5 answers
Annie
Student
Roseau, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
333 views
What do you wish you had known before starting college?
I am a 10th grade high school student, that is interested in Sonography.
Login to comment
5 answers
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Annie!
I wish someone would have told me to get my feet wet before diving head-first into a job I did not know if I'd love.
I originally went to college for a year and a half before realizing I wasn't passionate about my chosen career field. My major was something that sounded good when I was asked what do you want to do, because I had no idea. I ended up needing to go into a field completely unrated, travel and be exposed to a vast assortment of occupations before finding my passion.
Now this could completely not be you. However, if anything in this resonates with you just know it's okay to not 100% know what you want to do. And it's okay to explore a bit to figure it out. In these early years while youre finishing high school and starting college, focus on self evaluating while youre experiencing life. Get a summer entry level job in health care, take a CPR/ first aid class, and join clubs that will give you a taste of the type of work environment/ people you can expect as a sonographer. Figure out what experiences give you fulfillment and make you happy. That way, if you find yourself in a situation where you're no longer vibing with you're courses and need to try something different, you will know what to pursue next.
I wish someone would have told me to get my feet wet before diving head-first into a job I did not know if I'd love.
I originally went to college for a year and a half before realizing I wasn't passionate about my chosen career field. My major was something that sounded good when I was asked what do you want to do, because I had no idea. I ended up needing to go into a field completely unrated, travel and be exposed to a vast assortment of occupations before finding my passion.
Now this could completely not be you. However, if anything in this resonates with you just know it's okay to not 100% know what you want to do. And it's okay to explore a bit to figure it out. In these early years while youre finishing high school and starting college, focus on self evaluating while youre experiencing life. Get a summer entry level job in health care, take a CPR/ first aid class, and join clubs that will give you a taste of the type of work environment/ people you can expect as a sonographer. Figure out what experiences give you fulfillment and make you happy. That way, if you find yourself in a situation where you're no longer vibing with you're courses and need to try something different, you will know what to pursue next.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Annie
Patricia Enfanto
Senior Director Governance Risk and Compliance
6
Answers
Dracut, Massachusetts
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
That’s a great question, and one a lot of students have. I didn’t go to college right after high school. I started later because of money, and looking back, I learned a lot from that experience.
If you can, going straight from high school to college really helps—even if you’re just taking general classes and don’t know what you want to major in yet. Skills like writing and math are easier to keep up when you keep using them. When I first started college, I was honestly overwhelmed by how much writing every class required. Things like quoting sources or writing clear papers felt harder than I expected. What helped was asking questions, speaking up in class, and not being afraid to say when I needed help. My math skills were rusty too, so I worked with a tutor—and that made a huge difference.
One thing I wish I had done before college was keep reading regularly. College reading assignments can feel like a lot, and being used to reading ahead of time makes it much less stressful.
College is also different from high school because it’s not just about memorizing facts. It’s more about thinking—understanding ideas, explaining why something works, and sharing your thoughts. Class discussions really matter, not just what’s in the textbook.
Another big skill is learning to speak up for yourself. If you’re struggling—whether with schoolwork or life stuff—reach out to teachers, advisors, or support services. They actually want to help, and using those resources is part of being successful.
And finally, give yourself some grace. You won’t get perfect grades on everything, and that’s okay. Everyone has off weeks. Learning how to handle stress and bounce back when things don’t go perfectly is part of the process.
At the end of the day, college success isn’t just about being “smart.” It’s about staying organized, taking responsibility, pushing through challenges, and knowing when to ask for help.
If you can, going straight from high school to college really helps—even if you’re just taking general classes and don’t know what you want to major in yet. Skills like writing and math are easier to keep up when you keep using them. When I first started college, I was honestly overwhelmed by how much writing every class required. Things like quoting sources or writing clear papers felt harder than I expected. What helped was asking questions, speaking up in class, and not being afraid to say when I needed help. My math skills were rusty too, so I worked with a tutor—and that made a huge difference.
One thing I wish I had done before college was keep reading regularly. College reading assignments can feel like a lot, and being used to reading ahead of time makes it much less stressful.
College is also different from high school because it’s not just about memorizing facts. It’s more about thinking—understanding ideas, explaining why something works, and sharing your thoughts. Class discussions really matter, not just what’s in the textbook.
Another big skill is learning to speak up for yourself. If you’re struggling—whether with schoolwork or life stuff—reach out to teachers, advisors, or support services. They actually want to help, and using those resources is part of being successful.
And finally, give yourself some grace. You won’t get perfect grades on everything, and that’s okay. Everyone has off weeks. Learning how to handle stress and bounce back when things don’t go perfectly is part of the process.
At the end of the day, college success isn’t just about being “smart.” It’s about staying organized, taking responsibility, pushing through challenges, and knowing when to ask for help.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Annie
Charles Kleinman
2
Answers
Updated
Charles’s Answer
Great question. I went into college thinking the study habits that got me through high school would still work, and they didn’t. Just because you feel older and more experienced doesn’t mean your methods are foolproof. Don’t let that confidence turn into stubbornness. Be willing to adjust, try new approaches, and evolve your study habits. For example, I never liked using flashcards to study, even though everyone recommended them to me, and I refused. I realized too late how valuable they are, and now I don't know how I ever studied without them.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Annie
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
99
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Great question, Annie! Here are some helpful tips for starting college:
1. Save money by taking Core classes at a Community College and earning an Associate's Degree before transferring to a University for your Bachelor's. Contact the academic advisors at both schools to see if they offer programs that make this path easier. They'll guide you on which courses to take so they transfer smoothly. Also, buy used textbooks from Amazon online and sell them back to the school to save or even make some money.
2. Making new friends in your first Core classes is great, but they might not share your major, so it'll be harder to stay in touch with them as you progress in your degree. As you dive deeper into your field, focus on building friendships with classmates in your degree program. They can be study partners, project teammates, and even future job references. Supporting each other can be a big help in your future career journey.
3. Regularly meet with your Academic Advisor, even if you feel confident about your course choices. Checking in at least once a semester ensures you're on track to graduate. I learned the hard way by not meeting with mine until my final semester, which delayed my graduation by a semester because I had accidentally taken some optional elective courses instead of the ones required for graduation.
I hope these tips help! Good luck with this exciting chapter of your life!
1. Save money by taking Core classes at a Community College and earning an Associate's Degree before transferring to a University for your Bachelor's. Contact the academic advisors at both schools to see if they offer programs that make this path easier. They'll guide you on which courses to take so they transfer smoothly. Also, buy used textbooks from Amazon online and sell them back to the school to save or even make some money.
2. Making new friends in your first Core classes is great, but they might not share your major, so it'll be harder to stay in touch with them as you progress in your degree. As you dive deeper into your field, focus on building friendships with classmates in your degree program. They can be study partners, project teammates, and even future job references. Supporting each other can be a big help in your future career journey.
3. Regularly meet with your Academic Advisor, even if you feel confident about your course choices. Checking in at least once a semester ensures you're on track to graduate. I learned the hard way by not meeting with mine until my final semester, which delayed my graduation by a semester because I had accidentally taken some optional elective courses instead of the ones required for graduation.
I hope these tips help! Good luck with this exciting chapter of your life!
Jeremy Irish
MRI Technologist
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jeremy’s Answer
Visiting multiple types of health care settings would have been valuable, as I could view the specific type of medical imaging modality from different "angles." Also, learning about teamwork and how to really listen and not be so quick to speak, i can see now, would have been a major plus. Learning that nothing can substitute for experience is really important, as there are no shortcuts. Patience and time in the field are invaluable and very necessary.