Throughout our high school careers, we were told and taught many things that will help us in the future for our college careers. We learned how to perfect our papers, study efficiently, and overall to become better adults. But were our teachers right about the college life or were they tricking us to make our lives a little more complicated than necessary.
Author's Note: I'm speaking from my experiences coming from a high school career where I was enrolled in mostly advanced and AP classes to my first semester at a university where my schedule may not be as demanding as others'.
1. You can speak in first person in your paper!
Yes you! Throughout high school, your teachers most likely would tear your eight pages of hard work to shreds because you spoke in first person. In college, professors (usually) don't care. They are much more interested into your scholastic input on the topic and the content of the paper than simple grammatical habit.
2. You can use (usually) Wikipedia as a legitimate source!
Didn't you hate how in high school, your teachers would absolutely throw a fit if you used Wikipedia as a source? Or when you have to write a paper on something and there's all the information on Wikipedia but it's not a "valid" source? Not (much of) a problem in college. Again, professors mostly focus on the content of your work. But keep in mind that you probably will use it as a source only to learn more about the topic you're writing about. Instead of finding ugly and outdated pages about the topic you will seek out for scholastic articles.
3. Procrastination can work!
Notice how I said "can". I am not saying at all that you should procrastinate. In high school, your teachers strongly encouraged you to work ahead of time. Some of us did that but most of us did not. But it all comes down to how you work best. I know for me I'll have a mental outline for an essay. And then I get a rush from working on a six page essay six hours before it's due in class and then I would get a good grade on something I thought I BS'd. If it works, it works!
4. Getting the prescribed eight hours of sleep can be possible in college!
The common perception of college is that it's restless and overly stressful with absolutely no sleep. It doesn't have to be. Of course depending on your major, schedule, workload, and diligence, eight hours of sleep is possible. For me, I never slept in high school as I had a lot of homework from four different classes. I would pull an all nighter at least twice a week and would try to sneak in more sleep during my free period. In college, I've pulled one or two all nighters this semester. However in college, I have an less difficult major and my classes would start at 10 AM or 12:30 PM. So I became well rested and my bags under my eyes from high school are almost gone!
5. College isn't all that intimidating.
I mean yeah it can be for the first week or two, but it's really a chill environment. People aren't intimidating. Professors aren't intimidating. The campus however can be intimidating given how big it could be but by the middle of the semester, you'll know the campus like the palm of your hand.
6. Group work and teamwork doesn't end in high school.
In high school you were told to prepare for a life of total independence. This is true in independence for yourself but really when it comes to classes, you need all the support you an get. Get to know your peers and make study groups. We're all in this together.
7. You don't have to worry so much about "blending in" in college.
In college, there isn't really much of a social hierarchy, just groups of friends. It's a bigger place so you're bound to make plenty of friends. Also, nobody cares about silly things, just be yourself. People are usually too busy to judge.
8. Professors are super chill.
Honestly high school teachers are more strict than college professors. They're much more understanding, helpful, and approachable. They're usually really cool. No need to be afraid.
9. Counselors are can be effective.
At my high school, counselors weren't very helpful. We only met twice my whole high school career. In college, I did have access to legitimate academic counseling from counselors who work with a specific organization that applies to me at my university. They're actually really helpful.
10. Don't record lectures.
I've never seen anyone record lectures before. Just take your notes and try to find the professor's slides from class. It's really unnecessary and nobody does this in college.
11. Most people use pens, pencils, and paper to take notes.
I know you might feel so cool and high-tech using your tablet to take notes but really, it's unnecessary. Studies have shown that students study more efficiently with notes in their own handwriting on paper than typed on a computer. So stick to the basics.
12. There Aren't Insane College Parties All The Time
No. There are parties in the beginning of the year and that's about it. Nobody got time for that when thy're busy with work lol
