<p>Hi everyone, I'm a first time poster, long time lurker.
I was recently accepted ED to Human Ecology. When I heard the news, I flipped out. I've been wanting to go to Cornell for a few years. When I told a couple of friends on Friday, they told EVERYONE - everyone knew. Since then, I keep getting called "our Ivy Leaguer" and "Cornell kid." It kind of bothers me - I am really proud of myself, don't get me wrong - but I didn't apply to Cornell because of its prestige. I applied because HumEc's mission matched mine. I'm starting to be sad about the whole acceptance - it has brought the reality of leaving high school's comforts to the front of my mind, and has made me sink into a sort of "funk" about whether I'm good enough, or whether or not I'm ready to be independent. Has anyone else experienced this (the Ivy obsession, the "funk")? I'd like to know that I'm not alone. I'm actually kind of embarassed about the whole thing, because I feel like I should be so, 100% happy.</p>
<p>I totally understand what you're talking about. I would try to just internalize your acceptance. If you know why you want to go, and you understand that you're doing this for yourself, then you SHOULD be happy about it. Do it for yourself, and no one else. If you are, then you're doing the right thing. </p>
<p>Transition and change is always difficult, but it is also exciting, so be sure to make the most of it, and be optimistic! </p>
<p>Out of curiosity, what is your major going to be?</p>
<p>Ok, listen up kid. You've worked hard, you love Cornell and HumanEc, you got in. You deserve to be happy right now, so go find a cupcake and eat it. You're feeling what a lot of HS students feel at this point; Am I good enough? (yes, you are, unless you cheated your way in) and Will I be ok away from home? Who knows, maybe you'll get really homesick, but if you have a general idea of what Cornell is like in advance and really love the atmosphere of the school, you'll be ok. It'll be hard at first, but soon it'll feel like home. The fact that you chose HumanEc for its mission, and not the prestige of the Ivy League, shows you're more mature than a lot of your peers. The end of HS comes with sadness, but by the end of next summer, you'll realize you've outgrown high school and are ready for bigger challenges...wow I sound like someone's mom right now :)</p>
<p>Btw, I also love HumEc's mission and I'm trying to transfer there myself, for the PAM major. Enjoy the rest of your senior year! Also you know you can kick back and enjoy now, you're in buddy! ;)</p>
<p>Where are you from btw? Is it a small town? It sounds so cute when you describe the way your friends and family congratulated you...like our little small town kid is off to the big fancy college.</p>
<p>Thank you, guys =]
I felt like I was kind of insane . . . I don't think many of the people in my town/school would understand because most of them haven't found out about college yet, were deferred, etc. There aren't a lot of people to talk to about it, because - like stargazer guessed - I'm from a small town in northern CT that sends one kid to a big name school a year. I am really glad that my friends are so excited, but sometimes I wonder if they're excited that I got into an Ivy or if they're excited that I'm going somewhere that has the programs and ideals that I do. </p>
<p>I'm majoring in Nutritional Sciences and maybe [if HumEc lets me] concentrating in Africana Studies at CAS. Right now I want to pursue work in nutrition involving developing nations, economics, and the factors that contribute to malnutrition in the U.S. and overseas. HumEc totally excites me, so I'm going to try and take your advice to keep my own reasons in focus, and not to let other people's expectations bring me down.</p>
<p>That sounds entirely awesome, and I wish you the best in it and everything else you choose to do at Cornell and otherwise. Hopefully stargazerlillies and I will see you next year!</p>
<p>haha I had the same experience and even similar nicknames. I'm also from a small town where no one would even think of applying to an Ivy (I did it thinking it was a reach but wanted to believe that dreams exist, even though my guidance counselor told me it was a crazy thing to do). I was really, and I mean REALLY, excited I got in but was also really nervous that I had never been in that competitive of an environment and that the school was going to eat me alive. Well, 3 years later I've gotten dean's list every semester and love the hell out of the school, so everything turned out bright and cheery. You are in for the time of your life and are going to the most transferred into school within Cornell (which means a whole lot of people love it) so be EXCITED!!! You are about to board one of the most fantastic, crazy, and thrilling roller coasters of your life. Strap in and enjoy the ride</p>
<p>Also, don't feel like you are alone in feeling sad about leaving; everyone feels it to some degree. Leaving your home, friends, family, and really all you have ever known is a daunting experience. But you are going to a spectacular place that you will hopefully fall in love with. Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome to the family!</p>
<p>ps: do you also get embarrassed to tell people in ur small town because their reactions are so...unwanted? Sometimes I get the really annoying, "woah, you must be really smart. Are you really smart?" Those types of exchanges make me hate telling people in or around my town where I go. I always feel awful for feeling that way but I just really dislike those types of exchanges</p>
<p>You're good enough and independent enough - you got in. Last year, I worried about the same things. The good news is that Cornell is not nearly as bad as the rumors make it sound. Work hard here, and you will do well. As far as being ready to leave home, I completely understand your feelings. But I was surprised at how easy the transition was, and now I'm sad to leave Cornell for a month for winter break. Congratulations on your acceptance. Cornell won't disappoint you.</p>
<p>I told only the counselor of my acceptance and now practically the entire faculty knows :/. I don't know why I feel kind of sad though... I guess it's because I've come to the realization that I'm going to have to leave all my friends and family back home and even though I've gained something incredible, I feel I've lost something of greater weight.</p>
<p>I've been through two recent senior years now, and I don't envy any of you.</p>
<p>If you get in early, then you have all year to think about the implications of leaving HS, and also to second guess your college choice.</p>
<p>If you get deferred or rejected early, then you get to feel bad about that, and then get to submit all your other applications in crisis mode, while you feel terrible and are supposed to be studying for finals.</p>
<p>If you apply RD, then you have that suspense hanging over you all year.</p>
<p>There's really no winning, it's just a tough period of your lives.</p>
<p>But in the end, you got into your first choice school. There had to be some kind of outcome for you after all, and of all the possible outcomes that can't be very bad.</p>
<p>Believe me, college is WAY better than high school. A funny story I like to recall is that when I used to go back home for vacation and hang out with my friends who were high school seniors, and they would be like "O wow, I can't wait to have a month long winter break. That must be the best part of college!!" I would always respond that it actually sucked because half way through I would end up missing college and would REALLY want to go back. That same thing always happens with my hometown friends and family who are my age. College will literally provide you with some of the best times of your life. Its really a mixture for excitement: ur living with friends and people your age for months at a time, there's no parental rules, you don't have to drive to get places (had to throw that it in since ur from a small town), ur near an amazing college town while being surrounded by extraordinary scenery, and the list goes on and on. I love college many times more than I ever liked high school. Of course I miss my high school friends but my college friends are absolutely great. Plus in college you get to be surrounded by hard working and motivated people, whereas in high school you had to deal with lots of the stupid BS from people who don't give a crap about school and are immature. The only thing I always come to miss is family...but after a couple weeks home that's no longer a problem lol. </p>
<p>Just have a really fun senior year and try as hard as you can to look forward to college. I can guarantee you in a couple years you'll laugh at yourself for thinking college would be worse than high school. You are going to have the time of your life at Cornell and all the problems you are thinking of now will just fade away. Also, if you are afraid that you will fade away from your high school friends then try to make sure you dont. Some people from my hometown are still best friends because they have always managed to keep in contact with each other and hang out a lot during vacations. The maintaining of your hometown connections comes down to your personal effort, so dont get too worried about them suddenly disappearing. They may fade away with time, but that is largely your call.</p>
<p>(Disclaimer: This is all based on my experience. If anyone feels different feel free to respond)</p>
<p>I can understand why you're ambivalent, but I don't think it has a ton to do with Cornell. it's mostly about growing up and leaving home! it makes perfect sense so don't feel like you're feeling the wrong way, or you should be 100% happy. reaching this milestone in life is bittersweet.
I would not like the chat about Cornell just as much as you don't. I have dealt with receiving just the same sentiments. be gracious (since you're repping our school now, no pressure!) and keep the conversation moving along. it will be over soon enough, and people will go back to their favorite preoccupation, themselves.</p>
<p>also, I came from an OK school and still have had some trouble here. not all my grades are going to be what I'd like this semester because of forgetfulness and also trouble understanding some material. I've only made a few friends. before I left, I was probably more worried than excited.
with all that against school, I still LOVE it. high school was fun, and I still like my home and stuff, so it's not like I feel I was duped for all those years. however, life at Cornell just happens to be really enjoyable, and perfect for this stage of my life. it might just be college in general, but I think Cornell has so many things going for it that give it a unique atmosphere. I won't tell you not to be sad about leaving, but I can at least vouch that you're headed to a great place!</p>