College is the biggest thing I have ever done in my life and some of my closest friends are about to start their journey towards college really soon. As a self-proclaimed professional
1. Do not settle.
This is the biggest lesson you can learn when applying to college. Do not apply to somewhere because your friend wants you to. Do not apply to a college that is in the mountains if you hate cold weather. Do choose a college that has the environment, clubs, and social life you want. It is probably not a good idea to go to a large public university if you hate being in crowds. See my point?
2. Majors are a major deal.
First, let me state that it is 100% okay that you have no clue what you want to do right now. You are allowed to change your mind a thousand times before you finally find the thing you love. Research the college you want to go to and see their options. If you want more information on the majors, email the school and get all the information you need. Maybe even speak to the department head of the major.
3. Deadlines or bust.
The most important things when filling out applications is to always make the deadlines. The only thing I can guarntee is that a late application will never result in anything positive. If anything, you will always have a bad reputation as the person who couldn't get their application in on time. What scholarship committee or school board wants to let in a student who won't turn in their assignments on time? Remember your deadlines.
4. Spelling and grammar are incredibly important.
Don't make the mistake of turning in an application without having someone to look over it first. Common misspelled words and missed commas can really hurt your chances. Omitted words are the easiest mistake to make. You don't want to say, "I really like to your school because..." Take the time to get a teacher or friend to scan it before submitting. Set a standard of three people to scan it.
5. Find out how you learn best.
Learn your study habits now because college is full of books and memorizing terms. Are you a hands on learner, or do you prefer to see something written instead? For example, I need to write it and then say it over and over again. I am a hearing and doing learner. How I study is by writing and drawing out my notes, but reciting them to myself afterwards. This simple test http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-asse... can help you research into how you learn best.
6. Start packing early.
As soon as your acceptance letter lands in your mailbox, start making a list. This means that you need to be on top of your packing game. All those out of state trips didn't repare you for a whole move. It is like moving a house. So, start searching Pinterest and Google for all the helpful guidelines on what to pack. I waited until June and I was in a rush. I was in and out of Walmart for weeks at a time. I would suggest shopping no later than May.
7. Scholarships, financial aid... do it all.
All the help you can get is worth the essays. Trust me. Get with your school couselor and begin learning about finincial aid. Research your school and find their specific scholarships. Lees McRae (the school I attend) has scholarships for humanities students and other certain majors. These scholarships can range to around $2,000. Also, your academics mean the world to your scholarships. Some scholarships can be around $10,000. You may fill out thirty and get twenty, but you wouldn't have gotten that many without applying for thirty.
8. Explore your interests.
Right now, you may love history and you may be all gung-ho about being a professor. It never hurts to join a club or research into something you may have a slight interest in. Try it out, but remember that you don't have to stick with it. Exploring your options can open your mind to a world of possibilities.
9. It's okay to be emotional.
It is your senior year, which is overwhleming enough. Scholarship essays everynight and trying to get into your favorite college can be stressful. Just rememeber that it is okay to be upset about your last year at home. Growing up is a lot to handle, so cry it out.
10. Enjoy the time before college.
I can't stress this enough, but enjoy your life right now. You may think that college is going to be a thousand times better, but it is nothing compared to the comfort of home. You move far away and into a room with a stranger. Enjoy your single room and stocked refridgerator now before it is gone.
