High School Seniors Week 4: You’ve Picked a College…Now What?!

Raysha Duncan, Financial Aid Administrator & Purdue Alumna
www.purdue.edu/mymoney

Get excited! Your future awaits you! Take some time to absorb the good feelings after months of stress and financial aid inquiries and balancing senior activities on top of preparing for college. Then, get down to business.

Enjoy Your Last Month of High School!

You only go to high school once. Enjoy being in the same hallways with the same people for a few more weeks and knowing nearly everybody you’re in class with because unless you’re going to a very small college, that will never happen again. I know my high school has a lot of silly senior traditions, and even if they seem silly, participate! You only get to do them once. Pick out a nice outfit for graduation too. You’ll be taking pictures, and they’ll last forever.

Research Your University

Look into some specifics: Where will you live? Do you need to do/register/pay for anything else before you can officially become a (insert school mascot here)? Know what is expected of you before you enroll. Getting all set up way in advance is a good idea because you’ll have enough to worry about with moving out of your parents’ house and into a dorm without having to find a room last minute. Make sure any and all fees and deposits are paid so this transition from high school to college is as smooth as can be.

Make Sure You’re Happy with the Major You’ve Chosen

Changing majors is a really common occurrence with college students. You’re likely to change your major at least once in your undergraduate career. Take a few moments to sit back and make sure you’re still happy with your choice for your first year of college. Chances are that you’re completely satisfied, but it’s been almost six months since you applied, you could have changed your mind. And, if changing your major sounds like something you’d like to do, get in contact with your university and see what steps need to be taken in order to make the switch and any impacts that could have on any scholarships you received. Don’t jump into it right away though; mull it over before making the call.

High School Seniors Week 4: You Picked a School! Now What?!?!

Raysha Duncan Purdue University Student and Peer Counselor
www.purdue.edu/mymoney

Get excited! Your future awaits you! Take some time to absorb the good feelings after months of stress and financial aid inquiries and balancing senior activities on top of preparing for college. Then, get down to business.

Enjoy Your Last Month of High School!

You only go to high school once. Enjoy being in the same hallways with the same people for a few more weeks and knowing nearly everybody you’re in class with because unless you’re going to a very small college, that will never happen again. I know my high school has a lot of silly senior traditions, and even if they seem silly, participate! You only get to do them once. Pick out a nice outfit for graduation too. You’ll be taking pictures, and they’ll last forever.

Research Your University

Look into some specifics: Where will you live? Do you need to do/register/pay for anything else before you can officially become a (insert school mascot here)? Know what is expected of you before you enroll. Getting all set up way in advance is a good idea because you’ll have enough to worry about with moving out of your parents’ house and into a dorm without having to find a room last minute. Make sure any and all fees and deposits are paid so this transition from high school to college is as smooth as can be.

Make Sure You’re Happy with the Major You’ve Chosen

Changing majors is a really common occurrence with college students. You’re likely to change your major at least once in your undergraduate career. Take a few moments to sit back and make sure you’re still happy with your choice for your first year of college. Chances are that you’re completely satisfied, but it’s been almost six months since you applied, you could have changed your mind. And, if changing your major sounds like something you’d like to do, get in contact with your university and see what steps need to be taken in order to make the switch and any impacts that could have on any scholarships you received. Don’t jump into it right away though; mull it over before making the call.