Do I need computer skills before going to college?

I'm not super tech-savvy, but I'm wondering how important it is to know my way around computers before heading to college. Are there specific skills I should work on improving?

While it's not mandatory to have advanced computer skills before starting college, having basic digital literacy can be extremely useful in different aspects of university life, from academic work to communication and even organization.

Being comfortable with word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs is important, as you'll be using them to write essays and reports. Likewise, using spreadsheets in Excel or Google Sheets might come in handy for assignments in certain courses or for personal organization.

Given the online nature of many resources and assignments, knowing how to navigate the internet effectively, including online research and email, is a must. Many colleges use education management systems like Blackboard or Canvas, and understanding how to use these platforms can help streamline your online learning experience.

In the digital age, presentation tools like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Prezi might be used for presenting information in classes and seminars, so familiarity with these could be beneficial.

Lastly, there's coding. While not a necessity for all students, it’s increasingly helpful in a variety of fields, and there are many resources available for learning basic code.

Of course, college is also a learning experience, and you'll undoubtedly acquire many of these skills as you go along, especially if they are necessary for your major. However, being proactive in developing your computer skills beforehand can provide a solid start.