Table of Contents
Introduction
Preparing for college is about preparing your way of thinking
Studying in college is often very different from middle and high school. For many freshmen, adjusting to this change can be challenging, especially when tackling college-level math and science. That’s why one of the most important things you can do to prepare for college is to develop a college-ready way of thinking.
This article is designed for middle and high school students (and their parents and teachers) who want to understand how college works and learn practical steps for preparing for college while still in school.
How is this article structured?
This article is divided into two main parts:
- First, we’ll break down why college learning is often seen as harder than middle or high school and what it means to be prepared for studying in college.
- Then, we’ll provide a set of exercises tied to different college majors. These will help middle and high school students prepare for effective college studying.
So, let’s start by exploring why college can feel so challenging.
PART 1: Is your way of thinking ready for college?
Many students discover how different college learning is compared to middle or high school. Besides having more material to cover, they often find the content much harder to understand. Sometimes, it feels so difficult that no matter how hard they try, it seems impossible to grasp. This is especially common in math and science, where it can feel like you need to be on a whole other level to keep up.
That’s why preparing for college means preparing your way of thinking. The good news? Anyone can develop this mindset. And if you’re still in middle or high school, you have plenty of time to prepare!
To better understand this “mysterious” way of thinking, let’s first look at the differences between how we think in school versus in college. We’ll also explore what well-organized and poorly organized knowledge looks like.
Poorly organized knowledge
Library example
To understand what poorly organized knowledge looks like, imagine a library with, say, 1,000,000 books. That’s a lot of knowledge, right?
Now, imagine you need to find a specific book — like one about healthy nutrition. You know the book is there somewhere, but if the library is just a giant pile of books stacked randomly, you’ll never find it. Without organization, all that knowledge is practically useless.
Image: If the knowledge is not organized, it resembles a messy library – a lot of knowledge, but all that knowledge is practically useless.
But if the library is well-organized—with a clear catalog system, labeled shelves, and books sorted into sections—you can find exactly what you need in no time.
How is this example related to preparing for college?
The library example shows how many students learn in middle and high school: they memorize information without consciously organizing it. Learning this way is like having a library without a catalog—when you need to recall the information later, it’s often really hard. That’s the feeling you get when you face a math problem you’ve studied before: you know you’ve learned it, but you can barely remember anything.
This approach often backfires in college, where the amount and complexity of material increase. Students try to memorize more, but they end up forgetting more too. This is especially true for math and science subjects. Learning how to prepare for college, especially for majors that require math and science, means learning how to organize your knowledge effectively.
The good news? Anyone can learn to organize their knowledge. So, let’s take a look at what well-organized knowledge looks like and how it can help you prepare for college successfully.
Well-organized knowledge
Baking cake example
Imagine this: you’re baking a cake with a group of friends, and suddenly one or two friends say they can’t eat eggs (maybe due to an allergy or because they’re vegan).
You have two options:
- Scenario 1: These friends don’t eat the cake because the recipe calls for eggs, and you think a cake can’t be made without them.
- Scenario 2: You understand why the cake needs eggs (for binding, leavening, moisture, flavor, and texture). With this knowledge, you can replace eggs with alternatives like applesauce (for binding and moisture) and baking soda (for leavening). So, you make two cakes—one with eggs and one without—and everyone gets a piece.
The second option is clearly better, and that’s what happens when your knowledge is well-organized: even when the situation changes, you can adapt and find a solution.
How is this example related to preparing for college?
Many students approach learning like the first scenario—they solve problems by following steps like a recipe, especially in math and science. This means they memorize procedures without understanding why those procedures work.
For example, they might follow a math rule (like “minus times minus equals plus”) without understanding the reasoning behind it. This approach often falls short in college, where the material becomes more complex. Students try to follow procedures without deeper understanding, and when faced with a new or changed situation, they struggle to solve it.
That’s why preparing for college also means learning to understand why rules and procedures work, especially in math and science. By building this deeper understanding, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges, adapt to new situations, and succeed in college.
TEST: How well is your knowledge organized?
Do you want to test how well your knowledge is organized and if you’re prepared for studying in college? Take the short test below. It consists of 5 conceptual questions to help you see how well you understand key ideas.
How to take the test
- Read each question and try to answer it. You can answer orally, but writing it down is better. Don’t look up answers in books or online—your current level of knowledge is what matters here.
- After writing your answer, click “Show answer.”
- Compare your answer with the provided one. The basic idea should be very close to the given answer.
Test questions
1. Divide integers (e.g., 8 ÷ 2 = 4). Explain the meaning of division in two different ways.
Show answer:
- 8 ÷ 2 = 4 means you divide 8 into 2 equal parts. Each part is 4.
- 8 ÷ 2 = 4 means you can subtract 2 from 8 four times (i.e., 8 – 2 – 2 – 2 – 2 = 0).
2. Why, when you divide by a fraction (e.g., \(\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{9}\), do you need to multiply by the reciprocal?
Show answer:
Multiplying by the reciprocal simplifies the division. For example:
\(\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{9} = \left( \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{9}{1} \right) \div \left( \frac{1}{9} \times \frac{9}{1} \right) = \left( \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{9}{1} \right) \div 1 = \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{9}{1}\).
This cancels out the divisor, making the problem easier to solve.
3. Why can’t you divide by zero (e.g., 2 ÷ 0 is not defined)?
Show answer:
This rule can be explained in two ways:
- Division shows how many times you can subtract the divisor from the dividend (see Question 1). With zero, you’d have: 2 – 0 – 0 – 0 – … This doesn’t make sense because the dividend never changes.
- Division is the reverse of multiplication. If 2 ÷ 0 = x, then x × 0 = 2. But no such x exists, so division by zero is undefined.
4. Why does minus and minus give a plus (e.g., 0 – (-1) = 0 + 1)?
Show answer:
Imagine 0 as a balanced quantity: 1 and (-1) balance each other, so 1 + (-1) = 0. If you remove -1 from this balance, the 1 remains: 1 + (-1) – (-1) = 1.
5. Why does any number raised to the power of zero equal 1 (e.g., \(2^0=1 \))?
Show answer:
This comes from the properties of exponents. For example:
\(2^3 \div 2^3 = 2^{(3-3)} = 2^0\).
At the same time, \(2^3 = 8\), and \(8 \div 8 = 1 \). So, \(2^0 \) must equal 1.
How to evaluate the results
This test is a great way to check how deeply you understand fundamental concepts. Cognitive scientists discovered long ago that many learning difficulties students face in college—especially with math and science—stem from a poor understanding of fundamental concepts. That’s why mastering these concepts is crucial for preparing for college.
How did it go for you?
💯 PERFECT: I have answered all questions close to the given answers!
Congratulations! This shows that when you learn math and science in school, you’re not just memorizing formulas and procedures—you’re also digging deeper to understand why they work. Your knowledge is likely very well-organized, and you’re well-prepared to tackle more complex concepts in college! This article will also help you practice thinking in ways that solve real-world problems, similar to what you’ll encounter in college.
👍GOOD: I have answered 3 or 4 questions close to the given answers!
Not bad at all! It seems you’re making an effort to truly understand what you learn in school and go beyond just following procedures. While you might have memorized some rules, overall, your way of thinking is well-positioned to organize your knowledge. Try to dig even deeper, and we’re sure you can prepare your way of thinking for college very well. This article will also help you better understand how structuring your knowledge works by practicing real-world problem-solving.
🔧 NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: I have answered “Because this is the rule” to most questions!
It’s not a catastrophe, but it shows that you tend to memorize procedures and facts without exploring their deeper meaning. If you’re not planning to pursue college degrees that involve math and science, you’ll probably be fine. However, if you want to go into any field that requires math and science, it’s a good idea to start changing your approach to learning. Otherwise, you might face challenges in college.
But don’t worry—you can absolutely change your way of thinking! This is something you can definitely do, and this article will help you get started. By learning to organize your knowledge and understand the “why” behind concepts, you’ll be better prepared for college success.
Why do students often have poorly organized knowledge?
We’ve identified a major problem that prevents students from learning efficiently in college: memorizing and following procedures without understanding them. But why do students tend to learn this way?
Students think it’s easier to memorize than to understand
Let’s look at an example. Around 5th grade, students learn how to divide simple fractions, like this:
\(\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{2}{1}=\frac{2}{3}\)
In school, students are often told the procedure: “To divide one fraction by another, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.” Memorizing this procedure is much simpler than understanding why it works. So, students often choose the easier path—memorizing instead of understanding.
While this might help solve standard problems in the short term, it has negative effects in the mid- and long-term. Here’s how it plays out:
- In 5th grade, it seems easier to memorize how to divide fractions than to understand why it works.
- In 6th grade, it seems easier to memorize that “minus times minus equals plus” than to understand why.
- In 8th or 9th grade, it seems easier to memorize that \(\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1\) than to understand why.
- In 12th grade, it seems easier to memorize the derivative rule (e.g., \(y = x^3 \quad\) becomes \(y’ = 3x^2\) than to understand why it works.
This pattern continues, and two big problems emerge:
- The habit of memorizing procedures grows stronger over time.
- This habit spreads to other science subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology.
Memorizing procedures becomes the default learning strategy, and students don’t learn how to organize their knowledge—they simply don’t know how. When these students get to college, their only strategy is to memorize and follow procedures, which often leads to struggles with the increased complexity and volume of material.
PART 2: How to prepare your way of thinking for various college majors?
Now that we know the reasons behind the difficulties in college, it’s time to talk about how to prepare your way of thinking for college and avoid these challenges.
Practice solving real-world problems
In college, many of you will learn how to solve real-world problems in various fields. For example:
- Future construction engineers will study how to design a foundation that can support the weight of a house.
- Future nurses will learn how to calculate drug dosages for patients.
- Future computer engineers will explore how to create algorithms for Artificial Intelligence.
College ultimately teaches you how to solve real-world problems. To prepare for college, you should start practicing this skill now. Why? Because focusing on real-world problem-solving helps you avoid the trap of memorizing procedures without understanding them. When you investigate real-world problems, your focus shifts from following a memorized procedure to understanding the essence of the concepts.
In the following sections, we’ll explore a variety of real-world problems across different college majors. These examples are designed to help you see how the concepts you’re learning in school can be applied to solve practical challenges in fields like engineering, healthcare, business, and more.
Enhance your learning with video examples!
If you prefer a more visual and interactive way to learn, try the video versions of each problem. These short, 4–6 minute videos provide a dynamic way to dive deeper into the concepts, bringing the problems to life and showing you how they apply to real-world scenarios.
Why watch the videos?
Visual Learning: Some concepts are easier to grasp when you can see them in action. The videos break down complex ideas into clear, step-by-step explanations.
Real-World Applications: The videos show how the concepts you’re learning in school are used in fields like engineering, healthcare, business, and more.
Flexible Learning: Whether you prefer a visual way to learn or just want to reinforce what you’ve read, the videos offer a dynamic way to engage with the material.
How to access the videos?
You can explore these videos by starting a free trial of our video subscription service. It’s a great way to dive deeper into the topics that interest you most and get a head start on preparing for college.
Ready to see how it works? Click below to start your free trial and unlock access to all the video examples mentioned in this article.
List of college majors to prepare for:
Table of Contents
If you prefer to learn through reading, the following sections provide an overview of each example, with links to more detailed descriptions.
Whether you already know what major you’ll pursue or are still undecided, study these examples carefully. They’ll likely introduce you to a way of thinking that’s different from what you’re used to in school. The earlier you start practicing this way of thinking, the faster you’ll adapt to it—and the easier your transition to college will be. Plus, exploring these examples will give you insights into various professions, helping you think about your future career with more clarity and confidence.
If you haven’t found the major you’re interested in, let us know! We’ll add the majors that receive the most requests from students.
Archaeology majors
In archaeology, you’ll study ancient cultures by analyzing artifacts, ruins, and even human remains. This field combines history, science, and critical thinking to uncover the stories of past civilizations. To succeed, you’ll need a well-organized way of thinking and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines like math, biology, and geography. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in various archaeology majors works and how to prepare yourself for this fascinating field.
Automotive engineering majors
In automotive engineering, you’ll learn how to design, build, and improve vehicles, from cars to self-driving systems. This field combines creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving to create innovative transportation solutions. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in automotive engineering majors works and how to prepare yourself for this fast-paced and exciting field.
Business administration majors
In business administration, you’ll learn how to analyze data, make strategic decisions, and help organizations grow. This field requires a mix of analytical thinking, communication skills, and creativity to solve real-world business challenges. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in business administration majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in management, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
Climate sciences majors
In climate sciences, you’ll study weather patterns, climate change, and their impact on the environment and society. This field combines data analysis, scientific research, and problem-solving to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in climate sciences majors works and how to prepare yourself for this critical and impactful field.
Civil and architectural engineering majors
In civil and architectural engineering, you’ll learn how to design and build structures like roads, bridges, and buildings. This field combines creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving to create safe and sustainable infrastructure. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in civil and architectural engineering majors works and how to prepare yourself for this hands-on and innovative field.
Environmental science majors
In environmental science, you’ll study the natural world and how human activities impact ecosystems. This field combines biology, chemistry, and data analysis to develop solutions for environmental challenges. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in environmental science majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in sustainability, conservation, or environmental policy.
Forensic science majors
In forensic science, you’ll learn how to analyze crime scenes, gather evidence, and use scientific methods to solve crimes. This field combines biology, chemistry, and mathematics to uncover the truth behind criminal investigations. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in forensic science majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in crime scene analysis, forensic technology, or criminal investigation.
Healthcare-related majors
In healthcare-related majors, you’ll learn how to improve patient care, develop treatments, and enhance public health. This field includes areas like medical data analysis, developing prostheses, and public health policy, requiring a mix of scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving to address real-world health challenges. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in healthcare-related majors works and how to prepare yourself for a rewarding career in fields like medical technology, public health, or healthcare management.
Note that these examples focus on supporting healthcare systems and innovation, not clinical roles like surgery or practicing medicine!
Information technology majors
In information technology, you’ll learn how to design, build, and maintain systems that power our digital world. This field combines technical skills, problem-solving, and creativity to develop innovative solutions for businesses and society. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in information technology majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in software development, cybersecurity, or data analysis.
Marketing majors
In marketing, you’ll learn how to analyze customer behavior, create effective campaigns, and measure the success of products and services. This field combines creativity, data analysis, and strategic thinking to connect businesses with their audiences. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in marketing majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in market research, advertising, or brand management.
Mechanical engineering majors
In mechanical engineering, you’ll learn how to design and optimize machines, from engines to robotics. This field combines creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving to create innovative solutions for real-world challenges. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in mechanical engineering majors works and how to prepare yourself for this dynamic and hands-on field.
Microbiology majors
In microbiology, you’ll study tiny organisms like bacteria and viruses and their impact on health, the environment, and technology. This field combines biology, chemistry, and data analysis to solve real-world problems. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in microbiology majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in research, healthcare, or biotechnology.
Nanotechnology engineering majors
In nanotechnology engineering, you’ll learn how to design and manipulate materials at the nanoscale to create innovative technologies. This field combines physics, chemistry, and engineering to solve challenges in medicine, electronics, and energy. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in nanotechnology engineering majors works and how to prepare yourself for this cutting-edge and interdisciplinary field.
Petroleum engineering majors
In petroleum engineering, you’ll learn how to explore, extract, and manage oil and gas resources. This field combines geology, physics, and engineering to solve complex challenges in energy production. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in petroleum engineering majors works and how to prepare yourself for this technical and impactful field.
Precision agriculture majors
In precision agriculture, you’ll learn how to use technology, data analysis, and scientific methods to optimize farming practices and improve crop yields. This field combines agriculture, engineering, and environmental science to create sustainable and efficient farming solutions. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in precision agriculture majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in agritech, farm management, or agricultural research.
Psychology majors
In psychology, you’ll study human behavior, emotions, and mental processes to understand how people think, feel, and interact. This field combines scientific research, critical thinking, and empathy to explore topics like cognition, development, and mental health. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in psychology majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in counseling, research, or human services.
One final example… from a legal major
To wrap up, we’d like to share an example of how a systematic way of thinking and organized knowledge can be beneficial even in fields often thought to be far from math, science, and technology—like law.
In legal studies, you’ll learn how to analyze complex situations, evaluate evidence, and build strong arguments. This field requires critical thinking, communication skills, and a deep understanding of laws and regulations. The example(s) below will help you understand how learning in legal majors works and how to prepare yourself for a career in law, policy, or advocacy.
Conclusion
Preparing for college isn’t just about ticking items off a checklist. It’s about systematically developing your way of thinking and building bridges between what you learn and real-world applications.
Going deeper into what you learn, asking “why” questions, rethinking your knowledge, and constantly organizing and reorganizing it are what make you smarter and better prepared for the challenges of college.
Learning in college won’t always be easy, but if you know how to learn, how to handle difficulties, and where to dig when you don’t understand something, you’ll be well-prepared. We truly hope that studying this article helps you improve and organize your thinking, contributes to making an informed choice about your major, and sets you up for a smooth college experience.
🤞 Good luck!