What to Know About Getting into College
If you dream of one day going to college, whether that be a technical college, community college, an Ivy, or a state school, you have to start somewhere. And each of our starting points may look a little different. Maybe you feel really confident and ready for college. That’s great! Maybe you feel underprepared and a little bit of a mess. That’s okay, too! No matter your stage, these tips will help give you a blueprint to begin your college journey and can serve as a reference to come back to after each step. Let’s jump in!
Three Must-Know Tips From an Admissions Counselor
1. Research. Decide If a College is Right For You.
The very first step of getting into college is to decide what college you want to go to! With nearly 6,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., you have a wide selection to choose from. But, which one is the best for you? To decide that, you’ll need to do your research!
For example, you can find out: Do they have your major? What is the environment like? Things like class size, campus size, club activities, and organizations are all factors to consider. On the practical side, don’t forget to check for affordability. What is the yearly tuition? What types of scholarships do they offer? Do you have any special interests? Activities like music, theater, dance, or athletics might offer you an avenue to extra financial assistance, depending on the school.
2. Apply. Make Sure You Have The Documents You Need.
Once you have a few schools picked out, the next step is to apply! You’ll want to make sure you have all the documents you need for a complete application packet. While each school may require additional items, you will likely need an application + fees, letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts.
When applying for colleges, cast a wide net. While you may have a dream school in mind, don’t focus all your energy on a single target. It’s important to look for multiple schools that will offer you a similar experience and help you achieve the overall goals you have in mind.
3. Ask Questions. Admissions Counselors Are There to Help!
Finally, remember to ask questions! Getting into college is not always a straightforward path. Whether you are a first-generation college student or have many degree holders in your family, it’s okay to get lost and not know all the right answers. Although we encourage researching on your own, don't forget to utilize your resources.
In addition to Google, three of the best resources you can consult are your school counselor, college admissions officer, and trusted adults in your life. These people have expert knowledge in the field, know you well, and are there to offer support and guidance. As a student, you may be on your own journey, but you don’t have to do it alone!
You’re At College, Now What?
If you follow the steps above, chances are that you will get into a great school and find yourself on a college campus in no time! When that day comes, there are a few things you can do to make navigating the college landscape a breeze. The best way is to get to know the campus!
What is your class schedule? Locate the buildings, walk your route, and actually go to class. Doing this will not only prepare you for the first week of school, but it will also help familiarize yourself with important buildings and landmarks.
Where are your resources? College is full of resorunces designed to support students, so don’t forget to use them! Check for the health and wellness building, financial aid office, as well as the cafeteria and on-campus dining options.
Where can you go to have fun? While schoolwork is important, building a community and having fun are equally important parts of your time in college. Find your student activity building, join a club at the club fair, and keep an eye out for on and off-campus activities that pique your interest!
When in doubt, remember: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. College is much different than high school. It’s meant to challenge you and to help you grow in new ways. We promise you’ll get used to it and even learn to thrive!
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At CMC, our goal is to help our students achieve theirs! From high school to college and life beyond, our curriculum is designed to encourage growth, learning, and key development tailored to each student. Give us a visit to find out more!