4 answers
Logan
Student
Hebron, NE
1
Question
Asked
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College life after high school
#CV23
What should I expect for my life out side of high school before the transition into college? When should i start doing college visits? also What should i expect for life away from home?
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4 answers
Victoria Lee
School/College Counselor
5
Answers
Valley Stream, New York
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Life outside of high school before transition can look very different depending on person to person. The most common thing high schoolers, who will be traveling away from home for college, tend to do is try to make the most out of their final summer at home with their friends. Another very common thing is getting a summer job to make some pocket money for when they go off to college. Many students try to prepare for their first year of college at this time as well (shopping). In short, there is no specific thing you must do to transition into college.
College visits are usually done prior to committing to a college. I advise my students to tour schools before they apply as often times students tend to come back from a college tour with a "gut feeling" about a school. For example, there have been many times where one of my students visited their first choice school but realized that they absolutely did not like this school at all after visiting. The same happens the other way around as well - a school my student was never interested in becoming their first choice after visiting.
Life away from home will differ between person to person. Some students struggle while others thrive. The most important facet for ALL students is the ability to advocate for oneself. You may come to realize that you are unaware of how to do certain things you've never even thought of (ex: laundry). This is completely okay! Nobody is ever born knowing how to do everything, thus, being able to seek out and ask for help will be the most useful life skill you will have.
College visits are usually done prior to committing to a college. I advise my students to tour schools before they apply as often times students tend to come back from a college tour with a "gut feeling" about a school. For example, there have been many times where one of my students visited their first choice school but realized that they absolutely did not like this school at all after visiting. The same happens the other way around as well - a school my student was never interested in becoming their first choice after visiting.
Life away from home will differ between person to person. Some students struggle while others thrive. The most important facet for ALL students is the ability to advocate for oneself. You may come to realize that you are unaware of how to do certain things you've never even thought of (ex: laundry). This is completely okay! Nobody is ever born knowing how to do everything, thus, being able to seek out and ask for help will be the most useful life skill you will have.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
842
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Logan,
I am an advocate for moving away to college for school. It can be a safe, interesting way to go into the real world. I would recommend living in the dorms, which is a nice community. The challenges that I experienced going away to college were a few things. First, college is much harder than high school and you are not being hounded by your teachers to make sure that you get your work done. You have to be self motivated to get the work done. The classes are big and sometimes a teacher doesn't have time for you. When you are choosing a college, bigger is not always better. Consider smaller schools with smaller class sizes. You should consider how you will feel being a long way from home. Living at school but still within a few hours of home can help with homesickness, which is a very real thing. Also think about where you are going to live. I moved to another state and another environment - far north and much colder than where I grew up. I did not have a car and the college was in a small town, so I did a lot of walking or I stayed in my dorm. Going into the unknown can seem exciting, but planning is better. If you do a college visit, go in January. In North America, every city is at its worst in January - except maybe California, Florida, or Hawaii.
Gloria
I am an advocate for moving away to college for school. It can be a safe, interesting way to go into the real world. I would recommend living in the dorms, which is a nice community. The challenges that I experienced going away to college were a few things. First, college is much harder than high school and you are not being hounded by your teachers to make sure that you get your work done. You have to be self motivated to get the work done. The classes are big and sometimes a teacher doesn't have time for you. When you are choosing a college, bigger is not always better. Consider smaller schools with smaller class sizes. You should consider how you will feel being a long way from home. Living at school but still within a few hours of home can help with homesickness, which is a very real thing. Also think about where you are going to live. I moved to another state and another environment - far north and much colder than where I grew up. I did not have a car and the college was in a small town, so I did a lot of walking or I stayed in my dorm. Going into the unknown can seem exciting, but planning is better. If you do a college visit, go in January. In North America, every city is at its worst in January - except maybe California, Florida, or Hawaii.
Gloria
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
403
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Logan,
Your life is a story of transition , you are always leaving one chapter behind while moving on to the next. You should definitely start the application process during your Junior year of high school, no later than the summer before your senior year. Before you start your college search, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for. Basic things to consider include your grades, your test scores, location, major, and on-campus facilities and the specific requirements for admission. However, that’s just the beginning of it. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting some of the campuses of the schools you’re planning on applying to. This will help you visualize whether or not you could really see yourself at that school. A campus visit is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to school advisors
Here are 10 steps for transition:
1. Sharpen your study skills
2. Development time management skills
3. Work on reading skills
4. Be ready to write a lot
5. Take care of yourself
6. Be Assertive
7. Don't allow procrastination
8. Learn to laugh at yourself
9. Learn how to budget
10. Don't be afraid of help
Leaving home and being out in the world can be a little scary, Take a deep breath and follow these tips on how to prepare for college and your first time away from home.
Visit Campus Before You Move In.
Get Organized for Success.
Learn Important Life Skills Before Leaving Home.
Use Your Newfound Freedom Wisely.
Prepare for the Inevitable Homesickness.
Know When and Where to Go for Help.
You got this.
Your life is a story of transition , you are always leaving one chapter behind while moving on to the next. You should definitely start the application process during your Junior year of high school, no later than the summer before your senior year. Before you start your college search, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for. Basic things to consider include your grades, your test scores, location, major, and on-campus facilities and the specific requirements for admission. However, that’s just the beginning of it. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting some of the campuses of the schools you’re planning on applying to. This will help you visualize whether or not you could really see yourself at that school. A campus visit is also a great opportunity to ask questions directly to school advisors
Here are 10 steps for transition:
1. Sharpen your study skills
2. Development time management skills
3. Work on reading skills
4. Be ready to write a lot
5. Take care of yourself
6. Be Assertive
7. Don't allow procrastination
8. Learn to laugh at yourself
9. Learn how to budget
10. Don't be afraid of help
Leaving home and being out in the world can be a little scary, Take a deep breath and follow these tips on how to prepare for college and your first time away from home.
Visit Campus Before You Move In.
Get Organized for Success.
Learn Important Life Skills Before Leaving Home.
Use Your Newfound Freedom Wisely.
Prepare for the Inevitable Homesickness.
Know When and Where to Go for Help.
You got this.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
The transition from high school to college can be an exciting and challenging time in your life, as it represents a significant change in your daily routine, responsibilities, and environment. You will have more control over your daily schedule, and you'll be responsible for managing your time, money, and relationships. College is a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends from different backgrounds and cultures. College courses are often more challenging than high school courses, and you may need to develop new study habits and skills to keep up with the demands of your coursework. It's a good idea to start visiting colleges as early as your junior year in high school. This will give you an opportunity to explore different campuses, meet with admissions representatives, and learn more about the academic programs and resources available. If you choose to attend college away from home, you should expect to experience some homesickness and adjust to a new environment. However, many colleges offer resources and support to help you navigate this transition and make the most of your college experience.
Overall, the transition from high school to college can be both exciting and challenging. By preparing early, staying organized, and seeking support when you need it, you can make a successful transition and thrive in college.
Overall, the transition from high school to college can be both exciting and challenging. By preparing early, staying organized, and seeking support when you need it, you can make a successful transition and thrive in college.