College FAQs

Everyone's situation is different, and the ideal time to start submitting college applications will depend on whether you have settled on a course of study, decided whether to attend an in-state or out-of-state school, and taken steps to meet various prerequisites.

In many cases, it is best to spend time during your junior year of high school considering what colleges you may want to attend. Prior to your senior year, you may narrow down your choices to your top schools, and during your senior year, you can begin submitting applications. However, your timeline may vary depending on your specific situation, plans, and goals.

Your choice of major is one of the most important decisions you will make when attending college, since it will determine the type of degree you will receive and the job opportunities that will be available to you in the future. It is understandable to be unsure about what path to take, and it is also okay to change your mind. In fact, around 80% of college students end up changing their major at least once.

As you consider your major, you may want to look at your planned career path and determine which courses will provide you with the education you need to succeed in your chosen field. You may also wish to study specific subjects that interest you, and you can choose a major that will focus on these areas. If you are unsure about what path to take, speaking with an advisor at your college may help you get a better idea of what direction to go.

There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.

You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.

Your amount of homework and other coursework will often depend on the major you choose. Some majors, such as those in fields such as science or engineering, will require a great deal of intensive homework and complex projects. Other majors in fields such as English or history may require less homework, but they may involve writing essays or papers. By researching your major and learning about the courses you will take, you can make sure you will be prepared for the level of homework that will be required.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.

To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.

In addition to covering the costs of tuition, room, and board, you will encounter a variety of other expenses, including books and supplies, transportation, clothing, toiletries, and the costs involved in various activities.

It is often a good idea to create a budget by tracking your various expenses diligently and making sure you will have enough money to cover them. It may also be helpful to utilize budgeting apps. Take advantage of student discounts that you can find on and off campus, including discounted gym memberships, public transit cards, and more. Purchasing used textbooks or exchanging books with other students can also help cut down on costs. You can save money on food by researching cheap college meals or sticking to your pre-paid meal plan.

By keeping a close eye on your finances and saving money whenever possible, you can be prepared for financial success in the future.

Meeting people in college might not always seem easy, but there are many opportunities to connect with others and form friendships. Attending events in your dorm or participating in Greek life are some of the best ways to form initial friendships with those who will be living close to you. You can also join clubs or participate in activities, and study groups with others who are taking the same classes are a great way to build lasting bonds.

Overcoming social anxiety can sometimes be difficult, but by being open to new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone, you can have a good social life and form lasting friendships. Remember that others are in the same situation as you, and they are also looking to connect with people who share similar interests and goals. The friendships you make in college can last a lifetime.

It is understandable to feel stress as you begin attending college, and you may become overwhelmed as you try to balance classes, homework, activities, work, and friendships and adjust to this new lifestyle, likely living away from home for the first time. Stress, anxiety, and depression among college students often increase during midterms, finals, and when working on major projects. Many college students report experiencing burnout during these times as well.

While good time management is a crucial part of minimizing your stress, there are other ways you can take steps to protect your mental health. You may practice mindfulness techniques or take time for physical exercise. You can also take advantage of campus resources such as counseling or support groups for people who are struggling with mental health issues. Forming connections with others is a great way to work together to achieve positive mental health and minimize stress and anxiety throughout your time in college.