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take the SAT or ACT</a>, <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/overnight-college-visit">visit schools</a>, <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/college-majors">choose a major</a>, and <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/college-application-checklist">fill out applications</a>.</p>
<p>At times, the whole college search and college application process might feel overwhelming. You might contemplate throwing in the towel altogether.</p>
<p>Thankfully, keeping commitments isn’t a skill you are or aren’t born with. It’s a habit you can develop by taking a few intentional steps.</p>
<p>Continue reading to learn about the importance of keeping commitments and how to stay committed while preparing for college.</p>
<h2>The Importance of Keeping Commitments</h2>
<p>Commitment keeps relationships going whether it’s a friendship, romantic relationship, or business relationship. Commitment also keeps you going. When you stay committed, you can accomplish what you set out do in life.</p>
<p>Keeping long-term commitments says a lot about who you are too. People who successfully keep commitments are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reliable</li>
<li>Responsible</li>
<li>Self-aware</li>
<li>Trustworthy</li>
<li>Influential</li>
<li>Respectful</li>
</ul>
<p>All those characteristics will help you succeed in your personal life, your academic life, and your future career. Plus, those are the types of qualities that colleges look for in students. They want students that follow through with what they commit to and make it to graduation. </p>
<h2>How to Keep Commitments</h2>
<p>Getting good at keeping commitments won’t happen overnight. For most students, it requires intentionality.</p>
<p>Read through the following five steps to learn how to keep commitments as you prepare for college.</p>
<h3>Set Goals & Make a Schedule</h3>
<p>If you want to stay committed, you need to know what you’re committing to. Preparing for college involves a lot of steps and just knowing what they are isn’t enough.</p>
<p>Create schedules and set goals as you prepare for college to keep yourself on track.</p>
<p>Get started with these two:</p>
<p>SAT & ACT Schedule</p>
<p>Figure out a study schedule and test-taking goals for the SAT or ACT. Write down when you’d like to take the test by and make up a study schedule. Add study time into your calendar to remind yourself that it’s not optional.</p>
<p>Learn more about <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/how-to-prepare-for-the-sat">preparing for the SAT here</a> and <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/how-to-prepare-for-the-act">preparing for the ACT here</a>.</p>
<p>College Application Checklist</p>
<p>Use a <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/college-application-checklist">college application process checklist</a> to track the steps of applying to college. Mark down deadlines like application cut off dates. Then, write down your own target dates next to the big checklist items. Due dates will motivate you to act and keep up with your commitments.</p>
<h3>Ask Someone to Hold Your Accountable</h3>
<p>The thought of letting someone down is a powerful motivator. Ask a family member or mentor to keep you accountable to the goals you set for yourself. Give them copies of your study schedules, college application checklist, and any goals you set for yourself. They can check in with you in person or via text to see how you’re doing and hold you accountable.</p>
<p>If you choose a <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/questions-to-ask-your-parents-about-college">parent or guardian, talk with them</a> about creating an incentive program. For example, stick with your study schedule for two weeks and your parent will take you out to eat or to a movie. Having incentives to look forward too adds extra motivation. Plus, it provides a much-needed break from studying or college searching.</p>
<p><img src=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/asset.plexuss.com/news/images/staying-committed-for-college.jpg" alt="Staying Committed for College" width="400" height="250" /></p>
<h3>Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This</h3>
<p>It’s easy to lose motivation while preparing for college. If you lose motivation, keeping a commitment becomes even harder. You need to intentionally remind yourself why you’re preparing for college in the first place.</p>
<p>Keep yourself motivated and committed by doing some or all of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Write a note that says, “<em>I am going to be a</em>_____” and put it somewhere visible in your room or tape it to your locker. Fill the blank in with one of your future goals. Examples include doctor, college graduate, engineer, <a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/college-majors/study-education/study-early-childhood-education">preschool teacher</a>, etc.</li>
<li>Shadow a professional in the career you plan to go into. Seeing what your future could look like can keep you motivated and committed to your college preparation plan.</li>
<li>Visit a college campus and try to picture yourself living and learning there. The sensory experience is one you can revisit in your mind if you find yourself lacking motivation.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href=https://plexuss.com/n/"https://plexuss.com/news/article/how-to-stay-motivated-in-school">Click here for other tips on how to stay motivated in high school.</a></p>
<h3>Be Realistic About What You Commit To</h3>
<p>Do you struggle to say no when someone asks for a favor?</p>
<p>Lots of people do.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, if you overcommit, keeping long-term commitments like preparing for college becomes even more difficult.</p>
<p>If you want to get better at keeping commitments, you need to be more selective about what you commit to.</p>
<p>Before committing to something, consider what you’re already committed to. Consider what you’re being asked to commit to. Is it doable given the time frame, the task, your schedule, and your abilities?</p>
<p>If not, then you need to decline.</p>
<p>Remember, someone who keeps commitments has good self-awareness. A self-aware person knows their strengths and limitations. They also know what’s important.</p>
<h2>Final Thoughts of Staying Committed</h2>
<p>Preparing for college is a long-term commitment. From studying for the SATs to applying to colleges, the entire process can easily take more than a year. It’s important that you take the necessary steps to keep yourself committed through it all.</p>"/>
