By RJ Vega in College Prep on February 25, 2016
Soon the weather will get warmer and thoughts of freedom will sneak into our minds. For high school seniors, the end is already in sight: Graduation.
It’s easy to just coast on cruise control from now until graduation; my advice… DON’T cruise!
Admit it to yourself: there is still work to be done
Whether you’re needing to fill out college admissions applications, housing applications (and appropriate fees), or enrollment deposits, there is still much work to be done. Do your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for scholarships. Oh yeah, don’t forget about making sure everything is in line for your graduation (invitations, cap and gown, reception details).
When it comes to stuff you need to pay, like on-campus housing fees, now is a great time to work and save money to pay them.
Write a list of goals… and post it somewhere!
Goals are just imaginary thoughts until you write them down; suddenly, they become real. Post a list of your short-term goals where you can see them every day. Remind yourself of what you need to accomplish during this short period of time before graduation. Share that list with someone you trust, so they too can hold you accountable for your goals.
Schedule time
Effective, well-thought out and disciplined time management is what separates those who ‘do’ from those who ‘talk about doing’. Create a schedule that works for you. Use a planner, whether a paper planner or an online App. Don’t forget to schedule yourself a break – whether time to workout, or social time, yes, you need that as well. Stay disciplined.
Put away that cell phone or mobile device
One of the top time-wasters in today’s world are those little moments where you open your phone, and before you realize it, you’ve spent an hour watching funny cat videos. Don’t worry, all that stuff will still be there over the summer. Turn off your phone’s Wi-Fi, place your phone in a drawer, and sit down and focus on your short-term goals.
Most importantly…
Go to class (don’t skip!), and please, do your best! You must take care of business inside the classroom before any of these other items become relevant. Also, enjoy these final classes; soon, high school will only be a memory. Enjoy it while it lasts.
