Todd NesnickA successful college routine is impossible without proper planning. Even when you work on an essay, research paper, capstone project, or book review, you have to plan your writing and editing sessions to do the job on time. But the reality is that college planning is not only about taking tests, filling out forms, and sending emails to professors. The process requires you to manage your time and budget, and consider knowledge, skills, and academic goals.
In a free guide given below, we offer some fundamental recommendations on college planning to help you succeed in your academic routine.
Create a List of Available College Options
When it’s the first time that you check different colleges, ensure to make a list of all the best possible options that you take into account. The next step will be to list all the things that you would like the chosen alma mater to have. For instance, your list might include skilled and dedicated professors, study abroad programs, extracurriculars, helpful college advisors, positive reviews, financial aid, and so on.
Always Keep Your Goals and Interests in Mind
It’s no idea that at this point, you do have some ideas of what you would like to major in. If not, make sure to begin by providing answers to the following questions:
- What career path am I most interested in?
- What areas am I good at?
- Will I have to get a part-time job while in college?
- What are my professional goals?
- Is it OK for me to attend a college that is located far from home?
- How am I going to pay for college?
The sooner you start this self-reflection process the better. You’re welcome to approach trusted friends, family members, college advisors, or online services for advice when necessary. Just like you find help for your “Please, help me do my project for me” requests from custom writing companies, you’re welcome to talk to professional adults in this case as well.
Starting to ponder over your college routine as early as possible provides you with two fundamental benefits. First of all, you don’t have to make your final decision now and have a lot of time to change your mind. Second, if you’re a high school student at the moment, you have an opportunity to choose extracurriculars or high school courses that will help you become a better candidate for the target institution.
Plan Ahead to Ensure You Won’t Fail Deadlines
When it comes to applying to college, you have to keep in mind a lot of important deadlines. As a rule, all timeframes are associated with scholarship and college applications, ACT and SAT prep, etc.
When you’re busy with college planning, it is important to make use of a planner or calendar that will help you keep all deadlines in mind. Are you in need of help? Feel free to visit the college planning center of your current high school. As an alternative, you can approach your guidance counselor for help. S/he will inform you on the main deadlines that you have to meet and provide you with some precious pieces of advice on how you should prepare for college application.
Consider Extra Scholarships
Keep on seeking more scholarships that you can apply for. The point here is that some scholarships are provided to college seniors or juniors only, while the others are available for undergrads who are already 100% sure about what they would like to major in. Don’t forget that there are loads of options for scholarship funds, which means you will definitely find something up to your taste. If you make sure to continue with your applications, starting as a high school student and continuing in college, you will definitely get one at some point.
Go on a College Campus Tour
It is important to attend college campus tours. As a rule, they take place during the summer break before your senior year or during the autumn of your senior year. When it comes to scheduling tours on campus, you have to create a list of the schools that you would like to see. Then, check your list several times and reduce it to the number of visits that you will be able to manage. This is a must. The reality is that you can’t visit every other college that you’re applying to. Pick your top institutions and follow the tips given below:
- Check the school websites to get a better idea of how the campus tours are being arranged.
- Plan your time to ensure you will have enough of it to visit each institution.
- Manage your time properly to visit the chosen school in early fall (that’s when class is in session).
- Do not hesitate to ask questions, such as what dorm room you should better choose, what extracurriculars are offered, and other issues you’re interested in.
If you choose not to do a college tour in person, ensure to attend a cyber campus tour. The good news is that a lot of schools provide their potential students with a chance to attend a virtual tour, which means you always have options on the plate.