Most of my readers aren’t quite to the point where they will be applying to four-year universities yet. But if you are getting started thinking about it early, or if you are in the planning or applying stages, here are some tips.
1. College is not unattainable
In my goal-setting classes, we talk a lot about setting attainable goals. When you set unattainable goals, you’ll be certain to suffer disappointment and failure. But most goals that look unattainable from one vantage point are attainable once you break them down.
So if your goal is college, don’t let all the naysayers in your life or in the media tell you that it’s not attainable. It is, and it’s a great goal to have!
2. Don’t add unnecessary stress
Applying for college can be stressful, for certain. But you have control over how much stress you personally add to the process. The #1 stress that I see people adding is fixing their sights on the unattainable goals rather than the attainable goals.
Another type of stress is comparing yourself to others. This can be so stressful and it’s never helpful. If you find yourself doing it, give yourself a good talking-to! Be happy for friends who attain their goals, and keep focused on what’s right for you.
3. Keep an open mind
There are all sorts of colleges and all sorts of ways to get to them. You might be feeling pressure to focus on one path, but it’s always helpful to see that there are many paths. It’s really not true what some people seem to say, that if you don’t follow the typical path you have failed. Whatever path you take is yours, and success is how you define it.
4. Prepare early
The biggest problem that a student can cause for themselves is not to think about college well ahead of when they want to go. You might choose to start at a community college with few entrance requirements, which is a fine choice. But for four-year colleges, you’ll have an easier time of it if you do some preparation.
- It’s helpful to think about whether you have a specific major in mind. (But don’t stress about it! Lots of students start college without a firm plan.)
- Having a general plan for the type of college you prefer will help you choose your path in high school. For example, all universities have information on their websites about what they expect from applicants. Look at a few different universities that you could be interested in, and become familiar with their application requirements.
- Although I admit that they can seem sort of stupid, those college campus tours where a student walks backwards and tells you about their football team can actually help you visualize yourself on the campus. Take advantage of any tour options, even at colleges you probably wouldn’t want to go to.
5. Include an adult in your thinking
You may have a great school counselor or a knowledgeable and supportive parent. You may have….no one obvious. Even worse, you may have an adult who’s pressuring you and stressing you out!
No matter what situation, it’s very helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of, and who has your best interests in mind. You may have to seek that person out. You may have to have some honest conversations if that person is causing you stress. But in any case, find the right adult support person who can help you through the process.
6. Where you go is not who you’ll be
This is the title of a great college experience book by Frank Bruni. I highly recommend it. His overall point is that college is important and it will change you, but you can’t predict which college will work for you and how it will change you.
His book shows that getting stressed out about getting into the “right” college or following the “usual” path just isn’t helpful. At the end of this process, you will have gone to the right college for you and taken the right path that fits your life.