First of all, congratulations on making it through one of the toughest periods of your life – the college admissions process. I’m sure you’re still recovering from those sleepless nights spent writing admissions essays and filling out application forms, but don’t relax just yet. Over the next few weeks, you have a lot to accomplish, including deciding which campus will be your new home this fall. For some of you, the choice may be easy, but there are some things you should consider before making your final decision. It’s a good idea to compare all financial aid packages you have received, including grants, scholarships and any loan offers provided. It’s also important to understand what each school is willing to contribute, as well as what your total cost of attendance may be, so you can estimate the amount of student loan debt you may incur at each potential school. Once you have taken the time to review each school’s offer and made your final choice, there are still several things you’ll need to address prior to moving on campus. Here are just some of the tasks you’ll need to complete over the next few months.
1. Submit Your Letter of Intent – The national deadline to submit your Letter of Intent is May 1, so you’ll need to start narrowing down your choices pretty soon. Once you have made a decision, you should notify the other colleges that you are rejecting their offers, so your spot can be offered to another student. In most cases, you will also need to submit a deposit with your letter. Keep in mind that if you change your mind and enroll at another college, you will likely forfeit your deposit.
2. Revisit the Campus – Now that you have made your decision, head back for another campus visit. This time, take the time to eat in the cafeteria, chat with some of the students, check out the freshman dormitory options, and try to sit in on a class, if at all possible. This will be your new home soon, so don’t be shy; pop into student services and other locations around campus and ask questions. Be sure to check out the public transportation options and ask about parking, especially if you plan to have a car on campus.
3. Send in Your Housing Contract – After you tour the available dorms, submit your housing choice as soon as possible. The best locations go quickly, so if you want one of the more popular choices, you should plan to submit your forms in April or May. If you wait too long, you could be placed in temporary housing or find you don’t have a spot at all. After you have been assigned a room, you’ll receive information on your roommate and be able to connect with him/her prior to arriving on campus.
4. Sign up for Orientation – Most campuses host several freshman orientation sessions, but these are typically filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer to attend a session in early summer, instead of closer to fall, contact the school and register as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to schedule a visit with an academic advisor during your orientation, so you can review the courses you will need to register for this coming fall.
5. Forward Required Documentation – Don’t forget to let your guidance counselor know where you will be attending college this fall, as he/she will need to forward a copy of your final transcript to the school. In addition, any Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores will need to be forwarded, as well. Other documents you may need to submit include: a student health form, proof of health insurance, and a certificate of residence (if you are seeking in-state tuition).
6. Take Placement Tests – Some colleges require students to take placement tests, so they can assess their skill level in math, reading and writing. Depending on your score, you may be able to skip some (or all) introductory courses, or you may have to take some remedial courses to get back on track. Check with the admissions office to see what tests, if any, are required.
7. Connect Through Social Media – Now that you have made your decision, it’s time to connect with other students. Most colleges have a Facebook page and Twitter account, and many also have a presence on Pinterest and Google+. All provide a great place for you to connect with current and incoming students, as well as a place to express your enthusiasm for your new home.
The next several weeks will be a roller coaster of emotions for you; you’ll be finishing up classes and taking exams, spending time saying good-bye to your high school friends, and getting ready to make the transition to college. If you start to feel overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and remember you are not alone. Although you are leaving the familiar stomping ground of your high school behind, a new adventure is just around the corner.
Not sure which college is right for you? Check out the free college search and other tools offered at WiseChoice.com.
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