Hey!
So, yeah I’m actually a college senior (at HYP if that’s something that matters to you). I used College Confidential a lot when I was in high school, so I feel like I owe you guys something (forgot the password to my old account rip, but I didn’t post much so it doesn’t really matter). To be honest, I didn’t use the chance threads much (they’re just a smidge… ehhhhhhh…), but you guys have a ton of information about standardized tests and AP classes and things colleges look for in applicants. It’s free, and that’s great. As someone who was a first gen to the US (1.5 gen North America… the situation’s a little weird), I didn’t have a lot of guidance when thinking about college, so sophomore year on I was glued to this site to learn things. And I did learn a lot!!
Now I’m returning the favor. Here’s some tips that I want to share with you:
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The “status” of your school doesn’t matter that much.
If you get rejected from a top school, don’t despair. It’s what you do with your education that counts. Take it from someone who’s graduating soon.
Even in top schools, there’s people who end up unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. It’s really up to you to do something with your life, provided that you have the passion to do something. I’ve had multiple people tell me that they wish they went to other schools because it turned out that our school wasn’t the right fit for them. Fit counts, guys. Think about where you want to exist for the next four-ish years of your life. -
Please don’t major in something you don’t want to major in.
Don’t do it for your parents. Don’t do it for financial stability… okay, care about financial stability a bit. Man though, it sucks seeing my friends regret their majors as juniors and seniors. You’ll do better in the classes that you like. You’ll be happier, too. College is a ton of work, so please don’t make it harder on yourself by taking a ton of classes you don’t like.
P l e a s e. P l e a a s e e e e e it’s such a bad idea. C’mon, you know it is.
If you don’t know what to major in, that’s honestly fine. Don’t worry about it. You have time. Enjoy exploring!
- People are super interesting. Talk to them. Have meaningful conversations. Make close relationships.
That’s the biggest tip my RA gave me when I started school. I didn’t pay attention to it much, but now that I’m a senior I regret I didn’t talk with a ton of people sooner. You’ll learn a lot from your colleagues. You’re not only here to learn from lectures and books, but you’re also here to learn from the people around you. That’s why college is such a fun time!!
Also, at college, you’re going to meet a lot of people, but you’re not going to know nearly as many of them. Increase that number. Try to be real with the people you meet.
- Plleeeaaassee don’t do extracurriculars just to get into college.
Okay, I know you guys probably hear this a lot, but it’s such a waste of time. Do the things you love, and your resume will start making itself.
I didn’t believe this in high school, to be honest. Once I got into college though, I told myself I wasn’t going to do anything that I didn’t want to do. I’m pretty darn sure I have an extracurricular record now that’s more impressive than what I had in high school. I certainly do more things; however, they’re all things that I like. I can’t imagine what my college experience would be like without those things.
Just do the things you love, and do them a lot. That’s enough. That’s the “passion” colleges are looking for.
- Break out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to be challenged.
I was (and still am, to be honest) the shyest person ever, so going on stage and performing in shows was something high school me would have never imagined doing. But I did it, I’m still doing it, and it’s a ton of fun. It’s my favorite part about college, actually.
My favorite class was also a language class that kicked my butt. But I kept at it. I studied abroad over my summers in order to learn the language better.
Really don’t know what my college experience would have been like without those two things.
Think that’s it. If I have more things to say, I’ll post them. Happy Holidays, guys!
(Also, if this is in the wrong sub-forum, I’m sorry!!!)