Education Advice...College

This is just some general advice. Something I learned a little late in my college career that I wish I had known earlier. So I'm passing it along to all of you to continue to pass along to your friends and family.

College has changed a lot since I went. There was no internet or video like today. We did have professional note taking services for some classes though. Where you could sign-up and pay. Then every week (at the end) you could pick up a very well put together set of complete notes for the class for that week.

Here is my advise to you. Many classes are taught more than once, and by more than one teacher. If you have time, I suggest you audit another section of your class. This works well for those difficult classes. The first time you sit through the lecture, take notes (very important). The second time, pay attention to the lecture. You can annotate your notes, but the primary purpose here is to really absorb what is being presented. Ask questions. Also, for the second lecture it is also helpful to sit in on another teacher's presentation of the same material. They will often use different examples and explanations that will help you understand the material better giving you a broader perspective. It also helps if the final is a group one where all the teachers teaching the subject contribute questions to the final exam. Because now you have seen examples from another teacher too. It helps.

FYI, if you are going to audit a class in person (which is best); make sure to check with the teacher (professor) that there are enough seats available. Remember that registered students for the class get priority to the seats, not you. They are paying for the credits (class) in that section, you are just auditing (visiting). So if you have to stand or sit on the floor, so be it. I've had to do it...be polite.

One thing to know, especially in high demand majors, every major has "kill-off" courses in there sophomore year. These courses are designed to weed out those who can from those who can't (i.e. thin the heard), and reduce the numbers going into the upper division. So I suggest that you use this strategy on these courses. Of course if you have access to a video lecture, and can watch it over and over again, that's another story. I would also suggest supplementing difficult material with additional resources from the library and/or the web.

Good luck

ff

a reply to: fastfred

If most have a college title what is it really worth?

originally posted by: Terpene
a reply to: fastfred

If most have a college title what is it really worth?

Nothing. It just means the bar will be raised , and then the standards will have to be lowered in time because of feelings and white supremacy.

a reply to: ancientlight

You have to get off this racism crap... It's NOT about BLACK, WHITE, RED, YELLOW, BROWN, etc., and everything else they try and do to divide the masses. That's all a DISTRACTION!

It's really about CLASS war fair. They want to distract you from the real problem; which is the ever growing disparity between the rich & poor. That's where we should all be focused on. But sadly, people are so easily manipulated and mislead.

One thing I'll say, our higher education has gotten way over priced. The only thing Universities with name recognition are really good for is networking. The education you get really isn't much better at one institution than another; although the professors can make a big difference in the learning process.

For any of you making the transition from HS to College; here is one thing to know. In HS, the teachers are responsible to teach you, and you are responsible to learn. But in college, it is different. It's all on you. You are responsible for learning everything. The professor is only there to assist you in the learning process. You are suppose to be an adult now. That is the philosophy they operate under. So don't forget it if you decide to pursue a college degree.

If I was young, and just graduating HS; I would seriously consider a trade school instead of college. Given the costs of going to either of them, the pay off for trade school has a much better ROI (return on investment). Also a trade school has a shorter time investment than college. But not every career has this path available.

My college advice is this: If you intend to get a liberal arts degrees, anything from anthropology to English to Gender Studies, do us all a favor and don't go at all unless you are independently wealthy. If you want a degree in engineering or computer design, go for it! You'll get a job that will allow you to easily pay back your loans. If you can't handle math, don't bother.

A much better bang for your buck would be to learn a good trade: electrician, machinist, plumber. They all offer a good wage and you earn will you learn in an apprenticeship program. You'll be at journeyman wages by the time your friends finish their BA in English and try to find a minimum wage job. I hear retail is hiring.

originally posted by: fastfred
a reply to: ancientlight

You have to get off this racism crap... It's NOT about BLACK, WHITE, RED, YELLOW, BROWN, etc., and everything else they try and do to divide the masses. That's all a DISTRACTION!

It's really about CLASS war fair. They want to distract you from the real problem; which is the ever growing disparity between the rich & poor. That's where we should all be focused on. But sadly, people are so easily manipulated and mislead.

One thing I'll say, our higher education has gotten way over priced. The only thing Universities with name recognition are really good for is networking. The education you get really isn't much better at one institution than another; although the professors can make a big difference in the learning process.

For any of you making the transition from HS to College; here is one thing to know. In HS, the teachers are responsible to teach you, and you are responsible to learn. But in college, it is different. It's all on you. You are responsible for learning everything. The professor is only there to assist you in the learning process. You are suppose to be an adult now. That is the philosophy they operate under. So don't forget it if you decide to pursue a college degree.

If I was young, and just graduating HS; I would seriously consider a trade school instead of college. Given the costs of going to either of them, the pay off for trade school has a much better ROI (return on investment). Also a trade school has a shorter time investment than college. But not every career has this path available.

Oh , sorry I'm white. I wasn't being racist I forgot to add the quotes to 'white supremacy'