Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

I would tell myself not to procrastinate and when something needs to be done, no matter how insignificant it seems, to get it done as soon as possible just to get it out of the way.

I would go back and tell myself to prepare earlier for college and apply for scholarships. Don't be lazy like me cause i was and had to pay for two semesters by myself and it was really hard to do. Just get ready and apply for as many scholarships as you can so you can have a good time in college and enjoy it. And be ready to do a lot more studing by yourself cause your not gonna have a teacher thats there to answer your questions all the time. I hope you take my advice and have a good college experiance.

If I was able to return in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would convince myself to make a decision about college from my heart, not simply what makes the most logistical sense. Attending Rutgers was a choice based on ease of commuting, price, and proximity to home. If I could advise myself, I would urge myself to look into other schools in the area that have similiar logistical advantages, however are a smaller size and more personal services are provided. There are many schools in New Jersey that are close to home that are smaller, perhaps higher priced, but these are sacrifices that should have been made in order to ensure that I receive the best educational experience possible. I would like to warn myself that while it is possible to "ease" through college, never to forget that academics are the primary reason for attending college, and that they should not be sacrificed for social fun. The two can coexist, but it is important to begin college the same way I wished to end it: with a high GPA and impressive resume.

Dear younger, less wise Me, What are you doing man? You’re doing it all wrong. Just because you’re a senior does not mean you should slack. My advice to you is simple, do not give up. Give yourself that extra push to finish the year with straight A’s. Why should you just simply go to school when you can go to school with scholarships? Listen to mom and apply for them! In my first year alone I discovered how hard it is to afford everything. Books alone are more money that you have ever made, and scholarships will help make everything better. Also, sign the papers to get scholarships from highschool. I didn’t, and had 4 different teachers come up to me saying they voted for me to get one, but was not given one because I did not fill out the paper work. Lastly, you got into Rutgers University, but do not act confident now! Make sure you place higher on the placement tests so you can be in higher math and English. Trust me you do not want to waste your time on the easy stuff like I had to. Take my advice, please.

If I was given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself not to be afraid to take risks. The reason why I would tell myself not to be afraid is because as I entered my freshman year of college I was very shy and because of my shyness I was afraid to join different clubs and organizations on campus. I love community service and being a part of different organizations that are trying to make the world a better place but it took me a few years to be outgoing enough to try new things. I was afraid of the unknown and that held me back from what I wanted to do. Knowing how foolish I was as I entered college I would tell my high school self that I have nothing to be afraid of and that taking risks will not only allow me to be involved in great organizations and community service programs but it will also make me a better person.

It is not as far away and difficult as it seems. You can find means to support yourself through programs. You are making the right dicision ans it is irrevocable worth the money. You are doing an amazing thing by aspiring for higher education. You will absolutly learn things that will help you in achieving your goals and there are people that will help you along the way. Never underestimate the kindness of the community, and do not forget to be gracious. Never forget where you came from and what it means contextually to be yourself. There will always be a way to express yourself. You will not lose your past by continueing your future. There are so many ways of finding help when you feel overwhelmed, but noone knows to give you help if you do not ask. Do not be afriad to ask for help. You will find professors that will even further inspire you, you are not a rock. It may seem scary, overwhelming, and redundant at times, but the strengths, gains, and experinces you achieve will never even leave the question was it worth it. It is worth it.

Rutgers is an easy place to find yourself a home. The only thing that isn't easy is deciding what you want from Rutgers. The University offers so much, that it can be difficult to narrow your focus. Personally, I had a difficult time deciding what i wanted to study. Through high school i knew where my strengths were (biology and computer science), but was not sure i wanted to make a career of them. I was afraid to choose a major and regret it. My first semester at Rutgers didn't help. i took classes that i knew i wouldn't have a strong interest in. i knew in my senior year of high school what area of study i was leaning toward, and because i wanted to be sure i wasn't making a mistake i took unrelated classes. Two years later, i declared a major in biotechnology. Declaring late cost me valuable time and money, and I likely won't be able to graduate in 4 years. If i could give my younger self any advice then, it would be to follow my heart and my gut in deciding what i want, and then actively pursue it.

That Rutgers can fit the mold for any student. Also that there is never a dull moment if you need things to do!

Do things that you never have done before. Try out for a team. Audition for a play. Try a new club. You won't regret it. You may like it. Remember how in high school you did a lot of different things? Well, in college you need to focus on one or two activities to do. Even if you don't like one activity, there is a lot of time to try more out. Be social. Not everyone in college is going to be the nicest or coolest person, but how would you know unless you tried talking to new people? Who knows, you may meet your future roommate just by saying you like someone's shirt. Take classes that sound interesting to you, even if they have nothing to do with what you want to be in the future. There are a ton of classes offered in college that high school doesn't even begin to touch upon. It would be foolish to not take one or two. The most important thing I can advise to you is not to stress yourself out. College will be fun, but rough. Hang in there, take a deep breath, and have fun!

I was a bitter high school senior. My parents had decided that because of the close proximity of the New Brunswick/Piscataway campus, I would commute, instead of living on-campus like I originally planned. I resented them until the end of my freshman year. I missed out on being "independent." If I could tell naive high school senior Christina anything, it would be to not spend her freshman year longing for something that could not be changed. I would tell her to instead focus on becoming active with activities and organizations--that commuting does not equate to not being a part of the Rutgers community. I would tell her that our parents had our best interest and mind and thanks to them, we graduated debt free.