Alumni Day- December 2016
Eight Alumni came to share their words of wisdom with the current gifted students. Schools represented included the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and the University of North Carolina. The programs of study represented included Civil Engineering, Constructional Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Statistics, Bachelor of Philosophy, and a doctoral student in the Environmental Science department. Lots of great information was shared.
Here are my notes:
Deciding on a Major
For some it was trial and error. For most it was classes that they took and really enjoyed that led them to their current program of study. The advice shared was take classes you enjoy and pick a program of study based on what you enjoy learning. Don’t pick a major just because of job availability. You have to really like what you pick.
Taking Dual Enrolled and AP classes in High School
It was recommended you take as many as you can. There are benefits such as getting out of freshman level courses (although these are beneficial if they are in the program of study you are pursuing and it was suggested you not skip the entry level courses in your field of study even if you had them in high school). Having transfer credits gives you upperclassman status which is helpful when scheduling for your future semesters. They can also benefit you when determining housing options. Whether or not schools accept these credits depends on school so check before you go.
Worst Thing About College
8 a.m. classes! Don’t take them if you aren’t a morning person! They will not help you become a morning person.
A hard part is adjusting to being on your own surrounded by many others your same age. There are obvious perks to being independent, but drawbacks, too. It was recommended that you get out of the college town and experience a range of people and the surrounding areas.
Why Pick a Certain School?
For some visiting the school was the big sell. For others it was being near family or farther away from family and experiencing a new place. For some, it was a financial consideration; one school offered more financial aid than another and the programs were very similar. Take into consideration what is offered besides academics because that will be an Important part of your college experience. Make sure the program of study you are pursuing adequately meets your needs. A perk for going somewhere new where there are not a lot of Somerset grads is you are forced to meet new people. A tip from one alumni is to remember your family is only a phone call away no matter how far away you go. Also there is a website that provides school rankings which is helpful to check when researching potential schools (colleges).
Applying to Schools
It was suggested you apply to schools early (by the second semester of your junior year you should have done the bulk of your research and narrowed down your choices). You should be applying in the fall of your senior year. Visit the schools you are interested in attending prior to applying. Early decision is an option but consider if it is binding or not. There are pros and cons to early decision.
Gap Year
One student recommended considering doing a gap year and not going directly to college after high school if you are not set on what you want to study or where you want to go. It is best to take time to figure it out before you commit and waste thousands of dollars on an education that may or may not be right for you. Know there are other options and you don’t have to go to college just because everyone else is or says you should.
Consider Other Opportunities Colleges Offer
Consider study abroad programs schools offer. They can be a great way to expand your world. Consider the clubs and organizations you can participate in or consider starting your own if there is something you are interested in but it isn’t offered. Staying active is a stress reliever and gives you the opportunity to continue pursuing things you like and meet new people. It also helps you manage your time better since you will have a commitment to work around.
Scholarships
Definitely take the time to apply to as many as you can in high school. Every little bit helps defray expenses and some scholarship monies can be spent on incidentals like books.
Big School versus Small School
There are pros and cons to both. In a smaller school you have a better opportunity to really get to know your professors but that is still achievable in a big school if you make an effort. Those kinds of connections can be beneficial throughout college and beyond. Make it a point to see professors during office hours or email them with questions. Help them put a face to a name. Ask about their research- they love to share what they are doing and this may lead to opportunities for you. Becoming a teacher assistant is good experience and can come from building a relationship with a professor and doing well in his/her class. You can earn money and/or college credit as a TA.
Working at School
There are lots of jobs through work study or other means that can help you earn money while at school. Some require limited actual work so you can get paid to study.
Time Management and Learning to Study
Many commented on the need to learn to study and manage your time. Don’t procrastinate. Know what needs done and get it done. Don’t wait until the last minute. You have to study a lot more in college and even though you have more time, you still have to make good use of that time. It is easy to get distracted. Keep a to-do list/planner and follow it. Remember your mental health is important, too, so pay attention to taking care of yourself. Practice studying and managing your time in high school.
What Would I Have Done Differently?
Picked a different major before it was too late. Researched options more. Worked smarter, not harder. Studied more. Not procrastinated so much. Content in classes builds quickly so you must stay on top of things. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Hang in there if you don’t like your freshman year or first semester. Give it time. First semester can be tough.
Bad Experiences at College
Calculus II! Mental health issues. Find adults to connect with so you have a support system. Getting used to not necessarily having a set routine like high school and having extra time took some adjusting. Take time to pursue what you like besides focusing entirely on academics.
Closed Classes
Oftentimes there is a waiting list for classes but be patient because typically many on the waiting list get in. Also learn to prioritize and decide which classes with which professor are most important to your program of study if you do have to be selective. Don’t be afraid to drop classes if it is not a good match at the time.