It does not seem like very long ago that I was preparing to go to college. It also amazes me at how much has changed since then. My granddaughter is preparing now and she has to write an application essay to get in. I certainly don’t remember doing anything of the sort back when I went to school.

In fact, I was well into my first year of college before I had to write my first research paper and now they hand them out to students like candy. I think that when I was in college, there were a lot more exams and classes were shorter. I got my teachers degree in only two years and now it takes four. I do not know if they teach them more or if they learn at a slower pace.

Students nowadays can also opt to write an online essay. Back in my day, we did not even have electric typewriters, let alone a computer with Internet access. I find that everything is so rushed today because of this. We spent so much time in the library and students today tend to spend more time in the computer lab.