As graduation day approaches, college bound seniors begin to feel the pressure of leaving high school and entering the college world as adults. The transition can be made easier if they make a to-do list to check off this summer.

Seniors need to realize that going to college is no walk in the park, college adviser Sarah Simmons said. College advisers recommend preparing over the summer so incoming college students are ready day one.

Many of these things can be done right now. College bound seniors are not done with school during the summer.

Some of these include: attending orientation, signing up for classes, buying textbooks, and paying for tuition/classes.

Another thing that seniors could do during the summer is apply for scholarships.

“Scholarships tend to dwindle the older you get, so keep applying while you’re a freshman and sophomore in college,” Simmons said.

A lot of students think that they can only apply for scholarships during high school but scholarships are given out year round to high school students.

Something simple that seniors can do to help mentally prepare is to just read, Simmons said.

“They should READ. Don’t let your brain fall asleep. READ, READ, and then … READ,” she said.

The majority of students don’t realize how much reading is required for college classes, she said. Many go into college thinking that they can pass a class without reading the required materials.

Reading is a major part of the college world and if a student is not used to reading an excessive amount, they will have a hard time passing their classes.

Senior Corrina Benavides has already completed several items on the list including: signing up for housing, accepting financial aid, and deciding on a college. Through the help of her parents and her college advisers, she was able to prepare herself for the future that lies ahead, the college world.

The items on the list are things that student are required to do in the summer in order to attend college and should be done as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition into college.

Summer College Checklist
•Sign up for housing (March, April, May)
•Accept financial Aid (March, April, May)
•Decide which college you are going to attend and accept their offer (By May 1st)
•Sign up and attend orientation (April, May/June, July)
•Turn in high school transcript (June)
•(For dual credit students) Turn in ACC transcript (June)
•Sign up for classes (June, July)
•Get to know the campus (June, July)
•Get to know your advisor (June, July, August)
•Buy your text books (July, August)
•Pay for tuition/classes (August)
•By materials/furniture (August)
•Get things ready to move out (August)