<p>Hello everyone! I am an old CCer. I’m from India, and when I was applying to colleges in the States, TiT was still in its 18th avatar. I don’t quite understand what has made me return to this forum. Perhaps, its just nostalgia because I’m now entering my senior year of college here in the States. Either way, its great to see that this thread is still going strong. Now that I’m here, I’ve decided to make a list of a few things that I wish I had known when I was in your position. </p>
<p>But before I begin, I wanted to state a few things at the outset. Firstly, I’m not going to reveal which school I’m at. That way it would be very easy for you to figure out who I am; I’m trying to distance myself from my previous CC profile. I’m just not the same person anymore (college does that to you). Secondly, I’m willing to answer questions that you people may have. Just don’t ask me specific questions about myself, or ask me to “chance” you, or send me your application essay to critique.</p>
<p>Now that thats said, here’s a list of things that I would implore you fellow to CCers think about.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Friends - Honestly, this forum just makes me think about the wonderful friends that I made. I met quite a few wonderful people through TiT and when we made it to the States, we even went on a Spring break trip together! Lots of fun was had. So here’s my advice, MEET OTHER CCers IN PERSON. I’m sure most of you are in different cities, but you should try and organize something that brings those of you in the same city together. When you share your angst about getting into your dream school with somebody else, who represents a lot more than just a screen name, you start building a support system that will be much needed as the pressure mounts and the deadline nears. Also, these friends will really help you out if and when you do end up going to America/UK/wherever you find yourself. Like I said earlier, I went on a spring break trip with friends I made here. I crashed in some of their dorm rooms, we got really drunk together, and had a **** ton of fun. Bottom line, add each other on fb and do things together.</p></li>
<li><p>Admissions - I know the uncertainty that faces you. Even after four years, I find myself in the same boat again. I’m applying to grad school. So, I’m fretting about essays, recommendations, GREs, and all that ******** again. The truth is that there will always be uncertainty. You’ve just got to deal with it by staying positive and looking at other options. If I don’t get into grad school, and if I don’t find a job, I’m just going to bum around India and find something to do. There’s always other options, its just about being open to try new things and expanding your skill set. </p></li>
<li><p>Academics - I’m majoring in English. I’m a humanities guy. When I first arrived in college, I was convinced that I was going to double major in econ and math and minor in computer science. Then I took an English class. And I realized that I needed to completely change my outlook to education. I kept looking at college as another stage that I must cross in order to find material success. Then I realized that education is a lot more than a means to an end. What you learn doesn’t just come to define a part of who you are, it also develops in you a perspective with which to approach the world. Studying the humanities has helped me to expand that perspective. Honestly, I think its taught me how to live my life. So, here’s my mantra when it comes to figuring out what you want to major in - do what you enjoy the most. Don’t worry about securing a future. If you enjoy what you study, you will be good at it. And you will figure out a way to leverage what you learn. Trust me. Do what you like. It will bring you happiness. But this leads to a much larger question - do we even know what we like studying? Can we answer this question based on our experiences in high school? I think the answer is NO. Most of my friends have changed trajectory since they have gone to college. Why? Because they took classes that they never thought they would. They experimented and tried something new. The liberal arts system, which I completely adore, encourages this kind of experimentation. Its an amazing thing. Don’t be afraid to do stuff that you never saw yourself doing. If you can take the risk of travelling to the States to study, you can definitely take the risk of spending a semester studying medieval art and architecture. What you learn might surprise you. More importantly, you will see first hand what else is on offer. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>This is all I have for now. But if I think about other things to pontificate about, I will write about them here.</p>
Has anyone seriously started working on their applications ?