Spring Resource Round Up for Seniors

We’ve rounded up helpful resources, tips, and advice for students to help guide you during this pivotal time. Whether you’ve been put on a waitlist, are still trying to make that final decision, or you’ve already decided—we’ve got something for you!

Waitlisted?

While it wasn’t the news you were hoping for, being waitlisted presents a world of opportunity. Plenty of students have been right where you are and found their way to a great outcome. Here are some resources for navigating next steps while you explore your options:

💻 Blog

• Students: Here's What to Understand About the Waitlist 🎤 Podcast 

🎧 Podcast Episode

• Waitlisted? Here's What to Do Next 

Still Making Your Final Decision?

It's almost decision day, but if you're still weighing your options, take a breath. Choosing the right path for your future is a big decision, and it's okay to spend extra time thinking it through. These resources can help you zero in on what matters most so you can move forward with confidence:

💻 Blogs

• Ask These 4 Questions Before Choosing the Right College for You 
• How to Know if a College is Right for You: Finding Your Best Fit 
• Guidelines for Making a Final Choice of College 

🎧 Podcast Episode

• The Final Choice of a College: Tips for Getting It Right 

Already Decided? Here’s What’s Next

Congratulations! You’re on your way to the next phase of your student journey. First things first: log into Scoir and update your outcomes so your counselor knows where you're headed. Then check out these resources to help you finish strong and start your next chapter prepared:

💻 Blogs

• What to Do After You've Made Your Final College Decision 
• College Bound? Don't Forget Those Thank-You Notes 
• 6 Ways to Save Money While in College 
• What I Wish I Knew Before College 💭 
• Dorm Room Essentials 

Advice from the Scoir Team

Heading off to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some words of encouragement, wisdom, and congratulations from the people who built the tools that helped get you here. And just know, we’re always here cheering you on!

• Cherish every moment! You'll meet people who will feel like home quicker than you expect, and these years will go by faster than you think. Also, don't forget to call your parents every once in a while.
• To those of you who are unsure about what you plan to study: so are most first-year students, promise! I used to process all "Change of Major" forms at a past job, and I saw hundreds come across my desk every. single. semester. So don't feel pressured to pick a major right away, and don't feel discouraged if you haven't found your path yet. There are tons of people and resources that will help you find your best fit once you get to campus this fall. And most of your peers are still figuring this out right alongside you!
• Don’t let midterms and finals sneak up on you. Try to keep up with material throughout the semester so you’re not cramming at the end. Future you will be SO thankful!
• Use on-campus tutoring services if you need support. Most colleges offer free walk-in or appointment-based tutoring in core subjects, and many tutors are fellow students who have been in your shoes and can share helpful advice and study tips!
• Don’t be afraid to go to office hours. They’re there for a reason, and they can be one of the best ways to get help, ask questions, and connect with your professors.
• Have fun and get involved. Doing well academically is important, but don’t forget college is also for making friends, trying new things, and saying yes to exciting opportunities!
• Give yourself time to adjust. Starting college is a big transition, and it's ok if it takes time to find your rhythm. You’ve got this!
• Find your people. Soak it all in. 4 years flies by!
• Don't be intimidated—you are there for a reason!
• If you're on a residential campus, make friends with the folks who work in the dining hall, clean the classrooms, keep the fields looking fresh, etc. They know the school better than most and can be great champions during your time!
• Every experience is worth it, even the ones that don't pan out the way you'd hoped. Because every experience teaches you *something*!
• Don't let fear or embarrassment hold you back---cringe is only real if you allow it to be! And when you put your authentic self out there, the right people and opportunities have a way of finding you. It took me until my thirties to fully understand this!
• You belong, even when it doesn't feel like it! ♥️ College is hard for everyone. When you start feeling overwhelmed, or when things just aren't going the way you thought they would (it'll happen...it's a canon event!), find support. Talk to friends or your RA, drop by your professor's or TA's office hours, head to the tutoring or writing center, chat with your academic advisor, book an appointment at the wellness center, or join a club that helps you de-stress (like club sports or knitting)! Taking advantage of these resources doesn't mean you don't belong—it means you're human, and every single person on campus is leaning on someone too.
• Obviously grades are important! But arguably, what's even more important is growing your network—so, sit next to someone new at the dining hall, form study groups, join every club that catches your interest, make connections. Ten years down the road, your 4.0 GPA alone probably won't land you your next job, but your former study partner from calculus just might!