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Any advice for upcoming college student?
I will be going to college this fall and want to know about what I should do in college in general.
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6 answers
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Zoei’s Answer
I suggest taking an aptitude test and looking at the past classes you've taken and see which ones you're best at and that you enjoy. Once you've figured that out, I suggest you think about if you'll enjoy studying that and working in a field that involves those subjects for the next upcoming years of your life.
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Angela’s Answer
College is completely different than high school. Prepare yourself because of the impact the new responsibilities makes on your life. Living away from home/on campus or even if you're living at home but attending college, you will see how much more independent you have to be. College is more fast paced because you have to be on top of things! Everyone in college is focused on themselves and if you need to slow down and ask for help, that is completely your responsibility. Ex: you may be excited to study with your friends but you may come to realize that the way they study is not how you study best. So, you'll need to adjust... but no one else is going to tell you to do that on your own. Use your best judgement and keep yourself as your priority!
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Nancy’s Answer
Un leng,
Zoei’s answer is really good. An aptitude test helped me figure out what job to pursue after college. While in college, it’s important to take courses you know you will like, and some that you’re not sure you will like so that you can learn more about what you’re good at and interested in. It is also a good time to get to know people who are different from you. Clubs and research are other opportunities. They help you meet people with interests like yours or give you new skills that can be valuable. Remember to get enough sleep. Also, it’s important to get to know your advisor and some professors that can help guide you. Most college students need a good schedule to follow or planning calendar to keep track of coursework and assignments. Try to both work hard and have time for fun. College is a wonderful growth opportunity, so get involved in new things there!
Zoei’s answer is really good. An aptitude test helped me figure out what job to pursue after college. While in college, it’s important to take courses you know you will like, and some that you’re not sure you will like so that you can learn more about what you’re good at and interested in. It is also a good time to get to know people who are different from you. Clubs and research are other opportunities. They help you meet people with interests like yours or give you new skills that can be valuable. Remember to get enough sleep. Also, it’s important to get to know your advisor and some professors that can help guide you. Most college students need a good schedule to follow or planning calendar to keep track of coursework and assignments. Try to both work hard and have time for fun. College is a wonderful growth opportunity, so get involved in new things there!
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Nathan’s Answer
I would suggest mentally preparing for it. Realize that you will have to give up more time than you did in high school. Know that you can do it! Biggest thing that has helped me in college is making a plan every week on what Work I was going to do and when I was going to do it. Stay on top of all your work, falling behind is the worst thing. Good luck!!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Learn the concepts on how to study. My psychology professor once told me that perfecting the concepts of how to study is not only a psychological endeavor, but it is also a physical one.
He stated that it is a lot like training for a marathon. You gradually build up the distance you are training until you can perform at peak level when you actually run the race.
I was told that the human brain can process information for about 20 or 25 minutes, before it eventually gets fatigued, and fails to remember what it is reading. It is best to do things in intervals, where you read for 20 or 25 minutes, take a break and then come back and read for another 20 or 25 minutes. People have told me that if they study for several hours straight, without taking a break, they find that are unable to remember the later chapters they had read.
Many decades ago, a German cardiologist named Ernst Van Aaken, came up with this concept, after studying Finnish athletes and their amazing accomplishments during the 1920's in the Olympic Games. Van Aaken realized that the athletes performed better when they slowed down and took frequent walking breaks, which basically gave them a rest interval from the more intense training they were doing. He applied this concept to his athletes and much to his astonishment discovered they were performing better. Subsequently, several went on the win medals in the Olympic Games.
He stated that not only could an athlete be trained this way (utilizing interval breaks), but the mind could also be trained to use intervals and reach a point where it could more efficiently process information and help memory when reading or studying.
So, this is my recommendation. Learn to read and study your academic assignments, but also develop the ability to take breaks and engage in what Dr. Van Aaken called "the pause that refreshes."
Learn the concepts of how to read and study at the college level
Utilize study breaks and practice refreshing pauses to help with memory and to retain information
Stay away from distractions that might hinder your academic studies.
Become an achiever. Set high but realistic goals for yourself.
He stated that it is a lot like training for a marathon. You gradually build up the distance you are training until you can perform at peak level when you actually run the race.
I was told that the human brain can process information for about 20 or 25 minutes, before it eventually gets fatigued, and fails to remember what it is reading. It is best to do things in intervals, where you read for 20 or 25 minutes, take a break and then come back and read for another 20 or 25 minutes. People have told me that if they study for several hours straight, without taking a break, they find that are unable to remember the later chapters they had read.
Many decades ago, a German cardiologist named Ernst Van Aaken, came up with this concept, after studying Finnish athletes and their amazing accomplishments during the 1920's in the Olympic Games. Van Aaken realized that the athletes performed better when they slowed down and took frequent walking breaks, which basically gave them a rest interval from the more intense training they were doing. He applied this concept to his athletes and much to his astonishment discovered they were performing better. Subsequently, several went on the win medals in the Olympic Games.
He stated that not only could an athlete be trained this way (utilizing interval breaks), but the mind could also be trained to use intervals and reach a point where it could more efficiently process information and help memory when reading or studying.
So, this is my recommendation. Learn to read and study your academic assignments, but also develop the ability to take breaks and engage in what Dr. Van Aaken called "the pause that refreshes."
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jolene’s Answer
College is only scary if you allow it to be. I know it seems intimidating, but all it takes is for you to look at it with a fresh set of eyes, and remind yourself to take the time and prepare yourself. Honestly, it's very time consuming, but you can pace yourself. If you have the opportunity to, don't overload yourself with classes right away. You have time! Studying is important, but you need to make sure you have time for yourself as well, don't overwhelm yourself with work or study time, but make sure you DO make study time. If you can: make a daily planner and map out hours to do certain things. Laundry, study time, relaxing, eating, or whatever you feel is important to do. Another thing... When you get assignments, it's honestly best to get them done as soon as you can, because that gives you more time for you, and less time worrying about if it'll get done. Don't procrastinate! It's very stressful.
Most importantly though: make friends and have fun! Join groups or organizations that are in your college, and enjoy your time! College isn't just about school work every second of the day. It's about opportunities to meet people, to try new things. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Make friends!
Make a daily planner so you can make time for yourself
Get things done as early as you can
HAVE FUN!
Most importantly though: make friends and have fun! Join groups or organizations that are in your college, and enjoy your time! College isn't just about school work every second of the day. It's about opportunities to meet people, to try new things. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Jolene recommends the following next steps: