Every year millions of young people step bravely into an exciting new world - they're freshmen! Whether in high school or in college, the next four years for these students will be filled with new experiences, countless challenges and a myriad of ups and downs. Unfortunately, a 'users guide' isn't standard issue and some students will have more success than others.
Whether you are or aren't lucky enough to have older siblings to lead the way or savvy parents to guide you, there are ways for rookies in both high school and college to quickly learn the ins and outs of school - to gain the edge.
· Mentor Magic: Get to know your counselor/adviser. Allow him to learn about you and your interests. Not only will he be there when you need help, but when opportunities for projects, programs, jobs or whatever hit his desk, you're the one he's likely to think of. Also, it's your counselor who college admissions people will want to talk to about your application - make sure you're more than just a name. Then there are recommendations. You also need to make sure there are a couple of teachers/professors who know you well enough to write one - especially a professor who specializes in subject area you wish to pursue. Make sure he or she can do more than put a face to a name in an attendance roster or grade book.
· Hit the Books: Local bookstores and Amazon.com can arm students with great advice, too. For collegians, the award-winning Been There, Should've Done That provides a compilation of hot tips and solid strategies for success straight from 'the horse's mouth' as college students across the U.S. share their hard-earned lessons on a multitude of issues both in and out of the classroom.
"You can talk to students until you're blue in the face about things like time-management skills," says former college adviser Suzette Tyler, who compiled the book. "But when a fellow student says, 'I got great grades and never missed a party, and here's how to do it...' - as a grad from Ohio University reveals in the book - it has far more impact."
For high schoolers, there's Countdown to College: 21 'TO DO' LISTS for HIGH SCHOOL. With checklists that begin the very first day of high school, this four-year, step-by-step guide shows students (and parents) what to do and when to do it. There should be no missed deadlines or missed opportunities as students learn the tricks to mapping out a four-year plan, taking SATs, AP's, choosing a college, making summers count, and getting into the right schools.
· Join: Whether high school or college, this is the time to learn - about you. So, if it's a club, a sport, a trip, a project, a job - go for it. You may discover (or develop) a talent or an interest, or you may find out that you hate a particular activity. Whatever the case, it's one more thing you know about you and that's going to make your life a lot easier when it comes to picking a major in college and, eventually, a career. Plus, extracurricular activities look good on college applications and job resumes.
· Heads Up: High school freshmen, get your hands on a college application form from your 'dream' college (check the counseling office). College freshmen, get a couple of job applications from your career center. What questions do they ask? What do you want the answers to be? When you determine that, you'll know exactly what you should be doing over the next four years. SRP $9.95.
Provided by Countdown to College: 21 To Do Lists for High School: Step-By-Step
Strategies for 9th, 10th, 11,th and 12th Graders by Valerie Pierce with Cheryl Rilly
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