Cezanne
Is it worth sacrificing most of your social life during college to graduate top of your class?
I am struggling balancing my social life and my academics. As of now my time as a student has been mostly spent studying and working to pay bills. Is it worth sacrificing my social life during college to achieve high grades?
#sociallife #fun #studying #hard-work #socializing
5 answers
Heena Singh
Heena’s Answer
Hey Cezanne,
This is most important time of a person's life, where you get to learn, build a network and explore your interests. It will be nice to have a good balance between your academics along with extra curricular activity. Good grades may help you get a good opportunity later, but having surrounded with the right set of people is very important, who can guide you, mentor you for life.
Once you move ahead with your career, the most important this you need to maintain is a work-life balance which is the key to happiness.
Wish you all the very best!
Regards,
Heena.
Prerna .
Prerna’s Answer
Hi Cezzane,
I faced exactly same question when I was in college.
I had to pay my bills while I also had to do good at studies and like any other teenager I too had excitement about the social life during college. Turned out I spent most of my free time tutoring kids to pay my bills and remaining in attending classes. I did make friends and people knew me around however I couldn't go out and 'have fun'. That never stopped me to keep connections.
I communicated well with my classmates and made few really good friends. I made sure to attend any big events at college or someone's personal event like any of their family events where all friends were invited or such. This helped me strengthen my connections even when I could not be a part of all the outings , movies , dinners , parties and so on.
It is not necessary to have a huge group but sure have few good friends whom you know you can trust. Professional networking pretty much starts from school itself. Be sure of what kind of company you want what you have. Never compromise with your grades. Your degree is one thing that is going to stay with you forever so learn all that you can and keep the balance.
All the Best!
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Austin L.
Austin’s Answer
Cezanne, difficult question but a good one. Ever person's life situation is different than another's so it's hard to say what the winning scenario is. I would say that it is NOT work sacrificing you social life during college to graduate top of your class (with a few caveats).
Your grades matter a lot, so your priority in college should be academics; but college is also much more than purely academics, its is a time to really grow into who you are. Balancing a healthy social life with academic achievement is by no means easy, but it is doable. Time management is key to a balanced life and while not easy, it will make your college experience the better.
College really is a time to grow, meet people, and discover who you are; if you are in the library all day studying you are missing out on 30% of the purpose of college. You don't want to graduate college with regrets as you can't go back, what's done is done. Living a little and socializing does not mean that all of your grades will drop all of a sudden, a reasonable social life should not impact your GPA. Going out 5x per week is excessive, but a normal social life should be able to be accommodated.
I hope this helps and I hope you find balance in your college life, life moves pretty quickly and you don't want to regret missing out!!
Best,
Austin
Jonathan Peng
Jonathan’s Answer
I want to preface this by saying that each person's situation and experience is different and what may work for others may not help you. On that note, I would like to congratulate you on studying so hard to achieve great grades while also working. It is really commendable and shows that you have self-motivation and dedication towards important goals. However, as others have said, being able to spend some time relaxing and socializing is a wonderful way to prevent burnout and preserve mental health, which is a number one priority. In addition, you might be able to make connections and expand your network in ways that will help in the future. Additionally, I have had many mentors in professional capacities tell me that grades are only a small consideration in hiring decisions. As you gain experience in your career and impress them with your work ethic and quality of work, you will be able to propel your career. I am not saying grades are irrelevant, it is always helpful to be at the top of your class, but now is the time for you to practice time management and balance your lifestyle so that you will prosper in the future.
