College ExperiencesOnce i got to college i thought it seemed so easy with no homework to do that was actually due. I had a ton of time to just make friends and try new things, like medical humanitarian society, club field hockey and outdoors club. But the realization that I had to study to well set in. The golden rule of study three hours for every hour you spend in class is no joke, especially in science based classes. On top of all the work it's still a blast and always rewarding to get an A on an exam you put the work in for!
-Allie Levilee My college experience so far has been awesome. College is an exciting time because you go through so many highs and lows. I've found that my academic life is much more stressful in college than in high school, and I'm pretty sure my peers would agree. However, along with academics, it is very important to maintain your social life. It is hard to balance the two (I know you've heard this a billion times before) but you have to learn to find that balance. I am still working on finding that balance; in one situation I would be wondering why I procrastinated up until a deadline, and in another situation I would feel like I have been in my room working for far too long. But, with that being said, I have had an amazing college experience so far and I know you all will too no matter where you choose to go. Enjoy the rest of your senior year! -Dan Ling The transition to college is an exciting one and a very mysterious one. The stories and expectations make this place seem like a Disney for young adults. However, the experience you have can be whatever you want. The most important adjustments are the responsibility with education and adjustment to this new social network. It is important to say very on top of your work and to get on personal levels with your professors who would be willing to help their students if they need it...as long as you make sure they know who you are. Socially it is very important to get involved, either in athletics, clubs, student government, on campus jobs, or any other programs offered on campus. It is very easy to cling to the first group of people you think could be your friends and not branch out more than that. Getting involved helps you meet people easily who have similar interests in you. The big thing is don't be scared, and don't make this journey bigger than it needs to be. Just the next step that you have the privilege of taking, so take advantage of it, since you are paying a lot for this opportunity. - Chris Millman My college experience thus far could be summarized as a trial by fire in time management. I’ve learned that there is a limited amount of time in a day but an unlimited amount of things that need to be done. The key for me to really capitalize on my time here was to learn to do things more efficiently rather than limiting what I can do. A lot of this simply came over time for me – I’ve gotten to the point now where I can spend two hours studying instead of four and digest the same information. Most importantly, I’ve learned to expand my social zone as much as possible. My biggest regret for first semester was not doing enough clubs or extra-curriculars, I’m much busier but much happier now that I’ve taken on club sports and a bit of work. It’s a great way to meet people, and I’ve come to see that a college experience is defined by the people you’re around rather than the things you do. - Jason Light |
Application experiencesThese are some excerpts from a forum on college application experiences:
I'd also suggest that you choose your college based on the strength of your favorable major it offers... US NEWS ranking is helpful, but not mandatory. Also, writing a modest and original essay is far better than exaggerating or copying thought some people might have gotten into good colleges with others' essays; don't go after stats... count on your own abilities.... this is true even in terms of SATs and Financial Aid applications. Applying to college is very stressful. My rule of thumb was to designate an hour every other night to start college applications. Reason why: it is a long, tedious process that you really start to hate. Spacing out your time and starting it early is the easiest, most stress free way of handling it. There really isn't too much to say about the application regarding stats, other than don't lie. Every school requires a transcript, so don't inflate your grades. That will not turn out well. The final thing that I have learned is that although I do my best to find that match, I will virtually have no choice but to make some sacrifices along the way. For example, the school with the most ideal academic program for me may be the one where I have to travel a further distance. I have been told that I am a very picky kid, which makes this grand decision even more challenging. Before my choice has been made, I am sure that I'll weigh the pros and cons of each school tens, heck, maybe hundreds of times. I just hope that the schools don't make my decision for me! As a high school student trying to figure out so many complicated things in the timespan of four years, it is easy to become lost and stressed. However, it is almost scientific to find the answer to our problems. Dr. Phil tells us that after a breakup we need to look forward the future and move on, but the how is never explained. It all comes down to trial and error, like a science experiment. After my first breakup I tried myriad activities: I started working out more often, I dove into my studies, and I focused on improving my strengths and abilities. The more I tried to move on, the more I actually did. So, when reading Shakespeare on SparkNotes, maybe we'll pass the class, and maybe we'll get accepted by a respected university. But what's the point? We'll continue cutting the corners of our intellect until we find ourselves mistaking Concord, New Hampshire for Concord, Massachusetts, or finding our lengthiest discussions being based on Jersey Shore. By fooling our teachers and schools and admissions officers, we're only fooling ourselves into a dull life, stripped of vitality and torn of understanding. Thankfully, I learned all this before recess. Now, I have the rest of the day to play. I am amazed that one of the defining factors in my admission to college will be how well I can write 500 words droning on about specific experiences in my life where I displayed strong responsibility, or about people who have had significant influence on my life. I thought the college essay challenged kids to show their smartest and best side. I thought it was the creative part of the application, but I was wrong. I thought my essay would help propel me from just a number to a real-life applicant, but if colleges favor formulaic melodramas, I guess I don't have much hope. |