As we’ve been reading in your textbook, adjusting to college culture and expectations are part of being a first-year college student. There are some important differences between college culture and high school culture (or another educational experience you may have had). In this journal entry, you will explore some of the typical adjustments experienced by new students as well as talk about the expectations college educators have for their students and why those expectations are important to student success.
Read the “The First Year of College Will Be an Experience” and “College Culture and Expectations” sections of Chapter 1 in your textbook. Then, respond to the following prompts:
Describe which of the six areas of adjustment you think will be the least challenging for you, and which do you think will be most challenging? What can you do now to prepare for the more challenging transitions?
In a separate paragraph, describe one aspect of college culture and expectations that you found surprising. How is this aspect different from what you experienced in your previous school environment?
Format
Entry must be a minimum of 2 pages.
Use Times New Roman, 12-point font.
Use double spacing with a 1-inch margin.
Use professional language.
Journal Content
Exemplary
Journal entry is well thought-out with clearly presented content. Exhibits reflective thought throughout. All key areas and writing prompts are fully addressed.
Not Acceptable
Journal entry remarks offer no insight into the writing prompts and are irrelevant to course content.
Format and Organization
Exemplary
Format is excellent and meets all criteria. Well-organized with excellent flow of ideas.
Not Acceptable
Format does not meet criteria. Ideas have no obvious organization.
Grammar and Mechanics
Exemplary
Thoroughly proofread, the assignment contains 0-3 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors and is easy to read. APA or MLA citations/references are used accurately and consistently, if applicable.
Not Acceptable
The assignment contains more than 10 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors that detract from the content and make it very difficult to read. A major revision is needed. APA or MLA citations/references are not used, if applicable.
