--- title: How to Feel More Prepared for College description: Feel more prepared for college with these tips, from dual enrollment to campus tours and career programs, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. image: https://blog.umt.edu/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-experiential-learning-and-career-success1.jpg --- [ Anna Weishaar ](https://blog.umt.edu/author/anna-weishaar) 07/02/2026 4 Minutes # How to Feel More Prepared for College ![How to Feel More Prepared for College](https://blog.umt.edu/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-experiential-learning-and-career-success1.jpg "How to Feel More Prepared for College") College is an exciting and unpredictable time in your life. It’s a big step and comes with narrowing the scope of what you want to study, making new friends, joining clubs, attending events, living away from home and finding the right balance between school and life. How do you prepare yourself for such a big step? It’s a great question to have and also a very common one. While we’re willing to bet you’re more prepared than you think, we want you to know there are several things you can do before and during college to set yourself up for success. Hot Tip: Already applied and been admitted?  Check out our companion post, [You’re Admitted to UM, Now What?](https://blog.umt.edu/youve-been-admitted-now-what) Keep reading for the best tips on how to feel more prepared for college:   ## Before You Start College: ### Dual Enrollment ![classroom-group](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/dual%20enrollment/classroom-group.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=classroom-group.jpg) If you’re eager to dip your toes into a little bit of the college experience before you’re out of high school, look no further than [Dual Enrollment](https://umontana.edu/student-type/dual-enrollment/dual-local.php?redirect=1). This program allows you to take college courses at a big discount while still in high school. You can take classes online or on campus, or, depending on your school, you can take college courses right at your high school. This option not only saves you money while earning college credits, but you’ll also get an idea of the workload of college classes. You can also get a jump start on your college education by starting with more college credits, placing right where you need to be to experience major-specific courses right from the get-go. #### Read More:  [How I Saved with Dual Enrollment ](https://blog.umt.edu/how-i-saved-on-tuition-with-dual-enrollment) #### Read More: [High School Students in Dual Enrollment Jumpstart College for Cheap ](https://www.umt.edu/blog/cost-and-affordability/dual-enrollment.php) ### Explore Majors ![A student holding a UM pamphlet during a Griz Preview Day](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/Do%20You%20Need%20a%20Major/2024081920241908BEARFair9948_ep.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=2024081920241908BEARFair9948_ep.jpg) Not everyone knows what major they’d like to pursue when they start college; in fact, it’s normal to not know! That’s what UM’s [Program Finder](https://programfinder.umt.edu/s/search.html?collection=uom9~sp-search) is for, to help you explore your options and feel more prepared for that first day of classes. If you’re still unsure, you can start with an undecided major at UM and try out different classes to see what you might be interested in. Read More: [Do You Need a Major to Start College?](https://blog.umt.edu/do-you-need-a-major-to-start-college) ### Campus Tours ![Prospective students taking a guided tour at the University of Montana](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-campus-tour.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-campus-tour.jpg) Having a hands-on, “I-can-see-myself-here” experience on campus creates palpable excitement that can put all your worries at ease. Even if you live around campus or visited before getting accepted, hopping on a campus tour opens new views of how your life could be as a Grizzly. Tours are offered daily, and special tours occur throughout the year. You can also get a little taste through the[virtual tour on UM’s website](https://www.youvisit.com/tour/umt/80241?pl=v&m_prompt=1).  [ Schedule a Campus Tour ](https://umontana.edu/visit.php)   ### Summer Exploration ![Summer Exploration students participating the CSI Missoula class](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-summer-exploration.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-summer-exploration.jpg) *Summer Exploration students taking the CSI: Missoula class* A campus tour lets you walk around and learn about campus for a few hours, but did you know you can fully immerse yourself in college life and spend a few nights here as a junior, senior or recently graduated senior? The [Summer Exploration pre-college program](https://www.umt.edu/pre-college/summer-exploration/default.php) is an excellent choice if you’re looking to make connections, have a college experience and earn two college credits all at the same time. #### Read More: [UM Summer Program Offers High School Students Early Taste of College](https://www.umt.edu/news/2021/08/080521summ.php)   ### **Attend a Griz Home Football Game ** ![Grizzly Football running in a touchdown](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/First%20Year%20at%20UM/20251213_footballmontanavssouthdakota_1117_ep95.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=20251213_footballmontanavssouthdakota_1117_ep95.jpg) Sometimes the best way to connect with your future college and know if it's right for you is to connect with the community. There’s nothing like going to Washington-Grizzly Stadium, hearing the crowd roar, watching Monte do some crazy stuff and cheering on the team to make you feel connected and a part of the Griz family.** ** Check This Out: [Griz Football Tickets ](https://griztix.evenue.net/list/FB)   ### Get to Know Your Extracurriculars ![A member of the Club Hurling Team swings at a ball during a match](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/Club%20Sports/hurling-blog.jpg?width=800&height=500&name=hurling-blog.jpg) An important aspect of your college career is what you do outside of the classroom. UM offers many opportunities for students to explore and find community, from joining the honors college to playing a club sport. Making connections with other students through a shared activity or interest can help you feel like a part of the Griz family. Read More: [Make the Most of Your UM Experience with these Campus Opportunities](https://blog.umt.edu/make-the-most-of-your-um-experience-with-these-campus-opportunities)    ### Contact Administrators, Counselors or Faculty ![Student talking to a UM faculty member](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-faculty-and-staff.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-faculty-and-staff.jpg) Everyone employed by UM is here to help. You can learn more about classes offered, what kind of jobs you might be able to get with a degree and learn more about the esteemed faculty filling every classroom. [Every UM College and Department](https://www.umt.edu/academics/colleges-schools-and-departments/default.php) is headed by a faculty chair, listed under the “people” section of each department. Have questions? Ask away! [ Email an Admissions Counselor ](mailto:beagriz@umontana.edu)   ## **After You Start College:** ### Big Sky Experience ![A group of students participating in the Big Sky Experience orientation week](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-big-sky-experience.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-big-sky-experience.jpg) The Big Sky Experience is your exciting and fun orientation before classes start. This award-winning week is designed to help students become integrated with their new community through peer-led activities and workshops and through community-driven projects. From experiences like helping garden with the [UM Peas Farm](https://www.umt.edu/peas-farm/) to a chance to see the ins and outs of how the [KBGA campus radio](https://www.kbga.org/) runs, there’s something for everyone! Learn More: [Big Sky Experience](https://www.umt.edu/orientation/bigskyexperiencelist.php)  ### The Office for Student Success [![Students and a tutor study their homework](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-office-for-student-success.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-office-for-student-success.jpg)](https://umt.photoshelter.com/search/result/I00000bE9MYwCnqs?terms=tutor) The Office for Student Success is there to help you with three main goals: 1. Transition smoothly to college 2. Remain enrolled and progress in a program of study 3. Graduate in a timely manner The Office for Student Success supports students by providing programs and services that enhance their academic growth and personal development. They have anything you need, from math and writing tutors to relaxation stations and personal well-being courses. The Office for Student Success is also home to the [Undergraduate Advising Center](https://www.umt.edu/undergrad-advising-center/). Learn More: [The Office for Student Success ](https://www.umt.edu/office-student-success/)   ### Experiential Learning and Career Success (ELCS) ![UM students smiling at graduation](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-experiential-learning-and-career-success1.jpg?width=750&height=500&name=how-to-feel-more-prepared-for-college-experiential-learning-and-career-success1.jpg) So, you’re in college. You’ve settled into your dorm, gone to classes, fallen asleep in the library and ate too much food at The Lodge. But you want to make sure on the academic side of life that you’re preparing for your future career. It may be four years away, but it doesn’t hurt to start now! Experiential Learning and Career Success at UM weaves your passions, degree paths and experiences to help you grow them into a fulfilling career. The career readiness program, [ElevateU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28YPapoEwno), enhances your career readiness and marketability so that by the time you graduate, your resume shines and stands out for employers. Learn More: [Experiential Learning and Career Success](https://www.umt.edu/experiential-learning-career-success/)    ### Protecting Your Wellbeing ![eight-dimensions-of-wellbeing-emotional](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/8%20dimensions%20of%20well-being/eight-dimensions-of-wellbeing-emotional.jpg?width=750&height=499&name=eight-dimensions-of-wellbeing-emotional.jpg) Staying on top of school means staying on top of your own personal wellbeing as well, both mental, physical and financial. Yes, that is a lot to manage, but UM is here to help you! There are resources available to all students to help with social connection, financial aid and counseling services through the Curry Health Center. Read More: [Eight Dimensions of Wellbeing at UM ](https://blog.umt.edu/eight-dimensions-of-wellbeing-at-um)   ### If  You've Made it This Far... You're more prepared than you think. Whether you're a first-year student straight out of high school, a transfer student coming from elsewhere, or it's been a while since you've been in a classroom -- you'll find plenty of other people in similar circumstances to figure things out together.  We can't wait to see you [here](https://www.umt.edu/)!  --- ![Image (5)-1](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Image%20(5)-1.jpg?width=117&height=154&name=Image%20(5)-1.jpg) *Anna Weishaar graduated from the University of Montana in 2018 with a degree in Creative Writing. She currently works as the Marketing Coordinator for the MCEE department.* --- ## Recent Posts ![Your Guide to Getting a Student Job](https://blog.umt.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20photos/Student%20Job%20Guide/20220822_BearFair_043695.jpg?width=767&name=20220822_BearFair_043695.jpg) [Your Guide to Getting a Student Job](https://blog.umt.edu/your-guide-to-getting-a-student-job) ### [Your Guide to Getting a Student Job](https://blog.umt.edu/your-guide-to-getting-a-student-job) Working a part-time job is a reality for most college students. 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