Spring is here, and so is graduation. You’re done with college – now what?

Now everything! Don’t let any feelings of loss – or being lost – get in your way. Here are some things to remember as a fresh face in the non-college world.

Keep Learning

You may be sick of school, class and homework, but a key to making life post graduation awesome is to continue learning anywhere you go. The fun part in this life stage is that learning does not limit you to studying alone in a library. Dance classes, painting courses or cooking workshops are all forms of learning and unique ways to meet new people outside of a school setting.

Start Saving

You’re probably working hard to pay off Student Loans, but finding ways to not spend your money will benefit you big time in the long run. It seems obvious, but the importance of saving money when you’re young can never be overstated. When you get a job, see if you can arrange for your employer to directly deposit a small amount of your paycheck into a separate savings account each pay day. You’ll thank yourself later!

Travel

Now is a great time to travel. You don’t have a full time job yet, so scheduling won’t be difficult. You’re young and probably have a group of friends interested in traveling, too. Take advantage of this awesome time in your life – once you begin job hunting it will be hard to get away. Travel now!

Explore Internship Opportunities

Even though most recent grads will be job hunting, the job market is not stellar. It might be beneficial to explore internship opportunities in fields related to your major or specialty. Even if its unpaid, a small amount of time spent working for people connected to your industry of choice can have a huge effect on your job hunt. You’ll gain real experience and make connections. Check out Cappex’s 5 Benefits to a Post Graduate Internship.

Amp Up Your Resume

The job market right now is super competitive, so you’ll want to make a great first impression with a well written resume. Revise yours to reflect your collegiate accomplishments and have a stack ready in case you need to send one out. You never know when an opportunity will pop up from a random connection. Keep the employer’s perspective in mind when writing.

For more information on life post college, visit Cappex today!

Back in high school, the prospect of summer school was reserved for those who didn’t do well on exams, skipped too many classes, or failed. It was a threat students heard from teachers all year, followed by a remark on the hot summer temperatures in a tiny, unventilated classroom. It’s no wonder college students may feel apprehensive about taking classes during the summer semester.

The following is a list of situations in which you may want to give the summer semester a go!

For Classes You Won’t Like

At some point in your college career, there will be a class you really, really don’t want to take, but have to. Often times, these are within your first couple years of college. It may be a core curriculum class you suspect you won’t do well in, or a class required for your major you just suspect you won’t care for. Instead of dealing with that class two-three times a week for months, you may want to get it over with by attending class every day for several weeks over the summer and being done with it.

For A Prerequisite

If you’re a transfer student, switched majors, or had to re-take a class, you may find yourself misaligned with the schedule in which courses are offered. For example, you wouldn’t want to stick around an extra year at college because you’re waiting for one class only offered in Spring. By taking a class over the summer you’ll need before you can take anything else, you’re getting yourself back on track to a timely graduation.

For When You’re Just Over It

While many college students wish they could stay in college forever, there are some students who cannot wait for the day they are done with school completely. If you’re over the college scene and just want out into the real world, taking classes over the summer may move up your graduation date.

For When You’re A Double Major/Minor

If you plan to have multiple majors and minors, you may wish to take classes over the summer as a way of lowering the average amount of credits you take every semester. By spreading the courses out further than the traditional two semesters, you’ll have more room in your schedule to pursue other interests, and have fun!

For When You Feel Like Sticking Around

As your college becomes your home, there’s a chance you’ll be less interested in returning to where you came from for summer. Often times living back in your parents’ house for a few months causes friction, and the friends you had there aren’t as close to you as the new friends you’ve made. Many juniors and seniors choose to remain on campus over summer. If you’re looking for an excuse to stick around, or if you’ll want something to do with your time, you may as well take advantage of summer classes.

For the Class You Want to Take for Fun

Most college students have interests in areas other than their major, but are unable to find the time to take coursework in those other areas. Summer is the perfect time to give that scuba class a whirl!

Want to search for scholarships or find your perfect college fit? Make your profile today on Cappex!

While colleges do their very best to ensure the safety of their students, they can’t protect you from everything that could occur the first years you’re out on your own. Every girl needs a few tips and tricks in her pocket, because by staying safe on campus, you can have the most fun!

When Walking At Night: 

• If possible, don’t walk alone.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Make eye contact with strangers. A potential attacker is less likely to bother you if he knows you’ve seen him.
• Walk with an umbrella or your keys out. Having something that could be used as a weapon makes you a less-likely target.
• Do not talk on your phone. By talking and texting, you’re distracted, making yourself an easy target. Instead, text someone before you leave that you’ll text them when you get to your car and how long that should take you.
• Be observant of your surroundings.
• If someone does bother you, make a scene.

When Getting a Ride Home

• Don’t get into a car with someone who has been drinking. Even if it seems like they’ve only had a few drinks, they may have been drinking beforehand, or are more intoxicated than they seem.
• If the driver is texting while driving, ask them to stop.
• Consider using college-implemented bus services or public transportation.
• Have a number for a cab saved into your phone.
• Have a designated driver you could call if necessary.
• Don’t get into a car with anyone you’re uncomfortable with.
• Don’t get into a car with anyone who races and drives recklessly.
• Don’t get into a car with anyone you don’t know.

 When at a Social Event:

• Keep track of your personal possessions. If you’re afraid of losing something, leave it home or in the car.
• Refrain from binge drinking.
• Keep an eye on your drinks. Never leave a drink alone, or drink something that’s just been handed to you.
• Stay with a group.
• Have a plan set up with your friends for getting away from someone who’s bothering you.
• If someone appears sick or hurt, always call for help, even if underage drinking or drug use is involved. When it comes to someone’s life, you can worry about consequences later.

 When You’re With a Guy

• Remember you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.
• If he isn’t respecting you, leave, or ask him to leave.

 When Living on Your Own

•  Lock your doors at night, and behind you when you come home.
• Don’t let anyone in you’re not comfortable with.
• Don’t let anyone in before you know who they are.
• Establish a code you could use on the phone with your friends to let them know if you’re really in trouble.

General Safety Tips

• Follow the rules set by your college. If you’re required to only use certain doors after a particular time, or if you’re required to sign guests in, do it. These rules are for everyone’s safety.
• Take notice of the emergency systems already set up on campus. These might include buttons you can press scattered around campus if you’re in trouble, or busses that can take you from an academic building to a parking lot at night.
• Sign up for email and text alert systems.
• If something seems shady, it probably is. Always go with your gut.

Top 5 Numbers to Have In Your Phone

•  Police
• Counseling Center
• Cab Service
• Your resident assistant (RA)
• A friend you can call at any hour

Want to search for scholarships or find your perfect college fit? Make your profile today on Cappex! 

With spring SAT and ACT test dates here, it’s important to remember your deadlines and test dates! While you’re sitting at home taking practice tests, going over a mountain of vocabulary cards, and trying to decide where the comma should be in a sentence, you do not want to forget the most important thing: actually signing up for the test before the registration deadline! The logic is simple here. If you don’t sign up, you can’t take the test!

Here is the breakdown for approaching test dates:

SAT

May 5th SAT
Registration for this date has passed; however, if you’re taking that test, good luck! Remember to eat a good breakfast, bring plenty of number two pencils and erasers, and show up early to the testing facility

June 2nd SAT 
Registration for this test date is quickly approaching. Registration for this test closes on May 8th. Late registration is May 22nd. Remember, all deadlines expire at midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the day of the deadline.

ACT

June 9th ACT Registration for this date is fast approaching.  To register without a late fee for the June test, you must register by May 4th at the latest. Have you taken either test already and received your scores? With the Cappex What Are My Chances (TM) Calculator you can get a handle on what are realistic admissions options for you with those scores and help you narrow down where you should be applying. It is always important to have combinations of safety, realistic and reach schools. Utilizing Cappex along with your guidance counselor is a great way to figure out where you should be applying. Remember, the results of your SAT/ACT tests are not the end of the world. If you do not do as well as you hoped on your first or second try, you can always take the test again! So do your practice tests, study your vocabulary words, and walk in to the test with confidence and a calm demeanor! RELAX!

Freshman year of college? Complete! Summer fun? No problem! You’ve just spent an entire year away from home working hard. It’s time to relax without completely draining your brain of all the knowledge you gained in school. Here are things you can do this summer to make the most of your time, while still having fun.

Save Money

If you spend the summer at home, you’ll save a ton of money on rent, food and other day-to-day expenses. Use your local library for free summer reading! Walking and biking are free, healthy alternatives to driving. Do what you can, little by little, to save your pennies!

Road Trip

Traveling is such an excellent way to spend your summer. New experiences are stimulating and fun, even if it is just a road trip to the next state over. Go somewhere new and document your time there, what you learn, and who you meet. Driving with friends is also a cheap(er) alternative to flying. You’ve probably made some new friends in school who would be happy to see you mid-July before school starts again in the fall.

Read for Fun

Read those books you wanted to read during the school year but never had time to because of school work! Read an easy summer book or get a magazine subscription to a new publication. Again, the library can be your best friend when it comes to free reading.

Find a Festival

Summer is the season for art, music and antique festivals across the country. The Ann Arbor Art Fair in Michigan in July has been called the number one art fair by AmericanStyle Magazine. Chicago hosts Lollapalooza, a music festival that hosts more than fifty acts over three days in August. Search for festivals in your area that peak your interest!

Learn a New Skill

Your down time this summer can be put to good use if you learn a new (and fun!!) skill. Pick up a cookbook and challenge yourself to master Italian cuisine. While you’re at it, try learning Italian itself! Knowing a second language will definitely come in handy in your future.

Get Physical

I know schoolwork can keep you from being active during the school year, so summer is a great time to reintroduce yourself to the gym. A lot of cities also have co-ed intramural sports teams like beach volleyball or softball. Joining up will keep you active and you may meet new, interesting people!

Discover more ways to spend your summer and make the most of your college experience at Cappex.com!