I would first like to graduate you on completing your first 12 years in school. You have grown a lot since your freshman year of high school, and it is now time to start again in college. I would also like to extend you an even greater congratulations for deciding to move forward in education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in your chosen field. It is not, by any means, an easy decision, but it is a wonderful first step to achieving your dreams. February is a crucial time in the admissions process, and I would like to share with you today some advice I learned prior to my freshman year in college.
My first and greatest word of wisdom to you still searching would be to visit. Once you visit the first time, determine if you could ever see yourself at the university, and not only there, but also happy there. If there is even the slightest inclination you may enjoy the school, visit again. Some universities offer overnight visits where you can also gain an accurate picture of student life. Also be sure to attend classes if you can to see if the academic life is desirable for you as well. I visited my current university three times before I committed, and twice I stayed over. If there is a specific major you are interested in, try reaching out the department to arrange a departmental visit as well. My university offers a special visit program for equine students like myself, and you can develop a great sense of the department from such visits. Also be sure to check whether a university has your intended major before you apply. If you are undecided, it may be best to look at universities with a wide variety of programs to choose from. I would also like to advise you to practice at least some caution however when visiting colleges. A college I visited once told my parents to never let a college lie to them about not having sex, drugs, and alcohol on campus. Every university has them, even my Wesleyan liberal arts university does, but whether or not you choose to participate yourself is a different question. Rather than looking to avoid them, instead search for the university’s attitude toward them. My university does not encourage any such actions despite their existence on campus, and in fact, they try to prevent them, so remember to look for the attitude rather than the presence because people never change no matter the place.
My second word of wisdom is related to financial aid. I am sure most people here have already seen the financial aid offers from their respective universities. Some may have been thrilled while other people may be disappointed, but alas there are still opportunities for everyone to gain more aid. First, apply for any aid you can. There are many websites who provide free scholarship searches such as fastweb.com. Certain organizations and agencies also provide financial aid, such as in Kentucky, where people receiving services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation can qualify for as much as $6,200 in aid applied directly to tuition and housing. Some universities also waitlist people for particular scholarships. I was at first told I was not going to receive any additional funding from my university until June, when they called stating I had received a 75% tuition scholarship. If there is still not enough aid to pay for you to attend your favorite university, consider weighing the cost against the worth of the university to you. I had several colleges where I could have went for free however, I decided the approximate $5,000 a year cost was worth the price to attend my dream school. You can also consider transferring from a community college to your dream university if the deficit is especially steap. Never settle for anything if it does not make you happy though. College is an investment into the next four to five years in your life.
My final thought would be to never stop fighting. Once you begin your first semester, it will not take long for you to realize college is difficult. Professors are more reliant on exams and quizzes than they were in high school. You will also have to read and study on a daily basis, including the people who never had to study in high school. I earned a C on my very first exam in college. It is difficult however, it is survivable. Many colleges have started academic excellence centers which provide free tutoring and writing help. Also reach out to your disability coordinator if you have a disability and require accomedations. Medical and psychological services are also available at most universities if you find yourself hurting either physically or mentally as well. You are never alone in the fight, and for many of you, college will be the first time you have been out on your own. It will be fine, and you will realize how wonderful college can be, but never stay down. There will be scars and pain, but you will keep fighting, and you will come out victorious. You will grow more your freshman year than you ever have before. Remember, never stop fighting.
SolarGoat
Class of 2022