5 Tips for Excelling as a College Freshman
Going from high school to college is a big step! A current college student shares five tips for excelling as a freshman in college.
1. Learn to manage your time.
Classes in college are arranged differently than high school. You will have gaps in time between classes. Plan each day’s schedule carefully, including study time in addition to class time.
2. Prepare before class.
Use the class syllabus to review upcoming class material. If you go to class prepared, you will get more out of the class and will save time when studying.
3. Reflect on what you learned.
Learn how to take notes (such as Cornell notes). Right after attending class and taking notes, write a summary of your notes, reflecting on what you learned. How do you connect to what you learned?
4. Find your study space.
Do you study best in a quiet environment? Or do you do better sitting in the middle of a busy place? Find a place you can study effectively....
Why Consider a Gap Year
Considering taking a Gap Year?
If you’re considering taking a “pause” from your studies, go through the college application process, but ask about deferral policies both for academics and financial aid. Thinking about those things now provides time to decide if a gap is a practical option. In the meantime, start exploring gap programs and options. Do you want something structured or freewheeling? Do you want to climb a mountain or work with children? Is this a time to work in a lab or volunteer at an animal hospital? Would you like to become fluent in a language, understand the inner workings of health care, or meet decision makers in Washington, D.C.? You can do all those and more on a gap.
Gaps have become so acceptable that some colleges, such as Princeton, have set up their own fully-funded programs to encourage students to explore the world and themselves before entering college.
And more than 90 percent of 600 gap students...
Singing the Senioritus Blues
What do I need to focus on in my second semester?
Now that your first semester is under your belt, it is tempting to take it easy during your second semester. Why does it matter if some of my grades slip this semester?
What You Do Now Matters
Colleges are going to ask the following questions of you:
Did you challenge yourself? Did you take the hardest classes you could!
Did you get the best grades you could? This includes both first and second semester.
What did you do extra in your classes? Are you contributing to the class? Will your teachers discuss your contributions in your recommendations?
Finish Strong
Keep your grades up and your enthusiasm going as you start in your spring semester. You will be glad you did!
Top 10 Factors to Consider for Your “Perfect” College
Here are the Top 10 factors to consider for your “Perfect” college:
Academics: How important is this factor to you? If you know your major, that should be a requirement What about special programs such as honors, study abroad, senior projects? Also consider the learning environment. Is the campus on semesters, quarters, or offer a May or January term? How do you learn best?
Climate: Think about what climate you will want to live in for at least three seasons of the year while at college. If you have never lived through winter in New England, think about how you will feel about months of snow, rain and later a very muddy spring. Or visa versa, how will a lot of heat and humidity feel for days on end. Will you melt? Climate can make or break a school.
Size: Think about what size college you would like to attend. Attending a school with 20,000 undergrads is not for everyone! What is your comfort zone?
Location: Think carefully about what type of area are looking...
