3 answers
Jonathan
Student
Riverside, California
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best advice that you can give incoming college freshman to get through university in 4 years?
I am a senior in high school preparing to submit my college applications. This time is pretty stressful and preparing for the future is something that is the next step for me; following the submission of my applications.
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Jonathan. My advice is: plan ahead. Meeting with an academic advisor early can help you create a clear path to graduate in four years. Advisors can help you choose the right classes and make sure you complete all your major and general education requirements on time.
Time management is another key to success. College introduces many new responsibilities and distractions, so it is important to create a routine that balances classes, homework, work, and social life. Strong study habits also make a big difference. Going to class is just the first step, you need to actively review your notes, participate in study groups, and ask professors questions. This can help you stay on top of your coursework.
Getting involved outside of class can be very helpful, too. Joining clubs, organizations, or volunteer groups can help you make friends, build connections, and develop skills that will be valuable in the future. But it's important not to overcommit. Spending too much time on extracurricular activities can interfere with your studies, so it's important to find a healthy balance.
Furthermore, taking care of yourself is essential. College is challenging, and taking time for self-care will make it easier to stay focused and perform your best. Wishing you all the best.
Time management is another key to success. College introduces many new responsibilities and distractions, so it is important to create a routine that balances classes, homework, work, and social life. Strong study habits also make a big difference. Going to class is just the first step, you need to actively review your notes, participate in study groups, and ask professors questions. This can help you stay on top of your coursework.
Getting involved outside of class can be very helpful, too. Joining clubs, organizations, or volunteer groups can help you make friends, build connections, and develop skills that will be valuable in the future. But it's important not to overcommit. Spending too much time on extracurricular activities can interfere with your studies, so it's important to find a healthy balance.
Furthermore, taking care of yourself is essential. College is challenging, and taking time for self-care will make it easier to stay focused and perform your best. Wishing you all the best.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a campus tour, for each college, to determine if the college (you are applying for admission to) is a right fit, and spend some time on campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located. These can usually be schedule through the college websites.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
One thing, that I have observed in my career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, or the region.
Especially important information, like on where to find and utilize campus resources, academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus. The students who are the most comfortable with the campus environment, seem to be the ones who persist and experience less adversity, because they know where to find the resources they need to help them resolve their problems.
I have observed many students, (who never toured the campus or its environment), who just showed up, stayed for a few days, and then left for good.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, departmental academic advisors and college staff, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you.
Not only does it have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on campus.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Jonathan,
The answer is planning and being intentional about your choices. And you seem to be doing that already!
Bachelor programs are designed to be completed in 4 years. When you are accepted into a program, you'll get information about the number of required credits for graduation, required courses, electives, general education requirements etc. Depending on your major and program, there might be required internships too. You'll also typically get a master plan for a recommended sequence of courses. Following that sequence ensures that you are not missing any pre-requisites for higher level courses and that you don't run into scheduling conflicts. You can also find this information online.
When your semester starts, you'll most likely have a welcome/introduction session where you get more information about your program. Attend these kinds of meetings so you don't miss any information pertaining to your program, but also so you meet the important people in your department and the students who will go through undergrad with you. Meet with your academic advisor as soon as possible to discuss your goals and plans. They can help you study efficiently and help with your course selection.
The last piece of the puzzle is having a study schedule that works for you and doing all the required work on time so you pass all your classes the first time. With all the pressure to graduate in 4 years, make sure you find time for research projects, internships, volunteering, networking etc as those are important when you are looking for your first job.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
The answer is planning and being intentional about your choices. And you seem to be doing that already!
Bachelor programs are designed to be completed in 4 years. When you are accepted into a program, you'll get information about the number of required credits for graduation, required courses, electives, general education requirements etc. Depending on your major and program, there might be required internships too. You'll also typically get a master plan for a recommended sequence of courses. Following that sequence ensures that you are not missing any pre-requisites for higher level courses and that you don't run into scheduling conflicts. You can also find this information online.
When your semester starts, you'll most likely have a welcome/introduction session where you get more information about your program. Attend these kinds of meetings so you don't miss any information pertaining to your program, but also so you meet the important people in your department and the students who will go through undergrad with you. Meet with your academic advisor as soon as possible to discuss your goals and plans. They can help you study efficiently and help with your course selection.
The last piece of the puzzle is having a study schedule that works for you and doing all the required work on time so you pass all your classes the first time. With all the pressure to graduate in 4 years, make sure you find time for research projects, internships, volunteering, networking etc as those are important when you are looking for your first job.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP