Congratulations incoming freshman, you have finally made it! You have survived the terrifying application process and you have survived the even more terrifying waiting for the acceptance process. You have chosen where you will be spending the next four years and you have graduated from high school. Now it is time to venture off into the big college world! Since I have finished my first year I decided to let you all in on some secrets.
1-There is no such thing as an “easy A.” Sure, you may be taking classes that are less rigorous than others or that you excel at. However, do not slack just because you think you are a natural at the subject. A’s require hard work. If you are a natural at the subject then great; but do not overlook it. You will thank yourself for studying later on.
2-Your syllabus will be your lifeline. Each professor will give you a syllabus for their class containing all of the readings, tests, papers, and projects due throughout the semester. Keep organized using a planner, calendar, or whatever works for you so that you can keep track of all your assignments.
3-GO TO CLASS! I cannot stress this enough. Going to class is probably one of the most important things to do. By going to class and paying attention to the lecture you will be able to get the most out of the course and you will have less deciphering to do when you are studying. Stay off your phone at all costs. Unless you are in a huge lecture hall, professors do see when their students are on their phones. Also participate in class. If you participate a lot and the professor knows your name when it comes to grading your A- may become an A.
4-Get to know your professor. Before going to college I was told that many professors do not care about their students and that they just see students as numbers. However, this has not been the case in my experience. All the professors I have had so far have been very willing to help students. If you are having trouble in the class make an appointment with your professor. This shows the professor that you have an interest in doing well in the class. If you are not able to get an assignment in on time talk to the professor and ask for an extension rather than handing it in late or not handing it in at all.
5-Do not be too hard on yourself. It is great to have high expectations and goals. However, if you do not reach those goals do not beat yourself up about it. Remember, college more difficult than high school and you worked hard. Getting an A is not everything. Grades do not define your intelligence.
Making Friends/Social Life
1-Talk to people in your classes. If you are in a group project get to know the people in your group. It does not hurt to say, “Hi.” Maybe a casual acquaintance relationship could turn into a friendship.
2-Join a club that interests you. By joining clubs or Greek Life you will be able to meet people who have some of the same common interests.
3-Balance your social life with your education. Remember, you are in college to get an education for your career. Of course it is great to have a social life, but do not forget to put your work first.
1-It is never too early to declare your major. If you do not know what you want to major in that is okay. Take different classes that you think that you could potentially major in. Sometimes you will be surprised about what courses will interest you. In addition, if you have already declared your major but you have decided that it is not the major for you that is okay too.
2-Figure out your credits. If you intend on graduating in four years or whatever time is best for you figure out what classes and credits you will need to take each semester. Make sure that with your general education requirements, your major, and some electives allow you to reach the 120 credit marker (or however many credits is required at your school) for graduation. If you do not have enough credits consider double-majoring or minoring. Also, determine if you need to take some winter or summer sessions to reach your deadline.
3-Intern and work. Internships and working in the job field that you want to be a part of is essential for the future. You will be able to have real-world experience in the job you want and it can determine whether or not this career is right for you. Also, internships and jobs look great on a resume!
4-It is never too late to look for scholarships. Whether or not you have received a scholarship from your school there are still other scholarships out there that you can apply for. Research online or visit your school’s scholarship office for more information.
Good luck on your first year of college! You will do great, just believe in yourself.
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