Insights from 1st Year Students

by | Aug 30, 2024 | College Admissions, College Readiness

Students are heading off to college. Dorms are filling up, and new classmates are showing up in the hallways as the experience becomes real.

This summer I spoke with five students who had just completed their first year of college. We discussed their experiences, challenges, and the advice they would give to their past selves. Their stories were filled with lessons learned. Here are their top eight. I am so proud of the group!!

Who are they, you ask? My cohort of students is a diverse group. Their schools are close to home, two hours away, and one arrived by plane. They enrolled in schools with 20K and 5K students. They have different academic interests; some play DIII and club sports. Their diversity reflects the varied experiences you can expect in college.

What did they share?

#1 Comment—Get out of your DORM. A dorm room is for sleeping, unwinding, and relaxing with friends and roommates. Get out of your dorm. Find a quiet place to study away from the dorm. Find a calm place: library, tech center, or academic center.

#2 New friends are not all in the dorm. Outside of roommates (one was a horror show) and neighbors, all agreed they met more friends outside of the residence hall. Join a club or two, get involved with intramurals, eat in the dining hall, and attend events.

#3 College academics are more challenging than anticipated. Whether high school was a breeze or one spent long hours studying, the first semester was rough. There was a lot of reading and taking notes and a huge expectation from the faculty that you would do the work. Create some good study habits and stay on top of work. There was no handholding.

#4 Get to the Academic Center EARLY. Two of the rising Sophomores waited until the end of the semester to see out help—not their best move. Collectively, they all mentioned that their expectation of getting A’s, like in high school, became the reality of B’s and C’s. No one will be asking if you need help. Do not procrastinate.

#5 The 1st week or so was tough – One was alone more than she thought, everyone got homesick a bit, and all acknowledged they learned their ability to be independent

#6 Read your emails – Events, messages from faculty, assignments, deadlines, and more are all communicated through emails and the student portal. Stay on top of things to avoid getting behind.

#7 Less is More – Everyone agreed; they took too much stuff to campus and sent most of it home.

#8 Be healthy – exercise, eat right, hydrate, get enough sleep, and watch out for free time. Check-in at home periodically; they want to know how you are doing.

Keep an eye on your college students. It’s a new experience and they will need you help. The key to one’s first year in college, 4YR, 2YR, Community College is making the transition to the world of higher education. A very different experience.

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2024 Fall College and Career Fairs

by | Aug 20, 2024 | Before, College Admissions, College Planning, Uncategorized

Time to Meet Your College Counselors

High school gyms, cafeterias, and local auditoriums open their doors so students and families to meet college representative and learn about life after high school options..

Families of 10th and 11th grade students its time to explore and learn about colleges and universities, locally, statewide and in other parts of the country. You will learn about educational offerings, cost and how to get in. For seniors on the door step of graduation  and the end of high school its a chance to ask unanswered questions, share a resume and shake hands with a member of the Admissions decision making team.

Specialty events are also held for students and families interested in visual and performing arts, and STEM.  Events are always open to students and families living or working in the immediate area of the fair.

Maximize Your Event

  • Bring your list of prospective schools
  • Learn about new “unknown” possibilities
  • Ask questions, and be inquisitive
  • Register for information
  • Shake hands, introduce yourself, and collect business cards
  • Leave Behind Your Resume

Hint: When you return home, send your current and new interests an introductory email with a second copy of your resume (leave off your GPA and test scores).
Let the ‘reverse’ recruiting begins!!!!

Stay alert to announcement from your Guidance Department on when a specific college or university will be visiting your high school. It could be your one to one interview.

2024 Massachusetts Fall Evening and Special Event College and Career Fairs
Check with the host school or organization for a list of colleges and universities scheduled to attend.

To learn more about our services, and approach to assisting family’s with planning and funding your student’s educational pathways after high school, visit www.getcollegegoing.com. Start a Conversation- the office is always open.

 

School Bells Will Be Ringing

by | Aug 15, 2024 | College Admissions, College Planning, Financial Aid

School Bells Will Be Ringing

Yes, I am happy to report that the new school year begins shortly. There will be new surroundings, classes, new and old, and opportunities to explore and grow. But before they go, there’s time to talk…

Don’t forget to read the bottom

Exploration with New Skills

The high school scene will welcome 9th and 10th graders who will quickly realize they’re not in Kansas anymore. The size of the build(s) and student body, new classroom demands, and personal (social) pressures can derail expectations. Students in these grades must learn about study skills, time management, accountability, and how to explore their academic interests and hobbies. Their abilities are there if they’re already involved in athletics, dance, gaming, robotics, and performing arts. It’s time to get them to gel in the classroom.

Pivotal Time

There is no time like the present: 11th Grade is the critical period to spark the life after high school conversation. It’s the time to organize thoughts and ideas and schedule activities, visits, and action items. Yes, final decisions come next year, but the clock ticks quickly from here on in. Academic interest, test or no test, where to go, how to get in, financing confusion, and what if I’m not ready? There are too many critical decisions, and it is time to talk, plan, and prepare for the future – A pivotal time.

Scrambling

If a plan is not in place and ready to be acted on, it’s senior scramble time!! What typically takes the whole junior year must be condensed into 3-6 months. It’s doable but faster with a focus on details and deadlines. Planning and preparation are essential whether you’re heading to college or considering a different path. The scenery might change, but the need for a solid plan doesn’t.

College Class of 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

Don’t underestimate your responsibilities as a college student. If you are returning with a year to complete or enroll for the 1st time, your job awaits. Upper grades are about internships, networking, research projects, and preparing to enter the workforce or grad school. New surroundings, friends, and the reality that college academics are more challenging than anticipated await 1st year students. Time management, seeking help, getting involved, and leaning on trusted faculty and peers will make college successful. Don’t forget your parent(s) and loved ones are thinking of you; check in occasionally.

5 Keys to Successful Life After High School Planning

  1. Communication – #1 ingredient – the secret sauce for a successful experience. An open and two-way flow of information and conversation.
  2. Expectations – agree or disagree, revealing what they are and how everyone understands their merits keeps things open.
  3. Understanding the Game—Knowledge is power—Asking questions is vital to finding answers, and seeking information makes you a wiser consumer.
  4. Be Realistic—Dream big, but have your feet on the ground. Students should be encouraged to find their education, work, and career path. However, out of fear, societal pressures, and the lack of honest guidance, students limit their options to find their authentic selves. Let’s eliminate the focus on rankings, better is best, myths, and those dam societal pressures. Let’s shift the conversation to Dream Big, Be Realistic, and Be Proud!
  5. Have a Plan – Mapping a student’s path after high school can create uncertainty, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of lack of control. College, work, skilled professional, military service, a gap year can easily lead to I don’t know! Sometimes, the pressure can make one seem like the Mad Hatter: too much to do, not enough time. Managing a student’s individualized plan for life after high school can reduce stress and help everyone stay focused on the goal.

The start of the school year is an exciting experience, whether for students, families, or those watching and supporting from the sidelines. Use resources, the talents of professionals, and your plan.

READ FIRST – IF you answer one question from this article, let it be: How will you pay? How will you finance the cost of college, community college, an apprenticeship, or a call to service? What if there were no college scholarships, student loans, or even a one-way airline ticket to boot camp? Do you have a financing strategy in place? No, maybe we’re talking. It should be #1 in your comprehensive life after high school plan. Why, call me!!!