Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
Hi everyone! This post is the first in a series of lists of advice I have compiled from my personal experience as a high school student and a college student. I have divided the list into different topics, the first being about the college application process. I am very serious about the advice I have listed in this post as well as in future posts in the series. I have written these lists for the purpose of informing you about what college is like and to encourage you to do your best! If you have any questions, feel free to message me! I want to help you as best as I can!
Let’s start with the daunting task of applying for college:
It’s okay if you’re a high school senior and you don’t know your major yet. Deciding on a major is a very important decision that takes deep and extensive thought and research.
Going into college undecided is not a poor decision. It’s much better to remain undecided for a few semesters than to jump headfirst into a major that “looks good”/is easy/your parents pressured you into pursuing/etc.
Camus tours can make or break your decision. Before you decide on a school, I urge you to take campus tours if you are able to! In the least, your college or university will be the place at which you come to spend most of your time. At most, it will be your second home.
Apply to more than one school. Don’t rely on only one school during applications.
Always apply for financial aid. Apply for financial aid as soon as you can. (https://fafsa.ed.gov)
Filling out the FAFSA is free. Never pay a website to fill out your application! If they are asking for a payment, do not submit it!
Know the dates and deadlines for the FAFSA! Write them in your planner! They recently made some changes, so if you plan on attending college in the fall semester of 2018, you can submit your FAFSA starting on October 1, 2017 and you would use your 2016 tax information!
Ask your HS teachers about the National Society for High School Scholars (NSHSS). If you are in high school and are in the National Honor Society (NHS), ask your teachers about the National Society for High School Scholars (NSHSS). They give you scholarships from high school, into college, and beyond! They also offer you internships, study abroad opportunities, and leadership conferences that you can greatly benefit from. Seriously, it’s $75 to join once invited, but it’s worth it. I promise.
Always be on the lookout for scholarships. ALWAYS. Check the university’s website, look for program-specific scholarships, ask your school’s career center, never stop looking! Scholarships are so helpful and small ones are often just an essay away!
High school doesn’t last forever. Read that sentence in both a negative and positive light. Whether you are a high school freshman or a senior, make sure you spend these remaining years/months 1) having fun 2) beginning to think more seriously about your future. Honestly, just be yourself because post-high school life is a whole new experience where you realize That Embarrassing Thing didn’t really matter but That Really Fun Thing did.