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What is some good advice before going to college?
I am a Senior in high school
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Doc’s Answer
Patrick college is a marathon, not a sprint. Be aware that everything you expected may not come true right away. This is completely normal and important relationships should not be rushed. In retrospect, the four years will seem to pass by at light speed, but take advantage of all the time you have to meet new people and hone your skills. One of the lesser-known college tips for first-year students is to be patient and not feel overwhelmed if you don’t love your school right away.
Before your first day of college, learn your class schedule and review any syllabi already shared by your professors. The syllabus for a course usually details when you need to turn in assignments throughout the semester. Keep track of any big projects or papers for your classes in a planner to help you see when you might be especially busy that term. Professors and teaching assistants are great resources to clear up confusion and show your commitment and engagement to a class. Seeking out office hours can help build relationships with professors and potentially lead to opportunities during undergrad or after.
Hope this was helpful Patrick
Making every effort to go to class regularly is vital for academic success. When you attend each class, you’ll be in a better position to fully understand what you’re learning and ask questions about anything that’s unclear. Looking through the syllabus for each course can help ensure you’re prepared for your classes. If you’re tempted to skip class from time to time, keep in mind that missing even one class could put you in danger of falling behind. When you miss classes, you then need to spend time catching up.
When you start college, you’ll have an academic advisor assigned to you. This advisor is there to help you navigate your way through college, such as providing advice on courses to take. While you can expect to meet with your academic advisor when you begin school, you should schedule meetings with them on a regular basis. Academic advisors can help ensure you’re on track to complete your degree program or help you decide what area you might want to focus on based on your career goals.
Before your first day of college, learn your class schedule and review any syllabi already shared by your professors. The syllabus for a course usually details when you need to turn in assignments throughout the semester. Keep track of any big projects or papers for your classes in a planner to help you see when you might be especially busy that term. Professors and teaching assistants are great resources to clear up confusion and show your commitment and engagement to a class. Seeking out office hours can help build relationships with professors and potentially lead to opportunities during undergrad or after.
Hope this was helpful Patrick
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Michel’s Answer
Enjoy that summer before you start, but get realistic ideas of what you are going to be doing when you do go to college. College is a long commitment, but creating healthy habits before you start are going to be important. When you are going to school you are going to need support from friends and you are going to need to learn to take time for yourself at times when you are exhausted from the amount of course work. Finals are a rough time during college for obvious reasons. Enjoy your time before you start and get an idea of what the campus looks like. You are going to spend a lot of time at the campus so finding good spots to eat, socialize, and enjoy your time is important. Congrats on getting into college and remember you got this. You are taking a big step, but with dedication you will meet your goals, and we are proud of you.
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lillie’s Answer
College is a wonderful experience that allows you to learn about yourself and what the world is actually like. I'm going to focus on more of the social aspects of college rather than the academics. First, you will need to learn that you don't have to talk to or be friends with anyone you don't want to be around. You have so much freedom compared to high school, you are not forced anymore to put up with people that do not serve you. Second, use all the resources that you can such as therapy provided by the school or accessibility centers (if you have things like test anxiety or anxiety about school in general they will accommodate to your needs). Third, you are allowed to have fun and should take breaks when you need it. College can get very overwhelming so taking care of yourself and putting your needs first is essential, however, still, get your tasks accomplished when they are due. Also, skipping a few classes is totally normal, however, try to not skip one class every week; you're paying for these classes and not going would be a waste of money. If you are planning to room with someone in the dorms, make sure a) you know how to properly clean and do it in a timely fashion and b) you set clear boundaries at the very start of the school year with your roommate ("Dishes should only be in the sink for 2 days, we can switch taking out the trash, you buy these supplies this time and I'll do it next time").
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Chianhui’s Answer
How exciting! I recently graduated from college, so a piece of advice from me on this is to definitely use this summer as much as you can, whether you want to take this time to travel or you want to do some personal/ professional growth. Your first year of college will be extremely important for making valuable connections, so join as many clubs as you can and then stay with the ones you truly enjoy. It'll also be a good time to figure out where your interests are so you can start thinking about internships. College is so different from high school, so take this opportunity to sign up for anything that interests you. It might seem overwhelming at first, but you'll thank yourself later!
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Jennifer’s Answer
Hello Patrick.
I think the thing I was unprepared for the most was that time management would be put into my hands more than the teacher's. My high school instructors would give us long term assignments that had due dates weeks out and they would continuously remind us that it was upcoming. In college, an instructor may hand you a syllabus, go over an assignment once, and not mention it again until it's due, so be on top of your coursework.
When you do sign up for classes, go the campus ahead of time and walk from each classroom to the next so you're not lost on your first day of school.
One of the things I wish I knew my first semester was that you do not need to fill your hours the same way you did in high school; almost everyone I know had this problem the first semester / quarter. Take the full 12 credits (assuming you're starting full time), but I advise not to go over that the first semester so you can get a feel for the coursework.
Good luck!
I think the thing I was unprepared for the most was that time management would be put into my hands more than the teacher's. My high school instructors would give us long term assignments that had due dates weeks out and they would continuously remind us that it was upcoming. In college, an instructor may hand you a syllabus, go over an assignment once, and not mention it again until it's due, so be on top of your coursework.
When you do sign up for classes, go the campus ahead of time and walk from each classroom to the next so you're not lost on your first day of school.
One of the things I wish I knew my first semester was that you do not need to fill your hours the same way you did in high school; almost everyone I know had this problem the first semester / quarter. Take the full 12 credits (assuming you're starting full time), but I advise not to go over that the first semester so you can get a feel for the coursework.
Good luck!
Bob Moore
Supply Chain, Energy. Oil & Gas, Leadership, Management, Careers Overseas
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Bob’s Answer
My kids have been out of college for a few years - but happy to share the following.
Depends if still working through senior year or you know here you are going
If still not decided
1. Improve your GPA and SAT scores if still time - more options, better chance of financial support
2. Pick option A - closet to your passion, what you want, where you want
3. Fight like hell for funding - look everywhere - the less you owe coming out of college the better
If decided
1. Look for financial aid/support
2. Put the time in to determine best major and minor, and flexibility to switch to others at ends year 1, 2, or 3 - ie, do not lock yourself in too tight
3. Clear your mind before starting as it will be a big shock - shift from teacher to professors, shift from classes to lectures, independence away from parents, new friends, new options - the risk is you get distracted in your first semester - it then becomes very hard to catch-up. Start your 1st semester 110% focused on doing your best - then you can start to slow down a bit if needed in the following semesters. Both my kids were impacted by this - you have to be disciplined.
4. Lastly - ensure you balance your first semester and first year - study, sports/activities, social, fun, sleep - so
You are not tired and stressed - look for balance - AVOID CRAZY - avoid getting kicke out and having to pick up your studies in local college or dropping studies all together - must AVOID THE LATTER AT ALL COSTS - you need a quality education to compete in this world, to find the right job to fund your dreams👍
Depends if still working through senior year or you know here you are going
If still not decided
1. Improve your GPA and SAT scores if still time - more options, better chance of financial support
2. Pick option A - closet to your passion, what you want, where you want
3. Fight like hell for funding - look everywhere - the less you owe coming out of college the better
If decided
1. Look for financial aid/support
2. Put the time in to determine best major and minor, and flexibility to switch to others at ends year 1, 2, or 3 - ie, do not lock yourself in too tight
3. Clear your mind before starting as it will be a big shock - shift from teacher to professors, shift from classes to lectures, independence away from parents, new friends, new options - the risk is you get distracted in your first semester - it then becomes very hard to catch-up. Start your 1st semester 110% focused on doing your best - then you can start to slow down a bit if needed in the following semesters. Both my kids were impacted by this - you have to be disciplined.
4. Lastly - ensure you balance your first semester and first year - study, sports/activities, social, fun, sleep - so
You are not tired and stressed - look for balance - AVOID CRAZY - avoid getting kicke out and having to pick up your studies in local college or dropping studies all together - must AVOID THE LATTER AT ALL COSTS - you need a quality education to compete in this world, to find the right job to fund your dreams👍
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Chirayu’s Answer
Research colleges thoroughly: Make sure you consider all the factors that are important to you, such as location, size, cost, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus culture. Apply to several colleges: Don't limit yourself to just one or two schools. Apply to a variety of schools, including "reach" schools, "match" schools, and "safety" schools. Focus on academics: Keep your grades up and take challenging courses in high school. This will prepare you well for college-level coursework. Get involved in extracurricular activities: Join clubs, volunteer in your community, and participate in sports or other activities that interest you. This will help you develop leadership skills, meet new people, and find your passions. Plan for the financial aspect of college: Explore scholarship opportunities and research financial aid options. Consider the cost of living on or off campus, as well as the cost of textbooks and other supplies. Talk to current college students: Reach out to friends or family members who are currently in college to get their advice and insights. Be open-minded: College is a time to explore new ideas and perspectives, so be open to trying new things and meeting new people.
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Jada’s Answer
Congratulations!!
My best advice is stay focused! It is so easy to get distracted. Surround yourself with motivated, hard working and encouraging friends to hold you accountable. Get involved with groups to connect with your peers. Build connections, it all helps in the long run .
My best advice is stay focused! It is so easy to get distracted. Surround yourself with motivated, hard working and encouraging friends to hold you accountable. Get involved with groups to connect with your peers. Build connections, it all helps in the long run .
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Barbara’s Answer
Good afternoon! My advice is to do some research. Figure out what your are passionate about and where you feel your strengths are. Work with your Guidance Counselor and discuss your options. Look to attend local College Fairs in your area....these fairs will provide you the opportunity to meet with a Counselor from a College who can make some recommendations based on your interests. Be patient...the right College is out there for you! Enjoy the rest of your senior year.
Best Wishes
Best Wishes
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Wilson’s Answer
If you worry about student loans, I would recommend going to Community College (CC) first, then transfer to the university. It would save you money that way since most of the Community College classes would be transferable credit towards lower division GE/major requirements.
To ensure that it will be transferable, use assist.org (since you are in California) and compare at the list of classes from the CC to university. If they have an equivalent lower division, then it should be transferable.
There are situations where you may need to confirm first, like Computer Science courses. Those require that you reach out to the department to validate as some classes do teach different materials or may require to retake the course once transferred.
To ensure that it will be transferable, use assist.org (since you are in California) and compare at the list of classes from the CC to university. If they have an equivalent lower division, then it should be transferable.
There are situations where you may need to confirm first, like Computer Science courses. Those require that you reach out to the department to validate as some classes do teach different materials or may require to retake the course once transferred.
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Frances’s Answer
Don't box yourself in. Even if you know exactly what you want to study and what you want to do after college, make sure to branch out when possible and try things that you may not have any experience in. You might start school thinking you want to be a doctor and come out with an economics degree or vice versa. Taking the time to figure out what you really enjoy doing is never a waste of time, and the options can be overwhelming at first.
Another piece of advice is to get to know your professors. They are there to help you learn but this can be easy to forget, especially in big classes. Getting to know the teaching staff can not only help you academically, but later on can also help you professionally from job opportunities to letters of recommendation. I would also recommend getting to know some upperclassmen to get insight on what classes are worth taking, how big the workload is, etc. so that you can be more prepared.
Another piece of advice is to get to know your professors. They are there to help you learn but this can be easy to forget, especially in big classes. Getting to know the teaching staff can not only help you academically, but later on can also help you professionally from job opportunities to letters of recommendation. I would also recommend getting to know some upperclassmen to get insight on what classes are worth taking, how big the workload is, etc. so that you can be more prepared.
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Mary Jean’s Answer
If this is your first time staying away from home, I would start by getting some "real life" experience. For example, learn how to follow a schedule, learn how to cook easy items, learn how to budget, learn how to do laundry, etc. Once, you are out there, you are on your own, so you need to be prepared to make good choices. Find a study group so you stay focused on why you are really there. It is easy to fall off track. Learn how to live very simple. Dorms are small so you can't take everything you own with you. Take the important essentials.
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Xuan’s Answer
Hi Patrick,
Good advice for college would be to explore around before settling. When first entering, you may feel overwhelmed by all the organizations and activities provided by the college and the best would be to explore as many that interests you as possible. You may learn many skills that'll not only help you throughout college but translate into important skills throughout your lifetime as well. And most importantly the connections you make along the way may be the most important and have the overall more impact on your professional and personal life.
Good advice for college would be to explore around before settling. When first entering, you may feel overwhelmed by all the organizations and activities provided by the college and the best would be to explore as many that interests you as possible. You may learn many skills that'll not only help you throughout college but translate into important skills throughout your lifetime as well. And most importantly the connections you make along the way may be the most important and have the overall more impact on your professional and personal life.
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Ray’s Answer
Join social media groups and find other incoming freshman who have similar as you. Make a schedule that best fits your needs and accommodations. Take advantage of all groups and clubs. Soak in every moment as it flies by.
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Jake’s Answer
Congratulations Patrick! College is an exciting chapter to begin in your life. As someone who recently graduated college, there are a few things I would suggest in order to have a great experience.
1. Be yourself! There are going to be a lot of people who will be in a similar situation with you and be very nervous about meeting new people. Being outgoing is a huge part to making new friends. While your high school friends are great to have, try to expand your social circle too! You could do this through a variety of ways such as a sports team, a book club, or other social events that your college will host!
2. Have the willpower to study when you need to. A huge part of college is now having the responsibility to go to class on your own, no more adults to wake you up! Haha! But in all seriousness, knowing when you need to study for a big exam versus hanging out with friends is a huge way to be successful. It is definitely possible to have fun in college and also do well in school! It all comes down to knowing how to manage your time well.
3. Try new things! The best part of college is figuring out what your own values are and who you want to become as a person. College provides a great number of unique opportunities to find out what you like and do not like. Go into college with a positive attitude and a desire to have fun and I know you will have a good time. Good luck!
1. Be yourself! There are going to be a lot of people who will be in a similar situation with you and be very nervous about meeting new people. Being outgoing is a huge part to making new friends. While your high school friends are great to have, try to expand your social circle too! You could do this through a variety of ways such as a sports team, a book club, or other social events that your college will host!
2. Have the willpower to study when you need to. A huge part of college is now having the responsibility to go to class on your own, no more adults to wake you up! Haha! But in all seriousness, knowing when you need to study for a big exam versus hanging out with friends is a huge way to be successful. It is definitely possible to have fun in college and also do well in school! It all comes down to knowing how to manage your time well.
3. Try new things! The best part of college is figuring out what your own values are and who you want to become as a person. College provides a great number of unique opportunities to find out what you like and do not like. Go into college with a positive attitude and a desire to have fun and I know you will have a good time. Good luck!
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Anna Lyn’s Answer
Congratulations Patrick… What to do before going to college?
First and last, whatever you do … be safe and just do the right thing. Enjoy your high school senior year (safely)! While doing so, make sure to have some time to be physically and mentally prepared for college. Spend more time with your family because those times will be shorten once you start college especially if your college is out of your hometown.
Learn to be more patient and how to regroup yourself. College can be stressful- parking, long distance classroom, and if you work off campus it will add up on the stress. So learn relaxation techniques. Know your campus esp parking structures!
Anyways, learn responsibly! Your upcoming newly added 4 years (or so) of higher education means additional new experiences, new people, and new perceptions on things you’re not used to which can be overwhelming. Find balance in all of them… including fun times but have fun responsibly!
Good luck!
First and last, whatever you do … be safe and just do the right thing. Enjoy your high school senior year (safely)! While doing so, make sure to have some time to be physically and mentally prepared for college. Spend more time with your family because those times will be shorten once you start college especially if your college is out of your hometown.
Learn to be more patient and how to regroup yourself. College can be stressful- parking, long distance classroom, and if you work off campus it will add up on the stress. So learn relaxation techniques. Know your campus esp parking structures!
Anyways, learn responsibly! Your upcoming newly added 4 years (or so) of higher education means additional new experiences, new people, and new perceptions on things you’re not used to which can be overwhelming. Find balance in all of them… including fun times but have fun responsibly!
Good luck!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Patrick
You’re welcome Patrick! Best of luck!
Anna Lyn Caytap
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Maggie’s Answer
My advice would be to be yourself and find people with like interests as you. I think the first few weeks of college can seem overwhelming, but once you get into the swing of things it will become less daunting. If you are struggling or falling behind, definitely utilize office hours with your professors and/or any tutoring services that are offered through the university. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your time!! It goes by so quick!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Patrick
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Miranda’s Answer
Hello!
My advice would be to go into it with an open mind, if you don’t know what you want to major in that’s okay you will figure it out by taking different classes! Another piece of advice is to GO TO office hours!! They not only give you 1 on 1 with professors but it allows them to get to know you personally. Lastly I’d say to work hard but don’t forget to have fun along the way
My advice would be to go into it with an open mind, if you don’t know what you want to major in that’s okay you will figure it out by taking different classes! Another piece of advice is to GO TO office hours!! They not only give you 1 on 1 with professors but it allows them to get to know you personally. Lastly I’d say to work hard but don’t forget to have fun along the way