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What skills should I focus on in college as a first generation college student. How can I prepare myself during the summer?
How can I prepare myself for college as a first generation student. How can I focus better in college?
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6 answers
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Roel’s Answer
Hello Emily,
The first step towards success in college is to believe in your ability to manage your time and tasks effectively. Remember, many find college challenging not due to a lack of intellect, but because they struggle with self-reliance and organization. So, my advice to you is to create a weekly schedule that balances your academic commitments and personal relaxation time.
This plan should clearly outline when you'll be attending classes, studying, and taking a breather to indulge in activities you love. It's crucial not to underestimate the time required to meet your academic obligations. So, take a moment to understand what a typical week would look like for you in terms of coursework, and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Remember, college is not just about studying; it's about growing and learning to balance all aspects of life. So, have faith in yourself, stay organized, and success will surely follow.
The first step towards success in college is to believe in your ability to manage your time and tasks effectively. Remember, many find college challenging not due to a lack of intellect, but because they struggle with self-reliance and organization. So, my advice to you is to create a weekly schedule that balances your academic commitments and personal relaxation time.
This plan should clearly outline when you'll be attending classes, studying, and taking a breather to indulge in activities you love. It's crucial not to underestimate the time required to meet your academic obligations. So, take a moment to understand what a typical week would look like for you in terms of coursework, and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Remember, college is not just about studying; it's about growing and learning to balance all aspects of life. So, have faith in yourself, stay organized, and success will surely follow.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emily !
It is so awesome that you will be one of the first in your family to attend college and I must say that you have made a wonderful choice to do so. Being the first in your family will have no disadvantage for you as a student whatsoever. Your family had made choices that were beneficial to them. The only difference may be that you haven't been around academia in certain ways that others may have been and that is perfectly fine.
I was a second generation student as was my sister. Back in my day, many kids were first generation students and they did very well and it was never really something that they thought about. A person will still have the same excitement, wonder and enthusiasm as a second or third generation person would. So realize that right now, if you are concerned about the unfamiliarity, it will become real to you as you take the steps toward learning more about college.
My first advice (besides not to worry) is to arrange for yourself to audit/sit in on a class at your local community college. Pick a class subject that you like and most likely you can sit in the back and observe, take it all in. This can be considered the academic version of shadowing. It also will be helpful to register for some orientations at nearby colleges. While on campus, visit the Book Store (College Store) and the Library to get a glimpse at what textbooks are like. There are so many online free textbook websites that you can go to as well to get a look at what college textbooks are like. Some of these websites are Saylor Academy, Open Library, G-W Online Textbooks, Free E-Books dot net, Freeditorial, Open Textbook Library and Z-lib dot org. The aim is to familiarize you now with the environment, tools and structure of what college is like. You will have your own unique experience with it regardless of any family history.
Another thing that you can do is ask more questions of first generation former students as well as non-first generation former students to get individual opinions and discussions about experiences they may have had. You can carry your good study habits from high school over to college and once you have your class schedule situated and other things in place, you will know exactly how to organize your time. It will come naturally to you.
I am not sure what you mean when you ask how you can focus better in college. Better than what ? I would advise that if you take classes that you like, enjoy the new friends you will make and get to know your campus well, you will have no problem focusing as you will be involved in assignments and projects that will provide intellectual, personal and social growth.
I hope that this advice is helpful and I wish you all the best !
It is so awesome that you will be one of the first in your family to attend college and I must say that you have made a wonderful choice to do so. Being the first in your family will have no disadvantage for you as a student whatsoever. Your family had made choices that were beneficial to them. The only difference may be that you haven't been around academia in certain ways that others may have been and that is perfectly fine.
I was a second generation student as was my sister. Back in my day, many kids were first generation students and they did very well and it was never really something that they thought about. A person will still have the same excitement, wonder and enthusiasm as a second or third generation person would. So realize that right now, if you are concerned about the unfamiliarity, it will become real to you as you take the steps toward learning more about college.
My first advice (besides not to worry) is to arrange for yourself to audit/sit in on a class at your local community college. Pick a class subject that you like and most likely you can sit in the back and observe, take it all in. This can be considered the academic version of shadowing. It also will be helpful to register for some orientations at nearby colleges. While on campus, visit the Book Store (College Store) and the Library to get a glimpse at what textbooks are like. There are so many online free textbook websites that you can go to as well to get a look at what college textbooks are like. Some of these websites are Saylor Academy, Open Library, G-W Online Textbooks, Free E-Books dot net, Freeditorial, Open Textbook Library and Z-lib dot org. The aim is to familiarize you now with the environment, tools and structure of what college is like. You will have your own unique experience with it regardless of any family history.
Another thing that you can do is ask more questions of first generation former students as well as non-first generation former students to get individual opinions and discussions about experiences they may have had. You can carry your good study habits from high school over to college and once you have your class schedule situated and other things in place, you will know exactly how to organize your time. It will come naturally to you.
I am not sure what you mean when you ask how you can focus better in college. Better than what ? I would advise that if you take classes that you like, enjoy the new friends you will make and get to know your campus well, you will have no problem focusing as you will be involved in assignments and projects that will provide intellectual, personal and social growth.
I hope that this advice is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Laura’s Answer
This is so exciting!!! Congratulations, you should be proud of yourself! Enjoy your summer, and remember your professors and there for you. They will want you to learn and watch you succeed, so take advantage of this. Attend every class, spend time on campus, join clubs and activities, read the detailed syllabus for the semester and lastly, ask questions!
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hi Emily!!!
There are so many great responses here, I wish they had a system like this when I was in school.
My advice is specific to how you hit the ground running:
1) Plan on attending every class
2) Plan on spending all day on campus (whether physical or virtual)
3) Know what a syllabus is
So I share these three tips as follows:
Your professors want you to earn 100%, if you are in class and they know who you are they will help you. It is very rude to not attend lectures when your professors are there to help you and to then show up later in the semester and ask for help. If you are in class, and you have questions or need help, or need help with a class from a month ago (that you attended) your professors will be very happy to help you.
Campus is a culture, a university is a group; if you attend class and run home, you are missing out. Yes, I understand that the cafeteria food is not as good as your favorite restaurant, that is ok; go there after you graduate. When you are in school, be on campus. Be involved. And this is the same for online education, there are many ways to be involved.
Lastly, a syllabus is the framework that is used to evaluate your performance. Your goal is to earn 100% A's. What are the metrics? On day one, put all significant events like quizes etc on your calendar and ask any questions you have regarding the syllabus. Build a spreadsheet, if attendance is worth 10% - be in class, if quizzes are worth 20% track your success. Know how your performance is being evaluated to be sure that you are meeting all of your course goals.
There are so many great responses here, I wish they had a system like this when I was in school.
My advice is specific to how you hit the ground running:
1) Plan on attending every class
2) Plan on spending all day on campus (whether physical or virtual)
3) Know what a syllabus is
So I share these three tips as follows:
Your professors want you to earn 100%, if you are in class and they know who you are they will help you. It is very rude to not attend lectures when your professors are there to help you and to then show up later in the semester and ask for help. If you are in class, and you have questions or need help, or need help with a class from a month ago (that you attended) your professors will be very happy to help you.
Campus is a culture, a university is a group; if you attend class and run home, you are missing out. Yes, I understand that the cafeteria food is not as good as your favorite restaurant, that is ok; go there after you graduate. When you are in school, be on campus. Be involved. And this is the same for online education, there are many ways to be involved.
Lastly, a syllabus is the framework that is used to evaluate your performance. Your goal is to earn 100% A's. What are the metrics? On day one, put all significant events like quizes etc on your calendar and ask any questions you have regarding the syllabus. Build a spreadsheet, if attendance is worth 10% - be in class, if quizzes are worth 20% track your success. Know how your performance is being evaluated to be sure that you are meeting all of your course goals.
Updated
Briana’s Answer
Hi, Emily!
First of all- congrats! This is a big step for you. There are a lot of things you could do over summer break.
1.) Look on the school's website class catalogue and familiarize yourself with the classes you want to take.
2.) Get any required reading done, if the course catalogue notes anything.
3.) Start getting required books (many people rent physical or digital copies, or find copies elsewhere).
4.) Start getting some stuff to go in your dorm room. Most dorms come with desk, chair, bed, bookshelf, and overhead light. Most students want to make it homier with their own furniture and decorations.
5.) Call up or email the school's financial aid office to ensure the aid you're receiving.
6.) Join online groups for the students and/or admitted students to state talking with your cohort.
6.) Relax! Moving from.high school to college is a big step, especially when it comes to new academic expectations and a new need for individidual discipline. It's up to you to get to class, do the work, keep your grades up, not overdoing the partying, and asking for help when you need it. Try to use this last summer as a high schooler to mentally prepare for this and to relax
First of all- congrats! This is a big step for you. There are a lot of things you could do over summer break.
1.) Look on the school's website class catalogue and familiarize yourself with the classes you want to take.
2.) Get any required reading done, if the course catalogue notes anything.
3.) Start getting required books (many people rent physical or digital copies, or find copies elsewhere).
4.) Start getting some stuff to go in your dorm room. Most dorms come with desk, chair, bed, bookshelf, and overhead light. Most students want to make it homier with their own furniture and decorations.
5.) Call up or email the school's financial aid office to ensure the aid you're receiving.
6.) Join online groups for the students and/or admitted students to state talking with your cohort.
6.) Relax! Moving from.high school to college is a big step, especially when it comes to new academic expectations and a new need for individidual discipline. It's up to you to get to class, do the work, keep your grades up, not overdoing the partying, and asking for help when you need it. Try to use this last summer as a high schooler to mentally prepare for this and to relax
Updated
Kim’s Answer
As a first-generation college student, embarking on this new journey can be both exciting and daunting. It's essential to focus on developing a range of skills that will support your academic and personal growth. Firstly, time management is crucial. Learning to balance your coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal time will help you stay organized and reduce stress. Consider using planners or digital calendars to keep track of your schedule. Secondly, enhance your study skills by finding effective study methods that work for you, such as active reading, note-taking techniques, and regular review sessions. Additionally, building strong communication skills will be invaluable. This includes both written and verbal communication, which will help you in class discussions, presentations, and networking.
During the summer, you can prepare by familiarizing yourself with the resources available at your college, such as academic advising, tutoring centers, and student organizations. Reach out to current students or alumni to gain insights and advice. It might also be beneficial to take a few online courses or workshops to get a head start on subjects you find challenging. Furthermore, consider reading books or articles related to your major to build a foundational understanding.
To focus better in college, create a conducive study environment free from distractions. Establish a routine that includes regular study times, breaks, and healthy habits like exercise and proper nutrition. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it's from professors, peers, or campus support services. Remember, it's okay to ask for assistance and use the resources available to you. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Your journey as a first-generation college student is unique and inspiring, and with determination and the right strategies, you can thrive in college.
During the summer, you can prepare by familiarizing yourself with the resources available at your college, such as academic advising, tutoring centers, and student organizations. Reach out to current students or alumni to gain insights and advice. It might also be beneficial to take a few online courses or workshops to get a head start on subjects you find challenging. Furthermore, consider reading books or articles related to your major to build a foundational understanding.
To focus better in college, create a conducive study environment free from distractions. Establish a routine that includes regular study times, breaks, and healthy habits like exercise and proper nutrition. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed, whether it's from professors, peers, or campus support services. Remember, it's okay to ask for assistance and use the resources available to you. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Your journey as a first-generation college student is unique and inspiring, and with determination and the right strategies, you can thrive in college.