For Seniors: Get Ready for College!

As graduation approaches, high school seems to matter less and less. You begin to think more and more about what comes after. First, a summer filled with friends, fun, and good-byes. Then, packing and leaving for college. You wonder what your first weeks at college will be like. Will you get along with your roommate? Will you be able to keep up with the work? Will you ever see your high school friends again?

The Emotional Roller Coaster

These questions and others may have you in an emotional tizzy. After all, big changes are ahead, in almost every area of your life. You may feel anticipation, fear, excitement, and sadness--often all at the same time. One minute you're wiping away a tear at the thought of leaving home. The next minute, your parents are so annoying you can't wait to get out of the house. Believe it or not, this is normal. Your friends are probably going through the same thing. Talk to them. Often, you feel better just knowing you're not alone.

Taking Care of Business

The end of the school year can be hectic, especially for seniors. You want to pack in as much fun and make as many good memories as you can. But don't get so distracted that your grades suffer.

"We tell students again and again that they are never admitted [to college] unconditionally," says Charles Purcell, director of guidance at Mater Dei School (CA). "When that last transcript gets there, if it isn't somewhat equal to your previous grades, colleges could very well disenroll you."

So eke out some time to study for finals or finish up that last paper. That way, you can begin your summer confident of your college plans.

Also, remember that sending in your deposit is not the end of your preparation for college. About the time that high school ends, you'll probably start getting information from your chosen college. Don't just toss the envelopes on a pile to deal with later. Many colleges have deadlines for you to express your preferences for housing, sign up for a meal plan, RSVP for freshman orientation, or even pre-register for certain classes. Sending in forms late could reduce the number of choices you have.

Students with special housing, diet, or academic needs should make sure to notify the relevant department(s). Often, this is as simple as making a note on your housing form. Students with disabilities may want to contact the college's office for students with disabilities (all colleges have one, although it may have different names at different colleges) if they need special accommodations. Keep in mind that discussing your special needs with one office doesn't necessarily mean that others at the college will know about it. If you have specific needs in housing and in diet, for example, you may need to call the housing office and the food service department separately.

Q & A

From now until the end of freshman year, you'll probably have all sorts of questions about the college.

"Oftentimes, students have many questions about moving in, what to bring to campus, how to plan for their fall courses, what kind of work-study job they will have, and many other things," says Marcy Kraus, director of orientation programs at the University of Rochester (NY). "Many students find that that college's Web site offers a great deal of information that will be useful to them, including how to contact offices and programs with questions."