Next Steps to Enrollment

NEXT STEPS TO ENROLLMENT

We’re thrilled you’ve made Columbia part of your college search process. We know this is an exciting time for you and your family—and we also know it can come with some challenges. That’s why we want to make the process as easy as possible for you.

We hope this checklist will serve as a handy guide that outlines your steps toward becoming a Columbia student. But keep in mind, steps can vary from student to student. This list may not be comprehensive, and not all steps may apply to all students.

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CHECK YOUR COLUMBIA CONNECT PORTAL AND YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY

Your Columbia Connect portal (colum.edu/connect) is always going to be the most up-to-date resource to manage your next steps, know what needs to get done, and when you need to do it.

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SUBMIT YOUR TUITION DEPOSIT

When you’re ready, the whole process starts with securing your spot in the incoming class by submitting your $250 tuition deposit. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1.

☐ ACTIVATE YOUR COLUMBIA ACCOUNT—AND CHECK IT OFTEN ONCE YOU DO

This one is important because nearly every step that comes later depends on it. Activating your login credentials will allow you to access Columbia’s housing application, class registration, bill payment, course management system, and your official Columbia email account. You’ll receive instructions on how to do this within 48 hours after submitting your deposit.

☐ APPLY FOR HOUSING

Students coming to Columbia from outside a commutable distance are encouraged to live in campus housing. The housing application will be available to new students in early-April. As part of the application process, students will complete a personal profile, indicating their housing preferences and information about their personal habits (e.g., cleanliness, guests, sleeping, studying, etc.) to be used in the housing assignment and roommate pairing process. The application requires a $500 prepayment. For more housing information, please visit colum.edu/residencelife

☐ FINALIZE FINANCIAL AID

If you’ve submitted your FAFSA, then you’ve got your award letter and you and your family have started planning to fund your education—that’s great! Make sure to check Columbia Connect for any additional documentation that may be required. This could include verification documents and/or any final transcripts. And don’t forget to complete loan entrance counseling where applicable.

If you haven’t yet submitted your FAFSA, we strongly recommend you do so soon. Just go to studentaid.gov and use Columbia College Chicago’s code, 001665.

☐ COMPLETE PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES

Columbia requires placement assessments for both Writing and Mathematics classes. If you have or expect to have transfer, dual enrollment, AP, IB, or CLEP credits in these categories, then you might be able to skip this step. All other students should plan on devoting about two hours to completing The Write Class and ALEKS. These assessments will help ensure that you’re in the appropriate classes right from the start. Some departments also have placement activities specific to their intended majors, so watch your Columbia Connect portal and your email for notifications about those.

NEXT STEPS TO ENROLLMENT

☐ REGISTER FOR CLASSES

This is a two-part process, and both parts are important: First, you’ll complete the Registration Questionnaire. Your advisor will use your responses on the questionnaire to create your firstsemester schedule. Then, you’ll get a notification once your schedule is ready—you’ll be able to review it and acknowledge that you’ve seen it. When you’ve completed this second step, we’ll share some resources to help you understand how your schedule fits into your overall degree plan, and we’ll connect you to an advisor who can answer your questions and talk through any changes you’re considering.

☐ SET UP YOUR PAYMENT PLAN

Now that you have a schedule, you’ll also have a bill. Through CCCPay, you can either pay off your balance in full or set up a monthly payment plan. You can also designate an authorized party to pay for you. The deadline to pay in full or establish a plan is August 1.

☐ SIGN YOUR HOUSING CONTRACT

You’ll be notified about your housing contract via your Columbia student email, so be sure to review it promptly and add your electronic signature. This will secure your room for when you arrive at the start of the semester.

☐ I-20

International students should complete the I-20 request and upload supporting documentation to receive a student visa. For more information, go to colum.edu/international

☐ SUBMIT IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

Columbia requires students to provide proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases—including COVID-19. You’ll upload your records through MedProctor.com. You can read more at colum.edu/immunizations

☐ REVIEW TECHNOLOGY

NEEDS

Thinking about purchasing a new laptop for college? Review the requirements for each major at colum.edu/techneeds

☐ SEND US YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPTS

Freshman students must send Columbia a final high school transcript reflecting a graduation date. Please plan to ask your high school to do this once your transcript is final. Transfer students should send any transcripts reflecting work they’ve completed since their initial application to ensure they receive earned credits. Similarly, students should send any transcripts reflecting dualenrollment work completed while in high school and/or official score reports for AP, IB, or CLEP exams.

☐ PARTICIPATE IN ENGAGE COLUMBIA

Our new student orientation program, Engage Columbia, will introduce you to everything you need to know for laying the groundwork toward your creative success as a Columbia student. Think of it as your first real day of college—because it kind of is. More details will be posted to your Columbia Connect portal.

☐ CONTACT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Will you need accommodations in your classes or housing? You can start working with our SSD office before you’re enrolled to make sure everything is in place. Find out more at colum.edu/ssd.

☐ JOIN HANDSHAKE

Do you want to work while you’re in school? Handshake is your way to find out about job opportunities on and off campus. All listings are open to all students. See colum.edu/handshake

☐ MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

Move-in dates are assigned after you sign your housing contract. Get packed, get excited, and show up ready to move on your assigned date.

☐ START CLASSES

The Fall term starts on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. We’ll see you there!

Questions? Contact Admissions: 312-369-7130 | admissions@colum.edu colum.edu/admissions