College Bound: Advice for Academically Talented Students From Recent Graduates

For students who decide to enroll in college after high school graduation, there are numerous factors to consider when searching for potential matches and choosing from the available options. Ten recent high school graduates who participated in self-selected, ability-grouped, advanced academic courses in high school were interviewed at the end of senior year. These students shared valuable lessons they learned about the college decision-making process to offer guidance to students beginning the college search, and the adults, in and out of school, who help them make those choices. Participants offered advice about preparing to apply to college, the application process, and related social and emotional considerations. Nine key themes were identified in which participants encouraged early exploration of career-related interests, a focus on person-environment fit, and managing expectations. Implications for students, parents, and school personnel are also discussed.