What is college life actually like beyond the brochures and campus tours? During our recent webinar, College Unfiltered: What It’s Like at Today’s Hottest Campuses, student panelists from a range of universities pulled back the curtain, offering candid insights into their day-to-day experiences.
Top Tier Admissions partnered with Her Campus Media to host an open, honest conversation with five students attending some of the most sought-after campuses.
Panelists offered a diverse range of insights and personal stories from their experiences at the University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, Barnard College, Cornell University, and Case Western Reserve University. Here are some of their biggest takeaways:
The Academic Reality Check: Credits, Workload, and Managing It All
When it comes to academics, students were honest about the adjustment. Workloads are often more intense than in high school, requiring stronger time management and self-discipline. The class schedule in college can also be really different from what you’re used to in high school. Students talked about balancing credit hours from 12 per semester all the way up to 20, but it all comes back to learning time management skills and what works for you.
Panelists highlighted the availability of support systems—from office hours to tutoring centers—and stressed the importance of asking for help early. Accessibility to faculty can also be an important aspect of academic success. Our students at larger universities talked about how during the first two years of school you might find yourself in a large lecture with 300-400 students, but as you get deeper into your major, that class size will shrink significantly and it will become easier to get 1:1 time with professors. If you’re looking for a more personalized classroom setting, a small college might be the right fit.
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Finding Your People: Why Fitting In Takes Time (and That’s Okay)
One of the most reassuring takeaways: finding your people takes time—but it happens. Our students emphasized that friendships often grow organically through shared experiences, whether in dorms, classes, or clubs. Many noted that the first few weeks can feel overwhelming, but leaning into orientation events and saying “yes” to new opportunities makes a meaningful difference. Club fairs at the beginning of the semester or year are a great way to be introduced to student organizations- and you may even be overwhelmed by the sheer number of clubs you want to join! One student shared that you might not be able to do everything you did in high school- with greater responsibilities in college, you might find that you have to scale back the number of things you’re involved in so you can do less but go deeper–advice we often give to high school students, too.
Why Mentorship May Be the Most Important Thing You Do in College
The topic that came up more than anything was the importance of mentorship. One of the most important indicators of student success in college is the ability to connect with at least one mentor. It could be a professor, advisor, staff member, coach, internship supervisor, or some other trusted adult. Just as with making friends and finding your people in your community, finding an advocate can take a little time. If it takes a little time to find a mentor, try not to be discouraged. These relationships develop gradually, and it’s okay if it takes time to find the right fit. Top Tier Admissions CEO Dr. Liz Doe Stone touches on this in her Forbes piece How Ambitious Girls Can Thrive Without Burning Out. It can be challenging to feel like you are navigating a new environment alone–but seeking mentors can help alleviate that stress and potential burnout and build confidence.
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Authenticity in Admissions
In the application process, numbers–whether a GPA or a test score–are only part of the equation. The qualitative pieces that help an admissions reader understand not only the type of student you are, but the type of community member, friend, and future roommate you are to other students is just as important. As Top Tier Senior Private Counselor Heidi Steinmetz Lovette shares, “Simply earning top grades and scores–even at highly ranked high schools–is no longer a reliable path to a spot at selective colleges.” What a college is looking for from one student may be very different from what they’re looking for from another student–that is what makes university communities so dynamic and diverse. In an admissions landscape that changes and evolves every year, staying true to your authentic self is the underlying constant. And the truth is that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Colleges know they’re admitting teenagers and there is no expectation that you need to have it “all” together- but a genuine intellectual curiosity, community impact, and commitment to growth will take you far.
No Single “Right” Way To Do College
Ultimately, our panelists reinforced that there’s no single “right” way to do college. Each student’s path is unique and shaped by their openness to new experiences as they learn about themselves. It’s natural to have a lot of questions as you navigate the college planning and admissions process. One of the best ways to learn about the student experience is to hear directly from students who are living that experience every day.
We’re proud to have partnered with Her Campus Media to share these students’ stories. If you’d like to explore Top Tier’s Private Counseling options and how we support families, we invite you to learn more.
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With years of college counseling experience, Sam has guided students through the admissions process, building trusted relationships as she helped them identify and gain admission to best-fit colleges.
At Top Tier Admissions, Sam leads our annual Application Boot Camp® and our College Planning Retreat program. These curated, high-touch experiences are intentionally crafted to give students and families space for clarity, reflection, and confident decision-making—pairing strategic guidance with a calm, supportive environment that reduces stress and restores perspective during a high-stakes process.
Sam is a nationally recognized thought partner in college admissions strategy. She has presented at the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Annual Conference and is the author of A Guide to Finding the Best-Fit College for Jewish Students.
- College Unfiltered: The Real College Student Experience On Campus - April 17, 2026
- Waitlisted for College: What to Do Next - March 10, 2026
- Application Boot Camp®: Finish Your College Applications Early - March 5, 2026
