It’s almost graduation time and I think its necessary to do some reflection. I think a few tips for college would-be freshman, are in order.

1) Explore your options. There are so many University’s out there so be careful not to make a hasty decision. Does the University have a good department for your major? If you’re undeclared, find a school with a wide variety of majors so you don’t have to transfer when you chose a field of study.

2) Expensive school will cost you; go for the RIGHT reasons. Its easy to fall in love with a university for soft reasons like attractive dorms or great extracurricular activities. Not that these things aren’t important, they just aren’t crucial. If you are going to pick a high priced university make sure paying for an education. What is the student to faculty ratio? How does the University rank? How does your department compare? Academically speaking there should be something that sets a high priced university apart from the rest.

3) Go to class. It is easy to skip, your out of the house, on your own, and your decisions are yours now. But lets get real, you or someone you know, is paying for your education – why cheat yourself? Think of it this way, you’re paying for the product of knowledge. If you don’t go to class you aren’t getting the knowledge you have paid for. You wouldn’t walk into a restaurant, pay for a steak dinner and then leave before you were served… would you? Skipping class is just like going to a restaurant; you have paid for a service, so let the educators of your university teach you what they know. Get your money’s worth!

4) Seize the day. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard alumni tell me, “Stay in college as long as you can.” Now I’m guilty of saying it too. College is a great time to learn, to grow, to  e x p a n d  your social circle, to build dreams, to find adventure, to explore, to rebel, and to be young. College is the transition from adolescence to adulthood. News flash, when your in the working world you can’t stay home because you “don’t feel good.” Not if you want to keep your job. Seize free time, seize vacations and long weekends, and above all, seize summer breaks!

“Seize free time!”

5) Get involved. Getting involved on campus is a great way to build school spirit, as well as form new friendship, make connections in your community, and discover your place on campus. Its important to find your niché. Also, you need to have a break from studying. So join a sports team or the science club. Take a zumba class, or join the debate team. There is something for everyone!

6) Take advantage of Community college. Why? If you don’t know what you want to major in, there is no need to waste money at a four year school. Community colleges are cheaper… way cheaper, so save yourself some money and take your general courses at a community college. It doesn’t matter what you decide to major in, all undergrads have to take core classes; math, science, english, global studies, foreign language, art appreciation, etc. You can easily take care of most of your core classes before you transfer to a four year school. In fact, if you already know what university you want to attend, speak with the registrar from both schools to ensure all of your credits will transfer easily.

“Speak with registrar from both schools to ensure all of your credits will transfer easily”

Take care of your college career, your not only getting an education, your building a foundation for the rest of your life.