Transition to a College-Sized Workload
By Lauren Hassen, Chemistry, Class of 2008
Before arriving at Case, I worried about a lot of things. Would I make friends? Would I get homesick? What if I didn't get along with my roommate? The one thing I never worried about, though, was the schoolwork. Like most Case students, I never had any trouble with my schoolwork in high school, and I expected college to be similar.
However, I quickly discovered that my high school study habits were not going to cut it at a top-rated university. The material was more difficult and was taught more quickly than I was used to, and I found myself falling behind.
I would advise incoming students to be prepared to adjust the way they study. More time and commitment will be necessary to fully understand the material. Spend a few hours studying every day, as opposed to 12 hours in a row the night before the test. Attend SI sessions for repetition and reinforcement. If you struggle, don't worry! Most professors are happy to answer your questions during their office hours, and many courses offer peer tutors as well. Take advantage of these opportunities. Lastly, allow yourself some time to adapt to changes. It won't happen overnight.
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