Just graduated high school?

Congratulations! 

Isn't this great, your off to college... four more years (or two more years) and your done with school forever (unless you plan on getting your masters or PHD!). At this point you should be prepared to step foot in the college of your choice, well hopefully! I'm sure you are, but just read through some of these pre-requisites towards entering college and make sure your all set to go!

*Time Management Tips for Students

Organizing Your Life

Managing your time well is an important element of success — especially if you’re a student. If you set priorities that fit your needs and lifestyle, you'll have a better chance of achieving your goals.
Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.

1. Make a To-Do List Every Day.

Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.

2. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.

When you’re commuting on the bus or train, use the time to get some reading done.

3. It's Okay to Say No.

If your friend asks you to go to a movie on a Thursday night and you have an exam the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.

4. Find the Right Time.

You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.

5. Review Your Notes Every Day.

Reviewing helps you reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study before a test. You'll also be ready if you get called on in class or have to take a pop quiz.

6. Get a Good Night's Sleep.

Your brain needs rest to perform at its peak. Lack of sleep makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.

7. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.

If phone calls or text messages are proving to be a distraction, tell your friends that you are only available at certain times of day and not to expect a response at other times.

8. Become a Taskmaster.

Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities accordingly. Figure out how much free time you have each week before you add any commitments.

9. Don't Waste Time Agonizing.

Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it. Wasting an entire evening worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing is not productive, and can increase your stress.

10. Determine Your Priorities.

You can’t do everything at once. Establish the importance of each item. Then set realistic goals that are attainable.

* Found on The College Board website.

Coming from someone who wasn't completely prepared for college, I can tell you personally that every single one of these checkpoints are extremely crucial towards a successful college career. Personally communication (especially with your daily schedule) to friends, family and professors is an extremely crucial task to master (preferably before) for college. I struggled and still do (ie. over booking myself, saying yes to everything, planning to be in two places at once) with communicating my time to others effectively.

Go through that list over and over again (if need be) and make sure you've mastered that list. When you find a personal issue with one of those checkpoints, write it down and give it to someone who knows you well (it would be great if that person was a teacher). Have them give you an opinion on past examples of things you've done that you could potentially work on.

Make good use of your time this summer and find all weaknesses that you may have (if you have any at all). If you can master this list, your surely prepared to succeed with honors during your college career. Cheers.