Dear 2014, from 2013

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Hey there,</p>

<p>Decision day is tomorrow. I was in your place last year - an obsessive CC user, desperate to get into the college of my dreams. Now I'm a CC (Columbia College) student. :) </p>

<p>But nevertheless, I wanted to share a few words of wisdom.</p>

<p>Here's what I'll say, now listen to me: no matter what, things will be all right in the end. And I'm not just saying that because I got in. Bear with me here: things will be okay.</p>

<p>It's such a cliche, but it's also so true. I'm friends with a lot of folks here at Columbia who initially wanted to go to another school, ended up coming to Columbia, and are now loving it. I'm also friends with a lot of people who went to other schools in other states as 'backups' or 'safeties', were initially disappointed, and are now having the times of their lives, growing as individuals, leading campus organizations, and generally thriving in their environments.</p>

<p>Myself? Columbia wasn't even what I necessarily expected it to be once I got here. You quickly realize that notions of prestige, US News rankings, etc. matter nothing at all once you arrive - infinitely more important is the way the campus fits you, and more importantly, how you fit yourself into the campus. And that's something that you often only discover after going to the school, and you can never really 'know' or 'predict' as an applicant.</p>

<p>As an applicant, I belonged to the 'do obsessive research' category, reading everything there was to know on the net about Columbia, and I was STILL surprised when I got here, both in a good and bad way. And now that I really think about it, despite all my illusions of maturity and foresight, I really didn't know myself that well as a high school senior, and in reality I probably would've been equally happy at any number of peer institutions. </p>

<p>What mattered once I arrived? What factors contributed to having a good experience here? If you guessed 'Core Curriculum' or even 'NYC', you are dead wrong. The most important things, I discovered, were: having a good attitude, a strong work ethic, an open mind, and basically being receptive to new experiences. These are universals that apply to life, and it means that wherever you go, even if not Columbia, only you have the ability to make the most of it. Your success absolutely does NOT depend on brands and names.</p>

<p>That said, Columbia is an amazing school and I really hope you all get in. How can I even describe this school? It's diverse. It's hard. It's inspiring. It's intimidating. It's active. It's alive. It's dead (except for Thursday nights). I'm looking forward to seeing you all here. I'm going to be on the Undergraduate Recruitment Committee next sem and I may be able to give you a tour here as an official guide if you visit :)</p>

<p>But whatever happens tomorrow, don't worry. If you get in, CELEBRATE and feel free to ask me any questions about Columbia. Also, PM me and look me up. If you don't, it's not the end, and I guarantee that a year from now, Columbia will be the last thing on your mind as you're enjoying whatever college you go to. </p>

<p>In other words, the college decision is just one thing. Your life success depends on you.</p>

<p>Okay, done. Good luck all. :)</p>

<p>-the beef, CC '13</p>

2

<p>Thank you the Beef, that really means a lot to us:)</p>

3

<p>thanks!! i was running out of columbia things to read…after browsing the bwog all morning.</p>

4

<p>Great words of wisdom. Take heed, high school seniors!</p>

5

<p>lol Very cute, thebeef.</p>

6

<p>Thanks thebeef! That actually makes me feel alot better!</p>

7

<p>I totally fall into the obsessive research category as well, lol. Thanks thebeef.</p>

8

<p>This is awesome advice. Thanks for posting :)</p>

9

<p>Thanks for posting this! :)</p>

10

<p>FYI, you are wonderful. Thanks.</p>

11

<p>That was probably the best advice that I have gotten through this entire process. Thank you so much, seriously. Even though you weren’t I feel like you were speaking to me! I am going to relax a little now and maybe get off this site because it’s giving me major anxiety!</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

12

<p>@thebeef: While I’m certain that many of us have heard all this before, it really means a lot to me (and I guess I can safely say, many others in the same boat) to read these words which couldn’t be more timely and appropriate. I’m almost certain that I’ll be rejected tomorrow but I’m really thankful that you choose to share your thoughts here. </p>

<p>I can only urge those who do get accepted to Columbia’s Class of 2014 to pass on such wisdom to high school seniors in the years to come.</p>

13

<p>It is so nice to share thebeef’s mature and wisdom words with the applicants in the anxious waiting pool. </p>

<p>srrinath, I bet and wish you will get in. It is smart to think worse first and smile at final :)</p>

14

<p>@lovebirds: Thanks. Of course, I only hope I’ll get a chance to do just that tomorrow. But do take a look at my stats profile; you’ll see why I’m sort of skeptical.</p>

15

<p>eating food likes this.</p>

16

<p>You’ve captured the freshman excitement paradigm really well. It pretty much happens at any school you go to. I miss it. :/</p>

<p>One minor objection:
If you dig the Core, your experience at Columbia will probably be better. Yes, college is a time to grow - and the Core is really good at growing people.</p>

<p>My comment applies to all schools. No matter where you go, make sure you take some time to explore academically. Study the Greeks, study the Germans, study subjects that you think you hate. It is important to get to know yourself, but college is also about coming to know all of the great thinkers who came before us. Even the ones who think about things you might not necessarily agree with.</p>

17

<p>Thank you for posting this. I think it had a somehow… calming effect on me.</p>

18

<p>I agree with the beef. College is what you make of it, and that is true of any college. </p>

<p>I’m also a member of the URC, and will be a tour guide. Fun!</p>

19

<p>i like pie! i like pie!</p>