4 answers
Felicia
Student
1
Question
Asked
424 views
How should I start college?
"To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States." – George W. Bush
Login to comment
4 answers
David Hulme
Director of Sales Engineers
19
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey Felicia! You pose a really interesting question, because going to college is really about more than one thing. Every part of you will grow: emotionally, intellectually, how you interact with strangers, the responsibilities you carry. You'll have successes and failures and absurdities and wonder and disappointment.
There are a few things that I'll share with you that I've shared with my 17 year old that is looking at entering college next year:
1) You're paying all of these people at the college a LOT of money to help you build yourself into something that is worth a lot. It's more money than most folks will have on hand lying around at any point until the end of their working careers. Do your best to make yourself into something formidable with all of that knowledge and experience. You'll know you're on the right track when you discover you are capable of DOING something that you weren't able to before. Too many students go to college, pass their classes with decent or good grades and are no more capable of doing something new than they were when they started. That would be a terrible waste.
2) Keep in mind that college is not the real world. In college you get every requirement for success laid out in front of you on the first day, and if you do everything listed, you'll get the outcome you expect. That can be a great way to gain insight or a skill, but outside of college those guarantees of the outcome you want if you do everything the right way go right out the window. There's a reason they teach theory in school, theories are a great way to understand how things are supposed to work.
3) Don't be fooled into thinking that great, interesting classes automatically make for great and interesting careers. Unless you're independently wealthy, you're going to have to turn what you paid for into something that will support you and possibly others. The salary information for every job everywhere is there for everyone to see. Make yourself look at it, and make yourself look at the number of jobs available. Go into the future with your eyes wide open. That's not to say you can't make a great life for yourself with an education that doesn't have a career with six figures associated with it, but be deliberate in your choice, and figure out how to make a life for yourself with the TAKE HOME pay you can expect. Happiness and fufillment is not merely a function of the dollars, but then you also need dollars to cover pesky things like rent, heat, food, replacement tires for your vehicle, the vet's bill etc.
4) Treat the whole experience like you're at the world's most exotic food buffet. You don't go to the world's most exotic buffet and limit yourself to the cheese balls, go look down the whole table and find things you've never had a chance to try.
Best of luck!
There are a few things that I'll share with you that I've shared with my 17 year old that is looking at entering college next year:
1) You're paying all of these people at the college a LOT of money to help you build yourself into something that is worth a lot. It's more money than most folks will have on hand lying around at any point until the end of their working careers. Do your best to make yourself into something formidable with all of that knowledge and experience. You'll know you're on the right track when you discover you are capable of DOING something that you weren't able to before. Too many students go to college, pass their classes with decent or good grades and are no more capable of doing something new than they were when they started. That would be a terrible waste.
2) Keep in mind that college is not the real world. In college you get every requirement for success laid out in front of you on the first day, and if you do everything listed, you'll get the outcome you expect. That can be a great way to gain insight or a skill, but outside of college those guarantees of the outcome you want if you do everything the right way go right out the window. There's a reason they teach theory in school, theories are a great way to understand how things are supposed to work.
3) Don't be fooled into thinking that great, interesting classes automatically make for great and interesting careers. Unless you're independently wealthy, you're going to have to turn what you paid for into something that will support you and possibly others. The salary information for every job everywhere is there for everyone to see. Make yourself look at it, and make yourself look at the number of jobs available. Go into the future with your eyes wide open. That's not to say you can't make a great life for yourself with an education that doesn't have a career with six figures associated with it, but be deliberate in your choice, and figure out how to make a life for yourself with the TAKE HOME pay you can expect. Happiness and fufillment is not merely a function of the dollars, but then you also need dollars to cover pesky things like rent, heat, food, replacement tires for your vehicle, the vet's bill etc.
4) Treat the whole experience like you're at the world's most exotic food buffet. You don't go to the world's most exotic buffet and limit yourself to the cheese balls, go look down the whole table and find things you've never had a chance to try.
Best of luck!
Anahi diaz
84
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
Starting college can be an exciting and transformative time in your life. Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Explore Your Interests: Reflect on your academic interests, career goals, and personal aspirations. Consider what subjects or fields you are passionate about and want to pursue in college. This will help you narrow down potential majors and programs.
2. Research Colleges: Conduct thorough research on colleges and universities that align with your interests and goals. Consider factors such as academic reputation, program offerings, location, campus culture, size, and cost. Utilize online resources, college websites, guidebooks, and college fairs to gather information.
3. Attend College Information Sessions: Take advantage of college information sessions, campus tours, and open houses offered by colleges you are interested in. These events provide valuable insights into the campus environment, facilities, and academic programs. They also allow you to ask questions and interact with current students and admissions staff.
4. Meet with a College Counselor: Schedule a meeting with your high school college counselor or advisor. They can provide guidance on the college application process, suggest suitable colleges based on your interests, and offer assistance with application requirements and deadlines.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Determine if standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, are required or recommended by the colleges you are applying to. Register for the tests, study accordingly, and consider taking practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format.
6. Build a Balanced College List: Create a list of colleges that includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Reach schools are those with higher admission requirements, target schools are within your range of qualifications, and safety schools are those where you have a high probability of admission.
7. Work on Your Application Essays: Start brainstorming ideas and writing drafts for your college application essays. Use the prompts provided by the colleges and make sure your essays highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. Seek feedback from trusted teachers, counselors, or mentors for revisions.
8. Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and any additional documents required by the colleges. Make sure you understand the specific requirements and deadlines for each college you're applying to.
9. Stay Organized: Create a calendar or checklist to keep track of application deadlines, requirements, and submission dates. Stay organized and submit your applications well in advance of deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
10. Seek Financial Aid and Scholarships: Research financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Explore both need-based and merit-based opportunities. Start early to understand the application processes and deadlines for financial aid programs.
Remember, the college application process can be time-consuming and competitive. Starting early, staying organized, and seeking guidance from school counselors, teachers, and trusted mentors can help you navigate the process more effectively. Good luck as you embark on this exciting journey!
1. Explore Your Interests: Reflect on your academic interests, career goals, and personal aspirations. Consider what subjects or fields you are passionate about and want to pursue in college. This will help you narrow down potential majors and programs.
2. Research Colleges: Conduct thorough research on colleges and universities that align with your interests and goals. Consider factors such as academic reputation, program offerings, location, campus culture, size, and cost. Utilize online resources, college websites, guidebooks, and college fairs to gather information.
3. Attend College Information Sessions: Take advantage of college information sessions, campus tours, and open houses offered by colleges you are interested in. These events provide valuable insights into the campus environment, facilities, and academic programs. They also allow you to ask questions and interact with current students and admissions staff.
4. Meet with a College Counselor: Schedule a meeting with your high school college counselor or advisor. They can provide guidance on the college application process, suggest suitable colleges based on your interests, and offer assistance with application requirements and deadlines.
5. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Determine if standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT, are required or recommended by the colleges you are applying to. Register for the tests, study accordingly, and consider taking practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format.
6. Build a Balanced College List: Create a list of colleges that includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Reach schools are those with higher admission requirements, target schools are within your range of qualifications, and safety schools are those where you have a high probability of admission.
7. Work on Your Application Essays: Start brainstorming ideas and writing drafts for your college application essays. Use the prompts provided by the colleges and make sure your essays highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. Seek feedback from trusted teachers, counselors, or mentors for revisions.
8. Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and any additional documents required by the colleges. Make sure you understand the specific requirements and deadlines for each college you're applying to.
9. Stay Organized: Create a calendar or checklist to keep track of application deadlines, requirements, and submission dates. Stay organized and submit your applications well in advance of deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
10. Seek Financial Aid and Scholarships: Research financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Explore both need-based and merit-based opportunities. Start early to understand the application processes and deadlines for financial aid programs.
Remember, the college application process can be time-consuming and competitive. Starting early, staying organized, and seeking guidance from school counselors, teachers, and trusted mentors can help you navigate the process more effectively. Good luck as you embark on this exciting journey!
Juan Sanchez
manager
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Juan’s Answer
How can I begin my college journey effectively?
Hello, aspiring scholar,
1. First and foremost, brace yourself for an influx of knowledge. Undoubtedly, you'll need to allocate ample time for studying and make your education a top priority.
2. Prioritize rest. Ensuring sufficient sleep not only aids in memory retention but also helps you stay focused. If there's no need for you to go out, staying in could be beneficial. However, your preferences matter too. If you enjoy online classes, they can save you commuting time. On the other hand, if you prefer on-campus classes, they provide an opportunity to socialize and network, which can contribute to your personal growth. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
3. Depending on your age, it might be wise to start setting aside some money for college. Investing in a plan can help accumulate enough funds by the time you need to pay for your education. Seek advice from a financial expert to guide you in choosing an appropriate investment plan.
Hello, aspiring scholar,
1. First and foremost, brace yourself for an influx of knowledge. Undoubtedly, you'll need to allocate ample time for studying and make your education a top priority.
2. Prioritize rest. Ensuring sufficient sleep not only aids in memory retention but also helps you stay focused. If there's no need for you to go out, staying in could be beneficial. However, your preferences matter too. If you enjoy online classes, they can save you commuting time. On the other hand, if you prefer on-campus classes, they provide an opportunity to socialize and network, which can contribute to your personal growth. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
3. Depending on your age, it might be wise to start setting aside some money for college. Investing in a plan can help accumulate enough funds by the time you need to pay for your education. Seek advice from a financial expert to guide you in choosing an appropriate investment plan.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1793
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is a good question. In fact, the college days will be one of the most enjoyable and memorable days in your life. In the college, you not only learn the knowledge. It will training your analytical and critical thinking skills. Also, you will establish your people network.
Below are my suggestions to start your college days :
1. Join the orientation programs organized by the college or faculty
2. Take some time to visit different facilities in the college
3. Explore the extra curricular activities in the college
4. If you will stay in the dorm, establish the network with your roommates early
5. Review and prepare the 1st year syllabus
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions to start your college days :
1. Join the orientation programs organized by the college or faculty
2. Take some time to visit different facilities in the college
3. Explore the extra curricular activities in the college
4. If you will stay in the dorm, establish the network with your roommates early
5. Review and prepare the 1st year syllabus
Hope this helps! Good Luck!