How do you know if you're ready for college?
#college-advice #college
5 answers
Gloria’s Answer
Being ready for something like college is a personal experience. It is going to be up to you to determine when that is. For some people, like me, I was expected to go to college, so I knew that it was coming whether I was ready or not. In many ways, I think that I was ready for college. I liked school and I liked studying and learning things. The problem came from not being ready for some of the other decisions that I made.
I opted to take my college experience out of state. I left home without any real knowledge about how much I depended on my family and friends to be comfortable in my school experience. I was too young and inexperienced to go from living at home to living away from home. I did not even know how to find a doctor for myself if I need to get a check up. I didn't have a lot of experience with a budget because my mom had done that for me before. I am a shy person, so getting to know all new people in a new place was overwhelming. I had too many new experiences at once. If you can, take some college classes close to home to get to learn what the differences between high school and college.
Gloria
Kim’s Answer
If you are responsible enough to attend class even if no one takes attendance, turn assignments in on time, keep up with the reading assignments, and ask for help if you need it, you are ready. You also need basic decision-making skills. If you are going away to college, you also need basic money management skills, housekeeping skills, as well as the ability to handle various social situations - roommate issues, parties, etc. No one is perfect at any of this. Experience comes over time.
Fear of failure kept me from doing many things in my life. Don't let an unrealistic fear of failure hold you back. If, on the other hand, you are lacking in basic independent living skills, you would probably be better off going to a community college first, and working to improve the living skills, before going away to college.
Sheila’s Answer
Being ready for college varies from person to person. I have two nieces that are attending the same in-state college. One waited to start several years after high school because she wanted to work full-time to save some money and, the other started immediately thereafter.
My nieces were ready for college because that is what was expected of them. Almost everyone in my immediate family has a degree and higher education. My nieces have been encouraged from day one to go after their dreams and make them happen. We (family) are there to support them. I encourage you to heed the advice shared by the CV community professionals. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Toni’s Answer
Hi Bob!
Everyone is different. Some students are ready right out of highschool. I took a year off and worked. I used that time to think about what I wanted to major in at college. You do not have to know your major when you get to college, you can ways take your general classes and declare a major later on. I guess the end answer would be, you'll know when you know! When it feels right for you. Dont let others paths dictate yours! Good luck!!
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Amanda’s Answer
Hi Bob! Knowing if you are ready for college is all about knowing yourself. Personally I went straight from high school to college. I thought I knew what I wanted to (I didn't) and I was ready to move forward (I wasn't). Ultimately I'm glad I made the choices I did. It led me to my career with my current organization and allowed me so many opportunities because of it. But my choice isn't right for everyone. I would highly recommend speaking to people who had different paths. If you know what field you would like to work in, speak to those in that field now and see what they did. Good luck and I wish you the best!
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