Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

You are about to embark upon a multi-faceted journey. I hope to advise you about it. Your journey will test your interpersonal skills. You will meet so many different types of people. Some of them will be easy to reach, but others will be harder. Don't give up hope on any of them. Learn to appreciate each unique person for their personalities and what they are capable of offering. This journey will also test your work ethic. I know that you've worked hard by simultaneously juggling studies and club work, but college will be completely different in terms of expectations and time required to attain exemplary grades while participating in extracurricular activities. You must make sure that you dedicate equal time to both pursuits. Two will contribute to your character, not just one. Additionally, ensure that you do not lose yourself in this journey. Change will try to consume your life, and it is up to you to ensure that you don't give it complete control. Your priorities and character led you to success before. Remember that, and allow them to do so again. Most important, hold strong, for you control your destiny.

From kindergarten to high-school, I've always been a good student. I've consistently received A's and B's on all my report cards in my lifetime, without much effort on my part. School has naturally come easy to me, until college, where I discovered the importance of earnest study habits. If I could possibly go back to being a senior in high-school again, I'd emphasize this the most. I used to study by cramming, and jamming every single bit of information into my skull--a tendency that I still fall into sometimes today. I didn't reflect on the bigger picture, but rather focused on minute details. By remaining squared ont hese details and not the subject on hand, I lost a lot of valuable learning opportunities. I wish I could have known this back then, to make my earlier classes at Rutgers a bit more enjoyable and easier, rather than overwhelming and very difficult to become adjusted to.

If I could look back, and speak to myself when I was a senior, the first thing I would do was give myself a hug and words of encouragement. It was such a stressful time, deciding my future - but it doesn't have to be. I was so concerned with how I came across on paper but that is not what is truly important. I would have advised my past self to really study and take AP tests seriously. I saw them as GPA boosters, but doing well is really helpful in college. The ones I got credit for really made a difference (so I would definitely give the past me a high-five!) The other thing I could not stress enough it getting involved in things that can be continued on in college. That way, one already arrives with an identity of sorts. Especially in a large school like Rutgers, having community involvement or leadership already in place really helps the adjustment progress, and quells getting overwhelmed by the unending possibilities. Lastly, I would warn the "senior Chelsea"" that internships are a must; start thinking about them early because you are closer to adulthood than you realize!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would warn myself against the tendency to acquire poor study habits and the importance of maintaining a careful balance between my social life and school work. After three semesters at Rutgers, my time management has improved considerably from what it was in high school; however that is not without a significant amount of trial and error. I would caution myself as a senior to avoid the major obstacles and pitfalls that are so easy to became ensnared in with such a busy schedule by budgeting my time carefully to avoid the last minute cramming, caffeine-induced all-nighters, and sub par work produced in haste at realizing a deadline is swiftly approaching.

If I were to go back to ym high school self, I would tell myself to not be so anxious and nervous. I would also say that the main thing to do when first going to college is to focus on your academics right away. You shouldn't worry too much about making friends, just put yourself out there, and you will eventually. It is nothing to stress over. You should start focusing on studying and getting a good groove on for academics before anything else. That is what's most important. The friends will come if you let yourself be open and social, but it shouldn't be consuming of the whole college experience. Academics are key to feeling good about your life and academic life, even before your friends. Make time for studying and homework before your friends. It might sound a bit depressing, but it's very necessary and crucial to having a successful college experience.

Do not get distracted! That is the major problem with most students at Rutgers University. There are plenty of times you are going to rather go out and have fun instead of studying for your Biology exam, but as long as you keep that good head of yours on your shoulder you will not fall into the temptation. Also, college is very different than high school. The professors there will not chase you around to hand in assignments and what not. You have to become responsible for everything overnight and it won't be easy. I know that you have that constant reminder from your teachers now to do work and to study, but once you get into college you're going to have to do all this on your own. You're going to have to learn how to balance your academic and social life. Have fun and do your best!

If I were able to go back to my high school senior year, knowing what I now know about college as a college freshman, I would insist that I pre-plan everything and study more. I would tell myself to value any free time, because I am an athlete as well, but to most importantly study for each class at least two hours a day and read before attending lectures. It is important to read before lectures so while in the lecture hall you can simply listen to the teacher, he or she will repeat what you should already know and enforce key topics that you can simply highlight on your previously made outline. This tactic helps with efficient study habits and reduces stress and cramming before any exam. I would also tell myself to join as many peer study groups, because they allocate study habits or help that is easily comprehendible and efficient.

My college education began only a couple of years after my completion of high school due to the fact that my father's business moved us to the Middle East. After returning to the US only two years ago, I have began to understand many things that I failed to realize as a high school senior. "While your education is important, life moves a lot faster than the speed at which you actually learn. The friends that you will make will not only help your transition but will also set the tone for your attitude towards school. Many of the people you meet here are people that you will keep with you forever. Choose your friends well and don't be afraid to let them help. That's why they're friends. Having fun and learning is what college is all about, but NEVER forget your goal. Always continue to strive towards what you want and do not give up, no matter what anyone tells you. You can achieve and you will achieve.

Knowing what I do now about Rutgers University, I would probably tell myself senior year to realize how large Rutgers really is. This is because as large and diverse as it is, it sometimes feels as if I could use a car just to get from class to class. The classes are huge which can be nice but if it is not an interesting class, you probably will have a hared time doing well because it is easy to become distracted. However, I would also say that there are many opportunities to make friends and form study groups. There is basically something for everyone here at Rutgers from clubs and sports to religion and academics.

I would tell myself that I have the drive and mindpower needed to succeed and that I should always believe in myself and never feel like I do not have what it takes to be competitive in the classroom. I can use my background and personality to provide a new outlook on the material I am learning and listen to others in order to critically analyze the points being addressed. I would explain to myself that not only am I smart but I also have ambition and an extremely hard-working attitude that will allow me to succeed. I would explain that it is important to get myself out there and introduce myself to others in order to further my connections and open up more oppertunities for advancement in my education. I would explain that there is no need to be ashamed of my opinions or afraid of what others might think, and that I should always trust my gut and explain my personal thoughts on the subject at hand. My best advice would be to stay true to myself and remember that I do have what it takes to succeed as long as I apply myself wholeheartedly.