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What's something surprising or unexpected about college?
I want to know what to expect
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
The academic work. No one is making you be at college, like in high school. You must be self motivated and are expected to do your work with little input. So, the self discipline and self motivation is something you will need.
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Aisha’s Answer
Hi Rihanna,
One surprising aspect of college for many students is the level of independence and self-responsibility required. Unlike high school, where schedules and assignments are often closely monitored, college offers a greater degree of freedom. Students have more control over their schedules, course selections, and extracurricular activities. While this newfound independence can be liberating, it also comes with increased responsibility for managing time effectively, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks.
Additionally, college often presents opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Many students find themselves exposed to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, leading to expanded worldviews and deeper self-understanding. Embracing these experiences can be both exhilarating and challenging as students navigate their identities and beliefs within a diverse and dynamic environment.
Furthermore, the social dynamics of college can be unexpected. Building relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and forming new friendships can be incredibly rewarding. However, it may also involve navigating social pressures, conflicts, and peer influences. Finding a balance between academic, social, and personal pursuits is a key aspect of the college experience.
Overall, college is a time of significant transition and growth, filled with both exciting opportunities and unexpected challenges. Embracing the journey with an open mind, resilience, and willingness to learn can lead to a fulfilling and transformative experience.
One surprising aspect of college for many students is the level of independence and self-responsibility required. Unlike high school, where schedules and assignments are often closely monitored, college offers a greater degree of freedom. Students have more control over their schedules, course selections, and extracurricular activities. While this newfound independence can be liberating, it also comes with increased responsibility for managing time effectively, staying organized, and prioritizing tasks.
Additionally, college often presents opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Many students find themselves exposed to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, leading to expanded worldviews and deeper self-understanding. Embracing these experiences can be both exhilarating and challenging as students navigate their identities and beliefs within a diverse and dynamic environment.
Furthermore, the social dynamics of college can be unexpected. Building relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds and forming new friendships can be incredibly rewarding. However, it may also involve navigating social pressures, conflicts, and peer influences. Finding a balance between academic, social, and personal pursuits is a key aspect of the college experience.
Overall, college is a time of significant transition and growth, filled with both exciting opportunities and unexpected challenges. Embracing the journey with an open mind, resilience, and willingness to learn can lead to a fulfilling and transformative experience.
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Corrine Evans’s Answer
Hi Rihanna,
One thing about college for me that surprised me was that I can do it ...I am older possibly than you are but I am doing it. ... Im earning my degree at my age... :D I am 56 now .. I just had to prove to myself I could do it ...I gained a lot of confidence I did not have ...
One thing about college for me that surprised me was that I can do it ...I am older possibly than you are but I am doing it. ... Im earning my degree at my age... :D I am 56 now .. I just had to prove to myself I could do it ...I gained a lot of confidence I did not have ...
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Marylou’s Answer
When I went to college, I didn’t see a major that I wanted. So I went to the department head of one major, and to the department head of another. And asked them to talk to each other to make me a degree that fit what I wanted. And they did.
So I was the first person to graduate with it. And many after me have benefited. Very grateful that I took the chance.
I was mighty surprised that I was able to do this.
Go forward. Think about what you want. And chase it.
So I was the first person to graduate with it. And many after me have benefited. Very grateful that I took the chance.
I was mighty surprised that I was able to do this.
Go forward. Think about what you want. And chase it.
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Benjamin’s Answer
In college what surprised me was how many choices I had to make as an adult. You have freedom to forge your path into who you want to be and that is super exciting! You have many important decisions and the earlier you can talk to people with more experience than you the better off you will be. Start by leveraging you alumni network once you choose where you will be attending college. From there that will help you learn about careers you may want to go into, which will help you confirm or decide what major you should pursue. Once you decide your academic path in college, you are more than halfway there of setting yourself up for success. Enjoy your early years of college because sooner than later you will be transitioning into being a professional towards your senior year or last year of college. There is a lot of opportunity ahead of you and remember to stay curious.
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ian’s Answer
Feeling the joy and growth that comes with living on your own, free from anyone telling you what to do, is truly a wonderful experience.