I go to Northeastern University. I BARELY got in. I only got in because they have the N.U.in program, which is basically a nicer version of a spring start. Anyway, even then, I feel like people around me are smarter. I am fortunate enough that I did not have to think about scholarships or getting financial aid when I applied. So that makes me feel like a fraud, because that can be a huge advantage in college. There are probably kids around me who had to decline more exclusive schools, because Northeastern gave them more scholarship money/aid/whatever and they really earned their spot in this class. This entire time I have been questioning whether I should have gone to another place that accepted like Bard College or Syracuse. I’m doing fine in my classes, but these are just electives. I’m a computer science major and I don’t know how I am gonna fare when I get to Boston. I only chose computer science because I want to get a job without spending money/time on grad school, and I know STEM companies really want to hire more women. I’m panicking a little bit and would be too embarrassed to transfer somewhere and basically admit defeat. I also feel like an artsy weirdo here among a lot of business majors. My high school was a lot of art kids, and I didn’t go to Bard partially because I felt like I should make a bigger change for college. They told us that we aren’t gonna have summers free after this one, because we will be doing research, community service, co-ops, etc. Honestly a big part of why I chose Northeastern is because I felt like I had beat the system and gotten into a school that seemed unattainable and now I feel some regret.
What is your experience to date with computer science?
I don’t understand your post. Your say you are going to Northeastern and taking classes, but you aren’t in Boston? Where are you? Are you on a first semester study abroad? If you are doing Ok in your classes, I think that’s your answer. Maybe you are smarter than you think you are, or maybe your classmates aren’t that much ahead of you as you think. You need to have more confidence. If you have problems after you get to Boston and start your major, then you can reevaluate.
NU In program at Northeastern the student has to do their first semester Fall out of the country as a study abroad student. They come to campus in Spring. So, that is why this student is not in Boston as of yet.@me29034
I’d chill until you are a semester in on campus. You aren’t even really at the school yet, but are convincing yourself you will be unhappy.
CS classes can be super time consuming, so don’t overload your first semester on campus. Take 1-2 classes that play to your strengths so you can focus on the 1-2 classes in your major area.
I would stop stressing:
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You aren’t even on campus yet.
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If you couldn’t do the work the school would not have accepted you. With a 28% acceptance rate they had many people to choose from and they picked you.
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I know plenty of kids who “barely” got into their college and did great. Give yourself a chance.
I am sorry I cannot remember where I read this, so I can’t post a link…
but I remember reading comments from some official at a very, very selective school, that said that they tell students during orientation that it is not uncommon for new students to worry that they got in as a fluke. They reassure the students that admissions sometimes makes a mistake in not admitting someone who could have done well there, but that they have never felt they made a mistake about the students they actually had admitted. If you have been admitted, you will be able to succeed.
Moreover, competitive schools like Northeastern really care about their graduation rate and will work hard to help you succeed. If you actually do encounter any trouble, do not be afraid to take advantage of professors’ office hours, peer tutors, support centers, etc. Those are services that you are entitled to as a student. Your tuition (or financial aid) includes these services. Use them!
You’ll be fine. Take some intro classes and some Gen Ed classes. They have lots of clubs for artsy students, like a DIY club, student theater, even a mural club! You’re right in that you will probably be spending your summers doing stuff, but then that’s another way to make friends! Best of luck <3
Hey! Current Northeastern student here. A few things:
- I agree fully with others here with respect to waiting until you get to campus and have a full semester here. I think you're making a lot of assumptions about your peers, and you don't have to be a big fish in the pond to enjoy the pond and be successful. Some of the schools you mentioned (Syracuse) would be pretty close to peers of Northeastern in terms of student academic profiles, so I don't think that would really make any difference.
- That said, I wouldn't pick a major just on employability - you can't ignore it entirely, but you should like what you're doing at some level. Don't be afraid to change majors if that is the case and you know of a major/career/path you would enjoy more. The undeclared program is also very helpful here if you're not sure. If you do stick with CS, I am a TA for the course and if you want any advice or help before or during the course, please feel free to message me! The intro course is tough but is aimed at those without experience, so don't worry about being behind before you start, etc. I'd be happy to help with any concerns there.
- Re friends and types of people, there should be more people like you when you get to Boston, as NU.in groups are separated by majors. You likely are with CS and Busines majors primarily. There are lots of people not in those buckets or even STEM at Northeastern. Again, I think getting to Boston will help solve that worry as well.
- Confidence isn't easy or natural for many, but try to trust your abilities. Financial aid and scholarships are not any sort of advantage beyond the money students get from them. I don't know if most of my friends have or don't have a scholarship or financial aid, and everyone is treated the same. You are not a fraud for not having them, nor are you a failure if you decide to change anything, whether it be major, department, school, hair color, country, you name it. All that matters is that you are happy and you can work and support your own happiness in the future (and, like, don't be a murderer or steal. I'm guessing you're okay there already :) ). There isn't one recipe for being happy. There are tons, different for every person. Just work on finding yours the best you can.