STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box #87
145 Orcuttville Road
    Stafford Springs, CT 06076
PH:  860-684-4233   FAX:  860-684-0424
gloverm@stafford.ctschool.net

CEEB Number:  070705

VISION AND MISSION
CAREER EXPLORATION
 SELF-GROWTH POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS
COLLEGE PLANNING FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS/AWARDS PROGRAM OF STUDIES COLLEGE SUCCESS
STANDARDIZED TESTING SPECIAL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC PATHS SHS PROFILE

College Success

Clemson University offers a College Survival Skills site for student use.  Each topic has a series of lessons and then a brief review and quiz.  Most of this information is already known, but this format causes the student to think about the topics and serves to reinforce positive attitudes and behaviors.  Click on the image below, or go to www.clemson.edu/collegeskills.


 
 

Over the years, SHS guidance counselors have developed some suggestions for seniors as they approach college. 
 

      Always remember the seven habits of highly responsible students:

1. Set  goals

2. Use good time management techniques

3. Study every day - not just before a test

4. Have adequate and appropriate school supplies

5. Take notes in class

6. Abide by deadline and get assignments completed early

7. Keep your commitments

In addition to these habits, students are well served to spend time planning for the college experience. To help make the college years as productive and enjoyable as possible, we have listed below several areas they should consider.  Students and parents are invited to contact a counselor should they wish to discuss this transition into college in greater depth.


 

Balance work with play.

Many students have a hard time adjusting to the freedom that college presents. With no one looking over their shoulder, they may go overboard on the socializing to the detriment of studying.  This the first time they are paying for classes and failing to do well is an expensive lesson.

It is typical to expect that the student should spend at least as many hours in study outside of class as they number of credits that the class is worth.  Using this method, a three credit course should require at least three hours of study for 45 minute class period.  This is a minimum requirement, and the intelligent student gives to each course the amount of time required for mastery of the subject area.

 



Consider taking a lighter load.

Taking five courses (fifteen credits) each semester is a normal college course load.  Students may take all of their credits on their home college campus or may transfer into their home college some courses from another school.  Students in demanding majors, or students who think that taking 15 credits will prove overwhelming, may choose to enroll in one or more courses over the summer to lighten their load. This is particularly true for majors where certain courses are used to determine which students advance to the next level. For example, to help assure success, engineering students may choose to enroll in Calculus or chemistry over the summer when it is the only course they have to focus on. They may take this at a community college or at the college they will be attending in the fall.  This will allow the student to opt for taking a lighter fall semester load or can replace a very challenging course with a less demanding load.

 


If money for college is tight, students can shorten the number of years it takes them to get their degree.

By enrolling in UCONN cooperative education credits at SHS or by participating in the Advanced Placement program, students can accumulate college credits prior to their enrollment in the college of their choice.  Some students can enter college with as many as 30 credits.The equates to approximately one year and either allows the student to complete the degree in three additional years or allows the student to double major or take more electives.

Additionally, students may shorten their time in college by enrolling in summer school courses at a community college.  These course are less expensive and will allow the student top complete degree requirements in a shortened time period, thus minimizing both the time spent and the cost of the education.


 

Keep copies of everything.

Frequently students need to fill out the same form each year and need the information to be consistent.  Keeping copies of all forms filed together allows students to quickly assure themselves that they are not making errors. Grade reports, signed advisor forms, and all other materials relative to the college should be kept so that they can be used at a later date should the student have a need. This is most important relative to financial aid materials, but is also helpful in other areas.

 



Think carefully before rooming with a SHS classmate.

College is a time to experience new things and make new friends.  While it will be nice to have SHS classmates in your school, having them as roommates may undermine the necessity for you to make new friends.  Whatever you decide, we encourage you to open to new experiences and to grow intellectual and socially in your new environment.

Drop courses only reluctantly.

If students take approximately 15 credits each semester, they will accumulate the traditional 120+ credits they need for graduation in four years.  Dropping courses may make it difficult to complete the degree requirements in this time.  Indeed, the trend is for many students to have to spend five years in school to complete the four year degree.  This not only lengthens your program, but adds to your expense.  Drop classes only reluctantly.

 


Don't buy a computer until you know for sure that you will need one.

Since dorm rooms can have many distractions, many students choose to study in other areas.  Most college campuses have a number of sites where students can access a computer and students choose to work in these areas rather than their rooms. Also if a dorm room has two or more students with computers, you might be able to access your roommates' computer for email, etc. Whatever you decide, research  your specific set of circumstances before jumping to the decision that you must have your own computer.


 

Be clear and open with your roommate.

It is a good idea to contact your prospective roommate over the summer before school begins. This may be an awkward conversation and you may not want to call, but think about what you'll say before you call and give it a try.  You can always say that your guidance counselor insisted that you call.

During this conversation you can discuss what each of you will bring to the room so you don't end up with duplicates, when you will be showing up to school, what courses you are taking, and ask any questions you may have.

Colleges usually send out a questionnaire that they use to help facilitate the arranging of compatible roommates, but be honest with your roommate.  If you don't like having a lot of kids in your room or overnight guests, speak up.  If each of you is  respectfulof the oother'spositions, things should work out great.  If not, you can always seek a change of roommates, but give it a good try first. Sometimes people who are exact opposites can work out to be great roommates.   If not, the Resident Assistant (RA) can help you. Seek his or her advice.


College is a great opportunity.  Take advantage of it and enjoy every minute, learning as much as you can. Stop by guidance, even after you graduate, if we can be of any help.