Though at times it may have felt like high school would never end, suddenly you find yourself sitting with your peers, listening to speeches reflecting on the past and inspiring you for the future. Some students may have committed to schools, selected their majors, and already have inside jokes with their soon-to-be roommates; others sit in indecision, either torn between two schools or deciding if college is even the right choice (we checked, it is); others still have just had their ‘a-ha!’ moment, and eagerly await getting started with the rest of their lives.
No matter which group you belong to, the end of high school is a big transition, and it can seem overwhelming. Now that school is over, how do you prepare for what’s next? Below, we’ve put together our 3 best tips to help keep you on the right track after high school graduation:
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Tip #1: Thank a Teacher
If you had a particularly positive experience this year – or any year – stop by that teacher’s classroom to let them know (you can also send an email if school has already let out). For all of the hundreds of students who pass through a classroom, the few who come back to say their experience was better, even if just a little, for being in that teacher’s class makes everything they do worth the effort. This is also a great way to reflect on why the class had such an impact; was it the teacher’s sense of humor? Was it a flexible assignment policy? Did you enjoy the group discussion? This can help you understand what kind of classes you prefer, which will help when building your schedule in college.
Tip #2: Organize your Summer Plans
The summer before college may seem long, but you’ll be packing up before you know it. This is a big year for graduation celebrations, and many of your classmates will be hosting barbecues, lunches, brunches, and more. Amid the whirlwind of activity, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with any enrollment checklists from your school, particularly regarding orientation. Most schools utilize the summer months to invite students to campus for a multi-day campus orientation where you’ll meet your classmates, build your class schedule, and become familiar with campus resources. Additionally, any summer jobs or volunteer work needs to be coordinated around college programs.
Tip #3: Get Connected
Spend some time after graduation connecting with your future college classmates! Social media is a great way to meet current and future students of your school, so you can start forming friendships and getting familiar with the campus community. Start by sharing a picture of your graduation cap, especially if you have a unique decoration, using the hashtag #graduationcap to network with other recent graduates. Looking for your school’s official social media pages, like Facebook groups for your graduating class, will show you what hashtags are supported by the school’s official channels- thus connecting you with all the right people. This will also help you develop a sense of what the campus community is like, and what kind of students you will be on campus with.
Following these tips will keep you informed, and will ensure that you transition smoothly from high school life to college life.
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Anthony Muccio is a former college admissions professional and education researcher currently advising students one-on-one with his private practice. After years working at large state and small private schools, he decided to spend time focusing on helping unique learners reach their full potential.Learn more at www.tantoED.com or on Twitter @Tanto_ED.
