Erick Paulino
Sarah Lawrence College
(continued)
To this end I offer the following advice:
- Choosing The Right College
Like many of you, I applied to a wide range of schools from small private colleges to large public and private research universities. I also waited until the very last day to choose the college I would attend. Having said that, my advice to you is that you must truly think about the following: what you are hoping the next four years of your life will look like; what your projected career goals are; if you prefer small or large settings; rural or urban environments; and if factors such as diversity and retention rates are important to you. Thinking about these questions, and engaging in conversation with your guidance counselor and family about them will better help you narrow down your choices. Lastly, I would strongly urge you to look beyond names. I have friends at some notable institutions that regret not having followed their hearts. Remember, while such institutions have noteworthy advantages not to be discounted, they will not benefit you if you are unhappy once you are there. In other words, just follow you heart.
- Scholarships
Apply to each and every scholarship even if you do not think that you stand a chance of getting them. As a Gates Millennium Scholar, Horatio Alger National Scholar, and the recipient of many school/community-based scholarships, I understand the initial hesitation to letting others know about your economic hardships as this is letting them into such a private and personal area of your life. Nonetheless, keep in mind that often times scholarships committees are looking for something more than just your grade point average or economic hardship. Community service, participation in school activities, letters of recommendation, and a compelling essay combined with an expressed commitment to intellectual curiosity might just persuade the committee to choose you.
- Have Fun and Relax
Cherish the time you have left with your friends and family, as you will soon realize just how much they have contributed to the person you are today. Remember that the next four years of your life are meant to be some of the most exciting and transformative, so stay positive and optimistic. Finally, learn how to balance both your academic and social lives--like I noted above, they do not have to be mutually exclusive.
With this being said, I wish you all the best as you sort through the college application process and come to a decision. It is my hope that you follow your heart and are proud of whatever decision you and your family choose to make. Take a deep breath--this is the beginning of the rest of your life. Make the best of it!