Summer Advice
As I talked to one of the professors at the institution where I was doing summer research, he said:
“It’s not about where you’re coming from or what you’ve done, it’s about what you can do.”
At first, it struck me as a cliche kindly aimed at undermining some of my curricular weaknesses, but in hindsight, I feel forced to agree with him. Your current position often reflects past work, which is a good heuristic for what you might be able to do if you continue following the same path, but there is no causality there. If you work on your skills, and immerse yourself in your work, you will bring more to the table than people from a more privileged upbringing who have simply followed their path. You will bring character in addition to skills, and that, in my experience, is what is often most valued.
So incoming freshmen: concern yourselves with learning the material, not studying for the grade. School is designed so that if you learn the material, you will do well. There is really no secret to it. Doing well is within your power, so take responsibility and go get the work done.
Tags: advice, college, Grad school, school, studying
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