Getting into college is difficult and involves so many steps that it can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, you can consult many online resources to help you find colleges, send out applications, pack your things to move to the student dorms, and so on. To help you remember all these steps, here’s a getting ready for college checklist to give you a head start this fall.
#1 Set Goals for Your Education and Career
First and foremost, you must set goals for your education and career. This can be very difficult if you are good at many things and interested in many professions. In this case, make a list and cross out the options you can’t see yourself doing for decades throughout your lifetime.
If you still can’t decide, consider seeing your school counselor and talking to your parents. You might not even have to choose just yet – some colleges let students take a more general program with different courses and decide what they want to focus on in the second year of their studies.
Different professions will require different levels of education. For example, a 1-year Associate’s degree may be enough for some jobs, while a doctorate could be required for others. Consider these nuances when choosing your future profession. From time to time, you may need to write a research paper. Look to domyessay as part of getting ready for college assistance. If you are eager to work and choose a profession that doesn’t require a lot of education and training, you might need to attend college just for a year or even less.
#2 Choose Your University and Program
Once you have chosen your education and career, you will have to choose your university and program. Some universities will be more well-known for specific types of programs, while others won’t even have such programs available. Moreover, there are also higher education institutions that specialize in programs related to a specific industry.
For example, suppose you want to become a screenwriter. In that case, you can attend a regular university that offers a degree in Film, Creative Writing, or even specifically, Screenwriting. On the other hand, you could attend film school – an institution that offers programs related to film and filmmaking.
When choosing your university and program, consider a variety of factors instead of focusing on one. How much is tuition, and are there scholarships? Could you get a degree at a higher level at the same institution (e.g., a Master’s after a Bachelor’s)? What are their alumni doing after graduation? What is the overall reputation of the institution?
You could also consider the university’s location as a deciding factor. Some students prefer to study in a college located in the state where they live, while others don’t mind traveling across the country. You might even want to consider going abroad. Many excellent universities and colleges offer English programs despite being in a non-English-speaking country. Besides, higher education in Europe could be more affordable.
#3 Apply to Colleges, the FAFSA, and Scholarships
The next step is to apply to your chosen colleges, the FAFSA, and scholarships. Of course, it’s best to have several options regarding the institutions you apply to. If you don’t get accepted to your first-choice university, you might get accepted to your second-choice one, and so on.
In addition to that, don’t forget to apply to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and for scholarships or grants, you find. The colleges you choose may offer scholarships and grants, but don’t forget to consider other options offered by government and independent organizations.
#4 Prepare for and Write Necessary Exams
In many cases, you will only need to provide your high school grades and SAT results. However, some universities and colleges may require you to take and pass special entrance exams. If this is the case for your chosen institutions, carefully check what kind of exams these are, prepare for them, and take them when the time comes.
When completing your applications to different institutions, you will likely be asked to write a cover letter or motivational essay. There is nothing to be afraid of, but if you need help, you can hire an experienced academic writer to help you write the best essay and submit it with your application.
#5 Find Accommodation and Estimate Your Budget
Once you get accepted to your chosen college or university, you must prepare to go there. If you are accepted to an institution far from your home, you will need accommodation. This could be a student dorm provided by your university (apply beforehand) or another option you choose (e.g., a relative’s or a friend’s place, a shared rented apartment, etc.)
If you still haven’t done this, you need to estimate your budget for the duration of the upcoming academic year. Don’t include tuition because you will already pay that at the beginning of the year. Consider monthly rent, food, personal items, study supplies, leisure time, transportation, and extra expenses.
#6 Pack Your Bags and Move into Your Dorm
Now, you can start packing. Take all the essentials you usually use in your daily life. If you have too many things, you can leave some items you can buy after you move into your dorm (e.g., personal hygiene products, stationery, etc.)
You can also already prepare some things you will need specifically for your studies. For example, you can buy digital copies of your textbooks if you don’t plan on buying physical books. You can also download apps like a calendar, a time-management app, a music-streaming platform, etc.
#7 Set Up Your Routine and Build Healthy Habits
When you have successfully moved into your dorm, you will have some time before classes start or immediately have to start studying. Whatever the case is, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the online academic help and writing agency Trust My Paper that can assist you during your studies in the nearest future.
Likewise, you must be prepared for your new lifestyle: set up your routine and build healthy habits. Check your class schedule and decide what you spend the rest of your time on (e.g., workouts, part-time job, hobbies, etc.) Learn how to cook healthy and balanced meals, keep your sleeping schedule in check, and develop helpful study habits.
#8 Get Networking and Be Active with Your Social Life
Lastly, get networking and be active in your social life. Going to college is not just about getting higher education – it’s also about having new experiences, finding new friends, and building connections for your future career.
You can meet many people that will stay lifelong friends with you or even become your business partners in the future. You never know what will happen. But even if you don’t want to think about any specific goals for your networking, just try to keep an active social life for good mental health.
Final Thoughts On Getting Ready For College
To summarize, getting into college from the moment you decide what you want to study to when you start studying can be a long-winded road. However, if you follow this checklist, you won’t forget any crucial steps.
