Some helpful pointers for college-bound students

Last week when I went to the grocery store, I was met by a barrage of backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers and even protractors. I took it as a sign from the gods: Once again, it’s time for school.

If it’s your senior year of high school, then you’re probably more excited than most since this is your last hurrah. Next year you’ll finally be out on your own. But there are some things you need to take care of to ensure you get into the school you want and to ensure that, once you get there, you won’t be sent packing after one semester.

So here are some notes for your perusal:

• Start thinking about where it is you would like to further your education. Inquire about application deadlines and requirements. Your high school guidance counselor can surely help you with this part of the process, as can this college guide. There are many good schools in Kentucky and the money you’ll save in tuition will be substantial. Don’t think you have to get as far away from your parents as you can. It’s nice to still be within driving distance, just in case you’re broke, starving and have been wearing the same shirt for a week.

• Take the ACT/SAT early. Many schools have a magic number they look for in applicants. Plus, if you’re trying to get a scholarship, you will more than likely need a certain score. By taking these tests early, you’ll afford yourself the opportunity to take them again should you need a higher score.

• Talk to your guidance counselor and the schools you’re interested in about grants, scholarships and financial aid. College is more enjoyable when you’re spending someone else’s money.

• If you’re having trouble deciding on a school, don’t hesitate to visit the places your considering. Getting a first-hand peek will help you when deciding.

This information is neither profound nor amusing; just about anyone can give you the same advice. However, I just graduated from college in May and am currently enrolled in graduate school at the University of Kentucky. So let me give you a little advice on how you can ensure a good start to your college career.

• Go to the college or university you want to go to, not the one your friends are going to.

• The moment you step on campus, the sharks will be lurking. They will come bearing smiles and gifts, and all you have to do is sign up for what they are offering -- usually credit cards. Be polite. Offer a gracious "No thank you," and be on your way. I graduated with one girl who has six credit cards and owes over $15,000. That’s a tough way to start your post-college career.

• Don’t feel like you have to decide on a major the moment you start school. Your first year is pretty much spent taking classes required for all students. Use that time to talk to students, your counselor and professors so that you can make a well-informed decision. Don’t guess.

• You’ll hear this often: Learn to manage your time. This really is key. Knowing when things are due as well as what you have to do to get them done is crucial. One night, after watching a movie until 2 a.m., I suddenly remembered I had a paper due the next morning at nine. That was poor time management, even worse disorganization and a long night. Thank God for coffee and Mountain Dew -- two of a college student’s best friends.

• Ask questions. Often at the university level, people assume you know. You may not even know that you don’t know, so ask. I took my first graduate class this semester. My entire grade was based on one final paper. I wrote the best 14 pages of my academic career. Even my professor said it was really good, but I didn’t do any research. Well, he hadn’t said we needed to do research, but it was assumed that I knew research was a requirement. That hurt; I reluctantly accepted a "B".

• Be prepared to ward off peer pressure. There is always somebody who’s ready to party regardless of what night it is and what you have to do the next day. Just say, "No." You’ve got plenty of time to party. Besides, hangovers and class make a poor combination.

• Don’t fall in love with the first cute person you see. College is full of romantic opportunities.

• Get to know your professors and, more importantly, let them get to know you. This can only help you when grades are tallied. Besides, some of the best friends I’ve made in college were professors.

• Enjoy yourself, but understand why you’re there. By organizing your time efficiently, you’ll create your optimal amount of fun time without completely sacrificing your grades.

• Take advantage of homework, quiz and participation grades. These don’t come around too often, so it is vital that you take advantage of them when the opportunity arises. I’ve saved many a grade by doing all my homework.

• Finally, the most profound piece of advice I can give: Go to class. Seriously, go to class and pay attention. It sounds simple, but it can make all the difference in the world.

Now that you’re ready, go forth and prosper. Enjoy your last year of getting free food, having clean clothes, few responsibilities and money. When you receive that diploma at the end of the year, remember that it is not the culmination: it is just the beginning.

Clint Martin is an editorial assistant for The Lane Report.

Kentucky Colleges:

Asbury College
Asbury Theological Seminary
Bellarmine College
Berea College
Campbellsville University
Central Kentucky Technical College
Centre College
Cumberland College
Eastern Kentucky University
Hazard Community College
KY Community & Technical College System
Kentucky State University
Lexington Community College
Lexington Theological Seminary
Maysville Community College
Midway College
Morehead State University
Murray State University
Northern Kentucky University
Somerset Community College
Spalding University
Spencerian College
Sullivan College
Transylvania University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University

For more information on Kentucky’s colleges and universities go to The Lane Report’s web site at www.kybiz.com.

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