<p>Even though musicallylatin did an outstanding job answering your question I would like to throw in my 2 cents if you don’t mind? Just like you, I’ll be a freshman next year but at Auburn University (probably not the “small” public school you were talking about) :P. Anyhow, although I am going to be a freshman I have gone to an extremely small boarding school for my past three years of high school so I can pitch in a little as well.</p>
<p>Not knowing necessarily how “small” your school is, just like musicallylatin stated, you need to live on campus for at least your first year. Not only will this help you get accustomed to living by yourself, but it will also help you learn to live with other people you may not necessarily know well, and also you will have the opportunity for as many experiences as you can get. By living on campus, not only are you opening doors for friendships and relationships, but you are also exposing yourself to more information on clubs, intramurals, Student Government, and more. Because you’ll be at a smaller school, you may not necessarily know everybody, but you will definitely see a lot more familiar faces than you would at a much larger school. And not only that, but it will be easier for you to get a jump start on your social life in college. Yes, a social life. Maintaining a good GPA is obviously important, but what good are you getting out of your experience in college if you don’t make friends or go to parties? The only thing is to just not let the social scene take control of you, you must take control of it. By living on campus it will be much easier for you to prioritize yourself and keep yourself focused, but at the same time you’ll have a jump start at making friends and going out on the weekends!</p>
<p>As mentioned in the last paragraph, there are many organizations to be involved in on campus including clubs, intramurals, and Student Government. One of the great things about college is no matter what size it is, there’s always something going on, you’re just going to have to go get yourself involved. You said that your dream is med school. Here’s the catch: many graduate programs like medicine, law, and engineering want difference makers, not just smart workers. They’re looking for people to make a difference in their workplace, not just work and not talk to anybody. By running for leadership positions, rushing Greek life, and getting involved in other extracurricular activities, you’re teaching yourself and showing others that you are determined to make a difference in whatever environment you’re in, and when you have the good GPA to back all that up, your resume will be something greater than that “kid who only studies”. Being involved will also help you meet people and meet others from other colleges and universities as well.</p>
<p>Lastly, make sure that you don’t overwork yourself. Being a pre-med major, your curriculum will be difficult as it is. Plan accordingly around your schedule and if you’re doing too much, prioritize then drop something. Let’s say if you’re taking a hard 16-hour curriculum and an internship, it may be better not to sign up for 5 or 6 clubs but maybe pick one or two extra to be a part of. Many students in college don’t make it because they stress out over the course load, but if you prioritize and drop, you will be successful. If you do happen to get stressed, however, obviously it is completely normal. Some good ways to relieve stress are working out, having fun on the weekends, and going to church. Remember what I said in the first paragraph, make sure you have a life outside of studying, not only is it healthier but it will be a better way for you to succeed.</p>
<p>Now that I’ve given my thoughts about what you should do, I figured I’d let you know what I’m planning on doing. I’m actually living off-campus my first year at Auburn, however I have lived in a dorm building with a community bathroom for three years in high school. In high school, I was involved in numerous activities around campus, including varsity basketball, after school math tutoring, after school tutoring with 6th-12th graders around my city, National Honor Society, and Key Club International. Notice how I did only a few ECs, but because I had to prioritize and drop. My course load this year included Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Organic Chemisty, and Pyrotechnics. At Auburn, I plan on majoring in Chemical Engineering. Not only will my course load be difficult, but I’m also planning on participating in Greek Life, Student Government Association, Baja Racing Team, a Christian student ministry, and possibly more. My student apartment is less than a mile from campus, however like I said I’ve already lived in a dorm-like setting for three years, so I feel as if my mind will be right. I hope you see my thoughts as interesting and helpful! And good luck to you in your next four years! If you have any questions or would like to chat as friends I’d gladly talk to you! :)</p>
Just keep an ear out and ask around for what there is to do when ya get there. </p>
</p>