Why you should come to Columbia

In just a little over three weeks, some of you will be deciding whether or not Columbia is the place for you. My advice? Think of who you'd want at your dinner party.

I can't say I was in your exact position a year ago being that I applied Early Decision, but as someone at the end of her freshman year, I think I understand what you're going through.

You're probably looking through photos of all of your friends at college, trying to imagine yourself going to those dinners and parties, with those people as your friends.

You're reading through posts on the Class of 2016 group page, thinking whether or not these people think the same way you do ("Do I really like Doctor Who as much as these people?" "I haven't even heard of half of these bands, am I not 'hipster' enough?").

It may seem daunting-- I put myself into a complete panic after thinking about how the idea of "college" had been looming for at least ten years, and realizing that now was the time when I had to make The Decision.

For the next four years, you'll be surrounded by some of the most interesting, funny, and talented people you've ever met. Stop thinking about classes, potential majors, other people's expectations, and US News rankings, and think about where you really want to be. Think about who you want to talk to and what you want to talk about.

Everyday at college is like one big dinner party. You're meeting people every day, and talking to them about everything from literature to your favorite T.V. shows to the boy you met in class. Try to decide what kind of conversations you might want to have and what kind of people you'd like to have them with. Keep stalking your friends' photos, and keep reading the group page, and keep thinking about how you would feel about being a part of this community.

Living in New York, and attending Columbia isn't for everyone, but it may be just the place for you.

The food at John Jay might not be the best, but with the most fascinating company I've ever had, this year has been the dinner party of a lifetime.

First-Year Student Sounds Better Than Freshman is a weekly series on life as a first-year at Columbia that runs every Saturday.