What Do I Need For College

Entry Requirements In Scotland

What School Supplies You Need In College

Courses at Scottish universities and colleges have two sets of entry requirements: standard and minimum.

Both reflect the grades you normally need to achieve by the time you start at the university or college. However, the minimum entry requirements only apply if you are considered to be a widening access student.

What is a widening access student?

Universities and colleges aim to identify each applicants full talent and potential, and look beyond just your grades.

All universities and colleges have their own policies around widening access, but generally they include the following criteria:

Youve successfully completed a pre-entry programme.
You live in a certain postcode. For example, you live in a low participation area, as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation .
You attended a target school or college, where school performance is typically below average.
You are a care leaver or have experience of living in care.
You have refugee status, or you are an asylum seeker.

Check the university or college website to confirm its policy. They might have additional criteria you need to meet.

How do I make sure a university or college know I’m a widening access student?

What does this mean for my application?

If you are a widening access student, look at the minimum entry requirements in the UCAS search tool. Universities and colleges may also consider you for additional support , either during the application process, or once you have enrolled.

Ask For Letters Of Recommendation

Most applications will ask for one or more letters of recommendation. These should come from teachers, high school advisors, and your guidance counselor. Its best to pick someone with whom you have a close relationship and has gotten to know you as a person as well as a student.

Give people plenty of time to write the letter. If your application is due in November, make sure you ask for the letters in June or July. Let them know what it is the letter should address, for instance, your accomplishments, positive personality traits, and your grades if applicable.

Your Degree Could Be Useless By The Time You Graduate

I’m not necessarily against college, but it is a risk. You’re putting a lot of time and money into a degree that may or may not be obsolete by the time you’re ready to use it.

However, even if the degree itself is still useful in opening some doors, it doesn’t mean you’re really ready for the job market. Technology and business processes and trends age quickly. It’s hard to keep up with changing trends when you’re stuck behind your textbooks for four years.

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Do: Pack A Sewing Kit

The struggle to survive often brings out skills and ingenuity we never knew we had, Cohen said. College kids can become master chefs with the most random ingredients and almost anything can be fixed with tape and basic school supplies. One thing thats often looked over in the packing process is a simple sewing kit. Replace lost buttons and mend torn comforters with a little needle and thread. This saves you from having to replace ripped items, and its a good skill to hone.

Real Simple sewing kit, $9.99 at BedBathBeyond.com

Its a must, said Joey Brenneman, mom of a college sophomore who dust-busted her way through a ladybug infestation. Cute, but no thanks.

Dirt Devil Scorpion cordless hand vac, $22.63 at

Here Are Some Useful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Suitcase Space:

What Kind of Laptop Do I Need for College?

1. Roll your wrinkle resistant clothes instead of folding them. Youll be able to fit more this way.

2. For clothing that is prone to wrinkles , fold them in half and drape them on top of the rolled clothes.

3. Wear your bulkier clothing on the plane so that they dont take up too much space in your luggage.

4. Look for the nooks and crannies of your luggage to stuff undergarments like bras, socks, and underwear.

5. Use the 5,4,3,2,1 rule. Five shirts, four bottoms, three hoodies or zip up jackets, two pairs of shoes, and one suit or dress. Adjust the list to suit your needs. Dont forget to throw in at least one bathing suit.

6. Get rid of the if I need it or just in case mentality. If and when you need something, you can buy it when you get there.

It’s Important To Stay Organized As You Work On Your Applications

Each college needs you to complete common questions and add counselor. Beyond that their applications vary. Each college can determine their unique requirements for:

Deadlines

Here are some places where you can find each college’s specific requirements:

Each college’s Explore Colleges profile provides lots of information about the college. You can find details on application information, campus culture, scheduling visits, and more.

In the My Colleges or College Search tab, you can learn more using a school’s college information page. Here you can see requirements for testing, writing, deadlines, and more.

The requirements grid is a comprehensive PDF that lists all the colleges that use the Common App and their requirements. You can also find the grid within the application.

We maintain a list of all Common App colleges and their essay prompts. This resource will help as you begin planning your essays. For more help on planning essays, check out our essay planning worksheet.

Account Rollover

Did you know: Common App accounts can roll over from year to year?

Account Rollover is a great tool to explore the Common App, save answers to questions in the Common App tab of your account, and house ideas for your essay.

Plan essays

Organize and plan for your writing prompts

All Colleges Need Things Like Official School Forms Many Colleges Will Also Ask For Letters Of Recommendation

Counselors, teachers, and recommenders will submit these kinds of forms on your behalf. Here are the types of recommenders you can invite in the Common App.

Counselors share their perspective using the context of the entire graduating class. They also submit the School Report and transcripts.

Parents will only need to submit a form if you apply using a college’s early decision deadline. They will fill out part of your early decision agreement.

Teachers give a firsthand account of your intellectual curiosity and creative thought.

Other recommenders are usually non academic recommenders like coaches, employers, and peers. They give insight into your interests and activities outside of the classroom.

Advisors do not submit any forms. They track and check in on your application progress.

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Make Sure You Have The Essentials

While you might want to bring everything in your possession with you to your new dorm or housing, try to limit the number of objects you want and focus more on what you actually need. Items such as bedding and toiletries are far more necessary than any luxury items that might just take up space. Before packing bedding, you should also consider how large your new living space will be, as you may need to buy new bedsheets and covers.

Its always a good idea to create a checklist of everything you need, which well get to below.

Pro Tip:

If you forget anything or suddenly realize that you want something from back home that you miss, dont worry. You can request your parents to mail it to you, or you can pick it up on your next visit. Also, include it in your college packing list for next year.

How Should You Apply

school supplies you ACTUALLY need for college!! (the essentials)

Each school has its own application requirements, so carefully check the admission website for every school youre considering. Not all schools will accept either of the two primary standardized applications in fact, most dont.

The Common Application is the most popular standardized application. It is accepted by almost 700 colleges around the United States. Every year, almost a million applicants use the Common Application to apply to college.

The Coalition Application is accepted by almost 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. The application gives you a private space where you can collect and organize all of your application information before submitting it.

Even if the college you are applying for accepts one of these applications, you should still be sure to check if there are any additional documents that you need to submit directly to the universitys admissions office. You will also still need to pay individual application fees for every college and university that you apply for.

Of course, every college also allows you to apply directly through them.

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You Could Take An Access To He Course

Access to HE courses are designed for adults aged 19 and over without the necessary qualifications for entry to higher education. They prepare people for university-level study, meaning you can then go on to do a degree course. Here are some key things to know about Access courses:

They are available in many different subjects, and widely recognised as ideal preparation for higher education for students who have been outside of formal education for some time, or have few qualifications from school.
The course results in an Access to HE Diploma, a Level 3 qualification . The course is designed to provide a good foundation in the knowledge and skills required for studying at university level, so students are confident and well prepared when they go on to higher education.
Access to HE courses are available across England and Wales. There is an Access to HE course in Northern Ireland . A different scheme for access courses operates in Scotland, through the Scottish Wider Access Programme.
When you search for courses, you may see Access courses listed in the entry requirements, but if not, the university or college might still accept one for a mature student.

Create A Solid Budget

Now that you have a better idea of how much this will cost you, you’re going to need to put together a rock-solid budgetand stick to it. Include rent, groceries, utility bills like your cell phone and internet, and always remember that every month you’ll have some unforeseen costs. You’ll probably also want to make sure that you set aside some leisure money. Part of the college or university experience is taking part in activities outside of school, and this definitely adds to the life experience that makes going to post-secondary school invaluable.

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Don’t: Bring Something That May Be Restricted

Mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, electric tea kettles, toasters and candles are often restricted, Cohen said. Each school shares a list of dorm-restricted items prior to students arriving on-campus. Take a look at what is on that list, as you dont want to bring items that are just going to be taken away or result in a fine for you if campus security comes by.

Who knows where the power outlets will be located in your dorm, and who wants to crouch in a corner because your roommates using the outlet near the bed? A surge protector will give you plenty of power options, and, said Heffernan, one that has a USB port, too, will be a multitasking star.

Belkin outlet surge protector, $38.99 at

What To Bring To College: The Importance Of Organization

Before we introduce our ultimate college packing list, it’s critical that you understand the overall importance of organization regarding what to bring to college.

You’ll notice the word storage on our college packing list that’s because living in a small space means it’s more important than ever to stay organized.

You can start your organizational system before you even move. Start by labeling all the boxes or storage containers you’re bringing with you to college. Label makers are great, but duct tape and a sharpie work just fine as well. You don’t want to be searching for your charger on your first night in your dorm because you can’t remember which box you threw it in.

One-up this strategy by packing your dorm items as they’ll be stored once in your room. If you have a bedside rolling cart, for example, put the items in that cart that will be there once you move in. You’ll save yourself a bit of unpacking and know exactly where your stuff is when you need it.

Some things that are college-specific can be packed in advance, but you’ll probably wait to decide what clothes to bring with you. Packing your clothes last is actually a great idea. Make a day of it! Chances are that you can stand to donate some items, and you’ll have to decide carefully what to bring to college and your dorm. Clothes will also be the last thing you unpack once you’re moved in, since you’ll want to take some time to organize.

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Do: Wear A Messenger Bag

A backpack may have cut it in high school, but youll be doing a lot more walking, and your shoulders may pay the price. Wheeler learned in a movement class that the neck pain her fellow students were griping about came from their backpacks. So everyone opted for a messenger bag, which distributed the weight better .

Mossimo Mens messenger bag, $19.99 at Target.com

It’s Possible To Start Consulting Right Now

There is no degree required to become a consultant and you also don’t need to be a foremost expert to launch your services. Work on identifying areas where you can solve someone else’s problems. Look at B2B services you can offer, from email marketing to on-site optimization.

Just don’t fall into the trap of believing that you don’t know enough to consult. If you know more than your clients and can coach them in useful ways that solve their problems, then you can look to consulting. I have years of experience in content marketing and consult entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses. Although I’ve had a lot of success, there are plenty of other people out there who are more experienced and earn more than me. There’s room for people with various strengths and niches in any industry.

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How Should I Pack My Clothes For College

Its best to settle for enough clothing to get through one or two seasons at a time. When returning home for winter break or another occasion as the season changes, you can take some clothes back and exchange them for others. You may want to consider bringing some formal wear in the event of a job fair, networking opportunity, or a job interview. You can also start by packing some neutral-colored clothes to make coordination easier. If you exercise or use a gym, dont forget to bring some workout clothes.

Pro Tip:

If you know how to sew, bringing a small sewing kit can help you patch up clothes in an emergency.

Another way to make unpacking easier is to leave all your clothes on their hangers when youre packing. Once youre in your room, you will be able to simply remove them from the box and hang them in your closet. This also means you dont have to put hangers separately on your college packing list! If you dont have boxes that are big enough to hold your clothes and their hangers, you can use a large bag such as a garbage bag, with the hanger hooks poking out of the top. Using bags to carry clothing may also be best to keep dress shirts and slacks from creasing.

You Can Invest In Real Estate Without A Degree

Do I Need College As A Web Designer?

There is no degree required to start investing in real estate. And I’m not just talking about flipping homes or buying rental property. You can start investing in commercial real estate without a degree or even much money.

Crowdsourcing has become a popular way to do this. Sites like Realty Mogul offer investment opportunities for a few thousand dollars. Their properties range from hotels to office buildings to storage units. As you build up your portfolio and earn more money, you can look to commercial real estate opportunities in your own community to make a name for yourself.

Sometimes Writings Essays Can Feel Like The Biggest Part Of Your Application With A Little Bit Of Planning Organizing And Drafting We Can Help You Make This Task More Manageable

As you work on your applications you can find essays or short answer questions in three sections:

Colleges can either make the personal essay optional or required. In the writing section of your Common App tab, you will see a table that lists each college’s requirements.

Many colleges include short answer questions or essay prompts within this section. You can find specific information about each college’s individual writing prompts here.

Some colleges use a separate writing supplement. Not all colleges have a writing supplement. Some colleges only request this supplement based on how you answer other questions. You can find more information about writing supplements on the Dashboard or your My Colleges tab.

This College Packing List Has Everything You Need For Back To School

Heading to college for the first time is one of my all-time favorite memories. Theres something exciting about packing your favorite belongings, settling into your new living space, and starting a brand new life as a college student lets be honest, its a big deal! Here at HCHQ, we have years of college shopping experience, and with the help of some of our favorite brands, were sharing our college student must-haves with you. Welcome to the College Packing List, your comprehensive guide to everything you need for college life!

Whether youre moving into a dorm, apartment, or revamping your at-home workspace, shopping for items that help you feel great is the best way to start the semester on a fresh note. From everyday must-haves to stylish dorm decor and little items thatll make your life *way* easier, our College Packing List has you covered. Ready to start back-to-school shopping? Lets do this.

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