| |
| |
|
College & University Information |
|
|
|
9 Lessons for Success in College - That Actually Make Sense
Most students know what it takes to be successful in college because some genius told them already. But here's the news flash: The prescription probably won't work. Why? Free advice is usually forgettable advice. And guess what I'm offering? More advice. But guess what? It is sensible and forgettable. Lesson #1: Be honest about your abilities and goals If you don't want to go to college, then don't go. You will only be frustrated and miserable. Forcing yourself to attend college will kill your motivation. It takes dedication and persistence to finish. If you are dying to work as a poodle-groomer after high school, then do that. If you do go to college, be sure you are prepared. The stunts you pulled in high school might not go over so well with college professors. If you were undisciplined before college, you will likely be undisciplined in college and you will likely not meet your main goal-which is to graduate on time. Don't make a career out of being a college student. The pay is awful. Lesson #2: Figure out the college zone There are many different types of colleges and universities from which you can choose. The better your academic record, the more choices you have. Each college or university has a specific mission or purpose. Knowing what that purpose is isn't vital. But you do need to visit the campus and talk to some professors and students in order to determine if that particular institution is right for you. The school you choose should fit you. You shouldn't try to fit the school. Lesson #3: Don't dig a big money pit The cost of higher education continues to go up. It is likely that you will acquire debt in order to finance your education. Fine. But be wise. Getting admitted to a college or university doesn't necessarily mean you can afford it. The truth is that you can get a good education at a cheap school. Prestige is beneficial; however, what really matters most is not the school itself but the professors who teach there. The job market for college teachers has been saturated for years. It is not uncommon to find PhD's from prestigious universities teaching at small state colleges and community colleges. So, it is very possible to get a first rate learning experience for a fraction of the cost. Of course, you've probably heard that student loan debt is "good debt." If it is so good, try missing a few loan payments and see what happens. It won't be all hugs and kisses. Lesson #4: Know that the money is in the major Yes. You should major in something that you love. Sometimes, doing what you love does not pay the bills. If your first love is money, then preparing to enter a field that will provide you with opportunities to make money is very pragmatic. The trick is to find balance. Major in something that you love and that brings you the amount of money that will allow you to be comfortable, if not rich. By the way, capitalism requires only a few rich people and many not-so-rich people. Which group will you be in? Lessons #5: Get the experience you need to get the job you want The degree that you earn will not be enough in today's competitive workforce. You will need experience and you will not gain experience until you get a job. No one will offer you a job because you lack experience. You know the cycle is cruel. However, there is something that you might not know: While in college, you can offer your labor for free as an intern or volunteer. Your pay is the experience you gain and the relationships you establish with people in the workforce. You become more employable when you know someone who knows someone who used to work for someone who is now the boss at the place where you applied for a job. Lesson #6: Learn how to fail The reason most people do not succeed is because they never learn the art of failing. When you accept the fact that failing is a part of success, then you are less prone to fear failure. The fear of failure makes you apprehensive about taking risks. You should not interpret these comments as an excuse to fail courses-although this does happen sometimes. I'm advising you to learn to be resilient in spite of the obstacles you encounter. No guts, no glory. Lesson #7: Develop a critical imagination You should attend all of your classes-not because all of your professors will be lively and inspirational teachers. Most of them won't be. You should go to class to learn how to think critically and use your imagination. What do I mean? Learn to investigate, analyze, and question the ideas that you encounter in the various courses you take. More importantly, learn to challenge those ideas and try to discover new ways to think about them. How? All you have to do is use your imagination to develop those ideas. If your idea is different, quirky, weird, or whatever, stick with it and be passionate about it. That idea distinguishes you from the crowd. Don't just think outside the box. Ask why a box is necessary and who does it belong to and why can't you have your own. Lesson #8: Don't become an island The years you spend at a college or university will offer you opportunities to meet a variety of people and develop lasting friendships. Use this time to your advantage. Everyday you spend on campus provides you with a chance to network. Keep a list of the people you meet and where you met them. Catalog their contact information and keep this information updated. I know you are probably thinking that most alumnae associations take care of this stuff. Don't count on it. Do it yourself. Always remember, an old acquaintance is better than no acquaintance at all. Lesson #9: Don't Graduate You will forget most of what you learn in college before you graduate. Knowledge that is not used regularly dies very quickly. Don't think that once you graduate that your education is over. The world of work changes constantly and you will probably find yourself being retrained on the job or having to go back to college for refresher courses. The workforce will teach you everything you didn't learn in school and much more. Don't be surprised at how embarrassingly different these two worlds are and how much you have to learn and relearn. Life is about learning, and it will never allow you to graduate. So don't do it. Don't graduate. You can forget everything else, except that. J.K. Dennis is the author of "9 Lessons for a Meaningful Life." To learn more about the book, visit http://www.atlasbooks.com/3hp/index.html#titles. Questions and comments can be sent to 9lessons@3hp.us.
MORE RESOURCES:
College-University - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote The problem with student and any small move comes when a small load has to be transported a long way:- For the moving company, the mileage and road time costs are not much less than for moving a whole house.. Pre-Bachelor The program should be one term, two terms or three terms (1 year). This program is meant for students who lack the necessary language skills to start the first-year bachelor program, the course enables them to improve their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Physical Therapy Schools Physical Therapy Schools administer course instruction to potential physical therapists. Physical therapy schools help students to meet physical therapy requirements and the ability to pass a licensure exam before physical therapists can begin to practice. I Hate My Roommate! So its the beginning of the school year, your first day of class is over, and you just want to sit down and relax for a moment because you know that the rest of the semester won't be as easy as Day 1. You're alone in the room. College Study Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes the right way: more leisure time, less stress, less pressure from your parents, less debt, better grades, and better career opportunities. Sound worthwhile? That doesn't mean there isn't work involved, but it's how you accomplish the work that matters. Why Students Turn To Custom Writing Services Plagiarism has been condemned lately by all types of experts, including scholars, university board members and even commercial parties, such as TurnItIn, which sells plagiarism detection software righteously claiming that plagiarism should be combated through the most efficient and up to date tools.Well, if such company ever reaches its ultimate goal of eliminating plagiarism, it will go out of business, since there will be no more need for plagiarism detection. GCSE English I Hate the Moor Notes about Othello The Shakespearean play "Othello" describes a cruel chain of events ending in tragedy. This a plot of want and destruction caused by one man's envy and malice, whose actions in the name of revenge upon a firma friend get out of control, and go far beyond reprisal, the conclusion to which is loss of life through murder and suicide. Looking For a Rewards Program That Offers Free Money for College Students? With the rising cost of books, tuition and housing, it's no wonder that college students are looking for ways to cash in on anything that can lighten their financial load. It isn't easy trying to balance an exciting social life, education and your finances at any age - not to mention in your teens and twenties. Writing Effective (and Requisite) Essay Openers When we write for college courses, we write for an audience other than ourselves. And it's an audience of more than one-the professor who assigned the piece. Submitting The College Application At this point, except for the waiting, the worst is basically over! However, the way you submit the student's stuff is just about as important as the stuff that's being submitted!The correct order is: (1) The application is first (2) followed by the essays, which should be attached to the application unless there are specific instructions to the contrary; (3) Next is the resume, which should be stapled together, but not to the application or the essays; (4) The special essay(s) follow and should be paper clipped to the resume as opposed to being stapled to it. Attach a large paper clip to all of the above to ensure everything stays in the proper order, and then send the entire package overnight or 2nd day with a signature guarantee. Financial Aid for Online Education You've made the decision to pursue your degree online and you've been accepted to an online program. Now what do you do? The next step in realizing your dream is to secure the funds needed for your education. The Key to Online College Classes - Have It Your Way Never before has online education been more esteemed than today. In most circles online learning is haled as a viable alternative to traditional classroom settings. Secrets Of Successfully Sitting Exams Many people work hard studying various subjects to sit for examinations in them. Fine. Building Interaction Into Your Online Course You've already decided that you're ready to author online and you have your content organized. Now it's time to face the ultimate challenge in online learning - making it interactive! Interaction in online courses is a two-edged sword. Federal PLUS Loans As a student entering college, it is very unlikely that you have a few spare checks lying around that you can cash and magically use to pay for college. Most college-aged students, ranging from late teens through mid-twenties, have no line of credit and cannot receive much money in loans if they need to do so in order to attend college. Why are Some Online Degree Colleges Better than Others? Any student who is on the lookout for online degree colleges would probably have been swamped with the many options marketed to them over the internet. Therefore, it is not a wonder that many students feel confused on the right college selection as they may not know the way to nail down the advantages that certain colleges have over others. Online Degree Tips - Your Guide To Online Degree Programs Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?Deciding if an online business degree is right for you is an easy task. With the wide selection of programs, flexibility and personalized formatting, an online business degree is a great choice for any one new to the business world or those that are very experienced but looking to learn more. Whats behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning? There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms - those companies that invest in new and emerging businesses - all agree that distance learning's future is very bright, and a good investment opportunity as well. College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown - it's natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Prepping for the new SAT I On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country were the first to take the new SAT I test, the standardized testing used in the college admission process. The test is 3 hours and 45 minutes, instead of just 3 hours, and contains a third writing section.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |