Tuesday, May 22, 2012 By Donesha Owens & Monica
150 juniors (inlcuding Brian Saavadra, here) recently came in on Good Friday to voluntarily take a practice exam for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition class. - Kent Frankfother
As we all know, the school year is coming to an end for high school seniors. Most students have an idea on the college/university they are
attending, while others are still undecided. It is important to have an idea on how college life will be. Some Morton East seniors asked questions
that they were unsure about for college.
Q: What is the transition from high school to college?
A: Most undergraduates get nervous when it comes to entering a new and bigger environment with new people. But, keep in mind that there are always other freshman students sharing the same new experiences as you. It's always good to meet new friends that can help you get familiar
with the college/University. Also, time management is another big factor when it comes to being in college. Since you're going to be in a much
different learning environment, consider going to your classes earlier, to give yourself time to get used to everything.
Q: How do I schedule a visit to the University/college I plan on attending? What should I ask while I'm there?
A: You'd want to call the school's main office and speak with the secretary to make an appointment. When you visit a school, be sure to
ask questions and observe everything to see if you're interested in attending that particular college.
General questions to ask:
-What extracurricular opportunities are available
for students?
-What strategies are used to teach students
who are not fluent in English?
-How does this school encourage student's
progress toward meeting grade level standards?
-What is the school's approach to student
safety?
You may also ask other questions that you can
think of pertaining to your major and/ or your
specific needs.
Q: Is it better to go straight to a University or a Community College after high school?
A:Attending a Community College will save you thousands of dollars every year. If you plan on going to a University, you can apply for
scholarships to help you financially. But whether you're going to a college or University, you would want to apply for financial aid. Try to
avoid getting loans (Unless it's necessary) because that's not money given to you; you would have to pay it back with interest. Most students
choose to go to a Community College for their first two years to get their basic classes out the way and then transfer to a University. Colleges also
have an open door admission for students to be accepted regardless of past academic performances.
Q: How does AP transfer credits work?
A: If you pass the AP exam in high school with a 4 or 5 ,the school will
give you credit for college because you've basically done the equivalent
of that class. Therefore, you don't have to re-take the class and it will
save you a lot of money. In some colleges/Universities you can get more than one class credit if you get a 5 on the exam. If you plan staying in a dorm, get to know your roommate and others in your resident halls.
Make sure you're organized. In college your professors post assignments and expect you to know the due dates without reminding you. Go to class on time. You might be temped to skip your early classes, but don't.
Take advantage of study resources on campus. About all colleges have learning labs and tutors available. If you're having trouble with something, a study group can be another option. Don't procrastinate; prioritize your life. It might have been a habit for you in high school
to get homework done at the last minute and still get a good grade, but that won't work for you in college. Give yourself deadlines and stick to
them.