Accepted to UCLA, rejected from Berkeley, NEED ADVICE

rocket88
Wed, 19 Apr 2017 05:47:50 +0000

Starting out as a Freshman science major at a UC school is a little bit like starting a crowded 5K running race. You stand at the starting line looking at all the other runners–you think they look faster or fitter, or more intense. Then the gun sounds and it’s all elbows and heels, people passing you right and left. It can be intimidating, but don’t let it psyche you out. Some people are just plain faster and will finish ahead of you, but others will start too fast and then fade badly. You have to find your own pace, and make sure you just pay attention to doing what got you to the starting line. You probably won’t win the race–most people don’t, of course-- but there’s a good chance you’ll run well enough to meet your goals.

So jumping out of the analogy, I’ll say (from my personal experience in life, as well as having been a graduate student and teaching assistant in a technical field), that the abilities that got you accepted at UCLA will allow you to succeed there. Have good study habits and focus on learning the material. Go to office hours and get your questions answered. Try to enjoy yourself. And also take stock of your motivations as you get near the end of your first year. When you’re in high school (and even when you’re in college) it’s hard to see the wealth of career paths that are available to you. If it turns out that you’re really struggling or unhappy in your field, then maybe it truly isn’t right for you–and that’s OK! So with this in mind, you shouldn’t feel incredible pressure, and you shouldn’t feel that you don’t belong at UCLA–or wherever you choose to go.