Petrified about starting university

Parentberries
1

This isn’t parenting-related but I want to hear honest thoughts and opinions from people who I don’t know in real life and don’t make assumptions about me. Also, I’d like to hear from adults who’ve been through this, not friends my own age (amazing as they are).

I’ll be starting my first year as a journalism major at [supposedly] one of the most well-known universities in [name_f]Canada[/name_f] for journalism. I love reading and writing and words in general, and I do read the news a lot. (I’m an Anglophile and love British newspapers, especially the Telegraph, despite the criticism…) So I think it’ll be a program I enjoy.

But today I went to an orientation where the faculty and a panel of second-year students told us what to expect and answered our questions. They said our marks are probably going to drop significantly from what they were in high school, especially at first. Our assignments would be returned with red marks literally everywhere. And everyone else there is into writing. I was never top of the class in anything in high school but I got pretty good marks in general, and especially since most people were into math and science, writing was kind of my “thing”. I’m so scared for that to change and just don’t know what to make of it.

I guess what scares me the most is that the students who spoke to us said journalism and news pieces are pretty much the opposite of English class and essays. Flowery writing and lots of detail is discouraged. If you haven’t been able to tell from my posts, my writing style is rather elaborate and [when done well] that’s what I often like reading. I can totally see the need for and appreciate conciseness in news articles, but I guess… I guess I’m just not sure I can do it. And finding a balance between creating/keeping my own personal writing style and producing what’s expected of me.

If anyone’s curious, I won’t be living on campus but in student housing nearby. Home is in a suburb of the same city, so I’ll be close enough to see my family and friends on weekends sometimes (but too far to commute every day). I’m not as worried about that since it’s a great residence and I’ve stayed there before doing a summer program.

Sorry for the really long rant but I’m just so nervous and scared. I admit I’m a worrywart and everyone says I’m going to be fine, but the cynic in me is like, well what else would they say? Rationalizing, sympathy, practical advice, anything is welcome in spades. Thanks a lot Berries, you’re amazing!

2

Let me preface this by saying that I’m not a writer, but I did go to college and earn a degree (in education, if that matters).

Yes, you will have to work harder than you did in high school…but that’s kind of the point. If this is the right program for you, however, it should also be more high-interest for you, more motivating, and more rewarding than most of the courses you were taking in high school. It’s easy to put that kind of effort into something that you care about, that feels purposeful to you. It sounds like you’re a good student. I don’t think you need to worry about it.

Journalism is a different than creative writing and even the sorts of essays you probably had to write in high school. It’s more like technical writing. The purpose of most high school expository writing assignments are for you to show what you know, to show the depth of your understanding, so the more details the better. When you’re writing for, say, a newspaper, you’re providing the audience with facts. You should still have an element of style in your writing, but it’s much less about your voice than other types of writing. It might be hard at first for you to find the balance, but that’s usually the case when trying something new. You’ll get the hang of it.

Also, I know it can be hard to alter the way you do things to please someone else, especially when it’s in a creative field like writing or art, because it can feel like you’re giving up your vision and voice. [name_m]Just[/name_m] remember, the professors are trying to help you develop a marketable skill. Sometimes your creativity has to be watered down to suit the consumer, unfortunately. But, even if you do end up in a situation where you feel the professor’s critique of your writing is dead wrong and you really don’t want to bend to his/her will…remember, it’s just a school assignment. [name_f]Do[/name_f] it for your grade.

3

I can honestly say first year uni drained me of all love of writing, I sill achieved high marks but it felt really forced. In my third year I took creative writing for my arts elective and I regained much of my love of writing, though research papers still make me gag. Your marks may or may not drop it all depends on how much time you put in to studying, I think I averaged ~30 hours a week of out-of-class study time during my Biology program.

4

Hey, I’d love to give you some reassuring words, but I’m in the same boat. I start [name_f]September[/name_f] 3rd, a different field, but I’m still super nervous, I’m hoping orientation on Friday helps soothe my fears instead of making them worse. My main fear is what if I chose the wrong field, what if I’m not good at what I want to do, etc etc etc. It also doesn’t help that I feel like I need to live up to my Fiances GPA that he is currently achieving at the same school. Hopefully some advice you receive makes me feel better too!

5

You’ll be fine! If you find it’s not working out, or you’re thoroughly dissatisfied, don’t be afraid to chart a new course. Part of the education is discovering who you are. (I’m stuck being an attorney, because I didn’t have the courage to defy expectations/mandates and do what I would have loved.)

6

Thanks for the replies- especially you, [name_f]Kathryn[/name_f]! I like what you said about how the professors are helping us develop marketable skills and not actually trying to make our lives miserable. :? Kibby, I’m sure you’ll do really well- good luck with everything! Keep the great advice coming, Berries!

7

I have an English degree and I just started my first year of graduate school, so I understand what you’re going through. You may struggle during your first year, but that’s normal for most people. Yes, the coursework will be harder, but if you’re used to juggling 7 classes each day, it may be refreshing and enjoyable to have only 1-2 classes each day (if your university schedules classes every other day, that is). [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t worry about your writing style just yet—you’ll have a few weeks of reading, so you may be able to pick up on the journalistic style. I’m mainly a fiction writer, but I’ve done journalistic writing before and there is some leeway on how descriptive you can be: for newspaper articles, everything should be concise and clear, with some details, but not too many; in magazine feature writing is generally much lengthier and descriptive, especially if you’re profiling a specific event, issue, or person, since you’re trying to give a portrait of them with your words. Get your hands on any local and/or national newspapers as well as any magazines that catch your eye and read them as much as you can—let your brain soak in the different types of styles. College can be a place where you can learn to develop an adaptable writing style that morphs to fit the situation at hand.

If your grades go down your first year, you can still improve in your second year. I lived in student housing my first year (on campus, though) though I still lived in my hometown, and it was a blast and it helped me open up socially. On the other hand, I had to move home the next year because I experience big food sensitivities (to wheat and dairy, mainly) that made me fall into a depression and I could not finish a lot of assignments—I dropped two classes after failing one course because I stopped going and didn’t know I could just drop it, and managed to scrape by with C’s and D’s, whereas I’d gotten A’s and B’s in high school. But my second year, I got my food problems under control, buckled down, and I never got anything lower than a B- after that. It takes a lot of determination, but you can pull yourself up and move forward after a fall.

You sound like you’ve picked a major you’re interested in and you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses going into the program, which are two great advantages. Whatever happens, the good and the bad, it’s okay because this is the time to learn—not just about journalism, but also about yourself, what you are capable of, and what you want to achieve. And remember to have fun! Join clubs that sound interesting, go to residential events, and just enjoy campus life because it can be great.

Good luck with your studies and your journey!

8

I think I went to that university (though not in your program)! Anyway, having done undergrad and an Master’s, I have some experience in transitions, so I’ll throw in my 2 cents: University will be an adjustment, but you can do it. I personally didn’t find first year all that difficult, and my grades didn’t drop significantly from high school, but I was always a hard worker. You will need to find your groove: What works best for you for studying, how you divide your time, etc., and that may take some time, but if you focus, you’ll find it.

In terms of writing style, you’ll have to adjust. As previous posters have said, the profs are trying to help you get a job, and most journalistic articles need to be concise and clear. That kind of writing is a great skill to have and can benefit you in lots of different professions; if you can learn to write well using different styles, it will benefit you in the long run. Then if you find yourself able to write longer, wordier pieces, you will be able to bring more of your style into it while still having the ability to get the facts across clearly. As I understand, your program has a reputation for being a stickler about details, so check and double-check your facts (including names of people and places; I remember hearing that half of a class failed an assignment because they misspelled the name of a local stadium). Also, from my personal experience: Never ever trust spell-check to catch all your mistakes. :slight_smile:

Also, don’t forget to have fun! I loved my university experience. I made lifelong friends. Yes, you need to work hard to get good grades, but you’re also at a time in your life when you get to meet all kinds of different people and try new things. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t work too hard that you forget to enjoy it.

9

First off, take a breath!

Starting college can be both exciting yet scary/stressful all at the same time. Yes, you will receive plenty of papers back that are marked up in red. As a current master’s degree student in education, let me tell you, it’s all part of the process. The reason that your professors will be marking up your papers is to prepare you to be a better writer (in your case journalism). You will be expected to work harder than in secondary school, but I am sure that you will rise to the occasion!

Good luck this semester as you start school! Know the berry community here is wishing you plenty of luck and thinking about you! And of course, here, ready with advice!

10

You’ve received a lot of good advice so I don’t really want to repeat anything, though it all sounds quite valuable. I DID want to reinforce the idea that if you find out that journalism is not your path you always have the option to switch majors/change your path/etc. I was actually in the same boat where I left freshman orientation (as a communication major, no focus) feeling like I made the complete wrong choice and would never be happy, yadayadayada. So I marched to registration and changed majors that day. Now I don’t recommend being so abrupt with your choice, but it’s always an option. Your first year you’ll (probably) be taking a lot of intro classes and gen eds anyways, so even if you go a semester or two (or more) before deciding that it’s not the field for you, it won’t be that hard to change.

And for what it’s worth, my grades improved when I went to college. I am at one of the best schools in [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_f]England[/name_f] for my major and because I was so dang passionate about my major (yes, the one I changed to randomly at orientation, haha) I put loads of effort and extra work into everything.

Get excited, you’ll love it! [name_m]Even[/name_m] if you change your mind 234523424 times you’ll find what works for you. Good luck and feel free to ask thousands of questions.

11

I’m a freelance writer…at the moment I do a weekly feature for a paper and web/brochure copy as well as ghostwriting. I have both clients that need that minimalistic style and those that prefer “flowery.” I think one of the biggest things you’ll learn at university is how to cater your writing style to the job. You will need a tough skin as you learn to take edits/feedback. It can be disheartening, but it comes with the territory both in school and when your editor sends something back to you with half of it crossed out. It happens to us all and sometimes you have to step back and disconnect your work from your self worth or you’ll lose it.

Bottom line: the same things that make you a good creative writer can make you an excellent journalist, but you have to know how to make that shift. The formula becomes second nature after awhile, especially in a program like the one you’re entering.

I’m just getting back to work post baby now, but feel free to message me if you have other questions or want to chat about writing. :slight_smile:

12

Starting Uni in a few days myself… [name_u]Haven[/name_u]'t had time to read the whole thread. I will reply more later… But I’m wondering where you are in [name_f]Canada[/name_f]? I am also starting at a well known University in [name_f]Canada[/name_f] :slight_smile:
Like [name_f]East[/name_f] Coast? [name_m]Ontario[/name_m]? [name_u]West[/name_u] Coast?

Edit: Now that I have read through I would advice you that nothing is set in stone. Go in with an open mind and remind yourself that you can always switch things up to suit you better. My friend is in Journalism (might be the same University as you, actually) and loves it. She has a great mix of very structured pieces that she has to write as well as opinion pieces that allow more of her own writing style to come out.

Even if you find that this course doesn’t suit you, switching majors is not a huge deal- it happens a lot and from stories from friends I can conclude that it usually leads to people discovering what they really want to do!

As for grades, you will have to work way harder in University. All my friends (they started last year as I took a year off) have said it is very different from high school. I also have noticed that some people just thrive in University. My friend who got so-so marks in high school is doing amazing, on the other hand my friend who is used to having a 95% average is getting a bit of reality. Don’t stress too much about it. Work hard and it will pay off. Go for extra help, get to know your TA’s and professors. Use the help and guidance that is available for you!
Good luck!

13

I wouldn’t be too worried about University. Enter it with an open mind.

Since you chose your major from the beginning and are attending a University that has a great program in Journalism, you’ll be taught by excellent professors and be surrounded by passionate students. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t compare yourself to the other students. University is about your development. It’s all about becoming a more well rounded person.

Look at the marks as them trying to take your unique style and guiding into the journalism niche. You may find that you don’t want to confined to a certain genre.

Journalism may not be for you because you don’t like being concise. The journalism major is good to have because as long as the world goes round there will be stories that people will want to hear. Journalism isn’t only about conciseness and learning to be professional. You’ll learn about international affairs, didn’t viewpoints in politics and religion. You’ll see the world in a different way. You’ll appreciate the writers of the Telegraph even more.

After graduating you can write a novel, an advice column, or run a blog. You don’t have to use your Journalism way in the intended way.

I would take a deep breath and realize that University is an experience that will give you more experience, maturity, and a better direction for what you want to do. It’s always easier to know what you want than what you don’t want. Your University accepted you, they want you, the BELIEVE in YOU. That you are capable of greatness. They know that at the beginning it will be a difficult adjustment, but before you know it, you won’t even remember what you were so afraid about. It’s like jumping into a pool. It’s scary and cold at first, but after a while it’s warm, you don’t know what you were afraid of, and you don’t want to leave.

I wish you the best of luck and don’t forget to breath.

14

Before I started junior high, then before high school, then before college, I heard the same messages. Things are different! The work is a lot harder and your grades may drop! Teachers won’t be as easy on you! You won’t know anyone! It’s like, jeez, yes,(of course) it will be different, but I think it’s always blown up to be more than it is. If you take it seriously and keep up on things, you will be fine, I promise.

I hear you on the different styles of writing. I am very good at technical, research-y writing, but I hate it! I much prefer the creative side, but if you are good at one type, you will probably be fine at another. You have the fundamentals and the skill, which not everyone has.

15

Your grades might drop. Mine did. I was an all A student in high school and my first semester of university I got more B’s than A’s. In my case, it wasn’t necessarily the amount of work so much as the social distractions that got me. Nevertheless, I just barely scraped honors when I graduated. But here’s what I’ve learned since then: no one cares what grades you got in college. No one has asked to see my transcript or talk to my professors.

I work part-time as a freelance writer. What my various clients want to see is that I have the ability to write. Your portfolio is going to say far more than the grades you received in your various university classes. Yes, you need to do reasonably well because your work will need to reflect that you’re learning something, but don’t sweat it if your grades drop a bit. In my experience, it’s not going to matter later!

16

I feel like I’m in a position to talk about this a bit.

I’m a sophomore film major at a very good school that happens to be 2,800 miles from home. In high school, I did zero homework but paid attention in class and did fantastic on tests, so I coasted by with mostly B’s and B pluses. My first semester of college…well, let’s just say I’m lucky to still be here. My grades tanked. I was able to rally in [name_u]January[/name_u] and mostly turn it around last semester, and this semester things are looking up. But still. It can happen. Your concerns are valid.

However, the fact that you’re already worried enough about it that you’re asking advice from strangers on the internet makes me think you’re the type of person who will stay on top of things. Honestly, as long as you actually show up and do work, you’ll be fine. It’s good that they’re managing your expectations, but it’s possible they may have been exaggerating a bit. If your writing isn’t always what they’re looking for, that could potentially be tough, but hey, you’re there to learn. My screenwriting professor actually instructed us to “sell out” yesterday, so I can completely relate to the struggle between writing what’s assigned and writing what you feel. If necessary, you can always decide journalism isn’t for you and switch majors, like [name_u]Jess[/name_u] said.

I know how weird it is to suddenly be a small fish in a big pond (film was my thing back home, but here it’s everyone’s thing!) But there are positive things about it, too. It can be fun to be surrounded by people with similar passions/interests.

Anyway, I think you’ll be fine. I’m not going to tell you how wonderful university is–I’m sure you’re tired of hearing that, and you’re about to find out for yourself! Best of luck.

17

Thanks everyone for your responses! [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t have time to respond to each of you individually but in general:

I like how a lot of people are saying I can always change majors if I need to, and what irmgard+theodorian said about not necessarily going into journalism even if that’s what I major in. It’s interesting to hear how some of you got better grades in university and some did worse (at the start anyway)- goes to show how everyone has a different experience! Thanks for reminding me that the professors and everyone aren’t against me; they’re actually trying to help me become a better writer.

I’ll check in again later since I have a feeling many of you will be wondering how I actually find university once I start!

18

Journalism majors unite! virtual high five

I’ve just come out of a three year course studying Journalism at one of the best universities in the UK for the subject, and I’ll admit I was bricking it at the start too. What’s considered ‘average’ in school is considered ‘good’ at university in terms of grades: I don’t know how the Canadian system works, but a first is 70% over here, 60% a 2:1 which is what most people aim for, when at school 80% was an A*, reducing in increments of 10%. It’s quite hard to get a high mark - my highest uni mark was a 78% for a piece of coursework, I know a couple of people who hit 80% mark but very, very rare. 40% is the pass mark though and very few people fail unless they do absolutely no work.

WRT the point about flowery writing, get into features writing if that’s your style, you’re allowed to be more descriptive than news writing. Plus I don’t know what your syllabus is like but ours is 50% practical journalism assessed by articles etc, and 50% theory assessed by essays and exams - stuff like media law, public affairs, things that would help us in the real world to know.

Expect to meet people with massive egos - those who think they’re God’s gift to journalism. I had a handful on my course and they did my head in at times. But there’s also some genuinely lovely people at university too, and you’ll work out who’s who after a couple of hand-ins - who does the gloating Facebook posts when they get a first is a bit of a clue :stuck_out_tongue:

I don’t know if you learn shorthand as part of your course but it was the cause of 90% of first year failures on mine - it’s the one thing you can’t blag your way through. If you want any more advice or to talk, feel free to message me - but you’ll be fine :slight_smile:

19

I’m going into my third year at uni in [name_m]Britain[/name_m]. Uni is scary at first but once you’re settled in and made some friends everything is much easier. I recommend going out on freshers week (or the Canadian equivalent) and joining some societies that interest you as you’ll make friends much easier this way. [name_f]Remember[/name_f] also that everyone else is in the same boat as you: it’s new for them too!

As for the academic side, I’m studying midwifery so journalism isn’t something I know a lot about. However, my advice is to ask for help if you need it. The second years were right in saying that your marks will be different from high school but because the work is different and more demanding. Universities expect different things than high schools. This isn’t something to worry about. As long as you can sit down with a paper after it’s graded and think “Right, what does the feedback say? [name_m]How[/name_m] can I act on that?” you will improve: reflection is key to academic and personal growth at university. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t be afraid to ask for help, just don’t expect it to be offered unless you ask. University won’t spoon-feed you, they want you to grow and graduate and an independent and professional graduate ready for the work place.

20

It has been years since I graduated college, in [name_f]May[/name_f] of 2001 to be exact. My BA is in writing, creative writing, I didnt “do” journalism (well, wrote for the school paper but that was it) for many of the reasons you mentioned. With stars in my eyes, I wanted to write novels and poetry for a living, honestly not a great “on paper” career move (which, I am currently a SAHM of 5 kids, lol) where as general “writing” or journalism is quite marketable in many ways. I sort of wish I had done a generic writing degree and taken all the creative courses “on the side” but came out with something to use later on in life. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t get me wrong, my talent is not in matter-of-fact reporting (have you seen me here? I am all over the place with my sentences!) however, you can read all you want, take all the “fun creative” courses you want and if it sits well (which I hope it does) settle down with a “practical” degree in writing.

There you are, my 2 cents for the evening. :wink:

But all actual coursework aside, I loved college. Loved the social aspect and “finding myself” aspect the most and doing things on my own terms without my parents/family around to dictate what I needed to do at any given hour.