VSTUDENT ERSION
Everything You Need to Know About College for High School Students
Tabl ofCont nt
Table of Contents: Pg.2
Getting Started: Pg.3
Understanding the College Journey: Pg.4
Choosing the Right College: Pg.5
College Applications and Admissions: Pg.6
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Pg.7
Choosing a Major: Pg.8
Life as a College Student: Pg.9
Preparing for College Success: Pg.10
Tips for College Applications: Pg.11
Common College Terms You Should Know: Pg.12
Transitioning from HighSchool to College: Pg.13
Conclusion: Pg.14
Getting Started
Transitioning from high school to college can be exciting and overwhelming.
Understanding the process, options, and opportunities ahead will help you make informed decisions about your future. This Guide covers everthing you need to know about college, from selecting the right school to preparing for success.
Understanding the College Journey
What is College?
College is a higher education institution where you can ear degrees (associates, bachelor's, master's, or a doctorate) by completing a series of courses in a specific field. It's a chance to gain indepth knowledge, develop skills, and prepare for a future career.
Types of Colleges
Comminity Colleges: Offer 2-year associate degrees and certificates; often more affordable and provide a pathway to transfer to a 4-year university.
Four-Year Colleges and Universities: Offer bachelor's degrees and, in some cases, graduate programs (master's and doctarate).
Technical and Trade Schools: Provide hands-on-training in specific careers (e.g., plumbing, culinary arts, automotive technology) with shortterprograms.
Liberal Arts College: Focus on broad, well-rounded education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Choosing the Right College
Factors to Consider
Location:
Do you want to be close to home or explore a new city/state/country?
Size:
Would you thrive in a small college with personalized attention or a large university with diverse opportunities?
Majors and Programs:
Ensure the college offers your field of interest or allows you to explore different options.
Campus Culture:
Research the atmosphere, extracurricular activities, and studen organizations.
Cost:
Compare tuition, fees, room and board, and available financial aid.
How to Research Colleges
Visit college websites, attend virtual tours, and explore online resources like College Board and Imagine Scholarships.
Attend college fairs and meet with admissions representatives.
Speak to current students or alumni for insider insights.
College Applications and Admissions
Key Components of a College Application
Application Form:
Complete through the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or each college's website.
Transcripts:
Submit your high school grades, including your GPA.
Standardized Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores (note: some schools are test-optional)
Personal Statement/Essay:
Write an essay that highlights who you are, your experiences, and your goal.
Letters of Recommendation:
Obtain letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well.
Extracurricular Activities:
Showcase your involvement clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time work.
Application Timeline
Junior Year:
Begin researching colleges, preparing for standardized tests, and creating a list of schools.
Senior Year (Fall):
Take/retest SAT or ACT, request recommendation letters, and start applying.
Senior Year (Winter):
Submit applications by deadlines (early decision deadlines are usually in November; regular decision deadlines are between January and March.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Understanding Financial
Grants: Free money that doesn't need to be repaid (e.g., Pell Grant).
Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based financial rewards.
Loans: Borrowed money that you must repay with interest (e.g., federal student loans).
Work-Study: A program where you work part-time to earn money for your education.
What is a Major?
A major is the primary area of study in college. You'll take a series of courses in this field, alongside general education requirements.
How to Choose a Major
Reflect on your interest, skills, and career goals. -Research majors and potential careers using resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh).
Speak to academic advisors, teachers, and professionals in the field.
Life as a College Student
Dorm Life
Most first-year students live in dorms, providing an opportunity to meet new people and build friendships.
Learn to share space with roomates, communicate effectively, and respect others' boundaries.
Academic Expectations
College courses require more independent study and critical thinking.
Utilize campus resources like tutoring centers, libraries, and office hours for additional support.
Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs, sports teams, and organizations to develop leadership skills and make friends.
Participate in internships, volunteer work, or research projects to gain hands-on experience.
Preparing for College Success
Time Management and Organization
Use Imagine Scholarships, planners, digital calendars, or apps to keep track of assignments, exams, and social events.
Create a balanced schedule that includes study time, relaxation, and self care.
Financial Responsibility
Create a budget and stick to it. Use Imagine Scholarships for all of your budgeting needs.
Look for part-time work or oncampus jobs to earn money and build your resume.
Mental and Physical Well-Being
Prioritize sleep, excersize, and healthy eating.
Utilize campus health services and counseling centers if you need support.
Tips for College Applications
Start Early
Give yourself enough time to research, write essays, and gather application materials.
Stay Organized
Create a spreadsheet to track application deadlines, requirements, and completed tasks.
Tailor your Applications
Customize your essays and materials to reflect each school's values and offerings.
Common College Terms
You Should Know
Credits: Units used to measure your progress towards a degree.
Syllabus: A course outline provided by your professor.
GPA (Grade Point Average): Your average grade, calculated on a 4.0 scale.
Prerequisite: A course you must complete before enrolling in another course.
Major/Minor: Your primary and secondary areas of study.
Transitioning from High School to College
Embrace Change
College is a time to explore new ideas, meet diverse people, and grow as an individual.
Stay Open-Minded
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new experiences.
Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to seek support from professors, advisors, and peers.
Conclusion
The path to college may seem daunting, but being informed and prepared will set you up for success. Use this guide as a roadmap to navigate your journey, make the most of your college experience, and achieve your academic and career goals. Remember, this is your adventure, embrace every opportunity and make it uniquely yours!
