<p>Great post! I plan to share with my son.</p>
<p>I agree with northeastdad, the realities of college depend on the challenge of the program.</p>
<p>Our son managed 3.8 average with minimal studying at his large diverse public high school. Took standard college prep classes but no AP. Could have accomplished much more had he been interested. </p>
<p>He chose to attend a college where he stands perhaps at the 25th percentile of admitted students. We hear much from him about all night study sessions, numerous long papers, tough exams. We're thrilled he's finally challenged.
Meanwhile, he seems immensely happy and has made many friends.
Go figure!</p>
<p>BALANCE is very important. College is not only a place to work very hard with (hopefully) a payoff at some point. Make sure that you make time to enjoy the experience. Don't keep your nose in the books constantly--get out there and have some fun. Meet people. Tour the region. See the sights. Make an effort to cultivate a friendly relationship with a few of your profs--even outside class.
Conversely, you're going to meet some real die-hard boozers and pot-heads who lose all sense of moderation (and propriety!) when faced with freedom. Don't get sucked into that mindset either cuz these guys just seem to be headed on a downward spiral that is hard to recover from.
It is possible to work hard and play hard <em>if</em> you have the constitution for it (need less sleep)-but you need to know yourself and how much you can handle and still hold up your end responsibly and well.</p>
<p>Attend class! If you aren't an 8 a.m. person, don't put those in your schedule.</p>