College can be an immense commitment; so you have to make sure your actions reflect your values for optimal success.
1. Know Your Goals
For maximum success during college, it is vital that you establish specific goals – these could include personal, academic or financial ones.
Make every attempt possible to enroll in courses related to your desired future career during high school. If your aim is to become an engineer, take as many math and science classes as possible.
As soon as possible during your junior year, take one of the two main standardized tests – either the SAT or ACT. This gives you a chance to gauge where you stand academically and see where improvements could be made to increase your score if necessary.
2. Create a Study Schedule
Use an app or physical calendar to outline all your current commitments – classes, work, social activities and extracurriculars – this will allow you to see how much time is already taken up by these obligations as well as give an estimate of how much is left for studying.
Once you’ve identified both long-term and short-term goals, create a timeline with major assignments, tests or projects and write their dates down. Next, determine how much preparation time each task needs before being handed in – don’t forget any studying or research needed beforehand!
Create a weekly study schedule. Choose which days will serve as study sessions and fill them accordingly, taking into account any other obligations or events at college. Make sure to incorporate at least 1-2 “freedom sessions” each week!
3. Get Organized
College can be daunting with so much coursework, assignments and extracurricular activities taking place simultaneously. Being organized is key for success!
Maintain a planner to record test, exam and due date information. Add important events, such as family reunions or social engagements, to your calendar. Color-coded binders, folders and notebooks make finding what you need easier.
Engaging in college activities is a great way to meet people and have fun. There is a diverse array of student organizations from cultural and religious societies to sports teams and environmental initiatives, as well as opportunities to participate in research on campus – this will give you experience in your field and will look great on any resume! Break large projects down into their component parts and schedule when you will take them on.
4. Get Involved
Being active on campus is an excellent way to meet new people, build connections and gain leadership experience. Being engaged also prepares you for life outside of college by developing problem-solving abilities and sharpening problem-solving abilities. Many colleges host activities fairs or provide information in student centers or online resources about activities available there; find clubs related to your major for an edge when applying; this shows your dedication and focus in that field.
Stick with some ongoing activities; colleges appreciate consistency. Just don’t overdo it; your classes come first. Be sure to give new activities a chance before making up your mind about whether they suit you; you might discover passions you never knew existed!
5. Take Notes
Note taking is an integral part of learning. It helps you better comprehend what’s being said during lectures, as well as recalling information for an exam study session later on.
Junior year of high school should be used to focus on college preparation, particularly if you plan to major in an area requiring specific classes. Speak with your counselor about which classes will best prepare you for future endeavors – consider enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses to challenge yourself academically and increase your college applications.
No matter if you write by hand or use a laptop, taking some time each evening to organize and searchable notes will save time when reviewing for exams.
6. Make Time for Self-Care
Setting up self-care practices can help manage any anxiety that might come up during college life. This could involve anything from taking 10 minute breaks to listen to music that energizes or reading 10 pages from a book to distract from work, to setting aside an exact time every night for relaxation before bedtime.
Junior year is also an excellent time to solicit letters of recommendation from teachers for college applications the following fall, and take another attempt at taking either the SAT or ACT (especially if your scores weren’t satisfactory) if necessary.
Another wonderful activity this year would be researching colleges that interest you and filling out the FAFSA form for federal financial aid – this will allow you to determine family contributions as well as eligibility for scholarships and grants.
7. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
College for many students marks their first time being responsible for themselves and taking charge of their lives, an immensely challenging endeavor that can be stressful. Sleep is vital in maintaining mental and physical wellbeing; to get enough restful restful restful slumber, try sticking to a regular sleep schedule; avoid watching television or using electronic devices just before bedtime as these could keep you awake!
High school guidance counselors may no longer suffice as the sole source for advice about selecting and financing college, and creating unique planning strategies. Unfortunately, too often college graduates end up working in careers unrelated to their major and incurring huge student loan and credit card debt due to inadequate preparation. But things can change!
8. Get a Job or Internship in Your Field of Study
An internship or job offer are great ways to gain real-world work experience before graduating, and will also help build up a good credit score that could come in handy when renting or buying properties in the future.
Internships offer you a chance to meet others in your field and gain professional references, advice and guidance. With VPN Canada, you can even apply to many remote opportunities all across the globe. Just remember to search for internship opportunities that align with your major and career goals.
Even before coming to college, it is advisable to hone both vocal and verbal communication skills by practicing seminars, presentations and discussions as many professors will utilize these methods as evaluation methods. Doing this can make classes and campus life more comfortable while improving performance on oral exams and seminars as well as building your confidence when presenting yourself to others.
