TOP 10 COLLEGE PREP TIPS:
FRESHMEN EDITION
LET THE TRANSITION HAPPEN
As you adapt to a new learning environment, extracurricular activities and academic rigors, it’s important that you take a deep breath and make room for your physical and mental health as well. Finding healthy ways to relieve stress such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with friends/family are tools that you will use throughout your life to keep yourself in a healthy work-life balance. Be kind to yourself as you go through this transition period!
create an academic foundation
Good news-you are starting off with a blank slate! This year is a perfect time to figure out what type of learner you are and create strong study habits. Doing well in your classes will help you lay the foundation of knowledge and skills needed for colege. Make sure to check out our tab on study tips where we really dive into how you can set yourself up for success!
PRACTICE TIME MANAGEMENT
You have so much going on, how on Earth are you going to keep track of everything?! It’s time to figure out some sort of system that lets you organize it all, and actually helps you get it done. Play around with this until you find what works best for you. Are you often on your phone or computer? Set alerts on your phone or make a Google Calendar. Do you like hand-writing things? Maybe a planner or a to-do list will work better for you.
FIND WHAT INTERESTS YOU
A new school year + a new school + new opportunities= perfect time to branch out and try new things! Your freshman year is the time to try out a bunch of different clubs, sports, community service projects, etc. You’ll develop new friendsships, gain new perspectives and most importantly, you'll figure out what really interests you. As you continue throughout high school, stick with the activities you enjoy the most and maybe one day you can be a leader in that group and make a true difference in your community.
CREATE HEALTHY HABITS
With so much going on in high school, you need to prioritize your well being. I know it seems impossible sometimes, but aim for those 7-9 hours of sleep each night! Try to get out and do some sort of exercise for 30 minutes (a walk counts!). Your body will thank you. The older we get, the more excuses we tend to make. So, put yourself ahead, early!
TAKE AN APTITUDE TEST
Career aptitude tests are a fun way to learn a bit more about yourself and what career paths you might be most compatible with. The tests consider your skills, hobbies, interests, and personality and provide you with some potential career information. Although you definitely don't need to know what career you want right now, you might enjoy learning some more about yourself.
THAT BEING SAID, THESE TESTS ARE SUGGESTIONS. ONLY PURSUE A CAREER IF IT TRULY INTERESTS YOU.
Here are some links to tests if you want to check them out:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Career Aptitude Test
Holland Code Career Aptitude Test
Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential Career Aptitude Test
MEET WITH YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Your guidance counselor is an incredible resource. They have the tools to help YOU succeed in school. You can ask for advice on which classes to take and when to take them. They can also help get you approved for Dual Enrollment and Early College (check out the “What is early college in Vermont?” tab for more info on this awesome program!). The better your counselor knows you, the more personalized your advice will be. Therefore, YOU are set up for YOUR success.
track your accomlishments
This is a great time to start writing down all your accomplishments. Track your academic awards, sports involvement/achievements, community service, extracurricular activities, and anything else you’ve been a part of. Put it all into a google drive and update it every few months! Not only will this make filling out the Common App (your college application) easier but it will also help you create a SUPERB resume when you want to get a job!
PLAN A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER
You made it through your first year of high school! There are a ton of ways to spend this summer- do what is right for YOU. The minimum working age in Vermont is 14 so you could get a job to make some extra money. You can also use this time to figure out some more of your interests. Upward Bound is a great way to spend the summer and get some college experience! Maybe you love being outdoors and working with kids. See if any local camps are hiring or need a volunteer! (If you play basketball check out Spartan Hoop Camp). Remember, it is also still early in your high school career, make sure that you are taking time to RELAX, see your friends, and reset your batteries for the upcoming school year.
YOU DO YOU!
It’s easy to see what your friends are doing and think you need to be doing that same thing as them to be successful. As cliche as it sounds, do what makes you happy, you hold the key to your success! Stay true to yourself and to your interests and set unique goals for yourself. Explore, try new things, but only if they interest YOU. At the end of the day, it is YOUR life and YOUR college experience. No one else's.