Posted On: April 9, 2010
It might seem like it’s far away but if you plan to attend college after high school there is a lot of work that goes into preparing for that next big step. During their last year senior students can find themselves getting that senioritis bug and there can be all kind of distractions to keep you from staying on track. A good way to stay inline is to prioritize your life. It helps to remain focused and it’s a good way to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
Not everyone’s young adult life revolves around school. Though it’s an important factor in your preparation for college, other things can hold just as much, if not more, significance. Some people have family, religious, or extracurricular activities that they are also extremely passionate about. When you’re preparing for that academic journey ahead you shouldn’t have to put aside these things in order to be a success. In fact, in many ways you can include them when considering your options.
Many family members, especially parents, want to see their children happy and successful. Including them in your hunt for the right school can create a stronger relationship between the three of you. An added plus is that if someone helps you go through the hundreds of options you have it can be a relief on you because you already have so much on your plate.
Hobbies and extracurricular activities can help you to make the best decision about what to major in. If you prefer sports or arts you could look into a focus in kinesiology, fine arts, or humanities studies.
Once you have decided to prioritize it’s good to set out a scheduled plan for the remainder of the year that details everything you will need to do to plan your future. Here are some useful tips for planning:
- Get a Daily Appointment Planner:
A daily appointment planner is a perfect tool for scheduling your after-school events, assignments, and your social calendar. Overall, it’s a good way to stay organized and prioritize your time. - Keep Your Grades Up:
Grades can mean a lot when applying to universities. Don’t pay so much attention to your future plans that you neglect your present responsibilities. - Prepare for Entrance Exams:
Begin setting aside time each week to study for these important tests. There are tons of books, online websites, and computer programs that are fantastic study aids. The better you do on your exams, the more likely you are to get into a more prestigious school or become qualified for scholarships. - Talk to Counselors:
High school guidance counselors and Student Aid counselors on college campuses can be a great asset when planning your academic future. They can often help you find information regarding financial aid, housing, and the general application process. - Preparing for Tuition:
Make sure to fill out and turn in your FAFSA form by January of your senior year. It’s also a good idea to begin talking with your parents regarding your budget for attending school. How much will it cost? How much are you willing to spend? Do I qualify for any scholarships, grants, or student loans? Good sites to check out are fafsa.ed.gov and grants.gov. - Researching Types of Schools:
It’s good to also set aside time for research. There are so many options out there that it’s smart to think about who you are and what you would be an ideal college environment. Use these answers to narrow down the choices. Most schools will gladly send you free information upon request that includes brochures and a list of course offerings. - Schedule a Campus Visit:
Once you have a few choices picked set aside a weekend or two during spring to make visits to their campuses. Getting an up-close look at the buildings, student and faculty body will help you to get a feel for the environment you’ll be in for the next few years and help you ascertain which one is the right choice. - Get Those Applications in On Time:
Meeting deadlines is vital. Be sure to know when each of your college applications are due and that they are completely filled out. It’s a good idea to keep all of your research materials filed and in order so there’s no confusion or mess. Use that daily appointment planner to mark any important cut-off dates so you are always on time.
These might seem like obvious tips and ideas, but with juggling so many responsibilities it can become very easy to lose track of something or forget. Taking the time to organize your life can make a big difference when preparing for the journey ahead.