Being ready for college involves more than simply sending in your application, deposit, and packing up your things. While help is available from organizations such as Ivywise, it pays to be certain that you’re ready academically, emotionally, and beyond.
It’s all very well being eager to go to college, but are you really ready? Success in your high school courses might make you feel more than capable, but that’s not quite the same as being ready. There’s more to earning your degree than stepping it up academically.
It’s a huge leap in independence, and you’ll need many skills to make it through four or more years of college. The key skills you’ll need can be broken down into self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-management.
Self-Awareness Skills
Can you recognize your strengths and vulnerabilities? To help you be ready for college, you need to acknowledge them to best manage your health, study habits, and more. To help you increase your self-awareness, consider the following questions:
- Do you know what subjects are most difficult for you?
- Can you recognize when you’re struggling with a course and need assistance?
- Is there a specific time of the day when you’re better able to study and learn?
- When you find yourself in stressful situations, how do you respond? Do you typically tackle the problems head-on, stick your head in the sand, reach out for support, or do something else?
- Have you ever suffered from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or any form of addiction? If so, what are the “red flags,” and what are your techniques for recovering from such setbacks?
- Do you react to disagreement or conflict by withdrawing, freezing, becoming more aggressive, or experiencing some other reaction?
- In your friendships, are there particular qualities you look for?
- How can you make sure your intimate relationships are safe and healthy?
- Can you recognize when you need medical attention?
Self-Advocacy Skills
Self-advocacy is all about speaking up and reaching out for assistance when needed. Student support offices exist because there are some problems students can’t and shouldn’t face alone. Can you answer yes to any of the following?
- Do you feel comfortable approaching an instructor and asking questions about course content or assignments?
- Do you feel comfortable making contributions to class discussions and presenting to your peers?
- Are you planning to keep in regular contact with your academic advisors to discuss your interests and course preferences?
- Would you be proactive when it comes to signing up for tutoring if you’re struggling in a class?
- Are you happy to approach instructors or visit the career center to inquire about jobs, internships, research opportunities, or other hands-on experience?
- Do you know how to initiate discussions with your roommate about issues such as sleep schedules and cleanliness?
- Would you feel comfortable talking about personal problems with a resident assistant (RA)?
- If you felt overwhelmed, would you be willing to contact the counseling center and make an appointment?
- If you find the dining hall options don’t meet your dietary needs, would you feel confident speaking with the food service staff to ask about your options?
- Do you know how to make a doctor’s appointment and are you able to go alone if necessary?
- Do you plan to join clubs, social events, or teams to forge new friendships?
Self-Management Skills
Self-management is about regulating your actions and reactions. Time management is crucial because when you’re in college, your parents aren’t going to be there to tell you to do your homework or boost your morale if you’re feeling down. The following questions will help you better understand your self-management abilities.
- Can you get yourself up in the morning and ready for your first classes?
- Do you go to bed at a reasonable time to ensure you get enough sleep?
- If you find yourself with a whole day free, will you plan your time productively?
- Can you track your assignments and consistently turn them in on time? While your tutor will provide a syllabus at the beginning of the semester, they might not provide reminders for when work is due.
- Will you start assignments early so you’re not forced to cram at the last minute? It’s important to plan your time wisely as there’s more reading in college, and the projects tend to be bigger.
- Can you manage the potential use of alcohol, drugs, and entertainment without sacrificing schoolwork and social life?
- Can you take medication, get refills, and take other measures without supervision?
- Will you eat healthily and regularly when your parents are there to oversee things?
- Will you do your laundry and shower/bathe regularly without being told?
- Can you live cooperatively with someone?
- Can you manage money responsibly, saving and paying bills as needed?
- If things don’t go your way, can you control your emotional reactions?
As you answer some of these questions, give yourself credit for any skills you feel you’ve already mastered. You’re that much closer to being a successful college student.