How will I know when I am truly ready to go to college?
I'm asking this question because it's been a major topic pressing on my mind. I want to make sure that I have a brief understanding of independence and adulthood before taking that next big step. I've already been accepted into my school of choice, now its all about preparation. #collegepreparation
3 answers
Tracey’s Answer
I think you will do fine.
college-advice
Katie’s Answer
Hi Tabatha!
Congrats!! That is so exciting! I agree with what everyone has said above in response to your question. Personally, I know that I have never been great with change and whenever I have had to face new situations I had many doubts about whether or not I could handle it. What I have found is that it is best just to jump right in. For me, whenever I have waited or delayed something it has only become harder to start up again. I don't know if there will ever be a time where you feel totally ready and even if you feel ready at one point, the next minute you might have doubts again. I know before freshman year and even during my time at college, I had doubts about if I had made the right decision but I pushed through and now I am thankful that I did.
I think when deciding the best time to start college it is important to consider your outlook on it. One of the best pieces of advice that I received before college was that your college experience will be what you make of it. Thus, it is important to go in with a positive attitude and be open to college and all it has to offer. For me, what made the transition easier was to get involved right away so that I felt apart of the college community and it got my mind off of my doubt.
I hope this helps! Again congrats!!
Di Whitman
Di’s Answer
Congratulations on getting accepted into your school of choice! That is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself. The simple answer is you will never know if you are 100 percent ready to go to college. If you knew, then you would go. In fact, I don't think anyone is ever 100 percent ready to go to college. Most people enter college as kids and graduate from college as adults. They learn all about independence and adulthood along the way. For example, I am an only child, and I had never shared a room or a bathroom with anyone until college. During college, I always had a roommate and I either shared a bathroom with all the girls on my dormitory floor or my roommate when I lived off-campus. It was an adjustment at first, but I learned and got used to it.
I think the fact that you applied to college and got accepted to your top choice is enough evidence to show that you are ready for college, even if you're not 100 percent ready. You've put in the academic work and shown you have are involved with extracurriculars. Now you get to enjoy college, study cool and useful subjects at a college level, make friends, learn how to live away from your parents and family, and take care of yourself. It's an exciting journey and I encourage you to jump in!