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What would you advise a Senior who is going to college this year?
Hi! I am a senior high school right now, and I will be going to college in this Fall. Please give me some advices. Thank you so much! #college
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Doc’s Answer
Connie moving from high school to college can be a big transition for students, and this year's incoming freshmen are facing new challenges as the coronavirus pandemic pushes many colleges to fully online or hybrid classes. This year's freshman experience will likely be a bit different from previous years. Be prepare for more online classes and new social distancing measures by checking their college's website frequently for updates. Before classes start, you should acquire all the necessary technology you'll need to complete online courses successfully and research school resources before problems arise.
Orientation typically begins in the weeks and sometimes months before classes start, but this year, it may be postponed or held entirely online. Still, it's a great way for you to get acclimated and ask plenty of questions. Realize that everyone is trying to make friends and adjust to a new environment, so don't be shy. After orientation, many schools offer unique first-year experiences that help you further connect with your classmates and college community.
Hope this is helpful Connie
If you’ve been an outstanding student in every subject, great. But if there are weaknesses in your academic background, consider taking steps to address them before your college classes begin. If you’ve struggled a bit with math, for example, look at ways to improve your skills before taking college-level mathematics. Options include enrolling for a summer course at a local community college, working with a tutor, or just looking for tutorials and testing yourself using free websites and apps.
College coursework consists of substantially more reading than is required in high school. Students should start getting used to the increased workload by reading books during high school and the summer before college. What you read is not as important as how much, but it helps to select recommendations for your intended college major or areas of academic and personal interest.
Additionally, you're going to be doing a lot of research and completing a lot of projects throughout college. Making sure that you're familiar with how to research (both online and through the library system) is a good idea before you're hit with lots of coursework. You should also try to get comfortable with the computer software you're going to use for writing papers, or even taking notes.
Orientation typically begins in the weeks and sometimes months before classes start, but this year, it may be postponed or held entirely online. Still, it's a great way for you to get acclimated and ask plenty of questions. Realize that everyone is trying to make friends and adjust to a new environment, so don't be shy. After orientation, many schools offer unique first-year experiences that help you further connect with your classmates and college community.
Hope this is helpful Connie
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Thank You Kim for your Continued Support. Encouragement is the fuel on which hope runs.
Doc Frick
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Connie,
Assuming you are going away to college?
Try to get a handle on money management. Start tracking your income and expenses, and trying to set up a budget for when you go to school. People are quick to extend credit to those least likely to be able to manage it. Don't fall for it. If you are going to have to do some things on credit, figure out which expenses will be charged and which will be pay-as-you-go. Don't mix the two. For example, if books and school supplies are on credit, don't start buying school sweatshirts on credit.
Food. The next most expensive item after tuition, books, rent. Start trying to figure out what you can prepare in the dorm, things that will be easy, fast, nutritious, and inexpensive. Eating out all the time is costly. Determine which meals you will eat out. Perhaps you can eat breakfast and dinner at home, and pack some snacks to get through the day, and eat out on weekends? Or, perhaps buy lunch. This will be subject to change, as your friends will be wanting to eat out. Be careful in this area.
Start trying to buy things you will need. Cleaning supplies are expensive! However, good brooms and scrubbrushes are worth the money. Don't go cheap and end up having to replace them every six months. Linens. Same for towels. I have towels that are ten years old! Bedding. Decor can wait, but, the essentials cannot. Kitchen essentials: look for things that "nest" and are multipurpose, as storage will be at a premium.
Think about time management and study habits. If HS came easy to you, don't expect the same from college. You will need to study. Stay current in your readings. Falling behind is a bear, and it's hard to catch up.
If you will have a car at school, learn what you need to do to take care of it. Preventive maintenance is important.
Hope these hints are helpful! Best of luck to you in your studies!
Kim
Assuming you are going away to college?
Try to get a handle on money management. Start tracking your income and expenses, and trying to set up a budget for when you go to school. People are quick to extend credit to those least likely to be able to manage it. Don't fall for it. If you are going to have to do some things on credit, figure out which expenses will be charged and which will be pay-as-you-go. Don't mix the two. For example, if books and school supplies are on credit, don't start buying school sweatshirts on credit.
Food. The next most expensive item after tuition, books, rent. Start trying to figure out what you can prepare in the dorm, things that will be easy, fast, nutritious, and inexpensive. Eating out all the time is costly. Determine which meals you will eat out. Perhaps you can eat breakfast and dinner at home, and pack some snacks to get through the day, and eat out on weekends? Or, perhaps buy lunch. This will be subject to change, as your friends will be wanting to eat out. Be careful in this area.
Start trying to buy things you will need. Cleaning supplies are expensive! However, good brooms and scrubbrushes are worth the money. Don't go cheap and end up having to replace them every six months. Linens. Same for towels. I have towels that are ten years old! Bedding. Decor can wait, but, the essentials cannot. Kitchen essentials: look for things that "nest" and are multipurpose, as storage will be at a premium.
Think about time management and study habits. If HS came easy to you, don't expect the same from college. You will need to study. Stay current in your readings. Falling behind is a bear, and it's hard to catch up.
If you will have a car at school, learn what you need to do to take care of it. Preventive maintenance is important.
Hope these hints are helpful! Best of luck to you in your studies!
Kim
Updated
N’s Answer
Going from high school to college is a big step, especially if you are not going to be living with the family anymore. So, be ready to become independent and organised. In college, you will get to know your real self, whether that is through your own experiences or through experience with others or even roommates. Below are a few notes I would keep in mind as I go to college:
- Choose your roommates (if any) wisely, as that could define your experience
- Time management is key. Organize your classes around a schedule that works for you, whether you are a morning/afternoon class person, so that you do not get to miss classes.
- Get some good habits going on. Get in the habit of making your bed when you wake up, make every sunday Laundry day or cleaning day. Make a schedule for yourself so that you don't let chores like cleaning/laundry/grocery shopping etc, slip out of control.
- Learn some of your favorite recipes before leaving to college, as you may miss them and want to make them yourself :)
- Keep your values in mind as you do everything. It is very easy to get influenced by other people your age in college. Do not fall for that peer pressure and surround yourself with people who will motivate you and influence you in a good way.
- Get organized with your money, and split your allowance across weeks, so that you don't find yourself with ramen at the end of the month.
- Be open to meeting different people from all around the world, expand your cultural knowledge and learn about other cultures.
Lastly, the first year we all get super excited about college, and we may not give as much importance to classes that first year as we would the last year, when we start looking for a job. I would HIGHLY recommend not to make that mistake and to try starting off strong, as that GPA is very important, and as the years go by classes get harder and it doesn't get easier to bring that GPA up. your GPA is your weapon, and a lot of companies don't look at applications of students below a certain GPA.
Hope this helps!
- Choose your roommates (if any) wisely, as that could define your experience
- Time management is key. Organize your classes around a schedule that works for you, whether you are a morning/afternoon class person, so that you do not get to miss classes.
- Get some good habits going on. Get in the habit of making your bed when you wake up, make every sunday Laundry day or cleaning day. Make a schedule for yourself so that you don't let chores like cleaning/laundry/grocery shopping etc, slip out of control.
- Learn some of your favorite recipes before leaving to college, as you may miss them and want to make them yourself :)
- Keep your values in mind as you do everything. It is very easy to get influenced by other people your age in college. Do not fall for that peer pressure and surround yourself with people who will motivate you and influence you in a good way.
- Get organized with your money, and split your allowance across weeks, so that you don't find yourself with ramen at the end of the month.
- Be open to meeting different people from all around the world, expand your cultural knowledge and learn about other cultures.
Lastly, the first year we all get super excited about college, and we may not give as much importance to classes that first year as we would the last year, when we start looking for a job. I would HIGHLY recommend not to make that mistake and to try starting off strong, as that GPA is very important, and as the years go by classes get harder and it doesn't get easier to bring that GPA up. your GPA is your weapon, and a lot of companies don't look at applications of students below a certain GPA.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello!
One of the best things that I can suggest is to create habits and stick to them. I think the hardest thing for first year college students is the transition from high school to college. This transition is not as much the extreme difference in rigor, rather the additional distractions that are present being at college. Typically you are living with multiple people who are all on different schedules and normally there are a ton of distractions that can easily take you away from things like school work. By creating habits early and often you will begin to understand your course load and when you are able to spend extra time hanging with friends and when you cannot. One of the best things I found was creating a study group with friends and making that blocking out time daily to work with them. When I first was going to school I found success by going to the math tutor and doing homework where they were located. Even if it wasn't math that I was doing, other people were around me were doing homework so I found myself much less distracted vs being in my dorm with people coming in and out.
Another thing I can suggest is staying active. Depending on the climate your college is located in, it may be very different than what you are accustom to. Setting time aside to go to the gym and working out is a great way to get your mind off school and to clear your head. I found that I have a much better thought process after ive worked out when school is getting hard or after an exam so staying active plays a key role in that.
Hope this was helpful!
One of the best things that I can suggest is to create habits and stick to them. I think the hardest thing for first year college students is the transition from high school to college. This transition is not as much the extreme difference in rigor, rather the additional distractions that are present being at college. Typically you are living with multiple people who are all on different schedules and normally there are a ton of distractions that can easily take you away from things like school work. By creating habits early and often you will begin to understand your course load and when you are able to spend extra time hanging with friends and when you cannot. One of the best things I found was creating a study group with friends and making that blocking out time daily to work with them. When I first was going to school I found success by going to the math tutor and doing homework where they were located. Even if it wasn't math that I was doing, other people were around me were doing homework so I found myself much less distracted vs being in my dorm with people coming in and out.
Another thing I can suggest is staying active. Depending on the climate your college is located in, it may be very different than what you are accustom to. Setting time aside to go to the gym and working out is a great way to get your mind off school and to clear your head. I found that I have a much better thought process after ive worked out when school is getting hard or after an exam so staying active plays a key role in that.
Hope this was helpful!
Lauren Grzyboski, CFE, CAMS, MBA
Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Forensics Associate
47
Answers
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Connie,
Excellent Question! Overall, I think it's important to get involved in different organizations that might interest you. Networking and creating those connections with fellow students early on will definitely help you get settled into your life in college. But it will also become beneficial for you when you enter your professional field after college. During welcome week there are usually events were all of the student organizations will go to a specific location on campus; you'll be able to learn more them and sign up for those that you'd like to join. I highly encourage you to look into it at whatever college you decide to attend.
In terms of preparing for course work, the best advice I could give you is to try your best to stay organized, have good time management, and learn to balance both your academics and your life outside of school work. What really helped me when I was in college was having a planner that I could keep track of my schedule in. After the first week of the semester, I would usually take the syllabus I had for each of my classes and write down when everything was due for the whole semester so I'd be able to plan ahead each week on what I needed to get done. Overall, don't be afraid to branch out and get out of your comfort zone. Try your best to capitalize on each and every opportunity that comes your way.
Excellent Question! Overall, I think it's important to get involved in different organizations that might interest you. Networking and creating those connections with fellow students early on will definitely help you get settled into your life in college. But it will also become beneficial for you when you enter your professional field after college. During welcome week there are usually events were all of the student organizations will go to a specific location on campus; you'll be able to learn more them and sign up for those that you'd like to join. I highly encourage you to look into it at whatever college you decide to attend.
In terms of preparing for course work, the best advice I could give you is to try your best to stay organized, have good time management, and learn to balance both your academics and your life outside of school work. What really helped me when I was in college was having a planner that I could keep track of my schedule in. After the first week of the semester, I would usually take the syllabus I had for each of my classes and write down when everything was due for the whole semester so I'd be able to plan ahead each week on what I needed to get done. Overall, don't be afraid to branch out and get out of your comfort zone. Try your best to capitalize on each and every opportunity that comes your way.
Updated
Doan’s Answer
Two pieces of advice I would give you:
1. Be prepared to be independent. In High School, your parents may have been very active in when you do your homework, making sure all the processes are followed and making sure you are in the right place at the right time for activities. Once you go to college, especially if you turn 18, you are an adult and will need to be the person responsible now.
2. Network is a key part of being in University. Get to know your professors since they will help you through your college years and prepare you for the job market. They may also give you references or connect you to job opportunities. Get to know your classmates -- one day they may be able to help you with your career as they grow theirs.
1. Be prepared to be independent. In High School, your parents may have been very active in when you do your homework, making sure all the processes are followed and making sure you are in the right place at the right time for activities. Once you go to college, especially if you turn 18, you are an adult and will need to be the person responsible now.
2. Network is a key part of being in University. Get to know your professors since they will help you through your college years and prepare you for the job market. They may also give you references or connect you to job opportunities. Get to know your classmates -- one day they may be able to help you with your career as they grow theirs.
Updated
Parixit’s Answer
Networking! Find a mentor!
Updated
Neha’s Answer
Try to connect with seniors in college to get more insights on how could prepare yourself even before to start college this fall. Connecting with seniors will also help you to establish relationships beforehand.
Get more information about the pre-requisites for some of initial courses, recommended materials and college culture.
Get more information about the pre-requisites for some of initial courses, recommended materials and college culture.
Updated
Atul’s Answer
1) You are going to college/univ to acquire education and partying is secondary.
2) The GPA matters all four years. Score well initially because later it will be hard to score high GPA.
3) Have fun and keep the friends that are focused and are driven vs those who are their to waste their parents money.
4) Know your limits and do not take too many courses that will affect your grades but maintain minimum course requirements to be classified as a full time student.
5) Most students finish within four years. Set your goal unless you decide to change your major. It happens to many students where what they had planned is not what they want to do. It is ok - you are discovering yourself.
6) Challenge yourself whether it is education or activities to make a difference.
7) These are the four years to remember rest of your lives with the friends you make with common goals. You are making your own decisions - not your parents nor professors.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
2) The GPA matters all four years. Score well initially because later it will be hard to score high GPA.
3) Have fun and keep the friends that are focused and are driven vs those who are their to waste their parents money.
4) Know your limits and do not take too many courses that will affect your grades but maintain minimum course requirements to be classified as a full time student.
5) Most students finish within four years. Set your goal unless you decide to change your major. It happens to many students where what they had planned is not what they want to do. It is ok - you are discovering yourself.
6) Challenge yourself whether it is education or activities to make a difference.
7) These are the four years to remember rest of your lives with the friends you make with common goals. You are making your own decisions - not your parents nor professors.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Updated
Marilynn’s Answer
Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind in order to get the most out of your college experience and to prepare for your future career:
- Try to create a balanced course schedule every semester in order not to overload yourself and have some balance.
- Explore various university clubs, sports, events or any extracurricular activities of your choice; these will add value to your college experience, help you network and meet new people, teach you new skills and provide a good addition to your resume.
- Attempt to study on a regular basis so that you are not overloaded with course material and overwhelmed when final exams and deadlines approach.
- Make use of career advice/support (if such an office/function is available at your university) to orient your career choices, assist you in resume/cover letter writing, and help you prepare for job interviews.
- Opt for a (summer) internship towards your penultimate year of college or after graduation; this will help you practically explore your job options and add experience and value to your resume.
- Practice time management in order to have a good balance of studying and fun; i.e. allocate the needed amount of time for revision, assignments and projects while also making time for your social life (outings, events, trips etc.)
- Take group projects/work seriously, be proactive, be a leader and actively participate in your team activities, tasks, meetings and in decision making; this will help you develop your leadership, communication, cooperation and teamwork skills and prepare you for your professional life where you will most probably be exposed to various group activities, team projects and collaboration with various parties (coworkers, clients, etc.)
- Take the time and effort to get to know your colleagues, peers and even professors, as they are a great source of support, knowledge and connections. Networking with people in your college environment will provide you with needed support to strive and overcome challenges and considerably influence your professional life and maybe assist you in pursuing your career (e.g. refer you to an employer/company, write recommendation letters for you, provide you with valuable advice etc.)
- Try to create a balanced course schedule every semester in order not to overload yourself and have some balance.
- Explore various university clubs, sports, events or any extracurricular activities of your choice; these will add value to your college experience, help you network and meet new people, teach you new skills and provide a good addition to your resume.
- Attempt to study on a regular basis so that you are not overloaded with course material and overwhelmed when final exams and deadlines approach.
- Make use of career advice/support (if such an office/function is available at your university) to orient your career choices, assist you in resume/cover letter writing, and help you prepare for job interviews.
- Opt for a (summer) internship towards your penultimate year of college or after graduation; this will help you practically explore your job options and add experience and value to your resume.
- Practice time management in order to have a good balance of studying and fun; i.e. allocate the needed amount of time for revision, assignments and projects while also making time for your social life (outings, events, trips etc.)
- Take group projects/work seriously, be proactive, be a leader and actively participate in your team activities, tasks, meetings and in decision making; this will help you develop your leadership, communication, cooperation and teamwork skills and prepare you for your professional life where you will most probably be exposed to various group activities, team projects and collaboration with various parties (coworkers, clients, etc.)
- Take the time and effort to get to know your colleagues, peers and even professors, as they are a great source of support, knowledge and connections. Networking with people in your college environment will provide you with needed support to strive and overcome challenges and considerably influence your professional life and maybe assist you in pursuing your career (e.g. refer you to an employer/company, write recommendation letters for you, provide you with valuable advice etc.)
Updated
Rawan’s Answer
Hi Connie, the transition won't be easy especially during the first year but I am sure you're gonna enjoy it once you settle down. My best advice for you is to always find balance and manage your time so that you make the best out of these years! Aim for excelling in your studies but also build lots of connections, join some clubs at the campus, participate in workshops and events and also try to volunteer!!!