

If I were to go back in time, I would tell myself how important time management is in college. In college, one has to allocate enough time to homework, studying, sleep, food, and a social life. In my first semester of college, I spent most of my time during the first couple of months exploring the city with friends. As a result, I did not have adequate time to sleep and would often struggle to complete my schoolwork on time. When I began to see that my grades were struggling, I began to spend all of my time catching up on my studying. However since I was already behind, this took up a disproportionately large amount of time. As a result, I would often find myself skipping meals and spending weekends locked inside of my room studying. Had I kept in-line with my studies during the first two months, I would not have had such a stressful end to the semester. The problem was that a smaller workload in college made me believe that I could dedicate less time to my studies. However the difficulty of the work compensates for this difference.

"The events of my future have already been outlined by God. The lines have been drawn and the paint sits mixed and ready for me to use in the years to come. I believe that God will allow me to use my gifts to enhance His kingdom. My destiny is about to unfold!" This was my quote featured within my senior yearbook when I was in twelfth grade. These words should have continuously motivated me, however, they were forgotten throughout my first semester as stress and disappointment overshadowed my self-proclaiming life prophecy. Two weeks into my second semester, I have found renewed hope from the biblical passage of 2 Corinthians 8:10-11: ?It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.? Given the chance to advise my former self, my advice would be to never forget this passage. Fear of failure has no place in my life. I am a finisher, my destiny is complete!

If I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, the most important thing I could express is to remain open minded. Often times a high school senior becomes absolutely set upon one vision of their collegiate future. I personally had my heart set solely on one particular school, and when attending that school didn't work out, I was convinced my future would not come to the fuition I'd always hoped. After attending my current univeristy, I've come to realize there is no place I would rather be. I would tell myself that whatever happens is meant to happen and there is only so much I can do to prepare for my future. By recognizing alternate paths for my future as valid and positive opportunities and not as lowered expectations for myself, I would have avoided lots of unnecessary stress and anxiety.