We Answer Your Tricky Questions About College Education
There are lots of misconceptions about college education, which could be answered during your first visit to the university. You could narrow down your picks of a (college) club that you want to be a part of. You have a general idea of the modules that you must study during your first year. And you should know where you want to stay during the term. On the other hand, you might need another campus visit if you want to find out the differences between private college and public university. Are you afraid of missing the cut on your preferred (traditional) major degree? This can be a tricky question. You may not have made up your mind after some students (and a member of the faculty or two) answer your query.
You don't need to worry about questions that you're hesitant to ask during your first visit, if not Freshers' Week. Going to college can be an overwhelming experience, and you have little time to ponder on those questions when you deal with the demands of the coursework on a weekly, if not daily, basis. A wise student would seek out the answers at the earliest period, though.
Setting the Records Straight
Does it matter what subjects college students study at the university? There's a reason why students must study science, language, and history during their first year in college. These subjects are the foundations of the traditional major courses, where most applicants are hoping to get a place in their college of choice. It doesn't make the vocational courses less appealing to applicants. A sensible applicant won't have second thoughts about it. However, there are certain traits that students must learn in able to pass their courses on science, language, and history. These so-called traits should come handy when their college days are behind them.
How can colleges stem drop-out rates? Studies have shown that poorer students are likely to drop out. The trend also applies to mature students, but those who managed to show resilience would become more successful after their completion of their coursework. There's no conclusion to be gained from there, not even a set of moral lessons for college administrators. Perhaps a gentle reminder on college students that they can do it.
Which college graduates are most likely to get hired? It's not surprising that those who study medicine and dentistry are likely to get hired soon. Those who aren't working (after the completion of their coursework) might be pursuing a higher degree. The rest may not be unfortunate. They are far from being a lazy bunch. They haven't outlined their career path, not even explored their options. Some could be thinking of taking it slow after a grueling year or so. (They didn't defer their first year, which was supposed to be their gap year.) It's a matter of pacing, and some are slower than the others.
Which graduates would earn more? It's shouldn't be shocking that those who have studied business, economics, and law would earn more. After all, there's a high demand on these fields. It doesn't mean that the rest could be classified under lower-tiered jobs. It should be a matter of perspective, of what does sense of fulfillment mean. And then there are some who have a flexible approach on how they want their career to turn out. Some are rather practical about it, like they need to earn this much (to support a family for instance). Younger professionals will be more driven by their wants, though. An introspection will happen along the way, but an incoming college student may be too young to think of such things.
Should colleges worry about the rising levels of (college) debt? Most colleges accept it as a reality, and students who are enrolled in courses with low earning potential must not have a grim mindset. If they are ambitious and enthusiastic enough, then nothing will be impossible. If this is the only option, then ask for sound financial advice. There won't be a shortage of opinion in your own college, but factor your spending habits. Find out the nearest bank (and what it might do for you). Don't be afraid to ask your parents for assistance.
The Battle of the Sexes (or So You Think)
Many studies have shown that there are more female students studying in colleges. It doesn't suggest that male students have the lesser appetite for learning. It also doesn't imply that this could have been a long time coming. (Learning was a privilege during the Middle Age, as those who were in power were the only ones who have access to books. And there was hardly any mention of a woman from high places.) Those who want to generalize this subject matter overlook something else.
Most professors prefer the active methods of learning while traits like (true) grit can help students to deal with the enormous pressure of writing two or three essays on a day. It also applies to the month of December and the spring semester, where the succession of assignments and examinations seem to have no end. This should be the not-so-big-secret behind the success of college graduates.
