Are You College Ready?
By: J. Johnson
The jump to college can be stressful. You are leaving behind your school, friends, family, and home and going off to explore a new place, make new friends, learn new things, and set your own priorities. Can you do it? Is it worth it?
Many students overlook the stress involved in making so many major changes in a short period of time. The more prepared you are for college before you actually, the more prepared you will be to confront any new pressures. Some realities to consider are:
So, how does a high school student rise to the challenge and overcome these realities? Here are some ways to prepare for this new journey.
The Work is Harder!
The courses in higher education will increasingly become more difficult. It is not high school anymore and the material you will encounter in college will be presented at a faster pace. The instructors are less likely to present information in class, but rather in more assigned readings, essays, and critical thinking problems to determine your level of understanding. College courses are designed to help you come up with your own opinion rather than to give you the answer.
Solution. Remember that everyone is dealing with the stress of being a first time college student. There is no failure on your part if you are struggling to keep up in your first year. Give yourself an opportunity to adjust to the new academic demands. This may start with selecting a course load that includes some challenging classes and some classes that will help elevate stress. Additionally, talk to your advisor and professors regularly. Though they may assume that you are struggling, it is your responsibility to let them know what is going on. By communicating openly they may be willing, and able, to offer assistance or guidance in your adjustment.
Plan You Time.
Time is of the essence and you are the timekeeper. In college, you may notice that you have more [free?] time on your hands. This is because in high school you attend class all day, however in college your classes may be only on select days or at select times. If you do not attend class, or do not do assignments, no one will be there to make sure that they get turned in, but when it comes time for the final, and you have not studied, you may wish that someone had been.
Solution. It is up to you to use the extra time you have wisely. It is helpful to adopt a method for studying, completing tasks, and attending class. For some, using a calendar or planner works well. For others, using a dry erase board, post it notes, or organizing binders with course syllabi will help them to stay on task. It is a good idea to “write down the classes that you are taking, the location of the class, when assignments are due, and when test[s] take place” (Crossman, 2011). It is also strongly advised to give yourself ample time to complete assignments for class, so that you are not pulling all-nighters. Lastly, know yourself. Many people are more productive during the day, others at night, and some during mid-day. If you know your most productive times, it will allow you to be more focused in class and while completing assignments.
More Independence Means More Responsibility
Many factors such as stress, late night parties, and generally pushing yourself too hard can take a toll on your health and your finances. If you move away from home and are living on your own, or even in a dorm, who is going to make sure that you are not getting sick? How will you manage your money, or stay out of debt when the credit card companies are alluring you with offers?
Solution. Make smart decisions. Sometimes doing what is easy will not be in your best interest. For example, “when it comes to your money, make a budget and stick to it…If you get credit cards, use them wisely” (Jensen, 2003) and only for emergency purposes. When it comes to your health, get enough sleep, eat well, and pay attention to what your body tells you. Remember college can be fun, but you will need your energy to enjoy all that it has to offer.
New Scene, New People
In college, you have the opportunity to either start over or continue on your current social path. There will be many social opportunities and pressures to attract you.
Solution. While forming “new friendships can be exhilarating, true friendships are formed slowly and the beginning of college can consequently be a lonely time” (Muchnick, 2011). If you are unsure about participating in certain social scenes or activities, do not hesitate to seek guidance about the best way to resist these pressures. Talk to parents, trusted friends from high school, and college counselors. Remember your number one priority should be to successfully graduate
References
Crossman, A. (2011). Study smart, study less: Earn better grades and higher test scores, learn study habits that get fast results, and discover your study persona. New York: Crown Publishing Group.
Jensen, E. (2003). Student success secrets (5th ed.). New York: Crown Publishing Group.
Muchnick, C. C. (2011). Everything guide to study skills: Strategies, tips, and tools you need to succeed in school. Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media.
Many students overlook the stress involved in making so many major changes in a short period of time. The more prepared you are for college before you actually, the more prepared you will be to confront any new pressures. Some realities to consider are:
- The work is harder;
- Plan your time;
- More independence means more responsibility;
- New Scene, New People
So, how does a high school student rise to the challenge and overcome these realities? Here are some ways to prepare for this new journey.
The Work is Harder!
The courses in higher education will increasingly become more difficult. It is not high school anymore and the material you will encounter in college will be presented at a faster pace. The instructors are less likely to present information in class, but rather in more assigned readings, essays, and critical thinking problems to determine your level of understanding. College courses are designed to help you come up with your own opinion rather than to give you the answer.
Solution. Remember that everyone is dealing with the stress of being a first time college student. There is no failure on your part if you are struggling to keep up in your first year. Give yourself an opportunity to adjust to the new academic demands. This may start with selecting a course load that includes some challenging classes and some classes that will help elevate stress. Additionally, talk to your advisor and professors regularly. Though they may assume that you are struggling, it is your responsibility to let them know what is going on. By communicating openly they may be willing, and able, to offer assistance or guidance in your adjustment.
Plan You Time.
Time is of the essence and you are the timekeeper. In college, you may notice that you have more [free?] time on your hands. This is because in high school you attend class all day, however in college your classes may be only on select days or at select times. If you do not attend class, or do not do assignments, no one will be there to make sure that they get turned in, but when it comes time for the final, and you have not studied, you may wish that someone had been.
Solution. It is up to you to use the extra time you have wisely. It is helpful to adopt a method for studying, completing tasks, and attending class. For some, using a calendar or planner works well. For others, using a dry erase board, post it notes, or organizing binders with course syllabi will help them to stay on task. It is a good idea to “write down the classes that you are taking, the location of the class, when assignments are due, and when test[s] take place” (Crossman, 2011). It is also strongly advised to give yourself ample time to complete assignments for class, so that you are not pulling all-nighters. Lastly, know yourself. Many people are more productive during the day, others at night, and some during mid-day. If you know your most productive times, it will allow you to be more focused in class and while completing assignments.
More Independence Means More Responsibility
Many factors such as stress, late night parties, and generally pushing yourself too hard can take a toll on your health and your finances. If you move away from home and are living on your own, or even in a dorm, who is going to make sure that you are not getting sick? How will you manage your money, or stay out of debt when the credit card companies are alluring you with offers?
Solution. Make smart decisions. Sometimes doing what is easy will not be in your best interest. For example, “when it comes to your money, make a budget and stick to it…If you get credit cards, use them wisely” (Jensen, 2003) and only for emergency purposes. When it comes to your health, get enough sleep, eat well, and pay attention to what your body tells you. Remember college can be fun, but you will need your energy to enjoy all that it has to offer.
New Scene, New People
In college, you have the opportunity to either start over or continue on your current social path. There will be many social opportunities and pressures to attract you.
Solution. While forming “new friendships can be exhilarating, true friendships are formed slowly and the beginning of college can consequently be a lonely time” (Muchnick, 2011). If you are unsure about participating in certain social scenes or activities, do not hesitate to seek guidance about the best way to resist these pressures. Talk to parents, trusted friends from high school, and college counselors. Remember your number one priority should be to successfully graduate
References
Crossman, A. (2011). Study smart, study less: Earn better grades and higher test scores, learn study habits that get fast results, and discover your study persona. New York: Crown Publishing Group.
Jensen, E. (2003). Student success secrets (5th ed.). New York: Crown Publishing Group.
Muchnick, C. C. (2011). Everything guide to study skills: Strategies, tips, and tools you need to succeed in school. Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media.