Studying at university: how is it different from school?
Studying at university is a lot different from learning at school. At university, you are treated as an adult and are responsible for your own results. No one is going to be looking over your shoulder – you will be in charge of your own deadlines: how, when (and if!) you meet them. In high school, the worst outcome of bad exam preparation might be a disappointed look from a teacher and perhaps the need to resit; at university, bad exam preparation could mean a whole year of studies (and fees!) down the drain. For these reasons, a lot of undergraduate students experience a shock when transitioning from school pupil to university student. This can often lead to a lot of stress, anxiety and underperformance on the course.
Fortunately, this transition can be smoothed out if you prepare for it!
Gaining relevant ‘soft’ skills such as revision and study skills, presentation skills and research into your chosen field of interest (and university life in general) within the first year can be a great help when preparing for the higher education adventure. During our Reach Spring Program, we offer our students exactly this: preparation for university. Whether you have already applied for your dream course or you are only just beginning to think about your future education, the skills improved during our program will help you achieve your best potential.
Each week we offer personalised subject classes when you spend a whole day with a university lecturer or supervisor studying topics from your chosen course in a small supervision-style group. You can get a glimpse into some of the areas studied in the first year of an undergraduate degree, and improve your understanding of relevant ideas and concepts. These sessions are tailored for your needs so that you choose what you want to focus on. In addition to this, for the rest of the week our students take part in numerous classes and workshops aimed at improving essay/report writing, revision, time management, leadership skills, presentations and interviews. You can even get help writing your personal statement and filling in university applications.
If you’re a high school student, university life may seem far away. However, the skills required for this more independent style of learning can be extremely useful to you right now, while you are still at school! Efficient time management can help you find time throughout your day to not only keep up with your schoolwork but also pursue your passions. Learning how to study and revise for your exams brings you closer to your dream career. And practising your public speaking and debating gives you more confidence to tackle the unexpected, and voice your opinions persuasively.
If you want to improve one or many of these skills, why not join us for our Spring program?
Starting on the 1st of April, you can join us for 1 or 2 weeks to meet people from all around the world, explore the historic city of Cambridge, and return to your school with a fresh perspective, not to mention a huge head start in the pursuit of your academic goals! Complemented by excursions within and outside of Cambridge, this is the perfect way to spend the first weeks of April. Check out subjects available for Spring 2017 here!
