Are feeling like you are losing momentum now that you have committed to a college? Never fear! There are a lot of things to do to stay engaged in your transition into college.
Apply for Private Scholarships: Many people rely on scholarships, both public and private, in order to afford college tuition. If you have committed to a college, you will have likely already received some financial aid information. If you could benefit from some external financial aid, do not be afraid to apply for private scholarships. There are many private scholarships available, you just have to take the time to look for and apply for them. Every extra dollar counts and you will thank yourself later for the effort you put into the scholarship search.
Reach Out to Potential Classmates: If you are a current high school senior, you can find out more about your potential classmates by checking out @genevacollegeclassof2028 on Instagram. It may feel daunting to reach out to complete strangers, but it can be very comforting to know a few people before coming to college. If you see people who will be playing the same sport as you, have the same major, or are interested in the same things, it is the perfect opportunity to reach out and start making connections. No matter who you choose to reach out to, it can be incredibly beneficial for you to begin making friends before you step on campus on move-in day.
Reach Out to Potential Professors: Another way to get connected with your college of choice is to reach out to your potential professors. If you know who your academic advisor is, they are a great person to reach out to. Professors enjoy speaking with incoming students and you will be coming into college with a bit of a head start if you know your professors before the first day of classes. It is great to come into college already knowing a few people, and when you are able to get to know a few of your professors, your transition into college becomes much easier. Professors also have valuable advice to share that will serve you well in your academic career.
Make an Informal Visit to Campus: If you have already committed to a college, then you have probably already visited the campus for an official tour, but an informal visit to campus could help you to get a better feel for the atmosphere of the college. An informal visit could mean attending a sports game or a theatre performance. If you are interested in music, consider attending a concert. If you are interested in basketball, come watch a game. Whatever you might find interesting, come experience it for yourself. Also, you might want to check out the area, eat at a local restaurant, and get to know the place where you will be living. Getting to know the atmosphere of the college you plan to attend will definitely make your first few weeks a little bit less stressful.
Attend College Orientation Sessions: There is no better way to know what to expect at your college than attending an orientation session. You will receive information that will be very valuable for your transition to college, but you will also be introduced to professors and other incoming students. Make sure to be aware of when orientation sessions are, and take the time to attend them, because orientation will be very valuable for you. If you have not registered for Geneva's summer orientation yet, register here.
If you have found the college for you and have committed to it, don’t let your momentum fade away. All of these activities can help you become more prepared as you start your college journey. As you brave this transition remember to take it one step at a time. You have already accomplished one of the hardest parts: finding and committing to a college. Now all you have to do is take the final few steps to get there.
Mattigan Burleigh '24
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
May 6, 2024Learn more about Geneva College.
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