[TriEclipse]

Im getting into college hunting now, its the summer before my senior year (kinda late, isnt it?). Anyways, Ive found out more in one day than I have in a year, lol. Ive also gotten advice from people on another forum. And this being a tech-forum, I figured you guys would have some experiences with the topic as well. So would some of you older guys have any advice for a college-bound high schooler?

[Nubius]

Yeah, dont skip classes no matter how far ahead you think you are or how good in the class you think you're doing, pay attention, avoid girls and focus......I did the opposite of all of that, and here I am 22 and just now getting back into college as of last september.

Dont be the typical go out and party and get drunk either. Now it basically sounds like I'm saying "DONT HAVE FUN" but really, the main thing is to simply focus on your studies and always think that homework comes first. The sooner you get that done, the sooner you can go out with friends. Drink in moderation....I see too many kids here who drink daily and it shows in their grades. They definitely won't make it through this course.

Be determined and set goals.

Basically, it's all the crap your parents and teachers have been telling you for years that I said "Yeah yeah, I got it" to and it's pretty much all correct information.

TIME MANAGEMENT is key.

[Jorsoft]

To save money I opted for the 2 years at a Community College, 2 Years at Uni route. I am going to a Technical College (a very good one apparently, as far as they go) for my AA degree and any transferable credits that I can take and then finish up at the U of M for the last two years which will get me a Bachelor's in Computer Science. You save a ton of money this way and you can spend those first two years figuring out what degree you want to go for as you'll be completing mostly General classes.
Also, buy your text books online if possible. I used http://www.campusi.com/ to find the ISBN numbers of the books I needed and saved just over $100 when compared to buying them at the campus bookstore. I ended up buying them all from Amazon.com Marketplace.

[Lord AnthraX]

What about organazation?



I hear thats a big factor too.

[toxicity_27]

Originally posted by Nubius
Yeah, dont skip classes no matter how far ahead you think you are or how good in the class you think you're doing, pay attention, avoid girls and focus......I did the opposite of all of that, and here I am 22 and just now getting back into college as of last september.

Dont be the typical go out and party and get drunk either. Now it basically sounds like I'm saying "DONT HAVE FUN" but really, the main thing is to simply focus on your studies and always think that homework comes first. The sooner you get that done, the sooner you can go out with friends. Drink in moderation....I see too many kids here who drink daily and it shows in their grades. They definitely won't make it through this course.

Be determined and set goals.

Basically, it's all the crap your parents and teachers have been telling you for years that I said "Yeah yeah, I got it" to and it's pretty much all correct information.

TIME MANAGEMENT is key.

I agree 100%. I found this out my first year in college. I'm definitely not going to make the same mistake twice.

[Jorsoft]

Originally posted by Lord AnthraX
What about organazation?



I hear thats a big factor too.

It'll be for me. Next semester I'm doing 3 classes (12 credits) from 10am-1pm, that's not bad. But I'm also working full time (~35 hrs/wk average) so I can already see that I'll have to manage my time carefully to get everything done.

[Nubius]

What about organazation?



I hear thats a big factor too.

Nah, you dont need organization as long as you dont mind being stressed out until the last minute Organization has never worked for me. You should see my student housing...papers from various classes in all sorts of different places lol.

It'll be for me. Next semester I'm doing 3 classes (12 credits) from 10am-1pm, that's not bad. But I'm also working full time (~35 hrs/wk average) so I can already see that I'll have to manage my time carefully to get everything done.

Nice dude...don't think I could do that. I'm taking 15 units right now which is considered full-time student and that's across 5 classes although one of the classes is a complete joke and a waste of money which a lot of us students in the class want to go and complain about, but that's another rant.

I'm going to the school employer tomorrow to help me find a job since the few places I've applied to currently haven't called back and this dude will write up a resume and mail it out for you and I need a job ASAP. I know I won't be working 35 hours though..probably closer to 20. Don't know how you can fit all that into a week.

[Tox1cThreat]

perfect question. I just went through this last year.

My advice is talk to the students. Get a feel for how they act, how they treat you, each other etc. just walk around on your own and think about how you feel, the impressions you get. How much do people care about the campus? If you know what you want to do, than talk to the people in that department ( I went to the academic advisors in the computer science dept). Talk to them. If an office door is open, and a professor is in there, knock and introduce yourself, tell them your looking athe the school to see if you want to go there adn see if they can spare 10 minutes or so to talk to you. Let them know your interested in that subject. Oh, and find out what groups/clubs/student organizations there are. GET INVOLVED!

also, WRITE DOWN the pros and cons. you WILL forget them by the next day. Dont be afraid to ask questions, etc. and have fun..


Finally, try the food.

[Nubius]

Finally, try the food.

But dont drink the water as it contains high levels of dihydrogen monoxide which can kill you.

[molsen]

my advice:

1a.) Don't skip class. You may think you can, but you will suddenly find yourself far behind or missing an assignment or two.
1b.) If you have a question about something in class or a problem with an assignment, GOTO YOUR PROFESSOR. Your teachers will actually help you in college.

2.) Take every opportunity to do everything. College is a time to have fun, try new things, and think new ways. You'll likely only be there for 4 years. After that, it's all serious business.

3.) For electives, don't take an easy cop-out class. Take something interesting that you would enjoy learning about. It's a perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and get a better feel for what you want to do with your life.

4.) Practice being an adult; high school is over. Don't be one of those kids that act like they're still in high school.

5a.) There are alot of hot and horny girls. Take advantage.
5b.) Use protection. Most campus health centers give away free condoms.

6.) If you decide to smoke weed, don't become a pothead. You don't need to be high for everything...just listening to music, eating, and playing video games.