College Bucket List 20 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Time
Going to college is a rite of passage to adulthood for most people. Its fun, difficult, challenging, rewarding and full of twists including spontaneous road trips. Time also flies so fast when you are in college that its over before you know it. Before the time comes that youll be too busy applying for work or postgraduate studies, take time to list the things you want to do as a college student. Theres still time to catch up and get the most of the collegiate experience with the help of this ultimate college bucket list.
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My Academic Background And High School Interests
For high school, I attended a good public school in the New York suburbs. Most of the students from my school, then and now, go on to attend 4-year colleges immediately after high school.
Because I went to a high school where most students went to college and because my parents had both gone to college and expected their children to as well, I was encouraged to start thinking about where I’d want to attend college during eleventh grade.
Growing up where I did also meant I was familiar with at least the names of a lot of Northeastern U.S. colleges , but I did not really have a sense of what schools were strong in which areas.
As a high school junior, I would likely have described myself as being extremely interested in the following college majors: creative writing, Chinese, music, neuroscience , math, or something else I hadn’t studied yet but might discover a passion for in college.
For me, a perennially curious student, the question was less “what should I go to college for” than “what should I base what colleges I apply to on.” Figuring out the answer to the question “what should I go to school for?” was particularly difficult for me since none of my interests seemed to mesh together well, at least not on a surface level.
Case in point for me: going into junior year, I wasn’t super into U.S. History , but since we had to take it in 11th grade either way, I knew that it would be better if I took AP U.S. History than regular U.S. History.
Will It Remain Relevant In The Future
Following the industrial changes being brought about by technological advancements, many jobs are now being phased out due to businesses deciding to use technology to accomplish the tasks that human workers were once used to complete.
An example of this would be booking websites that allow you to book accommodation, flights, and other activities for your holiday itinerary. Such websites are gradually phasing out the need for travel agents.
There are other careers, however, that are less likely to be phased out. One example would be teaching. Education remains a necessity for global populations, regardless of how much time progresses, and teachers are needed to provide learners with a foundation of knowledge in schools, colleges, and other institutions.
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Why You Can Trust Bankrate
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. Weve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that were putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
Our loans reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most the different types of lending options, the best rates, the best lenders, how to pay off debt and more so you can feel confident when investing your money.
Get To Know Your Professors
Its remarkable how many students go through university and never have a one to one chat with their teacher.
There are so many benefits to personal interactions with your professors.
The main one? You figure out inside tips on how to ace their classes!!
If youre an online student, an email once every few weeks checking in is a great idea. For on-campus students simply stay behind after class for an extra chat about the course content. 5 minutes is all it takes to give yourself an unfair advantage over your peers.
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Earn A College Degree Be A Better Citizen
Earning your college degree can improve the lives of those around you, too. According to the Lumina Foundation report, 40% of working-age adults with a bachelor’s degree volunteered in their community within the past year, compared to just 17% of high school graduates without any college education.
College degree holders also donated three times more money to charity than workers without any college education, were 1.5 times as likely to consistently vote in local elections and more than twice as likely to participate in a school, community or religious organization.
Southern New Hampshire University leaders shared their thoughts on why education is important and the impact it has had on their lives.
Susan Bogle is a marketing and student recruitment specialist in higher education. Follow her on Twitter or connect on .
You Dont Need A College Degree To Be Successful Heres Why
The truth is that a college degree is a required step of many careers, but not all. Decide what career you want first and check if a degree is needed. Even if a degree is not needed in the beginning, it may be required in order for you to move higher up within your company or field.
That being said, you can certainly be successful without a college degree your skills and talents can get you hired. Find out exactly what skills are needed for your career path and work hard to excel in them. You will have to be determined, self-disciplined, and goal-oriented. In the end, both education and marketable skills are key. Its up to you how you want to get that education and skills through an institution, or on your own in the real world.
Finally, do employers really check degrees? They sure do, if its important for them. For companies that require degrees, they may check your resume to find out if you really completed the accomplishments you put down. They will likely ask you about it in your interview as well.
However, many new companies today do not look at resumes during the hiring process. Instead, they will ask for written answers and a preliminary skills test during the application,and a more thorough and in-person skills test during the interview process. Your skill set, personality, and recommendations will go a long way for companies such as these.
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Options For Undecided Students
Dont forget there are plenty of resources available to you as an incoming student. While some are stronger than most, all schools have a student advising department to help you navigate all your options. Set up an appointment with an advisor early in the process. This way, they will have time to get to know you and can offer you the most appropriate guidance.
Taking advantage of online quizzes or assessments that can help match you with majors or schools that pair well with your unique abilities. While these types of tools should be taken with a grain of salt, they can be helpful to get ideas flowing when you are exploring your options.
Another less talked-about option is to take a gap year. If you feel pressured to make a decision about your major to the point that it is causing you distress, a gap year might be a godsend. It doesnt have to mean that you have given up on college altogether, just that you need some extra time between high school graduation and the start of something new. Many students are simply not ready for college right away, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If Youre Not Getting Accolades At Work Be Prepared To Get A New Job
Sadly, the office can be a competitive place. The key advantage of creating a five-year plan is that you can always use it to see where you are on your projected timeline. If you havent been promoted in three years, its time to find a new job. At least youll have all the technical skills and soft skills youve developed, ready to put on your resume.
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There Will Be Many Others Just Like You
There is a remarkable number of mature age students in college. Really. There are TONS.
Sure, there might appear to be more kids than older students. But there is certainly a handful of 25, 30, 40, and even 50 year olds in every seminar group.
University isnt just for the younger ones. You didnt miss your chance. You really are the ideal student were looking for. Youre someone who is entering university with some experience. You have things to contribute to class. Youre not just there to party. You know what you want. And youre tackling it with maturity and commitment.
Youre the perfect university student. And youll find many others at college just like you.
So, get rid of that nagging feeling of doubt. You belong perhaps more than anyone else.
It Gives You Space For Self
For many students, college is the first time in their lives they’re not living at home. During college, they learn to be self-sufficient. They learn domestic skills and budgetingeven how to motivate themselves without parental encouragement. At the same time, most college students can still go home or call home if they’re in need of some money or advice.
Many people who don’t go to college remain at home for at least a couple of years after high school. Though they often have more freedom than they did during high school, their routines and mindsets don’t change nearly as drastically as those who went to college. Anecdotally at least, even students who live at home and commute to college experience more growth than those who bypass college.
Whether you go to an in-state or out-of-state school, your college will likely expose you to a new city and environment. For instance, if you grew up in California and went to Stanford, it could still be a six-hour drive from where your family lived. You would be able to experience life in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a different vibe, culture, and climate from, say, Los Angeles. Many college students are grateful to be able to have the opportunity to live in a different environment.
Similarly, according to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, people who get a bachelor’s degree after 25 years of age exhibit fewer depressive symptoms and have better self-rated health at midlife.
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Rotc And Military Service
If you’re a high school student or already enrolled in college, the military and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps offer scholarships based on merit and grades.
ROTC scholarships consist of:
- Two-, three- and four-year scholarship options based on the time left to complete your degree
- Scholarships for room and board instead of tuition
- Monthly living expense stipends
- Stipends for fees and books
Military personnel may also qualify for several government and private assistance programs to go back to school after returning home from active duty. Here are a few to get you started:
- Military Tuition Assistance. Cover up to 100% of your college tuition through this federal program offered to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
- Post 9/11 GI Bill. This program offers full and partial tuition benefits, as well as a monthly housing stipend and annual book stipend, to qualifying veterans through the US Department of Veterans Affairs .
Top 10 College Majors
College offers you many academic freedoms. You can cultivate existing passions and explore new interestsand find a major that will put you on the career path you want.
Whatever major you choose, don’t pick based on the courses that come easiest to you, or what your friends are studying, because you’ll be cheating yourself out of some great opportunities and self-discovery!
We compiled this list of best college majors based on research covering job prospects, alumni salaries, and popularity. That doesnt mean every course of study listed here will guarantee you a job, or a huge paycheckbut each of these majors does offer unique intellectual challenges and will help you develop skill sets that will be applicable in a variety of professional positions.
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College Graduates Are More Likely To Experience Job Satisfaction
A 2016 Pew Research report found that 77% of workers with a post-graduate degree and 60% of workers with a bachelor’s degree believe their job gives them a sense of identity, versus just 38% of those with a high school diploma or less. Workers with a bachelor’s degree or more advanced education were are also significantly more to say their job is a career, with 70% viewing their job as a career compared to just 39% of workers with no college education .
Why Start In Elementary School
Teachers, administrators and principals interested in computer science and coding can look to open-source curriculum to help bring volunteer-based programs into their schools. CodeEd, a non-profit volunteer program that teaches principles of computer science and programming to girls in New York, Boston and San Francisco, starts as early as grade six. Its founders understand that an interest in computer science and an I-can-do-this attitude should be nurtured early.
Weve seen that children clearly have the capacity to learn complex computer science concepts from an early age, Angie Schiavoni of CodeEd says.
Computer science can be introduced to students at a young age, but the concepts must be simple to understand, reports the Computer Science Teachers Association. Charlie King of CLEARLINK suggests that kids should start coding and delving into computer science as soon as they show an interest. Specific age may not be as important.
Fourth or fifth grade is a fun place, he says. They have wild imaginations and dont believe in limitations. My son is in fifth grade and he is loving it.
Here are a few reasons to add computer science and coding to education at the elementary-education level.
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English Language And Literature
If you find yourself generally immersed in some bookanything from Shakespeare to Cheryl Strayedyou will likely find others just like you in the English department studying the trochaic octameter of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” the stunning word choices of narrative nonfiction author Annie Dillard, or the experimental elements of the writings of Walter Abish. English programs focus on literature, language, and writing, and an English major will encounter a wide array of absorbing works of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from around the world and throughout history. Analyzing the works of the greatest minds and imaginations that human civilization has produced will surely sharpen your critical, emotional, creative, and moral faculties. The study of literature also helps to shed some light on the answers to the enduring questions of the human condition. This degree is tremendous preparation for a future in law, journalism, publishing, graduate studies, and just about anything else.
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Put Together A Shower Kit
Master your resident hall shower routine by keeping all of your toiletries and shower necessities together in a portable caddy! Also, keep in mind residence hall showers are used by many people, and even though theyre cleaned regularly, they can still be host to germs and bacteria. Wearing a pair of shower shoes or flip-flops every time you shower can help keep your feet protected! Its also a good idea to switch out your towel for a fresh one at least once a week and wash them regularly to avoid bacteria build-up.
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Community Shattered By Sudden Tragedy
As the last day of school was drawing near, Robb Elementary students were celebrating with special themed dress days, including Tuesdays theme of Footloose and Fancy. Students were encouraged to come dressed in nice outfits and show off their fun footwear, according to a post on the schools Facebook page.
But by Tuesday afternoon, shaken students were being bused to the civic center-turned-reunification site. As the evening stretched on, some parents began to learn their young children had not survived.
We see people coming out just terrorized. Theyre crying one by one. Theyre being told that their child has passed on, state Sen. Roland Gutierrez told CNN on Tuesday night from the site.
As news of the shooting broke in Uvalde, Robb Elementary parents were told students were being taken to the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, according to a post on the school districts Facebook page. The site quickly became the epicenter for families looking for their children, and scenes of devastation began to play out as victims were identified.
Parents were asked for DNA swabs to confirm their relationships to their children and instructed to wait an hour for an answer, at least four families told CNN.