Quote:
Originally Posted by Dionysus
15. If you're in the mood for drama. Attend SGA meetings.
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I can't tell you how hard I laughed when I read that, because it is SO true. I've always been actively involved in SGA and continued that interest in college, boy was I suprised by how heated debates can get. It's a lot of fun though, especially if it is something you are passionate about and have to convince your fellow members that its worth the time and money.
I also have to comment on a few other things:
1.
Credit cards: I don't know if you all actually know this, but when you make a purchase on a credit card and pay it off completely when you get the bill, you are delaying the benefits. Sure it will reflect that you are capable of handling the responsibility associated with credit cards and it will raise your credit score, but slowly. Let's say you have a $200 balance on a credit card, make a couple of large payments to pay it off within 3 months! Do not let a balance sit long enough to acrue a ridiculous amount of interest. You should have read all the fine print to know what the APR is on the credit card and when balances begin to gain interest! Also, for the love of God 19.9% APR is NOT a good deal!!!!! Anyway my point is that if you make consistent large payments (way over the minimum) you will raise your credit score quickly, especially if the balance is paid off within 3 months. Having friends in the finance curriculum pays off
My credit score has skyrocketed in the past year because I followed this formula.
2.
Classes: You will be suprised how wrong sites like ratemyprofessor can be. I took a class with a professor that had been praised on that site! There were very few negative reviews on his teaching style and testing. Granted his tests were incredibly easy, but I felt like I didn't learn a damn thing because he was SO boring. I think most of the class slept or entertained themselves with their laptops. I'm pretty sure the only reason he came so highly recommended was because he was so easy.
Also, I took a teacher that had some pretty tough reviews. Overall the comments said he was a great guy but graded really hard and his tests were insanely difficult. Well I didn't have a choice and I had to take him, but this was also in a subject that I am rather confident in (my minor). I worked my butt off in his class, but learned a great deal and made an A. I sucked it up and took a class against others advice. Sometimes listening to other people's opinions won't get you far and you won't learn a darn thing. Don't forget, you are in college to learn and to be challenged- so make sure you do exactly that.
3.
Office Hours: I just feel I absolutely have to repeat this because of its importance! Please do not feel intimidated by asking for help! You are not weak or dumb when you ask for help, you are actually demonstrating that you care about the class and want to do well. Also, like others have said, you never know what kind of personal connections you will get out of it. I became pretty close with two professors this past year and they are so supportive of me. The professor who I mentioned in my #2 rant has definitely become my mentor and he has "demanded" that I take him for the rest of my classes required by my minor! He has so much faith in my capabilities and wants to do everything possible to help me succeed, so that's why he wants to make sure he's the one prepping me for my future. How awesome is that? I've got this incredibly powerful professor (he's the interim department head!) in my corner because I would pop into his office for help, but we would also talk about random things- like music. Also, don't waste their time either. Don't go to the office unless you really have valid questions and really want help. You'll be taking time away from students who really do need the professor's assistance and you'll probably annoy him/her. Like I said, by all means if you are there for help and somehow another subject rises into the conversation- go with it. Just don't go there for tea and cookies, ya know what I mean?
4.
Nightlife: Ok, there is way more to college nightlife then college parties. If you are musically inclined, you will be suprised how many incredible bands will be playing near you. Good local, and small national, bands love playing in college town bars. Not only will you be exposed to different kinds of music, you will be suprised how many people from campus you meet. That cute guy in your bio class might be there and it would be a splendid time to talk to him. I've talked to people in classes that I might not normally had the opportunity to have a conversation with, and I've met people involved with all sorts of organizations. So look around campus for music flyers, find out the rock hot spots and get to it! Great way to get out on the weekend!
