Next Steps

Down the Stretch to College

Congratulations, you know where you're going to go! The next few months are going to be incredibly busy and exciting ones, as you prepare for the transition to college. Here's a list of things you'll need to take care of before you hit campus.

Read All College Materials Carefully

There's a reason the envelope is fat. Besides the acceptance letter, you'll also find information on orientation, financial aid, housing, meal plans, and more to help you make a smooth transition. Much of the information will require prompt decisions and responses, so pay close attention to any deadlines.

Send the Tuition Deposit

Turning in the deposit late (or not at all) can jeopardize your acceptance. If your college follows the National Candidate's Reply Date, you should have until May 1 to make your final decision and send in your deposit—there are exceptions, so take note of the reply date in your materials. Your tuition deposit signals your acceptance of the college's offer of admission and reserves your place in the freshman class. Turning in your deposit late (or not at all) can jeopardize your acceptance. Good news—many colleges allow families to make deposit payments online using credit cards.

Make a Decision About Financial Aid

Your award letter will outline the various types of financial aid you've been offered including gift aid (such as scholarships and grants) and self-help aid (such as loans and Work-Study). Here are some tips to remember:

You're not required to accept the entire aid package as offered. For example, some students decline a work-study amount or accept a loan for a lesser amount.
If there are any significant changes to your financial aid status or contact information, you must inform the financial aid office.
Make sure you complete, sign, and return the form by the designated deadline.

Take Care of Loan Paperwork

If you accept student loans as part of your aid package, you probably will need to fill out loan application forms before the start of the semester.

Most student borrowers must also undergo loan counseling or a loan interview before funds are dispersed. Loan counseling can be done online and typically consists of a short set of questions to make sure you understand your rights and obligations as a borrower.

Choose Housing

If you plan to live at school, you'll have to apply for on-campus housing. At some point, you'll receive information about your dormitory, including a housing contract and deposit form, move-in dates and instructions, roommate questionnaire, resident rules and regulations, and an overview of services such as laundry and package delivery. Read this information carefully—you'd be surprised how many first-year students and their parents have shown up on campus, bags in hand, a day before move-in! Check out Thinking of Living Off Campus? if you're planning to get an off-campus apartment.

Contact Your Roommate

If you've been paired with a roommate or roommates, their contact information will probably be provided with your housing materials. It's a good idea to call your roommates, introduce yourself, and discuss your common living situation. For example, you might decide to share a refrigerator or television.

Select a Meal Plan

You may need to decide on a meal plan and return a meal plan contract before you arrive at college. Consider how you eat and live, and choose the plan that best suits you.

Go Shopping

If you don't already own a computer, strongly consider purchasing or leasing one. Do you have everything you'll need for your first year at college? With everything from a laundry bag, to underwear, to the all-important coffee maker, our list has got you covered.

Buy a Computer

If you don't already own a computer, strongly consider purchasing or leasing one. All students will need a computer to access online course materials, conduct research via the Internet, and read and send email. Some colleges require that all incoming students own or purchase a computer, and will even subsidize the purchase. If you have questions about the computer requirements at your college, contact their information services department.

Send Your Final Transcript

Confirm with your counselor that your final high school transcript will be mailed to your college's admissions office. You didn't slack off your last few months, did you?

Schedule a Physical

Most colleges require incoming students to submit the results of a recent physical exam, along with a vaccination history. Try to take care of this paperwork before you arrive at campus. If you're late with your physical, you might not be able to register for classes.

Consider Attending Pre-Orientation Programs

Some colleges offer pre-orientation programs, which allow first-year students to get to know one another on outdoor trips or urban community service projects. These programs are a great way for new students to get acclimated to their new environment and meet others with shared interests.

Prepare for Placement Exams

There's a good chance that you'll need to take one or more exams to determine your placement in science, math, writing, or language classes, so keep your brain from atrophying over the summer. Your previous standardized test scores could exempt you from certain placement exams, so find out the testing requirements and the exam schedule.

Thank Your Supporters

Don't forget to express your gratitude to everyone who has helped you during the college application process—counselors, teachers, coaches, scholarship sponsors, and especially your parents.