End of Year Survey for AY 2007-2008

What advice would you give to next year's class of 3-1-3 students about what to expect as a college student?

1. Don't take 3-1-3 unless you're planning on doing it very traditionally, i.e. English and politics first semester and more English and economics second semester and at 11:30 every day and you get there by driving. Otherwise it doesn't work because the 3-1-3 program isn't flexible. Everything is designed around students following the particular path described above.
2. Advice I would love to tell students interested or joining the 3-1-3 program, is go in expecting to work hard. I had no idea the time and effort it really takes to do good. In the past I would not study for an exam and still get a 100. College is a whole different ball game. If you want to do good, you have to put in the effort. And also, be prepared to not have the full senior year. It's not a bad thing, it is just different than everyone else. The program really is great, but make sure you can make the requirements before you sign up for it.
3. Be prepared for harder classes and tough tests. You will need to study a lot to do good.
4. 3-1-3 was an amazing experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. I didn't do as good as I could have in my psyc class but it helped me learn how to study and do things according to the teacher. I am glad I learned these skills before I am a full time study at college.
5. The one thing I would say to incoming participants would be to utilize your textbooks. You never know when seeing an equation or problem another way will help you when doing homework or studying.
6. None... you're on your own, kid
7. Even though it might be tough at times don't give up, just try as hard as you can and take advantage of the tutoring programs.
8. don’t cut class, even though it is easy sometimes
9. Prepare for the work load by doing any readings assigned my professors, attending class and taking in depth notes. It's a wonderful opportunity and as long as the students are doing their best, success will follow.
10. Don't skip class if you don't have to because it becomes very easy to fall behind in just one class. Don't be afraid to talk to the teacher outside of class, they have office hours for a reason and they aren't going to get mad if you don't understand something.
11. The number one advice I have to give is: Don't buy books (or other supplies) until after the first day of classes or an assignment is assigned!!! This is important because one of my classes had a $200 textbook for it, but on the first day of class the professor said that we would not need it. So I saved myself about $180 (because you would only get like $20 back). If you have to get a textbook see if you can get a used one, check other bookstores, and even online at like amazon.com, because I’m sure it’s cheaper, just make sure you get everything you need with it (such as software or codes).
12. I loved 3-1-3 I do not regret doing it at all. It was such a great experience and I feel very prepared for becoming a full time college student. I loved the freedom and responsibility. My only concern is asked about your teachers because I had a graduate student for one of my classes I was not pleased with and I feel for the amount you are paying you should have an experienced adult.
13. As a college student and a high school student you learn responsibility and how to manage the time in your life. My advice to future 3-1-3 students is to take it slow. Don’t feel like you have to rush through this because it goes fast enough as it is. Take advantage of your class projects because they will help you meet new people and start a new beginning.
14. Expect people to be surprised that you're still in high school if you decide to tell them, but they don't look down on you for it. I got a lot of, "that's awesome!", and what not.
15. some advice I would give is do this program for the right reasons. Also stay focused and study hard because taking the time to read and do assignments is time consuming. The time and effort you put into this will go pay off in the long run.
16. manage your time well
17. Make sure you do the reading!!!!! And don't ever put off studying like you do in high school, because this isn't high school and you can't do it all in one night and be ready. The biggest thing for me was that school has always come so easy to me in high school and I always thought it would kind of be the same in college and it's not. I'm so glad I did 3-1-3 so I figured that out before I had five classes to worry about instead of only two.
18. Consider the vacation differences when deciding to join the 3-1-3 program. The breaks aren't the same so in a sense you never really get a complete break. You might not have college but you still have high school and visa-versa. It's stressful, especially towards spring break time when you're really ready for a break in which you have nothing you have to do.
19. Work your butt off!!!
20. My advice would be to talk to your professors, and always attend class.
21. I would tell future 3-1-3 students to be prepared to be more independent academically and socially. You have to learn how to talk to people you have never seen before in your life, as opposed to people you have gone to school with your whole life. I also think you should be prepared to miss some of your high school friends, because you are not at school as much at all. Also your time management will get much better because the demands of college and high school and anything else you participate in can get hectic at times, especially towards the end of the college semester. Other than that I think 3-1-3 is such a great experience and it really is worth the effort.
22. You have to be ready to work hard. Do not be afraid to go to office hours or email your professor if you need anything most of the time they will get right back to you. Just be up front with the teachers and make sure that stay focused even in the spring when all your senior stuff is going on. I've had a great experience and I would recommend this program to anyone! Good luck next year!!
23. Don’t worry about missing out at high school, because it’s not like that. I still made it to all the pep rallies and functions. It was a great experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
24. Everyone is in class to learn, so don't feel like you're inferior to the college students. Chances are they won't know you're still in high school, and even if they do find out, they won't care at all. I made a bunch of friends who don't care a bit that I'm a few years younger than they are.
25. To get your homework done as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about it. Also manage your time and leave time for some fun!
26. My only advice is to not slack in your classes. It is important that students keep up with attendance and keep up with their course work.
27. Be prepared for a heavy course load at the end of the year (May), especially if you are taking AP exams. In the next nine days, I have two final tests, two finals, a 9 page English paper, as well as two AP tests. It is very rigorous, but I am expecting a large sense of relief when it is all over. I know it will have been worth it... I'm glad I did it. However, I feel so unattached to the high school right now. Being around college students for most of the day (who are usually up to 23 years old) and going back to high school, where I see 13-year-old walking around is a very big change. It's hard to adapt to and it makes me want to finish high school so badly, so be prepared for that feeling. It will set in a lot sooner with 3-1-3 students than with regular high school seniors. Also, during the first semester, I didn't know a single person in any of my classes. And there was no time to meet anyone. So you have to be ready to go to class for one purpose - to learn. There is no socializing, so don't expect it. It definitely made my classes a lot less fun and I never looked forward to them, but you just have to go in and do what you have to do.
28. This program is the best thing I could have done for myself. I have gotten so much out of it from new skills with computers, to new friends, to a new understanding of college life and what to expect next year. This journey is long however, and one that requires much dedication. Anyone that does it for the wrong reasons, to meet a guy/ girl, to get out of high school, for their parents or to be with friends, they won’t make it through alive, or at least with passing grades. To be successful, one has to be 100% committed for the right reason, to challenge them self! It's not a breeze but it gives one so much freedom and the feeling of being independent. To commit though is important, either you are your parents are paying for this, don’t waste money and not show up, that doesn't work. To give a fair warning some things in high school will have to be compromised or not attended, you may drift some from your class, but this all comes with rewards. Another warning, when someone says parking is bad, it is not a JOKE! Leave yourselves enough time to have a few minutes to find parking, or walk from the far lots. It is so much easier to make it through by carpooling, so you don’t have to drive every day, but again don't force anyone to commit to it. The breaks are a great plus, they never match up with high school so a lot of the time you will only have high school or college to worry about. The fact that it ends in May is awesome also, leaving time to do whatever and relax after working so hard throughout the year. Through my personal experience I have worked hard to get good grades and am taking away many great memories and friends. Everyone gains different things from doing this, but I have nothing truly negative to say about my time at Fredonia through 3-1-3. Have a great year!!!!!
29. Don't go in with a high head. Yes, the fact that you are doing 3-1-3 means you are smart, but there are many things you won't understand and there will be people who will know more then you. College grades are important, but also, don't forget about your high school classes or your senior classmates. Don't forget you are still high school and you will miss out on a lot if you don't keep in touch.
30. I highly recommend the 3-1-3 program to anyone who is willing to adapt to the change from high school to college and accept the challenge of being a freshman in and being introduced to a whole new world
31. There will be many different and interesting people on campus. Do not be afraid of them, or treat them differently. Also, do not be afraid to question your thought and opinions on issues, it's good to Grow!
32. Be prepared. you don't know what you're in for.
33. 3-1-3 is a good program in order to jump start your college career but if you wish to participate a lot in your senior year then I would advise you to deeply consider your decision.
34. My advice would be to just relax and don't worry. You will be fine. I was so worried when I started that I would get lost or I would fail. But I didn't fail and I'm still here so I didn't get lost. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. And yes while Starbucks is God's gift to coffee, be careful, you can go broke going there. And you coffee drinkers know what I mean. Go to the library and learning center. I basically lived there for one of my classes. And the tutors are so nice. Yes it does suck that you start class when all your friends are still chilling in the pool, it’s worth it cause you will realize you aren't in school that much. And you may think now that you have intentions to study when you have a break between high school and college, you most likely won’t. Me and my friends had those intentions but you end up going to lunch and having fun. Remember it’s still your senior year so have some fun. Don't completely grow up yet. And one last thing if you are patient you will find a parking spot. It's possible so don't worry but do carpool if possible. Good Luck and Have Fun!!!!!!!!
35. Do not worry about the workload. Although it is not the easiest thing in the world, it is most definitely do-able.
36. Don't worry about missing out on your "senior year" at the high school. You are able to spend time in both place. I was able to participate in sports and musical and I could get all of my college work done. 3-1-3 was an extremely fun and worthwhile experience because it made me a lot more prepared for college.