College is a far cry from high school, with added responsibilities and independence. A college student’s academic schedule usually has gaps – unlike the back-to-back class format in high school – so experts advise applicants to start practicing time management. With no parents or family on campus to help, it’s also important to learn how to advocate for yourself and perform household tasks, like doing laundry or ironing. As a first-year student, don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty or staff members, Sullivan says. “From the campus side, no news is good news. If they don’t hear from a student, they think that the student is doing really well. But know that if you feel like you’re struggling a little in fall semester, that’s normal.”
Finish out high school strong.