Starting at Northeastern University in the fall of 2022, Cecilia was convinced that she wanted to study neuroscience. However, by attending a school that encourages academic exploration and offers a built-in internship program (the co-op), she discovered her true interest: international business. She's committing to the major this semester, but she's relished her "undecided" status, varied classes, and sorority life. She's already done a study abroad in Greece; next up, South Korea.
IO: Hi Cecilia. We hope the second semester of sophomore year is off to a great start! We would love to know more about your experiences at Northeastern. What have you liked best about the University so far?
Cecilia: I’ve really enjoyed the resources I’ve received to find a co-op, which is Northeastern’s work experience program for pay or credit. There’s much less pressure to look for internships because it’s already integrated into my schooling. We’re assigned a co-op advisor and take a co-op class, which makes the process much easier. I haven’t interviewed yet, but I’ve gotten guidance, so I look forward to doing it.
IO: Is there anything that you haven’t liked or that has surprised you?
Cecilia: I was definitely surprised by how cold it is here. I grew up in warm climates so the cold was a shock, especially after Dubai. To fight the cold, I made sure to get a good coat and pair of boots!
IO: You began freshman year in Greece – a unique international start to the Northeastern experience for many students. What was that like and how was your integration into the Boston campus when you returned?
Cecilia: I wish I’d put more effort into meeting people during my first semester in Thessaloniki. I initially struggled because of that, but once I branched out, I enjoyed my experience and learned so much about the culture. My integration back onto campus was very smooth. It was especially exciting because I already had all my friends from Greece, but now had the opportunity to meet a whole new set of people.
IO: Tell us about your academic journey – how has your approach to studying changed since high school?
Cecilia: I’ve become a lot more efficient! Previously, I wasted hours rewriting notes and not really retaining information. I was a huge procrastinator and would stress myself out with deadlines. Now, I make an effort to draw connections between concepts during shorter and more frequent study sessions. Getting a head start on reviewing material is a small factor that’s made a big difference.
IO: We’d also love to know about your major and whether your academic plans changed along the way?
Cecilia: Absolutely! I came to college planning to go into neuroscience research. I then switched to a Biology major, and now I’m studying International Business. Entering college, I felt pressure to study the sciences because I thought it sounded smart and would lead to a good job. I had no idea what I really wanted to do, but Northeastern has helped me discover my strongest interests. After a year, I switched my major and still have space for general electives in my plan of study.
IO: Many high schoolers worry that they don’t know what to study at college. What advice would you give them if they aren’t sure about their major?
Cecilia: Test out your interests! Because I liked psychology and biology in high school, I thought neuroscience could be a good major. To see if it suited me, I completed an internship with a neurologist at a hospital in New York and took free online courses. At Northeastern, I didn’t have to declare my major until the end of sophomore year, so I was “undecided” and had time to reevaluate. You’ll have room for elective classes, so taking a semester to try different areas won’t hurt your progress.
IO: We’d love to know about any special experiences you’ve had. Are you participating in any travel, research, or other opportunities at Northeastern?
Cecilia: Northeastern has amazing study abroad programs. This summer, I’m going to South Korea on a “Dialogue of Civilizations,” which is a one-month experience I chose because of the great “Global Supply Chain and Cross-Cultural Literacy” program there. It’s also an exciting way to fulfill a study-abroad requirement for my International Business major.
IO: What about student life? Where are you living and are you involved in any student organizations?
Cecilia: My sorority has been an amazing outlet for me. At first, I was scared to join a sorority because of some preconceived notions, but it has been a great way to meet new people and make connections. I didn’t expect to meet so many people who are as academically driven as I strive to be, but in reality I’ve made so many like-minded friends. Through the Greek system, I’ve also met juniors and seniors who can give valuable guidance on what courses and internships to pursue. Most sororities have multiple philanthropic opportunities that you can take part in – and on some campuses they provide housing as well. Although my sorority has a house, I wanted to live in an apartment with a friend; however, we all connect for weekly volunteering meetings and to take part in activities on campus.
IO: Looking back to senior year of high school, how did you know that Northeastern would be a great choice?
Cecilia: There wasn’t one specific reason why I liked Northeastern, but the overall vibe of the university drew me in. I was wary of an urban setting because I wanted the “college experience” so NE’s physical campus within the city of Boston was important. I also appreciated the co-op program, international focus, and emphasis on self-expression and creativity. My Ivy Options counselor encouraged me to do thorough research – because I did, I found a university that was perfect for me.
IO: Finally, what advice would you give to current high schoolers who are beginning to research their universities? What should they be looking for and thinking about?
Cecilia: Don’t focus on the acceptance rate or name; at the end of the day, many other factors are more important when selecting a university. Do your research thoroughly, and choose a college that helps you make friends, discover your interests, and figure out what you want to do with your future.
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