XINHUA Think ahead to make the most of your college course.

College freshmen have four years ahead in which they can prepare for their future careers. But where to start? Well, we suggest freshers “think from the future”. In other words, you should plan your college life based on what you hope to do after graduation. Usually, the three hottest options for graduates are to study abroad, go to domestic graduate school or land a job. We consulted upperclassmen and supervisors, and drew the following timetable:

对于大学新生来说，他们还有四年的时间为将来的就业做准备。职业规划从哪里开始呢？我们建议他们“为未来做打算”。换言之，你必须根据将来毕业后期望的职业对大学生活进行规划。通常情况下，毕业生面临的三个热点选择是：出国留学、国内读研或者就业工作。咨询高年级学生和学校管理人员之后，我们列出了以下的时间表：

Domestic graduate schools

国内读研

Year 1:

大一：

Library

图书馆

It’s too early yet to decide upon your specific grad school major. However, comprehensive research may help you to narrow down your choices.

决定读研的专业还太早了，然而广泛深入的研究还是可以帮助你缩小选择范围：

Year 2:

大二：

Prepare for your English test

准备英文考试

Developing English skills requires persistence. It’s a good idea to prepare for your English test as early as possible, so that you will have more time later for major-related tests and the politics test.

提高英语技能需要持之以恒，明智一点，尽早准备英文考试，这样才有充裕的时间准备日后的专业考试和政治考试。

Year 3:

大三:

Browse school websites for your reading list

浏览学校网站，列出书单

Go to the website of your target grad school to find the reading list to prepare for the major-related tests. It also gives you a rough idea how difficult your exams will be, so that you can adjust your school or major choice,

浏览希望报考学校的网站，查询考试书单，准备专业课考试。同时，也能了解将要参加考试的难度，调整报考学校和专业的选择。

`Orientation` in advance

预先熟悉情况

Try to sit in on related classes at your target school. This will enable you to become familiar with your potential professors and also have an insight into the key parts of your target course(s).

最好去想要报考的学校上相关的课程，这样既可以熟悉一下未来的教授，也能对将来要学课程的核心内容有更深刻的认识。

Year 4:

大四：

Test preparation training

强化备考

Test preparation classes during the summer vacation before year four will help you to assess where you may need to do more revision. Week-long classes during the National Day holiday will help you to consolidate the key knowledge points.

大四前暑假的考研准备班能给你提供指导，明白需要在哪些方面都花些时间复习。国庆长假七天的考研班也可以帮助巩固知识要点。

Study abroad

出国留学

Year 1:

大一：

GPA

平均成绩点数

Overseas grad schools ask for applicants’ cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on their entire four years of study. Without a good academic performance in Year 1, your GPA may suffer.

外国的研究生院要求申请者提供整个四年学习以来的GPA。第一年如果成绩不好，GPA也会受到较大影响。

Year 2:

大二：

Extracurricular activities

课外活动

Experiences like volunteering, internships and research projects make your personal statement and resumer stand out.

志愿者、实习以及研究项目的经历都能使你的个人陈述和简历脱颖而出。

GRE/GMAT

美国研究生入学考试/国外工商管理硕士MBA入学考试

US graduate schools require a GRE/GMAT score, which is valid for five years. Try in Year 2 (June or October).

美国研究生院招生要求提供有效期为五年的GRE或GMAT成绩，最好这类考试在大二考完（6月或10月）

Year 3:

大三

Language tests

语言考试

US schools require a TOEFL

(英语能力考试,即“托福”)

score, while UK ones require an IELTS (国际英文水平测试，即“雅思”) score, both valid for two years. Sit the tests in Year 3.

美国学校要求托福考试成绩，英国要求雅思成绩，两项考试的有效期都为两年，建议大三考完。

School and major choices

学校和专业选择

Refer to The Times (for UK schools) and US News and World Report (for US schools) to see school and major rankings.

参考《泰晤士报》（英国学校）和《美国新闻和世界报道》（美国学校），查看学校和专业的排名。

Year 4:

大四

Application timeline

申请时间表

UK schools: October 2013 to March 2014.

英国学校：2013年10月至2014年3月

US schools: October to December 2013, December 2013 to February 2014.

美国学校：2013年10月至12月，或2013年12月至2014年2月