Preparing for the High School to College Transition

1. Preparing for the High School to College Transition May 17-18, 2010 TPHS Counselors

2. Here are the top 15 things you need to do to not only survive your first year of college, but to THRIVE in college.

3. 1. Go to all orientations Do you really need to go to another campus tour? Yes!!! The faster you learn your way around campus, the better prepared you will be when issues arise.

4. 2. Get organized In high school, the teachers tend to lead you through all the homework and due dates. It may have been easy in high school to wait until the last minute and still get a good grade, but that will not work in college. If you cram for a test you may still do well but you’ll learn very little. “High school teachers tell you your assignments; college professors tell you to read the syllabus.”

5. 3. Go to class Sleeping in and skipping class will be tempting at times but avoid it at all costs. Besides learning the material by attending class, you’ll also receive vital information about what to expect on tests and possible changes in due dates.

6. 4. Meet with your professors and academic advisors Professors schedule office hours for the sole purpose of meeting with students- take advantage of that time. “In high school, teacher student contact is close and frequent… in college classes meet less often.” This is the person who will help you with course conflicts, scheduling of classes, and decisions on majors and minors.

7. 5. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision about a career or major It doesn’t matter if it seems as though everyone else knows what they are doing with their lives. College is the time for you to discover who you are, what you like, and what you want to be. Remember, it is not a race.

8. 6. Find the career services office Regardless of whether you have your entire future mapped out, seek out the wonderful professionals in your college’s career services office. Get started early on planning, preparing, and acting on your future.

9. 7. Take advantage of study resources on campus Just about all colleges have learning labs and tutors available. Form study groups. Find an ideal place to study whether it is a cozy corner of the library or your dorm room.

10. 8. Make connections with students in your classes In the first week of classes, try to meet at least one new person in each of your classes. This person could become a crucial resource at times when you have to miss a class.

11. 9. Seek a balance College life is a mixture of social and academic happenings. Don’t tip the balance too far in either direction “Study hard, so you can play hard.” Be sure to set aside some time and activities that help you relax. Whether it is yoga techniques or watching your favorite TV show or writing in a journal, be good to yourself.

12. 10. Get involved on campus A big problem for a lot of new students is a feeling of not quite belonging. Consider joining a select group of student organizations, clubs, sororities or fraternities, or sports teams. Take advantage of all the cultural and social events that happen on campus.

13. 11. Be safe Be smart and don’t walk home at night. Most colleges offer free ride home programs for students on campus. Avoid drugs and alcohol “1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes.”

14. 12. Stay healthy/Eat right Get enough sleep and eat right. Without mom and dad there to serve you a balanced meal, you may be tempted to go for those extra fries or cookies. Stay healthy and avoid the dreaded extra “Freshman 15” pounds.

15. 13. Keep track of your money If you’ve never had to create a budget, now is the time to do so. Avoid all those credit card solicitations you’ll soon be receiving. The average credit card debt of college grads is staggering!!!!

16. 14. Seek professional help when you need it Most colleges have health and counseling centers. If you’re sick or feeling depressed, please take advantage of the many services these offices provide. You don’t have to face these issues by yourself.

17. 15. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed Expect to have moments where it seems a bit too much. “Be prepared, to feel completely unprepared.” The trick is knowing that your not the only one feeling that way.