The students at Harvard will tell you that “getting in” is the hard part. But with so many freshmen, the first semester is even harder. Here are some tips that might help your college-bound teen survive and thrive.
1. Read the requirements
Graduation might be years away, but credit catastrophes begin early on. Check in with your advisor at the start of each semester to make sure you’re on track to meet the minimum.
2. Read the syllabus
Especially the part where profs break down your grade. Knowing that attendance equals 20 percent may motivate you to actually make it to class. Final exam worth 40 percent? Better crack down for that test.
3. Dress code
Wear real clothes instead of sloppy pj’s to your 8 a.m. class to let your prof know you’re serious about your studies. Bonus: It gives your brain a wake-up boost.
4. Secure your stuff
Protect your privacy, from personal IM convos to term papers, with tricky passwords that lock out access to your computer when you’re gone. And set verbal boundaries to keep your roommate away from your keys.
5. Yearn to intern?
For a fall internship, search and apply long before the leaves start changing. Do it now! For spring, apply by December. For summer, apply by March.
6. Strategize for studying abroad
Plan your schedule around a semester away, saving electives and nonmajor classes for then. Some programs even offer location-specific courses. You don’t want to miss out!
7. Network now
Professors and friends you’re meeting now could help you land your dream job later. Start a personal address book, on paper or online — it may come in handy even after graduation.
8. Stay safe after dark
When walking on or off campus at night, use the buddy system. Avoid distractions, like wearing iPods or talking on the phone, and be constantly aware of your surroundings.
9. Be your own study buddy
Test different methods of studying — from reading out loud to rewriting or even highlighting notes. Find the perfect fit and make it stick.
10. Pad your resume
Just like college admission officers, employers like well-rounded new hires. Being a fellow member on Greek row doesn’t hurt, but be sure to sign up for a variety of extracurrix.
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These Tips are from the editors at The Real College Guide. This article is made available to Parents Countdown to College Coach through a partnership with The Real College Guide.
Great survival tips.
Also, stay away from the “party-ers” at least from Sunday through Thursday. There is always someone at college who will pull you in the wrong direction. Keep a consistent study schedule Sunday through Thursday and save the weekends for parties and socializing.
Alexis Avila, Founder of Prepped & Polished.
Great tips! I think my freshman son should have read the syllabus more closely in a couple of his classes. College is definitely different than high school! I’ve also been encouraging him to get involved in activities. There are so many fun things to get involved in on campus – a great way to learn and develop new interests at the same time. I bought my son a college success book before Christmas that he LOVED! I was shocked when he read it from cover to cover in one day! It’s called Making College Count by Patrick O’Brien. It’s easy to read and gives very practical tips for students (and college parents) on determining why they’re in college, what they want to do when they get out, and how to be successful while they’re there. I’ve already seen him take to heart the things Pat shared in the book – many of which I’d already told him, but somehow made more sense coming from an outsider – and make changes in his college routine. I will definitely give this book for high school graduation gifts from now on! I just found out I can order multiple copies at a discount on his new website http://www.makecollegecount.com. It’s also available on Amazon.