5 answers
Julie
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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How can I prepare myself for college?
I am a senior in high school. I'm hoping to go to grad school and maybe get a PhD after getting my BS. How can I prepare myself for my undergraduate degree now and for an eventual grad degree?
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5 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
As a high school senior planning for grad school and possibly a PhD, it's great that you're getting a head start. Focus on building a strong foundation in your undergraduate years. Keep your GPA high by taking challenging courses, such as AP or honors classes, in your chosen field. Prepare for standardized tests if needed, though many schools now have test-optional policies.
Engage in extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteering to develop a wide range of skills. Explore summer programs or online courses on platforms like Coursera to experience college-level work. Research colleges with strong programs in your area of interest, visit campuses if you can, and apply for scholarships early to reduce financial worries.
For grad school preparation, think long-term even as an undergrad. Seek out research opportunities or internships early to gain valuable experience. Connect with professors during office hours and improve your personal statement writing through classes. Community college can be a cost-effective option before transferring. Adapt your study habits for the more independent work required in college and grad school. Take things one step at a time, and remember, you have plenty of time to figure it all out.
Engage in extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteering to develop a wide range of skills. Explore summer programs or online courses on platforms like Coursera to experience college-level work. Research colleges with strong programs in your area of interest, visit campuses if you can, and apply for scholarships early to reduce financial worries.
For grad school preparation, think long-term even as an undergrad. Seek out research opportunities or internships early to gain valuable experience. Connect with professors during office hours and improve your personal statement writing through classes. Community college can be a cost-effective option before transferring. Adapt your study habits for the more independent work required in college and grad school. Take things one step at a time, and remember, you have plenty of time to figure it all out.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing that I have always told students is become engaged in what is commonly called "Campus Navigation."
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Julie. You need to focus on building a strong academic foundation. Colleges, especially those with competitive graduate programs, will look for students who have not only excelled in high school but have also challenged themselves with advanced courses, so if you can, take advanced classes like AP.
Next, you need to improve your study habits. The transition from high school to college can be a big leap, and effective study habits are essential for success. Start developing good time management skills now by creating a study schedule that balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time. You can try different study techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, or using study guides to find out what works best for you. Grad school requires a high level of independent study, so developing these skills early will help set you up for success.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities is another great way to prepare. Whether you join clubs, volunteer, or find a job or internship related to your future field, these activities can help you build skills and experience outside the classroom. This will look great on your college applications and will also help you decide what you truly enjoy and want to pursue.
Also, you need to work on your soft skills, like communication and teamwork. In college, you'll be expected to work with others on group projects, and in grad school, you'll need to be able to clearly share your ideas and work well with others. You can improve these skills by getting involved in group activities, taking leadership roles, or volunteering to help others. All the best.
Next, you need to improve your study habits. The transition from high school to college can be a big leap, and effective study habits are essential for success. Start developing good time management skills now by creating a study schedule that balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time. You can try different study techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, or using study guides to find out what works best for you. Grad school requires a high level of independent study, so developing these skills early will help set you up for success.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities is another great way to prepare. Whether you join clubs, volunteer, or find a job or internship related to your future field, these activities can help you build skills and experience outside the classroom. This will look great on your college applications and will also help you decide what you truly enjoy and want to pursue.
Also, you need to work on your soft skills, like communication and teamwork. In college, you'll be expected to work with others on group projects, and in grad school, you'll need to be able to clearly share your ideas and work well with others. You can improve these skills by getting involved in group activities, taking leadership roles, or volunteering to help others. All the best.
Violetta Voronina
Contract Manager
6
Answers
Laurel, Maryland
Updated
Violetta’s Answer
Hi Julie! What I have learned is it's important to research different programs and different requirements for Undergrad and Grad school. Different colleges might have different requirements.
When I graduated, I went to college and thought I wanted to do a Pre-Law major. After taking a few classes, I ended up realizing this wasn't for me and I ended up transferring schools and switching my major. I ended up going to school online, which was the best option for ME. It's good to research which schools will transfer credits. Don't be afraid to speak to a career advisor or reach out to the school, too!
I will also say that work on gathering certain skills that you will need. There will be times when you have to do presentations in front of a large class, or even be put in the spot to read something aloud in front of everyone. Work on your time management skills- some professors are strict about you coming to class on time! Also time management will help you with homework and tests that are due, as well as give you time for you. Remember to not stress yourself out and manage your time welll!
Wishing you the best of luck!
When I graduated, I went to college and thought I wanted to do a Pre-Law major. After taking a few classes, I ended up realizing this wasn't for me and I ended up transferring schools and switching my major. I ended up going to school online, which was the best option for ME. It's good to research which schools will transfer credits. Don't be afraid to speak to a career advisor or reach out to the school, too!
I will also say that work on gathering certain skills that you will need. There will be times when you have to do presentations in front of a large class, or even be put in the spot to read something aloud in front of everyone. Work on your time management skills- some professors are strict about you coming to class on time! Also time management will help you with homework and tests that are due, as well as give you time for you. Remember to not stress yourself out and manage your time welll!
Wishing you the best of luck!
Stephanie Prentis-Washington
Consult/Facilitate
10
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Setting realistic expectations will be key. Being vulnerable and understanding that sometimes you might need to ask for help and that is perfectly okay. Be intentional about what specifically you hope to accomplish or achieve in college. Be sure to get and stay involved with your professors, attending office hours, asking questions to build a relationship to ensure you have a network for opportunities and ultimately have a source for strong recommendations. Explore clubs and organizations in order to align with people who share your same interest and to help keep your grounded. Seek leadership roles where you can in clubs or organizations that will allow you to start preparing for the work world and get first hand experience with communication, organizational, and management skills. Lastly, don't forget to have fun. You college years should be one of the best experiences while preparing you for the rest of your life!