Adjusting to College

By: Annie B. Wetzel

We grow up hearing that college is a lot different than school through twelfth grade and there will be a huge increase in responsibility. This isn’t far from the truth. You aren’t in class seven hours a day. While some classes are similar in size to high school classrooms, there are lecture courses with over 200 students. The professors won’t remind you to study or turn in assignments. They won’t typically give you a study guide consisting of the actual test questions. There is no requirement to give you a good grade.

At The Gatton Academy, we are high school students enrolled in university courses. We are required to adjust to the new and different environment. I started at the Academy with some worry about being successful in a college class. After the first few weeks, I learned the campus and got into a good routine with my study habits and organization. My uncertainties subsided and a certain confidence ensued.

There are a few things I would recommend to ensure that there is as easy a transition as possible into college classes for new students. Print out your syllabi and read them carefully. It is useful to go into your courses aware of the expectations and scheduled topics of study. Get ahead. Read the chapter or handout required before class. You will have an easier time understanding the lecture and when recalling information while preparing for tests. Be aware of deadlines. These deadlines can be for assignments, forms, etc. Make sure you turn in work in a timely manner. High school teachers are usually more lenient with late work than professors. Ask for help. If you have a question or are struggling with a course, ask the tutors or a senior. They will be more than willing to help. Do not wait until last minute to try your best. You will be a lot less anxious when finals week rolls around to not have to receive an A to increase your grade. Digging yourself a hole in the beginning from not studying or managing your courses well enough will only stress you out more has the time you have to improve runs out.

In the end, college isn’t all about academics. It is a time to figure out who you are and what you stand for. The Academy is only two years, so make sure you take every opportunity and make every moment matter.