5 answers
Callie
Student
Willow Springs, NC
1
Question
Asked
297 views
How do you perpare for the big transition after high school to college #Spring25?
How do you handle leaving everyone you know and the comfort of your home to start over completely with no one by your side? How did you overcome this very bittersweet transition?
Login to comment
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1846
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Congratulations Callie on nearing the end of your high school journey. You're about to embark on an exciting new chapter in your life. If you’re planning to continue your education and earn your Bachelor’s degree right after high school, brace yourself for an exciting and transformative journey ahead. Going from high school to college is a significant life transition and it marks the beginning of a new adventure filled with opportunities for growth and discovery.
🌀 GET ORGANIZED
It comes at no surprise that life as a college student is significantly different from life as a high school student. Heavier course loads, balancing work responsibilities, being involved on campus with clubs and organizations, and spending time with friends are all part of the college experience. It's a dynamic period in your life where you'll navigate newfound independence while juggling various commitments and aspirations. Embracing this transition means adapting to a more rigorous academic environment, honing time management skills, and nurturing social connections that enrich your personal and academic growth. With all of these commitments to juggle, it's crucial to get organized before your first day of classes and maintain that organization throughout the school year. Coursework, studying, job responsibilities, and other obligations can quickly become overwhelming if not managed efficiently. Keeping a calendar, whether it's a physical planner or digital application, can help you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and important events. By regularly updating your calendar and prioritizing tasks, you can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and maintain a balanced approach to your responsibilities.
🧭 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES
As a college student, you will have access to a plethora of resources to support you and your goals. Colleges offer a wide range of resources to support students, including academic advising, tutoring services, counseling centers, and health services. As you enter college, one of the first steps to ensuring a smooth transition from high school to college is to familiarize yourself with the resources that your college of choice provides. You can utilize most resources after you have officially made the decision to attend the university even prior to beginning your first day of classes, so don't hesitate to seek help when needed. As an incoming first-year, speaking to an academic advisor will help you start your semester on the right track as your schools’ academic services provide guidance and support in course selection, academic planning, and navigating university policies and procedures. One helpful tip in starting your college journey off strong is to meet with an academic advisor and create a graduation plan that you can use as a roadmap throughout your time in college. This can help you take stress off your shoulders as you’ll be able to have a general idea of what classes you need to register for come time for course registration. Another important resource that will prove to be helpful is the career center, which provides guidance and resources for career planning, internships, job searches, and professional development. Colleges and universities also offer a campus counseling center, which offers confidential support and guidance to students facing various challenges, ranging from academic stress to personal issues.
🧩 STAY CONNECTED
One of the most significant parts of attending college is the ability to form strong relationships and academic and professional connections. Take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have entering college to network and begin forming long-lasting connections. You can start by exploring your schools’ student clubs and organizations, where you’ll be able to participate in activities with like minded individuals and discover your passions. Another great way to connect with others is to participate in campus events to connect. Keep an eye out for emails, flyers, and your college's student life office to stay up to date on what's happening on campus. One helpful tip is to utilize your professors office hours, which can be a great way to network with faculty that share your academic interests. Building relationships with professors, classmates, and professionals in your field can lead to internship opportunities, job referrals, and career advice. Many job opportunities are found through networking, so establishing connections early can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
🌀 GET ORGANIZED
It comes at no surprise that life as a college student is significantly different from life as a high school student. Heavier course loads, balancing work responsibilities, being involved on campus with clubs and organizations, and spending time with friends are all part of the college experience. It's a dynamic period in your life where you'll navigate newfound independence while juggling various commitments and aspirations. Embracing this transition means adapting to a more rigorous academic environment, honing time management skills, and nurturing social connections that enrich your personal and academic growth. With all of these commitments to juggle, it's crucial to get organized before your first day of classes and maintain that organization throughout the school year. Coursework, studying, job responsibilities, and other obligations can quickly become overwhelming if not managed efficiently. Keeping a calendar, whether it's a physical planner or digital application, can help you keep track of deadlines, appointments, and important events. By regularly updating your calendar and prioritizing tasks, you can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and maintain a balanced approach to your responsibilities.
🧭 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES
As a college student, you will have access to a plethora of resources to support you and your goals. Colleges offer a wide range of resources to support students, including academic advising, tutoring services, counseling centers, and health services. As you enter college, one of the first steps to ensuring a smooth transition from high school to college is to familiarize yourself with the resources that your college of choice provides. You can utilize most resources after you have officially made the decision to attend the university even prior to beginning your first day of classes, so don't hesitate to seek help when needed. As an incoming first-year, speaking to an academic advisor will help you start your semester on the right track as your schools’ academic services provide guidance and support in course selection, academic planning, and navigating university policies and procedures. One helpful tip in starting your college journey off strong is to meet with an academic advisor and create a graduation plan that you can use as a roadmap throughout your time in college. This can help you take stress off your shoulders as you’ll be able to have a general idea of what classes you need to register for come time for course registration. Another important resource that will prove to be helpful is the career center, which provides guidance and resources for career planning, internships, job searches, and professional development. Colleges and universities also offer a campus counseling center, which offers confidential support and guidance to students facing various challenges, ranging from academic stress to personal issues.
🧩 STAY CONNECTED
One of the most significant parts of attending college is the ability to form strong relationships and academic and professional connections. Take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have entering college to network and begin forming long-lasting connections. You can start by exploring your schools’ student clubs and organizations, where you’ll be able to participate in activities with like minded individuals and discover your passions. Another great way to connect with others is to participate in campus events to connect. Keep an eye out for emails, flyers, and your college's student life office to stay up to date on what's happening on campus. One helpful tip is to utilize your professors office hours, which can be a great way to network with faculty that share your academic interests. Building relationships with professors, classmates, and professionals in your field can lead to internship opportunities, job referrals, and career advice. Many job opportunities are found through networking, so establishing connections early can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Margie Naguit
3
Answers
Allen, Texas
Updated
Margie’s Answer
Congratulations! Enjoy your graduation and have a great summer break. This will be a great step towards starting college.
Joanna R
Supply Chain Analyst
4
Answers
Biñan, Calabarzon, Philippines
Updated
Joanna’s Answer
evaluate the course that you want
find schools with that major. apply for entrance exam for those schools
review for the entrance exam. you may find a guide on the internet or find a review center if you have money
find schools with that major. apply for entrance exam for those schools
review for the entrance exam. you may find a guide on the internet or find a review center if you have money
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
47
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Preparing for the big transition from high school to college starts with accepting that it’s okay to feel both excited and scared—those feelings are totally normal. The key is to focus on small steps: get familiar with your campus, join group chats or social media pages for incoming students, and look for welcome events or clubs that interest you so you can start forming new connections early. Staying in touch with friends and family from home can give you comfort, but also be open to new experiences and people—you’ll be surprised how quickly strangers become friends. Overcoming the bittersweet part comes with time; once you find your rhythm, create a routine, and build a sense of belonging in your new space, that unfamiliar place starts to feel like home.
Laura Morgan
Direct Mail Marketing
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Embrace the exciting new opportunity ahead! It brings a fresh sense of freedom and some responsibilities, but remember, you’ll gain as much as you invest. Set goals for both your studies and your social life in college. Be ready for new experiences, meet new people, and explore different ways of thinking. Surround yourself with positive influences and steer clear of negativity. While making lots of friends is fun, having a small, supportive group is key to thriving during these years away from home. Focus on uplifting people and activities, and always prioritize open, honest communication.