Calling all college grads!

[CynanMachae]

Lemme get some advice from you guys. Right now I'm really searching for some purpose and drive down here in TN, and I think I know what I can do...

I wanna start college this January/Spring semester, rather than waiting till next year. I DO have two older brothers still in college(one of whom will graduate this spring) and I'm pretty sure my parents don't have the funds for three college kids, but if I CAN pull it off I will try.

Here's my question to all you college experts:

For a guy who's planning on majoring in History, would it be better for me to start in January, or might that mess up things down the road a couple years?

One one hand, starting in January might do weird things to my schedule in a couple years - for instance, if I'm a sophomore and I want to take sophomore classes that aren't offered the semester I'm in... it could mean extra semesters down the road.

On the other hand, I've been rather depressed lately, and starting school is the first thing I've been excited about in a long time. I know I could do well, because I have a bunch of energy that needs to be released somewhere. Going to college would give me the drive I'm looking for, so I will enter it with a passion for life, and an excited desire to be there.

Should I stay or should I go? (As the songwriter says)

[cree8ivone]

If I had the choice, I would still be in school. I love it! It is most definitely my element whether I am teaching or learning.

[DanTheMan]

I started in January and it kinda messed me up socially. That and I took took many credits that first semester. If you want to go to college and the classes are of real value to you, than I would recommend it. You should not do it solely based on whether you are depressed or not. Doing poorly in school could cause greater depression, doing well could greatly increase your confidence. Also, consider the financial consquences of going to college. Can you afford it? I feel that students should pay a good portion of the college costs so that the classes are important too them. Me - I picked up too many loans at first and struggled financially later.

College is good if you are dedicated. Don't go to get a girl. Don't because someone tells you to. Don't go because it looks fun.

And, Cynan, stay away from the girls for a while. IMHO

[CynanMachae]

dantheman said:

I started in January and it kinda messed me up socially. That and I took took many credits that first semester. If you want to go to college and the classes are of real value to you, than I would recommend it. You should not do it solely based on whether you are depressed or not. Doing poorly in school could cause greater depression, doing well could greatly increase your confidence. Also, consider the financial consquences of going to college. Can you afford it? I feel that students should pay a good portion of the college costs so that the classes are important too them. Me - I picked up too many loans at first and struggled financially later.

College is good if you are dedicated. Don't go to get a girl. Don't because someone tells you to. Don't go because it looks fun.

And, Cynan, stay away from the girls for a while. IMHO

Haha... ;D Good advice Dan. I'm pretty sure I would do well if I were to start, but, as you said, money is a big issue... that's why I'm waiting for my dad to respond to my E-mail. I can't start without his help, so it's really in his hands.

BUT, I can't explain how excited I would be to start. I've met so many people that are going to Bryan, and I go up to campus every day... I can't wait till I start, wether it's sooner or later...

Thanks for the advice guys!

[dinadan]

The "stay away from the girls for a while" advice is good. I got into some serious trouble academically because of relationship issues.

The problem with starting second semester--as far as messing up classes and years--is probably minimal. I go to a pretty small univ and we sometimes have problems with required classes/people being on track. The beauty of a small school is, however, that the profs get to know you and its often easier to get exceptions made. Make decisions for taking classes carefully WITH your academic advisor and I suspect that this won't be an issue.

If you are willing to pour yourself into the work, I'm sure you'll find it a rewarding experience. What makes or breaks people in college is whether or not they can be self-motivated. I've got lots of friends who were geniuses in highschool, but bombed out in college because they couldn't make the trasition to working without a net. I'm not trying to freak you out or anything, but it is different. The rewards, however, are proportionate to the risks.

And sometimes, all that you need to do in order to snap out of depression is stretch yourself a little. I think you can do it.

[CynanMachae]

Thanks man.

[Zeke]

if you want to start in first semester but in the first half of the year you could come down to the land of Oz that is when first semester starts.

[CynanMachae]

Oh, wow, Zeke... that would be awesome... unfortunately Bryan College is the only College I've ever considered, and the only one I ever will. It's just that cool.

[amodman]

Just go, lol. There's my expert opinion. Unless you have a good reason not to...even if you didn't know your major, there's still Gen Eds to take, etc.