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Wat is college?
So how does school work and then college and university?
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Dr’s Answer
Heyo Zaroon,
Well alright, so imagine life is like a video game, and school, college, and university are different levels. You start off in school, which is like the first few levels where you learn the basics—reading, writing, math, and trying to remember where you left your homework. It’s mostly general knowledge, and you don’t get a lot of choice in what you study.
Now, when you finish school (usually around 16 in the UK), you level up to college or sixth form. This is where you start choosing what you want to focus on. Instead of doing every subject under the sun, you pick a few (like math, science, or art), and things get a bit more serious. You also get more freedom—no more school uniforms in most places, and teachers treat you more like an adult. You do this for about two years, and then you decide what’s next.
If you want to keep going and get super specialized in a subject (like medicine, engineering, or "how to survive on instant noodles"), you go to university. This is the highest level of education, and it’s all about one main subject. You get even more freedom, live on your own (or at least away from home), and have to figure out things like cooking, managing money, and how to function on five hours of sleep. University usually lasts 3-4 years, but some courses (like medicine) take longer.
So in simple terms to say, rather than...all that above...uhum!
School = Basic training, learn everything
College = Pick a few subjects, study them deeper
University = Pick one subject, become an expert (while also mastering the art of doing laundry at 2 AM)
And that’s the education system in a full meal course 🤔 hmmm...dunno if that made sense! Anyways, good luck Zaroon, hope tho helps buddy!
Well alright, so imagine life is like a video game, and school, college, and university are different levels. You start off in school, which is like the first few levels where you learn the basics—reading, writing, math, and trying to remember where you left your homework. It’s mostly general knowledge, and you don’t get a lot of choice in what you study.
Now, when you finish school (usually around 16 in the UK), you level up to college or sixth form. This is where you start choosing what you want to focus on. Instead of doing every subject under the sun, you pick a few (like math, science, or art), and things get a bit more serious. You also get more freedom—no more school uniforms in most places, and teachers treat you more like an adult. You do this for about two years, and then you decide what’s next.
If you want to keep going and get super specialized in a subject (like medicine, engineering, or "how to survive on instant noodles"), you go to university. This is the highest level of education, and it’s all about one main subject. You get even more freedom, live on your own (or at least away from home), and have to figure out things like cooking, managing money, and how to function on five hours of sleep. University usually lasts 3-4 years, but some courses (like medicine) take longer.
So in simple terms to say, rather than...all that above...uhum!
School = Basic training, learn everything
College = Pick a few subjects, study them deeper
University = Pick one subject, become an expert (while also mastering the art of doing laundry at 2 AM)
And that’s the education system in a full meal course 🤔 hmmm...dunno if that made sense! Anyways, good luck Zaroon, hope tho helps buddy!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Chad
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Zaroon
Is mastery fyrthur from uni? Like do I have to do uni and then go for another mastery uni like what is that level?I am not good with this things. Sorry for taking your time Dr.
Zaroon
Oh, Zaroon! Don't even worry about it — you're not taking anyone's time, Dr. H is always here for the curious minds!
Alright, so the Mastery you're talking about is most likely Master's Degree (the fancy sequel to university). It's like the advanced level after you finish your Bachelor's Degree (regular university degree). You first do your uni degree (usually 3-4 years), then if you want to go deeper into your field or become a boss-level expert, you can go for a Master's (1-2 years more).
But don't stress, not everyone needs a Master's to be successful — it's totally optional depending on what career you're aiming for.
You're already asking the right questions, which means you're doing better than you think!
Dr H
Got more brain-squeezing questions? Bring 'em on, don't hesitate am here for you guys! Stay blessed and really happy advice helped out!
Dr H
So if I choose to go for telemedicine what do I have to do for the degrees after high school?
Zaroon
I really am grateful for your time Dr H thank you for not leaving me unanswered and being here for me.
Zaroon
First off, your words really hit me right in with kindness. Thank you for trusting me to walk this journey with you. I'm not leaving your side, am here for you buddy no worries at all.
Okay, so telemedicine with your tech brain? That's a match made in the cloud, my friend. And the best part? You get to help people without having to be around them much — just you, your laptop, and your whole digital empire behind the scenes.
If you're not about the whole people-person thing but still want to make a difference, telemedicine needs exactly someone like you. The world is shifting online, and behind every app where patients book appointments, get prescriptions, or even chat with doctors — there's someone like you making it all work.
Dr H
Also since you did have a question about hacking and If you're into hacking too... Then man, cybersecurity in healthcare is a whole goldmine waiting for tech brians like yours. Hospitals need people who can protect patient data from hackers. Ethical hacking, cybersecurity, health tech apps — all of it connects back to telemedicine. You'd literally be saving lives without ever having to leave your room.
Here's what I see for you: Start learning Cybersecurity or Health Tech Development while you're still in school. Websites like TryHackMe and Hack The Box will give you that hacking itch in a legal, money-making way. For coding, start with Python — it's what a lot of health tech systems use. freeCodeCamp and Coursera have free courses to get you rolling.
Dr H
If you wanna go all in after high school, a degree like Health Informatics or Cybersecurity could give you the whole package — tech + healthcare + saving lives without talking to a single soul. But honestly, in tech, your skills speak louder than your degree. Start building small projects now, like a basic appointment booking app or even a health tips chatbot. Stack those skills, and you can get remote jobs or freelance gigs while you're still figuring out the whole degree thing.
Dr H
Dr. H, I honestly can’t thank you enough for all this guidance. The way you explain things makes everything feel way less overwhelming. I never thought about telemedicine and cybersecurity as something that connects so well, and now it actually feels like a path I could follow. I’m definitely going to check out TryHackMe and Hack The Box, and I’ll start learning Python too. You’ve given me a clear way forward, and I really appreciate that!
Zaroon
If I start learning cybersecurity and Python now, what would be the best way to showcase my skills when applying for university or internships later? Should I be building specific projects or earning certain certifications? I'd love to hear your thoughts actually so I wouldn't want to start a new question over again hope that is alright. Honestly I have gotten everything settled down my parents also agreed for my telemedicine path and are even happier than I would ever see them guess because it is medical path...you know I bet. Thanks and sorry for taking your time but I look forward to your response.
Zaroon
Zaroon, that just made my day. Telemedicine and cybersecurity are a powerhouse combo, and I love that you’re diving into it. Diffenetely go ahead and try those. Keep that curiosity going, and I’m always here for your next big question.
Dr H
Zaroon, this is amazing to hear, and I love that your parents are on board too. Medicine + cybersecurity is such a unique and high-impact path—you're onto something big.
To showcase your skills, a mix of hands-on projects and certifications will go a long way:
1. Certifications – Start with beginner-friendly ones like CompTIA Security+ or Google Cybersecurity Certificate. Later, you can aim for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or GIAC certifications.
Dr H
Hands-on Projects – Build a portfolio on GitHub. Create small projects like a basic encryption tool, a healthcare-focused cybersecurity case study, or even a telemedicine security checklist.
3. Hackathons & CTFs (Capture The Flag competitions) – Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and PicoCTF let you practice and even list achievements on your resume.
4. Internships & Volunteering – Look for cybersecurity research projects, hospital IT security internships, or even contribute to open-source security tools.
Dr H
5. Networking & Writing – Share what you learn! Start a blog or post on LinkedIn about cybersecurity in telemedicine. It’ll build credibility and open doors.
You're on an incredible path, and I have no doubt you'll make a big impact. Keep going, and never hesitate to reach out.
Dr H
Oi Dr. H! Cheers for the advice, really appreciate it! Gonna give those projects a go (fingers crossed) and maybe even have a try at a blog. Hackathons sound mad as well! Thanks for the support
Zaroon
Updated
Ukejelam’s Answer
School is like am introduction to the educational system where you're exposed to everything. College is a reduction of courses where you focus on your strength after being exposed. University is now where you say I've arrived I know my true calling and do what you want to use and make a living and be best known for in the field.
To make things clear, let's take this example a new born baby is exposed to everything in the house (this is school) later on the parents tell him what's good and bad as he has grown(college) the child decides to be a good citizen (that's university). So it's from getting all the necessary information the child now becomes a president
To make things clear, let's take this example a new born baby is exposed to everything in the house (this is school) later on the parents tell him what's good and bad as he has grown(college) the child decides to be a good citizen (that's university). So it's from getting all the necessary information the child now becomes a president
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
School typically refers to primary and secondary education. This is the foundational stage where students learn basic subjects like mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. The structure usually includes:
Primary School (Elementary School): Typically for children aged 5-11. Focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
Secondary School (Middle School and High School): Typically for students aged 11-18. Middle school usually covers grades 6-8, and high school covers grades 9-12. Students take more specialized courses and prepare for college or vocational training.
College
College can refer to both two-year and four-year institutions. The term is often used interchangeably with university, but there are some distinctions:
Two-Year College (Community College): Offers associate degrees and certificates. These programs are often more affordable and can serve as a stepping stone to a four-year degree.
Four-Year College: Offers bachelor's degrees. These institutions focus on a broader range of subjects and often have more specialized programs.
University
Universities are typically larger institutions that offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. They often have:
Undergraduate Programs: Leading to bachelor's degrees. Students can choose from various majors and minors.
Graduate Programs: Leading to master's and doctoral degrees. These programs are more specialized and often require a thesis or dissertation.
Professional Programs: Such as law, medicine, and business, which prepare students for specific careers.
Primary School (Elementary School): Typically for children aged 5-11. Focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
Secondary School (Middle School and High School): Typically for students aged 11-18. Middle school usually covers grades 6-8, and high school covers grades 9-12. Students take more specialized courses and prepare for college or vocational training.
College
College can refer to both two-year and four-year institutions. The term is often used interchangeably with university, but there are some distinctions:
Two-Year College (Community College): Offers associate degrees and certificates. These programs are often more affordable and can serve as a stepping stone to a four-year degree.
Four-Year College: Offers bachelor's degrees. These institutions focus on a broader range of subjects and often have more specialized programs.
University
Universities are typically larger institutions that offer a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. They often have:
Undergraduate Programs: Leading to bachelor's degrees. Students can choose from various majors and minors.
Graduate Programs: Leading to master's and doctoral degrees. These programs are more specialized and often require a thesis or dissertation.
Professional Programs: Such as law, medicine, and business, which prepare students for specific careers.
Thank you so much, Kevin!
Zaroon