1. College: Here I Come!

2. Terminology Spend some time learning important terminology that you need to know for high school and college. Plan to attend the presentation on 101 Words You Should Know! Some of these important words include: accreditation, cumulative grade point average, weighting, thesis, and syllabus.

3. Picking a Major/Career Take self-interest surveys (many are available online) to find out what your interests are and which career areas might work well with your interests. If you are not for sure about your career choice, do not declare a specifically focused degree; if you are interested in a medical career but you are not sure what type, major in Biology instead of Dental Hygiene. Spend some time job shadowing professionals in the areas of your interest to find out if you would like working in that area. Realize that college students often change their major in the first year. In the end, choose a career that you are passionate about and feel God has called you into.

4. Picking a College Once you pick a college, there are steps you must complete in order to get accepted into a college. Applications Admission Essays Requesting Transcripts

5. College Applications Fill out online or paper applications for the college of your choice. It is best to submit these applications late in your junior year or early in your senior year. You will be asked what major you are declaring; do not be specific unless you are certain of your degree choice. Find out what documents are required and provide them as quickly as possible (essays, transcripts, immunizations, etc.).

6. Admissions Essays An admission essay can be the deciding factor in your acceptance into a college. Admissions officers read many essays a day; follow the pointers on the next slide to make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Take your essay seriously.

7. Essay Tips Catch their attention from the start! Don’t try so hard (they can tell). Be yourself (they want to know if you’ll be a good fit on their campus). Follow any instructions provided. Be likeable (try not to offend people in your essay). Be accurate. Take time to do it right.

8. How to Request Transcripts Submit a request in writing to your school registrar specifying: your name graduation date (or anticipated graduation date) current contact information (inc. address and phone number) Indicate if you need an official or unofficial transcript Specify how/where the transcript should be sent by fax or mail include number or address depending on fax or mail selection

9. Life During College Relationships Social Skills Academics Spiritual Involvement

10. Relationships Part of college is relationships: roommates, professors, significant others, and friends. Make sure you have boundaries in place before college, especially boundaries with a roommate. Respect other peoples’ boundaries. Practice the golden rule with others. Realize that, even on Adventist campuses, you will still have to choose between good and bad friends, activities, etc. Make good choices.

11. Dating Keep school your #1 focus. Focus on finding someone you can spend the rest of your life with rather than trying to find the best looking or most talented person on campus. Be careful with the financial aspect of dating; going on too many dates or buying too many surprises may blow holes in your carefully planned budget. Friends with benefits is no good; avoid the pain of those relationships.

12. Relationships with Teachers Approach teachers as adults on whom to practicing your networking skills. Building a relationship with your teacher can help your success in a class. Go early to class to ask questions or just to visit with teachers. Ask for help when you need it. Use the teacher’s office hours to visit with them. Always do work the way the teacher says to do it.

13. Social Skills Make good choices in friends, opportunities, and habits. Do not let friends drag you down; focus on staying positive. Learn to say “no” to your friends when you need to study.

14. Balance Learn to balance your involvement in activities with your need to succeed in classes. There are many activities and groups on campuses: ASB, international clubs, Amnesty International, departmental clubs (math, computer science). Be aware that most of them have membership fees (they may just be charged to your account so know what you are signing up for). Your first priority should always be academics.

15. Academics You are paying thousands of dollars for a college education, so take it seriously and keep your focus on academics. You are responsible for your grades. Follow your syllabus for each class as if your life depended on it. Be careful to take classes you need in order to graduate (so that you don’t end up an 8 year senior). Be intentional when selecting class sections taught by different teachers (ask other students for suggestions).

16. Classroom Pointers College classrooms are a lot different from high school classes. You are expected to have basic proficiency in typing and computer skills. If you must use a laptop in class, make sure it is for the right reason (unless teachers do not allow laptops in their classes). Classrooms are bigger than high school classes. Follow the syllabus. If you need to leave class for any reason, leave a quietly as possible (and don’t raise your hand!).

17. More Pointers No texting! Make sure you know what the teacher’s classroom policies are. Take good notes. Ask for help if you are confused on a topic or need more information. Be the best student you can be.

18. Resources for You Many resources are available on campuses for students. Use a writing center to help hone your writing skills and to get grammar checked. Learn how to use the free databases that are available to you through the library. Use career counseling and regular counseling as needed. Use your teacher’s office hours! Get involved with class study groups or tutoring available through various departments.

19. Spiritual Involvement Get involved on your campus. If you attend a public university, join Adventist clubs like Adventist Christian Fellowship (www.acflink.org) to get networked with fellow Adventist students. www.acflink.org Find a local church and get involved through song leadership, youth groups, becoming a deacon or deaconess, or helping with Adventurers or Pathfinders.