As a rising college freshman entering an elite school, I feel the same in a lot of ways. One of the reasons I chose my school is that I felt many of the students shared my passion for learning. I come from a public school in one of the worst counties in terms of education in the state, my scores were just below the 25th percentile, and I often find myself feeling inadequate when I think about what some of my future classmates have already done. While I can’t necessarily help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety because I’m not sure how to do it myself, I’d like to share with you some advice I’ve gotten from others.
1.) After I was accepted into this school ED, I messaged a former classmate of mine who is now attending Duke. Including her and myself, only three people from my school in the last several years have attended a top 20 school, so I wanted her perspective on how well-prepared she was. She said that while the work was hard, it was by no means impossible. As she said, there is a prevalent notion at top schools that some students are effortlessly perfect, meaning they get A’s without studying too much. This is simply not true. While there may be some students who are able to do this, the vast majority (nearly all) who are successful, must work very hard. One thing that is important to recognize is that it’s okay that you’re struggling or feeling inadequate because everyone, seriously everyone, struggles at some point. However, you must not let it define you. As others on this thread have mentioned, you must be confident in your abilities.
2.) Another thing she shared with me was something I hadn’t heard many (if anyone) say before. During your first semester, don’t join too many extracurricular activities. Join one or two, but you want to focus primarily on making the academic and emotional transitions first. College is a big change, one that we can’t necessarily prepare ourselves for. There’s no need to do everything in your first semester and make it even more overwhelming.
3.) I talked about my fears with one of my teachers, as well. My teacher stressed the importance of going in with my eyes open, meaning recognizing the challenge ahead of me, which is something I think you’re doing. It’s important that we are aware that, yes, college will be harder and we will have to work hard, maybe even harder than some others. There will be people who are smarter than you, but it is always that way in life. And knowing this going in is beneficial because now we can focus on making the transition and being “our best,” rather than worrying about being “the best.” It’s important not to compare yourself too much to others, especially in college. Be competitive primarily with yourself, not others.
4.) Finally, my teacher also wanted to be sure that I talk with my professors. I often went into this teacher’s classroom to discuss an assignment or ask for help in improving my writing, and I can’t tell you enough how much that helped me. My teacher reassured me that it is no different in college. Your professors have office hours- use them.
As someone who shares your love of learning, I want to express that I sincerely hope you don’t let yourself lose that part of you because of pre - college fears. I’ve talked with some of my future college classmates who feel the same way as you and me. Everyone experiences this fear, but you were admitted to this school because they believe you can succeed there, and you can. Relax for now, enjoy your summer, and get excited for the next four years!