Adjusting to CollegePrep, Grades 11-12

Based on the video Adjusting to College Life, this activity demonstrates the impor-tance of students taking charge of their daily and weekly schedules and responsi-bilities to ease the transition to college life. Suggested activities will help students

focus on awareness about skills they need to practice right now.

Suggested Activities

1. Adjusting to College Life Video and Handout

a. Before showing the video, ask students to list the differences they predict will be apparent between high school and college. Let them respond and then introduce the video Adjusting to College Life.

Assign pairs of students to work together as they watch the video. Tell them they are going to see how a college student learned about those differences first-hand. As they watch it, they should make note of the points Megan makes and also watch Ana’s reactions.

b. After the video, ask student pairs to complete the attached data retrieval chart, or create your own. This is a process for helping students focus their thinking and reflections on the video. Allow 10 minutes for this activity, then call for responses from the pairs.

c. As a class, allow students to share their responses and make a list of action items on a chart or bulletin board where all can see. Check it periodically to see what actions are being addressed by the students and urge them to continue to take responsibility in high school for their future.

2. “Get READY for College” Handout

To extend this lesson, make copies of the “Get READY for College” handout for each student. Allow them to review the items under each heading and make notes about their readiness in that area. Let them compare lists with other students who are seated nearby. Find out what the major areas of concern turn out to be and discuss them.

ownyourownfuture.com || Texas GEAR UP Adjusting to College

Journal

Students may write a journal entry

using this prompt, and then add it

to their college planning portfolio.

I feel _____________________

about my ability to adjust to

college. Here are some steps I am

taking right now to make sure I

have a good first year in college:

1.

2.

3.

In Adjusting to College, Ana begins to recognize many of the changes college will bring. After you watch the video, consider these questions and write your comments.

Adjusting to College

ownyourownfuture.com || Texas GEAR UP Adjusting to College

Information from the video Your comments

Basic Information

What is happening in the video?

What types of questions is Ana asking Megan?

What are some of the differences Megan lists between high school and college?

Reflections

What encouraged you about college life?

What surprised you?

What worried you? Why?

Analysis

What do you think about your current level of readiness for college? why?

Where should you focus between now and graduation?

Personal assessment

What can you do now to make the college adjustment easier?

What strategy do you have for finding answers and making plans for college in life?

What additional questions do you have about college?

ownyourownfuture.com || Texas GEAR UP Adjusting to College

elationshipsYou’re going to have some new adjustments to make—new roommates, new friends,

new loves, and new teachers. This will require an open mind. Learning strong communication and flexibility skills, plus the ability to compromise, will help you interact and live among new individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

What can you do right now? Expand your friendships and get to know a variety of people. Embrace differing worldviews and maintain existing networks of friends and family members.

nergyCollege classes are going to require more work outside of class, and these academic

demands will be stressful unless you keep your energy level high. A healthy lifestyle will pay off in many ways. Be aware of your nutrition, get enough rest, socialize, and make time for exercise—all of these will energize you for college workloads. Find the wellness center on campus and give yourself permission to take time to do some yoga or play volleyball with friends! It will pay off later.

What can you do right now? Start fitting exercise into your schedule and watch what you eat. If you get into the habit now, it will come naturally in college.

dded ResponsibilityCollege will bring greater independence and freedom, and you will be making more choices

for yourself. While this may be exciting to think about, it can be stressful, too. Manage your time with weekly schedules that include studying, socializing, extracurricular activities, handling finances, and attending classes. Find a balance that works for you.

What can you do right now? Using a schedule and building organizational skills will help you to manage the frantic pace of college. Practice now by setting strong long- and short-term goals, and be ahead of the game when you transition to college life.

are to Ask For HelpCollege professors and teaching assistants are there to help you! Learn their office hours,

and if you need additional help, ask them where to find it. Most colleges offer tutoring services—many of which are free. Seek out support services through the dean of students and financial aid offices, academic advisors, writing labs, and mentoring programs.

What can you do right now? Do some research now and find out what services are offered at the colleges you are interested in attending. Watch for additional information in your orientation packet or course syllabi.

ou Can Do It!Transitioning to college may seem overwhelming, but be patient and persevere.

You have the power to make this transition an exciting and successful one!

What can you do right now? Begin in high school by talking to upper-level college students, reviewing maps of the college, visiting the dorms and financial aid office, observing college classes, and learning as much as possible about college life so you feel comfortable about your ability to succeed.

Congratulations! You’re thinking ahead about the adjustment to college life. It’s a major transition, so it helps to ease into it by trying to learn some of these lessons while you

are still in high school. Check out the list below and see what you can do now to make sure you’re READY for a smooth transition from high school to college!

GET READY FOR COLLEGE

Own It!

Which of the READY areas

do you feel most confident

about? Which one concerns

you the most? List five steps

you can take in high school

to help prepare for future

challenges and ease the

transition into college:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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