College Life, Student Success
Arjun Seth
Breaking Free from the Weight of Expectations

As high school graduates prepare for life at college, it is crucial to take a step back and critically examine the narrative that has shaped our lives.

In the journey toward college, many high school graduates are burdened by the weight of their own stories. From an early age, we absorb societal expectations and the desires of our parents, which become integral parts of our story. We are told who we should be, how we should act, what we should desire, and what we should fear. These ideas permeate our subconscious, shaping our decisions, self-perception, behavior, and aspirations. However, it is important to question whether these expectations truly align with our authentic selves and our individual passions and aspirations. This article will explore the consequences of taking our story too seriously and discuss how embracing authenticity can lead to a more fulfilling college experience and a sense of personal liberation.

Breaking Free from the Weight of Expectations
High School, Summer
Archit Agarwal
How do I get an internship?

Tips you need to get do something meaningful this summer!

How do I get an internship?
High School, Summer
Archit Agarwal
3 things you should be doing this summer

Summer is basically here! Are you ready? 

3 things you should be doing this summer
Parenting
Archit Agarwal
6 Things for Parents to Know About Winter Break

If your child is coming back home for the first time for break, here are some things you might want to keep in mind... 

6 Things for Parents to Know About Winter Break
Admissions, Essay Writing, University of Michigan
Archit Agarwal
University of Michigan Supplemental Essay ...
University of Michigan Supplemental Essay Questions: Tips and Tricks

College Admissions

Looking at small liberal arts and science schools

Looking at small liberal arts and science schools

While doing research for my first article in HT Horizon (see below) I reached out a few students I had worked with in the past. Amar Sarkar (Grinnell '12), Anshu Singh (Clark U '13), Madhavika Bajoria (Bryn Mawr '13) and Tanay Warerkar (Sarah Lawrence College '12) responded to my queries. Thank you, this wouldn't have been possible with you!

Interview with Karan Nagpal, Oxford University

1. What according to you works better at an undergraduate level, a small liberal arts school or a larger university? Does having to meet a core curriculum turn out to be an annoyance in any way?

I went to a high school that had a large number of students. Therefore, being around thousands of people was a way of life. This is what lead me to apply to big universities in the US. However, after studying at St. Stephens in India where the community was rather close-knit, I feel that a smaller college works better. There’s always the trade-off between the prestige of a larger university and the close-knit community of a smaller college (luckily, St Stephen’s ticked both the boxes).

Talking about core curriculums. In Stephens we didn’t have an array of diverse subjects that we were required to study. We had our basic economics requirements and requirement for subjects, which were in some way related to what we were studying. However, I feel that the ‘liberal arts’ system and the strict core curriculum that follows it leads to a holistic development and I see no reason as to why it should be an annoyance.