Will life improve at college

[Seducer of the Homeless]

I am currently sat procrastinating my english coursework (as much as i adore the language i can't help feeling studying others work is bollocks)
I am a high school student and am held back by such nuisances as the planning and restrictive nature of all subjects. I dont like maths and the like as my nature demands free thought and creativity. But now the Arts have fallen foul of the traits i hate the subjects aforementioned (my english essay 'the rape and ruin of art' displayed my point on this. still awaiting teacher feedback. I may inflict my opinions on you at some point. Be wary)
But I am wondering if college will unleash me rather than leash me. Because Dammit, two more years of such mediocrity might just kill me.
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[Ermine]

I hope I'll be more free at college. At the very least, you get to live away from home and dabble in more subjects.

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

Depends on what you mean by "free". While you will get more academic freedom, depends on the subjects you pursue. It sounds as if you are looking for freedom of thought in which case the arts and philosophy might be better subjects for you. Math is still math no matter where you take it. Most colleges do require certain courses that you may not like but you can space them out so that you not spending your entire first year taking classes that are too reminicent of high school.

 

[Ermine]

However, it's hard to tell how free I can be. I just got accepted into 2 universities yesterday that I like. However, they either can't or won't tell me what I want to know about, things such as the lifestyle, how concerned they are about being "politically correct", teaching style, how much it really costs to attend (all the fees they don't tell you about), how dingy the cheaper apartments really are, etc.

But the academic freedom is paramount for me, and it's guaranteed in higher education, so I'm happy about that.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

"Runshaw College is committed to equality of opportunity for its staff, students and all members of its community. We value difference and diversity. We respect all our people for their individuality, abilities and aspirations. We will treat individuals with respect and be fair to them irrespective of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, nationality, religion, sexuality, status and any other distinction.

We are committed to elimination of direct and indirect discrimination and will take appropriate action to implement this diversity policy.

It is the responsibility of every individual to make sure that they do not discriminate in any way. All members of the college community have a duty to uphold equal opportunities principles. Any breach of this policy will be dealt with appropriately."

The usual pish.

but in terms of subjects I will probably go for Music,Phychology,Philosophy,Art,English Language.

Philosophy course-
How do we gain knowledge?
Why should I be governed?
Why should I be moral?
Do I have free will?
What is the origin of the idea of God?
What is a person?
What is art?
How can we be sure the world is there?
Is tolerance important?

Might get thrown out?!

 

[fullerene]

However, it's hard to tell how free I can be. I just got accepted into 2 universities yesterday that I like. However, they either can't or won't tell me what I want to know about, things such as the lifestyle, how concerned they are about being "politically correct", teaching style, how much it really costs to attend (all the fees they don't tell you about), how dingy the cheaper apartments really are, etc.

Visit, and talk to the students there. Don't worry about the tours or information sessions (useless garbage)... but just walk around and stop a few of the students to ask them about life and classes there. Most people are nice enough to do that for visiting high school kids, and it's the best way to learn about student life. And, if they're not nice enough to do that for someone, then you know it's probably not the type of student body atmosphere that you want anyway.

 

[Jordan~]

What is a person?

Plato once said that Socrates had defined men as "featherless bipeds". Upon hearing this, Diogenes crawled out of his barrel, bought (or probably stole) a chicken, plucked it, and ran to the Academy, holding it aloft and shouting, "Behold, Plato! I have brought you a man!"

In response, Plato added "with broad, flat nails" to his definition.

 

[Perseus]

Plato once said that Socrates had defined men as "featherless bipeds". Upon hearing this, Diogenes crawled out of his barrel, bought (or probably stole) a chicken, plucked it, and ran to the Academy, holding it aloft and shouting, "Behold, Plato! I have brought you a man!"

In response, Plato added "with broad, flat nails" to his definition.

Diogenes was not a bright as Socrates. The Commander in Cheif must have been standing on the side of the Sun, putting Diogenes in his shadow.

 

[Perseus]

Visit, and talk to the students there. Don't worry about the tours or information sessions (useless garbage)... but just walk around and stop a few of the students to ask them about life and classes there. Most people are nice enough to do that for visiting high school kids, and it's the best way to learn about student life. And, if they're not nice enough to do that for someone, then you know it's probably not the type of student body atmosphere that you want anyway.

Number Five says it is all just a cosmic joke and you could get laid.

 

[Jordan~]

Perhaps Diogenes wasn't as bright, but he was unquestionably more brilliant.

Anyhow, more on topic. There are still deadlines at college, but I suppose they're longer (so it's more likely an INTP will get into the mood for doing the task, rather than rushing it in the last minute). Hopefully you're taking a course that interests you and challenges you intelectually, so that should certainly be better than school.

 

[sagewolf]

God, I hope college will be better. Mind you, I don't have to do loads of subjects, I get to focus intently on one thing for four years. So, as long as it's something I really like, college should be a heck of a lot better than the Leaving Cert. I'm sick of the emphasis on grades and points that the Irish high school system has: in the course I'm choosing, the work is a lot more practical and the emphasis is on expression, learning how to actually animate, and exploring to find your own style. And yes, that's from the students themselves, not the college. God, I can't wait.

 

[saffyangelis]

It sounds good =)

I can't wait, if I actually get to think, rather than spending my time drawing and stuff like I am now.

 

[Kuu]

Don't count on it. It might as well be the worst time of your life.

It's better to lower your expectations and sharpen your survival skills now, instead of hoping for a future external solution to problems.


~ Your daily dose of negativity, brought to you grudgingly by Tekton ~

 

[Ermine]

The future is so bright you need sunglasses!

*gives Tekton a dose of optimism and takes him to candy mountain therefore neutralizing his negativity*

 

[Kuu]

the funny thing is that my name actually is Charlie... (y'know, after translation and stuff)

 

[Ermine]

Scream and plead for mercy, and maybe I won't take your kidney.

 

[Kuu]

no need, I think I'll just skip the trip to candy mountain....

 

[sagewolf]

Don't count on it. It might as well be the worst time of your life.

It's better to lower your expectations and sharpen your survival skills now, instead of hoping for a future external solution to problems.

Yes, I realise that if I'm miserable, then I'm miserable, and if I'm perfectly likely to be just as miserable in college, but since I'm generally most miserable after I get home from school, I'm guessing that that actually is the problem. Keep in mind that I'm a very arty, bookish, private person going to a very sport-centred school in a rural area where everyone knows everything about everyone else. Me and Here do not mix very well and I'm looking forward to escaping Here more than I'm looking forward to going There.

 

[saffyangelis]

Is agreeing with Sage.

(and the entire English education system is made for stupid people)

 

[NoID10ts]

(and the entire English education system is made for stupid people)

Isn't that the point?

 

[saffyangelis]

Nah, Isn't it meant to help everyone learn?

As of the moment, we're in two groups, and I think the bottom group has about three people in it, while all of the vaguely smart people are all crammed together and given the worst teachers.

 

[sagewolf]

For and BY, Saffy. For and BY.

I have no bloody idea what my Tech project has to do with actual Architectural Drawing or architecture. We have to draw an MP3 docking station in a computer program that's only used for that specific course. How that helps us learn anything useful or interesting, I don't know.

Irish would be so cool if I could understand it: we study the way the language developed. However, we study it IN IRISH, so I still don't have a clue. T.T

(Oh, yeah, 250th post. Woooo.)

 

[saffyangelis]

BY meaning....?

 

[sagewolf]

Agh. You beat me to the post. T.T Damn you ISP!

The English education is made for and BY stupid people.

 

[saffyangelis]

I thought it was an acronym. I'm too sleepy. I should be finishing off my vats of homework, but I'm still agreeing.

There's a lot of stupid people in education, I think.

 

[sagewolf]

Well, the teachers did choose to stay in education instead of escaping like sensible people. At least the students mostly choose to eventually leave.

 

[EditorOne]

"Nah, Isn't it meant to help everyone learn?"

Some think a more valuable education is the one that teaches you how to learn, by conditioning your mind in various ways to absorb, digest and embrace new ideas and new patterns of ideas.

The original post's theme:

One must deal with muggles everywhere. Some teach. Best thing to do is give them what they want, which usually requires effort only to overcome ennui, and not waste time in teeth gnashing. That time could better be spent figuring out the absolute fastest way to give them what they need, thus bringing a smidgeon of creativity to the process.

You can get surprised by uncreative people even in theoretically creative fields. After having had a delightful freewheeling professor for creative writing for two semesters I found myself saddled with an absolutely hidebound prof in the third semester, a real stereotype of stodgy academia. So instead of "challenges" I had mere assignments in comparative literature exercises. The most I could do was try to come up with unexpected comparisons, like "imagery in rhythm of poems: William Carlos Williams "Wheelbarrow" and Browning's "Arriving at Sunset " and "Parting at Dawn." It made her nervous but it fit the essence of the assignment. (I think I got the names of the poems right, but jeez it has been a long, long time.)

You can expect your INTPness to rub up against the world's less interesting aspects pretty much anywhere you go and anything you do, with the possible exception of visiting this forum.

 

[sagewolf]

The most valuable education would be one which instilled a desire to learn in people, but I agree: how is more important than the knowledge itself.

Teachers are indeed weird sometimes... My math teachers have all been incredibly fun, enthusiastic, stimulating and incredible teachers, which I find weird in a subject as rigid as math. My Art teacher on the other hand... She has an idea that art is meant to be a certain way, and even when I explain my reasoning, she tells me that "No, this is right." At which point I want to tell her that it's art, for God's sake: it's not right, it's expressive. But it's been tried, and I doubt I'd do particularly well, talking on the fly. So I smile, nod, and look forward to college.

My dentist tells me I clench my jaw a lot and I can't imagine where he gets the idea.

 

[chocolate]

Short answer: yes. (from my experience)

Profs think differently than teachers, and you have more control over what you are taking. For me, college was a new crazy experience, unlike anything that came before.

You may give math another try; it's also quite different than in high school...day and night really.

Personally, in college, I liked courses in ethics, logic, math, and english the best. I also took a philosophy of religion class which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I don't think you can take that in your first year. From what I'm reading here sounds right up intp-alley.

 

[sagewolf]

If I planned to go to an American college, I would definitely do math at third-level, but doing something at third-level in Ireland means taking at least a two-year course in just that and nothing else. I would love to study math, linguistics, English, creative writing, psychology, sociology, and a million other things, but I can only pick one thing. I'm picking Animation-- a four-year course. It will be fuuuuun.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Phychology or Philosophy?

my only problem is ...GORGOROTH!!!.... sorry, my only problem with education are two things-

Being taught subjects of no value or relevance

Being taught enjoyable and useful subjects (i dont need to be taught what i can already do)

The mental brick wall has become apparent

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Decided in college i will create a persona, the erudite. speaking rarely and when i do speak, it shall be anticipated and worthy of exercising the vocals. i shall dwell in the far corner

WHAT FUN!

 

[sagewolf]

Current philosophy is "grin and bear it". This school is a stepping stone to where I want to be. Whenever I get sick of it, I picture myself jumping up and down on it like the stepping stone it is, and I feel better.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

http://www.runshaw.ac.uk/

everyone looks too optimistic.

not sure how i will make friends and acquaintances. i shall remain muted for the first week at least. my only hope is the music department. phychology is a popular subject which means popular people will take it. meaning arseholes will take it
philosophy may provide some stimulus and for once in my life i may engage in a sensible conversation

 

[EditorOne]

"http://www.runshaw.ac.uk/

everyone looks too optimistic."


I'm told on good authority that the particular look on those faces is not optimism, but "happiness." It may or may not be caused by optimism. They could all be high. Or someone told a joke. Or, much more likely, the photographer asked them all to please look happy for the photo. In an event, a visit to the campus might be more useful. These are, after all, recruitment photos aimed at that portion of the population that doesn't suspect a rat when they see people smiling. :-)

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

he he he, giggle giggle giggle, giggity goo, goo giggity
you have tickled me

we are just splitting hairs.

i agree with you however.
i have idiotic tendencies.

 

[sagewolf]

It may be useful to remember that Psychology is a more practical subject (in terms of getting a job) than Philosophy, which may be one of the reasons it is more popular. Do not do the same thing as my mom and get a nearly completely useless degree... not that Medieval French Literature isn't probably fascinating, but it's not a hugely marketable area of expertise.

 

[Ermine]

Likewise, I'm planning on majoring in Graphic Design, rather than Fine Art. The two overlap, and I like both, but Graphic Design is much more marketable, and virtually every company needs it.

 

[sagewolf]

Yeah. At the end of my course I'll have a short film made, I'll be proficient in model, hand-drawn AND CG animation, and the animation industry, unlike many others, isn't retrenching with the global recession. Nor the games industry, from what I know. So I can work in pure animation, games, live-action films (CGI stunt stand-ins/effects) concept design, advertising... Brilliant industry. Very marketable.

And I love it, which is possibly more important to me.

 

[zxc]

I'm going to major in physics... not sure if it's a good decision (I like all the sciences and all the humanities subjects) but I enjoy it the most probably.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

i plan on doing a job in music (preferably musician, or sound/light engineer, producer etc)

anything else is icing. which would be more interesting?

hell, i'll do both


criminal psychology would be great

 

[sagewolf]

Musician? Cool! What instrument do you play, or would you prefer to mix/compose music? Or do you just want to work in the film/TV industry?

Awww, come on, xkc. Physics is cool.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

I play guitar. preferably a musician in a band in which i shall compose. metal/punk sort of stuff. professional, not necassarily famous but established.

 

[zxc]

Musician? Cool! What instrument do you play, or would you prefer to mix/compose music? Or do you just want to work in the film/TV industry?

Awww, come on, xkc. Physics is cool.

Of course physics is cool, but that doesn't necessarily make it a good decision!

I'm mostly interested in theoretical physics / cosmology / astrophysics.

 

[sagewolf]

But don't you see, OTHER people will think it's a bad decision too, and there will be more jobs left for you out there because they didn't go into physics!

Physics also shows a high degree of competency with computers and programming, though, since they run simulations of experiments before they run the experiments themselves. So that's a job opportunity there. According to my careers teacher, what you do as a degree isn't so important as finishing the degree and showing that you can make a commitment and stick to it is. Especially a commitment that involves three to four years of constant study on one subject. Just stick with it, whatever you do.

Also, you bastard, you made me lose.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

is astronomy part of Physics?

i'm going to major in that next year. i like space

 

[MattSeven]

I am currently sat procrastinating my english coursework (as much as i adore the language i can't help feeling studying others work is bollocks)
I am a high school student and am held back by such nuisances as the planning and restrictive nature of all subjects. I dont like maths and the like as my nature demands free thought and creativity. But now the Arts have fallen foul of the traits i hate the subjects aforementioned (my english essay 'the rape and ruin of art' displayed my point on this. still awaiting teacher feedback. I may inflict my opinions on you at some point. Be wary)
But I am wondering if college will unleash me rather than leash me. Because Dammit, two more years of such mediocrity might just kill me.
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

I think the most important thing an INTP can do before being unleashed upon the world is grow in their appreciation of the other traits. When an INTP explores feelings and emotions (and feeling/emotional people) it seems to me an incredible feast.

I think the INTP has an incredible talent for borrowing talents from others vicariously. The problem is our tendency to get fixed and fixated. Broaden yourself as a project. Do things uncomfortable with people you would not otherwise associate with. Stretch. Ache. Grow.

"Life is an amazing adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

In short: never rely on anything but yourself to make your life a beautiful experiment.

 

[Beat Mango]

College (or what I would call university) will be a substantial improvement on school if you're anything like me, but it's still an institution, and there are still grades, so it's not perfect. True freedom will have to be found elsewhere, but I must admit, I love being on campus, even though I am older than average age now; a veteran rather than a wide-eyed newcomer. The people you meet are a big plus - professors/lecturers/tutors are great; don't be afraid to get behind their mask because they are often fed up with teaching, but very intelligent interesting people.

University is "what you make it" a lot more than school is.

 

[Beat Mango]

Decided in college i will create a persona, the erudite. speaking rarely and when i do speak, it shall be anticipated and worthy of exercising the vocals. i shall dwell in the far corner

WHAT FUN!

One of the key differences I found between uni and school was that when you do this in uni, no-one gives a shit! I did go to a big uni though, a lot of anonymity.

 

[Waterstiller]

University is better than high school.

JC is worse than high school.

Dorm room = introvert hell.