Preparation for College: What do High School Graduates Need the Most?

Hey there. I'm getting closer to graduation and it's making me wonder. From personal experiences or those of people you know, what would you say are the most essential things high school graduates need for college? It could be academic prep or anything else you think is important.

Hello! As you transition from high school to college, there are several areas of preparation that could prove invaluable to you.

Firstly, strong study habits are crucial. In high school, some students can breeze through without having to study, but college is a completely different game. You'll deal with denser material and professors won't provide the same level of guidance. So, honing in on helpful study methods like active recall, spaced repetition, and interleaved practice now will serve you well.

Second, time management and organizational skills are fundamentally important. Balancing classes, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and a social life can be challenging. You may want to start using tools like Google Calendar or an old-fashioned planner to keep track of deadlines and appointments. Knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively is crucial for a stress-free college experience.

Familiarizing yourself with technology tools would also be hugely beneficial. From learning management systems like Canvas or Blackboard to collaborative platforms like Google Docs or Zoom, being tech-savvy would be one less thing to worry about once you reach campus.

Beyond academia, learn how to take care of yourself – from doing your own laundry and basic cooking skills, to important life skills involving finance management (budgeting, balancing a checkbook etc.), and self-care.

Lastly, don't underestimate the value of emotional readiness. It's often a larger jump than people anticipate - living away from home, forming new social networks, and dealing with potentially significant academic challenges. Having strategies to cope with stress and change, and being prepared to seek help when you need it, go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition.

Remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. College is a time for growth and learning, and there's plenty of support available to help you along the way.