Have you ever wondered how much high school actually prepares people for college? The answer is: not so much, depending on the school you went to. Now that I am well over halfway done with my second semester of college, I have learned that the things I was taught in high school are not always accurate and there was so much more I needed to know. High school seniors, pay close attention because these are the things you are going to want to know when August rolls around.
1. Five paragraph essays do not work.
I know this may seem a little surprising because most of us were conditioned and trained to stick to this five paragraph essay style throughout high school, but most professors are looking for unique ways of formatting a paper, especially when you are defending an argument. Don't believe me? Here's a picture of a comment one of my professors wrote on one of my papers. (I still did get a 92 percent on this paper simply because I'm awesome).
2. Practice how to do proper research.
Throughout high school, I only had to write one research paper. Now this might be different for other schools, but every student should know how to do proper research, and know how to use it properly in their papers. Articles you find through Google are probably not going to work for most professors. You'll most likely have to use your library's database to find scholarly articles, which, yes, can be a hassle. Also, make sure you know how to cite these sources, and explain how they support your argument properly. Nothing annoys a professor more than just restating what the quote means, rather than using it to strengthen the point you are trying to get across.
3. Nobody is going to hold your hand through everything.
I will be the first one to admit that I depended on my teachers in high school to pressure me into doing work. This may seem a bit obvious, but in college there is really nobody to hold you accountable for assignments other than yourself. A professor is not going to remind you to turn in homework or to write your paper, you are just expected to do so. Also, if you are struggling with a class, a professor is not going to seek you out to try to help you as much as possible. If you are struggling and need help, it is up to you to use your extra time responsibly to see the professor during office hours or get tutoring.
4. Have you ever had to write a paper for math? Well, you will now.
Usually papers are only written for English classes in high school while, in college, you will most likely have to write a paper for every class you take. For example, I have to write papers for my computer science class as well as my art class, and my professors expect me to take them just as seriously as my English classes.
5. Time management: your worst enemy and best friend.
When people say time management is the most important thing to get used to in college, they mean it. You could have a few hours between your classes to either watch Netflix, nap, or catch up on some homework. The choice is up to you. It can be your worst enemy because we all end up procrastinating at some point but it can also be your best friend because if you get all your work done early, that leaves more time for binge watching TV shows.
6. Homesickness is very real.
We're all excited about finally being away from home and away from our parents or any other people of the past, but believe me when I say that there will come a time when you want nothing more to be at home in your own bed. Doing your own laundry, making your own food, and feeling extremely broke every second of the day can eventually drive someone into an extreme case of homesickness.
7. You do not have to know what you want to do with your life right away.
Before leaving for school, you are going to be asked what your major is, and what you intend on doing with it at least a million times. Please do not feel pressured into choosing a major and career choice right away just so you have something to say when people ask you this. If you are not 100% certain, do not be afraid to enter college as undeclared. If you choose a random major, you will most likely change it and be behind on credits or have taken classes that you don't even need. There is nothing wrong with still figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life, I mean we are all only 18/19 for crying out loud, give us a break.
I know it may have sounded like I was trying to make college seem scary, but we all get used to it eventually, even if we were not entirely prepared in high school. These few tips are only supposed to make the transition easier, even though there is nothing too easy about college. Just remember to enjoy your time wherever you end up, and accomplish everything you set out for. If you remember this, your four (or more) years at college will be the best you have ever experienced.
