After applying as a varsity tutor online, I have come to realize how far I have progressed in terms of my academics. I am in my sophomore year of college, getting closer and closer to applying for nursing school and I still know several people who are trying to survive their high school years. One of those people happens to be my sister, who not only has taken more advanced courses than I have, but has also learned from my personal experience.

Thus, she has the advantage and the benefit of hindsight. I keep reminding her that high school life is nothing compared to college life, because in college, anything is possible. College life is way better than high school life for the following reasons:

1. No more AP Exams

Those endless nights cramming notes and study guides for tests to prepare you for your AP Exams are no more. One of the most difficult classes I had to take was AP English Language and Composition. As a matter of fact, I scored a 2 on that exam, but I still managed to keep an A in that class. I still have nightmares about those AP classes I have taken, worried that I might have to confront those FRQs (free-response questions) again.

All you need to worry about in college is the final exam, usually cumulative and multiple choice, but professors love to gamble with your grades, often times replacing your lowest test score with the final exam score, only if it is higher. Say goodbye to those AP Exams and hello to those cumulative final exams that may or may not determine if you have to take that class again.

2. Flexibility of class schedules

In high school, it was mandatory to discuss your class schedule with a guidance counselor, whereas in college, it is completely voluntary to talk to an academic advisor. I only met with my academic advisor twice during my freshman year of college just to make sure that I was on track. The flexibility of my class schedule in college was better than that of high school. I was able to fit in all my classes where I had Fridays off, thereby enjoying my three-day weekends. In high school, I had class five days a week, from early morning to afternoon.

3. More time for naps

Naps are a must. In college, I am able to take a nap between my classes since most of my classes were early in the morning, while I had one night class. I am able to take power naps in the afternoon and feel refreshed right after. However, in high school, I was lucky enough to sneak in a nap on a weekly basis.

4. Greek fraternities and sororities

What better way to celebrate college life than joining of one of these, but you have to keep in mind their values and traditions. What makes this fraternity or this sorority stand out from the rest? Are there any benefits in joining this brotherhood or sisterhood? How can I make a difference in my community by partaking in their activities? Those are a few questions you can ask yourself. High school life, on the other hand, is devoid of Greek frats and sororities.

5. More opportunities to study abroad

I have once dreamt of studying abroad, in Europe perhaps, but it is too costly. High school does not have as many opportunities of studying abroad as college. Your studies through scholarships and grants could help, but that would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Now, I am not asking you to give up on those dreams of yours of studying abroad, but rather, I am encouraging you to keep knocking on those doors where you can undertake a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel abroad.

6. Being away from home

Being independent for once can be a great change, a great step to progressing through life. This may mean doing your own groceries and taking your own trash out, instead of having your parents do these tasks for you. In high school, we were dependent. In college, we became less dependent and more independent. That bittersweet freedom should not be taken for granted. That freedom comes with a price, which is finally taking responsibility for your own actions.

7. More networking

You can shadow professionals, for instance, in the medical field. You can attend seminars and meet people who are experienced in your certain field of study. A good professor of mine once told me that you need to make at least three new connections whenever you attend a conference. High school confines you to being comfortable within your own circle, but college pushes you out of your comfort zone into the real world.

8. No more parent-teacher conferences

I hated those parent-teacher conferences. I have to admit I am not proud of some of the things I have done in high school and I have definitely learned from them. I even promised myself that I would never repeat those same mistakes again and save myself from embarrassment in front of my family and friends. I cannot fail them. I certainly cannot fail myself.

Even the littlest mistakes can jeopardize your chances of a bright future. In college, you have to be independent and talk to your professor if you are struggling. If you need help or counseling, seek it. Your parents cannot spoon-feed you anymore. You have to feed yourself and fix your own problems. College is fun as long as you do what you are obligated to do: get that degree and make your family proud. I am still working on it. I am still working on me.