3 answers
Megan
Student
Winfield, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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What should I be doing now to prepare for college as a high school senior? #fall2025
i’’v been accepted to to my top colleges. Just trying to map out my next steps to ensure I am on track.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Megan:
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 and academic advisors 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.
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 and academic advisors 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 Megan. You need to check the college's admitted-student portal and write down all important deadlines for housing applications, orientation dates, placement tests, financial aid forms, and anything else they ask for. Making a checklist or using a calendar will help you stay on track. If you received financial aid offers, compare them and reach out to the financial aid office if anything is confusing.
You should also start thinking about what your first year in college might look like. You can look at the school's general education requirements and browse through the course catalog to get an idea of classes you may want to take. You don't need a full plan yet, but having a general idea will make registration easier. If you are unsure about your major, you can email an advisor or department to ask questions.
Now is a good time to practice basic life skills too. For example, practice managing your own schedule, budgeting money, doing laundry, etc. These skills will make living on your own much smoother. If you think you might want a part-time job in college, you should prepare a well-written resume.
Furthermore, you need to take some time to think about what you want from your college experience, like your academic goals, social goals, and personal goals. Knowing what you hope to get out of college can help you make better choices once you're there. All the best to you.
You should also start thinking about what your first year in college might look like. You can look at the school's general education requirements and browse through the course catalog to get an idea of classes you may want to take. You don't need a full plan yet, but having a general idea will make registration easier. If you are unsure about your major, you can email an advisor or department to ask questions.
Now is a good time to practice basic life skills too. For example, practice managing your own schedule, budgeting money, doing laundry, etc. These skills will make living on your own much smoother. If you think you might want a part-time job in college, you should prepare a well-written resume.
Furthermore, you need to take some time to think about what you want from your college experience, like your academic goals, social goals, and personal goals. Knowing what you hope to get out of college can help you make better choices once you're there. All the best to you.
Anthony Lewis
Lead AST, Welding Inspector, Instructor of welding technologies
14
Answers
Burkburnett, Texas
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
My answer falls in line with the 2 before me. Quite simply, keep your ducks in a row. Make sure everything at the high school level is complete: ACT, SAT, FAFSA and so on. Make sure you do what the college needs: tuition assistance, scholarship apps, financial aid, degree audit, campus intro meeting, things like that.
Make sure that you do not wait until the last minute for anything. You should be applying for each upcoming semester as soon as it opens each semester. Make sure your payments are up to date so that they don't drop you as a student.
There is a list in each college admissions office website as well as in person. They will not lead you astray. Stay prepared, stay positive, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Make sure that you do not wait until the last minute for anything. You should be applying for each upcoming semester as soon as it opens each semester. Make sure your payments are up to date so that they don't drop you as a student.
There is a list in each college admissions office website as well as in person. They will not lead you astray. Stay prepared, stay positive, and don't be afraid to ask for help.