Facing the Fear: Is College Hard?

I'm getting ready to apply to colleges and I'm scared about the rigor of classes. Is college hard compared to high school, and if so, how can I prepare myself?

Through your journey in academics, you'll come to realize that everyone's experience is unique and will vary depending on factors such as course load, the difficulty of individual courses, time management skills, and how well you adapt to new educational environments.

It's common for many students to find college to be more challenging than high school. It's often because college courses cover material in more depth than high school courses do, and professors expect you to self-direct your learning to a greater degree. Additionally, living independently for the first time can also bring about new challenges unrelated to academics.

However, this doesn't mean it's impossible or something to be feared. There are ways that you can prepare yourself for this academic transition:

1. Improve Time-Management Skills: One skill that often separates successful college students from those who struggle is time management. Start practicing now by setting aside specific times each day for studies, exercise, social activities, and relaxation.

2. Take AP or Dual Enrollment Classes: These classes often have a level of rigor more similar to college classes. They can give you a sense of the depth of study and independence expected in college.

3. Develop Strong Study Habits: Start finding study methods that work best for you now. This could be flashcards for memorization, summarizing information after reading, or teaching material to someone else.

4. Get Comfortable Asking for Help: This can be crucial. Whether it's a professor, a tutor, or a college advisor, there are people at every college whose job it is to help you succeed.

Remember, fear of the unknown can sometimes make things seem more intimidating than they really are. Embrace the academic challenge that college brings, and remember that it is a chance to grow personally and intellectually. College is not just about being academically tough; it's more about learning to balance your responsibilities, exploring your intellectual interests, and growing into your independence. So, prepare, but also be excited about the journey of growth ahead of you.