4 answers
jaden
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
8
Questions
Asked
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Will college be easy?
I'm a high school student that's about to graduate in less than a month #student
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4 answers
Kellee Scott
Director, MBA Admissions at USC Marshall School of Business
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kellee’s Answer
hi jaden, that is a wonderful question.
The first year of college is quite a transition, especially if you decide to move away from home. There's getting used to higher level classes with people who come from high schools all over the area, and nationally if it's a traditional 4 year institution. There's now being in charge of your schedule, your efforts to get to class, and ability to navigate the landscape of figuring out a major and what you want to do when you graduate.
It can be easier if you become aware of the resources at your school and how to take advantage of them. I struggled my first year as a first gen. college student because I didn't know about the resources available to me, nor how to seek them out. Here are my suggestions based on my lessons learned:
1. If your high school has advisors/guidance counselors, ask them to suggest steps to make the transition to college as smooth as possible. Ask them about what you should know and resources you should seek even before classes begin.
2. Once classes have started, you'll begin getting a feel for the workload you can handle. Classes at college level may have heavier reading, writing, and quantitative assignments than what you experienced in high school. This means finding your "sweet spot" of balancing classes, studying, and social activities. If you work while you're in school, you'll need to add that in too.
3. Seek out your academic advisor to assist you in navigating the path of required classes and classes in the major you choose. I didn't know you could take classes pass/fail, and took a hit on my GPA fulfilling university required classes in which my skillset was weak. Taking advantage of a good advisor would have helped me avoid that.
4. Maturing and growing socially is part of college life. You'll want to participate in the many clubs, events, and activities that make up student life. However, you will find it much easier to strike that balance as mentioned in point #2, and know that you may have to forgo some activities if it interferes with your academics. No need have a fear of missing out. There tends to be so many activities, there's always opportunity to be social.
5. Know that you can take a break/leave of absence if you become overwhelmed. It's ok to take more than the traditional 4 years to finish your degree.
In general, the first year can be the toughest, similar to starting your first year in high school. But you learn, you grow, so that by the time you're a senior, you are well balanced, successful, and can even assist those incoming freshmen with the knowledge and wisdom from your experience.
College is a great adventure. Take a deep breath and embrace it.
The first year of college is quite a transition, especially if you decide to move away from home. There's getting used to higher level classes with people who come from high schools all over the area, and nationally if it's a traditional 4 year institution. There's now being in charge of your schedule, your efforts to get to class, and ability to navigate the landscape of figuring out a major and what you want to do when you graduate.
It can be easier if you become aware of the resources at your school and how to take advantage of them. I struggled my first year as a first gen. college student because I didn't know about the resources available to me, nor how to seek them out. Here are my suggestions based on my lessons learned:
1. If your high school has advisors/guidance counselors, ask them to suggest steps to make the transition to college as smooth as possible. Ask them about what you should know and resources you should seek even before classes begin.
2. Once classes have started, you'll begin getting a feel for the workload you can handle. Classes at college level may have heavier reading, writing, and quantitative assignments than what you experienced in high school. This means finding your "sweet spot" of balancing classes, studying, and social activities. If you work while you're in school, you'll need to add that in too.
3. Seek out your academic advisor to assist you in navigating the path of required classes and classes in the major you choose. I didn't know you could take classes pass/fail, and took a hit on my GPA fulfilling university required classes in which my skillset was weak. Taking advantage of a good advisor would have helped me avoid that.
4. Maturing and growing socially is part of college life. You'll want to participate in the many clubs, events, and activities that make up student life. However, you will find it much easier to strike that balance as mentioned in point #2, and know that you may have to forgo some activities if it interferes with your academics. No need have a fear of missing out. There tends to be so many activities, there's always opportunity to be social.
5. Know that you can take a break/leave of absence if you become overwhelmed. It's ok to take more than the traditional 4 years to finish your degree.
In general, the first year can be the toughest, similar to starting your first year in high school. But you learn, you grow, so that by the time you're a senior, you are well balanced, successful, and can even assist those incoming freshmen with the knowledge and wisdom from your experience.
College is a great adventure. Take a deep breath and embrace it.
Great advice
Karen Kitchel
Michelle Torchinsky
Human Resources Manager
9
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
For me, in the beginning it took some getting used to. It takes commitment to focus on your studies. I still had time for
fun, but I always made sure school came first. It definitely gets easier when you find what works best for you. Remember, it’s okay that you won’t get the hang of college life right away. It’s definitely an experience you will never forget! Enjoy it!
fun, but I always made sure school came first. It definitely gets easier when you find what works best for you. Remember, it’s okay that you won’t get the hang of college life right away. It’s definitely an experience you will never forget! Enjoy it!
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
355
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
I like the reply which says "college is an adventure." Perhaps if you maintain that attitude you might enjoy both the easy and difficult parts.
You've already received some excellent advice, so all I can add is to focus on keeping a positive attitude and give thanks if you have an opportunity to experience college, knowing that many do not.
If you believe it, you will be successful!
With every good wish.
You've already received some excellent advice, so all I can add is to focus on keeping a positive attitude and give thanks if you have an opportunity to experience college, knowing that many do not.
If you believe it, you will be successful!
With every good wish.
Kevin Sorn
DevOps Engineer
9
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Jaden,
It definitely won't be easy and it is a little bit of a transition from high school learning to be honest. It is also dependent on what you are planning to major in as well. If you already have a lot of good study habits already established from your time in high school you will definitely have a good head start on making it an easier experience!
For me, going from high school to college was definitely a tough transition as I didn't really have good study habits in high school and didn't get the opportunity to take many AP/College level classes early on.
My advice: Start looking into study plans as soon as you can, but just remember at the end of the day, your college experience is a journey and make sure to make the most of it!
It definitely won't be easy and it is a little bit of a transition from high school learning to be honest. It is also dependent on what you are planning to major in as well. If you already have a lot of good study habits already established from your time in high school you will definitely have a good head start on making it an easier experience!
For me, going from high school to college was definitely a tough transition as I didn't really have good study habits in high school and didn't get the opportunity to take many AP/College level classes early on.
My advice: Start looking into study plans as soon as you can, but just remember at the end of the day, your college experience is a journey and make sure to make the most of it!