Being catfished sucks, there is no arguing with that: You meet someone cute online, only to discover that they’re actually Danny DeVito’s great uncle. The thing is, we’re all prone to being catfished, because if you really think about it college is the biggest catfish of all. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our entire lives are going to be like college, when in fact college is just one small step in the grand scheme of things. So when you get to that final year of school, it’s important to do everything you can to prepare for life after, without compromising your senior experience!
1. The first big step is to decide whether or not you want to pursue further education
Hopefully this is something you’ve worked on deciding largely within the first few years, but it’s perfectly fine if you’re feeling a bit confused right now. For me, it came down to looking at how my field was growing and realizing the competition and specialization was too much not to take what I’d learned further. Some fields are like that, and in others you can jump right in. Taking a gap year is also a possibility if the indecisiveness prevails: your education will always be waiting for you if you want to revisit later! Meet with an advisor or trusted professor and see which option best suits you!
2. Regardless of your decision, get organized from the very start
I swear by the Google Drive gods and have been using a special folder dedicated to exploring my post-grad options. If you’re applying for graduate programs, it’s a great way to brainstorm specific degrees and the schools that are most renowned for them that meet your financial situation. For everyone, it’s a must when it comes to budgeting, job searching, and keeping track of account information for any online applications you’re working on. I even have a doc that illustrates my weekly progress so I can make sure I’m meeting deadlines!
3. Even though we don’t want to talk about it . . . assess the money situation and make realistic choices
Maybe you’re looking at grad schools, or maybe you just want to get straight to work. That still means you need a budget and a place to live. If you’re like me, your ideal situation is probably staying where you are, getting into a great program or position, even in an impossibly expensive city or part of town. Sometimes, unfortunately, being an adult means sacrificing some of the independence you’ve gained in undergrad, knowing that it’s an important investment in your future. If there are schools or jobs back home that will give you the same experience and you can save money by living at home for two years, consider it.
4. Know that a decision to move home does not mean you’re regressing in any way
Some of my big concerns about leaving the city after so many pivotal experiences here are that I’ll be uprooting my whole life and undoing four years of progress. In reality, going home can actually be so important and critical to sustaining that progress you’ve been making. Maybe it will mean adjusting your lifestyle a bit, and making friends elsewhere, but you will always find something that works to make you happy wherever you are.
5. Consider alternatives, and stick to your guns
Post-grad isn’t just a simple choice between school or work, and if there’s something you really want, there’s a way to make it happen. Four years of higher education should at least teach you to get creative if the solution isn’t right in front of you! For example, if you really want to attend a particular school, think about finding a job that will forgive some of those sky high loans. Network, attend job fairs, and work your butt off like you always have. Take a year to go abroad, on your own or as part of a service organization. You have learned how to do so much more in college than you even realize.
6. Pace yourself and enjoy senior year, you’re doing great!
Although planning for the future is important, it shouldn’t be done at the expense of enjoying the moment. Have a nice cry if you’re stressed out and then watch a funny movie with your friends, because who knows where you’ll all be next year?
Keep these things in mind as you go along, and the next big step can’t possibly bamboozle you too much!