HS Class of 2008 now flooding Colleges

[JonathanBelles]

The High School class of 2008 has graduated in record numbers and is now moving into college dorms in record numbers.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/ ... 781284.ece

Im also hearing similar stories at FSU and UF. I have already seem at least 10 Dixie (My HS) students from my class before classes have even started. Thats more than the 05-06-07 classes combined.

FSU is already calling the graduate class of 2012 the best and brightest ever.

http://www.fsu.edu/indexTOFStory.html?lead.staffairs

[Miss Mary]

Yup, I have a daughter soon to be a college freshman (Sept. 8th). I well remember when her class began Kindergarten and on. Each year her class would overwhelm the Elem. school, instead of splitting her class into 4 classrooms each grade, they would need 5. Which would throw off the other grades. I heard it every year! Then when this Elem. combined with our district's other 5 Elementaries, to form our very large 7th and 8th Grade Middle School, again, they had space problems.

Now since this is a wx message board, someone could go back into the wx archives and see if 1988 or 89 (since most of these college students were either born in 1989 or 1990) was a bad winter? LOL

[JonathanBelles]

Now since this is a wx message board, someone could go back into the wx archives and see if 1988 or 89 (since most of these college students were either born in 1989 or 1990) was a bad winter? LOL[/quote]

LOL!!! Ive always wondered why this class was so large. Its not just in one spot. NY's 08 class was also very large, and also one of the smartest. If you look at the classes of 09 and 10, they arent as big and arent at the level of academics that 08 was/is. Never understood it, but I was certainly glad to be a part of it.

[Ptarmigan]

Yup, I have a daughter soon to be a college freshman (Sept. 8th). I well remember when her class began Kindergarten and on. Each year her class would overwhelm the Elem. school, instead of splitting her class into 4 classrooms each grade, they would need 5. Which would throw off the other grades. I heard it every year! Then when this Elem. combined with our district's other 5 Elementaries, to form our very large 7th and 8th Grade Middle School, again, they had space problems.

Now since this is a wx message board, someone could go back into the wx archives and see if 1988 or 89 (since most of these college students were either born in 1989 or 1990) was a bad winter? LOL

I know the Winter of 1988-1989 had some big cold snaps, in parts of America due to La Nina. Also, the Winter of 1989-1990 had a huge cold snap in December, which gave way to a mild winter.

[streetsoldier]

The reason is that there is/was a second "Baby Boom", and we are now seeing the first of that generation enter college.

What college admissions counselors are also noting is that these young people are, by and large, the least prepared ever for college-level work. This is why incoming stuidents are encouraged to expect to attend undergraduate classes for FIVE years instead of the traditional four; too many of them require remedial, or preparation courses in math, science and English before they can handle the core curriculum, much less a stated major.

Don't shoot the messenger, please...take a closer look at your public school districts, and ask THEM why Johnny can't read-write-calculate.

[JonathanBelles]

The reason is that there is/was a second "Baby Boom", and we are now seeing the first of that generation enter college.

What college admissions counselors are also noting is that these young people are, by and large, the least prepared ever for college-level work. This is why incoming stuidents are encouraged to expect to attend undergraduate classes for FIVE years instead of the traditional four; too many of them require remedial, or preparation courses in math, science and English before they can handle the core curriculum, much less a stated major.

Don't shoot the messenger, please...take a closer look at your public school districts, and ask THEM why Johnny can't read-write-calculate.

On this note, I would say this isnt entire true or false. I would say that there is in large a split between the remedial and the deans. I would not entirely say that they are less prepared for the work, but the economy has pushed up the cost of the colleges, making those who want to go for it, do it in 5 years. I know numerous honors students that are lowering their credit hours/semester so that they can pay for everything they have to pay for (while putting in the effort to get the grade that they want). With this said, I would agree that there is a large-r number of remedial kids, and you can look at the FCAT scores in Florida for proof. On that same coin, the number of honors kids is still growing.

[Category 5]

I'm moving into mine Saturday!

[JonathanBelles]

I'm moving into mine Saturday!

Congrats!!! I wont be moving until next year at this time.

[gtalum]

I remember when I started college a long long time ago. To those of you starting now, I offer these few words of advice: Strike a balance between fun and work. Don't let one or the other dominate your experience. You only get to go through it once.

[Category 5]

I remember when I started college a long long time ago. To those of you starting now, I offer these few words of advice: Strike a balance between fun and work. Don't let one or the other dominate your experience. You only get to go through it once.

And I plan to make the most of it too. Everyone says it will be the best 4 years of your life.

[Miss Mary]

That is exactly what a professor told incoming students and parents on our daughter's orientation weekend - college only comes once in your lifetime. When you're going to school with your peers. You can always go back to school, I know I did it, but it's not the same as going when you're straight out of high school. THAT is the time to do it, if you can.

One piece of advice my SIL gave to her daughter and I in turn gave it to my oldest daughter, when meeting someone new at college, just say hi, my name is......, what's your name? Sounds so simple doesn't it? Too simple but by asking the other person that simple question leads to other questions - what dorm are you in, what are you studying, etc. The other person usually enjoys talking about themselves and it's a good way to get know other people. You don't even have to talk about yourself.

New college students, remember these simple words - smile, say your name, ask what their name is. Shake their hand if you want to.

My daughter said - it works mom! (I have another daughter starting college soon so I have to sell this oh so simple ice breaker idea to her now....wish me luck!)

It is hard to put yourself out there, when you're with "strangers" but they're not strangers for long.......sometimes the people you meet in college turn out to be your best friends in life. And sometimes, your spouse!

Wishing all going to college this year my best......you lucky kids!

[JonathanBelles]

Another tip to meet people....go to the Union which most colleges have. Also, Join clubs...plenty of people there to talk to. Since I joined Phi Theta Kappa, I am recognized both my Faculty and students more than ever.

[Category 5]

I'm all moved in, it's awesome! Got my football tickets for monday, got all my books, everythings set.

[vbhoutex]

I'm all moved in, it's awesome! Got my football tickets for monday, got all my books, everythings set.

Happy for you!! Going to that crappy little college called Rutgers are we??LOL!!! J/K I actually visited the campus there many years before you were born. We knew a physics professor there at the time.

Go get 'em!!!

[Miss Mary]

Yes, congrats indeed Category 5! Make your S2K family proud (but I know you will.....)!

[Category 5]

I'd like to give some advice to new college students from my experience so far.

1. Get to know your RA, they can be extremely helpful to you especially when you're doing something or going somewhere for the first time. (Mine is very nice and very helpful)

2. Go to a football game, college football is an incredible experience.

3. ASK QUESTIONS! If you need help with something DO NOT hesitate to ask someone.

4. Manage your time responsibly. College is a time to both study AND have fun, but only if you manage your time.

I got a met class at 10:55, thinking of showing up early to chat with my professor about the active Atlantic and yesterdays great escape.

[fasterdisaster]

I remember when I started college a long long time ago. To those of you starting now, I offer these few words of advice: Strike a balance between fun and work. Don't let one or the other dominate your experience. You only get to go through it once.

In my case, this is impossible.