From Kindergarten to College

College: How to Survive as a Freshman
With Brooke Barr
Director, Kaplan's Pre-college Distance Learning
Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001; Noon EDT

Are most incoming college freshman ready to handle the many challenges that make up the first year of college -- freedom from mom and dad, exponentially more reading and homework than most high school seniors experience, financial struggles, living in a dorm and finding oneself as an individual?

Brooke Barr, executive director of Kaplan's pre-college programs, will be online Thursday, Aug. 16 at Noon EDT to answer questions on how new college students can ensure a successful first year.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Brooke Barr: Welcome! I'm Kaplan's director of pre-college distance learning and I'm delighted to fill in for Chad Schaedler who, unfortunately, is unable to join us.

Alexandria, Va.:
I was wondering if there was any sort of advice that you would give to freshmen (on studying, time management, socializing, etc.) what would it be? Is there anything you wish you were told?

Also I'm going off to one of the "top" colleges and I'm a bit nervous about it all. Are the top colleges any different from the others besides the intense workload and competition?

Since I might transfer to another college is there a good time to transfer?

Last but not least are there any sites or books that you know of that help freshmen adjust to college life.

Thank you very much for helping out!

Brooke Barr: This is a great set of questions. Let me take them one at a time. First, one of the most important tips I can give you is to stay organized! For the first time, you are really in charge of your daily schedule. While you may only be in the classroom for 15-20 hours a week, college is a full-time endeavor. Give yourself a weekly plan for classes, studying, extra curriculars, and fun.

Brooke Barr: Top colleges can be tough but in many ways, they're organized just like any other college. You'll find the real difference is your classmates...who are just as interesting and dedicated as you are! Plan to give yourself time to get to know your peers. You'll learn a lot from each other.

South Bend, Ind.: As a classroom teacher, may I ask what, in your experience,do students find most helpful,as well as least helpful, in the structure of lectures and discussions? In other words, what's good and what's bad in classroom experiences?

Brooke Barr: This is interesting...to look at the first year experience from the teacher's point of view. Most freshmen are used to highly structured high school classrooms so be sure to give plenty of direction at the begining of the year. Just a printed syllabus may not be enough. Talk about your expectations and how much time and effort you expect from your students outside of class. If you've assigned a mid-semester paper, remind them in about the 3rd week or so to start thinking about the assignment.

Suffolk, VA: This is a message to all college freshmen, take the first 2 years of college seriously, they are the hardest parts of college life. Don't think of your new found freedom from mom and dad as a way to party and slack off, you will not be able to makeup for lost ground if you fall behind. When I was a freshman 11 years ago, I thought it was great that I can pick my own schedule, miss classes without getting in trouble, party whenever I want, uncollected homeworks, NOT a good idea. Needless to say, I got really bad grades the first year and I was never able to make up the really low GPA I got. Anyway, you have a lot of time to party after college, don't waste the opportunity.

Brooke Barr: Thanks for sharing your experience. This is good advice. Balance is important. Part of college is exploring new social and extra-curricular experiences but your first responsibility is your classes. Choose ones that you're genuinely interested in and it won't be so hard to stick to the books

Brooke Barr: Back to an earlier question about transferring schools...most transfers occur between the sophomore and junior year. It can often be quite difficult to be admitted as a transfer student--even harder than being admitted as a freshman so your first year grades are really important. But another question to ask yourself is why are you already thinking of transferring? If you've been admitted to a top school, make the best of the opportunity you have at hand.

Fairfax, Va.: I am an incoming freshmen, and a fairly bad test taker. I undestand that the majority of a persons grades, come on midterm, and final exams. When it comes to these no matter how much I study, my performance is usually lacking. Is there anything I should try my first semester to help me out when it comes down to these examinations?

Brooke Barr: It is true that college grades often come from just a couple of tests and/or papers. First, ask your professors early in the semester what form the test will be...is it multiple choice? Essay? Other? Then, be sure you understand what the professor is looking for. You'll be given a syllabus or guide to the course at the beginning. Read it closely...it's telling you the professor's priorities...these are the topics you'll see on the tests.

Then, if it's an essay-based test, try writing a sample or two in advance. Ask your professor or teaching assistant to review it and see if it's what they expect. On test day itself, relax and remember that if you've studied the right material, you won't be tripped up on test day.

Bethesda, Md.: I've always been a terrible procrastinator when it comes to writing papers. I got away with it in high school, but now that I'm going off to college, I'd like to do something to limit the number of all-nighters I'll have to pull. Any strategies?

Brooke Barr: You know the answer is the hard one...start early! Get a datebook or organizer and give yourself earlier deadlines. Give yourself a date at least three weeks in advance as a "get-started" date. Also, break the project up into several pieces. Is this a research paper? Then pick a topic as soon as the paper has been assigned and go straight to the library (or go online) to get the materials you need. Take notes as you go so when it's time to start the draft, you're not starting from scratch. Get a study buddy who will nudge you along. And good luck!

washingtonpost.com: What are some basic tips that you give to freshmen for living on their own the first time, study habits and overwhelming amounts of schoolwork and events on campus?

Brooke Barr: Your first weeks will be overwhelming...you'll get introduced to your classes, campus life, extra-curriculars and (we hope) romance!

Remember that you don't have to take on the entire college experience in the first month. Pace yourself. First get yourself into and acquainted with your classes.

Set a study schedule FIRST! Then choose just one or two extra-curricular activities to get involved in. Give yourself one major activity such as a varsity sport or a big role in a play and then one more relaxed or casual one. That's plenty to get you started.

Arlington, Va.: What do you do if you don't get along with your roommate?

Brooke Barr: Give yourself and your roommate a chance to get to know each other. If first impressions are not favorable, back off, focus on getting to know other people in your dorm, classes, etc. But keep the door open to your roommate. Perhaps things will look better after time. Also, learning to get along with someone who's NOT your best friend is an incredibly valuable skill in college, work and life.

College Park, Md.: What can a freshman do to be not stressed and calm about the first year. It's a pretty anxious experience for the first semester. I don't know if I want to be partying all the time either. Do the same cliques apply in college?

Brooke Barr: First of all, college can be a terrific time in your life. It's a chance to try new things and explore new sides to yourself. Independence can be very exciting. Again, balance is the key. Don't be afraid to stick to the values you came in with. You're still going to be you even as you try new things. There will be cliques, just like in high school, but you all get to start fresh and generally there are many more ways to get connected so don't be too concerned about being in the one "right" clique.

For the bad test taker:: Definitely talk to your professors and TA's early on! And try to find out if a differnt style of test would be more appropriate for you. My "best" test-taking styles are essays and oral exams, and several of my professors arranged for me to take separate tests from the rest of the class, to better suit my strengths. Now, not all of them can be this accommodating, but it never hurts to ask!

Brooke Barr: Here's a great tip from another chatter. One of the very best things you can do is to talk to and get to know your professors and TA's. Don't be the one sitting in the back of the classroom and never raise your hand. Professors are generally delighted to get to know their students and it's hard for them to reach out to you when they're lecturing in front of big classes. The more you talk to them, the more you'll learn, and the better you'll do.

Alexandria, Va.: Afternoon. My brother will be a freshman in college soon. What advice or tips would you give him?

Brooke Barr: Again, the best advice I can give is...start with the main purpose for college--to learn. Plan your studies first and then plan the fun stuff around them.

And don't forget to bring something familiar from home!

Brooke Barr: Back to an earlier question, "Last but not least are there any sites or books that you know of that help freshmen adjust to college life."

I recommend "Yale Daily News Guide to Succeeding in College" and we've got some great info, including our "FreshManual" on www.kaptest.com/college

To: College Park, Md.: Don't worry about the getting in the right "cliques", most likely if you are attending a mid to large population college, there will be atleast 10,000 other students running around the campus with you, everyone is pretty much anonymous in college, there are no "popular" groups unlike high school. Best thing you can do is relax and just be yourself, don't worry too much about getting in with the "in" crowd.

Brooke Barr: Here's another great tip from another chatter. I agree wholeheartedly. People will tend to get together based on common academic or extra-curricular interests and by dorm/living groups. There will be plenty so feel free to explore.

TA in College Park, MD: More ideas for the person worried about exams: Check your syllabus carefully to see if class participation counts toward your final grade. Many professors (at least in the humanities) do count class participation; in my class, it's worth 20% of your grade, so there is a lot to balance out the midterm and final. Make sure that you do a good job of participating--you don't have to dominate the class, but be sure that your professor knows that you're in class, paying attention and commenting from time to time. It's a good idea, too, to meet with your professor during office hours and ask what criteria are being used to evaluate your class participation--that way, you can be sure that your participation will help offset any exam problems.

Brooke Barr: Thanks TA! The best learning is person-to-person so do participate. Honest questions are always part of good learning. And your TA's are another great resource. These are generally advanced graduate students or "professors-in-training." They're often extremely knowledgeable and excited about their work and tend to be very approachable. Some of my best teachers in college were my TA's.

Los Angeles, Calif.: For the college freshmen:
I've been out of college for about 4 years now and I just finished grad school now. College was the greatest 4 years, most important thing is don't dig yourself in a hole academically your first year. Once you've done that it will be very difficult to climb out. Get involved with extra-curriculars (it was my life and helped me get into grad school), and study abroad! This is the perfect time to do it. It may seem difficult, but if you just manage your time and remember your priorities you will have plenty of time to party and do well at the same time. But don't allow yourself not the enjoy these years.

Brooke Barr: Good point, LA. Study abroad is another great opportunity available at many colleges (and if it's not available from your school, you can apply to another school's program). Top grades are often a consideration for these programs (especially the ones that come with scholarships), so this is another reason to stay focused during your first years.

McLean, Va.: Big factors for success in college is time management and organizational skills.

Does Kaplan teach those type of courses? If not, can you recommend a good place to learn those (other then self-help books)?

Thanks.

Brooke Barr: I'm sorry, we don't. I know you asked for classes and not self-help books, but I can recommend our "Learning Power" available at www.kaptest.com/store

Sticking to your values: What if you see something sketchy among other students? Who can you go to without getting involved? Also, what info. can we get on campus safety and harrassment?

Brooke Barr: Campus safety and harrassment are topics generally covered in freshman orientation so be sure to attend and not just wander off to another party. As for other student's behavior, if you're uncomfortable or afraid, tell someone. Your residential advisor, the health center or the campus police (depending on the issue) are all possible resources.

Keep in touch with your own values. If you've attended church, synagogue, etc., at home, find the campus equivalent at school. But college is also about getting to know and learn from people who have different backgrounds and values from you so keep an open mind about what is and is not "sketchy" behavior.

College Park, Md.: Do professors give freshman a break? What if you are not a good test taker or essay writer? Do study groups help and I want to know if there are test prep centers. I imagine that the tests are different from high school.

Brooke Barr: Some classes are especially designed for freshmen but don't expect a special grading scale just for freshmen. Study groups can be helpful as long as you stay on topic. Many schools have a tutoring center or academic help center where you can get help with your writing, math and testing skills. Locate these early on even before you need help on a particular assignment then don't be afraid to ask for help. The college provides these services for a reason--to help you!

Reston, Va.: My observation is that many high school seniors are not given the responsibility of making important choices during their senior year, nor are many of them given the right to make decisions about their hours. As a result, their first year away from parents creates a feeling of FREEDOM to control their use of time, hour to be back in the dorm, etc.

If more parents gave children more say in their free hours their senior year and more decision making responsibility, going off to college would not be such a major change for them and they would be better prepared.

One cannot wave a wand and change a person from a dependent child with parents making all their decisions to an adult that makes all their own decisions. Teaching a child to become an adult requires several years.

One of the most astounding things I have heard and seen is that when many college students return home after their freshman year where they have had total freedom to their parents home where they go back into a home where they are treated like children and must be in by ten.

Brooke Barr: It is true that the jump from high school to college can be a dramatic one. And it would be nice if that change were gradual. But parents are often protective for good reasons.

If you discover during your freshman year that you've bitten off more than you can chew, don't despair. It's always possible to get back on track. If you made some bad choices early on, there are resources on campus to help you recoup.

Arlington, Va.: re: procrastinating on papers
Another way to prepare for a paper is to talk to your professor. Tell him/her the topic you're interested in and ask for feedback. Your professor will help you focus your topic and will probably tell you the key books and articles you should use. The paper won't write itself, but talking to your professor more than once will help you shape the paper so that he/she will react positively.

P.S. Even a poorly organized paper can be helped by very good writing. If you are unsure about English grammar--especially sentence structure and vocabulary--go to your school's writing center, where they will help you out. Do not underestimate the value of good writing skills!

Brooke Barr: Great advice on procrastination. College students too often discover that the writing skills called for in college are significantly higher than those you needed in high school. Some TA's and professors will even review an early draft to see if you're on track.

Washington, D.C.: Print out the academic calendar, and make a note when the 'boring' deadlines are (when you can withdraw from a class, change the grade status to pass/fail, when application deadlines are for scholarships, when to pre-register for classes, etc). I'm worked with many students who missed important deadlines because they were not aware of them. Ignorance is not necessarily bliss in this case.

For example, a class a colleague teaches is very popular. The class fills within 15 minutes on the day course registration opens on the web. Late-comers and those who 'forgot' might not able to get this popular elective.

No one is going to automatically remind you of these 'deadlines', and some offices (scholarship agencies) can be very particular about this. This may be one difference from the more relaxed atmospheres at high schools.

Brooke Barr: More great advice from an academic source. You are now responsible for your choices so don't miss out just by missing a deadline.

Start with all the materials you're probably now receiving from your college. Have you written all of the important information about freshman registration, orientation, and special events in a calendar or organizer? If not, what are you waiting for??

Brooke Barr: Another common issue for incoming students is "stuff." What should you bring/not bring? Definitely follow the recommendations of the school particularly when it comes to big ticket items like computers and furniture. Don't invest in a computer that's not compatible with the school's network and don't spend a lot on furniture that may not fit into your room! Try to coordinate with your roommates.

Sterling, Va.: As a college teacher, my first recommendation is that you ALWAYS go prepared for class. When your teacher gives you a reading assignment, read it BEFORE you go to class to hear the discussion. If in your reading you have a question for which you cannot find an answer, you will know to ask the teacher that question. Many students go unprepared for a lecture; the teacher lectures; the student doesn't undersatnd and assumes it will be in the reading assignment and doesn't ask the teacher for an answer; the student never gets the answer; and he/she remains confused.

There is nothing so wonderful as students that are prepared and who can contribute to a discussion in the classroom. That is when real learning occurs.

I RECOMMEND THAT STUDENTS NOT CRAM! The result will be a graduate without knowledge who wonders why he/she can't find or keep a job. One must get information from short term memory (cram) into long term memory!

Brooke Barr: I'm delighted to get such great advice from college instructors. OK, students, you've got the word directly from the source so go and have a fabulous first year!

RE: Break for Freshmen: The thing freshmen have to remember is that unlike high school where there's little interaction between grades, in college, most courses are mixed, because of electives. You might have a class like English or Music or Sociology which are popular elective classes with Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors all in the same classes. Do not be intimidated! Also, unfortunately, unlike high school where they monitor your progress in school, you have to write your own ticket in college. Help is there, don't be afraid to use it or wait for someone to tell you, find it and use it.

Brooke Barr: I agree, don't wait for a professor to notice that you're confused or need help. You need to take the initiative.

Brooke Barr: Thank you all for your terrific questions and contributions. I hope that this has been helpful and that you go off to school with confidence. If you're looking for more advice, check out our "Fresh Manual" at www.kaptest.com/college.

Good luck!

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