Published December 20, 2023
Five Pieces of Advice to College Applicants from Taylor Swift’s NYU Commencement Address
College applications are tough. Here are snippets of Taylor Swift’s 2022 NYU Commencement Speech that you can use to motivate you through this challenging yet rewarding process! Are you…Ready For It?
Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once.
You’ve got a lot coming up! Holidays, depending on what you celebrate, time with family, a new year, and college applications. Don’t try to carry it all at once. Cross your NYU application off the list so you have one less thing to carry.
Learn to live alongside cringe.
If what’s holding you back from pressing “submit” is that your essay feels a little too personal (or maybe all business and not personal enough?), if you’re worried its oozing violet or putting it all out on the line might not get you the results you’re hoping for…just go for it.
Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth.
Enough said, right?
Sometimes the right thing to do is to listen to the wisdom of those who have come before us.
You might need a second set of eyes on your application before you hit submit. Maybe a parent, a teacher, an older cousin who has been through it before. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance during this important time.
Sometimes the right thing to do is to throw out the old schools of thought in the name of progress and reform.
You might be the best judge of whether your application represents your hard work and experience in a way that’s authentically you – even if it doesn’t fit the mold that folks have guided you towards.
Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out.
That was a bonus piece of advice.
For even more inspiration for your application, watch Dr. Taylor Swift's NYU commencement here!
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