College Program Ranking
>There is one thing I want to set straight with you. No matter what school you go to, you will be able to learn so much and become extremely successful in life if only you give it your best and pay attention to your priorities in life. You may have some things easier in life if you are in a top school in the nation, but there is definitely nothing that will restrict you from achieving your dreams if you have focus and discipline in your life. Always talk to professors and councilors about your goals and ambitions. Take advantage of resources at your school to help you learn more about your field of study. Stick with people that seem to always find success in their efforts. Having the right people around you will place the keys of success right in your pocket.
>Ok...so you want to get into the best school in the land? Just keep these deciding factors in mind before you go!
~weather & climate: do you like snow, rain, heat, wind, etc...
~family & friends: how long can you go without being near family? do you have the guts to go to a school where you don't know anybody?
~size of the school: do you want to get lost on campus or do you want everything within reaching distance?
~programs: will the school be able to teach you what you want to learn? are they good at it?
Picking a Major
>The scariest part of college is picking the major. It is a step that feels like you are making a serious commitment. The key is focusing on what area/topics you are interested in. There is nothing to fear because the first year of college is usually just standard freshman year classes like English, history, or government. So just pick something that you will probably like and go for it. You can switch (if necessary) after the first year and possibly use all the same classes for the new major. Use this link to help you figure out what major is best for you.
Work Study/Financial Aid
>I am going to ask the experts to help me on this one. Sorry for the delay on the info.
Co-ops/Internships
>Co-op vs. Internship: A co-op will usually consist of three (3) or more work terms alternating with semesters/quarters at school. The advantage is a better relationship with the company and more money to pay for school. An internship is usually a single work term during the summer or one (1) semester/quarter away from school. The advantage here is you may not need to postpone your graduation date. Either way, the great thing about co-ops and internships is that they can give you a good look at what you are going to be one day.....or they can save you and let you know if you don't really like what you thought you wanted to be!!! Remember, to get a position, you usually have to interview for it.
>This is the best way to get a chance to work for the company of your dreams when you complete college. To get an opportunity like this, work with your school's career assistance or career development center. If there is no such center, then you have to be even stronger and work through the Human Resources Department of the company you are intersted in! The trick is to have a resume ready! Your career assistance/development center should be able to help, but if you don't have one.....click on these links.
Summer Programs
>Summer Programs provide experiences that can totally energize you whether it is an academic or extracurricular program. These programs also look good on the resume while connecting you to positive people with much of the same goals that you have. Here is an example of a summer program that I have personally participated in and fully recommend to anyone who has strong goals in life.
On the academic front, there are many research opportunities that may interest you in your field of study. I personally have not been involved in any summer research programs but I have friends who have and loved it. Try doing a search for summer research programs in your field of study.
Study Habits
>Note Taking: Some people like to take notes while others like to sit back and listen. What ever your method, you still want to capture important points that the instructor presents in lecture so that you don't forget to go over them when it's exam time! Here are some examples of note taking techniques that may help you capture information more efficiently
Study Routine: A very valuable method of improving your study skills is having a routine. This makes studying much easier because you know that you are going to sit down and do it! Of course, if you are not able to focus, you should just stop and clear your mind or reschedule your study time. Study groups can help keep you committed and it is good to use tutorial services when available.
Timing: I touched on this lightly in study routines. The point is this....if you aren't concentrating on your studying, then go party or have some fun! When you are going to study, make sure that you are in the right mind frame and have decided that you only want to concentrate on your classes for the next couple of hours. The idea is to spend 20% of your time to get 80% of the work done. If you are focused during study time, you will have time to spare for focusing on the social life...enjoy!
Study Groups: I also mentioned this up above in study routines. The other advantage of a study group is that you have that many more people taking notes and listening to the professor. This means that it will be a lot harder for information to get passed you. Your group will be able to remind you about important due dates and comments about test questions and test format.
Resources: Always remember the best resource you have is the library when you are doing any kind of research. When it comes to tests, check and see if the academic professional societies in your field of study have a test bank. A good test bank has old copies of tests from professors teaching the classes you are taking. Even if the professor changes the questions each year, you get a good sense of the types of questions that will be asked and what material will be covered and focused on most.
Going to Class: In case you didn't know, it helps to go to class. Unlike high school, many college classes DO NOT REQUIRE ATTENDANCE. Well, I REQUIRE YOUR ATTENDANCE....so there!! If you won't just trust me, then trust this....it always helps for a professor to remember your face from the first two rows of the lecture hall during class when you are going to their office at the end of the semester/quarter and asking for a boost on your grades.
Course Selection
>Course Requirements: One thing that will help you pick which classes to take is degree requirements which specify the courses needed to obtain the degree in your field of study. Classes also list prerequisites (classes you have to take before you can take this class itself). Some classes are only offered during certain semesters/quarters, so it pays to watch over the requirements.
Course Equivalency: If you are away from your school but still want to make progress towards your degree, you can take classes from a local community college. The key is to verify course equivalency so that you know for sure that the class will be worth credit for one of your degree requirements.
Supporting Courses/Electives: These classes are totally free for you to learn whatever you want. The best thing to do is to make a list of all your interests and see if you can learn about the ones from outside of your field of study by taking electives. Another way to use your electives is to raise your grades.
Housing
>Dorms: It has been a very long time since I have lived in a dorm, but the experience is really great and you meet so many new friends quickly. This is really a must for frist year students
Co-ops: These are special arrangements where everybody that lives in the house chips in for house chores and meals.
Apartments: This is my current living arrangement, but I love it. For those of you who will be far from campus, make sure the school shuttle can pick you up easily.
Houses: I never lived in a student house, so I don't have much to say. For what it's worth, I believe that this may be a cheeper solution
>Keep in mind that statistics have shown that students residing on campus have better outcomes on grades than those that live off campus.
Student Organizations
>The big message here is... Don't bite off more than you can chew!!!!
There are hundreds of organizations on many larger universities, but there is just one you. Plus, you have the priority of getting your degree when you are in school, so don't let something like this stop you.....it should only strengthen your experience and skills
Academic - these are groups that deal with your major or the professional career that follows
Cultural - these are groups that are established to present the culture of some population of the student body
Volunteer - these groups are set up to provide volunteer service for the school and the community
Social - these groups are around just to have a good time and lift up school spirit
Fraternities and Sororities
>These organizations can be fun and really be a big source of memories during your collegiate career. HOWEVER, there are a lot of untold secrets in the world of Greek Life (a term that refers to fraternal and sororal organizations). A Greek organization will require a whole lot of commitment and self-sacrifice....and in some cases...self-humiliation. The posititve side to Greek orgnizations involves commuity building events and community service opportunities. These opportunities are also available in many other organizations. The other half of the equation is loyalty to your organization & its members and a pledging or orientation process (most likely with initiation practices) to prove your worthiness to be in the organization.
>One more thing!!!
You will have to pay membership dues!
(Dues = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)
You probably won't have a lot of that sitting around in college.
