New York University Top Questions

There are many things I would tell my high school senior self. Primarily, I would limit the number of schools I applied to. I applied to some schools I knew I would not attend. I would also tell myself to be realistic about the distance that I will be able to tolerate in terms of being away from my home at NYC. I had quite a hard time being at SUNY Stony Brook in Long Island because I was raised in a city and I could not adjust to the suburban campus. I would also tell myself to brace myself for the immense workload that I would encounter, high school work pales in comparison to the work any college student has to manuever. The main advice I would give myself is to keep my priorities straight. Having a social life maybe important but my studies and my goals have to come first, always.

I would want to express the importance of managing your time and finances in a more responsible manner. Now being in a completely foreign land such as New York City can be daunting and the urge to go urban exploring can be difficult to resist at times but remember that the city will always be there. Finish everything you need to do before discovery new and exciting parts of the city because it can easily consume your time. Another piece of advice that I can't begin to stress enough is to remember that you are attending film school. What I mean to say is that you're not competing with your fellowing peers but instead you are working with them and utilizing other individual's skills and talents to enhance your overall product. Don't be afraid of collaborating because in some cases it can greatly increase the quality of your work as well.

If i could tell my high schooI senior self some advice for college i would. I would give myself a couple pieces of advice. First off i would tell myself that high school matters! The grdaes you get in high school will reflect your grades in college. I would also tell myself to make a schedual for studing and doing home work. And make time for myself. I would also tell myself how important it is to take advantage of all the tuorting your high school has to offer.

First of all, apply for every possible scholarship and as much financial aid as possible. Network with people from the arts program before you get there, so you have friends already. Research NYU's clubs and outreach programs, AND JOIN THEM. Also, start applying for jobs before you even get to New York; you WILL need a job and it's much easier to get a head start. Sell all the clothes that you even remotely dislike, and save money to build yourself a fashionable and personalized wardrobe. And most important of all, BUY COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!

What would happen if I could go back in time and talk to high-school-senior-me: 2011Me: "Don't freak out! I'm visiting from the future and there are a few things I need to tell you: first, our dreams come true–" SeniorMe: "I GO NYU?!" 2001Me: "All I'm going to say is that our dreams come true. Now I need you to pay attention." SeniorMe: "Sweet! Okay, I'm listening." 2011Me: "Good. Now, things aren't necessarily going to happen in the traditional way for you, so the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to never give up because patience and perseverance will pay off. I know your job is important to you, but remember that school needs to be your top priority and it's up to you to do whatever you need to do to ensure that happens. Only you can make your dreams a reality." SeniorMe: "Gotcha. Is college really hard?" 2011Me: "Just keep in mind that your professors are there to help you however they can, so take advantage of them. Also, keep up your participation in community service organizations, colleges like that." SeniorMe: "Got it. Anything else?" 2011Me: "Apply for scholarships!"

Don't be afraid to meet new people and have fun. College isn't all about the grades, it's about making friendships and feeling connected to the people around you. You can't be afraid of having fun, every college student has to have fun once in a while. Even though you are taking a full course-load and have two part-time jobs, you can't let that take up all of your time. You can't go days without talking to people around you or interacting. You need to meet people you are interested in talking to and make it a priority to keep in contact. Friends are the key to survival in college.

So, you applied for NYU and you were accepted! Congrats! Now, I want you to think about your choice again. What are your other choices as far as school? What do you REALLY want to learn and focus on? How are you planning on paying for it? Have you applied for financial aid? Will it cover all of your tuition? Have you applied for any jobs yet? Life is all about taking risks and you're taking a huge one by leaving everything behind to move into a completely different environment. But you're young. You're allowed to take risks. If you want something, go for it! DREAM BIG! However, keep in mind that for every action, there are consequences, which could often affect your life in a very negative way. But don't let this scare you. Is this something you want? Then go for it. Good luck and take care of yourself. I love you. Your future self.

First off, relax! You will feel better and you will make clearer minded decisions. I understand that the process is absurdly hectic and there is a lot of work involved, but keep it all in perspective. You are choosing a college experience, not a tooth to get pulled. Nothing is completely final, if a mistake is made you can fix it later. The most important thing you can do is get a head start. The best way to reduce the stress of the process and get an advantage over later starters is to do as much as you can before senior year. Organize application and scholarship deadlines, and complete as many of those as early as you can. Your future self will thank for it, trust me. The college process is an important phase in your life, but trying to handle it all at once is impossible. It is a process that has to be taken one step at a time. By giving your best on each step, you are more likely to be happy in the end, regardless of the outcome. Now get out there and make it happen, you have the whole world open to you.

Don't get caught up with social events and buckle down on your studies.

I would tell myself that there is no need to panic. Yes, college is different; it's nothing like high school. The classes are different. The professors, the students, the classwork-it's all different. But you will get used to it and everthing will work out in the end. About the schoolwork-there's going to be a lot of it, but you're also going to have less classtime so you will have more time to work on it outside of class. Make sure you make the most of that time. Also, when it comes to your social life don't worry too much. You will make friends. During the first year everyone's in the same boat-trying to find their place in college. You will have that in common with the people you meet and that will lead to friendship. Some of these friendships will last, some won't. As long as you have some people to rely on you'll make it. However, make sure you don't put your social life first, all the time. The main reason you're here in college is to learn and grow as a person. Never forget that.