申請大學 勿為盛名所惑

申請大學的過程已令人生畏，加上來自各方「進名校」的壓力，更令高中生雪上加霜。我自大學畢業5年來，每年為母校擔任候選人面試官，同時不久前自醫學院畢業，我自己又經歷申請住院醫院，重溫申請過程，願意分享過來人的經歷，提供申請大學的學子們一些建議：

 1.以平常心處之。申請大學不僅壓力高，競爭日趨白熱化，但實際並無想像中可怕，開始申請前，不妨放鬆心情，你已完成申請學校的大半工作，現在只是臨門一腳。首先擬定申請計畫，按部就班，一次專注一項，一步一腳印，申請大學看起來似乎遙遠，但隨時間過去，你會發現離目標已不遠矣。選擇和獲錄取雖然重要，但申請過程仍可有所樂趣，將之視為接觸新地方和認識新朋友的途徑，發掘家以外的新天地，同時，你也會更了解自己，認識自己的長處。
 
2.綜觀全局。大學雖然是重要階段，但在相對漫長的人生旅途中僅是一段短暫的時間，大學教育雖影響你的生涯規畫，但並不決定你的人生。事實上，大學畢業後，你會驚訝地發現你日常生活中必須的抉擇，可能比上那一所大學對你更有深遠的影響。總之，盡力而為，但不要有太大的得失心。
 
3.勿受盛名之累。名校排行榜雖具吸引力，多數人難免受其左右，但選擇適合自己的學校更為重要。父母一定會忍不住提供選校意見，但名校不一定是最佳選擇。當然，家人和朋友的建言都是出於善意，應該虛心聆聽，但最後決定在於自己。拜訪學校，親身體驗校園，儘可能爭取留宿學校的機會，多和在校生交談，很有可能會發現，原本不在選校名單中的大學， 最終反而將成為你的首選之一。
 
4.你是獨一無二的候選人。學生選擇最適合自己的學校，大學入學審核人員也選擇最適合各校的學生。申請學生若擁有獨特的才華和才能，在適當時機不防「謙虛地」小露身手。參觀學校時，將主修科系、班級大小、提供課程、輔導服務、研究設備、學校生活諸如：宿舍、餐飲、課外活動、外國進修、實習機會等均考慮在內，每個項目都可詳細詢問，仔細比較。
 
5.全力以赴，相信結果。填妥申請表、完成申請論文、整理老師推薦信、完成面試，再來就是等待。申請時全力以赴，展現最好的一面，但一旦完成申請大學程序，就學習放下，不要再憂慮。生活中許多事情並不掌握自己手中，凡事必有因，無論結果如何，都認定將對自己的結果最好，完全接受。
 
6.不忘慶祝。恭喜！你進了大學，雖然可能是，也可能不是原先夢想的大學，但完成申請過程已是了不起的成就，你已擁有世界上少數人才有的高等教育機會。別忘了感謝身旁協助的父母、親友、師長和良師益友，珍惜最後遠赴大學前和家人、朋友相處的時間。
 
7.掌握先機，爭取機會。大學教育是學習、成長、享受的地方，掌握學校資源比上那所大學重要。大學提供課程、課外活動，和認識許多有趣人的機會，把握時間，珍惜難能可貴，豐富成長的青春年華。選修新課，擁抱新點子，嚐試新事物，到不同的地方旅行，接觸新朋友，開擴心胸，儘量吸收，總之，這是你成長的時刻。
 
8.平衡生活。「自由」是大學生活重要的一章，也許是初次離家，父母親將對你鞭長莫及。但無論讀書、玩樂、或休息，學習平衡生活，讀書時專注，發揮最大效果，不要過度受外務打擾。同時，設立生活優先順序，讀書、參加課外活動、交朋友都重要，保持健康的生活守則，起居定時，健康生活習慣將令人終生受益。
 
9.珍惜和好友相處的時間。大學友情是大學生活珍貴的資產，大學好友也可能成為你的終生好友。友誼點亮人們的生命，建立友誼中，同時也學到團隊、合作、協調的技巧，這也都是將來重要的技能。開放胸襟交友，選擇益友，當然，也別忘在家鄉的家人和老朋友。
 
10.著眼未來。大學是自我發掘、成長，學習邏輯思考時期，最終，也是準備畢業後開始貢獻社會的裝備時期。薪資、生活方式是一般人選擇職業的考量，但不應是唯一的因素，了解自己的興趣和能力，尋覓社會的需求，找到相交點就是理想的工作。不要畏懼當開路先鋒，大學教育是化不可能為可能的神奇地方。筆者的經歷希望對準備或正在申請大學的你有所幫助，相信你能進入適合的理想大學，同時，學校也會因有你而生輝。(陳雯娟譯)
 
Ten Helpful Tips on Choosing Proper College

By Nelson Chiu Getting into college has always been daunting. But increasing pressure from all directions to enter the best school possible has made it even worse for high school students today.
 
In the past five years, I’ve interviewed many students as an alumnus interviewer for my alma mater. Recently, I went through the application process myself for medical residency programs. From my experiences on both sides of the aisle, I can humbly offer a few pieces of advice for high school seniors about to begin the college application process:
 
1Take a Deep Breath

Applying to college can be very stressful, but oftentimes it is hyped up to be a much bigger deal than it actually is. Before you dive into it, give yourself a moment to relax and unwind – you’ve made it quite far already.Then make a schedule and a plan, and as you follow it, focus on one step at a time. These baby steps will add up, and you’ll be on the other side of this journey in no time.Choosing and getting into a school is definitely an important task, but it can be enjoyable as well. Use it as a time to learn more about new people and places, discover the world outside of home, and find out more about yourself and what makes you tick!
 
2 See the Big Picture

College is an important stage, but in the end it is only a relatively short period of time. Your experiences there will influence you, but certainly not define you, as you go forward.In the grand scheme of things, where you attended university will matter surprisingly little compared to the other choices you make every day, particularly after graduation. It is definitely easier to appreciate this in hindsight, but try to put things into perspective even as you apply and take the long view, no matter what is going on around you.
 
3 Don’t Judge by Reputation

There are certainly schools that may carry more prestige to some, and it’s hard to escape ubiquitous college rankings. However, it’s more important to choose a school based on how it fits you personally.Your parents may wish for you to make “safe” or popular college choices, but these may not be the most suitable for you. Family and friends certainly mean the best, but in the end you must make a choice that works for you.Spend ample time at the schools to get a “feel” for the place. Find an overnight student host if possible and talk to as many people as you can. And cast a wide net – you may find that you love a school that you didn’t originally consider.
 
4 You Are a Unique Candidate

Just as you are choosing the right school for yourself, the schools are also choosing the right students for them. You have much to offer – a unique set of talents and skills that no one else possesses. Feel free to “show off” some without being arrogant.Think about what you are looking for in terms of academics (majors, class size, writing courses, core curriculum, advisory services, research facilities, thesis or capstone projects) and student life at the school (student housing, food, clubs, study abroad programs, internships). Don’t be afraid to ask each potential school what is provided.
 
5Do Your Best,Trust the Results

After filling out your applications, writing your essays, organizing your letters of recommendation, and finishing your interviews, all you can do is wait.Definitely give it your best shot – you should always try your hardest and present yourself to the schools in the best manner possible. But after you’re finished and everything is submitted, let go and don’t worry.Just remember, some things in life are out of your hands. But trust that there is a reason for whatever happens, and it will be for the best.
 
6 Celebrate, No Matter What

Congratulations! You’ve gotten into college! It may or may not be your top choice or dream school, but it is an amazing achievement regardless. You are blessed with the opportunity to further your education, a gift granted to very few people worldwide.Take time to be thankful and have some fun! Remember to thank everyone who has helped you get this far – particularly your parents, family, close friends, teachers, and mentors.Don’t forget to repay the favor to those who come after you and enjoy the remaining time at home with your family and friends.
 
7Take Initiative, Take a Chance

College affords you with so many different opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy. More important than where you attend school is how you take advantage of the resources there.There are a multitude of academic offerings, extracurricular activities, interesting people to meet, and more. Use this time wisely; there are few chances to be nurtured in such a supportive environment in the future.Take new classes, explore new ideas, try new things, travel to new places, and meet new people. Keep an open mind and absorb as much as you can – this time is for you!
 
8 Find the Right Balance

The freedom you have in college can be overwhelming. You may find yourself living away from home for the first time and no longer under your parents’ rules.There will be a lot of free time, which you can spend working, playing, or resting. Try to strike the right balance between these things, which are all important. When it is time to work, study efficiently in an environment where you aren’t constantly distracted.Take breaks and prioritize other equally important things as well, such as extracurricular activities and spending time with friends. Eat healthily, sleep regularly, and exercise daily. These habits will keep you running smoothly in college and for many years after.
 
9 Treasure Time with Others

The best thing graduates cite about their college experience is always the people. Your fellow classmates will become some of your best friends.These relationships will be some of the most meaningful, influential, and valuable experiences of your life. Learn the skills of teamwork, cooperation, and negotiation, which will prove invaluable in and out of the workplace.Keep an open mind while talking to others, but choose your close friends wisely, and don’t forget to keep in touch with family.
 
10 Think About the Future

College is a time for self-discovery, learning to think logically, and considering some of the “big questions” in society. Unfortunately, many times these don’t translate into students’ career considerations.Salary and lifestyle are obviously significant factors in choosing a job, but are not the only considerations, or the most important. Discover your own passions and skills, find out where there is a true need in the world, and look for a job where these two meet.Don’t be afraid to begin something new. You’ve been blessed with a terrific education – now it’s time to go out and use it!I hope you will find these tips helpful as you embark on the college application process. I trust you will get into the school that is best for you, and they will be fortunate to have you. Best of luck!
 
Nelson Chiu graduated from Princeton University. He recently finished medical school and will begin his residency in Family Medicine this year. His interests include guitar, a cappella, running, and backpacking.

資料來源：世界日報教育專刊