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What is the most important thing to do freshman year of college? Should I focus more on academics and do everything to have a 4.0 GPA, or be more leaned back and put more effort into meeting new people? #Spring26

I am a senior in high school and doing well in school comes pretty easy to me. I normally don't study for tests too long, but still get A's and high B's. I am committed to Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi through the PSA program and majoring in Hospitality Management on the Event Planning track.

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Mujahid’s Answer

Freshman year of college, the most important thing is to build a strong foundation rather than trying to be perfect in every area. Since you already do well academically, you do not need to spend all your energy chasing a 4.0 at the expense of everything else, but you also should not get too relaxed and let your grades slip. A good balance is to stay disciplined in your classes, learn what kind of study habits college actually requires, and still make room to meet new people, join organizations, and build relationships that will matter later. For someone majoring in Hospitality Management on the Event Planning track, networking, communication, and involvement are especially valuable because that field is very people-focused. My advice is to aim for strong grades while also putting real effort into finding your community, because college is about setting yourself up for long-term success, not just surviving the first semester.
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Angela’s Answer

While focusing on your classes and grades are very important, it's also healthy to get involved socially with extra circulars. The first semester at college is a lot of adjustment so be kind to yourself as you navigate the simple things, like getting in the groove of your schedule, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. But then slowly intertwine activities...Join a club on campus that's relevant to hospitality. Apply for a job with the catering company on campus. Volunteer for on-campus events to gain event planning experience from the ground up. Maybe apply to be an R.A. sophomore year- that's kind of hospitality adjacent experience. Offer to assist professors with any events they are a part of planning. And do something fun unrelated to your major like join a dance group, audition for a play, take classes at the gym, etc. Try anything that the school offers for free or low cost. If there's an ice cream social, homecoming festival, networking event...whatever...just try everything once. Study abroad one semester too!
And as a hospitality major you want to strongly consider the Disney College Program. Even if it sets your graduation date back a semester, it's totally worth it! I ended up doing it for 2 semesters and the experience is invaluable. Even if you are not directly working in a hotel or event management Disney looks good on your resume, and you will learn the foundational skills and concepts needed in hospitality and customer service. And while you are there, do the same things as mentioned above. They also have clubs, networking events, professional talks, classes, etc. The best thing I did while I was there was network with every fulltime cast member I could to get one day shadowing opportunities to follow around people in positions like event planning, stage managers, event production assistants, entertainment managers, etc. Currently in my career I have planned conferences for the company I work for now at Disney...the same type of conferences I shadowed event planners on way back when. So, it's all come full circle.
After you get your first job, no one ever cares or asks what your GPA was. They care and ask about what experiences are on your resume. Best of luck to you!

Angela recommends the following next steps:

Research what types of clubs and social activities are at your college so you know what to look for when you get there.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Wiktoria
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Ryan’s Answer

You've asked a great question! While good grades can open doors to many companies, building strong relationships will support you throughout your life. Even if you didn't need to study much in high school, college might be different.

Here are some tips:

1) Develop good study habits with others. Study with friends instead of alone. This can help you learn more and reduce stress. Plus, you'll build friendships and lasting connections.

2) Seek out new experiences, especially in your early years. Try stepping out of your comfort zone. This can help you form relationships and discover new passions, making learning more enjoyable.

3) Join groups related to your interests. Find university groups that help you connect with others. If they're related to your major, upperclassmen can offer guidance and share helpful tips.

Wishing you the best on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Ryan. Wiktoria
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Mary Ann’s Answer

I love that you are thinking about this ahead of time. Transitioning to college is a change in routine. Today, you likely have your routine for studying, social time, time with family, etc. When you change up the education part of your routine, everything else will shift, too. While school currently becomes pretty easy for you, it will be a little different in college. Coursework moves much faster in college. What I mean by that is that the volume of information you cover in a year in high school will be covered in a quarter or semester in college. This will likely require you to adjust your study habits. Once you get the rhythm that's right for you, it will feel similar to high school.

All that being said, part of the college experience is the people you meet and the silly stuff you do with your college friends. If you are moving away to go to college, you'll meet lots of people in the dorm or student housing. And, you might want to consider Greek life by pledging a sorority. Either way, a social routine will also evolve. It may be as simple as the same group of people go to the dining hall for dinner together every night. And maybe there's a group that goes to get pizza together once a week.

Pay attention to what feels right for you. If you feel you're falling behind on your schoolwork, adjust to spend more time studying. And, if your grades are fine but you feel you're missing out on the social aspect of college, make an adjustment.

My last piece of advice is a piece of advice a student advisor gave me when I went to college. Are you ready? Here it is. "You're an adult now. And parting of being an adult is knowing when you need help and asking for it. " If you need help grasping concepts for a particular class, form a study group with others in that class. Talking about the stuff helps the info to stick. If you normally exercise but have gotten away from your routine, find an exercise partner to get you back in the habit. Whatever it is, it's ok to ask for help.

Have fun at college. You're going to do great!
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Terri’s Answer

There's a funny greeting card for graduates: Life Lesson # 238 -- Nobody cares what your GPA was.

Of course those first post-grad interviews might contest this "life lesson" but honestly I'd hire a well-rounded, curious, people-focused person over a 4.0-student every single time. Get out there, meet people, broaden your horizons, expand your interests --- it will naturally make your interested and interesting.
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Jennifer’s Answer

I agree with everyone. One thing I wished I would have done was sit down with a counselor to help map out the best gameplan on courses to ensure you are on a clear path to your objective - degree. Having a clear path takes away the anxiety of, "am I taking the right courses" and allows you to focus on your grades.
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Mike’s Answer

College courses are very different from high school ones, so expect that you will need to do much more work outside of class than you might be used to. With that in mind, I suggest that when you aren't doing coursework you focus on building friendships with others, getting used to campus, and getting settled into being on your own.
As for your GPA, it can be important, especially if you find yourself wanting to go to grad school. But, don't make a certain GPA a goal. Make learning your goal. Stretch yourself to learn different things, not just what's prescribed for your major. Seek out people who are different from you, in background, interests, beliefs, and so on.
Before long, you'll know where to put your energy and you'll be having a great time.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Mike! Wiktoria
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Cody’s Answer

That's a great question! The answer is a bit of both. You should definitely focus on your studies and aim for good grades. But it's also important to meet new people and make connections. Try studying with classmates to help each other learn. Think about joining clubs related to your field of study, where you can get advice from others who are further along and maybe even get some career guidance.
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Joseph’s Answer

First off – Congratulations! College is going to be 4 years (or more) that will change your life and offer an amount of intellectual growth that you will never get again in that amount of time.

It’s good that you have a natural inclination toward good academic performance. However, if you’re planning to live on campus, you’ll need to adjust to significantly higher levels of independence and distraction. Most campuses remain active well into the evenings and especially on weekends – ideal time for study and curricular assignments. Try to be intentional when planning your non-class time to allow for both social activities and coursework.

Finally, make use of your academic advisors. Schedule regular check-ins to share your progress and ask what more you can be doing.

Best of luck!
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Adam’s Answer

Grades are a good measure of understanding of the concepts in your courses. Your focus should be on understanding the lessons and how you might apply them. In each new thing you learn there will be little golden nuggets that you will think back to later in life. Being able to apply what you have learned is the greatest skill.

In the same way make your social experience your own but don't feel pressure to do it all. Do take the time to join events and meet new people but do it because you want to and not out of obligation.
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Marty’s Answer

I'd do both - not because your GPA gives you bragging rights - but because education is a building block to your career. It increases the depth and breath of your wisdom.

Meeting people helps you navigate the work world - people hire people they like. Being both smart and likeable is a great way to increase your chances of success. Marty
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Wiktoria
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