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I was homeschooled from 6th through 12th grade and starting college this semester. What do I need to know to make this a smooth transition?
With an estimated 2.3 million home-schooled students in America, many of these students have concerns about making the transition to a college-learning environment. Most homeschooled students flourish in college, with some research suggesting that these students actually achieve higher GPAs than their freshman counterparts. However, the social elements and shift from one-on-one attention to a larger learning center are things that the homeschooled student will face. Acknowledging the potential issues and concerns can help to smooth the transition.
Lots of my friends use online dating apps. Are they just looking or do students really find romance with this?
Your short question exposes the major flaw in the online dating world. There seems to be more shopping and looking around, rather than true romantic outcomes. Research shows that over 15% of Americans have used online dating; however, 15% of marriages did not result from these virtual introductions. Let us answer your question and find the reason for this digital disconnect.
New internet start-ups are dominated by men, which makes me hesitant to work on my idea. Why are there so few women entrepreneurs?
While your observation is correct, the good news is that female entrepreneurship is on the rise. Our culture is growing more robust with enterprising women equipped with knowledge, inspiration, creativity and funding. The rate of women entrepreneurs has been increasing at a percentage at least double that of males. But the gender composition of our culture’s most influential leaders indicates that there is still a way to go. Differences among the genders in terms of work experience, resources, deep-rooted biases, and social ties are a few of the issues that you need to overcome.
My parents finally told me we were in the U.S. illegally. Can I still apply to college and get a scholarship?
Although over one million immigrant children without legal status live in the U.S., fewer than 6,500 of them are estimated to go on to attend college. We receive a lot of questions from undocumented children who erroneously think that because they are not documented, they cannot access higher education. Yet students do have legal options. Armed with the right information and assistance, you can pursue higher education.
I get bad headaches sometimes when I go to lecture halls. I really believe it’s the bright lights. Does this make any sense?
Your question is shared by many students, because the college lifestyle often increases the risk for headaches. Researchers claim that headaches and their causes is an understudied and overlooked subject where students are involved. Your question does make a lot of sense, so let us find out why.
I was invited to join a study group. I think more time will be spent gossiping than studying. Are there any real benefits to a study group?
Your basic yes or no question leads to awareness of an entirely new approach to learning, social learning theory. It is now entering our educational system and going to have a large impact on the future.
My friends are taking pills to help study. Years ago, they took speed to do an all-nighter. How can drugs help you study?
How do drugs and alcohol make you feel good? They induce changes in the brain and metabolic functions, but there is a physical cost and risk associated with these, such as possible long-term abuse. So-called study drugs are no miracle fix and exact a toll on you.
My friends are looking to work for big companies after graduation. Should I consider joining a tech start-up right out of college?
When we hear the phrase tech start-up, you think of tech giants like Microsoft, Facebook and Google, which were founded by college students. However, the stats show that over 90% of tech start-ups fail. We assume you do not have the prescience to determine whether your opportunity will succeed or fail. All start-ups seem to be great ideas. Here is what you should consider.
I have personal stuff all over Facebook. I don’t want a possible employer looking at this. How do I clean up my mess?
I sense the urgency in your question, since you will soon be applying for jobs. While you need to remove the negatives from FB, do not overlook the flip side. Your FB account can also be a marketing tool, giving potential employers insight into your character and abilities.
I know Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. Why don’t I see more women in computer classes?
This is a particularly sensitive question. The doors are open, but many women choose not to enter into the world of computers. What is happening at elementary school through college that may lead girls on a different path?