Quick Tips for College Planning
What Are Simple Startup Tips for College Planning?
Successful college planning requires a lot of time, but the following tips may help make things a bit easier:
1. Have a good idea of your college major before freshman year.
You’ll find out much sooner if you’re headed for college, rather than a career if you have no clue about what field you’d like to study.
2. Make sure that you take the SAT/ACT test, and apply early.
This will give you more time to prepare and practice for the test. You won’t know how well you did until after you’ve taken the exam. Early decision applicants must have their test scores in order to be considered for top scholarships.
3. Take college courses during the summer.
It gives you a chance to get used to taking tests and studying.
4. Try to save as much money as possible for college.
The earlier you start saving, the better off you’ll be when school starts. Even if you have merit scholarships or a lot of money, it is always best to get in the habit of saving. You never know what challenges life can throw your way, and a nice savings account could be the difference between graduating or going home.
5. Continue your pre-college activities.
It’s important to meet people and try new things, so you don’t feel too isolated from the rest of the student body. However, don’t completely abandon your pre-college activities until you are in class. Some financial aid could be available for those who continue to show academic and professional progress, even after graduation.
6. Remember that college isn’t just about learning.
It’s also about growing as a person. You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop friendships and interests outside of class.
7. Keep your grades up!
Don’t slack off and expect everything to go smoothly. “Hope” is not a good strategy for getting into your top college choice. Be prepared, stay the course, and study with diligence.
8. Stay healthy.
Eat right, exercise regularly, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Many scholars make mistakes before going to college “in the name of fun”, and end up losing out on scholarships or having their offers revoked. Don’t chance it. Stay clear-headed.
9. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
Life is going to pass by quickly, so make the most of it while you can.
When is the Best Time to Start College Selection?
If you plan to attend college, then you should start thinking about it as early as middle school. If you have identified one or more talents, then you can begin researching colleges. There is no harm in researching early, and it is free with an internet connection.
Plus, you need several years to make realistic plans with your parents. What type of school do you want to go to and would it fit into your budget? Once you have all of these things figured out, you should be able to narrow down the schools you are interested in attending.
What are Some Things to Consider when Visiting Colleges?
Budget Appropriately: What is the Cost of Living for Your College Choice?
You should consider how you want to spend your money while you’re attending college. The cost of living may be significantly different than in your hometown. Plus, you will need to save money throughout your entire life, so you need to budget appropriately.
Ask about scholarships and apply for any grants available to you. Visit the Career Center on your prospective college campus to get help finding internships and jobs during the summer months and after graduation.
Match Your College With Your Major
You should plan ahead and know what your major is before you start. If you don’t know what you want to study, take some AP, Dual Enrollment, or Summer Enrichment classes. Immersing yourself in higher-level studies can help you decide before it is costly.
Be Flexible with Double Major or Minor options
You may find yourself in a class that interests you even if it’s not your major. It can serve as a double major, a specialty track, or a minor. Take advantage of the opportunities offered by your school.
How Do I Prepare for a Day In The Life of a College Student?
College students should start planning their day early, so they have time to get everything done before classes start. They should plan out what activities they want to do throughout the day and figure out how to fit them all in.
One important thing to remember is that it is a good habit to take breaks, relax, and recharge while you are still in high school. You will need this habit, as college students should try to sleep 8 hours per night. This is very important because studies show that college students who don’t sleep well tend to have lower grades.
Does a Summer Enrichment Program at a College Help My Admission Chances?
College admissions counselors know that students who participate in enrichment programs during the summer months can give some great information about what type of student they may be. This is because these programs are designed to help students gain new skills that could improve their grade point average.
If you participate in a program during the summer months, you could benefit from: An ability to communicate effectively, An increased understanding of college-level math, Sciences, History, Arts, Languages, Music, Sports, and Dance. Most colleges want to see that you have been involved in activities that challenge your mind.
In conclusion, college planning can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these quick and simple tips, you can make the process a lot less stressful. So take a deep breath, relax, and get started on your college planning today.
