How to Prepare For a Graduation

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: February 17, 2023 References

Graduation is an important academic milestone for any student. It’s an occasion to look back on and celebrate what you’ve accomplished over the years. This is an exciting time, but it can also be an emotional one. There is a lot to juggle as you prepare to close one chapter of your life and begin a new one. As graduation gets closer, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by everything going on. However, by keeping a few key things in mind as you prepare to graduate, you can handle the occasion with ease and success.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Finishing Up Your Last Semester

1
Study for final exams.^{[1]
X
Research source} With a graduation on the horizon, the final weeks of class may suddenly seem less important. The excitement and nervousness can be distracting, and rightfully so! Big changes are on the way. However, final exams still need to be studied for, since those grades will contribute to your final GPA.
- Don’t forget to put in adequate study time for your final exams.
- It might help to form study groups with friends and classmates, to help keep you on track during your last days as a student.
2
Return school property and pay any outstanding fees.^{[2]
X
Research source} Go through your things and make sure you’ve returned any school property you have. This includes library books, uniforms, technology and any other equipment you’ve borrowed or checked out from your school. Keep in mind that some schools won’t send you your diploma or release your transcripts if you have any outstanding fees.
- Check online or with the appropriate offices on campus to make sure you are fully paid up.
Advertisement
3
Order your cap and gown set and graduation announcements. The last several weeks before graduation can get very hectic, but don't forget to order your cap and gown. Once you do, confirm the delivery date. Choose your graduation announcements and order them as soon as you are able. Once you get the announcements home, start a list of people you want to invite to the ceremony. Gather the addresses you need for mailing and start sending the announcements out.
- Find out if your school has limited seating or restrictions about how many people you can invite. Adhere to any guidelines.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- It’s best to send your invites out as early as possible, so that people can mark their calendars for the event.
- If you’re tight on money, consider sending e-invitations. This will cost you significantly less and, in some cases, may even be free.
4
Reach out to your favorite teachers, classmates and school personnel.^{[4]
X
Research source} In many cases, these final days of class will be the last time you see some of the great people you’ve met at your school over the years. Make it a point to visit the people who’ve positively contributed to your experience as a student. Thank them for it and let them know what it means to you. If you want to keep in touch, gather phone numbers and email addresses.
- This is also a great opportunity to line up recommendations and references for the future.
- Whatever your next step is, whether that’s going on to further education or entering the workforce, you will need quality letters of recommendation and/or references.
5
Visit some of your favorite places on campus.^{[5]
X
Research source} Take the time to return to some of your favorite spots at school and savor your last moments there. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your time as a student there. Recall the good memories you’ve experienced in these places and fix them in your mind.
- In a few weeks you will have moved on to the next phase of your life. You may not have the chance to visit these places ever again and you don’t want to forget them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Organizing Your Graduation Day

1
Get a full night of sleep. You will probably be a little nervous the night before your graduation ceremony. This is perfectly normal! However, you will need energy and strength for the day, so make it a point to sleep at least seven hours the night before. Your graduation ceremony is something you want to enjoy and remember, and both of those things will be difficult to do if you’re exhausted.
- You will feel healthier and happier if you’re fully rested for your big day.
- It’s highly likely that you’ll be posing for lots of photographs on graduation day and you will want to look fresh and rested in them.
2
Practice accepting your diploma with a smile. Practice your walk and smile for when you accept your diploma. If you didn’t order professional photos to be snapped as you accept your diploma, your friends and family are sure to be photographing the moment. If you practice how you plan to walk, smile and reach for the diploma, you’ll feel less nervous when the moment comes.
- Be sure to stand up straight. Hold your head up high. Avoid fidgeting.
- Walk at a normal pace and try to keep your smile natural-looking.
3
Set appointments for early in the day. Many people like to get fresh haircuts and other grooming tasks done on the day of graduation. If this is something you want to do, make your appointments several weeks in advance. Schedule them for early in the day so that you will have plenty of time to get ready for the ceremony without rushing.
- Call establishments the day before to confirm your appointment times.
- Create a schedule for your day and stick to it. Be on time to your appointments.
4
Check the ceremony agenda. Make sure you are well aware of the schedule. Confirm what time you need to be on site and plan to arrive early. Double check when your family and friends should arrive, as well. Remind them in advance so that they will also be on time and are able to find decent parking and a good seat.
- Do what you can to avoid any unnecessary rushing around on the day of the ceremony.
5
Confirm your post-ceremony plans. Many students celebrate after the graduation ceremony by attending a party that evening. Most high school graduates attend a party thrown by the school. If your school doesn't do that, consider throwing a party yourself. Talk to your friends and see what their plans are.
- Since a lot of your family is probably attending the ceremony, its a great opportunity to spend some time with them afterward. Plan to have a family gathering or a nice dinner at a restaurant.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Dressing for the Ceremony

1
Pick up your cap and gown. Try your regalia on to make sure the items fit properly and are in good shape. Look the material over for any snags or imperfections. If you find any obvious flaws, find out who you must speak to for a replacement. These items cost money and you should receive yours in good condition.
- There is a proper way to wear a cap and gown. Your school will have rules about how they want you to present yourself in your regalia. Find these details out as soon as possible.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Confirm what side the cap tassel should be on before and after you receive your diploma.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
2
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Your graduation day will probably be very busy and a little nerve-wracking. Keep your stress levels low by allowing yourself plenty of time to prepare and dress for the ceremony. Set aside a block of time to get ready and use that time wisely. Take an early shower. Comb your hair neatly and take care of basic grooming tasks such as clipping your nails.
- If you wear makeup, keep it simple.
- Remember that you’ll be taking lots of photographs, so take care of whatever grooming tasks make you look and feel your very best.
3
Choose an outfit you can move easily in. Graduation is a fun and exciting event, but it’s also a formal one. Most schools set expectations for clothing worn under your cap and gown. Find out if there are any dress code requirements and follow them. The most common suggestions are that graduates wear dark shoes and business formal attire like dark-colored slacks/dresses. Males are often encouraged to wear dress shirts with ties and dark slacks.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Choose garments that you can move naturally in.
- Make sure you feel comfortable. You don’t want to be worrying about adjusting your clothing during the ceremony.
4
Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in. When your name is called, you’ll need to walk up to receive your diploma. All eyes will be on you! The last thing you want to worry about at this moment is your shoes. Make sure you choose shoes that are comfortable to wear and won’t hinder your ability to walk naturally.
- If you buy brand new shoes, you may want to put them on beforehand and practice walking in them.
- Find out if there are any requirements for footwear and be sure to follow any rules that are given.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making Post-Graduation Plans

1
Meet with an advisor or counselor before graduation. Go over your completed coursework to confirm everything is taken care of. Discuss your next steps. Are you going on to higher education? Are you entering the workforce? Talk to an advisor or counselor about your plans and listen to any advice they may have to give you.
2
Prepare your transcripts and think about financial aid. If you plan to go on to higher education or additional schooling, make sure everything is in place. Get your transcripts ready, visit financial aid offices and apply to the schools of your choice in plenty of time to make a final decision. Find out if there are any testing requirements you have to meet, such as the GRE or GMAT, before starting school.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Gather the deadlines for these items and start a checklist.
- Research funding resources and grant opportunities.
- If your next steps involve relocation, begin thinking about the logistics of your move.
3
Update your resume.^{[10]
X
Research source} If you plan on entering the workforce after graduation, go ahead and start preparing your resume. Keep it concise and clear. List your experience, accomplishments and skills clearly. Choose three to five professional references. Check with those people to confirm they have no issue with being your reference. Gather any letters of recommendation you might need. Prepare an interview outfit.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Don’t forget to create a cover letter to go with your resume. Most professional businesses will require one.
- Visit your school’s career center to see if they have any resources to help you find work, internships or scholarship opportunities.
4
Check your credit report.^{[12]
X
Research source} If you’re planning on purchasing a car, renting an apartment or buying a home after graduation, a credit check will most certainly be run. Most professional places of employment will check your credit history before hiring you, as well. There are websites online where you can obtain a free credit report. Do this and examine yours closely for errors.
- Mistakes can occur on credit reports and unfortunately, if they aren’t caught ahead of time, these can impact your plans and economic status.
- Prepare a post-graduation budget so that you can start preparing for life after the ceremony.
5
Clean up your social media accounts.^{[13]
X
Research source} It is standard practice these days for most places of employment to check your social media accounts before hiring you. These accounts are easy to access and people can tell a lot about you by looking at your communication and behavior online. Comb through your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube and any other social media accounts and eliminate anything glaringly irresponsible.
- Create a LinkedIn account and put some time into filling out your profile professionally.

Community Q&A

Question

What do you do after the graduation?

Community Answer

That is entirely up to you! Most people choose to continue their schooling with higher education, begin their career or travel abroad.
Question

Can you go on vacation after you graduate? Or the reception follows the ceremony? Which shall I do?

Community Answer

If there is a reception after graduation, it's probably just snacks and saying goodbye. High school graduates typically go on vacation anyway, so you're not missing out on a reception.