Northwestern University Top Questions

My advice to myself as a senior would be to let yourself embrace and adjust to new things. I remember thinking, as a senior, that I had achieved so much musically and academically and had so many aspects of my life figured out. When I came to college, therefore, I tried to keep riding this wave of greatness that I had left high school with. I had met the two greatest friends of my life thus far during my junior and senior years of high school, and I wasn't willing to let go of that comfort. Unfortunately, neither of these friends were with me at college, nor even within close range. We would still talk occasionally and the bonds that we formed were still intact, but I didn't want to move on with my life and embrace new, different friendships. In fact, it wasn't until the beginning of this, my sophomore year, that I made new, dear friends. This experience, while disheartening, was beneficial in getting to know my inner thoughts and beliefs. I wish that I could have learned this lesson sooner so that I could have started living my new life true to my self.

I would urge myself to go to college directly instead of waiting 25 years. Education is way more important than I perceived as a High School senior. I don't regret surving my country for 8 years but I should went to college sooner.

Take a moment to stop and appreciate what you have. Be thankful for your family and friends. Look towards the future and maintain a positive outlook. You can do it! It is your time to shine!

I would tell myself to prepare myself better for the rigors of Northwestern. I woult tell myself to develop better study habits, and homework habits. In high school, like so many people, I was a considerable slacker. I waited until the last moment for all of my homework, projects, and all of my tests. That won't work here, or in any college, and I didn't realize that in high school, and I have had a really tough time developing them here as the work load continues to rise.

keep your mind open !

make the most of your time. tame management is everything.

There are others here like you? don't be afraid to seek them out!

I f I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take high school seriously and to try to get as much out of it as possible instead of just being smart enough to get by. I would advise myself to have a thirst for knowledge. I also would tell myself not to limit myself to just one school as an early decision kid. Instead, I would have applied to tons of schools and made sure that I visited them, in efforts to choose the right school for me. I would tell myself to stay focused because high school is not the end of education, it is only a stepping stool. I would tell myself to apply for way more scholarships because college, especially at a top-ranked university, is expensive and there is tons of free money out there. I would also challenge myself to read more both critically and just for fun to help my reading skills for college. I would also tell myself to challenge myself by taking hard classes instead of skating by. Last but not least I would tell myself to never skip class in college.

Prepare for a change in academics. This is not high school. You may have slept through high school but this will not be the same. Also, stop comparing yourself to others. College is not a place to make comparisons. Everyone has different goals and different paths to follow. Comparisons only make you miserable. Lastly, have fun. You will not be back this way. Find a great balance between academics and social activities. Learn to say no early. In everything that you do remember why you are doing it and rank what is most important to you to guide your actions. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your path clear.

The best advice I could think of is to not let others influence your decision. College is ultimately a time for you to grow and develop your own sense of who you are, but if you go to a college because your friends go there or because your parents want you to, then you're not becoming independent but just carrying on with who you already are. Also, I think it's important to choose a college that allows students to study many different things. Some colleges expect students to pick their majors before coming in; however, how does an 18 year old really know what they want to study? Some do and I respect that, but that is not always the case for everyone. By attending a school that caters more to the varied interests in different fields of study, students will be able to truly find something that fits their desires.