Figuring out college is usually a challenge for most people. On top of figuring all the logistics, challenges of everyday life, and high school, you have what seems like a million voices in your head telling you what you should or shouldn't do, so here's some advice from us. This is to help calm those voices in your head now, or to come back to later :)
*Note: This is a plethora of advice from many students so take each with a grain of salt as all our experiences, opinions, and values are not the same
Get a personal tour around campus from a student
I wish I had known that it's okay to not have a full set plan of your future
Even if you're an undecided major, reach out to the specific departments you're interested in
I wish I hadn't gotten so caught up and getting perfect grades and doing homework 24/7
There's so many good colleges aside from Ivy leagues and prestigious schools
I wish I had known that there is extra credit in college
Make a spreadsheet of must haves/non-negotiables and wants out of a school to help you narrow down your options, this includes but is not limited to: college size, average class size, professor/student ratio, graduation rate, LGBTQ+ inclusion, campus culture, internship and research opportunities, alumni network, geographic location, major/career interests, diversity, etc.
Both Niche, College Factual, and Campus Pride Index are great for comparing schools!
If you're stuck between two places you've already toured, tour again!
I wish I'd known that it's okay to drift apart or even to fully let go of high school friends
I wish I had known that it's not a big deal to switch majors
I went into college knowing that wherever I ended up I would find a way to be happy- if you want to transfer for any reason, that's cool but know that you can make any college your home
Talking to professors can seem scary, but I promise you, you will benefit greatly. ATTEND OFFICE HOURS- and go ahead and do it early! Your professors want to meet you, and if you build a rapport with them, you're more likely to get a pass on late work or any other difficulties you may have. Also you will be more engaged in the course's content and may be able to get a letter of recommendation later on when you inevitably need one!
Do anything you want, just don't hurt yourself or others- you have time to grow and change
I wish I had known that I didn't have to overwork myself to be successful
There are so many scholarships out there and it is worth it to work for them
Make the decision for YOU, not your parents (this was hard for me)
Go to a school where a lot of your friends are going... or don't. If it's not vital to you, then don't base your plans around whether or not you'll have an immediate friend- you're going to make friends in college no matter what. On the other hand, if it's important to you, then do it- having friends is a good way to immediately network on campus. In conclusion just don't hold yourself back from what you truly want based on relationships you have now
Join clubs, student organizations, sports teams (of any level). etc.- be engaged in what you like! College is supposed to be fun, so have fun!
Book Recommendations:
Tik Tok Accounts to Follow (studying lives/tips, scholarship info, career/major info, etc.):
@scholarcash
@taylor.doddowens
@careeroutdoors
@bravetrails
@declassifiedcollege
@livestudybuddies
@schoolsimplified
@soyboycoders
@thegraduationgrind
@collabful
Don't know what major/career you would enjoy? Use these resources to help you understand yourself and what you like!