1. Take Dual Credit!
Over the 4 years that I was in High School, I heard multiple different opinions on if dual credit or AP classes was the way to go. From my personal experience, I'm on team Dual credit. For team AP, I heard opinions like "It will raise your GPA" and "Your class rank will go up". From my own personal experience, there is no point in taking AP classes if you're not going to pass the AP test. Dual credit is the way to go. You will save your parents so much money, get a head start at college, and you'll begin to adapt to college life. I regret not starting dual credit when I could. I started my senior year and finished with 9 college credit hours and still graduated in the top 15% of my class as #22.
2. Start taking your SAT and ACT early
I took my first SAT in my Junior year in High School. I believe students should start taking their SAT in their Sophomore year. That way, if you make a high enough score on your SAT or ACT, you can apply early to the college of your dreams! Don't procrastinate. Get it done. Set your goals. Achieve them.
3. Tour as many colleges as possible
At the beginning of my senior year, I already knew where I wanted to go to college. My brother is studying at Stephen F. Austin University. My brother had a big influence on where I went to college because he would tell me all the amazing things that were going on at SFA. SFA was the best fit for my brother but was it the best fit for me? Start touring colleges your sophomore year so you can start exploring your options.
4. Spend time with your parents your senior year
You won't believe how many times I called my mom during my first semester of college. Way more than I can count. During my senior year, I caught myself becoming very busy with school, extra-circular, my friends, and my boyfriend that I honestly was never home. I do regret not spending as much time with my parents on the weekends because after I moved to Nacogdoches for my first semester of college, I missed my parents more than you can imagine. Hug your parents tight and spend as much time with them as possible before you go. They love you and are gonna miss you just as much as you're gonna miss them.
5. Build your Resume
Join sport teams. Become a cheerleader. Compete in U.I.L. Join Clubs. Run for class officer. Join the Student Council. Volunteer. and so much more. Colleges and scholarship committees want to see a full resume.
6. Apply for as many scholarships as possible
I spent the majority of my second semester of the senior year filling out college applications. I would spend hours in the library printing out applications, filling them out, writing essays for specific ones, attaching my resume and transcripts, and mailing them off. It was all worth it because I received over $6000 in outside scholarships. APPLY, APPLY, APPLY!
7. You can never be fully prepared, so just enjoy the ride
No matter how prepared you think you are. You're not prepared for what college will throw at you. Yes, college is fun. Yes, college is hard. Yes, college is stressful. You'll go through a point where you'll swear to your mom that you have anxiety and depression. In all honesty, you're just adjusting. Just know, you're not alone. It's a big adjustment and takes a lot of getting used too. Go outside your comfort zone, don't be afraid to explore, to be adventurous, and to change your mind.
8. Adult life is expensive
College is expensive. The summer before you leave for college, get a job and make as much money as possible. Help your parents out by being able to buy your textbooks, groceries, and any extra stuff with your own money.
9. Every choice you make can impact your future
Every decision you make can lead your life down a different path. Be aware of the choices you make and the impact they can have on your life. Always trust your instinct. It's okay to have regrets, as long as you learn from them.
10. You'll miss these days
I am probably one of many few people that will say they miss high school. I learned so much about myself, made some of my life long best friends, and made so many memories along the way. Despite the mean girls, frustrations, and hardships. Some of my best life moments happened in High School. Treasure the last few moments you have left, because you'll miss it,
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