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Any pointers on how to prepare mentally for college.
#transitioning
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suwah’s Answer
The idea of preparing for college is exciting and a can cause people to feel overwhelmed.
1) Some experiences will be familiar, and some will be different. Reflect on your experience: what's going well, what are you proud of, and what you need more of. This is a quick way to assess things for yourself honestly.
2) Don't assume anything. Ask lot's of questions to ensure you understand expectations. again while some things will be familiar, some will also be different. This can include asking your professor for clarity on an assignment; confirming roles and responsibilities with your project team; informing your professor when you will be late or absent from class; etc. Also, continue to ask yourself and others how your degree will serve you. Not because you have a degree, means you'll automatically find a or the job you wanted.
3) Professors may not have the same amount of time in college as they did for you in lower/middle/high-school. They expect that you will plan accordingly so you can manage your work load. Similar to before, read the class syllabus in detail to ensure you understand expectations for each class. Find out how to get extra credit. If possible connect with the professor often to ask questions you have. While you can share your experience with your family/parents, in in college, your professor will only speak with you about your course-work.
4) Balance (school and personal) your experiences. Build your network by participating in developmental on/off-campus committees or extra-curricular activities. Examples of this include Professional Internships or Study Abroad. While there are plenty of opportunities to network/socialize, remember to maintain a high/healthy GPA
5) Have FUN....this time will go by much faster than you realize.
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1) Some experiences will be familiar, and some will be different. Reflect on your experience: what's going well, what are you proud of, and what you need more of. This is a quick way to assess things for yourself honestly.
2) Don't assume anything. Ask lot's of questions to ensure you understand expectations. again while some things will be familiar, some will also be different. This can include asking your professor for clarity on an assignment; confirming roles and responsibilities with your project team; informing your professor when you will be late or absent from class; etc. Also, continue to ask yourself and others how your degree will serve you. Not because you have a degree, means you'll automatically find a or the job you wanted.
3) Professors may not have the same amount of time in college as they did for you in lower/middle/high-school. They expect that you will plan accordingly so you can manage your work load. Similar to before, read the class syllabus in detail to ensure you understand expectations for each class. Find out how to get extra credit. If possible connect with the professor often to ask questions you have. While you can share your experience with your family/parents, in in college, your professor will only speak with you about your course-work.
4) Balance (school and personal) your experiences. Build your network by participating in developmental on/off-campus committees or extra-curricular activities. Examples of this include Professional Internships or Study Abroad. While there are plenty of opportunities to network/socialize, remember to maintain a high/healthy GPA
5) Have FUN....this time will go by much faster than you realize.
suwah recommends the following next steps:
Connor Ericksen-Dunn
I am a Junior at the University of Michigan studying sport management
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Connor’s Answer
As a current undergrad, I would recommend focussing on preparing for the long term, but focusing heavily on the tasks and projects you have directly in front of you. I have found that when I focus on one task that is the most important at the time, I am able to focus more and get better work done. I think when someone puts too many assignments in front of them at once, that is when mentally it can get draining. I would also say breaks are incredibly important. I would recommend walks and going to events around the university. To prepare for this all, I would say research the school and area. Overall, I would just get excited for the experiences you are going to come across as they will be great!
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Luke’s Answer
College is quite different than High School. In High School, you have a set schedule of learning classes all day (8am-3pm). This is where college differs heavily. You may only have 3-6 classes per semester, and each of those classes may met 1-3 times per week. You have a lot of free time on your hands and can allocate that time any way you really want to. It is important to time manage in college well and be able to complete your responsibilities as well as enjoying your time as a growing individual.
I think the best thing I would advise someone would be to take care of my responsibilities before anything else. You may be loaded up with assignments and exams and you take care of those accordingly. There will always be time for fun!
I think the best thing I would advise someone would be to take care of my responsibilities before anything else. You may be loaded up with assignments and exams and you take care of those accordingly. There will always be time for fun!
Frank Oldfield
M.Ed. (TESOL)., Online Remote Adult Education Teacher, Educator & Facilitator.
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Frank’s Answer
Contact the college or university by phone, email or letter and find out if the department head will take you on. Maybe you will get a few knock backs, so you keep trying until you find someone who has a kind heart. This actually happened to me and the department head asked me a few questions over the phone and then he asked me to write 500 words why I wanted to do the course at his department. I had a dream and a goal to achieve and my 500 words did the trick! Maybe you will find a lucky break and you like me get an opportunity to reach out and fulfill your dreams too? Please write and tell about your experiences to date? Best regards. Frank O. April 28th, 2021.
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Bob’s Answer
As someone who has been in and out of college multiple times, you'll want to focus on how to keep yourself on a schedule. If you're good at that now, then you should be fine. If scheduling/time management has been an issue, you'll want to work on that prior to taking on a heavy course load. College professors expect you to be responsible for your work and will generally not remind you of what or when work is due.
The college experience is one that you'll want to be able to enjoy. Keeping on top of your work will allow you the time to enjoy all the experiences that college brings.
The college experience is one that you'll want to be able to enjoy. Keeping on top of your work will allow you the time to enjoy all the experiences that college brings.
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Tina’s Answer
Teresa,
Just be open to new experiences. College life isn't like high school and family. You will meet people from all over and learn about their background/life/culture. Their point of reference is going to be different and you can both learn so much. Know that you will struggle at times and it will be up to you to find the help you need, whether from professors, tutoring or classmates. Look into where you can find that help before you go. The professors will not hold your hand but they will help you if you ask, usually. If you haven't yet, visit you school of choice and get familiar with the area. Being familiar with the layout of the school and the surrounding area will help with feeling comfortable when you arrive to start school.