The Do’s and Don’ts of Preparing for Graduation
The Do’s and Don’ts of Preparing for Graduation
By Kaylynn Clark
With many students facing their last semester at Taft College, I have found there to be a major disconnect between what counselors need out of a prospective Taft College graduate and what students know about how to apply for graduation. This can create many unanswered questions for students. In short, there are many things to consider when graduating. First, make an appointment with your proper department counselor as soon as possible if you think you qualify for graduation, then refer to a few of my do’s and don’ts of preparing for graduation.
DO
Check your intended major, and if you have taken the classes you need to fall under that major. Most majors have requirements that need to be fulfilled if you would like to graduate with your associate’s degree. Taking some undergraduate courses at a junior college can potentially save you thousands in tuition costs at a university if you plan on transferring.
DON’T
Take classes for something that does not fall under a potential career opportunity for you, stick to your general education and major requirements. For example, if you don’t plan on being a nurse, then you probably did not need to take those 4 extra science classes. Your counselor should steer you in the proper direction of the classes you can take if you have a career plan!
DO
Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with the graduation process. Make a list of questions you have before you see your counselor. They are there to help you, but only if you ask!
DON’T
Go in to your counseling appointment unprepared. Familiarize yourself with the graduation application papers and your general education requirements. This can save you from feeling confused about the process of graduating.
DO
Know the dates that you must fill out a graduation application. There is a window of time that you must submit your application by. Refer to the Taft College homepage (under the” important dates” tab) for these dates.
DON’T
Submit your graduation application late or forget to turn it in!