The High School to College Transition

The transition that one goes through from School to college life comes with a mixed bag of emotions. In school you are just too pre-occupied with how to break the rules and become cool among your friends, sleeping in the classes, just freaking out at the thought of holidays and of course the classes, tests, studying just the day before the exams. It was just like a second home and one would just wish that they remain and enjoy there their whole life that was school life. But then the time comes when one gear towards making a grand entry to their college life.

College is a different bet where you have no rules at all you are free to do anything you want and that is where the fun goes missing as breaking the rules had a different feeling. In college one gets involved in the politics and just thinking about the future. But college life is not that boring it comes with its share of fun when one the college festivals are round the corner that is when the whole fun starts. And yes the age-old tradition of ragging comes with it which is quite cool. Then you are just busy attending fresher's parties and farewell parties.

College really is the best time of your life. It is a time to be involved in everything your college or university will have to offer. When you reach your 30s, you will likely look back at your college experience and wish you really could do it all over again. College is a time when the "cool kids" disappear. Who you eat lunch with does not define you as a person. There is no such thing as "un-cool." Welcome to college, where you are now considered an adult.

Being a first-year student is fun! Unlike high school, where your first year is usually filled with anxiety and the occasional wrong-classroom mishap, colleges prepare their students to get to know their classmates. Get used to saying "Professor" or "Dr." Your teachers are no longer Mr. or Ms. Brown, but Professor or Dr. Brown, and guess what? You are expected to have an opinion! You are no longer a passive learner who just sits and listens to a teacher, occasionally writes a paper, and takes a test in which you are expected to simply reiterate what you have learned or been told by the teacher. You will not be provided with notes; rather, you are expected to figure out on your own what's important.

So just enjoy your trip from school to college which can be life-changing…

Where can I find Scholarships?

High School Guidance Counselors – Counselor should be able to provide you with information regarding many scholarships. In addition to national scholarships, be sure to ask about local scholarship opportunities that may have a much smaller applicant pool.

College or University – Research the college’s website/catalog and financial aid office for information regarding scholarships they offer. A school may award these automatically when you are admitted or you may have to apply separately. Make sure you also contact them to ensure you are award of scholarships that may not be listed.

Online – Free scholarship search engines are the quickest way to search for scholarship opportunities. Once you provide a profile about yourself, you will be matched with scholarships you may be eligible to receive. Most of these search engines offer a large database of scholarships.

Local Business – Offer scholarships give provide students the ability to acquire funding for their college education without having to compete with a large number of applicants in nationwide programs. Check with business owners in your neighborhood to see if they have scholarship programs available.

Local Libraries – Visit the college resource section of your library. You should find a great selection of scholarship books in addition to other information related to the college application process.

Employers (Yours or Parents) – If you work, your employer may offer scholarship opportunities that you can take advantage of. Additionally, many businesses and corporations offer scholarships to employees and their children.

Public and Private Organizations – Many community service organizations, churches and national foundations offer scholarships. Some are based on financial need, but many others are based on academics, leadership, special talent, community service, or heritage. Others offer aid to students majoring in fields related to the company’s products or services. Check out every option. Do your own search and don’t forget to research those organizations with which you or your parents are affiliated.