This thread is administered by our undergraduate-aged staff. If you'd like any advice on the college process, feel free to post them here, or start a new thread based on any questions you may have.
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This thread is administered by our undergraduate-aged staff. If you'd like any advice on the college process, feel free to post them here, or start a new thread based on any questions you may have.
How do you balance your academic performance, activities, social life, etc and avoid burnout? (A more general question, how do you take care of your mental health?)
How did you figure out which major you wanted to pursue?
Hi Jane!
I'm a rising Sophomore at NYU and I still haven't fully decided on my major! Over time I've realised that it's okay to want to see what college has to offer first before settling down on a major.
My advice? Figure out what classes you enjoy the most first (English, Govt., etc.) and what you enjoy about them. Once you know your area of interest you can start to narrow it down. For example, I realised I enjoyed my English classes the most but was also incredibly fascinated by my Psychology classes. I'm now pursuing a Psychology major and Journalism and Child and Adolescent Mental Health studies double minor. This may or may not change as I continue to study at NYU and explore the multitude of classes it has to offer.
The great thing about college is that you don't have to declare a major till the end of your Sophomore year and even if you do you still have the flexibility to change it up until you graduate! No matter what, you should enjoy what you're learning.
People tend to make a list of things that they're good at/would be good to do and then pick what they like from it. Rather, try making a list of things you like first and then pick what you're good at it from it!
What were some things you looked at when choosing the best college for you?
I believe that people can make any college work for them if they play it right. When I was 17, I was a spooky edgy little goblin and only applied to colleges that were haunted (or RUMORED to be haunted).
Out of said haunted institutions, I chose Flagler for their Public History major (and distance away from home) and networked my butt off once I got here.
@Cheyenne Koth Wow, you only applied to college that were haunted? That's such a bold move, I admire that
What were some of the things you did to make your application stand out during the college process?
What advice would you have for us while we write our college essays?
Hey there Fatema,
I would say always have someone proofread (my parents LOVED being asked to do that stuff) and always read your essays out loud to yourself. I do this with my academic and creative assignments, too.
Is it more important to present yourself authentically or to highlight certain "favorable" aspects of yourself?
How difficult or easy is it as a college student to find a community of students you could bond with? (i.e. cultural communities, clubs, sports teams, etc.)
Hi Catherine!
NYU in particular is known for being a very difficult place to make friends due to the high-paced, isolating city atmosphere and the fact that it has no real campus or community spaces to meet new people. However, it does have a plethora of clubs (not that much focus on sports unfortunately due to the fact we don't have a quad) and everyone is encouraged to attend clubs they're interested.
There are more work oriented clubs, like the college magazine or a business fraternity, and then there are clubs specifically for meeting people with the same interests, like the Dungeons and Dragons club! I've made a lot of my friends through these clubs by just being an active member. I believe if you genuinely like the atmosphere of the club then you'll automatically open up to making friends in it, no matter which college you go to!