So you’ve applied, what’s next? Waiting for application results can be tedious and a bit daunting, not only do you have to worry about getting in but you have to worry about things like housing, roommates, and the financial aspect. Today I am going to be going over the basics of life after application.
Starting with financial aid, you need to do it fast and preferably along with the applications. FAFSA is super easy to fill out you just might need your parents or guardian to help you and know your social security information. FAFSA isn’t the only financial aid program out there though, there are also school financial aid programs, work-study funds, and grants. The aid programs from schools are most likely found on the school’s website so during the waiting process you can always check them and apply if you know you might be going to that school. Be diligent about their programs, because they do have deadlines just like applications.
Other forms of financial aid are scholarships. Non-essay scholarships take as long as minutes to apply for. Interest-based scholarships are specifically for you about things you like and can passionately speak about, and they are yet another way you can work toward your goal of college.
Trying to find the right housing option for you is hard, but research helps. Most colleges put their floor plans on their websites. It depends on what college you are most interested in but I find looking at people’s opinions, views, and relation to your major building helps narrow your search down.
The first thing most people think about when they know they are going to college is what to buy but try not to buy too many things you know you have or just won’t use. Asking for gift cards for birthdays and events can lessen the financial burden, anything helps.
Teachers usually ease back the schoolwork when you are applying to colleges, but jumping back into work can be hard. It may feel like everything is just stacking up, but if you talk to your teachers they may be able to help.
School can feel very daunting when you’re going back into the groove of it after stopping for so long. Wanting to participate at all in school can be hard and even has a name, Senioritis. But, good news there is a cure! Working harder even if it kinda sucks will help pull you out of the homework debt, and make it easier later so you can relax. And even though you are working hard, starting with a smaller goal will put you on the right path. Saying no to events you know you do not have time for will help open your schedule for your time, to relax and prepare for the next day, you just might even be able to sleep.
Moving on to the more fun aspect of preparing for college life, roommates! Finding a roommate can feel weird and a little scary but so exciting when you know you’ll have a guaranteed new friend at college. Reaching out to fellow students on Instagram is a great way to spark conversation, going onto your prospective new school’s Instagram can show you the upcoming students, social life, and spotlighted events. Apps like ZeeMee and Instagram can help in the process, and keep you connected to college life until you arrive. The college of your choosing will most likely have a program for finding a roommate so always look at your student portal.
Last but not least, tour connections or freshman week. Freshman week or freshman orientation brings students from all over to learn about the school but take it as an opportunity to learn about your peers as well, maybe make some friends early or find your roommate.
To wrap this up with a bow, if you’re looking for college help or just need advice, we have a ton of resources here at Canyon Hills. College Career Club (C.C.C.) and First Gen Scholars are two amazing clubs dedicated to helping students get into college. Both clubs have a very knowledgeable group of people behind them who would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Ask teachers for help too, some that I would recommend are Mr. Snedden, and Mr. Turner, both can be found in the one-thousand building and are eager to help with the topic of college. Lastly, if you are nervous about going to college that is a valid worry, but remember you have a lot to look forward to, like all the new people you will meet and all the new experiences you will have.
