3 answers
Michael
Student
Randleman, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What makes college so difficult for so many people?
Is it the change from a very structured high school environment to a more open one, or just much higher difficulty level in the classes? Are there any good tips on managing your time wisely?
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3 answers
Diana Cobian
Sales
16
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hello Michel! Fantastic question! College can be challenging for many, but remember, you're not alone. It's a mix of academic, personal, and social hurdles, but you can definitely overcome them! Here are some things to consider:
Structure: In high school, teachers and parents often guide you. In college, you'll learn to manage your own time and assignments. It might be tough at first, but it's a great opportunity to grow and become more independent.
Academic Rigor: College encourages you to think critically, not just memorize facts. This might be new, but it's a chance to deepen your understanding and skills in your chosen field.
Freedom: With more freedom comes more choices and responsibility. This is your time to explore, make decisions, and learn from them. Embrace it!
Environment: You might move to a new place or feel homesick, but this is also a chance to make new friends and build connections. You'll find your community!
Keep these in mind, and remember, you have what it takes to succeed. You've got this!
Structure: In high school, teachers and parents often guide you. In college, you'll learn to manage your own time and assignments. It might be tough at first, but it's a great opportunity to grow and become more independent.
Academic Rigor: College encourages you to think critically, not just memorize facts. This might be new, but it's a chance to deepen your understanding and skills in your chosen field.
Freedom: With more freedom comes more choices and responsibility. This is your time to explore, make decisions, and learn from them. Embrace it!
Environment: You might move to a new place or feel homesick, but this is also a chance to make new friends and build connections. You'll find your community!
Keep these in mind, and remember, you have what it takes to succeed. You've got this!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1007
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Michael, please understand that college can be challenging for many students because it represents a major shift not only in academic expectations but also in lifestyle and personal responsibility. Unlike high school, where students often follow a tightly structured schedule and receive close guidance from teachers and parents, college introduces a much more independent learning environment. Professors typically don’t remind students of deadlines, and coursework often requires deeper critical thinking, advanced writing skills, and the ability to manage multiple long-term assignments at once. This sudden transition—from structured oversight to self-directed learning—is one of the primary reasons students struggle.
Additionally, the academic rigor in college is significantly higher. College courses move at a faster pace, demand more in-depth understanding of material, and require students to apply what they’ve learned in complex, often abstract ways. For instance, a high school history class might focus on memorizing facts, while a college-level course will require analyzing historical trends, evaluating sources, and crafting persuasive arguments. Many students are unprepared for this leap in expectations, particularly if they haven’t developed strong study or note-taking habits in high school.
Michael, time management becomes absolutely essential for success in college, and it’s an area where many students initially falter. One of the most effective strategies is to use time-blocking, where you assign specific hours in your calendar to study, attend class, work, exercise, and rest. Tools like Google Calendar (calendar.google.com) or productivity platforms such as Notion - http://www.notion.so/ and Trello - http://www.trello.com/ can help you visually organize tasks and deadlines. A helpful tip is to treat your college schedule like a 9-to-5 job—this keeps you disciplined and avoids last-minute cramming or burnout. Break assignments into smaller, manageable parts and set internal deadlines to keep yourself on track.
Michael, please understand that it is also important to prioritize self-care and balance. Academic pressure, combined with the social and emotional transitions of college life, can easily lead to stress or overwhelm. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating well, exercising, and seeking support when needed (whether from a counselor, mentor, or academic advisor) are vital to staying grounded. Most colleges offer academic success centers or peer tutoring services, which can help students strengthen their study techniques or grasp difficult material. Don’t hesitate to use those resources early and often.
Ultimately, Michael, college is difficult not just because the classes are harder, but because it demands maturity, resilience, and self-motivation. By building strong habits early, staying organized, and asking for help when needed, students can overcome these challenges and thrive in a college environment that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.
Additionally, the academic rigor in college is significantly higher. College courses move at a faster pace, demand more in-depth understanding of material, and require students to apply what they’ve learned in complex, often abstract ways. For instance, a high school history class might focus on memorizing facts, while a college-level course will require analyzing historical trends, evaluating sources, and crafting persuasive arguments. Many students are unprepared for this leap in expectations, particularly if they haven’t developed strong study or note-taking habits in high school.
Michael, time management becomes absolutely essential for success in college, and it’s an area where many students initially falter. One of the most effective strategies is to use time-blocking, where you assign specific hours in your calendar to study, attend class, work, exercise, and rest. Tools like Google Calendar (calendar.google.com) or productivity platforms such as Notion - http://www.notion.so/ and Trello - http://www.trello.com/ can help you visually organize tasks and deadlines. A helpful tip is to treat your college schedule like a 9-to-5 job—this keeps you disciplined and avoids last-minute cramming or burnout. Break assignments into smaller, manageable parts and set internal deadlines to keep yourself on track.
Michael, please understand that it is also important to prioritize self-care and balance. Academic pressure, combined with the social and emotional transitions of college life, can easily lead to stress or overwhelm. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating well, exercising, and seeking support when needed (whether from a counselor, mentor, or academic advisor) are vital to staying grounded. Most colleges offer academic success centers or peer tutoring services, which can help students strengthen their study techniques or grasp difficult material. Don’t hesitate to use those resources early and often.
Ultimately, Michael, college is difficult not just because the classes are harder, but because it demands maturity, resilience, and self-motivation. By building strong habits early, staying organized, and asking for help when needed, students can overcome these challenges and thrive in a college environment that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.
Mark Gruca
Project and Program management
3
Answers
Marana, Arizona
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Michael, I'll attempt to address this with my own collegiate experience... To preface, I went to a small rural high school, so the classes offered weren't exactly a good prep for a four year college, at least not for me. I knew I wanted a career in something technical, and I originally thought I wanted to be an electronics technician, so I had fun playing around with that type of thing. When I was a jr in high school the counselor looked at my grades and convinced me to opt for a 4 year education as opposed to a two year degree that I 'thought' I wanted. Great advice! I never regretted that, but, he convinced me to go into engineering. Sure, what the heck, be an electrical engineer. That's when things started to unravel for me. I didn't have the mathematical aptitude required for that major. Needless to say the first year of college sucked for me. I was taking remedial classes to catch up and when I got into the core classes, I wasn't doing well...to the point I got put on academic probation. At that point I knew I needed a change, I could not understand why someone with my technical aptitude wasn't cutting it as an engineer. Then I discovered another more applied technical major in industrial technology. I transferred and immediately my grades improved and I was actually enjoying the classes and labs! I needed to be more practical and less theory, that was the key for me. I finished college with some 4 pt semesters and dean's list. My point is, a high percentage of new college students do not know or may think they know what they want as a career. If that becomes the case, ask around, check out the other majors and try to determine what it is that you truly enjoy. Some years later I went after my MBA. That was one of the top 5 best decisions I made in my life. I discovered I had a previously unknown aptitude for business. Perfect to balance out the technical undergrad degree for my career and the application of the accounting and financial knowledge to my personal life paid off one thousand fold. Anyway, I know this may be easier said then done, but finding your groove is key. I hope this is beneficial. Best of luck,
Mark
Mark