9 answers
Nkyiah
Student
Killeen, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What is the hardest part of college?
Not many people on my mums side of the family have been to college and if they have they don’t really remember their experience there. I would just like to know if there’s things that I should look out for and beware of ahead of time.
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think it is finding the correct balance.
Some people have other activities going on outside of school, which could potentially cause issues and conflicts.
This includes things like attempting to work, family responsibilities, childcare, transportation, class time schedules, and other things.
So, finding ways to balance schedules and conflicts is a major issue.
Some people have other activities going on outside of school, which could potentially cause issues and conflicts.
This includes things like attempting to work, family responsibilities, childcare, transportation, class time schedules, and other things.
So, finding ways to balance schedules and conflicts is a major issue.
Dr M
Data Science
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Dr’s Answer
First off congrats for getting to college! It will be an excited time, sometimes hard, many times fun :).
The main thing I would say to look out for is loans and debt. College can seed your life and lead to millions of dollars in earnings over your life time, or can just as easily brankrupt you and set you up on a life of paying debt, not being able to enjoy life or to retire.
So my main caution would be for you to do all you can to NOT take loans, or if you need to take loans then take no more than 1-1.5 times a yearly salary in your field of study. What I mean by this is if you are in computer science and expect to have a beginning salary of 70K a year then don't more than 100K in loans. But if you can't expect more than 30K on an entry job, then take no more than 45K in loans.
The loans balloon immensely and they will cripple your life after college.
Beyond the financial part, have a goal of what job you would like to land after college and what life you want to live, and use all the 4 years to build up that resume to be able to afford that life. It's also OK to go back to live with your parents a few years to save some $ for say a used car or other things. College is not a time to waste partying, but a time to enjoy while setting a strong foundation for the rest of your life. Good luck!
The main thing I would say to look out for is loans and debt. College can seed your life and lead to millions of dollars in earnings over your life time, or can just as easily brankrupt you and set you up on a life of paying debt, not being able to enjoy life or to retire.
So my main caution would be for you to do all you can to NOT take loans, or if you need to take loans then take no more than 1-1.5 times a yearly salary in your field of study. What I mean by this is if you are in computer science and expect to have a beginning salary of 70K a year then don't more than 100K in loans. But if you can't expect more than 30K on an entry job, then take no more than 45K in loans.
The loans balloon immensely and they will cripple your life after college.
Beyond the financial part, have a goal of what job you would like to land after college and what life you want to live, and use all the 4 years to build up that resume to be able to afford that life. It's also OK to go back to live with your parents a few years to save some $ for say a used car or other things. College is not a time to waste partying, but a time to enjoy while setting a strong foundation for the rest of your life. Good luck!
Rob Adkisson
Operations
4
Answers
Rancho Mirage, California
Updated
Rob’s Answer
The answer will depend on several factors: are you going away from home to attend college? are you part time or full time? will you be working? do you know how you'll pay for it?
There are a few major areas where people get tripped up as I see it:
1) Paying for college and living expenses - loans, grants, scholarships, parents, job. Each of these has benefits and difficulties. Know the answer before you go and plan for some common things that might go wrong.
2) Time management - class, homework/study, job, social life, exercise, family dating, etc. Prioritize and make a schedule. If class time and homework aren't at the top of the priority list, then you'll find succeeding in college more challenging.
3) Academics - try to balance load of classes with some harder, some easier in the same quarter/semester. Same for balancing those that are heavy on writing or memorization or significant reading loads. This may be more difficult with upper division classes.
4) Expectations - be realistic about your capabilities socially and academically.
Many US colleges have programs to help people who are the first (or almost the first) in their family to attend college. They want you to be successful, so make use of the resources they offer.
There are a few major areas where people get tripped up as I see it:
1) Paying for college and living expenses - loans, grants, scholarships, parents, job. Each of these has benefits and difficulties. Know the answer before you go and plan for some common things that might go wrong.
2) Time management - class, homework/study, job, social life, exercise, family dating, etc. Prioritize and make a schedule. If class time and homework aren't at the top of the priority list, then you'll find succeeding in college more challenging.
3) Academics - try to balance load of classes with some harder, some easier in the same quarter/semester. Same for balancing those that are heavy on writing or memorization or significant reading loads. This may be more difficult with upper division classes.
4) Expectations - be realistic about your capabilities socially and academically.
Many US colleges have programs to help people who are the first (or almost the first) in their family to attend college. They want you to be successful, so make use of the resources they offer.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1882
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nkyiah !
Although my experience as a college student was mostly comfortable, pleasant and at times down right fun, I think I can suggest what my most difficult thing was about being in college. Everyone finds something that challenges them as a student but that is part of the growth experience that college offers a person.
One of the more difficult things for me was that I was forced to self-advocate. I think it was in two memorable situations where I had to do this. I didn't have anyone but me to stand up for myself and I really wasn't used to having to defend myself to anyone, let alone a professor. Both situations had to do with the way something was graded that was not graded by my own professor but by a student and another situation by a University auditor. The grade was completely inappropriate and not based on fair judgement. One was a project assignment in my major graded by a student (peer) and one was a proficiency test in general for the University.
I had to stand up for myself and leave non-confrontational fears aside. I learned that I could be very effective at this, approaching it gently and preparing reasonable and logical points to discuss so that I would be able to get a fair grade for the projects. I marched right up to the professors involved and explained why the assigned grade - by someone who was not my professor- was unfair and inaccurate. Both projects were opinion evaluations, by the way, not factual tests where one plus one equals two.
The first one was very successful and my grade was changed to an A. I not only advocated for myself, but for others that had the same project. As for the proficiency test, I did the same thing - found out who corrected the test and marched right up to the unknown professor and just defended myself. Again, very successful, the test grade was changed to a "Pass".
Before college, I was sort of shy and meek when it came to standing up for myself. Trust me, this changes as time goes on and you encounter situations in which you have no choice to take that leap into self-advocacy. Even if a person is not successful at first, it takes practice, and time to become comfortable to stand up for yourself. A gentle and logical approach to it helps.
I really can't think of anything else that was a difficulty for me personally, but in college, you will encounter new situations and you will figure out how to handle them in perhaps a new way.
Hope this has helped in giving you something to consider. I think you will do well and I wish you all the best in college !
P.S. The hardest thing about getting a college education is finding a parking spot !
Although my experience as a college student was mostly comfortable, pleasant and at times down right fun, I think I can suggest what my most difficult thing was about being in college. Everyone finds something that challenges them as a student but that is part of the growth experience that college offers a person.
One of the more difficult things for me was that I was forced to self-advocate. I think it was in two memorable situations where I had to do this. I didn't have anyone but me to stand up for myself and I really wasn't used to having to defend myself to anyone, let alone a professor. Both situations had to do with the way something was graded that was not graded by my own professor but by a student and another situation by a University auditor. The grade was completely inappropriate and not based on fair judgement. One was a project assignment in my major graded by a student (peer) and one was a proficiency test in general for the University.
I had to stand up for myself and leave non-confrontational fears aside. I learned that I could be very effective at this, approaching it gently and preparing reasonable and logical points to discuss so that I would be able to get a fair grade for the projects. I marched right up to the professors involved and explained why the assigned grade - by someone who was not my professor- was unfair and inaccurate. Both projects were opinion evaluations, by the way, not factual tests where one plus one equals two.
The first one was very successful and my grade was changed to an A. I not only advocated for myself, but for others that had the same project. As for the proficiency test, I did the same thing - found out who corrected the test and marched right up to the unknown professor and just defended myself. Again, very successful, the test grade was changed to a "Pass".
Before college, I was sort of shy and meek when it came to standing up for myself. Trust me, this changes as time goes on and you encounter situations in which you have no choice to take that leap into self-advocacy. Even if a person is not successful at first, it takes practice, and time to become comfortable to stand up for yourself. A gentle and logical approach to it helps.
I really can't think of anything else that was a difficulty for me personally, but in college, you will encounter new situations and you will figure out how to handle them in perhaps a new way.
Hope this has helped in giving you something to consider. I think you will do well and I wish you all the best in college !
P.S. The hardest thing about getting a college education is finding a parking spot !
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Nkyiah, how's everything going? It's great to have you connected with us. You've raised an excellent point. I can absolutely empathize with your query. However, that very situation became my powerful motivation to persist and complete my college education. I've come across countless tales of individuals pursuing their happiness, obtaining their college degrees, and realizing their dreams or goals. If you're truly dedicated to yourself and your future, you'll move mountains to make your dreams a reality. No obstacle will be too great to prevent you from reaching your life goals. In fact, facing such challenges will only strengthen your resolve. You'll weather all the trials and tribulations to keep your pledge. If you aspire to be successful in the future, you need to focus on your present actions. What are you doing to prepare for college? What motivates you to complete your college degree? Who will you dedicate your success to? How do you plan to achieve your dreams? What steps will you take to make them a reality? Remember, you hold the power to shape your future. It's not your fault if there are no college stories on your mom's side. Don't fret, you are young and full of potential. You have the ability to change that narrative. Best of luck! The world is eagerly waiting for you.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
College education is neither very easy nor too difficult. It just requires dedication, time management and organizational skills, efforts and studiousness to succeed. If you do this all, there will be no issues. It also depends on your chosen field. Some majors are more challenging than others. Nevertheless, every college assignment or task will be based on students' abilities, current level of knowledge and skills.
Molly P
Specialist
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Molly’s Answer
I work in the Cashier's office of a community college. The number one thing I can recommend for new or perspective student is to make sure you know how to pay for school. This can be through Financial Aid, Loans, Scholarships, or paying out of pocket. Scholarships are a wonderful opportunity that many schools can help you apply for. Make sure to ask you school how to apply for all the financial help you can before you start school. Once you start school, make sure to pay attention to the academic calendar to know when you can receive a refund for any dropped classes and any refund dates that apply to you. Most schools have websites that can help you greatly and have departments that are there for asking questions and guiding students to be successful.
Yuanqiang zeng
Customer service
3
Answers
Wuhan, Hubei, China
Updated
Yuanqiang’s Answer
The most challenging aspect of college life is the necessity to wake up early for classes. You'll encounter subjects that you enjoy and others that you may not find as appealing. There will be numerous interests you'd want to explore. Balancing academics and personal life becomes a critical skill. As you approach graduation, securing an internship will be an essential step.
Robin Harris
Accountant
3
Answers
Bedford Hills, New York
Updated
Robin’s Answer
Kudos on your ambition to pursue college education! It's definitely a big step, but an exciting one. Just a heads up, managing your time and staying organized might be a bit challenging, especially if it's your first time living independently. It's crucial to treat your studies as a professional commitment.
Remember to give your schoolwork top priority, just like you would in a job. And don't forget to explore all the social and academic opportunities your college offers. They're not just about learning, they're also great for personal growth. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!
Remember to give your schoolwork top priority, just like you would in a job. And don't forget to explore all the social and academic opportunities your college offers. They're not just about learning, they're also great for personal growth. Wishing you all the best on this exciting journey!