Sitting in class today I realized how much of a learning experience these past two years have been. Teachers in high school always tell you that they are preparing you for college, but there are a lot of things they don't tell you as well. This compelled me to make a list. I also asked some of my friends what they wish teachers would have told them before going to college. This is what I learned:
1) You don't need to have your major picked out your freshman year, or even your sophomore year if that. At a liberal arts college you take your general education courses to help you find what interests you and what you like- take advantage of those classes! People often times switch their major one, two, or even three times! Heck, I'm one of them.
2) GPA and ACT/SAT scores can actually get you more scholarships towards a college. That 30 ACT looks a lot better than a 29 (even though both scores are great) and you can probably get more money for it too. Who doesn't want more money?
3) Take college courses if able. When you come in with more credits that allows you to skip some of your general education courses and take more classes that you want! You'll also get to choose your classes before others and actually get into the Psychology class instead of fighting for the last seat. At Coe it also puts you higher on the housing list, so you're more likely to get to live where you want on campus.
4) Ownership is on you. Your parents can't call you in sick anymore- it's up to you to be proactive when contacting professors. Forming relationships with your professors is essential and attending office hours and asking questions in class can make that little bit of difference.
5) How to study. This was probably one of the hardest things to learn first semester of freshman year. Everyone has different study habits and ways that work for them- it's up to you to find a way that works best for your class needs. For me I found reading the material over and over again and rewriting my notes helps me study. For others it's getting in groups at the library and talking about it, or making note cards and reviewing those every night before bed. Try all of these techniques out to see which method allows you to be the most successful!
6) How to cope with stress. Your freshman year you experience some of the most stressful situations you have ever had before. Again, this proves to be a learning experience for us all. A lot of people work out, take naps, go to bed early, or schedule out their days and prioritize what needs to be done. My planner has become my best friend and it allows me to be a little more stress free when everything is laid out for me.
7) Time management will be key. Yes, you'll have three or four classes a day compared to the seven in high school. No you won't be going to school from 8-3 every day (unless you plan it that way). Looking at that makes it seem like you have a lot of free time, but I realized quickly how precious that extra time can be. It's spent learning those study habits, getting a quick nap in, or doing homework for a class.
8) Last but not least, enjoy it and have fun. College isn't only about class time and studying, and it's not always stressful. You have to make time for yourself and do the things you love. Get out there, join a club, make friends, watch too many hours of Netflix, make mistakes, and learn more than what you can just in the class room.
Since none of this was told to me before going to college- I'm telling you now! I'm a sophomore and I'm still learning about myself and what college is all about- I don't think you can ever master the ins and outs of college- and no college student has their life completely together.
Kohawk Love,
Alexis
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