<p>How many classes should we take typically?
about 4 classes -- 5 classes can be an overkill, but not for those who are well-prepared -- general requirement classes (like math, english, history) tend to be rather easy -- still the first quarter/semester students usually get lower gpa than they are capable of</p>
<p>How many club activities should we commit to?
generally freshmen and sophomores are much more involved in very diverse types of activities, organizations, and clubs i remember there was a lot of partying going on 1st year, a bit less 2nd year, it decreased significantly 3rd year, and picked up by end of 4th -- during junior year there is more pressure with academics, as people start taking harder, more in-depth courses that pertain to their major many also start studying for graduate and professional school examinations 4th year people might work hard to graduate, they might be filling out applications and interviewing for various programs -- less time is available for partying and recreational activities, such that some people drop everything by 3rd-4th year -- as freshman, you would typically join as many organizations as hold your interest -- but not everyone gains rank in these so some people with less than genuine interest drop out, which is perfectly ok because graduate and professional schools weight some other parameters more heavily than if you were a treasurer of something or other (so it is different form HS application process) -- generally by 3rd-4th year people keep fewer activities and the ones that are most dear to them (it is sport for some, religious affiliation for others, or an occupational organization like a pre-dental club)</p>
<p>Is college freshman life wholly different from high school life?
yes, both socially and academically -- if you are going to a big university and you're not a social butterfly, you'll surely have trouble connecting with people -- in high school, with only hundreds of students you see every day, it is often easier to establish relationships -- in college, some kids end up depressed about being unable to fit in with their roommates (roommates might suck badly too) or find friends right away (some even end up needing professional help) but the trick is to realize that it is not only you who has trouble in this new place -- and this goes for all troubles you face in college it is not only you -- and it is ok to be alone, it is ok to fit into whatever group you want to fit in, it is ok to spend all your time reading or engaging in some activity you really like, it is ok to do whatever you like, it is even ok to drop out or take academic leave if you need -- because adult life is starting and some of the "supervisory" elements (like parents and teachers) are gone so you're beginning to mold your own life more and more -- so you better mold it into something you will enjoy rather than what others require of you</p>
<p>there is also a significant pressure to pick a profession -- few students have real passions for some field, more have multiple strong interests, yet there are those who do not have any particularly strong interests -- what do you do then? -- and of course, almost everyones is unsure of what you can do with some degree or other and how you can promote your budding career -- and what do you do after college?</p>
<p>some of the responsibilities are also shifted to our own shoulders -- I never thought I would say this, but living a part of a family is easier than living on your own with roommates, even if your family is a bit dysfunctional going to college you now have to do things like buy food to it and transport it home, wash dishes, do own laundry, things that perhaps your parents took care of? -- if you want money, you need to find a job, write a resume, go to interviews, work, do taxes, pay all kinds of bills and on time -- most students get cars when they go to college that they now have to take care of, wash, refill, repair
there are all these little things that just build up and take up more of your time</p>
<p>academically, if you have a different professor every semester/quarter for every subject, it might be hard to adjust to everyone's teaching style -- some professors don't give a damn about educating anyone and they teach only because they are required to (as opposed to majority of HS teachers) -- one prof even told me once that very good evaluations from students are not looked favorably upon as it is considered that the prof spent too much effort teaching, instead of doing research (so there you go) -- however, you do give a damn about your education and future -- so even though classes are only a few hours each day, the burden of studying is now shifted onto your shoulders -- the pace is whatever the professor wants it do be -- if you have to memorize glycolysis, Krebs cycle, fatty acid oxidation and biosynthesis of amino acids in 2 months along with all the chemical structures, byproducts, and 3 other courses on your shoulders and work, then so be it the prof will lecture about 3 hours a week and everything else you read on your own -- the information is no longer digested for you as much as it was in HS -- you have to go and read textbook and figure things out yourself -- and it is your responsibility to go get help if you need (find a tutor, or go bug your TA, or go to office hours)</p>