News — The season of college admissions decisions for many high school seniors is in full swing. Those who have already heard from their school of choice are heading into their senior spring with a smile, and those who haven't are eagerly awaiting that thick envelope in the mail.
Students should keep in mind that a lot can happen between now and August, said Beverly Low, dean of first-year students at Colgate University. "Just because you have confirmed your admission to college does not mean that the school year is over yet," she cautioned. "Most institutions of higher learning will review your final high school transcript and peek at your spring grades. So stay focused and finish strong."
Low offers some advice on preparing for the many challenges of college life:
*Read a book that isn't required for a class but that relates directly to one. "Go beyond the required text and find something to complement your learning," she said. "Your teacher will notice your initiative, and you'll ease yourself into college's heavier workload. It really pays to get used to the amount of extra reading early."
*Get yourself a calendar and write everything down. Pay particular attention to the dates of your quizzes, tests, papers, and projects, said Low, as well as athletic practice and game times, performance rehearsals and productions, community service responsibilities, and any other commitments. "Don't worry ¬ you should be able to carve out some time to have plenty of fun!"
*Schedule your own appointments. "Once you get to college you will have to manage your own obligations," she explained. "Instead of having mom make the calls to the dentist, doctor and pharmacy, start making those arrangements for yourself. In college you'll have many more appointments to track while also managing a busy social and academic life."
*Plan a trip all by your lonesome. Get from one location to another without the assistance of your parents or family members. ¬ Go on your own private adventure, suggested Low. Many undergraduates have to arrange their travel around class and exams, so consider this a stress-free dry run.
*Read the news. Perusing the local paper is fine, but any informed college student should read a newspaper that covers hard news ¬-- not pop culture -- ¬ at least once a week, said Low, adding that The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post are great for first-time national newspaper readers. And pay particular attention to the editorial pages; in college you are often expected to express and even defend your opinions about news and politics.
*Put yourself on a budget. "Whether you work part-time or receive an allowance, establish a definite amount of spending money each week and stick to it," she suggested. "Figure out your priorities each week and map out how you will spend or save your money. If you organize your expenses, you should end up with some extra jingle in your pocket at the end of the week."
*Share your toys. Put yourself in a situation in which you are forced to share personal space, food, supplies, furniture, and electronic equipment with another human being. Camping in a tent might be a good approach! When you get to college, you will have at least one roommate. If you have never shared a bedroom with a sibling or bunked in a small cabin at summer camp, you may not be prepared for the cozy confines of a residence hall room. Learning to negotiate space and alarm clocks is a valuable skill.
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