1. Ask Questions
Yes applying to college a stressful, confusing and nerve-wracking process, but it doesn't have to be! Use your resources. If you’re unsure about something, ASK. You have your family, friends, teachers and guidance counsellors to help you on this journey. Take advantage of all the college expos and information sessions that take place. These will show you a variety of school options and help you get better informed about what to expect.
2. Perfect Your Note Taking Skills
In many colleges and universities, professors post their PowerPoint lectures or slides on the course website. Even if this is the case, it is still important to take notes in all your classes. Having notes will provide you with physical copies of what you learned in class. Even if you take notes on your computer, it is still beneficial because you will also have additional comments from the lecture that the slides do not have since you professor will provide commentary during the class.
3. Read Like Your Life Depends On It
It’s no surprise that once you head to college, reading becomes your new best friend. During the summer before college, start reading a variety of books to help prep your brain for the college workload.
4. Be Organized
Now is not the time for your backpack to look like a maze! Have specific binders dedicated to your courses so that can can keep your notes and assignments all in one place. If you take all your notes on your computer, have a separate document for each of your courses. In Microsoft Word, you can select a Notebook Layout that allows you to dedicate different tabs within the document to specific topics.
Make lists and follow monthly calendars. The more organized you are, the easier it will be for you to keep up!
5. Try to attend Your School’s Social Gatherings and Orientation
This may not be possible if you’re attending a school far away from home, however if you’re school is close by, make the most of these activities. They are a great way to make friends before school starts. It’s no fun walking around a new campus totally lost and by yourself.
