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By on January 2, 2018 in Colleges
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Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Are you a senior in high school trying to find out more about which college to attend? In the guide below, we’ll examine how to find the right one for you. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring your future!

1. What Does it Mean to You?

In other words, what are you hoping to get out of college? Now is the time to discover what you want to do with your life over the next four years and choose what kind of goals you want to accomplish by senior year. Feel free to talk to your parents, friends, or school counselor to figure out these goals. Just make sure you actually get something out of your college years – don’t just go along for the ride.

2. Where Do You Want to Go?

No, we’re not asking what college you want to go to, but instead, where in the world do you want your college to be located? For example, do you want to attend a university in your hometown, in another state, or in another country? Trust us when we say the opportunities are endless, no matter where you go.

3. Identify Your Priorities

Before deciding on a college to attend, make a complete list of pros and cons. For example, the distance from the school to your house or apartment and how you’ll get there, the size of the school, programs the school has, etc. Identify your priorities and determine which colleges you want to check out from there.

4. Review the School’s Departments

Instead of checking overall college rankings, review every department of the college before applying. For example, a college may have a great math department, but a lacking history department. If you’re getting a history-based degree, this could be a huge problem. So, always do research into a college’s departments before considering applying.

5. Visit the Schools

When deciding which school to go with, visiting the college or university is important. Fortunately, most schools offer tours during the fall and spring semesters led by either school counselors or current students. During the tour, you’ll get a better feel for the campus and an inside look at the programs the college offers. Don’t be afraid to ask your guide any questions you have – this is one of the best times to do so.

6. Check Out the Dorms

If you plan to live on campus, one of the most important things to consider to determine whether or not you want to attend are the dorms. Since you’ll be living in these areas of your college for four years, it’s crucial that you enjoy them. If you don’t, we suggest looking for places to rent outside your college campus or move on to another college.

7. Don’t Stick it to a School’s Reputation

Simply because a college is ranked higher doesn’t mean it’s the right college for you. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to consider more than a school’s reputation. Different colleges offer different things, such as advanced programs or smaller one-on-one classes.

8. Compare Aid Options

Although most schools don’t release complete financial aid offers, students can discover what financial options they have through free online tools. When you input your tuition and the amount of aid you have, it can show you what monthly repayments will look like post-graduation. You can also compare colleges with high sticker prices and discover that they’re often a lot more expensive than cheaper colleges. Nevertheless, having these options open to you can help you better decide which college to apply to.

9. Narrow Down Your Options

Now that you’ve completed the steps above, you can finally decide which colleges you should apply to. It can be a hard process, but it will be worth it. Although this is notably the most challenging process, it will feel great once you get your acceptance letter. Remember to ask your parent or legal guardian to review your application before submitting, so you can double check for any errors before sending it to the college or university. First impressions mean a lot!

10. Don’t Procrastinate but Don’t Rush Either

Take the time you need to ensure that you are making the right choice. Don’t put off the decision because you are afraid you will make the wrong choice. Do your research, ask for help, and really put in the effort to find the best college for you.

Although choosing the right college to attend can be an incredibly tough process, everyone has to do it at some point or another. Hopefully, with the help of our guide, we could make the process a little easier and help you find the right school for you. Good luck and happy searching!

This article was contributed by guest author Hayden Sewart.

By on September 7, 2017 in Colleges, Universities

Image by Olichel, pixabay.com

You already know that getting a college degree is a great way to get started on obtaining a higher paying career in a field you love, but the world of college degrees can be slightly confusing. How do you know which type of degree is right for you?

Here, we’ll look at the three main types of college degrees — Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s — along with the pros and cons of each type, so you can make a more informed decision about your college education.

Associate’s Degree

Associate’s degrees are two-year college degree programs that prepare you for working in a certain field or industry. Most Associate’s degrees prepare students for entry-level jobs, and they are offered in several different areas. Examples of careers you can prepare for with an Associate’s degree include administrative assistant, graphic designer, paralegal, information technology manager, and network engineer.

The pros: Associate’s degrees are cheaper to get than Bachelor’s or Master’s, both because they involve the fewest semesters and are usually offered at community colleges, which cost less than four-year universities. With an Associate’s degree, you can graduate and start your career (and begin making money) earlier, or you can use the less expensive community college degree to transfer credits to a four-year school and go on to obtain a Bachelor’s.

The cons: You may earn less in a career when you have an Associate’s degree, and depending on your field, you may be competing for jobs with people who have Bachelor’s degrees. You may also have problems getting a supervisory or management position.

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s degrees are four-year college degrees with a wide range of degree programs for just about every industry, field, or profession. Common careers that require a Bachelor’s degree include engineering, production management, financial analytics, industrial design, and network security.

The pros: No matter what type of job you’re interested in, chances are there is a Bachelor’s degree program for that type of job. In fact, some fields specifically require at least a Bachelor’s degree, such as law, medicine, and teaching. With a Bachelor’s, you will have increased job opportunities and increased earning potential, as well as more specialized knowledge and skills.

The cons: Bachelor’s degree programs can be expensive and require a greater investment of your time and focus, taking four years to obtain. There are also additional costs you’ll incur, such as room and board, rent, and transportation.

Master’s Degree

Master’s degrees are programs with Bachelor’s degrees as a prerequisite for entering. A Master’s program may last from one to four years, in addition to the four years required for a Bachelor’s. They are highly specialized and usually build on a prior educational foundation — for example, advanced practitioner jobs require graduate-level education.

The pros: Because they are highly specialized, Master’s degrees prepare you for advanced practitioner jobs that are not available to people with lower degree levels. You’ll also have vastly increased earning potential with your additional education.

The cons: Obtaining a Master’s degree is a very high investment in cost, time, and effort. The programs are typically very challenging as well as expensive, and require five years or more to fully complete.

There is no one-size-fits-all education. Depending on the type of job you want and the income range you’d like to achieve, one of these types of degrees will help you achieve your dreams.

This article was contributed by guest author Shae Holland.

By on June 9, 2017 in Colleges

Image by Redd Angelo, unsplash.com

Many people are trying to make important decisions regarding which degree path they’ll select as well as which school is ideal for them. If this is the case for you, it’s important to note that there are numerous strategies you can implement to ensure that you select the ideal college. Below you’ll find four things that you should carefully consider as you start thinking about which college to attend:

Salary
One of the first things you should consider is how much money you can expect to attain within the field. Even if money is not your primary concern and you’re willing to attain a low-paying job in order to pursue your passion, you’ll still want a general idea of how much you’ll be living on. You can use a resource such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the annual salary for almost any career field.

Technology
In addition to taking salary into consideration, be sure to contemplate the value of enrolling in a school like the Interactive College of Technology or a similar school that is devoted to technology. This can be a prudent course of action for individuals looking for vocational stability. Given that we live in an increasingly tech-based world, working within a field that is predicated on developing or optimizing some form of technology can increase the likelihood that you will attain and retain a job. For example, individuals who opt to obtain a degree in order to become a computer network architect should note that job growth in this sector is faster than the national average.

Career Testing
If you’re serious about ensuring that you find a major that will be conducive to personal fulfillment and professional success, be sure to consider the value of taking a career test. These tests are important because they can help you attain a clear understanding of your unique skill set and personality. Career tests can also help you understand the type of training, education, experiences and tasks that will be involved in a specific industry. Once you attain this information, you may attain a better understanding of which types of jobs you’re most likely to experience self-actualization within.

Faculty
Another thing you should consider when you’re trying to decide where to study is the faculty of the learning institution in question. Ideally, you want to select a school with a highly trained, qualified team of instructors who maintain a student-centered approach to the learning process. This type of team is more likely to be genuinely concerned about your progress and ensuring that you are attaining the knowledge and skills necessary to help you excel in your field of choice.

Don’t Delay: Select The Perfect School Today!
If you’re determined to make your college experience profoundly positive and productive, now is the time to start thinking critically about what you’ll major in and where you’ll study. You can use the information found in this quick reference guide to ensure that you locate the ideal school for you!

This article was contributed by guest author Amelia Dermott.

By on May 10, 2017 in Colleges

Image by Pexels, pixabay.com

When the majority of the work force is college educated, it makes it nearly impossible to get a decent paying job without a degree. Traditional college is not for everyone – for a wide variety of reasons. Some people are single parents or caring for an aging parent, and some people just don’t do well in a traditional classroom environment. Today, there are a wide range of options for people that need non-traditional options. Here are five things you can do when traditional college is not for you.

1. Online Degrees

Perhaps one of the best options for people who aren’t interested in the traditional college experience is to pursue a degree online. This allows them to do coursework from anywhere and they can fit their classes in around their schedule rather than the other way around.

2. Technical Schools

Some people are good with their hands and would prefer going to a technical or trade school, rather than a traditional college or university. With an increased demand for people in technical fields, schools like the Interactive College of Technology are rising in popularity. Many students prefer colleges and degrees of this type because most, if not all, of the course work focuses specifically on their area of interest rather than forcing students to take a wide range of classes like most major colleges and universities.

3. Foreign colleges and universities

Many students that chafe under the restrictions and teaching methodologies in the US thrive in a different learning environment. Just as most everything else changes from culture to culture, so do opinions on how to best educate young people. When considering college options, don’t just limit yourself to the US.

4. Community College

Community college is a great way to get started earning a Bachelor’s degree, or even just get certified in a certain field. Community colleges tend to be closer to where you live, which means you don’t have to live on or commute to a huge campus. They also tend to be much more economical, with a wider range of financial aid available.

5. Military

In many cases, having military experience can take you just as far, if not farther than having a degree. In many cases, what employers are looking for is not specific training in their field, but rather a good track record of being able to stick with something and follow through.

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of timing. Many young people graduate from high school without any real idea of what they want to do, which makes spending upwards of $50,000 on a college degree somewhat useless. Not to mention they may keep changing majors so many times it just adds extra years and extra zeroes to the price tag. Regardless of the reasons that traditional college may not be right for you, there are a wide range of other options.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on April 28, 2017 in Academic Life

Image by 27707, pixabay.com

The moment you announce you got into college, everyone will start bombarding you with memories of their own student days. But even though you will receive all kinds of advice, there are certain things that people will always forget to mention.

Here are five tips you are not likely to hear, but should know.

1) Utilize your professors’ office hours
Starting your university career can feel overwhelming. Suddenly there’s so much to do – so many classes and assignments, but so little time. Rather than panicking all by yourself, keep these two magic words in mind: office hours. Every college professor sets aside a few hours each week to meet with students one-on-one. Make use of this time. Not only can your professor help you make sense of tough assignments, he or she will also get to know you as someone who is serious about academic success. Being perceived as a good student can never hurt.

2) Avoid the campus bookstore
Your university and your professors will most likely suggest you to get your books from the campus bookstore. Don’t do that, unless you are swimming in cash. The campus bookstore is generally the most expensive place to buy textbooks. Instead, you could go on your university’s Facebook page to see if fellow students are selling their used books for the classes you want, and check out online stores. Textbooks.com carries over 10 million titles and you can even just rent them instead of buying. Chegg.com is another site that rents and sells books, and you may get an e-book to use online while you wait for the physical copy to arrive.

3) Count on getting sick
During finals week your stress levels will shoot through the roof as you will have five big exams coming up and four term papers due. The stress causes your immune system to take a hit, and guess what – you will get sick at the worst possible time. If you are bedridden and miss your deadlines, this could even postpone getting your bachelor’s degree. To avoid this fate, you will need to plan ahead. Make sure to finish your assignments several days before they are due, and start studying early for exams too. This way you are less likely to be in serious trouble even if you get sick at the wrong time – which is almost a given.

4) Enjoy the parties
The never-ending parties are one of the main reasons why many people cherish their college years. Try to say yes to as many social events as you can, whether it’s a Greek organization’s toga party, a formal dance or the PR club’s fundraiser. These social functions are great for getting to know your classmates and making lifelong memories. Some students even prioritize social life over academics, saying, “You can redo an exam, but you can’t relive a party.” That may be overkill, but try to arrange your studies so that you’ll still have time for fun. For example, Thursday is often “college night”, meaning a major night out, so if you can, avoid taking early classes on Fridays.

5) Sign up for campus credit cards
Banks will often come to university campuses to promote student credit cards, and will offer perks like free beach towels or pizza to applicants. Take advantage of this opportunity to get approved for a starter credit card and ignore the notion that credit is evil. That’s not true. If you use your student credit card responsibly and pay off your balance in full every month, you will build good credit within a year. A high credit score will help you immensely later on: you can get approved for car and house loans, rental apartments, cell phone plans, and airline credit cards with high sign-on bonuses. This means you can take a spring break trip to Cancun with frequent flier miles instead of paying high season flight prices.

This article was contributed by guest author Mirva Lempiainen.

By on February 23, 2017 in Colleges

Image by Tulane Public Relations, flickr.com

Pursuing higher education is one of the most important decisions you will make for your future. It’s becoming more difficult for high school graduates to find rewarding careers. Postsecondary education can qualify you for more jobs and help you earn a higher salary. Discover these simple tips to learn how you can find the right college to achieve your career goals.

Determine Academic Goals and Needs
Students should choose a college that meets their academic goals and needs. It’s important to ensure that an institution offers a program that can train you for your desired career. If students plan on changing colleges in the future, it’s imperative to make sure those college credits can transfer. A traditional college might not be the right choice for working professionals. Many colleges offer online degrees for programs such as radiology technology. You can learn more here.

Academic Advising
One of the best ways to find the right college is to speak with an academic advisor. These advisors can provide you with information about colleges in your area as well as top-ranked institutions across the country. It’s important for students to inquire about admission requirements such as grade point averages and test scores to ensure they are eligible for the program. Academic advisors can also help you determine the financial cost of attending a specific institution.

Research College Rankings
Whether you are pursuing a general business diploma or a prestigious law degree, it’s important to choose a college with a challenging curriculum. Popular magazines such as U.S. News and Forbes provide a list of top-ranked schools in the country. This is an excellent way to find colleges that could help you meet your academic goals. Students can also purchase a variety of books about top-ranked colleges, which includes admission and tuition information.

Verify College Accreditations
It’s imperative to verify the accreditation of a college before enrolling in a program. An institution can have a regional, national, or specialized accreditation. Students can verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation of a school can vary depending on the type of programs they offer as well as the quality of the curriculum. Some employers will not recognize institutions that are not properly accredited, which is why it’s important to be selective about the college you attend.

It’s important to find the right college to prepare for the career of your dreams. Colleges should meet your academic goals and be properly accredited. Students can learn about programs by researching college accreditations and rankings.

This article was contributed by guest author Lizzie Weakley.

By on November 23, 2016 in Academic Life
Image by Faustin Tuyambaze, unsplash.com

Image by Faustin Tuyambaze, unsplash.com

When starting out in college, many students struggle to find direction. A great degree can also make the difference between stagnation in the workplace and bountiful career advancements in new territories. Take a look at these four degree programs to increase your knowledge and carve out a future of leadership, innovation, and success.

Graphic Design
If you’re tech-savvy, a degree in graphic design may be just what you’re looking for. Propel your future into the technological world of computers and design with such a degree. You can use your specialized knowledge to develop various artistic endeavors for ads, design, and much more. At the forefront of innovation, a degree in graphic design provides students with practical skills that apply to many industries, from medicine to education. Formal training in graphic design promises a stable yet mentally stimulating career with limitless possibilities. Most graphic designers are always busy with new projects and ideas.

Public Administration Degrees
Public administration is a field that most people don’t think of when students investigate degrees of interest. Through this degree program, you’ll succeed as a leader in public service and government policy. Earning a degree in public administration is one route worth investigating. It’s no easy task to facilitate widespread change, but an online master in public administration degree program can give you the tools to manage civil servants and organize projects. From fundraising to urban planning, there’s no end to the possibilities this degree affords.

Marketing Analyst
With this kind of a degree, you would be analyzing market trends in the business industry. For those interested in this sort of thing, the possible applications for such a degree are endless. With entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy, you can push yourself to succeed. Pursuing an MBA or other business or marketing-related degrees can result in a wide variety of careers. From financial analysis to consulting, an MBA becomes the most valuable when combined with another area of expertise. This is especially true in the age of the internet, where managing a business is becoming more and more possible. Get ahead of the game with a degree that teaches you how to monetize your area of expertise in the global marketplace. Overall, business is a great choice for the entrepreneurial risk-takers of the world.

English
If you’re an eloquent speaker, an avid reader, or have an interest in writing, a degree in English could be for you. Whether you have a large vocabulary or not, well-suited writers are always valuable to every industry. Take a look at what other specific areas you might be interested in when it comes to the fields of English and writing. Many students choose to have an emphasis in literature, creative writing, or technical writing, just to name a few. Whether you’re studying the finer details of crafting a powerful speech, the distinguishing characteristics of poetry and prose, or you love technical details, English is a great field to go into for those that have in interest in it.

When it comes to establishing success that lasts, education is key. Taking the time to discover what’s right for you is paramount. With these four degree programs, you’ll have a sturdy foundation to grow your future and ultimately have a blossoming career.

This article was contributed by guest author Rachelle Wilber.

By on November 14, 2016 in Academic Life
Image by Davide Cantelli, unsplash.com

Image by Davide Cantelli, unsplash.com

High school is finally over and you can’t wait to head off to college. The next four (or five) years will be some of your best, but you might get to campus and find yourself suddenly nervous and overwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help incoming freshmen get off on the right foot.

Don’t Over Pack
You know when you go on vacation and only wear half of what you brought? Your freshman year of college will be kind of like that. You don’t need 27 notebooks. Start with one per class, a few extra pens, just the basics. You can buy other stuff as you need it. And don’t even think about bringing every pair of jeans you own. Dorm rooms are small, don’t bring more than you can easily organize.

Let Your Parents Be Involved
Sure, having your parents hovering around when you’re settling in may feel embarrassing, but trust us, you won’t be the only one with hovering parents. Aside from the fact that one or both of your parents is probably a master unpacker and organizer, going off to college is hard for them too. Let them have the little bit of extra time. You’ll be glad you did when they get in the car and drive away.

Don’t Flip Over a Bad Grade
When you’re in college, your GPA can feel like everything. Maybe it’s really important to you get to those additional cords when you graduate, but at the end of the day, your GPA doesn’t determine your success outside of school. We aren’t saying you shouldn’t work hard and strive for good grades, especially if you want to go on to grad school, law school, or med school, but don’t forget to enjoy your experience and make new friends.

Ask for Help
Going off to college can be challenging, from being in an unfamiliar environment to the higher expectations. If you need help, ask. Whether you’re struggling in a class or having a problem with someone on your floor, there are plenty of people around who can provide you with the help you need. Learning how to ask for help is also a valuable real-world skill and the sooner you develop it, the better.

Get Involved
This is especially important if you’re coming to school from out of town. Schools like UC Clermont College encourage getting involved in sports, clubs, or other activities that will help you find like-minded students and develop new relationships. It’s also important to network, whether within these organizations or with teachers and other authority figures who can help you get a TA position or internship.

A great start to your college career will make it easier to have a great finish. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make your freshman year exciting. When you look back at your college years, you’ll be happy you started on the right foot.

This article was contributed by guest author Brooke Chaplan.

By on November 7, 2016 in Colleges
Image by Atomic Taco, Flickr

Image by Atomic Taco, Flickr

Would you like to have a wonderful career in an industry you love? Are you a high school graduate, but can’t make up your mind on furthering your education or jumping straight into the workforce? If you’re fresh out of high school or someone who wants to pursue a career in a certain field, higher learning facilities are some of the best routes to take.

One of the biggest dilemmas a person can have is whether to attend university or community college. Both institutions provide great academic courses, training, activities, and athletics, but one tends to be more expensive in total costs than the other – and the decision varies from person to person.

Here are 10 popular reasons you may choose a community college over university.

1. School/Home Balance
Community college offers you a bit more freedom, and allows students to take one or two classes at a time – roughly 60% of students attend on a part-time basis. This offers you plenty of free time to travel back and forth from home, and commuting can save you thousands since you don’t have to live in a dorm.

2. Tuition
It’s no secret that university is expensive. A community college allows you to pay lower costs for shorter 2-year terms and credit hours can be up to 80 percent less than those of a university. The great thing is that these classes will be the same curriculum you would take at university, but for a fraction of the cost.

3. Smaller Size:
Many students are intimidated by a large campus full of people, buildings and miles of sidewalks. The nice thing about community college is that most are comprised of a few buildings and the size isn’t anywhere near that of a larger university.

4. Not Ready
Many students just aren’t ready for university and most have to take pre-requisite classes in order to receive their degree. As mentioned above, you can take these classes at your community college instead of the university, allowing you to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

5. Supportive Services
A community college has great support if you have children, if you’re disabled or don’t have the financial means to attend college. Financial aid, grants, child services, and labs help take the pressure off by paying a portion of your tuition.

6. Open Access
Unlike universities, a community college is more flexible with eligibility requirements. All you need is to be 18 years old and have a (GED) or diploma for acceptance.

7. Class Size
Students are able to interact easier with an instructor since the average class size is around 25 students. Compare that to a university that often sees more than 150 students in one classroom.

8. More Choices
Though a community college is smaller than a university, these schools have a wide range of certificate, diploma, and tradesman courses that can deliver high paying jobs after completion.

9. Option to Transfer
After your first two years of community college, students who want to further their education can easily transfer to a four-year school without jumping through hoops or taking unnecessary classes. In fact, most universities work with the local community college.

10. Faster Employment
A four-year degree is great for the future; however, many people are looking to get in and get out. 2-year programs and certifications allow you to get the training faster for jobs that are available today.

This article was contributed by guest author Stephanie Lynch.

By on October 28, 2016 in Academic Life
Image by Aaron Burden, unsplash.com

Image by Aaron Burden, unsplash.com

College freshman year is your first step into adulthood and it’s a year you’ll remember for the rest of your life. All those past achievements and high school grades can get you into the college you desire, but once you’re in, it’s a complete new start. Everyone gets an equal chance to prove themselves and what you make of this opportunity matters the most in shaping your personality and career.

So here’s a list of ‘must dos’ to help you make the most of your freshman year so you don’t look back and regret your decisions.

Choose wisely
The very first thing to do (*cliche alert*) is to put some thought into selecting the right major. As statistics show, 30% of college students in the US drop out of college in the first year, or complete their graduation elsewhere. I’m guessing that you wouldn’t want to fit into that number, right? You must believe in your instincts and pick the right program that interests you, while at the same time being feasible with your SAT/ACT scores.

Be an occasional nerd
It’s okay to sometimes stay back and study instead of slipping out at night to party with the clan. You must resist the temptation (I know it’s hard!), and prioritize academics whenever need be. Trust me, it’s really cool to be the student who’s out with friends when he/she wants to – and who also does well in class. You must learn to say no at the right time, and loosen up and unwind when required.

Timetables and due-dates
It’s college, not high school. Every time you’re late with a submission, or miss out on a lecture that you “didn’t know” about, it’s a red alert. Colleges are very strict with timetables and dates right from the time of applications. It’s wise to sit down and draw up a timetable of lectures and upcoming due-dates for submissions. Put it in a chart and hang it on a wall over your bed so you don’t forget.

Hang in there
It’s not easy for everyone to cope with the newfound freedom that comes with college. And it’s okay to be scared. Some of us are introverts. Some of us don’t make friends easily and need time to build a good rapport. The good news is, you’re not alone. There are others just like you feeling the chills in a new place. Find them and make friends with them as they are also probably looking for someone who can understand how they feel. Always be nice to your roommate, and if they don’t reciprocate, change rooms. It’s hard to survive college without at least a small set of friends, so surround yourself with like minded people.

Define your study style
The college curriculum is a lot harder than high school, and it takes your first year to understand and implement this in your study routine. It doesn’t mean you’ll be slogging through the years. Be smart at your work. Identify your study style. Are you good with group study? Check out the library and find students who do the same. Stay connected with your groups online even when they’re not around. Like to keep testing your skills? Take pop quizzes and solve question papers from the university’s website. Like to make short notes? Use websites like Evernote to save notes, and Cram to make your own flashcards to remember hard concepts. It’s important to find your comfort zone while studying.

Try to be yourself
Right from the time of filling out an application, to writing that crucial college essay, applicants are expected to describe who they really are. Adding that ‘you’ element in an essay describes your unique quality and gets you into the college. You need to maintain that ‘you factor’ all throughout freshman year.

Work on your speech
Take a speech class if needed. Communication skills are very important to make yourself heard among the cluster. You may have been a pro debater or an elocution expert in high school, but the trick is to keep that spirit alive in college. Communication skills are like a good dessert after dinner. From making college life easier to impressing potential employers that want to recruit, your communication skills will play an important role in your future.

Draft a plan for the next four years
Yes, live in the present, but also think of the future. College is about enjoying your precious young-adult years, but with an element of added responsibility. It’s the right time to plan your academic goals for the next 3-4 years. Discuss them with your counsellor / mentor. This helps you to stay on course, tick off the milestones, and reevaluate your choices and options if needed.

Join a club
Extracurricular activities are crucial to making your resume shine, exploring your interests outside of the classroom and to make new contacts. Involving yourself in college clubs (drama, debate, etc) and student organizations will help you reap significant benefits in later years. It improves your leadership skills and your ability to perform as a team; two qualities much sought after by employers.

Technology is your friend
Times have changed and it’s a definite perk to be tech savvy. Learn to work your way around on the internet and use online tools like Google Drive (If you’re not already into it!). List down important blogs to read. Learn online etiquette to get a good reputation. It’ll help you to finish your assignments quickly, and stay in touch with the latest developments in your field.

Build a good rapport with professors
A good piece of advice here is to get noticed and fall straight into the good books of at least one teacher. It helps with getting good research opportunities, recommendations for internships, and a better understanding of the subjects. You don’t need to become a ‘teacher’s pet,’ but be regular for the lectures, take interest in finishing the assignments, and contact them for study help.

Seek internships
Draw up your resume (if you don’t have it already) and keep updating it with your newly acquired skills. Towards the end of your Freshman year, start sourcing for summer internships. Your teacher reference comes in handy for this. It will help you to get another internship next summer after your sophomore year. Graduating with two of these certificates will give you a competitive edge over others.

Freshman year is all about re-discovering yourself and laying the foundation of your career. Remember, it’s very tempting to get carried away into different social groups and succumb to peer pressure. Stay focused on your goals.

This article was contributed by guest author Ethan Miller.