What is college like?

Question

I'm a sophmore and I might graduate early just want to be prepared. So if you could tell me what college is really about...thanx.

Answer 1

I would think long and hard before I decided to graduate early. There are some people it's right for, but they are few and far between.

The people I've known who did that were notably emotionally behind their peers in college. A lot happens in your senior year. People change a lot in those last few months. The pressure of grades is off once you're accepted to college. The pettiness of teenagers starts fading once they realize it's almost over. It doesn't seem as important to pick on each other, and they start getting nostalgic for the high school days that are ending. This frees everybody up to stop worrying, have fun, and mature a lot.

That said, what is college like... well, it's harder than high school. The work is harder, and so is the personal responsibility. There is no one to tell you to study, no one to tell you to go to class, no one to tell you that doing is a really bad idea. Which is nice if you're ready to take on that responsibility yourself, but can get you really screwed up if you're not.

The nice thing about college is it's a fresh start. No one knows you, no one cares who you were in high school. Some of my best friends my freshman year were people that I never would have talked to/never would have talked to me. All the freshmen are nervous and unsure and pretty much all you have to do is say hi for them to latch onto you and be your friend. For the first week, anyway.

The bad thing is that you usually don't get any guidance unless you actively seek it. You may have to learn to be very assertive to get an idea of what classes you should be taking, what majors lead to what careers, whether you should do an internship and how to arrange it, pretty much everything. You can float through and hope to fall into a good job (which does happen to some people), but more often you'll just get lost if you aren't really motivated and self-directed.

Answer 2

College life involves less structured time than in high school and often means you get a roommate if you live on-campus. Roommates are strange creatures and you'll learn how to live with somebody. The independence you gain will feel empowering and a lot of decisions that used to be your teachers' or parents' are now up to you. College does require you to mature both intellectually and socially.

This isn't a direct answer to your question but there's a cool early liberal arts college in MA called Simon's Rock College of Bard (http://www.simons-rock.edu) that admits people from the tenth and eleventh grade. It's accredited and gives out AAs and BAs. They have full-tuition merit-based scholarships available to help overcome the steep tuition cost. Drop me a line if you have any interest.

Answer 3

It's the best time of my life ever. I acutally went back and got a 2nd and 3rd degree when my company then had tuition reimbursement. I enjoyed the studying the 2nd time around much better. I was more relax and actually spent more time with friends. It's just like high school except you are more free and you will need to rely on yourself to make the right decisions.

You can start taking college courses now if you want. It will be credited later on once you are accepted. A junior college at this time don't cost much and you can go at night, finish high school, and continue living with your mom and dad.

Answer 4

College is different for everyone. For most, it is a great experience, however, you must be self disciplined and focused to balance academics with social life and maybe even part time jobs. Here is a link that will provide some insight into college life.
http://www.the-student-lounge.com/collegelife.html

Answer 5

College is different for everyone, personally I love it, however i know a few people who dropped out after a few months. It also depends on where you attend a infamous party school, or a prestigous college. My suggestion is give it a whirl.

Answer 6

wow, college can be a tough experience. soooo much more freedom than high school. but you have to have self disipline to stick with it. it can be really fun, you meet a huge variety of people and learn so much more than in high school. good luck

Answer 7

its not all about sex and drinking unless you want to throw your education out. SO...it is about studying, and going to classes steadily so you can go far in life! It is alot of studying, staying focused on the end goal is your best bet.

Answer 8

i'm out of college and it was a great experince if you ask me.. ?
though..i'm working now since it's a better choice then continue studying cause i rather join the rat race now than later.....

Answer 9

the college is useful student all thing in one place

Answer 10

Mix alcohol, sex, socializing, and cliff notes... that was my college experience.