How to Organize Your Adult Life Before it Begins
When we are children, our parents decide which school we will attend, not much thought is needed. But when it comes time for college, the choice is ours, and trust me- it’s a big decision. Many things need to be considered such as, proximity to home, teacher to student ratio, majors and minors available, living space requirements and everyone’s favorite, cost. It is hard to decide where we will be spending the next four years of our lives. For those who are in need of some advice, here is what I have discovered so far.
To start, enter your junior year knowing your goals, it is easier to achieve something if you know what you are shooting for. For example, know the SAT score needed for admittance to a specific college before you take the test. Study, study, study, the better the score, the more broader the options- higher SAT scores can lead to bigger scholarships. Also, consider the GPA needed for that college before school is nearing the end, if you have possibly slacked off the first two years, try like crazy to finish the best you can in the last two, it’s never too late for change. In general, assess your options before hand.
There are so many things that have an important deadline such as scholarship applications, general admissions, enrollment decisions, all on top of everyday deadlines like homework, which is why a planner should be your new best friend. Make it fun with doodles and color coding so that it makes each thing seem like it’s something to look forward to, not something to dread.
The internet is the encyclopedia of this century, utilize it. There are so many sites that will compare your values to different colleges. They will match you with your ideal school with ease, don’t overcomplicate things, take the easier route, don’t try to find information on tons of different schools when there is already a tool that does it for you. Ask, thousands of people having been in your place, ask them for help so that when the decision is made, you know it’s the right one.
Persevere, once you have been accepted, the journey isn’t over. Take every chance you can to get to know this place better. Many colleges will host events for incoming freshman to come and see the school, take advantage of that. Everyone uses social media so if the school offers an opportunity to connect with others, take it, having a friend through this life changing experience is one of the most important things to do.
The key to success is to consider everything ahead of time so once it is time to get everything done, you are already a step ahead.
