Enthusiasm For College. Do You Have It?

I’m not asking are you enthusiastic about a particular college, but rather are you enthusiastic about this next big chapter in your life?

Are you enthusiastic about going off to college?

I ask this because it’s important. Enthusiastic people tend to be upbeat and positive, they make things happen because they’re, well, enthusiastic! And, for a college admissions officer, that enthusiasm, when it shines through, can be very attractive!

And, the more attractive you are as a college candidate the easier it is for the college to say “Yes!”

People who are enthusiastic, can’t wait to explore colleges, interact with the colleges and learn more so they can make informed decisions about where to spend the next four years of their life.

When I see a student continuously look to his or her parents for information about colleges they’ve looked at; or, who declare they want to go to college but haven’t done much else to make it happen – I don’t see enthusiasm for what should be one of the most exciting times of their lives.

And if I can’t see it, I doubt the college will see it. And the chances of being accepted starts to drop – and we don’t want that.

College is the starting point of the next “big chapter” – you should be eager to get out there and see what’s available to you. You have to get out there in a big way – the college is not going to come and find you sitting on your couch or while you’re instant messaging your friends.

You’ve got to find the colleges and then go about making sure they know you’re out there and interested in them.

Your Smart Plan for College Assignment:

Check your enthusiasm meter! When you think about going off to college (ignore all the steps needed to make it happen for just a second), are you excited about the idea? Are you looking forward to it? Are you motivated to do things on your own, without your parents telling you to do it?

If you answered “yes” – great. We need you to stay focused on that and start taking action to make it happen.

Now, if you haven’t done anything significant to move the ball forward in the college process, but you’ve answered “yes” to the questions, then we need to figure out why that is.

If you’re not doing something on a regular and consistent basis to move your college plan forward, why?

Is it because you need a plan? Great, get one.

Is it because you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what you need to do, when to do it and need help getting it done? Okay, then you need to ask for help.

Is it because you know what to do, but you tend to procrastinate – as is human nature – on getting things done? Fine, then get someone to hold you accountable.

Here’s the thing, everyone is busy. But there are those who will make the time in their busy schedules to get it done because they’re enthusiastic and excited about college. They’re your competition. If they can do it, so can you.