Preparing for College: Advice from Students Across the Globe

By Aarya Sharma

(14 year old guest contributor, and Coltie Grow participant)

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I, like many other high school students, am overwhelmed by the number of options colleges offer me, from the major I want to pursue to prepping applications; there’s a lot to worry about. Luckily, the panel of high school graduates that I met through the Grow program at Coltie gave practical advice on what to do both before graduation and when planning the next steps. The panelists included Aanya, studying psychology in the UK, after attending high school in Rome and Delhi, Eeshita, studying economics and philosophy at the University of Southampton, Vienna, an incoming Harvard student planning to study electrical engineering and math, Dhairya, an incoming Georgia Tech student planning to study computer engineering, and, Rishika, a biology graduate with minors in neuropsychology and chemistry, now heading to graduate school. The advice they shared was as follows:

1. Look for the Intersection of Interest, Ability, and Opportunity

One panelist— Rishika— mentioned choosing a major by using the Japanese philosophy of ikigai (directly translating to ‘a reason for being’) and looking for a field that was: Enjoyable, something they were passionate about, aligned with strengths, something they were good at, useful and sustainable, and something that could contribute to society and provide career opportunities. Finding a field that’s at the intersection sounds difficult, but the next piece of advice helps with it!

2. Start Building Experiences Early

I was surprised to hear how many students began preparing for applications through activities well before senior year. Aanya said she began seriously looking at applications around the start of 11th grade but had been “roughly planning” since 9th grade through projects, internships, and portfolio work. Hearing about their research projects, robotics teams, and volunteer work made me realize that these weren't just for a resume; they helped the panelists discover their true interests. It reinforced my idea that getting out there and gaining experience is the best way for me to find my own "ikigai."

Dhairya mentioned that she always had an interest in “building stuff.” However, the experience of exploring software and hands-on building helped her choose computer engineering. 

These activities helped students develop skills and gave them meaningful stories to discuss in applications. You don’t need dozens of activities; don’t overload your plate. A big relief is that a few sustained commitments that show curiosity, leadership, or initiative are often more valuable than a long list of unrelated clubs. 

3. College Applications Are More Than Grades

Students from both the U.S. and U.K. systems emphasized that applications involve more than test scores and transcripts. Focusing on just academics is a pitfall that many other students and I myself fall into, but really, it’s not beneficial.  

The most common advice I took away was to start my essays much earlier than I think I need to, allowing me to reflect more deeply that shaped my interests rather than simply trying to cram every single achievement into my admissions essays.

4. Be Ready for Greater Independence

Current university students said one of the biggest surprises about college was the level of independence required. Ishi said that was the largest adjustment needed. She described the shock of “juggling making new friends, cooking, living in your own accommodation, actually attending lectures.” College, in that regard, is going to be most high schoolers' first introduction to that newfound level of freedom. It’s a lot to manage, so I’d suggest starting now. If college is the introduction, then high school should work as the prequel, where you can build those soft skills and prepare as much as you can. 

5. Don’t Let Fear of Change Hold You Back

Students who moved to new countries or new universities often expected their environments to be intimidating. Instead, many found communities that were more welcoming than they anticipated. One specific adjustment Rishika touched upon was the shift in student-faculty dynamics. Having been educated in India, she initially expected a rigid hierarchy, but her university experience proved much more collaborative. She noted that "your professors do end up becoming your friends," particularly for those interested in pursuing academic careers. It was a refreshing change that made the environment feel far more supportive than intimidating.

 Aanya, one of the panelists, initially only applied to colleges in the US; however, after some struggles, she instead went to a university in the UK, mentioning how unexpectedly kind her classmates were despite her worries. It’s okay to have dream colleges, but don’t let your goals become restrictive; consider all your avenues!

Final Thoughts

Although the panelists came from very different backgrounds, I found their collective advice to be remarkably consistent:

1. Explore different subjects.

2. Build meaningful experiences.

3. Start applications early enough to revise thoughtfully.

4. Seek advice from people a few steps ahead of you.

5. Stay open to changing your mind.

My most important takeaway was to remember that very few students have a perfectly mapped-out future in high school. The goal isn’t to know everything already; it’s to keep learning about yourself and the opportunities available to you.