Most students do not realize that rigorous academics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to difficult experiences when they go to college.
Students are often relieved and are not prepared for the kind of lifestyle that comes with college after getting accepted into their dream school. In college, students must become independent and learn to live for themselves. They have to provide their own basic needs while maintaining their academics at the same time.
When students graduate high school and move onto college, they start a new passage of their lives that can prove to be full of fun and new experiences.
However, some feel more pressure with the larger amount of work required in college.
Sophomore Sonia Mahajan said, “I feel pressured already. I know that its going to be hard and that there is going to be a lot of work involved, but I think I can handle it, since I already manage myself in school.”
In high school, teens are more restricted and monitored, and work is mandatory. There is a basic schedule that all students follow.
Sophomore Jessica Ma said, “I like it because it’s consistent. It’s good to have a schedule because when something new and different comes up, it feels refreshing.”
According to U.S. News Education, in 2012, over one-third of students were not ready for college academically, based on exam scores. In 2013, the percentage lowered to 30 percent.
High school students are aware of the difference between the work done in college compared to what workload they have in high school. They expect greater challenges and the hard work needed to overcome them.
Sophomore Pauline Sy said,”I expect there to be a lot of people and lots of studying, as well as late nights.”
College life requires more self-restraint and guidance than in high school, since adult supervision and guidance of students lessens when students go away to this more independent segment of their lives.
“I understand why they do the schedule, its okay, they do it for our benefit,” said Sy. “However, I don’t really like the idea of having two hours of one class and switching every day.”
College can also make students nervous for reasons other than academics, such as the balance between keeping a social life and studying.
“I think it means more freedom, more independence, and more friends,” said Ma. “It’s a bit scary.”
Some students are more worried about the actual work and requirements rather than learning how to manage themselves without their parents. Funding for their education is also a concern expressed by students.
Sy said, “I feel like I would be calmer with more independence because no one would nag me to do anything. I’m also nervous though, because college is a lot of work and money. It’s especially the case in California, but out-of-state college isn’t cheap either.”
In general, most high school students worry about their future in college, but the optimistic environment and encouragement Carlmont provides has had an impact on student’s beliefs.
“Right now I don’t think I’m ready for college, because I don’t think I have enough self-discipline to study and do homework, but hopefully in two years I will be prepared,” said Sy.
“Its a bit frightening, but at the same time I look forward to it because it prepares you for life,” Ma said. “There are new things like classes and the campus and people have to adjust to that.”
Though hard work and determination are a necessity to be successful in college, sometimes the biggest impact for students comes from the encouragement of others.
