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1: Exploring College

  • Page ID
    52360
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    • 1.0: Prelude to Exploring College
      This page discusses a student survey that evaluates feelings about meeting college expectations and promotes reflection. It profiles two students, Reginald and Madison, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to education. The chapter emphasizes understanding the purpose of college, navigating its culture, and accessing resources for success. Ultimately, recognizing personal goals and preparing for transitions is crucial for success in higher education.
    • 1.1: Why College?
      This page encourages students to reflect on their motivations for attending college and emphasizes understanding one's "why" through "The Five Whys" questioning technique. It highlights the benefits of a degree, such as increased earnings and job satisfaction, while acknowledging that success is possible without one.
    • 1.2: The First Year of College Will Be an Experience
      This page outlines the essential adjustments students face in college across six areas: academic, cultural, emotional, financial, intellectual, and social. It emphasizes the challenges posed by increased academic demands, cultural diversity, emotional shifts, financial issues, fulfilling intellectual pursuits, and new social interactions.
    • 1.3: College Culture and Expectations
      This page discusses the transition to college for first-year students, emphasizing the need to adapt to academic language, customs, and greater independence in learning. Key elements include fostering relationships with professors, understanding hidden rules, and managing academic pressures. Students often face challenges such as unexpected grades, stress, and feelings of inadequacy.
    • 1.4: How Can This Book And This Course Help?
      This page highlights the significance of purpose, strategies, and resources for success in college and beyond, focusing on grit and resilience through the journeys of Reginald and Madison. It provides tools for self-awareness, skill enhancement, and interaction, while encouraging the use of technology and linking skills to future careers. Ultimately, it promotes self-reflection and perseverance in achieving both academic and personal objectives.
    • 1.5: Summary
      This page outlines the transition to college, highlighting reasons for attending and the benefits of a degree. It prepares students for expected changes and discusses college culture, including unique customs and language. The chapter also provides resources to enhance skills and delve deeper into the topics covered.
    • 1.6: Rethinking
      This page prompts reflection on initial perceptions and expectations of college, urging a reassessment informed by new insights. It emphasizes the importance of understanding college expectations, clarifying goals, personal accountability in learning, and effective collaboration with faculty and peers.
    • 1.7: Where do you go from here?
      This page stresses the significance of smoothly transitioning into college and its long-term advantages, urging readers to investigate various topics like the true value of a college degree, the “hidden curriculum,” learning strategies, and available college resources for personal growth. Additionally, it includes an exercise on creating an annotated bibliography of three to five credible sources to deepen understanding and support academic success.

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