3 Tips on a Smooth Transition from High School to College

There are many adjustments and changes everyone makes as they progress through life. There's starting school, first date, first car, first job, and then high school. For those who plan to pursue a secondary education, after high school there's college. Here are some tips on making that transition from high school to college smoothly.

1. Managing Time

Responsibility is essential for making a successful transition. Your need proper rest, healthy nutrition, and good organizational skills. All classes should be attended and proper preparations made to show up on time. You need to schedule time for completing all assignments and studying for tests.

Keep a current calendar with all of your assignment due dates and exam dates. If you plan properly, you can avoid last minute stress and sleep loss from having to stay up all night and cram everything in. You will perform better if you stay focused, organized, well rested, and prepared.

2. Avoid Academic Overload

Don't try to take too many difficult courses during your first semester at college. You need time to adjust to a different academic level than you are accustomed to from high school. Also opt for a regular course load.

It is fine to start out with challenging classes, but add some less intense courses into the mix. This gives you time to adjust to what is required of you so you can plan better in future semesters. You need to become familiar with how much time is required for each course such as paper writing, reading, studying for tests, etc.

3. Use the System

There are many useful tools and resources available at college. Don't hesitate to take advantage of them. This means advisors, professors, tutors, clubs, committees, counselors, and student affairs. Most colleges also offer orientation, and it is highly advised to take advantage of it as it will make your transition from high school to college life much easier.

Starting college life is an exciting time for you. It is also challenging and different from what you are used to. The more prepared you are for the challenges you will face, the better able you'll be to handle them and make the transition smoothly.

How To Build Your College Application Short List

Creating your shortlist of colleges for application will require time, research and a thorough understanding of your personal priorities. Some students have been thinking about certain colleges and universities long before they started the college planning process. Others come into the summer before their senior year having never thought much about where they would like to attend school.

How do you begin a college search that leads you to schools that are the best fit for you academically, socially, and financially?

Location

You will be spending the next four years at this college, so consider if you’d like a small town atmosphere, or the lights of a big city. Is weather really an issue or could you be content in Minnesota in spite of the cold winters? These questions will help you determine which locations you want to consider when you begin your college search.

Size

Do you enjoy having professors who enjoy teaching and are more concerned with undergraduate students than they are with research? Do you want to be part of large lecture classes or would you prefer more discussion? Answering these questions will give you an idea of where your college search should go in terms of size.

Academics

Are you a strong student who enjoys an academic challenge or do you want to look at schools in your college search that will offer you more of a balance between academics and extracurricular activities? If there is a particular area of interest that you feel you want to pursue, you will want schools that offer that major. Again, you will be making determinations that will narrow down the schools in your college search.

What about extracurricular activities?

Maybe you are a musician and want to participate in the university orchestra or a high school athlete who is interested in playing lacrosse in college. Or perhaps you are talented in speech and debate and want a college with a strong forensics team. Extracurricular activities are an important part of college and should be part of your college search.

College Costs

The cost of education need to be considered but should not necessarily limit your college search. It is important when you begin a college list to have at least a few schools that you know are financially affordable. However, there is no reason why you cannot consider a few schools that may be too expensive for your family to afford without financial aid. You may never know what kind of scholarships and financial aid may be offered to you if you don't bother to add the schools to your list and consider applying.

5 Tips for Scholarship Applications

Applying for scholarships can be time consuming and takes dedication and motivation. But the thousands of dollars you could receive make the effort worthwhile. Here are some hints to help you apply for and win scholarships.

Take the Initiative

No one is going to track you down to give you a scholarship; you must do the legwork yourself. So when you find awards with eligibility criteria that you can meet, contact the provider and request a scholarship application packet. Whether you have to request the application via email, phone or by sending in a self-addressed stamped envelope, do it early to give the information time to get to you. There's just no other way to get the ball rolling than to take the initiative and be assertive in requesting information.

Watch Deadlines

Most scholarship providers set deadlines, and you must adhere to them. Make sure you submit all required all materials well before the deadline. If the scholarship deadline is approaching and you have not yet received the application packet that you requested earlier, follow up with the provider and request the application packet again. You do not want to miss a deadline, as few scholarship providers will consider late applications.

Get Organized

Good organizational skills can pay off: literally! Keep your scholarship applications ordered by deadline date. Give yourself plenty of time to complete and send them in well before the due date. Keep letters of recommendation and transcripts on hand so you don't have to obtain new ones every time they are required for an application. Make copies of your completed scholarship applications before sending them in, and file them in folders labeled with the deadline date and the mailing address and phone number of the scholarship provider. Call before the deadline to see if your application was received in good order. If it got lost in the mail (glitches happen), you still have an extra copy you can send in.

Be Persistent

The scholarship search process doesn't happen overnight. You must be diligent about looking for new scholarships to apply for. Plan to spend several hours each month reviewing the programs with deadlines approaching, preparing application packets, and getting your applications in the mail on time.

Stay Upbeat

Finally, believe in yourself and in your chances to win scholarships. Hard work and time spent on the scholarship process will pay off eventually. Keep your chin up and think about how great the reward will be if you can win even one of the scholarships you're trying for. After all, your education depends on it!

Guide Your College Freshman Toward Structured Organizations

Every parent worries about how their child will react when first attending college, and there's certainly a good cause for concern. Young people often view the freedom they experience as a college freshman as a time to do some things they were not allowed to do at home. Even though a child has been very level headed most of their life, leaving home for college has a way of bringing on a form of "freshman amnesia."

Research has shown that students who participate in structured organizations and clubs usually do better in school, both academically and socially. This is true not only in high school and college, but at the elementary and middle school levels as well. Team sports are another way to help build the character of students and aid in their social development.

What the College Offers

Most colleges and universities list the various organizations, clubs, and sports teams they offer on their website. College brochures and catalogs are another place to gather information on what your child's destination campus offers.

It may be that you and your high school student selected a particular school because of the different organizations and clubs available. Both student led and college sponsored groups provide many opportunities for a well rounded social life for the young student.

As a parent, you should never mandate what organizations or clubs your child joins because no matter what you say, your student will not get much from something that presents no interest to them. Their college experience will be much improved if they are allowed to make decisions for themselves regarding many different aspects of campus life.

There are some groups in college that you want your child to avoid, like the ones that have no useful purpose or structure. If a new college student doesn't become a part of the prolific groups, there is a good chance that they will end up in the wrong ones. Keep the communication lines open, and gently direct as needed if your student seems to be drifting in with the wrong crowd.

Should Your College Student Work During Freshman Year?

There have always been differing opinions on whether college freshmen should work while they attend school. One view is that college courses are going to be much harder than what a teenager has experienced before. For that reason, most every spare moment will need to be spent on studying in order to achieve acceptable grades.

While the adjustment is hard on most freshmen students in the beginning, it is another contention that after settling into college life, students are not going to spend all their time studying whether they work or not. Learning the responsibility of work builds character and a work ethic, and both are necessary for successful survival at the next level of existence.

Some parents also feel that working provides students with the opportunity to earn their own income for spending (and hopefully saving, too). Many parents are struggling enough just to manage tuition, books, and other college costs. So a part time job to cover some of the expense provides some relief for the parents.

Although there is validity to both "schools" of thought, a great more has to do with the child than the preconceived notions of the parents. Some freshmen hold down jobs and still do well in school, and some even enjoy working part time. But not every student will perform the same way; there are many factors involved that are specific to each student.

The first semester of college is the most important, and if it is not an extreme financial hardship, it is usually better that a freshman doesn't work. Being new to school and needing to study more is much of a job in itself. Depending on how well the child does with those first classes, working some for spending money might be something to do after freshman year.

Some fields of study are more demanding than others, and some students take on more credit hour load than others do. If things get really hard really fast, some students will simply give up and decide it's easier to go home than to try to make a go of higher education. Sometimes postponing work until at least second semester may make a real difference in whether a student performs well enough during their first attempt at college classes.

After putting out a large amount of money to enroll a student in college, it is much better to give all the support necessary so that your student is not one of those who never sees a 4th year in college, possibly not even a 2nd or 3rd. Even if a child is old enough to make their own decisions, that doesn't mean that they aren't still under the parents' care in many regards.

Working while attending college does build character, but it should not be a preventative in a student receiving their education. Every student is different, and the first weeks at college may require some adjustments so that your child acclimates and focuses on the primary reason why they are there: to receive an education. If work can fit into the mix and not disrupt studies, then work/study is a positive combination.

9 Helpful Tips for College Bound Freshmen

The excitement of going to college can crash and burn rather quickly a few days into the actual school year. Here are some tips to help you deal with that first year away from home at college. Adjusting to campus life doesn't have to be difficult if you have an idea what to anticipate.

1. Expect to get homesick - When high school graduation comes, it seems that every 18-year old believes they are grown and ready to face the world. The reality is that after leaving home, there is always some sadness. This is perfectly natural, but be prepared to cope.

2. Make new friends - Sure it is great to keep your existing friends from back home, but now that you are in a new place, you need to make new friends you will see on a regular basis. Other freshmen are looking to make friends, too, and campus life is easier when you build relationships and can rely on each other.

3. Orientations are helpful - Orientations are designed for a reason, and that is to help new students acclimate successfully to campus life. Some are mandatory, some are optional, but either way you stand to learn something that will help you in your adjustment to college life.

4. Don't miss class - Remember that attending class is very important. There are many other young adults who would love to be in your shoes but don't have the opportunity or funds to attend college. Secondary education is a prized opportunity, so get out of bed on time and attend all classes.

5. Don't expect to be treated like a high school student - College professors and teachers are not going to remind you of tests and homework the way your high school teachers spoiled you. You are the responsible party and must keep up with your studies if you want to "make the grade."

6. Eat right - Mom isn't there to stand over you and tell you to eat your fruit and vegetables. Proper nutrition is essential for a well functioning mind. Avoid a daily diet of sugar and fast food. The campus cafeteria typically serves well balanced options. Snack on fruits, vegetables, and drink plenty of water daily.

7. No one will tell you when to study - Mom and dad won't be around to tell you to turn off the television, study for a test, or when you should get in bed. You are an adult now and need to make grown-up decisions. It is okay to have fun and participate in quality activities other than just studying, but you are there to get an education.

8. Learn patience and giving - Many freshmen have never had to share a room with another individual, so it can be an awakening when a roommate doesn't share the same interests. You cannot always do exactly what you want in the confines of your college dorm room. It is a shared space and each student should respect the other's rights.

9. Don't be shy about asking for help - College is not going to be easy, especially in certain subjects. There are always people who can help with tutoring or as study partners if you ask. Take every advantage to get the best education you can.

To keep the excitement you have for going away for college, prepare in advance for the best ways to adjust to life on campus. Make your college experience one that you will remember fondly in the years to come.

College Costs - Personalizing the Dorm Room

There are so many costs associated with college other than tuition and textbooks. Planning ahead and researching what these costs are can save parents from a big shock as the time nears for their child to leave for college.

Other expenses to expect are meal plans, housing, various campus fees (i.e. parking permits), club memberships, and many other supplies and incidentals. Then there are the costs for the items required in the dormitory living quarters.

One college campus housing department noted that some students are known to spend more than $350 on their dormitory bed linens and other move-in accessories. Of course, parents want their children to have living quarters that are comfortable and homey, but this can be accomplished for less.

One source parents and students can visit online is www.rhl.org "Residence Hall Linens and Dorm Bedding." They offer discounted value packs tailored around the dormitory student. It is a great place to browse even if it is just to create a checklist of things you'll need that are often forgotten.

It is easy to take some things for granted when you are suddenly away from home. Some items that come in handy in a dorm room include a sewing kit, a tool kit (helpful on move-in day), a comfortable mattress pad, and first aid supplies.

Students with laptops will want to be sure they have the necessary security locks to prevent loss from theft. They'll want a clothes hamper for dirty clothes, and a laundry bag is helpful for transporting items to and from the laundry area.

A shower pack is recommended and should contain waterproof sandals, a toothbrush case, a snap-cover soap dish, a plastic cup, and a tote for bath items (shampoo, toothpaste, and conditioner). Keeping things clean and covered is essential for proper hygiene in the dormitory setting.

Other items you might want to consider are specially designed garment and shoe organizers. The idea is to purchase items that can be used for multiple semesters and are designed to require minimal space because dorm rooms are typically small.

A college bound student can set up housekeeping in the dorm room without breaking the budget. It just requires bit of planning and shopping to find the best solutions at the best prices.

The Parent's Checklist for the College Move

After all the necessary arrangements have been made, the day is fast approaching for the college freshman to move away, and while everything that's moving out with them has been established, there are other last minute things still yet to do. A final checklist of items that need addressing should include the following.

Establish Health Insurance

After your child completes high school, your family plan might change. Make certain that insurance doesn't lapse. It may be better to get health coverage through the college or university.

Contents Insurance Coverage

Your homeowner's policy might cover the student's content in the dorm room, but that should not be automatically assumed. If at some point your child moves off campus, renter's insurance is an important consideration. Electronics and other contents of value can disappear quickly in a college environment.

Cell Package - Keeping the Communication Lines Open

Depending on how far away the college is from home, the current calling plan on the cell phone might need updating for the new student. If changes are made to the plan personally at a local carrier, the student should visit the service representative to hear about how the plan works before leaving home.

If a plan can be established for a reasonable amount, it is much better to have unlimited talk minutes and texting to avoid overruns. The student should know how to check available minutes if the plan is limited.

Automobile Insurance

Your auto policy might make provisions for the use of the car while the student is attending school, especially if they will not be driving while on campus. If it is possible to get prorated or part time insurance because your child won't be a full time driver, it can result in substantial savings.

Credit Cards

With great power comes a great deal of foolish charges for the student who doesn't understand the importance of restraint. Every parent who gives a child a credit card has to make it perfectly clear what it can and can't be used for, along with how much can be charged on a monthly basis.

Fill Out a Health Care Proxy

You may be able to get a form online or from your doctor to have in case something happens to your child medically. You will need something like this before doctors or health care providers will speak to you about your child who is over 18 years old. Many times the school will make arrangements for this document.

Keep Records of Everything

Take everything in the student's wallet and make copies so that replacements can be made should anything become lost. Credit and debit card numbers need to be on file for cancellation quickly should it be necessary.

Lines of Communication with the New College Student

When all the preparations have been completed, moving has been accomplished, and the child has left for their first year of higher education, it soon settles in that your son or daughter won't be at the table each night and won't have to be called to get up in the morning. The fact is that nothing about the relationship with them will ever be the same again.

The hardest part of the initial separation between parent and college student is establishing lines of communication. For every parent-child relationship the conditions are different, but it is always important to have a feel for balancing contact from the parents' side. This avoids the brand of the "helicopter parent" and establishes a healthy relationship with the child.

Know Who's in Charge

A wise parent will be concerned with establishing communication with other people who will be instrumental in the further education of their child. Information regarding who these people are is often a part of the information received from the college. However, it is always good to confer with an advisor to come up with a contact list for emergencies or when the student is unexpectedly unavailable.

An important thing to remember is to only find out the ground rules, not continually call the contacts. Once you have a reasonable idea of what calls to make, don't persist unless it is absolutely necessary.

Who Calls First?

It is also a good rule to allow the student to make the first call after leaving for college to show trust and give him or her time to settle into new surroundings. It can be hard waiting by the phone and very tempting to break the rule if the student seems remiss in calling. If the student has instructions to call by a certain time, a parent should make a call if that does not occur.

How a parent reacts to the comments of the child away at school has much to do with keeping the line of trust secure. The parent who constantly attempts to direct a child is usually the one that drives the student further away than just the physical miles. Making scattered suggestions instead of continual demands maintains a healthier relationship.

Finally, having routine times to call and visit on the phone is a good way to keep the family connection, but even that should not be so structured that the parent seems like the warden. Allowing the student to take the lead in instigating conversation shows confidence in their decision-making abilities.