The way students prepare for college changes from generation to generation. Teachers and parents provide wonderful, and much needed, encouragement and support, but it can help to have the perspective of someone who is going through the process of applying and choosing a college. I am a senior at Decatur High School and just finished choosing the college I will attend.

When I was a freshman it was hard for me to plan past the weekend much less make a four year plan. There are a lot of things I am glad I did but a few things I would do differently to help me prepare for my next step in life.

Here is a list of my Do’s and Dont’s for High School Freshmen:

1. Do try anything that interests you– be involved in as many activities as you can, then you can find what really interest you and manage your priorities. Start a portfolio of everything you have done, my mother made me start one when I was a freshman and it helped me out a lot when I started college applications.

2. Do take advantage of learning the basics– Like most students, I hated grammar. It did not come easy to me and it was last thing I wanted to do. All those times I tuned my english teacher out during the lessons caught up with me when I started taking the ACT ,and my english score suffered.

3. Do get to know upper classmen– Understanding what responsibilities and decisions they have to make can help you see the bigger picture. Also ask for advice, you can avoid the same mistakes they made when they were a freshman.

4. Don’t get ahead of yourself– Make this year a learning year, you don’t have to make any big decisions.

5. Don’t get on a teachers bad side– Teacher recommendations will be needed throughout high school, for scholarships, and for college applications. Teachers talk to each other about students so being disrespectful can ruin your reputation even before you step foot into a another classroom.

6. Don’t slack off– You have three more years of high school, and it only gets harder.

While you don’t have to make big decisions, it benefits you to be aware of the steps you can take to be prepared for college. Horizon Point’s checklist can help you make a game plan for the next four years.