The Go Getter’s Guide for Acing University
The Go Getter’s Guide for Acing University
Let me just say it, COLLEGE IS HARD. Managing everything whilst having a social life and having fun is TOUGH, but guess what? It is doable. Sure, you’ll feel like giving up almost every week, but in the end, you’ll end up stronger and working even harder.
I’m in my senior year of college and over the past two years, I’ve learnt a couple (MORE THAN A COUPLE) things about acing the university life, sure, there’s no physical experience anymore, but guess what? We make the best of what we’re served.
I’ve interviewed a few high schoolers in order to understand their perspective on university and accordingly phrased the questions that I’m sure most high schoolers and Freshman at college have. SO LET’S GET STARTED
Is College tougher than highschool?
Let me just be honest about this, It’s different. You have to be a lot more self-reliant, proactive about academics and co-curriculars in simple terms, you have to give a shit about things. But, these years can be the most learning and transformative years of your life that can change it for the better if you give it your all.
How to get started on your Resume Building?
Personally, I started applying to EVERYTHING. That is the first step, ultimately, choosing from it is your decision. I subconsciously started building my Resume from my freshman year. The first year, It’s likely that you’re unsure of what you like, so TRY EVERYTHING. On your way, you’ll figure out what intrigues you and you can gain experience in that field of study.
Can one manage Academics and Extracurriculars?
I would suggest testing the waters before taking a deep dive. DON’T fill your plate all at once, Add one thing at a time, see how you can balance it. For instance, In my first year, alongside academics, I started tutoring for English, when I could manage that, I took up an English Writing Course to enhance my skills ( I randomly applied to this one and got in) then took up a few internships just to get an insight into one of the fields I was interested in. Sure, you can, but try one thing at a time, let it settle, then add another.
In freshman year, yes. But as you gain some experience while interning and take up side courses and your resume builds, you try HARD, LIKE REALLY REALLY HARD. You can get a paid one. Few ways to try this could be-
Have an active linkedin Presence :from the start, engage, post and look for jobs everyday (5 minutes everyday just for applying). Then email the recruiter personally, and make an impression. You’re likely to get it.
Network at College: I cannot stress this enough, talk to seniors, have great friends because you never know how an opportunity arises.
Be Proactive: about it. In my case, I got my first part time job at 18, only because I saw the posting on my college group at the right time and applied and BANG, that’s how I got it! (Obviously long story short) but you see, timing is everything.
So with all this, do your hobbies/ Extra circulars go for a toss?
Not atall, The key is always trying new things. When college began taking kathak classes (An Indian Dance Form) two years down, My schedule was incomplete without it. Find something that can help you burn steam off and stops you from burning out, whatever it is, try it without hesitating and ENJOY. The most important part is to schedule everything well, I would never have made it this far if not for daily planning and organizing.
A simple guide is not to plan the 3:3 Ratio, which I follow, three days Work: three day studying and extra circulars. This way, you also have one day to yourself.
What is one advice you would give to yourself from two years ago?
Don’t be scared. For anything. Just go for it. You’ve got all you need, just look up, give it your all. If anything, you will learn and not regret. Every experience has something to teach you. I’ve learnt all I have from all the experiences I’ve had.
You Can Do It All, Don’t Let Anyone Else Tell You Otherwise.
