Tips for Success
College is possible for all students. Get on the path to success now!
Here’s what you need to know to get on the path to success while still in high school.
Your high school may participate in concurrent enrollment, advanced placement, postsecondary enrollment or career academy opportunities which, in most cases, allow you to earn both high school and college credit. These programs are typically offered at no cost to students (with a few exceptions). Talk to your counselor or AP coordinator to learn more.
Choosing a college is an extremely personal decision. A good starting point is to identify colleges that offer programs and majors related to your career interests.
Myth: The best time to visit a college is after you have been accepted.
Reality: It’s best to visit potential colleges before you apply. Being on a college campus is the best way to get a feel for the college and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. If possible, visit again after you have been accepted. If you can only make one visit, make it before you apply.
Myth: You should know what you want to do for the rest of your life before choosing a major.
Reality: While it is important to start exploring careers at an early age to fit your interests and talents, an estimated 20% to 50% of students enter college undecided on their major. Additionally, 75% of students will change their major at least once before graduation.
Myth: Learning is hard for me, so I probably won’t get into college.
Reality: Learning study habits that work best for how you learn and believing you can improve will help you do better in school. We all have subjects we’re good at and ones that are more challenging. It’s okay to ask for help. Also, there are different types of colleges and majors. It’s all about finding the best fit for your skills and interests.
Study skills are the strategies used to study and learn well. GEAR UP Iowa encourages you to take the learning styles inventory. Understanding how you learn will help you develop effective study habits. Here’s a few study skills from EducationPlanner.org to try:
Auditory: Auditory learning is based around sound
Visual: Visual learning is based around sight
Tactile: Tactile learning is based around touch
With hundreds of college majors and career options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed planning for your future. With the support of your family, teachers, counselors and GEAR UP, you can discover what you’re passionate about and figure out how to turn those things into a lifelong career. Passion is at the heart of choosing what a person wants to do each day in their life after college. If a person truly loves what he or she does, it won’t feel like work.
If you can figure out your passion as well as your talents, skills and values, you can look for opportunities to further develop them. GEAR UP Iowa encourages you to try a variety of extracurricular activities or volunteer experiences at school or in the community. Then, reflect on what you liked or didn’t like about each. Some questions that will help you think about your passions include:
Connect with a college student or other adult mentor with similar passions to learn more. If you can determine a passion for what you’re doing and studying, you’re more likely to stay involved and succeed more in school. That success increases the chances of graduating college and finding a satisfying career!