TOP ELEVEN TIPS FOR STUDENTS
(or, how to enjoy the process while your friends are freaking out)
- RELAX. But not too much. College is a significant investment, financially and otherwise. It is a huge decision, one that can change your life. But it’s all going to turn out fine, so fight the urge to stress.
- Timing is everything. Don’t waste it. Procrastination=Death.
- Don’t overestimate yourself. Don’t underestimate yourself, either. Is it tough to get in to college today? Certain ones, yes. Are there hundreds of colleges who want you? Yes.
- Refuse to get caught up in the hype promoted by The Power: College Board, test prep companies, on-line admissions services, US News, et al. See #1.
- Do not start looking for a college by major. Do a thorough examination of who you are and what kind of environment serves your goals best. Think of applying to college as a big research project.
- Be nice, REALLY NICE, to your guidance counselor. Make sure he/she knows who you are. Give candy at the holidays. They can’t help you if they don’t know you.
- Take some risks! Apply to at least one college your parents’ friends have never heard of. Put yourself out there with your college essay. Who cares if you don’t get in? It’s their loss, not yours!
- Thank your parents, verbally or in writing (or by unloading the dishwasher w/o being asked) at least once a week. They are providing you with an incredible experience thousands of kids in this country will not have. It is expensive. They’re only nagging you because they love you and are, at least on some level, freaking out because you’re leaving home.
- Be proactive and persistent. Use e-mail wisely. Get to know your colleges’ McDonogh representatives and send them intriguing questions once in a while.
- There is no perfect college for you. There are many colleges where you can be happy, warts and all. Refuse to have a top choice – have every college on your list your top choice. Do not choose a college until a college chooses you!
- Remember, admissions isn’t personal. The colleges may want you to believe it is, but you are a cog in a very big wheel. Admissions decisions are driven by factors beyond your control. It’s not about “getting in,” it’s about staying in.
AET/10.22.06
www.aethompson.com