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EDIT: Finished this section of the project already, though feel free to answer the questions if you want to give advice to a (hopefully) future university attendant.
Hello TLers! I'm a Junior in High School in the United States right now, and one of my teachers has decided to incorporate an interview with a current college student or an alumni who has graduated in the last four years. This is completely voluntary, and I only need one interview. Any help would be appreciated. My questions are pretty trite, so it should be an easy 'interview' overall. Feel free to PM your answers or respond in the thread.
If you plan on participating, I would appreciate your first name and the university you are currently attending/attended.
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
To all future responders, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
 
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1. People told me it was going to be hard and change my life. No and Yes.
2. Smooth, first two years were a vacation compared to high school.
3. You care less about stupid stuff, you meet better people
4. 10x more free time. Work is naturally harder but it's very spread out.
5. Manage your time wisely, be smart about money, meet people
6. Can't say anything about this yet
7. Summer vacation is only nice because you can work more, that's how great college is.
8. Computer Science/Japanese
9. There's time for lots of things
10. Put up with the BS and make yourself a nice resume.
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1 year left bro 
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group projects suck
that is all
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1. Pretty much.
2. Extremely easy, even though I had terrible roommates when I first started.
3. Freedom/free time
4. Full-time school is fairly rigorous but I feel like I have sufficient free time since I'm not working at the same time.
5. ???
6. Don't know.
7. Yes.
8. Mechanical Engineering
9. Not enough to be a pro  But, there is definitely time for it if you make time.
10. Don't over-work? lol
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On June 02 2010 11:48 vlaric wrote:
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
9. Is there time for Starcraft/ Starcraft II in college?
10. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
To all future responders, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
1. Yes. I skip class more than I thought I would though.
2. Easy. College is better than high school on so many levels.
3. Living on your own is so much less stressful in my opinion, but you have to be more responsible. It's great not having everyone tell you what you can and cannot do though.
4. Way more leisure time. You spend so much less time in class at college than you do in high school. Between classes, work, playing rugby, and going to the gym i still had free time most of the week if i wasn't getting slammed by a bunch of test or something.
5. Figure out how your classes work (where the teacher gets the material for the tests, importance of attendence/hw/reading, etc), Join a club/team/group, and NETWORK
6. No idea. I'm in business pre-law which i imagine leaves me pretty wide open.
7. The last two years of my life have hands down been the best.
8. General business and pre-law (michigan state/eli broad college of business)
9. Yes. I found other things to do with my time instead though
10. re-read above. and DO NOT FUCK UP YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR. STUDY YOUR ASS OFF AND GO THE EXTRA MILE so you dont spend the rest of the time making up for your crappy starting GPA
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1. No
2. Easy, nice, awesome
3. College makes you feel like an adult
4. more
5. making all the contacts you can, trying every opportunity, avoiding drugs
6. heavily
7. yes
8. music performance
9. yes but you should socialize. Video games are here all your life but a concentrated group of people wanting to further their horizons, with bags of free time and the desire to also socialize, exists nowhere else.
10. You'll regret not doing things more than doing them (exclude activities that lead to jail  )
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Colton
Attending Texas Tech University
Architecture Major
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
Kind-of, I had quite a bit of college experience graduating high school (45 hours), so I was prepared for the course load. Having had my own house my senior year, living arrangements were about the same.
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
Very smooth, roomed with a buddy of mine I've had for 15 years and thoroughly enjoyed living in a larger city and being engaged in my work.
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
College life offers you much more socially and educationally. You really have to be self-motivated, your mother isn't going to be there to wake you up in the morning or give your moral advice.
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
Much more time for yourself. You aren't uselessly spending 8 hours a day in a classroom. You go to class (or don't) for a few hours a day and get business done. If you want leisure time, you'll have it.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
Keep an eye on your budget, particularly food spending.
Be sure you pick your living quarters/room-mates carefully, they can make-or-break a semester.
Watch out for the clingers; don't be a fool, wrap your tool.
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
Architecture directly correlates into a graduate program. Conveniently enough, we have a architecture graduate school. We have a couple of options as far as what we want to pursue before going into graduate school. Such as dual majoring in Business and Architecture.
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
I enjoy college quite a bit. It's nice to have a variety of people on-hand, along with all the amenities that are offered on-campus and in a college-town. It is also self-satisfying to know you're working towards something that will one day make you successful.
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
Architecture major
9. Is there time for Starcraft/ Starcraft II in college?
Definitely.
10. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
When you start college, don't get overwhelmed by freedom. Be diligent, go to class. Also, if you're a fairly "conservative" guy who doesn't do a lot of recreational activities such as drinking/smoking. I would be weary of getting sucked into that. Have had many friends "go wild" as they say.
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Evan / UCSD Alumni (2004)
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
I think it was pretty much what I expected.
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
From a social aspect I was afraid to leave all my friends...but once I did and met new people I had the time of my life. Academically I don't feel HS even remotely prepared me for college-level courses.
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
Living on your own & away from the parentals for the first time is a huge deal, also the ability to re-invent yourself without the perception/reputation/social standing/etc you may have carried throughout HS.
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
Wayyyyy more time at University. Not even close.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
#1: Don't let your academics slip. It's easy to get caught up in socializing/partying, and you don't necessarily have to go to all your classes, but don't be lazy and let your grades go down. That's the reason your there!
#2: Live on campus! Dorm life is a completely different experience from off-campus housing - and you should take advantage of it while you can!!!
#3: Have fun! I know this contradicts #1, but college is pretty much the last hurray before play time is over and you have to start working a "real job" (unless you go to grad school :D), so enjoy it while you can.
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
There is a lot of flexibility in terms of changing your focus in the first two years (I started off as pre-med/biology freshman year and switched to economics second year and still graduated in 4 years).
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
Yes, college was the time of my life.
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
Economics and Management Science
9. Is there time for Starcraft/ Starcraft II in college?
Let me put it this way - I didn't really have a computer in HS and didn't play many computer games (this was back in 2000), so when I first discovered starcraft me and my suitemates would play starcraft all night, sleep though our classes (and most of the day), set our alarm clocks for 7pm to catch the cafe before it closed for breakfast (dinner), and do it again. This lasted about three months. I did however go on academic probation my first year as a direct result of this, so you be the judge .
10. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
You aren't expected to have everything figured out your first year of college (almost everyone doesn't - trust me). But try to at least have an idea of what you like and what you'd want to do career wise. One thing I regret is never doing any internships in college - I had to work some really crappy jobs just to get entry-level experience that I could have gotten in college part-time.
Good luck!!
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Mike: Queens University, Kingston ON CA
1. Yeah, for the most part... I didn't do the residence experience so I can't comment on that, but the classes were easier than I thought they would be.
2. I did a victory lap (5th year) so I was a bit more mature than the average 1st year... it wasn't too bad for me. I know some friends that just collapsed given that sort of freedom
3. Freedom I would say... I mean there's nobody holding your hand through the stuff... you have to get off your ass and blast through it.
4. More time for sure... as long as you're not in a massively demanding program.
5. Teacher to student ratio (Time you're able to spend with a prof improves your experience dramatically), Campus aesthetics (A beautiful campus really improves your mood... never underestimate it), Library (During exams you spend alot of time in there... make sure its nice and comfy)
6. A lot... but I'm not worried about it, since I enjoy what I do
7. Yep for sure
8. Medial in Chem and Math
9. Yup, for sure... perhaps not as much as you would like, but its there
10. Have fun... you only get one time in your life when your responsibilities are so low and the probability of great times are so high.
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i would imagine it depends a lot on where you go to school, but here are my answers:
1 - no, it was way easier
2 - i dropped out of high school, and didnt go to college for another 3 years after the fact, so i cant really say. school sucks either way though. atleast high school was free
3 - theres not really much different, but you have more responsibility in college. professors dont hold your hands like they did in highschool. you dont get to 'make up' work [atleast not in my classes] and shit like that. other than that... you can sleep in a little later if you register for the right classes, which i like but really, not much changes. just the responsibility factor
4 - i feel like, school wise, i have more time for myself, however im working now too, so that cuts down on it. but if you are strictly comparing high school to college, i think college yields more self-time, atleast until you get into some of the advanced classes, but for basic math/science/etc etc etc, college is easier.
5 - 1, dont miss class. 2, dont miss class. 3, dont miss class
6 - if you 'declare a major' then its like saying you already know what you want to do after college, say being a doctor, you would major in something medical. however if you dont 'declare a major' you basically take whatever classes you want and see where it gets you. you can, at any time in your college years, declare a major.
7 - i like college, sure. its nothing really special, to me atleast, cause im not a big party guy. i just smoke a little weed every once in a while and hang out with a few buddies from work om my days off.
8 - im a psychology major, but im only in semester two
9 - yeah, theres time for games. definitely not like there used to be when i was dropped out of school, but also its cause i have a job now. but... yea, youll make time for what you love, just remember to get your shit done before you game it up, cause college aint cheap man.
10 - try to do your entire major at one universtiy. if you take X amount of credits, and then transfer to somewhere else, you might not be able to take all of your credits with you. so once you start, i advise not stopping until youre done. also, think about what you want to do long and hard. do some research. if you want to be a doctor, go to your local doctor, or even the hospital. talk to someone who has experience doing what you want to do. theres no sense in taking classes to be a doctor, if you change your mind and decide to be a criminal justice major, or something like that.
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United States24796 Posts
I'm not sure what class this is for or what the purpose of this interview is supposed to be, and I'm sure you already know this, but your questions are going to give much different answers depending on who you ask. Just asking one random person certainly isn't a good way to try to determine what college is going to be like, but just so long as you already know that then okay I guess.
Also your questions are fairly open ended which isn't necessarily bad... it has advantages and disadvantages... but just for example "is there enough time for sc in college?" is a weird question because the reader doesn't know how to interpret 'enough time.'
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On June 02 2010 12:46 micronesia wrote:
I'm not sure what class this is for or what the purpose of this interview is supposed to be, and I'm sure you already know this, but your questions are going to give much different answers depending on who you ask. Just asking one random person certainly isn't a good way to try to determine what college is going to be like, but just so long as you already know that then okay I guess.
Also your questions are fairly open ended which isn't necessarily bad... it has advantages and disadvantages... but just for example "is there enough time for sc in college?" is a weird question because the reader doesn't know how to interpret 'enough time.'
I appreciate the feedback. I'll be sure to change that to make it more specific ( in fact, I think I'll remove it outright, since Q4 seems to answer it already), however I believe I have gotten all the information I need from all of the helpful people that have posted so far.
Additionally, I'm aware that the questions are relatively mundane and highly subjective, though they fulfill the requirements of the project.
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On June 02 2010 11:48 vlaric wrote:
If you plan on participating, I would appreciate your first name and the university you are currently attending/attended.
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
To all future responders, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
i'm attending university of waterloo, canada
1. i don't really remember what i expected university to be exactly. although, i *do* recall having the impression that basically everyone did terrible in every class and bell curves were how people got good grades. i guess that turned out to not be true at all. know your shit and roll in 90s, no problem (i don't, but that's another matter..)
2. kind of a hassle with moving to a different city and all, but overall not that bad. i was kind of eased into the 'living on your own' part by living in a dorm first, not having to worry about cooking or anything.
3. freedom. definitely freedom
4. yeah, i have all day, every day, if i so choose. it's a dangerous road 
5. people, people, people. you don't go here to learn stuff
6. none really; back in hs i thought i wouldn't wanna do grad school. now i don't wanna graduate and just stay at uni forever, rofl
7. yes, see above ^_^
8. majoring in computer science & finance
9. ain't a big deal, just roll with it. you'll love it.
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Attending Schulich School of Business in Canada
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
Nope. I'm in a really small program so it feels kind of like high school without all the awful drama and crap =).
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
Super easy. Didn't feel a difference.
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
A LOT more freedom with my time.. you can really excel in school if you want to, or just do whatever the hell you want with your time.
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
Infinitely more time.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
a) its really important to have the right professors...
b) personally, I think being in a small program helps a ton... much easier to make friends =D
c) EAT HEALTHY... I was fairly skinny before college... I gained 15 pounds.. ='(
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
I have no real concrete evidence for this, but I feel like its almost none
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
love it =)
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
Finance
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
Have fun =D.
quote from above:
10. re-read above. and DO NOT FUCK UP YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR. STUDY YOUR ASS OFF AND GO THE EXTRA MILE so you dont spend the rest of the time making up for your crappy starting GPA
this is REALLY true. First semester I only did average, and I realized how awful that felt and had one of the highest GPAs in my program in second semester. Unfortunately, it didn't even make up for my half-ass 1st semester and I'm barely in the top 15% of my program overall.
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On June 02 2010 11:48 vlaric wrote:
Hello TLers! I'm a Junior in High School in the United States right now, and one of my teachers has decided to incorporate an interview with a current college student or an alumni who has graduated in the last four years. This is completely voluntary, and I only need one interview. Any help would be appreciated. My questions are pretty trite, so it should be an easy 'interview' overall. Feel free to PM your answers or respond in the thread.
If you plan on participating, I would appreciate your first name and the university you are currently attending/attended.
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
To all future responders, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
My name is Allan, and I go to Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.
1. Yes.
2. E-Z peazy
3. In one you're shackled and bound. In the other you're free.
4. More time for leisure activities, less time for myself
5. Activities, visitor presentations, community get-togethers
6. Unsure.
7. Yes, I'd say so.
8. Psychology
9. Not really-- just pull through HS. College is a lot more fun... Except during finals week. I'm only a psych major, but the work they pile onto you at the end of each semester is pretty hefty.
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Lyriene
United States346 Posts
Andy
Carnegie Mellon University
1. Was college what you expected it to be like? For me, yeah. However, it really depends on what you're looking for in college. If you're expecting a lot of parties, you will find them. If you're looking for studious friends and study groups, you will find them. You have to make college live up to your expectations, not the other way around.
2. How was the transition from High School--> College? Depending on where you went for high school and where you're going for college, the gap may be either really small or really large. If you've been studying throughout high school, you'll know how to study in college, although the material is a lot more difficult. On the contrary, if you have never touched a book in high school, you may find the material a lot more challenging than it should be. Time management is the key!
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life? Many say that you're more free with your time, but in reality, I think you're more bound in college. Yes, there is more freedom in terms of choices but there is also so much you HAVE to do with your time. Until now, you were expected to go to your classes and do whatever, but in college, no one is forcing you to go. In return, you would have to make it all up with your free time. Also, there is so much social freedom that you will want to commit some of your time to your social life. As I've said before, your classes will be tougher so you will have to spend more time studying if you're aiming for good grades.
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University? This will depend mostly on your course load. If you're taking like 6-7 classes, you're better off devoting all the time into studying, whereas if you're taking 4, you can probably put a lot of time into clubs and such, even work-study.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college? 1. Make good friends that you can trust. Seriously, I've seen people become so screwed with their life from hanging out with the wrong people. They worked their ass off to get into the college in high school, and then they throw it away by getting heavily influenced my their "peers". You will know when you've found the right group. 2. Don't skip classes. It is VERY tempting, and I am guilty of skipping them a couple of times but you're throwing away the money into thin air as well as your grades. If you must skip a lecture because you're sick or you have appointments/meetings, you should ask one of your friends for their notes. It's also important to have friends in each of your classes. 3. Know your priorities. If you had to choose between a party of your lifetime and studying for a test the next day, you would obviously have to choose to study. That one was obvious but there will be times when the two choices are be very subtle. Trust your conscience in doing the right thing.
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities? As far as I know, as long as you get good grades in undergrad, you can do anything in grad school. I personally know a BA music major who became a surgeon.
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college? Yes it is fun, but only if you make it out to be. Mentality is the key to everything.
8. What are you majoring/minoring in? I've been swaying back and forth between some majors, but I think I am finally set on dual BS in math and computer science in 5 years.
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career? Have fun this summer. It's the last "free" summer you might ever get.
I hope it helped!
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Michael
Tulane University
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
No. I put my eyes too high on what college would be. More or less, I was disappointed. Though, I think the college I went to fit that description for me.
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
Rather simply, classes are fairly easy for me. The hardest part for myself was making new friends after being comfortable for 9 years.
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
Less sleep in college, and for me the food was terrible. Also people in college for me are less intelligent, somehow...
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
More time actually. Since I don't have my parents breathing down my back I can use all my time efficiently to play, eat, or study.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
Staying on top of studying by using your time wisely. Getting out a lot and doing things actively, social events etc. Finally, go after your professors all the time, and ask them questions, never take no as an answer.
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
Nothing really, since I'm planning to go to Law School, I'm trying to get a foundation in business as I want to do corporate or financial law. Many Law School grads tell me that your undergraduate major is near to useless in law school.
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
Somewhat, its more enjoyable than High School. But it has many drawbacks for myself.
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
Accounting and another in Econ, maybe a minor depending on time.
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
Yes, unless you are certain you can get 5s on AP exams, just skip them. They really don't give you anything for college. I would suggest you take more classes that could help you practically, auto-repair, welding, crafting, etc. In HS you should just finish up taking the easiest classes and spend all your time outside doing what you love.
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On June 02 2010 14:57 CCGaunt wrote:
Michael
Tulane University
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
No. I put my eyes too high on what college would be. More or less, I was disappointed. Though, I think the college I went to fit that description for me.
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
Rather simply, classes are fairly easy for me. The hardest part for myself was making new friends after being comfortable for 9 years.
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
Less sleep in college, and for me the food was terrible. Also people in college for me are less intelligent, somehow...
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
More time actually. Since I don't have my parents breathing down my back I can use all my time efficiently to play, eat, or study.
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
Staying on top of studying by using your time wisely. Getting out a lot and doing things actively, social events etc. Finally, go after your professors all the time, and ask them questions, never take no as an answer.
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
Nothing really, since I'm planning to go to Law School, I'm trying to get a foundation in business as I want to do corporate or financial law. Many Law School grads tell me that your undergraduate major is near to useless in law school.
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
Somewhat, its more enjoyable than High School. But it has many drawbacks for myself.
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
Accounting and another in Econ, maybe a minor depending on time.
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
Yes, unless you are certain you can get 5s on AP exams, just skip them. They really don't give you anything for college. I would suggest you take more classes that could help you practically, auto-repair, welding, crafting, etc. In HS you should just finish up taking the easiest classes and spend all your time outside doing what you love.
Get a fake ID and get into the palms and you'll feel better. Try to expand your social activities to outside of boot/palms/broadway st. Explore downtown, etc.
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On June 02 2010 11:48 vlaric wrote:
1. Was college what you expected it to be like?
2. How was the transition from High School--> College?
3. What are the primary differences between High School and College life?
4. Do you feel that you have less or more time for yourself/ leisure activities at University?
5. In your opinion, what are the three most important things to look out for in college?
6. How much do your subject choices in college factor into Post-Graduate degree eligbilities?
7. Are you enjoying college/ did you enjoy college?
8. What are you majoring/minoring in?
9. Do you have any general advice to give for me regarding College or the rest of my HS career?
To all future responders, thank you for your time in answering these questions.
1. Yeah pretty much
2. Not too bad rly, need to force yourself to work mostly
3. Assloads of free time, need to force yourself to work
4. More
5. Don't be a loser, get good grades, work hard and get a decent internship and kick the shit out of all the future unemployed kids when you walk out of uni with a good job. And work your ass off at getting fit and healthy
6. Dont do a PHD in maths. Just dont. Unless you wanna be a quants. But then youre a genious anyway.
7. Nope not really, but im just a pessimist. I don't enjoy uni, i enjoy the things i make for myself out of it.
8. Pure maths baby
9. You wanna be one of the guys with high grades, AND one of the guys who is smart to get a good job/internship, AND be one of the guys who is fit, does amazing sports (just pick some, you can do all the alternative bs that i do or more traditional stuff) and just be amazing at everything
Don't be a loser. Its such a mediocre amount of hard work to get all of that given the amount of time you have
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EPT
