6 answers
Joanne
Student
Derry, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
229 views
how can you face the problems to be encountered in college?
i am a high school graduate looking for genuine answers about college life
Login to comment
6 answers
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
105
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Joanne,
Very good question! And, know that most students entering college have the same fears. It can be daunting and a bit overwhelming but it is an amazing time to learn, experience and get a feel for all of the wonderful options open to you!
Your first two years in a four year program are primarily dedicated to liberal arts. You will take lots of introductory classes to get a sense as to where your interests lie. I started as a biology major, planning on Marine Biology as a career. I took my first computer science class, way back in the early days of computer science (the stone age!) and fell in love! My entire career ended up in technology.
My first recommendation is to take a deep breath! Understand that this new world will be different but incredibly exciting! Second, face this new world with awe! It's a time for you to experience and learn all kinds of new things! But, as others have said, rely on your fellow students, you are all in the same boat together. Set up study groups and ask questions. Also, reach out to your professors. If you have questions or don't understand something, ask. Most professors truly want you to grasp the concepts and understand what they are teaching. During my years in academia, I always felt that if a student didn't understand a concept, it was my fault for the way I presented it and not their fault. I always appreciated when a student came to me for office hours and asked questions. I can always find different ways of explaining a concept or idea.
My best piece of advice is to enjoy your journey! It is a fun, amazing, wonderful adventure you are about to embark upon! Good luck!
Very good question! And, know that most students entering college have the same fears. It can be daunting and a bit overwhelming but it is an amazing time to learn, experience and get a feel for all of the wonderful options open to you!
Your first two years in a four year program are primarily dedicated to liberal arts. You will take lots of introductory classes to get a sense as to where your interests lie. I started as a biology major, planning on Marine Biology as a career. I took my first computer science class, way back in the early days of computer science (the stone age!) and fell in love! My entire career ended up in technology.
My first recommendation is to take a deep breath! Understand that this new world will be different but incredibly exciting! Second, face this new world with awe! It's a time for you to experience and learn all kinds of new things! But, as others have said, rely on your fellow students, you are all in the same boat together. Set up study groups and ask questions. Also, reach out to your professors. If you have questions or don't understand something, ask. Most professors truly want you to grasp the concepts and understand what they are teaching. During my years in academia, I always felt that if a student didn't understand a concept, it was my fault for the way I presented it and not their fault. I always appreciated when a student came to me for office hours and asked questions. I can always find different ways of explaining a concept or idea.
My best piece of advice is to enjoy your journey! It is a fun, amazing, wonderful adventure you are about to embark upon! Good luck!
Tasha Frazier
Software Sales
28
Answers
Aurora, Colorado
Updated
Tasha’s Answer
Joanne, thanks for asking this question. For many people, their college years are some of the best of their lives! That doesn't mean those years are challenge-free, though.
For a lot of people, college is the first time living on their own. And college professors are different than high school teachers so you will need to take a LOT more responsibility for yourself, for your time, and for your learning. This can be tough in the beginning, but it's important throughout life.
The likelihood is that there will be people for whom college is much easier than it is for you. Don't feel bad about it, just use all the resources that are at your disposal. One of the most successful people I know only earned Bs and the occasional C in college, so ensure you are focused more on learning than just on getting a good grade.
I am sure you will get a lot of other great advice, but those are the things that come to my mind right away. Good luck!
For a lot of people, college is the first time living on their own. And college professors are different than high school teachers so you will need to take a LOT more responsibility for yourself, for your time, and for your learning. This can be tough in the beginning, but it's important throughout life.
The likelihood is that there will be people for whom college is much easier than it is for you. Don't feel bad about it, just use all the resources that are at your disposal. One of the most successful people I know only earned Bs and the occasional C in college, so ensure you are focused more on learning than just on getting a good grade.
I am sure you will get a lot of other great advice, but those are the things that come to my mind right away. Good luck!
Rey Zamora
Psychotherapist
6
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rey’s Answer
Don’t be afraid. Education will always take you further in life and open new doors in your life. Any struggles will make you smarter, stronger and will help you develop your character in life.
Erin Austin
Learning and Development Manager
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Erin’s Answer
College is the best learning experience. It helps you transition into adulthood with training wheels. You are responsible for yourself and make most of your day-to-day and life decisions while having support from adults around you. College is fun but also work. You are there for school first, friends and parties second :). Be intentional about your time. It is easy to slip into the social aspect of college and forget that you are there to earn a degree. The level of work required of you is different and, at times, difficult. College is preparing you for adult life. Going to class and getting good grades is the same as going to work (on time) and doing a good job. If you do not perform in school, you get a bad grade; if you do not perform at work, you get a low rating on your review and no raise. Be open to new experiences, meeting new people, and becoming an official adult!
Aaron McKinley
Copywriter
1
Answer
Rochester, New York
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
If there's one big piece of advice I can give you, it's to use everything and everyone available to you. College is hard. Classes are challenging, and adjusting to adult life can be tricky, but everyone around you will be going through or has already gone through the same thing, so you have more help than you may realize.
Talk to your classmates or friends if you're struggling with a class to see if you can work together to help each other understand it better. Your school may also offer free tutoring, and you can stop by your professor's office during their office hours to ask them for help. The same goes for challenges in life in general. Be honest with your roommates, friends or family about what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice. It can feel embarrassing to ask for help, but the truth is, no one gets through it alone, and no one is as alone as they may feel sometimes.
I'd also encourage you to look for local groups or organizations in your college town that could offer help. Student groups, intramural sports, churches, and clubs are great places to meet people who can help you out with school or life. Your school's Student Life program may list a few options like this you can get involved in to get connected and have more resources to help you through.
Talk to your classmates or friends if you're struggling with a class to see if you can work together to help each other understand it better. Your school may also offer free tutoring, and you can stop by your professor's office during their office hours to ask them for help. The same goes for challenges in life in general. Be honest with your roommates, friends or family about what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice. It can feel embarrassing to ask for help, but the truth is, no one gets through it alone, and no one is as alone as they may feel sometimes.
I'd also encourage you to look for local groups or organizations in your college town that could offer help. Student groups, intramural sports, churches, and clubs are great places to meet people who can help you out with school or life. Your school's Student Life program may list a few options like this you can get involved in to get connected and have more resources to help you through.
Peter Coffee
Business Strategy and Technology Consultation
17
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Peter’s Answer
If you have been a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout, you may have already experienced a key difference between pre-college and college: at the early levels of scouting, one completes standard requirements to advance in rank, but at the higher levels one makes choices of skills to develop ("merit badges") and has to seek out counselors and facilitators ("merit badge counselors") to that end - and also define and undertake a project for Eagle or Gold recognition. Once past freshman year, college gets a lot more like the higher levels of scouting, compared to high school where one can be a high achiever merely by doing well the things that one is tasked to do. This is not meant to be a daunting statement, but it's a different kind of challenge.