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Xen
Student
Morton Grove, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What does my life look like in the future if I think I'm successful in life?
I go to Niles West High School in Skokie Illinois and I'm a senior. What could I do to make college easier for me? Why do most people find college so hard? How come I find high school not hard at all?
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3 answers
Michelle Fryar, MBA
Telecommunications / Operations
6
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Xen! To do well in college, stick to a schedule. Try to arrange your classes on the same days and times to save travel time and increase study time. Use your free time for personal activities, work, friends, family, study, and sleep. A schedule will boost your productivity and keep you on track.
In college, you have more freedom than in high school. You might not live with your family anymore and could have a job. Friends and other activities might distract you. Unlike high school, no one will make you attend class.
Good luck in college and your career! If you miss a class or fail a test, don't worry. Aim to improve the next day. You can do it!
In college, you have more freedom than in high school. You might not live with your family anymore and could have a job. Friends and other activities might distract you. Unlike high school, no one will make you attend class.
Good luck in college and your career! If you miss a class or fail a test, don't worry. Aim to improve the next day. You can do it!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
209
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
To succeed in college, effective time management is key. Use tools like Google Calendar to stay organized and avoid procrastination. Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you, and get involved in campus activities early to build a strong support network. Focus on developing independence, managing your finances, and prioritizing your mental health while maintaining a growth mindset.
While college may feel more challenging due to a heavier workload and increased responsibility, building good habits now will set you up for success. If high school feels easy, it’s likely because of your solid study habits. However, college demands more critical thinking and organization. Utilize resources such as tutoring centers and build strong relationships with your professors for guidance.
In addition to academic success, it’s important to stay physically healthy, gain real-world experience, and avoid overloading your schedule. Gradually increase your course load to avoid burnout, and always prioritize your mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed—whether through campus counseling or academic advisors. Staying organized, taking care of yourself, and asking for help will make the transition to college much smoother.
While college may feel more challenging due to a heavier workload and increased responsibility, building good habits now will set you up for success. If high school feels easy, it’s likely because of your solid study habits. However, college demands more critical thinking and organization. Utilize resources such as tutoring centers and build strong relationships with your professors for guidance.
In addition to academic success, it’s important to stay physically healthy, gain real-world experience, and avoid overloading your schedule. Gradually increase your course load to avoid burnout, and always prioritize your mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed—whether through campus counseling or academic advisors. Staying organized, taking care of yourself, and asking for help will make the transition to college much smoother.
David Ludwick
Business Owner
60
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Xen,
As a senior at Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois, preparing for college and understanding why it can be challenging are smart steps to take. Below, I’ll address your questions with practical advice to make college easier, explain why many find college difficult, and explore why high school might feel manageable for you.
How to Make College Easier**
To set yourself up for success in college, focus on building skills and habits now that will ease the transition. Here are actionable steps tailored to your situation:
1. **Develop Strong Time Management Skills**
- **Why**: College often has less structure than high school, with fewer reminders and more independent work. Deadlines can pile up quickly.
- **How**: Start using a planner or digital tool (e.g., Google Calendar) to track assignments, extracurriculars, and college application deadlines. Practice prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance. For example, break large projects into smaller chunks with self-imposed deadlines.
- **Action**: Try the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break) for homework to build discipline.
2. **Hone Study and Note-Taking Skills**
- **Why**: College courses cover material faster, and exams often test deeper understanding rather than memorization.
- **How**: Experiment with active study methods like summarizing notes in your own words, teaching concepts to a friend, or using flashcards (e.g., Quizlet). For note-taking, try the Cornell method (notes on one side, key points/questions on the other) to organize information.
- **Action**: Review your current class notes and rewrite one set using the Cornell method to practice for college-style lectures.
3. **Build Self-Advocacy and Resourcefulness**
- **Why**: In college, you’ll need to seek help independently—professors won’t chase you, and resources like tutoring or advising require initiative.
- **How**: Get comfortable asking teachers at Niles West for clarification or extra help. Research your target colleges’ academic support services (e.g., writing centers, peer tutoring) now so you know what’s available.
- **Action**: Email a teacher with a specific question about an assignment to practice professional communication.
4. **Strengthen Academic Foundations**
- **Why**: Gaps in math, writing, or critical reading can make college courses harder.
- **How**: If you’re taking AP or honors classes at Niles West, use them to preview college-level rigor. If you struggle in a subject (e.g., math), use free resources like Khan Academy to reinforce skills. Focus on writing, as many college courses require essays.
- **Action**: Identify one weak subject and spend 30 minutes weekly on targeted practice (e.g., Khan Academy for algebra if math is tough).
5. **Cultivate Resilience and Stress Management**
- **Why**: College can be emotionally taxing due to academic pressure, social adjustments, and independence.
- **How**: Practice healthy habits now—regular sleep (7–9 hours), exercise (e.g., join a Niles West sports team or gym), and mindfulness (e.g., apps like Headspace). Build a support network by staying connected with friends or family.
- **Action**: Try a 5-minute mindfulness exercise daily for a week to build a stress-relief habit.
6. **Explore Majors and Colleges Strategically**
- **Why**: Choosing a college and major that align with your interests and strengths reduces stress and boosts motivation.
- **How**: Use resources like Naviance (available at Niles West) to explore careers and majors. Attend college fairs or virtual tours to find schools with strong programs in your areas of interest. Consider nearby options like the University of Illinois at Chicago or Northwestern University if you’re staying local.
- **Action**: List three potential majors based on your favorite subjects or hobbies, then research one college program for each.
7. **Maximize Your Senior Year**
- **Why**: A strong senior year can boost your college applications and confidence.
- **How**: Maintain good grades, as colleges review your final transcript. Take challenging courses (e.g., AP or dual-enrollment through Oakton Community College, which partners with Niles West) to prepare for college rigor. Join clubs or volunteer in Skokie to build leadership skills.
- **Action**: Identify one extracurricular at Niles West (e.g., National Honor Society, theater) to deepen your involvement this year.
Why Do Most People Find College Hard?**
College presents unique challenges that differ from high school, which is why many students struggle. Here are the main reasons, grounded in common experiences:
1. **Increased Academic Rigor**
- College courses move faster, cover more material, and demand critical thinking over rote memorization. For example, a semester-long high school class might cover what a college course covers in a month.
- Large lecture classes (100+ students) and less teacher interaction mean students must learn independently.
2. **Less Structure and Accountability**
- Unlike high school, where teachers monitor progress, college professors expect self-discipline. Attendance may not be mandatory, and deadlines are less flexible.
- Students must manage irregular schedules (e.g., classes only twice a week) and balance academics with part-time jobs or social life.
3. **Social and Emotional Adjustments**
- Moving away from home (if attending a residential college) can lead to homesickness or difficulty forming new friendships.
- The pressure to “find yourself” or choose a career path can feel overwhelming, especially with diverse peers and new perspectives.
4. **Financial Stress**
- Tuition, textbooks, and living expenses create anxiety, especially for students working part-time or taking loans. In 2025, the average cost of attendance at a public four-year college is around $26,000/year (in-state), per recent data.
5. **Time Management Struggles**
- Balancing academics, extracurriculars, jobs, and social life is tougher when students lack organizational skills. Procrastination often leads to cramming or missed deadlines.
6. **Diverse Backgrounds and Competition**
- College brings together students with varied academic preparation. Some feel unprepared if their high school didn’t offer rigorous courses, while others face imposter syndrome among high-achieving peers.
### **Why Do You Find High School Not Hard at All?**
Your ease with high school at Niles West could stem from several factors, which can also inform your college preparation:
1. **Strong Academic Preparation**
- Niles West is a well-regarded public school with a diverse curriculum, including AP and honors courses. If you’re in these classes, you’re likely comfortable with challenging material, which aligns with college expectations.
- Your teachers may provide clear structure and support, making assignments feel manageable.
2. **Effective Study Habits**
- You might naturally use strategies like reviewing notes regularly or breaking tasks into steps, which reduce stress and make work feel easier.
- If you’re not procrastinating, you’re already ahead of many peers.
3. **Supportive Environment**
- Niles West offers resources like counselors, Naviance, and extracurriculars, which can make school feel engaging and less isolating.
- A strong social circle or family support in Skokie could boost your confidence and motivation.
4. **Personal Strengths**
- You may have a knack for subjects taught at Niles West or excel in areas like organization or test-taking. For example, if you’re strong in math or writing, core classes might feel intuitive.
- High school material is often more structured and less abstract than college, which might suit your learning style.
5. **Lower Stakes Perception**
- As a senior, you might feel less pressure if you’re confident in your college applications or if grades in certain classes won’t impact your plans.
- High school’s predictable routine (daily classes, consistent teachers) might feel comfortable compared to college’s variability.
**Note**: If high school feels *too* easy, you might not be challenged enough, which could leave gaps in skills like critical thinking or handling ambiguity. Consider taking an AP course or dual-enrollment at Oakton Community College to test college-level work.
To make college easier, focus on time management, study skills, and self-advocacy while leveraging Niles West’s resources. College is harder for many due to its rigor, independence, and emotional demands, but your ease with high school suggests you’re well-positioned if you prepare proactively. Your strengths in high school (e.g., organization, academic comfort) are assets, but stretching yourself now will ensure you’re ready for college’s challenges.
Leverage Niles West Resources**: Meet with your school counselor to review your transcript and college plans. Use Naviance for college searches and scholarship opportunities. Attend Niles West’s college fairs or workshops for seniors.
Explore Local Options**: If staying near Skokie, research affordable schools like the University of Illinois at Chicago or Northeastern Illinois University, which offer strong programs and commuter-friendly campuses.
Prepare for Independence**: If you plan to live on campus, practice skills like budgeting, laundry, or cooking to ease the transition. - **Mind the Gap**: Even if high school feels easy, college will likely demand more. Use your senior year to stretch yourself academically (e.g., take a new subject or lead a project) to build resilience.
As a senior at Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois, preparing for college and understanding why it can be challenging are smart steps to take. Below, I’ll address your questions with practical advice to make college easier, explain why many find college difficult, and explore why high school might feel manageable for you.
How to Make College Easier**
To set yourself up for success in college, focus on building skills and habits now that will ease the transition. Here are actionable steps tailored to your situation:
1. **Develop Strong Time Management Skills**
- **Why**: College often has less structure than high school, with fewer reminders and more independent work. Deadlines can pile up quickly.
- **How**: Start using a planner or digital tool (e.g., Google Calendar) to track assignments, extracurriculars, and college application deadlines. Practice prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance. For example, break large projects into smaller chunks with self-imposed deadlines.
- **Action**: Try the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break) for homework to build discipline.
2. **Hone Study and Note-Taking Skills**
- **Why**: College courses cover material faster, and exams often test deeper understanding rather than memorization.
- **How**: Experiment with active study methods like summarizing notes in your own words, teaching concepts to a friend, or using flashcards (e.g., Quizlet). For note-taking, try the Cornell method (notes on one side, key points/questions on the other) to organize information.
- **Action**: Review your current class notes and rewrite one set using the Cornell method to practice for college-style lectures.
3. **Build Self-Advocacy and Resourcefulness**
- **Why**: In college, you’ll need to seek help independently—professors won’t chase you, and resources like tutoring or advising require initiative.
- **How**: Get comfortable asking teachers at Niles West for clarification or extra help. Research your target colleges’ academic support services (e.g., writing centers, peer tutoring) now so you know what’s available.
- **Action**: Email a teacher with a specific question about an assignment to practice professional communication.
4. **Strengthen Academic Foundations**
- **Why**: Gaps in math, writing, or critical reading can make college courses harder.
- **How**: If you’re taking AP or honors classes at Niles West, use them to preview college-level rigor. If you struggle in a subject (e.g., math), use free resources like Khan Academy to reinforce skills. Focus on writing, as many college courses require essays.
- **Action**: Identify one weak subject and spend 30 minutes weekly on targeted practice (e.g., Khan Academy for algebra if math is tough).
5. **Cultivate Resilience and Stress Management**
- **Why**: College can be emotionally taxing due to academic pressure, social adjustments, and independence.
- **How**: Practice healthy habits now—regular sleep (7–9 hours), exercise (e.g., join a Niles West sports team or gym), and mindfulness (e.g., apps like Headspace). Build a support network by staying connected with friends or family.
- **Action**: Try a 5-minute mindfulness exercise daily for a week to build a stress-relief habit.
6. **Explore Majors and Colleges Strategically**
- **Why**: Choosing a college and major that align with your interests and strengths reduces stress and boosts motivation.
- **How**: Use resources like Naviance (available at Niles West) to explore careers and majors. Attend college fairs or virtual tours to find schools with strong programs in your areas of interest. Consider nearby options like the University of Illinois at Chicago or Northwestern University if you’re staying local.
- **Action**: List three potential majors based on your favorite subjects or hobbies, then research one college program for each.
7. **Maximize Your Senior Year**
- **Why**: A strong senior year can boost your college applications and confidence.
- **How**: Maintain good grades, as colleges review your final transcript. Take challenging courses (e.g., AP or dual-enrollment through Oakton Community College, which partners with Niles West) to prepare for college rigor. Join clubs or volunteer in Skokie to build leadership skills.
- **Action**: Identify one extracurricular at Niles West (e.g., National Honor Society, theater) to deepen your involvement this year.
Why Do Most People Find College Hard?**
College presents unique challenges that differ from high school, which is why many students struggle. Here are the main reasons, grounded in common experiences:
1. **Increased Academic Rigor**
- College courses move faster, cover more material, and demand critical thinking over rote memorization. For example, a semester-long high school class might cover what a college course covers in a month.
- Large lecture classes (100+ students) and less teacher interaction mean students must learn independently.
2. **Less Structure and Accountability**
- Unlike high school, where teachers monitor progress, college professors expect self-discipline. Attendance may not be mandatory, and deadlines are less flexible.
- Students must manage irregular schedules (e.g., classes only twice a week) and balance academics with part-time jobs or social life.
3. **Social and Emotional Adjustments**
- Moving away from home (if attending a residential college) can lead to homesickness or difficulty forming new friendships.
- The pressure to “find yourself” or choose a career path can feel overwhelming, especially with diverse peers and new perspectives.
4. **Financial Stress**
- Tuition, textbooks, and living expenses create anxiety, especially for students working part-time or taking loans. In 2025, the average cost of attendance at a public four-year college is around $26,000/year (in-state), per recent data.
5. **Time Management Struggles**
- Balancing academics, extracurriculars, jobs, and social life is tougher when students lack organizational skills. Procrastination often leads to cramming or missed deadlines.
6. **Diverse Backgrounds and Competition**
- College brings together students with varied academic preparation. Some feel unprepared if their high school didn’t offer rigorous courses, while others face imposter syndrome among high-achieving peers.
### **Why Do You Find High School Not Hard at All?**
Your ease with high school at Niles West could stem from several factors, which can also inform your college preparation:
1. **Strong Academic Preparation**
- Niles West is a well-regarded public school with a diverse curriculum, including AP and honors courses. If you’re in these classes, you’re likely comfortable with challenging material, which aligns with college expectations.
- Your teachers may provide clear structure and support, making assignments feel manageable.
2. **Effective Study Habits**
- You might naturally use strategies like reviewing notes regularly or breaking tasks into steps, which reduce stress and make work feel easier.
- If you’re not procrastinating, you’re already ahead of many peers.
3. **Supportive Environment**
- Niles West offers resources like counselors, Naviance, and extracurriculars, which can make school feel engaging and less isolating.
- A strong social circle or family support in Skokie could boost your confidence and motivation.
4. **Personal Strengths**
- You may have a knack for subjects taught at Niles West or excel in areas like organization or test-taking. For example, if you’re strong in math or writing, core classes might feel intuitive.
- High school material is often more structured and less abstract than college, which might suit your learning style.
5. **Lower Stakes Perception**
- As a senior, you might feel less pressure if you’re confident in your college applications or if grades in certain classes won’t impact your plans.
- High school’s predictable routine (daily classes, consistent teachers) might feel comfortable compared to college’s variability.
**Note**: If high school feels *too* easy, you might not be challenged enough, which could leave gaps in skills like critical thinking or handling ambiguity. Consider taking an AP course or dual-enrollment at Oakton Community College to test college-level work.
To make college easier, focus on time management, study skills, and self-advocacy while leveraging Niles West’s resources. College is harder for many due to its rigor, independence, and emotional demands, but your ease with high school suggests you’re well-positioned if you prepare proactively. Your strengths in high school (e.g., organization, academic comfort) are assets, but stretching yourself now will ensure you’re ready for college’s challenges.
David recommends the following next steps: