5 Real-Life Lessons About Entering a Prestigious University

Right now, you’re basking in the glow of a newfound prestige among your fellow students, your friends, your teachers, and your family. You’re anticipating a top-notch education that will launch you into a great career.

All of this is amazing, of course. But there is also a reality that you may not be anticipating, as you look toward the move-in and those first days (and beyond) of your new life on campus.

Here are five things you will want to think about as you prepare. Not to be a “Debbie Downer,” but the fact is, you may not have a handle on all that you will be facing.

1. Expect Some Snobbery

Yes, it’s a fact. Lots of your fellow students may be “legacies.” This means that there is a family tradition of attending this university. Maybe the family, over the years, has contributed a lot to the university, and these kids are almost automatically accepted. They have come from top prep schools, and here you are a mere public-school graduate. “Fitting in” with this crowd will be a bit of a challenge, so look for others like yourself at first. There will be time to establish your own reputation, as you move through the years and participate in organizations and activities that are a good “fit” for you.

2. Money Can Become an Issue

Many students will come from wealthy families. Their “ride” is fully funded by their parents, and there are no budget issues. You, on the other hand, have used a lot of financial aid resources to fund yourself, and have a much stricter budget. You may not have the money to participate in a lot of your fellow students’ social activities (think weekend jaunts or spring break in the Bahamas, for example). Again, seek out fellow students whose budgets are more like yours, and find your own fun.

3. You’ll Work Harder than Ever Before

You may have breezed through high school, even through those AP courses. And you may not be prepared for the standards and expectations that you face now. You will have to become a much more serious student than ever before, but do not shirk this responsibility. If you have to give up sleep and free time, so be it. A couple of pointers here:

● If you face lots of writing assignments (essays and papers) use Writing Universe as a resource. There are free sample pieces in virtually every curricular area that you can use as examples as you craft those assignments. You can even order a customized, original piece if you are in a major time crunch.

● Every university, even yours, has a bank of “fluff” courses – those that require less rigorous work. Balance your schedule of classes, so that you have at least one of these every semester. And choose those that interest you.

4. You’ll Be Expected to Participate in Some Co-curricular Activities

Top universities offer a huge variety of clubs and organizations. You will be expected to find those in which you have a solid interest. Of course, there are intramural sports, but there are many others that you need to consider, based upon your major and your other interests. If you are a journalism student, for example, go after a spot on the campus newspaper; if you are a business student, join the finance/investment club; if you are a fine arts student, then go for clubs/organizations that produce plays, have art shows, or provide concerts.

The expectation that you participate in these activities is for your own good. Potential employers want to see a student who has done more than just shine academically. They want to see well-rounded individuals.

5. Networking - It’s a Real Fact

As you join the student body of a prestigious university, you need to understand the importance of networking. You will make friendships and contacts that will be extremely useful later on in life. Developing relationships with other students now will allow you to ‘call upon them” later in life. Never underestimate the importance of “who you know.”

These Five…

Take these five “reality checks” to heart. You will enter your college years at a top university prepared for everything you may face.