Some Tips for the High School Senior Who Isn't Sure

Fall of senior year is a weird time in high school. Some of your friends have been committed for a while, some are graduating in a few months, and others are pretty all over the place. I was the latter. A year ago, I was pretty sure about my major, but as far as where I was going to school, I had no idea. I had only visited two colleges and I wasn't really sure where to go next while some of my friends had been to seven or eight schools to look. If this is you, don't panic. Here are some tips from someone who changed their mind multiple times a week about things.

1. You have more time than you think. It's only fall. Yes, you should be thinking about your options but do not rush into something that isn't a perfect fit just because you want something to be nailed down. Take your time. I didn't even visit my school until February and it wasn't even on the radar until about December. One of my best friends decided to go to cosmetology school just a few weeks before her classes were supposed to start up. It's okay.
2. Find out where other people are looking. Not that you should just follow the people you know all over the country, but the more places you hear about, the better. You may have someone tell you about a school and you Google it only to find out that it is the complete opposite of what you want, but at least it narrows things down and gives you more ideas about what different schools have to offer!
3. Ask your parents what they think. After all, they probably know you best and may have an idea of what is a good fit for you. If they went to college themselves, they can tell you about what they know about different schools.
4. It doesn't have to be college. If you're considering not going to a university, that is completely and totally A-okay. That being said, you should be looking at your options too. Maybe that's the military, trade school, community college. Whatever it is, start lookin'! If you come from a home that encourages college more than other options, you may need to find help elsewhere, like a counselor at school.
5. No matter what you're considering for next year, buddy up with your counselor. I made this mistake. I thought I had it all under control and then suddenly I was knocking on my counselor's door begging her to put together a letter of recommendation due in four days! It is so much easier if they are familiar with you and your ideas. Go in and bounce some ideas off of them, it's what they're there for! It is also helpful to ask them to help you stay on track and work out a timeline with them.
6. If you are considering going somewhere kind of far away, when you visit I recommend taking the mode of transportation you would normally take to get home. So, if you know that you would probably drive home most of the time, you may want to drive for your visit so you have a good idea of what that is going to feel like and how accessible it really is for you. You also may want to keep an eye on flight prices when you think about it!
7. Do not let your friends or significant other influence your decision. Going to college is about you and what is best for you future happiness. If you are meant to be with this person then it will all work out no matter where you go, whether the same college or career choice works for both of you or not. It's okay to branch off on your own- that is what this time is for!
8. Even once you do choose, technically, nothing is permanent. Yes, it would be a lot easier to find somewhere you love and stay there for four years. However, if you get there and realize that you're in the totally wrong place, it is probably an option to change schools or shift your plan/direction.
9. Start looking for scholarships. I was not aware that there were so many scholarships available- even if they're tiny. Every bit counts!
10. It's going to work out. I promise. Eventually, you will find something that fits everything about you and you will get there. Have patience!

Best of luck to every high school student out there. If you are anything like me and high school has not been a fun time for you, you are not alone. Life after high school is so much better and in a few months none of this will matter.

Sincerely, someone who couldn't wait to get out of high school