EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 2014: Issue 2 | Page 65

CO L LE GE CO RNER Myth  #6: Teachers are smarter than students. Reality: It is true that teachers have to be knowledgeable in the area or field they’re teaching. But, teachers aren’t always smarter than students. With technology evolving rapidly, sometimes lecturers find it difficult to keep up with the latest developments in their fields of expertise – unlike, perhaps, their technologically savvy charges. In the end, teachers may find that they may learn from their students as well. Myth  #7: Private colleges Myth #8: The best time to visit colleges is after you get admitted. Reality: No, they’re not. One obvious difference between a private and public college is in terms of tuition fees (private colleges generally cost more). It doesn’t mean that private colleges are more challenging than public ones, though. Public colleges are funded and subsidised by the federal government while private colleges are financed through tuition, endowments and donations. But students shouldn’t assume that private colleges are more challenging based on this point. They should be checking whether the institutions, private or public, provide quality education. After all, they have to ensure that they get what they pay for. Myth  #9: It gets better are more challenging than public ones. 62 easyuni Guide 2014 Issue 2 Reality: DON’T! That’s a grave mistake. Imagine this: you submitted your application to a college you wish to enrol and you are accepted. You are very excited that you got a place in that college, but you have no idea where the college is located or what the surrounding area is like. When you get there and see that things aren’t exactly what you expected, all the excitement will soon turn into misery and nightmares. To avoid this, make an effort to check out the colleges and their surroundings first before sending in your application. If you have another chance, visit the place again after you have been admitted. as you get older. Reality: Actually, you have more responsibilities and less freedom than your juniors as you get older. And you cannot afford to be carefree and frivolous anymore compared to your freshman years. You have bigger responsibilities, such as being the class representative or holding important positions in societies and clubs. Many people will be observing what you do and how you act, especially your juniors. You are the one they respect and look up to, so think twice before you act. Do not let anything silly ruin your image or reputation. Myth  #10: College isn’t the real world. Reality: Says who? College years are vital as you’ll be spending them by yourself, without your parents at your side. You may not get used to leaving your home for the very first time and you will feel homesick in the first few weeks. But, eventually you have to learn to be independent. College life is a good platform for training and helping you live and do everything b