All college-bound students have some jitters about going to college for the first time. Let’s try to help you settle in more easily with these tips from current college students.
There are a lot of differences between high school and college. Many of them revolve around having a lot of freedom and needing to put together you own schedule for the first time. Now that they’ve been through it, these college students share how they transitioned from high school to college:
1. Time Management
Student Advice from Azngod
Case Western Reserve University ‘20
“Time management is important. In college, you will not share a preset, structural schedule. Your schedule is dependent on the timing of classes you are enrolled in. There is so much unstructured time throughout the day, and use it wisely. Review notes during a 1 hour passing time instead of using social media. Volunteer for charities instead of sleeping.”
For more advice, unlock his Case successful application file!
2. Structured Schedule vs. Free Schedule
Student Advice from Dkragheb
Harvard University ‘20
“To me, high school and college had one immediately noticeable difference in terms of classes. For me, high school was 7am to 3pm, and kids often didn’t get home until 6 or 7 depending on sports, choir, dancing, etc. That’s sometimes 12 hours! However, once home, we all had very little homework, and often, no homework at all. Thus, the majority of our time in which we were thinking about school, we were AT school, and once we left, school wasn’t on our minds anymore.
Instead, in college, it’s almost the exact opposite. We spend very little time in classes, maybe 2-5 hours a day depending on how tough your schedule is. Then, once home, we spend an enormous amount of time studying, working, and collaborating with classmates. Additionally, no one is checking if you are actually in class, so it’s completely on you to go to class, do the necessary work outside, and allot your time between classes appropriately.”
Want to know more about his application experience? Unlock his Harvard student profile to find out more.
3. You Are Responsible
Student Advice from tec42296
University of Chicago ‘18
“I think difference between college and high school for me was the lack of mandatory activities. This can be a blessing and a curse. My high school was a boarding school, so I already had experience living away from home, which was an advantage to me when I started college. However, my high school was also extremely structured, which made college life very new to me. In high school, a lot of things just sort of fell into my lap. In college, you really have to be proactive about seeking out clubs, jobs, relationships with professors, etc.”
Interested in UChicago? Unlock his UChicago student profile for essays and advice!
4. College-Level Academics
Student Advice from Mikacarr716
Brown University ‘21
“I was so afraid that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with college academics - that the gap between high school and college would be insurmountable. Yet, now finishing up one year of college, I have found that my fears were unrealized. The transition is a real thing, but completely achievable.”
View her Brown application file for more inspiration.
While the advice might help you prepare your mindset, you won’t really make the transition when you’re really living it yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just know it’s a process!
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