The Problems Of Attending College

College is an idea that many people talk about, but is college really meant for everyone?

Being a freshman in college, I set impractical and unrealistic goals for myself. Throughout the year, I had to overcome various obstacles to strive in meeting the goals I had set out for myself. One of my goals during the first year of college was to earn a 4.0 GPA. I thought this would be an easy feat as I was able to academically grow throughout my academic career—excelling from being roughly a 2.6 GPA student to roughly a 4.0 GPA student. One of the biggest obstacles I had to face was taking exams. In high school, I did not need to prepare for exams as much as I do in college. I underestimated my midterms and finals as I did not know that I had to study at least a week ahead of time in order to obtain suitable grades. In high school, I was able to study one or two nights beforehand and still manage to achieve high grades.

The financial aspect of going to college can weigh on someone very much. Sometimes, to the point that some choose not to go to college for fear of cost alone. Not to mention the cost of books and other class required material.

For first year students coming straight from high school, college life can either be very exciting or overwhelming depending on how well one prepares for it. Some have the notion that college is fun and is all about partying, while some believe that it is an environment in which they can achieve the ultimate freedom thus escape the stringent rules made by their parents at home. Others look forward to experiencing a different learning environment while being exposed to different cultures and sharing different academic knowledge. Successful assimilation into college life is determined by the student’s capability to transform into the new role of a college student. Numerous students face challenges they have never experienced before which can

Some future college students are born with a natural talent in the subject English. Which includes critical thinking, writing, and reading. While for others, possibly being mathematicians, English is and probably will never be their keen subject in life. Students find more passions in sciences, arts, and medical teachings which is not something to look down upon. Although, many students forget that English is still a huge part of all these subjects. Where ever these students go they will find the necessity to read something or to write something. That’s where college English comes in handy. College English prepares students for academic writing at a university level, and also for their careers when formal writing is required. Many students fear college English classes, but there are many ways to succeed in these college English classes. Looking over the articles Becoming an Active Learner by Skip Downing, Brianology by Carol S. Dweck, and The Right to Fail by Willliam Zinsser, these authors express their feelings on being able to succeed in life in a general view. Mainly taking education into consideration. Students should not be afraid of college English classes because their are many ways to succeed in them by establishing a growth mindset, creating an active learning pattern, and having a positive and mature attitude.

At 11:15 on Monday, August 17, 2015, my first official college class, English 1101, began. In general, I had no idea what college classes would be like let alone how college English would be. Even though this class taught me a great deal in one semester, it took a large amount of time and effort to make the adjustment from high school. The simplistic writing style of high school was put to rest the moment the first college English class began. As a result, I learned quickly that college writing is complex and less systematic than high school writing. Five paragraph essays with three strict body paragraphs were no longer the norm for writing. Even though my professor helped guide my writing, I was no longer coddled through the whole writing

“Why are you even bothering to go to college? Seriously.” “There’s a party tonight. You have to be there.” One of the obstacles to academic achievement that I face on a regular basis is a lack of support in some areas of my life. Actually, sometimes it isn’t a lack of support that is the problem, but more a pervasive attitude that education isn’t that important or is a waste of time. My coworkers are happy working in retail forever, and good for them, yet seem resentful that I have made my education a priority. At times they seem bound and determined to lure me off track with invitations to parties during exam week or offers of promotions if I cut my course load. At school, many of the students in my community college courses don’t seem to

As a homeschooler goes to college, he or she is about to be changed forever. Many homeschool graduates go to college every year, but most students endure hardships and struggles once they reach college. A homeschooler will face many things, both good and bad, during his or her time in college but the overall experience will be determined by the choices they make.

There are many obstacles in life but in college there is specific things that can prevent you from reaching your goal. Time is the biggest issue with a lot of people that go to college. Money is another issue that makes college a difficult obstacle to reach. Last but not least decision making is a huge obstacle to face in college. Obstacles may be difficult but it’s not impossible to achieve.

College is an extremely expensive luxury that is out of reach for some people. Universities also may not offer what some are looking for in life. For example, Rachel Ray would have never been able to learn how to cook from a desk. Getting a college degree is very time consuming; a bachelor’s degree, at least, takes four years to complete. The grades someone earns in college does not ensure what someone’s skills are. Someone with high grades may not be skilled, but someone with low grades may know exactly what they are doing. A college education is definitely not for everyone because colleges do not offer what a lot of people actually need.

When I first entered college, I already knew what difficulties I could face by keeping balance with things I had going on at work and in my everyday life. Would it be possible to keep it all balanced or would I have give some things up? There will be times when things will collide with each other, but making choices about how it should be handled and balancing it out will be appreciated in the long run. College is were you will see if can keep your life balanced, because college is a new experience that has many challenges and trials that one will go through and learn to adapt to. Another thing that people fail to realize that will help balance things, is that if you do not invest what it takes to be successful, you will not see any accomplishments.

In their seminal piece, How College Affects Students, Pascarella & Terrenzeni (1991), states that “students’ grades are probably the single most revealing indicator of his or her successful adjustment to the intellectual demands of a particular college’s course of study" (388). Grades are significantly influenced by study habits, motivation, organization, and level of effort as seen in (Capella, Wagner & Kusmierz, 1982; Culler & Holahan, 1980; Astin, 1971b, 1975b). Grades tend to “reflect not only requisite intellectual skills but also desirable personal work and attitudes” (Pascarella, et. al, 388). There is evidence to support grades of undergraduates success will lead to the student earning a bachelor’s degree and future graduate degrees.

The fact that neither of my parent have attended college makes it harder for me to know what the financial situation would look like. As the first person in my family to attend college, I never knew that money can become one of the biggest obstacles that can affect my chances of reaching an education. Everyday I am faced with thoughts on whether or not I would have enough money to finish and receive my undergraduate degree. Renting a house with four other students, paying the monthly bills, and buying daily needs (foods, hygiene, etc) can be frustrating when money is so tight for me to pay all on my own. I am currently a student employee at the university, but the amount that I earned each month only covers the rent and the monthly spendings

Over the course of my time in English 101 I have learned so much about writing. I have had to grow in places I did not know I needed to, and I have honed the skills I already possess. It has been such a great learning experience and with every assignment I have become a better writer. It definitely was not easy, but I worked incredibly hard to be where I am now. I found that transitioning from high school level to college writing was tough, there were some assignments that worked with my strengths, and others that played on my weaknesses, and that I have enjoyed certain assignments over others. It was a long road, but I am finally at the end and have become a much better writer than when I started.

Kyle Laffin is seen ias a typical mid 20’s American. He attended college to pursue a degree in accounting and financial freedom, but this came at a cost which he didn’t imagine. He took out a loan with his father as a cosigner for a little over $100,000. Even though he got an accounting job directly out of college, he is now stuck paying back a monthly loan payment of $1,200, when he only makes $3,333 a month before taxes. This has forced his father to make payments since he cosigned the loan. His father began working two jobs and was forced to take money out of his retirement account just to be able to make those excruciating monthly payments (Woodruff).