4 answers
Darielle
Student
Springfield, Illinois
1
Question
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how does college work ?
How does college go ? I'm currently in an alternative school and I'm in he Niten grade and I want to know about college and I want some advice about college and the dos and don't ,.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1352
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Darielle many of us have begun to ask whether college is worth it. And who’s to blame them? With college tuition rising at astronomical levels, But instead of asking whether it’s worth it, we’d be better off asking a different question: what’s the purpose of college? There is the camp that says college is about preparing a person for work – to help them get a good or better job. In fact, this is by far the most commonly cited reason for why students value higher education – to get a good job. The other camp says college is about more broadly preparing a person for success in life – to be an engaged and enlightened citizen capable of thinking critically and communicating clearly, ultimately able to thrive in their well-being. Make no mistake, many of us see the purpose of college as both a job-driven and a life-driven purpose.
TYPES OF COLLEGE DEGREES
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE* - An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).
• BACHELOR'S DEGREE - Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS).
*Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.
PICK A COLLEGE THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS
Choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time and thoughtfulness. Visiting college Web sites and learning about what events take place, who visits as guest speakers, and how to get in touch with current students and faculty is a good way to supplement a campus visit or to decide if you want to spend the time and money on a visit. Check a school's Web site to find the admissions officer assigned to your region of the country. Send them an e-mail to ask about getting in touch with students from your area or identifying a few with interests similar to yours.
Hope this is helpful Darielle
TYPES OF COLLEGE DEGREES
• ASSOCIATE DEGREE* - An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).
• BACHELOR'S DEGREE - Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS).
*Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.
PICK A COLLEGE THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS
Choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you will become. College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time and thoughtfulness. Visiting college Web sites and learning about what events take place, who visits as guest speakers, and how to get in touch with current students and faculty is a good way to supplement a campus visit or to decide if you want to spend the time and money on a visit. Check a school's Web site to find the admissions officer assigned to your region of the country. Send them an e-mail to ask about getting in touch with students from your area or identifying a few with interests similar to yours.
Hope this is helpful Darielle
Thank You Kim. Thank you for playing such a critical role in the success of CareerVillage.
Doc Frick
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1666
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Darielle,
In college, you normally study classes other than what you are interested in. For example, if you want to become a scientist, you will normally take about 45-60 hrs of general studies. That is 15-20 classes. A full class load is considered 12-15 hrs (4-5 classes) per semester. So, the first year and a half you are pretty much taking the general studies classes - History, Government, Literature, Math, probably a foreign language, art appreciation, etc. You may also take an introductory course or two in your major field of study. The last 2 years you concentrate on your major. The work becomes more intense, and many majors require lots of research and writing of papers.
Alternatives include trade schools and certification programs. You could also consider a career in the military, an apprenticeship, or, getting an entry level job with a good company that offers tuition assistance. Then you would work full time, and go to school part time to work on your degree. Lots of people do that.
Please let me know if you have additional questions - we learn by asking!
Kim
In college, you normally study classes other than what you are interested in. For example, if you want to become a scientist, you will normally take about 45-60 hrs of general studies. That is 15-20 classes. A full class load is considered 12-15 hrs (4-5 classes) per semester. So, the first year and a half you are pretty much taking the general studies classes - History, Government, Literature, Math, probably a foreign language, art appreciation, etc. You may also take an introductory course or two in your major field of study. The last 2 years you concentrate on your major. The work becomes more intense, and many majors require lots of research and writing of papers.
Alternatives include trade schools and certification programs. You could also consider a career in the military, an apprenticeship, or, getting an entry level job with a good company that offers tuition assistance. Then you would work full time, and go to school part time to work on your degree. Lots of people do that.
Please let me know if you have additional questions - we learn by asking!
Kim
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
510
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think college can be an exciting time to explore a bunch of different disciplines, while looking to understand what you want from life. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I took a general studies associates degree, which allowed me to take a crazy amount of electives.
College is different, and that most of the accountability will fall to you. Teachers are there mostly to communicate and educate, not to remind you to hand in work.
I think college is a process where you get what you put into it. On the other hand, there are a tremendous amount of resources and associations available that you can choose to join.
Although college can be expensive, you can virtually get an associates degree for free between grants and scholarships. If you don’t yet have a plan, I’d recommend.
College is different, and that most of the accountability will fall to you. Teachers are there mostly to communicate and educate, not to remind you to hand in work.
I think college is a process where you get what you put into it. On the other hand, there are a tremendous amount of resources and associations available that you can choose to join.
Although college can be expensive, you can virtually get an associates degree for free between grants and scholarships. If you don’t yet have a plan, I’d recommend.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1515
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you have to think about what you careers you have interest. Some professional careers need a bachelor degree to meet the professional qualification requirement, e.g. accounting, engineering, law, doctor, nurse, etc. For some careers, it may better to learn the knowledge and skills in the vocational school, e.g. culinary, make up, hair dressing, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, music composer, singer, music artist, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Determine how you can acquire the relevant knowledge and skills of the career, e.g. whether you need to attend college, vocational school, etc. and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a musician, music composer, singer, music artist, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be accountant, banker, financial analyst, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Determine how you can acquire the relevant knowledge and skills of the career, e.g. whether you need to attend college, vocational school, etc. and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!