From High School to College: Structure

In high school, many of you were involved in sports, extra curricular activities, or working/volunteering in the community. But these distractions from school work were often closely monitored by others. Things like curfews, practice hours, and daily schedules were set up in a structured way to help you succeed personally and academically.

College will have it's own opportunities and you should look to get involved, work a part-time job, or engage in volunteer work. However, you are free to choose what you want to do - and get as much or little as involved as you wish.

When it comes to time and schedule, consider these ideas about your college experience:

• You often have time between classes; scheduled class times vary throughout the day and evening
• You spend only 12 to 16 hours each week in class
• The academic year is divided into two separate 16-week semesters including a final exam week (not including summer school)
• You arrange your own schedule in consultation with your academic advisor. Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are.

Time management is a survival skill that is essential for being successful in college!  You want to have balance instead of finding that you have too much nor not enought free time!