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Tag: George Washington University

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Sit back, buckle up, and reach for your exit buddy -- college is a rollercoaster.

Nonetheless, here are the lucky 8 tips (taken from experience!) that are going to help make college smoother for you. 

Tip #1: This Isn't High School

Meme saying, "You Done Messed Up A-A-Ron!" from the Key & Peele Show.

It's important to recognize that college isn't high school; it comes with its pros and cons. In high school, there were so many people looking over you to ensure you weren't making mistakes. Teachers were willing to pull you aside and check in; counselors were making your schedules! Now being in college, I can say that was pretty nice, because here in college there is no referee ready to pause the game of life when they know you're about to mess up.This is a new playing field -- one where you have to be proactive.

This self-starter attitude enables you to come into your own as you learn how to handle your independence. However, understand that having the opportunity to be independent and actually being independent are two different things. Being on your own can be difficult sometimes, but there is no better chance to discover who you are.

Once you are comfortable being independent, you become much more confident in knowing what you do and don't like, what friends you want, what decisions to make, etc. It's when life becomes simple and complex at the same time that you finally have the opportunity to shape yourself -- so make yourself a work of art!

Tip #2: Get Your House in Order

When you're caller number 8 for financial aid services ...

An imperative piece of advice I can offer is to make sure the school has all the documents needed from you in order to ensure everything regarding tuition/scholarships or financial aid is confirmed. There's nothing scarier to an undergraduate than getting an email or phone call from GW saying things haven't been processed. Therefore, I highly recommend touching base with GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance three times during the school year:

  1. First, when you commit to GW, make sure all your documents are in and have been successfully processed.
  2. Second, when you've paid for a semester, always make sure that GW received your payments.
  3. Third, in the spring semester, make sure you file your FAFSA for the next academic year. Then, contact GW's financial aid office again, to make sure all your documents needed for the following year are received and complete on your end.

The best way to prevent any house fires is to make your house fireproof! So reach out and ensure your house is in order!

Tip #3: Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Extensions

During my time at GW, I've come to recognize first-generation students have a hard time asking for extensions. Even when drowning in work, students are hesitant to email a professor and ask for an extension. The reality is this is something students can do; it's simply a matter of understanding how to go about it. Asking for an extension does not mean you're being a "bad student" in any way.

As students, we have a lot to manage and asking for help or extensions is the best choice we can make sometimes. From my experience, not asking for an extension when I needed one hurt me more than not taking the initiative to try and email my professor to ask. The worst outcome is they say no (professors have rules and deadlines too, afterall), but at least you tried. Therefore, when needed, go ahead and make an effort to ask your professor for an extension.

Tip #4: Get Out There and Meet New People

It can be tough to meet new people at first but recognize that everyone is in the same boat and therefore usually willing to make new friends. There are people from all over the world who YOU have the potential to befriend. Join organizations, look into Greek life, start a new club, play a sport or instrument, volunteer! The possibilities of meeting people are endless.

Coming to college is your blank slate or fresh plate. It's an amazing chance to make friends you never before would have met. So take a leap of faith and start that conversation in the elevator, in class, or anywhere! Plus, imagine having friends from states like California, Nevada, Florida, or New Jersey or countries like Ethiopia, China, Argentina, etc. Can you say #CollegeRoadTrip?

Tip #5: Absorb What You Can

There seems to be this idea that every student should have an internship starting their freshman year, which in turn cultivates a competitive environment and puts students at risk of burning out as they try to balance school, work, activities, and a social life.

It's important to recognize that not having an internship during your first two years is okay - and normal. In fact, you should be using your freshman and sophomore years to build connections and figure out what you would like to do. GW's Center for Career Services offers many workshops that set you up for success, surveys that can help you learn your interests, and events where they bring in representatives from organizations/companies or externships! These are great opportunities to build connections and absorb as much as you can.

The "events" under GWU Handshake are hidden gems, so take advantage of it and further your career!

Tip #6: You're in Washington, D.C. -- Go Explore!

Gif from Lord of the Rings saying, "I'm going on an adventure!"

As undergraduates, we sometimes tend to forget we live in D.C. -- but don't! There are so many opportunities out there. Don't be afraid to venture out into new areas, taste some new food, or experience a new exhibition at the near-endless choices of free museumes! Head out to Chinatown for some delicious food or Tyson's Corner Center for some shopping and don't forget the Wharf or the Navy Yard!!

Tip #7: Don't Freeze

Blank Panther gif saying, "I never freeze."

A great advisor once said, "The world is big and you are young," and this couldn't be more applicable to a student's life. College is a rollercoaster, you're going to learn a lot about yourself, have amazing experiences, and go through obstacles. Yet, there's still so much to come for you! So it's okay to get knocked down, what matters is getting back up. Perseverance is going to be a character trait you develop the most in college; you've made it this far, keep moving. Don't freeze.

Tip #8: Look Your Imposter Syndrome In The Eye and Tell It Off

Meme from Legally Blonde of Reese Whiterspoon saying, "Most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself."

At first, I didn't recognize what imposter syndrome was -- I just felt like I didn't belong. I either was hard on myself, simply because I felt like I had to prove I deserved to be here, or it was the opposite and I thought there was no point in working hard if I'm not going to be good enough. Don't have this mindset! GW chose you as much you chose them. Own it and forget it, because the only person you back is yourself. #RaiseHigh!

•  •  •

Want more advice? Come join the First Generation to College organization. We have the inside scoop and the best CSE advisors on campus!

Meet Our Blogger

Sara Prifti Class of 2020 Political Science As a rising junior, I am pursuing my degree in political science and computer science. I currently serve as the vice president of First Generation to College. I am an Albanian-American, which has led me to aspire to learn new languages, and I intend to further my studies in Spanish, Italian, and French. I own two rabbits and two baby parakeets -- an uncommon pet pairing, but I adore them dearly.

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We are excited to welcome you to GW and look forward to having you on campus! More information about First-Generation programming at GW can be found on the Center for Student Engagement's website. 

Tip #1: Go to First Friday Dinners First Friday Dinners are a great place to get to know other first-gen students. These dinners are a where I found my home at GW. Of course, I have lots of friends that are not first-gen, but it is really nice to have a space to go where everyone is experiencing exactly what you are. As a freshman, I think it is especially important to go to these because I have been able to gain a lot of knowledge from upperclassmen. This is truly something that has made my first year at GW so successful.

 

Tip #2: Find an Adult You Can Trust For me it has been essential to have an adult here at GW I can trust. My parents have not been able to help me very much with the college process, simply because they have never been to college. It was difficult to figure out everything on my own, and then I met the first-gen advisor, Brittany. She has helped me grow so much academically and personally, and I am not sure where I would be without her. She is one of the most amazing people I have met, and GW is extremely lucky to have her! Therefore, I highly encourage finding someone who will act as your mentor.

UP CLOSE Brittany Abraham, Program Coordinator

Brittany is the program coordinator for special populations. Brittany joined the Center for Student Engagement in August 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Education in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. In her role as program coordinator, Brittany works closely with first-generation, international, and transfer students to ensure they have the most successful and fulfilling GW experience.

 

 

Tip #3: Get Involved On Campus I know everyone tells you to get involved, but it's true. I have made a lot of connections and met a lot of phenomenal people. Attend events that interest you and talk to other students! You never know what will happen, and you may just join one of the most amazing student organizations on campus by accident.

OrgSync is a way to connect to organizations, communicate with other members, and explore the GW community.

Tip #4: Never Be Afraid to Try Anything! There are so many opportunities to try new things at GW. There are a lot of cool places to explore, such as the Smithsonians or the Library of Congress! Even trying out new restaurants is an exciting thing to do with friends! You also get to experience all the little things in D.C. that a general tourist misses out on.

GW Virtual Tour - City Life from The George Washington University on Vimeo.   Tip #5: Have fun! College isn’t just about learning; you need to have some fun too. Take a break from studying and going to class all the time. Hang out with friends or go explore the monuments. The world is your oyster!  

Meet Our Blogger

Headshot of Student Blogger, Emma ElmoreEmma Elmore Class of 2021 Business Administration I am currently a freshman at The George Washington University. I am heavily involved in the first-generation community on campus. I am active in the following student organizations: Residence Hall Association, Pre-Law Student Association, and Japanese-American Student Alliance. I am also a mentor for seventh graders in Wards 6 & 7 through the Honey W. Nashman Center program called "Higher Achievement."  

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Deciding to transfer is the easiest decision to make for some people; for others, it's an exceptionally hard choice.

I was in between. When I transferred from a large state school to the George Washington University -- I'd formed amazing friendships in my two years, found a job I liked, and played club sports. However, during the first semester of my sophomore year, I came to realize that I wanted more than a state school, even if I wasn't sure what "more" was at the time.   Looking back on the transfer process, I have 5 pieces of advice to give to anyone considering transferring today: #1: Be deliberate in how you select where you wish to transfer Visit the campus or campuses if at all possible, and if not, take the virtual tours. Talk to students in person or online. Look around for the things that fill in the gaps you're missing at your current school or for aspects that you loved about your original campus. Each person at each school tells a story that makes up the novel of your experience in college and you want to make sure you'rewriting the right book!
Make sure to tour campus whenever possible!
  #2: Double (and triple) check your applications Not only do schools differ in their application processes from one another, but transfer applications also differ from undergraduate applications. Essays, recommendation, transcripts, and other requirements might be different even from other applications within the same school. You want to make sure to put your best foot forward -- and the easiest way to do that is not writing an essay about the big game in high school when essay prompt asks about your first semester away. Admissions offices and representatives are your friends -- find any open houses or information sessions, and reach out with questions.  
A bad example of filling out applications quickly.
  #3: Spend your summer reflecting and getting excited! You got in! Now comes one of the unexpected hard parts -- the wait. To me, it felt like the summer between high school and college all over again. I'd left my friends behind at school and knew no one where I'd be headed in the fall. I couldn't wait to get to campus and move into my new dorm, start my new curriculum, and generally begin a new life in D.C. To pass the time, think ahead about what you want to accomplish. You're doing something awesome and unique by starting again, so reflect on what you did right and what you want to change this time around. Everyone experiences pitfalls, but you may be able to avoid some time around with your experience.
Enjoy the summer excitement!
  #4: Make the most of your orientation At GW, it's called Colonial Inauguration, or CI for short. And sure, you've most likely been to orientation before -- but nothing like transfer orientation has to offer. You're still going to learn your school's fight song, get some great insider tours, and gain insight into what policies and processes you'll encounter at your selected school. Plus, if you choose to attend GW, your orientation will be mere blocks from the White House. Where else does that happen? At GW, CI also allows you to move in a few days early, giving you time to meet others in the same boat an get settled prior to the start of classes.
Say "Hi!" at orientation! Everyone is in the same boat looking to meet others.
  #5: Embrace the culture change I personally came from a large state school, and it couldn't be more different from my experience at GW. At first, it was definitely daunting to decide what to take on, but ultimately, I found it easier just to jump in and embrace the changes.  Coming in as a first-semester freshman, you're facing a wall of unknown. As a transfer, you have an idea of what to expect and what will be exciting. So make the most of it! Join the clubs you wanted to join your first time around but couldn't, go out and meet people, and capitalize on the internships and experiences that make your selected school unique.
Make your grand entrance to new experiences!

. . . 

  As a transfer student, you're getting an awesome chance to start over in a new place and write a new chapter in your story. So start reviewing where to go, get your application materials in line, reflect and plan ahead, enjoy orientation, and soak up the experience of being a transfer student!  

Meet Our Blogger

Sharon (Testor) Bucher Finance Coordinator Enrollment Management and Retention GW Alumnus After transferring to GW as a junior, I finished my B.A. in Business Administration and received my M.T.A. in sustainable destination management. At GW, I've worked at Gelman Library, for the Office of the Registrar on both the Virginia Science and Technology and Foggy Bottom campuses for the Strategic Enrollment Initiatives Office. Currently, I serve as the Finance Coordinator for the Enrollment and the Student Experience division. I also help teach study abroad courses with the School of Business each winter term, trying to stay warm during D.C.'s cold winters!

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So you've made it through your last year of high school -- congratulations! I remember my senior year like it was yesterday...

  In the Fall semester of my senior year, I was so pumped to be able to say I was FINALLY a senior! I was so ready for all the fun stuff like Senior Week, our senior prank (which was a bust, btw), my last homecoming, prom, and finally, graduation! I was so caught up in the senior year hype that I low-key ignored how difficult the college application process can be. Because applying to college is easy, right? GIF of man pointing and saying, "You're Wrong." I have never been so wrong in my life. I was ready for all the fun parts of my senior year, but I wasn't prepared for the work that came along with applying to schools, especially as a first-generation college student. I am the first in my family to attend college, so I didn't really have a close relative to confide in and talk about the college application process. Thankfully, I was able to work with the college and career counselors in my community (huge shout out to them!). It was through my counselors that I learned about the Common Application, FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc. I wouldn't be at GW without their love and support.
DJ Khaled GIF saying, "I appreciate you."
#BLESSED
  Okay, I have a confession to make. When I applied to GW, I did not think I was going to get in. I didn't have a lot of the resources, test scores, or connections that many of my current classmates had when applying to schools. Even though the school is diverse, I thought I had to fit the school's "profile" (and after being on campus for a year, I've come to find that no such profile exists). There was no way that a school as well as regarded as the George Washington University would want me, right? Homer Simpson GIF saying, "Oh, I'm wrong again!" I was wrong. Attending GW, I have come to discover that there so many people here that are first-generation college students like myself. We share common struggles and experiences, and it makes me feel like I am not alone in this journey. The university's Center for Student Engagement offers a first-generation program that assists students in their transition from high school to college as well as the next four years. If you're currently on the fence about whether GW is the place you want to spend the next four years, keep in mind that GW is unique. I haven't heard of many schools that have an entire program dedicated to catering to the needs of first-gen students and that's what makes us feel special. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck. I can't wait to meet you all in the fall -- until then, #RaiseHigh!

Meet Our Blogger

  Picture of first-gen GW student and blogger, Autumn Thompson Autumn Thompson Class of 2021 Business Administration I am a freshman at GW, currently majoring in International Business with a double minor in Political Science and Law & Society. I am a member of the GW Cheer team (Raise High!) via the GW Spirit program, a member of Black Student Union, and GW's Black Women's Forum. I am also serving as a student representative for GW's Bias Incident Reporting System program. I love social justice work and advocacy. After graduation, I plan to pursue a law degree. Favorite #OnlyatGW moment: I love when GW plays the fight song on the bells at 12:15 p.m. every day -- maybe it's the cheerleader in me!  

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It's true, we don't have a traditional cafeteria on campus.

When I committed to going to GW, I was excited about nearly everything ... except for the meal plan. As a certified picky eater, I  was scared I wouldn't be able to find anything that I would want to eat. Now, halfway through my junior year at GW, I can't explain how much I love the meal plan at GW! You can eat at your favorite restaurants (PANERA AND CHICK-FIL-A!) or get food at one of the many grocery stores that accept your GWorld card (that's official ID card as well as your meal card). So what is the GW dining experience like when first coming to campus? Let me share my experience with you! Before I Came to Campus ... Friends GIF of Monica and Chandler that says, "You're panicking. Join me, won't you?!" Would there be enough food I like? Will I have enough to eat? On Campus for the First Time ... Friends GIF of Joey that says, "Food? Give me." Okay, where's the food? Finding out you can eat at over 90 restaurants ... ALL on your GWorld card. Trying all the different restaurants literally on campus ... Friends GIF of Joey saying, "I'm not even sorry!" When my friends back home tell me about how lucky I am to have a meal card rather than a traditional dining hall ... Friends GIF of Monica and Chandler that says, "I KNOW!" Moral of the story: Don't be intimidated by GW's dining plan. It allows you to make your own decisions (and cook, as most upperclassmen have personal kitchens). As long as you spend your money wisely, GW dining is literally the best.

Meet Our Blogger

Photo of student blogger, Felicia Kalkman
Felicia Kalkman Class of 2019 Political Communication I am majoring in Political Communication and minoring in Criminal Justice. I have worked for the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office, on Capitol Hill, and for the American Gaming Association. When I am not writing for the admissions page, you may find me traveling for collegiate debate, running the communications team for the GW Residence Hall Association, or participating in Phi Alpha Delta events.

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As Told by "The Office"

Going off to college may seem daunting and overwhelming. Here are some useful things I wish I'd known before coming to college.  Because college students often learn best when presented with visuals, here are some words of advice accompanied by GIFs from NBC's "The Office." #1: You Aren't Going to Know Everything, and That is Okay GIF of Michael Scott from The Office saying, "And I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do." College is a whirlwind of new information and new experiences. You might be an obsessive planner who wants to know every little thing and figure everything out right away. The reality is, you’re not going to immediately figure out everything. That’s okay. You’re in the same boat with all the other freshmen and you’ll eventually get settled in. #2: Don't Just Write Down What is On the PowerPoint GIF of Michael Scott from The Office saying, "Powerpoint. Powerpoint. Powerpoint." Many professors lecture with PowerPoint. However, don’t just copy everything that is written on the slide. Often times, the lecture slides are posted online after class. Even if they’re not, what comes out of the teacher’s mouth is usually more important than what’s written on the PowerPoint. #3: Start. Your. Essay. Early. GIF of Michael Scott from The Office saying, "Sometimes I'll start a sentence, and I don't even know where it's going." Unlike high school, your college course grades are usually based off a few major assignments. Usually, this includes an essay. If you start your essay early, you will have plenty of time to do research and formulate a coherent thesis. Everyone gets writer’s block. By starting an essay early (not the week, weekend, or day before it’s due), you won’t feel rushed and you’ll get a better grade on the assignment. #4: You have to "Network" GIF of Bob Vance from The Office saying, "Stanley Hudson. Bob Vance, Vance refrigeration." In college, you should always be networking. You never know where the next job or internship opportunity will come from. Creating a LinkedIn account or getting to know your professors during their office hours are good places to start. #5: Manage Your Free Time ... Efficiently GIF of Jim Halpert from The Office saying, "You can see we have 'procrastinating,' and 'distracting others,' and this tiny sliver here is 'critical thinking.' I made it bigger. So that you could see it." You may be initially shocked by the structure of college schedules. Compared to high school, you’ll have a lot of free time. However, this doesn’t mean you should just exclusively binge “The Office” on Netflix repeatedly (like me). While taking a mental health break and relaxing is good, be sure to use your free time effectively. Whether this means blocking out time to study or go to the gym, be sure you’re getting the most out of each day.  #6: Eat "Healthy" GIF of Kevin Malone from The Office having broccoli stuffed in his face. The "Freshman 15" is definitely a real thing. To counteract this, remember to eat some fruits and vegetables every once in a while … this includes limiting the amount of late night cookie or ice cream runs.

Meet Our Blogger

Jeremy Marsh Class of 2019 Political Science I am a junior at GW, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism and Mass Communication. I''m also a dual-degree student pursuing my graduate degree in Political Management. At GW, I also write for MediaFile and I serve as a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. When I'm not in the classroom, I intern around D.C. Currently, I am working for the Cook Political Report. I'm originally from Los Angeles, but I now call Las Vegas home. My interests include politics, media, and the Yankees (baseball). I also enjoy watching comedies on Netflix.

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... and let's be honest, it's for you too! 

Your high school senior has pressed all the "send" buttons and their admissions applications are submitted for the upcoming fall. FINALLY! Cast of Seinfeld dancing Now it's time for you parental emotional inventory: ✓ Whoa, that was Fast! The holidays, birthdays, and even other special occasions were likely even more of a blur than usual, which leaves you feeling tired and a bit cheated. ✓ Your Credit Card Statement Your child was eager for your credit card and exactly zero advice; this is good news in the abstract, but leaves the nest feeling a little emptier already ✓ Your Nightlife as a Ghostwriter Okay, so most likely you weren't writing your child's college essays, but you there's a good chance you were editing them. Consider yourself lucky if you weren't invited to share any ink from your editor's pen, although you might feel a little in the dark about what lies ahead. ✓ Did We Get In?! Despite taking regular doses of perspective (which is now available over the counter from any blog writer who has helped a child navigate this process before), you still feel more invested in the outcomes than you know you should.

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Tom Petty singing "The waiting is the hardest part"Now for the long months of an exhausting combination of lack of knowledge and lack of power over the circumstances -- when you just know the tension will be high in your house. You already know what the late, great Tom Petty says about waiting. While I have been on both sides of the admissions curtain and the mountain of reading has its own dispiriting side effects, I can say with certainty that the side of the curtain your child is on is harder to bear. Time for distraction, for both of you. Here are five suggestions that can cheer on your anxious child and hopefully, will provide you with some lasting memories for you to hold onto in late August as the car is pulling away from the curb and your child is already playing frisbee on the quad. #1: Movies (Obviously! But not just at the local movie theater) Complete a top-five list of your favorite movies from all time periods. Explain why in a sentence or two (be sure they are not all rom-coms or war movies; mix it up a little). Then invite your senior to do the same. Dedicate one night a week to watching movies form the list, alternating between yours and theirs. To add a level of subversiveness and devil-may-care, do it on a weeknight to communicate the importance of balance. #2: Meals, Together! (I know, I know you've heard it before, but you gotta) Face time is crucial. Once a week, assemble the family and go old-school on mealtime. Even if you have to order in takeout, gather everyone at the table and do something corny like a best/worst of the day, or best joke you heard this week. #3: Date Night with Your Senior Believe it or not, access to you is still important to them, especially if there are other siblings in the mix. Take them out for a one-on-one dinner (if you come from a two-parent household, you should each take time for a one-on-one rather than team up as more will be shared when it feels less like an interrogation). Let them pick, even if it's bland and boring to you. You don't have to make it a meal -- try choosing a museum you have been meaning to visit, a professional sporting event, going shopping, or a local hand-on art center for a little therapeutic pottery crafting. Even a walk or workout together is good bonding time (as long as it doesn't get too competitive)! Actress Jamie Lee Curtis waving and saying, "Make good choices."#4: If You Must Talk about College, Deconstruct It Now is actually a great time for them to spend some time thinking, not about where they want to go, but what they want to get out of their time on a college campus. There are loads of great books on this topic, such as Excellent Sheep or The Closing of the American Mind. Talk about the process itself -- now is a great time to get their feedback on what felt good about the process (i.e., self-reflection) and what felt toxic about it (i.e., pressure from peers, society, etc). Reading Overachievers: The Secret Lives of Driven Kids, a book about what happens to high school students when their entire existence revolved around college admissions, was one of the best gifts I ever gave to my stressed out, overcommitted kids because of the change of perspective it gave to me. Remember that they still have classes to take and you will still have a schedule full of your own obligations. Reading together should be fun and not another thing on an already scary to-do list. Trying choosing a chapter, or even a long passage, to discuss. #5: Do some just-for-fun exercises that sneak in a little success-visualization, such as:
  • Next year at this time, what do you see yourself doing?
  • What will you do with your free time?
  • What kind of course would you take, not just to fulfill a requirement, but just for you?
  • What will you look for in your crew of friends?
Tip: Overall, I recommend keeping your success-visualization exercises non-institution specific, just to keep it disappointment proof!

• • •

Do you have your own suggestions? Share them with us, so that everyone can benefit! Easily comment below or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter at @gwadmissions.

Meet Our Blogger

Christine Butler Special Assistant to the Dean GW Office of Undergraduate Admissions B.A., University of Virginia & M.Ed., University of Vermont I have three college-aged children and one middle school child -- this accounts for all the gray hair in the given photo. Despite the fact that I actually work in higher education admissions, I am the least patient person in the house when my children are waiting for their admissions decisions.

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Your whole life has been leading up to this ... 

All the laughter, all of the tears, all of the years of being "a kid," and now you are the top dog -- you're a high school senior. First and foremost, congratulations on making it this far. But this is the beginning of the end. Senior year will fly by and sometimes you forget to make the most of it.  So here you go -- the definitive list to make senior year YOUR year! #1: Take Risks with People This could be the last year that you see a lot of people that you grew up with -- the crush you've always admired from afar, the friend you got into a silly fight with, the person that you made fun of and feel badly about. You may regret not talking to these people to fix things or let your feelings be known. Granted, things could go badly, but they could also relieve years worth of feelings. It's worth a shot. #2: Take a Tour of Your College Everybody remembers the first time they were on their college campus. They remember the way it made them feel, and for many students, that feeling led them to make their decision. It is just something that you do not forget. Plus, it also helps to not have the nervousness of classes the first time you step on campus. T-shirt that says I'm like 2018% done, seniors#3: Don't Fail Senioritis is a real affliction. 106% of high school seniors are diagnosed with this illness. Once you get accepted into college, it's super easy to just work a lot less hard. After all, you have reach your goal. But remember, colleges DO rescind acceptances. So, you might as well keep working hard to practice for college in the fall. #4: Make Those Memories And on the flip-side of #3, don't work too hard. After all, you did work hard to get here. I'm not talking about going to prom or taking senior pictures. I mean do things that you've never done before. Bury a time capsule with your friends. Go skydiving. Just do something that make your senior year extraordinary!

Meet Our Blogger

Alpha Balde Class of 2020 Business Administration I like long walks on the beach. I am a business student from north of Atlanta. I enjoy watching and playing basketball and watching superhero movies.

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Tips for Waiting for an Admissions Decision

Now, you relax! Take a deep breath. Why? Because you're done. You submitted all of your applications, stressed over tests, planned college visits, and made it halfway through your senior year. Here are my personal top 5 tips for students asking themselves, "now what?" Tip #1: Plan for Spring Semester's Big Events (Prom, Spring Break, Graduation, etc.) You never want to wait until the last minute to plan for anything -- these events are ones you will never forget and will get nostalgic about after you graduate. So plan ahead, take pictures, and have fun! This is the last time you'll be able to truly experience something great with your high school friends and family for awhile. Tip #2: Periodically Check to Make Sure Your Potential School has Everything They Need You may have thought you dotted your i's and crossed your t's, but did you make sure you had a complete sentence and stuck the period at the end? Depending on what schools you applied to, some require more documentation and information than others. So, make sure that you double check to make sure you sent in all of your required documents. Better safe than sorry! Tip #3: Believe In Your Heart that Spring Semester Will Go by Fast Personally, high school didn't go by fast at all. No matter how many times high school grads claimed it did. It just didn't feel like it. Yet, in reality, it did. If you keep a positive attitude, spring semester of your senior year will go by way faster than you think! Tip #4: Thank Your Village You didn't make it on your own, so take this time to thank your family, teachers, and anyone else you relied on during this process. It will make them feel special because you remembered them. Tip #5: Don't Slack! You know the term, "save the best for last?" Well, I'm saving the most important tip for last -- you still have to send in your spring semester grades once you're accepted, so make sure that you still make school your main priority and finish strong! I'm not go giving you advice on something I didn't do myself. If you heed my words, then I assure you, you'll hear back from your desired school in no time.

Meet Our Blogger

Alexes Harris Class of 2020 English and Creative Writing and Journalism and Mass Communication Popularly known as Alexes with an E, I am currently a sophomore and a Posse Scholar at GW. When I'm not writing for you all, I am working towards my life goal of becoming a New York Times bestselling author. While on campus, I am involved in WRGW Radio, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and part of the GW Admissions Team. I'm all for promoting positivity. I love music, movies, and riding the Metro around D.C. to different places.
Unless otherwise indicated, the content and opinions expressed on this web site are those of the author(s). They are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of the George Washington University.
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