Admissions Expertise As a high school junior, what are the most important things for me to do before senior year? It’s easy to get excited about summer break and zone out during the last weeks of school, but these are the days that count! So wake up and start planning! Your first step is to research colleges and programs that fit your needs and interests. That’s where a counselor comes into play. Set up a meeting with one and get some guidance picking colleges and majors that seem interesting to you. Once you’ve narrowed down your options you can start applying. Sure the application process can get overwhelming, but if you’ve picked some top schools and majors you’ve already tackled some of the hardest work! 603 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are some convenient, well-paying jobs for students who need to work while in college? It’s easy to land a job waiting tables or working at a coffee shop, but then you’re just trading time for money. Instead, get a head start on your career and follow your passion. Consider getting a job in a department at college that is in line with your future plans. Want to be a reporter? Join the campus broadcast station or write for their newspaper or website. Thinking about biomedical engineering? I’m sure faculty could use an extra set of hands in the lab. Seek out these on campus opportunities to save on gas, get some first-hand experience in your career choice and likely secure some great recommendations while you’re at it. 939 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. What are some of the most unexpected costs for incoming freshman? College is full of wants versus needs. So the first test is to distinguish what you can live without and…live without it. The second trick is to be very careful of little everyday expenses. These quickly add up! Picture this typical day on campus: Coffee brewed by a fancy barista: $4.25. Potato chips from student union vending machine: $1.25. Water bottle from sandwich shop: $2. Try this instead: Packing your own lunch, making your own coffee and bringing a refillable water bottle to school—priceless (OK, not priceless, but definitely cheaper). So plan ahead and practice some restraint and you’ll be able to save for the necessities and maybe a few “wants” too. 261 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed. I was rejected from my top school and waitlisted at my second choice. How do I pick a backup? First of all, don’t panic. There are plenty of other options out there. And although it may be hard to believe this right now (while you deal with the sting of rejection) this change in plans could be a good thing for you. This can force you to explore other options close to home or far away and even reconsider programs like a 2+2, where you attend a community college and transfer to a four-year school. Taking the time to investigate new academic program options can save you money and time in the long run. And remember, it's their loss! 24 Likes Like This Answer Already Liked This Answer Thank you, this item will be reviewed.