A Roadmap to College: Steps to follow fall 2017

26 de julio, 2017

David Romero

Consejero Académico y Activista estudiantil

Académico: de Iowa State University

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

~Nelson Mandela

There’s no doubt Nelson Mandela is correct about his assertion that education can help to change the world.  However, sometimes thinking about the whole world can be a little daunting so let us think a little closer to home and let me borrow the words from Mr. Mandela to say that Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change YOUR world.  Pursuing a college degree can change not only your life but the life of those around you too.  It is for this reason I wish to share with you the steps you need to follow during fall semester in order to be ready for college.  Make sure that you involve your parents in this process – especially if they have not been to college.  They will need information to understand and support your dream of going to college.  Think of the process of going to college like a great adventure that will bring many questions, triumphs, challenges, and happiness.  So…Are you ready to start your adventure?

September – Create a list of the institutions you wish to attend and plan a visit to their campus:

Start in September by creating a list of institutions you wish to attend next year.  This is an important steps because it will help you to clarify your goals and focus your energies in a more efficient way.  It will be important for you to visit some of the universities you wish to attend.   Visiting the campus of those opportunities you are considering will help you to learn a lot about the differences and benefits of attending each institution.  Make sure your parents participate in this step.  They will appreciate knowing a little more about the institutions you wish to attend next year.

October – Complete your applications and register to take the ACT.

The process of applying to college can appear to be daunting, but in reality is pretty easy if you allow yourself enough time to work through it.  This is a step in which your high school counselors become great resources to you.  They have a lot of experience and can guide you in the right direction to find tools that will assist you to achieve success.  Make an appointment to see your academic advisors and ask for their assistance in the application process.  Another important step in October will be to register and participate in the ACT exam.  Check their website to learn more about the upcoming dates for the ACT.  Also remember to prepare for this exam – cramming the night before is probably not the best way to prepare.  Check with your public library to see if you can check out books related to ACT preparation.  

November – Apply to many scholarships:

I have met many students who wait until February to apply for scholarships…sorry but if you wait until February you missed the boat.  The best months to apply for scholarships are October, November, and December.  These are the months when you will see deadlines for some of the biggest scholarships for companies like Coca Cola, Nike, McDonalds, etc.  Start your scholarship search early and allow yourself enough time to create a solid application.  Remember that you will be competing with many other students for some of those scholarships – you want your work to speak great things about you.

December – Explore careers:

Use the month of December to explore your career options.  Don’t leave your career choice to chance.  Make sure that you are choosing a career that is using your talents, abilities, personality, traits, and skills.  Do your research about those careers you wish to pursue and make an effort to meet professionals in those areas.  Connect with your counselors about opportunities to meet professionals in your city.  You may learn about options you perhaps have not yet considered.

During our next edition we will speaking about growth and fixed mindsets and how they can affect our performance at school.

Resumen en Español:

Es la hora de prepararse para ir a la universidad.  Aca presentamos los pasos que un estudiante debe seguir los siguientes 4 meses.

Septiembre – Explora tus opciones de universidades y visita el campus

Octubre – Completa tu aplicaciones y regístrate para el ACT

Noviembre – Aplica a muchas becas universitarias.

Diciembre – Explora tus opciones de carreras universitarias

This is a New Year full of potential and opportunities for you.  Make the most of your time and continue to strive forward to reach the goals you have set for yourself.  ECHALE GANAS!  

Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion on Facebook and ECHALE GANAS…