Four Tips for High School Graduates
Over three-million high school students are graduating this spring in the United States. Many of them will head to university in the fall. The transition (过渡) from high school to college is a major one, and successful adjustment to college has lifelong influences.
Maybe you are about to make this transition yourself or have children who are about to leave the nest. If you know someone who is making this transition or know parents guiding their soon-to-be adult kids through this time, please take a moment to share this collection of research-based tips with them.
Be open to making new friends as soon as you set foot on campus. Even during orientation (迎新会)! Your success in college depends, in part, on surrounding yourself with others who can support you and help you have fun.
Successful adjustment is about reaching out for help when you need it. This means trying to find the answers on your own first, but then contacting those who can help you when you can't. That is what they are there for!
Lean on your family. Family support can give you comfort when classes get hard or you are stressed about finals. Strong support from family is linked to lower loneliness and depression during the first year of college and higher academic adjustment including motivation and concentration.
Be confident. Feeling anxiety about communicating with fellows, professors, and speaking up in class is associated with lower adaptation during the transition to college. One of the best ways to increase your communication confidence is to practice!
A. This list is for you.
B. The more you speak up in class, the easier it becomes.
C. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors or teaching assistants.
D. Joining clubs is also linked to feelings of belonging at college.
E. Your professors and teaching assistants want to see you succeed in their classes.
F. Almost everyone is in the same boat as you are, hoping to make friends quickly.
G. Family members can give you advice and help you solve problems if you need help.
