Things I Should Have Learned Long Ago......

    As I've started to get extra busy with college preparations, I've realized that getting an early start would have really helped me transition more smoothly and with less confusion. But considering my personality, I can never escape confusion. Here are a few things I should have done long ago...

1. take the ACT with plenty time to spare: I was fortunate enough to go to a school that provided a very helpful ACT Prep class, so on my one and only try, I made a 30. Cool, right? But what if I hadn't made that? I took it in April 2013, and the next test-taking option was like September. Heck, I was accepted to three colleges by the end of July, with two scholarships to boot. Applying to college in the summer is much easier than during the school year, which I would have been forced to do if I hadn't gotten so lucky on the exam.
2. DON'T LET ANY ODDITIES DURING THE ACT GO UNNOTICED: I simply cannot stress this enough. Long story short, I noticed the kid next to me sitting a little close, but didn't think much of it until 5 months later when my 30 on the ACT was being questioned. I nearly lost my score, my acceptances, and my scholarships. Luckily, I send them a heck of a letter along with grades and previous test scores proving that I actually am smart enough to make a high score. The other kid probably wasn't so lucky... The ACT board apologized and promised to keep my score as valid. Phew.
3. apply for housing early: I only got lucky in getting into Brooke, with private bathrooms...
4. start making lists: Okay, so I do this all the time. (Noooo, you don't say!!) This is more of a suggestion to everyone; preaching to the choir, I suppose. As high school wound down, I started to realize how many different things I have to keep track of. Now it's in full swing. Dorm rooms and classes and money, oh my. 
5. become independent: This seems obvious but even in high school we were babied. I still relied on my teachers to tell me the exact homework assignment, when it was written on the weekly syllabi or whatever. Learn to be proactive and get everything done ahead of time, if possible.
6. fall in love with your planner: I did it. I got my Lilly Pulitzer planner and I regret NOTHING. It's beautiful. Worth every penny, I'd say. I mean, c'mon, it lasts for 3 regular semesters!
7. save money: Boy, I love shopping. But would I rather smell like a peppermint or eat....? Priorities, ladies and gents. 
8. visit your school multiple times and just walk around campus: If it weren't for my almost weekly trips to 'vallo with friends, I would get beyond lost. At least now I have some sort of grasp on where most things are... I hope.
9. obsess over your school: If you love the school, you most likely will already do this. Get t-shirts, decals, cups, whatever. Be proud of the place you're going to further your knowledge! Be proud that you were able to achieve this great thing! I have several shirts, cups, pens, decals, and so many other things showing my Falcon pride. PV, anyone? (PS. No, I'm not decided, but I will most likely be choosing the Purple Team--- Montevallo stuff, it's pretty big.)

There's so much more I have to learn but at least I'm not in denial... I'm sure I'll have more to add to this list later.. Maybe it'll become a series??

xoxo, a.