Congratulations on your college decision! This is such an exciting milestone—one that deserves to be celebrated along with all the traditions of the season: prom, senior week and graduation. I hope you’re enjoying these final weeks of high school with pride in all you’ve done and appreciation for the people who have supported you along the way.  This is a great time to create a profile on LinkedIn to stay connected with teachers, mentors, and peers who have been part of your journey.

Amid the celebrations, there are still a few important tasks to keep on your radar. In addition to completing your enrollment steps, be sure to sign up for orientation, select housing, and keep an eye out for information on registering for classes. In the meantime, remember that your college will receive your final transcript, so stay focused through the end of the year—no senior slump! AP and IB exams, final projects, and exams all play a role in preparing you for the academic expectations ahead.

You’re also preparing for college in non-academic ways, like taking on the tasks and building the habits you’ll need as you transition to being on your own. You might be starting to schedule your own medical appointments, complete required forms, and take more responsibility for your finances.

If your fall plans aren’t fully settled, be aware that you still have options. The National Association for College Admission Counseling has compiled this list of colleges that still have openings for students this fall and are continuing to accept applications.  A gap year can also be a wonderful opportunity to explore before starting college. For support on either of these options, I hope you’ll get in touch.