Transition from college to university...how hard is it?

[i cant tell you]

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Hi folks,
I am currently studying in college, and I am planning to transfer to university in fall 2006. I am currently holding a gpa of 3.6. My GPA would be higher if it wasnt for my first term, where i failed chem and got C's in 2 other classes. But since that term, ive been getting A's and A+'s in all my classes. I am VERY worried about how well i will do in university when i transfer because I have heard horror stories from people about university. I study really hard (10 hour days in the library on weekends, and whatever free time i get on weekdays), so i am totally willing to do all i can do. However, I am just worried that my gpa will fall big time once i transfer to university, and my chances of entering dental schools could be shattered.

I was hoping if people could describe me their transition from college to university and if there is any tips you all can give me.

Btw, I live in Vancouver, so I am gonna be transferring to UBC. So if there are UBC students on this board, their replies would also be much appreciated as well.

I would love to get as many replies and personal stories of anybody's experiences from transferring from college to university (US and Canadian students).

I put in all my effort into my studies because I love dentistry, and would really REALLY appreciate everyone who reply.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[jr8047]

Well, first I must tell you I did not go to your university, but I did make the transfer to 2 different universities from a community college. My experience was that I tended to land with the same gpa at a university as I had earned at the community college. I think the reasoning is not that the university was equally as challenging as the cc but rather it was what I was used to making and wouldn't allow myself to fall below that gpa.
As far as difficulty, I really believe it depends a lot on the class. Personally, Ochem was the most difficult for me (and I believe most others). If I were you I would get your gpa as high as possible so you have some cusion going into ochem 1/2. Also, try to schedule your classes so that you put ochem with lighter classes that require less study time.
Like you, I was nervous about the transfer from a cc to a university but I did just fine and I'm sure you will too. g'luck.

 

[tinman831]

It really depends on the person. The community colleges in my area are really a joke and do little to challenge their students. Once you get up to the university level, that will be the real test of how a student can perform. It will either bring out the best in a person, and they will succeed, or the student will struggle having never faced anything as difficult.

 

[Kniles5]

I think with your new work ethic, you should do well anywhere. Do not fear the university. Get plugged in, do research, get to know professors.... your first year's blunders will get over shadowed.
Good luck!!

 

[SuperC]

A university is more difficult hands down... But you get the hang of it and will survive.

My only suggestion is that I would ease into difficult classes. After geting straight A's at a CC I was a little big headed... Took too many difficult classes my first semester at UF and had to drop two classes. After I got the hang of it I was back to 18hr course loads and A's...

Good luck,
SuperC

 

[Mustt Mustt]

Well, first I must tell you I did not go to your university, but I did make the transfer to 2 different universities from a community college. My experience was that I tended to land with the same gpa at a university as I had earned at the community college. I think the reasoning is not that the university was equally as challenging as the cc but rather it was what I was used to making and wouldn't allow myself to fall below that gpa.
As far as difficulty, I really believe it depends a lot on the class. Personally, Ochem was the most difficult for me (and I believe most others). If I were you I would get your gpa as high as possible so you have some cusion going into ochem 1/2. Also, try to schedule your classes so that you put ochem with lighter classes that require less study time.
Like you, I was nervous about the transfer from a cc to a university but I did just fine and I'm sure you will too. g'luck.

I agree with this guy. University is not harder than CC in many sense. The material is the same usually and you have so many students that fail that you can get an A in some classes without even reading some chapters at all. It all depends on how motivated you are and what grades will make you happy. I transferrred from an Unknown CC to Michigan and I didn't have hard time at all. Not only that my GPA went up. So don't worry, but keep the hard work.

 

[dn6603]

I agree with this guy. University is not harder than CC in many sense. The material is the same usually and you have so many students that fail that you can get an A in some classes without even reading some chapters at all. It all depends on how motivated you are and what grades will make you happy. I transferrred from an Unknown CC to Michigan and I didn't have hard time at all. Not only that my GPA went up. So don't worry, but keep the hard work.

I disagree. I went to CC for a semester due to personal problem and i didn't feel like studying but still ended up with a 3.8 GPA the next semester i transfered to Stony Brook and i had to study my butt off just to make sure i got a 3.0.

 

[lovechild404]

well, think of it this way... University is A LOT harder that high school, so if people can make the transition from high school to university and get descent grades, you should, with your cc experience, be able to do the same. keep in mind: DRIVE for success > plain smart.

 

[i cant tell you]

Well one of the problems is that i have to still catch up on some first year courses when i transfer there, and almost all first year courses are bell curved, and Im afraid that that could bring me down.

Am i over reacting or did most of you guys find urselves getting lower grades in first year courses?