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Thinking about college? Inside is all the information you need to know to set your course for success:
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Planning guide Listing of Oklahoma’s colleges and universities Navigating the world of financial aid
SUPPLEMENT TO THE OKLAHOMAN
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
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Scores to aim for grades to make Schools consider your ACT and/or SAT score, grades, extracurricular activities and essays during the admission process. By the time you’re ready to narrow down your list of colleges, you should have all of your important test scores. Compare your qualifications to the admission requirements and decide which schools are most likely to accept you. It’s generally a good idea to make sure your list includes at least one school you’re confident will grant you admission. A great admission essay, dedication to volunteer work or extracurricular activities can make the difference.
ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR FALL 2015 RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES • Oklahoma State University — Score a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 33 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA in the 15-unit core and a 21 ACT or 980 SAT OR score a 22 ACT or 1020 SAT or have an unweighted high school core curriculum GPA of 3.0 plus undergo review of cognitive and noncognitive factors. • University of Oklahoma (resident) — Score a 24 ACT or 1090 SAT and have a 3.0 GPA or rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 25 percent of your class.
Course requirements for state colleges and universities
Here are the courses you must take if you want to go to an Oklahoma state college or university. If you enter the job market after high school, these courses will help you with on-the-job success.
English 4 units Grammar, composition and literature
Math
PUBLIC LIBERAL ARTS UNIVERSITY • University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma — Score a 24 ACT and 1090 SAT and have a 3.0 GPA or rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA and rank in the top 25 percent of your class OR have a 3.0 GPA in the 15-unit core and a 22 ACT or 1020 SAT.
REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES Score a 20 ACT or 940 SAT OR have a 2.7 GPA and rank in the top 50 percent of your class OR have a 2.7 GPA1 in the 15-unit core.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES You don’t need to make certain scores, but you should fulfill the following requirements: take required high school classes AND graduate from an accredited high school or have a GED AND take the ACT exam.
Laboratory Science 3 units Biology, Chemistry, Physics or any lab science certified by school district, general science courses don’t qualify
NOTE: If you want to go to a state university, but you don’t meet the course and grade requirements, ask your counselor about right-to-try provisions. For more information, go online to OKcollegestart.org
Other SOURCE: OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
When you apply for admission to an Oklahoma college or university, the school will take many things in to account including national test scores, grade point average, class ranking, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
2 units — from any of the subjects listed above or from computer science or foreign language
3 units Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Math analysis, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus (must have completed geometry and Algebra II), Calculus, Advanced Placement statistics
History and Citizenship Skills 3 units Must include 1 unit of American history and 2 units from the subjects of: history, economics, geography, government, civics and/or non-Western culture
TOTAL: 15 units
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HOW TO
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PLAN FOR COLLEGE
Use this checklist to help make the best decisions for attending college
FRESHMAN YEAR
JUNIOR YEAR FALL SEMESTER
Now that you’re in 9th grade, it’s time to get serious about your college plans. By starting early, you’ll be better prepared. • Study hard! Build good study habits to keep your grades in tip-top shape. • Save money. Sign up for a college savings account from Oklahoma’s 529 college savings plan (OK4Saving.org) or continue to add money to an existing account. It’s generally best to keep most savings in your parents’ name. • Apply for Oklahoma’s Promise! If you didn’t apply in eighth grade, visit OKpromise.org to sign up for this scholarship program. • Talk it up. Discuss your future plans with your guidance counselor, teachers, family members, or other trusted adults. • Take the right classes. To be college bound, your class schedule should contain at least four college-preparatory classes per year including: — 4 units of English — 3 units of math (at or above Algebra 1) — 3 units of laboratory science — 3 units of history/citizenship skills — 2 units of electives from the areas above or foreign language or computer science. Some schools recommend you take an extra unit in math, an additional unit in lab science and two units in speech or fine arts (music, art, or drama). • Keep track of your courses and grades with a plan of study. Your transcript is a permanent record. Work hard so you are proud to show colleges and future employers the grades you make. Invite your counselor to view your plan of study. • Check it out. Find out about college entrance requirements for the schools you’re interested in. • Track it. Create a file of the following documents and notes: report cards, lists of awards and honors, school and community activities, and volunteer work. • Start thinking about the colleges you want to attend. • Find out about AP and other honors-level courses. • Continue to get involved in campus and community activities. • If you didn’t take it last year, take the ACT EXPLORE test to evaluate your skills in English, math, reading and science reasoning. It’s good practice and your scores won’t count towards your college application. • How are you spending your summer? Volunteering and educational programs can help give you a better idea about what kind of training or career would be right for you.The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers free summer academies. These are great opportunities to get experience in a field of interest and to build on your academic resume. • College life can be a big change — you’re on your own! Try taking some small steps towards independence this year, perhaps with more responsibility around your house.
Students can begin planning for college as early as the fifth grade to ensure success.
SOPHOMORE YEAR
• Keep those grades up! • Stay focused on your schoolwork and actively involved in high school. • Last chance to apply for Oklahoma’s Promise! If you didn’t apply in eighth or ninth grade, visit OKpromise.org to sign up for this scholarship program. • Sign up for a college savings account at Oklahoma’s 529 college saving plan (OK4Saving.org). If you have an existing account, remember to continue to add money. • Talk to your parents about financial aid options. It’s never too early to start planning how you’re going to pay for college. • Continue your conversations with your guidance counselors, teachers, family members or trusted adults about your plans for college. • Find out about AP and other honors-level courses for junior year. • Update your college planning file — or start one, if you haven’t already. • Know what you need. Review what courses you’ll need to take to satisfy the requirements of the school you’re interested in attending. • Be active. Continue extracurricular activities. Remember, many admissions officers look for well-rounded students who participate in the world around them. • If you have room in your schedule, consider a part-time job or volunteer position. • Stay motivated. Look into participating in academic enrichment programs,
summer workshops and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts and sciences. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers free summer academies. These are great opportunities to get experience in a field of interest and to build on your academic resume. • Take the PLAN test. This is a valuable test to help you prepare for the ACT, which you can take next year. The Oklahoma State Regents pays for every sophomore in Oklahoma to take it. Ask your counselor for more information. • If you plan to take the SAT, take the PSAT in October. The scores will not count for National Merit Scholar consideration this year, but it is good practice for taking the PSAT in your junior year (when the scores will count). • It’s not too early to start studying for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. • Investigate your options for participating in concurrent enrollment next year. This allows juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses if they meet certain requirements. • Make a list of reasons why you like different colleges and universities — programs, location, cost and so on. • Visit college campuses and “tour” colleges. • Start thinking about what factors are important to you in choosing a college: size, location, availability of extracurricular activities, for example. • Keep reading! Expanding your vocabulary and learning new things will help with many things over the next few years.
• Maintaining your grades during your junior year is important! Be sure that every course you take helps prepare you for college. Colleges will look at coursework take and expect challenging work in your choices. Advanced Placement and honors courses help prepare a student for college. • If you are an Oklahoma’s Promise student, be sure you are taking the proper coursework to qualify and that you are maintaining a good GPA. • Make sure you’re challenging yourself academically. Colleges will consider how difficult your courses are. • Now is the time to really focus your career and college research. • Do a thorough review. Ask for a copy of your transcript and evaluate yourself. Look at your class rank and GPA. Look for any gaps or low points and seek advice from your counselor on ways to improve these areas. • As you research education and career options, share your discoveries with your family. • Keep talking. Continue your conversations with your guidance counselor, teachers, family members or other trusted adults about your plans after high school. Talk with family and friends about their educational choices. • Stay involved in school and community activities. This looks good on your resume for scholarships and college applications. • Talk to your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don’t have access to a guidance counselor) about the following: — Availability of and enrollment in AP classes — Concurrent enrollment opportunities: taking college-level courses before you graduate from high school — Schedules and important deadlines and dates for the PSAT, ACT and Advanced Placement exams, SAT I and II — Ask which of these exams would be the best fit for your future — and sign up for those tests. Remember, you can always change your mind • How to start getting ready for the exams! • Review your academic record with your counselor and talk about ways to improve. • Find out the admission requirements for the colleges you’re interested in. Do your research, and be sure to find out about any additional requirements besides GPA and test scores.
SPRING SEMESTER • If you’re choosing your senior year classes, look for classes that will give you a strong transcript. You’ll also want to look for classes that will fit your college study plans. • Consider looking for a summer job or internship. Not only can you earn money for college, you can also learn valuable skills. • Continue with your campus tours online or in person. You want to be narrowing down your list of potential colleges.
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• Register for the March SAT or the April ACT, or both. • Research the requirements of the colleges you’re interested in to learn about admission deadlines and which tests to take. • If possible, schedule tours of campuses on the same days. • Your family may want to visit the colleges and universities during spring break and summer vacation so you don’t have to miss school. • Take the AP, SAT I and SAT II exams. • Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you. Think about what you would like to include in these and politely ask your teachers if they can help. • Add any new report cards, test scores, honors or awards from the year to your file. • If there is one subject area you need to improve on, focus on studying for that area to help increase your score.
SUMMER BETWEEN JUNIOR/SENIOR YEARS • Continue with your college visits. Call ahead for appointments with the financial aid, admissions and academic advisors at the colleges in which you are most interested. • Be productive. Find opportunities in the summer that will enhance your college and scholarship resume. • Continue to work on your application essays and review the application procedures for the colleges you plan to apply to. • Decide if you are going to apply under any early decision or early action programs. This requires you to submit your applications early, typically between October and December of your senior year. • Read your college mail and send reply cards to your schools of interest.
SENIOR YEAR FALL SEMESTER • You want to avoid “senioritis.” Take courses that will prepare you for college. • Stay on track. Review courses with your counselor to make sure you’re meeting high school graduation requirements, Oklahoma’s Promise course work and GPA expectations, and entrance requirements for the schools that interest you. Remember to update your Course Plan Builder. • Talk to your counselor about possibilities for concurrent enrollment (taking college-credit courses while you’re still in high school). • Save your money! Continue to plug money into your Oklahoma 529 plan. • Sign up. Even if you’ve already taken ACT or SAT, register for the fall ACT and/or SAT tests; you might boost your score! Have the official scores sent by the testing agency to the colleges or universities that have made your final list of schools. • Visit college campuses that are a good match with your abilities and career interests. • Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need to get into the colleges that interest you. • Find out from the colleges whether or not they need official copies of your transcripts (these are sent directly from your school). • Keep an eye out for financial aid workshops and seminars, for both you and your parents. There is a lot of help out there when you’re looking for info on financial aid. • Register for the October/November SAT I, SAT II and ACT tests if you plan to take them. Make sure your official test scores are sent to the colleges to which you are applying. • Take another look at your list of colleges and make sure they still satisfy your requirements. It’s not uncommon for students’ goals to change. • Make sure you meet the requirements (including any transcript requirements) for all the colleges to which you want to apply. Double-check the deadlines. • Give any recommendation forms to the appropriate teachers or counselors with stamped, college-addressed envelopes, making certain that your portions of the forms are filled out completely and accurately. • Most early decision and early action applications are due between Oct. 1 and Nov. 1. Keep this in mind if you intend to take advantage of these options, and remember to request that your high school send your official transcripts to the college on time. • Make a final list of schools that interest you and keep a file of deadlines and required admission items for each school. Many students like to have a “dream school” and a “safety school” as well as two or three others. • Take the SAT or ACT tests. Have the official scores sent by the testing agency to the colleges or universities that have made your final list of schools. • Get started on any essays to be included with your applications. Give your essays to others (teachers, parents, friends) for feedback. • Submit your college admission applications. Be sure to check them over thoroughly! Having someone else review your application with you can help you catch any errors.
Students can begin planning for college as early as the fifth grade to ensure success. • Be sure to consult with your school counselor about scholarship opportunities. Not all scholarships are for top students and athletes. There may be a perfect scholarship for you — it’s worth doing a little research. • Work on your scholarship applications, and mail according to deadlines. • Check with the financial aid office of schools you are applying to for specific information on scholarships and costs for tuition, fees, room and board, and any additional financial aid info they require. • Watch your mailbox if you submitted an early decision application. Early decision replies usually arrive between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. If you do get an acceptance, you should withdraw any other applications. • Talk taxes. Make sure you and your parent(s) have completed income tax forms as soon after Jan. 1 as possible in anticipation of completing the financial aid applications, some of which have early deadlines. All students, regardless if they qualify for financial aid, must complete a FAFSA. • Apply for an FSA ID. Request an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. This FSA ID is used throughout the federal aid process, including completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
SPRING SEMESTER • Complete and submit your college financial aid application and the FAFSA between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15. Go to the FAFSA on the Web form at: www.fafsa. ed.gov. • Check for other financial aid options. In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to submit a FAFSA, even if you have not yet been notified of your acceptance to the college(s) to which you applied. • Request that your high school send your official transcripts to the colleges to which you are applying. • Contact the admissions office of the colleges to which you have applied to make sure that your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you. • If you completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report within four weeks. • Make the necessary corrections and return it to the FAFSA processor. • Complete your scholarship applications. • Contact the financial aid office of the colleges to which you have applied to make sure your information has been received, and that they have everything they need from you. • You will probably hear from the colleges as to whether or not you are accepted by April 15. • If you will be living on campus, submit your housing deposit to ensure you get the residential option you prefer. • Compare your acceptance letters, financial aid and scholarship offers. These are all important things to consider when choosing a college. • When you choose a college that has accepted you, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit for freshman tuition. This should ensure your place in the entering freshman class. • Take AP exams for any AP subjects you studied in high school. • Decision time! You should decide on a college by May 1. Notify that school by mailing your commitment deposit check. Many schools require that your notification letter be postmarked by this date.
• If you were placed on a waiting list for a particular college and have decided to wait for an opening, contact that college and let them know you are still very interested. • Have your school send your final transcripts to the college you will be attending. • Contact your college to determine when fees for tuition, room and board are due, and how much they will cost.
SUMMER AFTER SENIOR YEAR
• Participate in any summer orientation programs for incoming freshmen. • Now that you know you will be attending college in the fall, it is a good idea to make sure you have student health insurance in case of any emergencies. SOURCE: OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
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COLLEGES
& UNIVERSITIES
• Ponca City • Type of institution: Two-year, four-year and comprehensive university, degree programs delivered through distance education • Emphasis: Course work for associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in a variety or subjects from multiple institutions • Contact: (580) 718-5600, www.ucponcacity.com
OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY • Bartlesville • Type of institution: Four-year University • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: (918) 335-6200, www.okwu. edu
NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA A&M COLLEGE • Miami • Type of institution: Two-year residential college • Emphasis: General education, technical/ occupational technical, terminal and transfer programs • Contact: (918) 542-8447 or (888) 4646636, www.neo.edu
ROGERS STATE UNIVERSITY • Claremore; branches in Bartlesville and Pryor • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Business administration, business information technology, liberal arts, social and behavioral sciences, applied technology, nursing, game development • Contact: Claremore, (918) 343-7546; Bartlesville, (918) 338-8000; Pryor, (918) 343-7868, www.rsu.edu
NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
35
22
30 29
32 33 15 4 5 21 235 9 40
11 36 28
SW 15
SW 44
1314 24 19 20
35
SW 59
12
10 31
17
SW 134
1. University of Central Oklahoma 2. University of Oklahoma 3. Southern Nazarene University 4. Oklahoma City University 5. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 6. Redlands Community College 7. Southwestern Christian University 8. Oklahoma Christian University 9. Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City 10. Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College 11. Rose State College 12. Oklahoma City Community College 13. Rose State College - Tinker Air Force Base 14. University of Oklahoma - Tinker Air Force Base 15. Langston University - Oklahoma City 16. Platt College - Central Oklahoma City 17. Mid America Christian University 18. Wright Career College - Oklahoma City
BACONE COLLEGE • Muskogee • Type of institution: Four-year college • Emphasis: Professional programs and liberal arts • Contact: (918) 683-4581 or (888) 6825514, www.bacone.edu
WESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE • Altus • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Technical education and academic transfer programs • Contact: (580) 477-2000, www.wosc. edu
SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY • Weatherford; branch in Sayre • Type of institution: Four-year university, master’s degree programs in business education, health sciences and music, and doctoral degree in pharmacy. • Emphasis: Professional/liberal arts • Contact: (580) 774-3782, www.swosu. edu
CAMERON UNIVERSITY
• Tahlequah; branches in Broken Arrow and Muskogee • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Business, education, liberal arts, optometry, science and health • Contact: (888) 464-6636, 918-542-8441, www.nsuok.edu
• Lawton; branch in Duncan • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Business, education/behavioral sciences, graduate studies, liberal arts and science/technology • Contact: Lawton — (580) 581-2200, Duncan — (877) 282-3626, www.cameron.edu
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY — OKMULGEE
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA
• Okmulgee • Type of institution: Two-year technical college • Emphasis: Technical • Contact: (918) 293-4678 or (800) 7224471, www.osuit.edu
• Chickasha • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: 224-3140 or (800) 933-8726, www.usao.edu
High/Kelley
Santa Fe
Western
Pennsylvania
2 May
Portland
MacArthur
Rockwell
Council
County Line
Cemetery
SW 164
Meridian
44
SW 149
Sooner
SW 119
240
Sunnylane
SW 104
25
Bryant
SW 89
18
Eastern
SW 74
Anderson
34 16
Westminster
NW 10
Douglas Post
6
27
Midwest
7 3
NW 23
SW 29
UNIVERSITY CENTER AT PONCA CITY
37
NW 63
• Tonkawa — Branches in Enid, Stillwater • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Associate degrees in art, science and applied science • Contact: Tonkawa, (580) 628-6200, Enid, (580) 242-6300, Stillwater, 744-2246, www.noc.edu
44
35
Wilshire
NW 36
8
Air Depot
Britton
Reno
• Stillwater — Branches in Oklahoma City and Tulsa • Type of institution: Four-year comprehensive research university • Emphasis: Agriculture, arts and sciences, business administration, education, engineering, architecture and technology, human environmental sciences, veterinary medicine • Contact: 744-5358 or (800) 233-5019, ext. 1, Tulsa — (919) 594-8000, Oklahoma City — 947-4421 or (800) 5604099, www.okstate.edu
Nor thw est Exp ress way
Hefner
NW 50
23
Kilpatrick Turnpike
NW 122
NORTHERN OKLAHOMA COLLEGE
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
26
Memorial
Morgan
• Alva; branches in Enid and Woodward • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts and sciences, Master of Education and Master of Counseling Psychology, Master of Business Administration • Contact: Alva — (580) 327-1700, Enid — (580) 237-0334, Woodward — (580) 237-0334, www.nwosu.edu
NW 150
Sara
NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
1
NW 164
Mustang
• Goodwell • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Agriculture and education • Contact: (580) 349-2611 or (800) 6646778, www.opsu.edu
College campuses around the metro
Czech Hall
OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE UNIVERSITY
19. Park University - Tinker Air Force Base 20. Webster University - Tinker Air Force Base 21. OKC Downtown College 22. Vatterott College - Oklahoma City 23. University of Phoenix - Oklahoma City 24. Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Tinker Air Force Base 25. Heritage College 26. Platt College - North Oklahoma City 27. Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Community College 28. Southwestern College - Midwest City 29. DeVry University 30. Keller Graduate School of Management 31. Platt College - Moore 32. ITT Tech - Oklahoma City 33. Oklahoma Baptist University Graduate School 34. University of Phoenix - West Oklahoma City 35. Mid America Christian University - North campus 36. Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Rose State College 37. Brown Mackie College
UNIVERSITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA • Ardmore • Type of institution: Off-campus consortium of colleges and universities • Emphasis: General education, business, education, nursing and liberal arts • Contact: (580) 223-1441, www.ucso. osrhe.edu
SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE • Seminole • Type of institution: Two-year public college • Emphasis: University transfer and technical/occupational programs • Contact: 382-9950, www.sscok.edu
EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY • Ada; branches in Ardmore, McAlester and Shawnee • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts and sciences • Contact: (580) 332-8000, www.ecok.edu
MURRAY STATE COLLEGE • Tishomingo; branch in Ardmore • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Transfer programs and technical/occupational programs • Contact: (580) 371-2371, www.mscok. edu
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY • Durant • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Business, liberal arts and sciences, teacher education and aviation sciences • Contact: (580) 745-2000 or (800) 4351327, www.se.edu
CONNORS STATE COLLEGE • Warner — branch in Muskogee • Type of institution: Two-year College • Emphasis: General studies, occupational, transfer • Contact: Warner (918) 463-2931, Muskogee (918) 687-6747, www.connorsstate.edu
EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE • Wilburton; branches in McAlester, Idabel, and Antlers • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: in general education, business and nursing • Contact: Wilburton — (918) 465-2361, (855) 534-3672, McAlester 918-4265272, Idabel — 580-286-9431, Antlers — (580) 271-0471, www.eosc.edu
CARL ALBERT STATE COLLEGE • Poteau; branch in Sallisaw • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: General studies, vocational and compensatory • Contact: Poteau — (918) 647-1300, www.carlalbert.edu SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY — MCCURTAIN COUNTY CAMPUS • Idabel • Type of institution: Branch campus • Emphasis: Lifelong learning • Contact: (580) 286-9431, www.se.edu/ mccurtain/
WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY • Altus • Type of institution: 4-year university • Emphasis: Business, occupational education • Contact: (580) 481-5243, www.wbu.edu/ altus
COLLEGE BOUND
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TULSA AREA
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY — TULSA • Type of institution: OSU branch offering undergraduate and graduate degrees • Emphasis: business, engineering, liberal arts, education, aviation, early childhood development, elementary education, journalism and broadcasting, health and human performance, computer science • Contact: (918) 594-8000, www.osutulsa.okstate.edu
TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Transfer programs and work force development programs • Contact: (918) 595-7000, www.tulsacc. edu
ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: (918) 495-6161 or (800) 6788876, www.oru.edu
SPARTAN COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY • Type of institution: Technical college offering diplomas and associate of applied science degrees and bachelor’s degree. • Emphasis: Aviation and related technical training • Contact: (800) 331-1204, www.spartan. edu
PHILLIPS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY • Type of institution: Graduate • Emphasis: Theological education • Contact: (918) 610-8303, www.ptstulsa. edu
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA • Type of institution: Four-year comprehensive university • Emphasis: Research, pre-professional and professional preparation • Contact: (918) 631-2000 or (800) 3313050, www.utulsa.edu
OKLAHOMA CITY AREA
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY — OKLAHOMA CITY • Type of institution: Two-year technical branch • Emphasis: Associate of science, associate in applied science and certificate programs • Contact: 947-4421 or (800) 560-4099, www.osuokc.edu
DEVRY UNIVERSITY • Oklahoma City • Type of institution: Four-year university, bachelor and graduate programs. • Emphasis: Technological fields, business, technology • Contact: 767-9516, www.devry.edu/ oklahomacity.jsp
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY • Langston — Branches in Oklahoma City and Tulsa • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: 962-1663, (866) 466-2231, www.langston.edu
ROSE STATE COLLEGE • Midwest City • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Associate in arts, science or applied science and one-year certificates • Contact: 733-7673 or (866) 621-0987, www.rose.edu MID DEL TECHNOLOGY CENTER • Midwest City • Type of institution: Technical training • Emphasis: Architecture and construction, manufacturing, information technology, engineering and mathematics, health sciences, hospitality and tourism • Contact: 739-1707, www.middeltech.com
SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE • Midwest City • Type of institution: Private college. Bachelor’s degree completion and master’s degree programs • Adult programs, online and on-campus programs • Emphasis: Graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs, business, leadership, management, security, ministry • Contact: 733-3301 or (866) 342-3301, www.southwesterncollege.org
OKLAHOMA CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE • Oklahoma City • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: Transfer and technical/occupational • Contact: 682-1611, www.occc.edu
REDLANDS ST. GREGORY’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY • El Reno • Type of institution: Two-year college • Emphasis: General, transfer and technical • Contact: 415-6367 or (866) 415-6367, www.redlandscc.edu
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA • Edmond • Type of institution: Four-year university and master programs • Emphasis: Fine arts and design, contemporary music, business, education and professional studies, liberal arts, forensic science, mathematics and science, graduate studies and research • Contact: 974-2000, www.uco.edu
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA • Norman • Type of institution: Comprehensive fouryear research university • Emphasis: Comprehensive • Contact: 325-2151, www.go2.ou.edu
OU HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
• Shawnee • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts, nursing, adult learning • Contact: Office of Admissions, 878-5100 or (888) 784-7347, www.stgregorys. edu
SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY • Bethany — Branch in Tulsa • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: 789-6400 or (800) 648-9899, www.snu.edu
SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY • Oklahoma City, Altus, Vance Air Force Base • Type of institution: classroom and distance learning center • Emphasis: Aeronautics, education, technology, management, operations, safety, human factors • Contact: Oklahoma City — 739-0397, Altus — (580) 481-5991, Vance — (580) 213-7320, www.erau.edu
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX • Oklahoma City, Norman and Tulsa • Type of institution: Fast-track degree program • Emphasis: Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral; professional certificates • Contact: Admissions, 842-8007 or (918) 622-4877, www.phoenix.edu
• Bethany • Type of institution: Four-year college • Emphasis: Christian liberal arts university with majors in multiple diciplines • Contact: 789-7661, www.swcu.edu
• Oklahoma City and Tulsa • Type of institution: Professional, graduate and upper-level undergraduate • Emphasis: Medicine and health careers • Contact: 271-4000, www.ouhsc.edu
HILLSDALE FREE WILL BAPTIST COLLEGE • Moore • Type of institution: Christian institution providing courses of study leading to associate or bachelor’s degrees and master of arts and ministry degree • Emphasis: Arts and sciences, Christian vocational studies • Contact: 912-9000, www.hc.edu
MID-AMERICA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY • Oklahoma City • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Ministry and liberal arts • Contact: 691-3800, (888) 436-3035, www.macu.edu
OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY • Shawnee • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Liberal arts • Contact: 275-2850 or (800) 654-3285, www.okbu.edu/admissions
OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY • Oklahoma City • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: business, engineering and computer science, health sciences, biblical studies, liberal arts • Contact: 425-5050 or (800) 877-5010, www.oc.edu
OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY • Oklahoma City • Type of institution: Four-year university • Emphasis: Comprehensive; liberal arts core curriculum • Contact: 208-5000 or (800) 633-7242, www.okcu.edu
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COLLEGE BOUND
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
TYPES OF AID So you’ve decided to go to college. Great choice! A college education can open many doors in your professional and personal life. College is an investment in your future, and many options exist for financing that investment. The first step is to understand these options and make the best decisions based on your family’s situation. These questions introduce you to the basics of financial aid. If this process is new to you, read through all the questions and answers from top to bottom.
WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? Financial aid is money from federal, state and private institutions that’s used to pay educational costs. Sources of financial aid include: • The federal government • The state government • Colleges and universities • Community groups, including religious and civic organizations, professional associations and corporations People are usually familiar with the first three sources of aid. But they sometimes overlook the money available from community sources.
BEFORE YOU START Here are some options that can help you lessen the expense of going to college. Finish school sooner: High school students can take the College Board’s Advanced Placement examinations and/ or concurrent enrollment courses and earn college credit. The military: Educational benefits and scholarships are available to those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. In some programs, enlistees receive an education first, and serve an equivalent amount of military time after graduation. Other programs allow you to accumulate money for an education while completing an initial enlistment period. Some scholarships pay full tuition and all instructional fees, and may include a living allowance. Loan repayment is also available to Army service personnel. For more information, contact your local Armed Forces recruiting office. Americorps: It is a service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service and allows people of all ages and backgrounds to earn help paying for education in exchange for a year of service. Work while you learn: It may not be possible to earn all your own college costs, but a part-time or summer job can help reduce the amount you’ll need to borrow. School employment offices can help you find a job on or off campus. On some campuses, work-study or student assistant programs help students find career-related jobs. Jobs funded through need-based work study programs can also have additional financial aid advantages. You may also be eligible for additional financial aid if you fall into some of the categories below: American Indian: American Indian students who can prove membership in a federally recognized tribe may receive education grants from the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Information about scholarship or grant programs available to members of your tribe may be available in your tribe’s education office. Disabled: Disabled students who meet the academic qualifications for a college should apply for admission and, if needed, financial aid. By law, a qualified student cannot be excluded from college solely
because of a disability. All public schools and colleges and many independent schools provide disabled student services. Benefits may include counseling, tutoring, readers, interpreters, note takers, special parking zones and loans of special equipment. You may also request that a class be relocated to a more accessible place on campus. Your student budget, as calculated by the colleges, should include all educational expenses necessary to accommodate your disability. Be sure to work with your financial aid offices if you apply, so they understand your particular circumstances. For more information, contact the schools’ disabled students’ office, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, or the national organizations serving your particular disability. Athlete: Athletes considering a National Collegiate Athletic Association college should contact the NCAA for information on college recruiting rules, grade point average and testing requirements. Go online to www.NCAA.org or write to the NCAA at 700 W Washington Ave., PO Box 6222, Indianapolis, IN, 46206-6222, or call (317) 917-6222.
GETTING STARTED: FAFSA IS THE KEY • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the key that opens the door to financial aid. It serves as the application for most of the financial aid from federal and state programs and from colleges and universities. Even if you are not sure that you will need financial aid, we recommend that you fill out a FAFSA anyway — it’s free. • Submit the FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 as possible, making sure you meet any college or state deadlines. The quickest and most accurate way to file the FAFSA is online. In contrast to a paper copy, the online form displays only the data entry fields you need to complete. You also receive directions as you need them. The FAFSA site is also available in Spanish. Go to fafsa.ed.gov to get started.
WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF FINANCIAL AID? Various types of financial aid may be combined into a financial aid package. How much you receive will depend on your financial need and whether you qualify for merit-based awards. In most cases, the school won’t tell you how much aid you qualify for until you’ve been accepted for enrollment and have completed the financial aid form. • Merit-based assistance is awarded to students with a particular skill, achievement, talent or characteristic, usually as a scholarship. Most scholarships require separate applications, often with written essays and referrals. • Need-based assistance is provided to students who cannot afford college using only their own or their family’s financial resources. The level of need is determined through federal, state and institutional formulas. The most common forms of need-based aid are grants, work-study programs and subsidized student loans, which means the federal government pays the interest for you while you are in school. You must file the FAFSA for federal and state need-based aid. Your college may require additional forms for institutional aid. • Grants and Scholarships are types of
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financial aid that do not have to be repaid. • Self-help aid is aid that requires repayment, such as student and parent loans.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? • Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after Jan. 1 of your senior year in high school. By completing this application, you have applied for funds awarded by most federal and state agencies. • Applications are processed and results are sent to the colleges you listed on the FAFSA. • Your Student Aid Report will be provided to you to confirm data (a few days after submitting your application if you filed online). • Your school then will provide you with an award letter outlining types of aid for which you are eligible. Further instructions will be included in the letter. • If the financial aid office has deter-
mined that you will need a loan, contact the financial aid administrator regarding the procedures to apply for federal loans. • Apply for other scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible outside of the college or university. For more information, talk with your high school counselor.
HOW DO I GET THE MOST FINANCIAL AID? • Apply before your school’s priority deadline for financial aid, normally by the end of February. Research and apply for scholarships from private foundations, clubs, employers and other organizations. If your financial or family circumstances change, contact the school’s financial aid office for a new consideration of aid. For more information on financial aid, go online to OKCollegeStart.org. SOURCE: OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
COLLEGE BOUND
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
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FINANCIAL AID 101 Financial aid covers a large scope of college assistance programs that come in the form of grants, scholarships and loans.
GRANTS Grants are need-based forms of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Grants generally are provided by state and federal governments are include: FEDERAL PROGRAMS • Federal Pell Grants: Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid. These grants are considered the foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It doesn’t need to be repaid. It can help them pay for education expenses, including tuition, books, and room and board. STATE PROGRAMS • Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant: The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program, or OTAG, is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students. • Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant: A need-based grant program that awards grants to Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates at qualified Oklahoma not-for-profit, private or independent institutions of higher education. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply. Schools eligible to offer OTEG awards: Bacone College, Family of Faith College, Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College, Mid-America Christian University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Oral Roberts University, Southern Nazarene University, Southwestern Christian University, St. Gregory’s University, The University of Tulsa. • Oklahoma’s Promise: Oklahoma’s Promise is for Oklahoma residents who complete a specific high school curriculum, achieve at least a 2.5 GPA in the curriculum and abide by certain conduct standards. Students must apply for the program during the 8th, 9th or 10th grade and their family income may not exceed $50,000 at the time of application.
SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships are a form of aid to help pay for undergraduate tuition. Like grants, they do not have to be repaid. Generally, scholarships are awarded to students with special qualifications such as academic, athletic or artistic talent. STATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS ACADEMIC • Academic Scholars Program: The Academic Scholars Program helps those who qualify help cover the cost of room, board, tuition, books and incidental fees for up to eight semesters. The actual value of the scholarship varies based on the institution the scholar chooses to attend. • Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship: Enables 11 participating public universities to provide up to four years of scholarship support to academically-promising Oklahoma students enrolled in a baccalaureate program. Each participating institution may nominate up to 15 awardees per year. Regional universities are: Cameron University, East Central University, Langston University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Rogers State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
CAREER-RELATED • Chiropractic Education Scholarship Program: Scholarship is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma State Board of Chiropractic Examiners to assist residents of the state of Oklahoma who are pursuing the study of chiropractic at accredited out-of-state schools. • Future Teachers Scholarship: Future Teachers Scholarship Program was established as an incentive to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas in the public schools of Oklahoma. • George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship: Established by the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. • Scholars for Excellence in Child Care: The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program awards scholarships to eligible child care professionals to complete coursework in the area of child development or early childhood education, as well as the Child Development Associate and Certified Childcare Professional Credential Assessment. • Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program: The Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program is designed to recruit and retain mathematics and science teachers in Oklahoma. Successful candidates will be reimbursed eligible student loan expenses (a set amount, which may vary yearly) or an equivalent cash benefit.
MILITARY • Heroes Promise: House Bill 1343 became effective July 1, 2011, creating a special tuition scholarship for children of Oklahoma military personnel who were killed in action after Jan. 1, 2000. • National Guard Tuition Waiver: Awards scholarships to National Guard members and enlistees who want to earn a bachelor’s degree at an Oklahoma public college or university. MISCELLANEOUS • Independent Living Act: Awards tuition waivers to eligible individuals who have been or are in the Oklahoma Department of Humans Services foster care program.
LOANS With the rising costs of higher education, more people are turning to student loans to pay for their education. If you still need money to cover educational expenses after you have exhausted other aid and employment opportunities, student loans are a good option. Just remember, student loan money is for financing your education, not your lifestyle. Student loans are real money that must be repaid, with interest, so borrow only what you need. • Direct Subsidized Loan: For undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate financial need. Interest is 4.29 percent. Student is not charged interest on the loan while in school at least half-time and during deferment periods. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender; payment is owed to the Department. • Direct Unsubsidized Loan: For undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. Financial need is not required. Interest is 4.29 percent for undergraduates and 5.84 percent for graduates. Student is responsible for interest during all periods. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender. Payment is owed to the Department.
• Federal Perkins Loan: For undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility depends on student’s financial need and availability of funds at the college. Interest is 5 percent. College is the lender. Payment is owed to the college that made the loan. • Direct PLUS Loan: For parent of dependent undergraduate students and for graduate or professional students. Financial need is not required. Student must be enrolled at least half-time and must be either a dependent undergraduate student for whom a parent is taking out a Direct PLUS Loan or a graduate or professional student who is receiving a Direct PLUS Loan. Interest is 6.84 percent. Parent of dependent undergraduate student must not have adverse credit history. Borrower is responsible for interest during all periods. The U.S. Department of Education is the lender; payment is owed to the Department.
• Other or alternative loans: Some students, usually in expensive programs, take out private loans in addition to federal loans. The federal government does not back alternative loans. These loans are more difficult to qualify for because they require a credit analysis to determine your ability to repay the loan. The terms and conditions of the loans are up to the individual lenders and may be more costly than federal loans.
SOURCE: OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
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COLLEGE BOUND
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM Lack of sleep is a well-known struggle in college life. Final exams often leave students pulling the dreaded “all-nighter” in hopes of acing their exams, but research shows such a strategy could backfire.
OFF-TOCOLLEGE CHECKLIST Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your first year at college. These are just suggestions; you should adapt this list to suit your own situation. To save packing or shipping, it might make sense to buy some of these items after you arrive. It might also make sense to pack for one season at a time and switch items when you go home during breaks.
ROOM NEEDS AND STORAGE __ Bedside lamp __ Alarm clock/clock radio __ Mini trash can __ Storage bins __ Under-the-bed storage trays __ Desk lamp __ Fan __ Drying rack for laundry __ Bulletin board and pushpins __ Dry-erase wall calendar/board __ Mini toolkit (including screwdriver, hammer, wrench) __ Picture hangers (double-sided tape for concrete walls)
LINENS AND LAUNDRY SUPPLIES __ Sheets and pillowcases (2 sets. Check with college for size needed — some college twin beds are extra long.) __ Towels (3 each of bath, hand and face) __ Mattress pad (check with college for size needed) __ Blankets (2) __ Comforter/bedspread __ Clothes hangers __ Laundry bag/basket __ Laundry detergent, fabric softener and stain remover __ Lint brush __ Mini sewing kit
OFFICE AND DESK SUPPLIES __ Electronic storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives __ Stapler and staples __ Printer paper (if you decide to bring a printer) __ Pens and pencils __ Pencil holder and sharpener __ Notebooks __ Folder with pockets __ Labels of various sizes __ 3-by-5 index cards __ Sticky notes __ Paper clips and binder clips __ Rubber bands __ Tape __ Scissors __ Highlighter pens (multiple colors) __ Ruler __ Stackable desk trays (at least 4) __ Stamps and envelopes
ELECTRONICS __ Laptop (printer is optional; there are usually computer labs where you can print) __ Portable speakers (if you want to play music from laptop/MP3 player) __ HDMI cord, Ethernet cord for computer (check if your room has wireless) __ Surge protector __ Extension cords __ 3 two-prong adapters __ MP3 player __ Headphones __ Camera __ Cellphone
SHARED ITEMS
CHECK
WITH ROOMMATE(S) __ Audio equipment __ TV and DVD player __ Coffeemaker/hot pot/microwave, if allowed __ Small refrigerator (if one isn’t provided) __ Area rug __ Posters/art
CLOTHING __ Underwear __ Socks __ Pants/jeans __ Shirts/blouses __ Sweats __ Pajamas __ Slippers and/or flip-flops __ Sweaters __ Light/heavy jackets __ Gloves/scarf/hat (and other foulweather gear as needed) __ 1 pair of boots __ 2 pairs of sneakers or comfortable/ walking shoes __ 1 set of business-casual clothes __ 1 pair of dress shoes __ 1 swimsuit
Don’t snooze, you lose How inadequate sleep holds students back
BY LESLIE CORBLY Deseret News
Sleep deprivation and college have gone hand-in-hand for decades. Pulling all-nighters, socializing and part-time jobs all combine to make sleep an inconvenience, rather than a necessity. “There is a strong culture encouraging young people not to sleep,” said Dr. Shelley D. Hershner, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Michigan. Hershner co-authored an article in Nature and Science of Sleep that reviewed relevant scientific findings and revealed the consequences of that culture. “Chronic sleep deprivation may impair academic performance, mood regulation, and driving safety,” wrote the authors of the article. Possible solutions range from coordinating class and work schedules to accommodate sleeping patterns, to simply taking time for a nap.
“Napping can help improve cognitive functioning. Even 6 minutes of napping has been found to improve memory by 11 percent,” said Hershner.
ety, depression and sleep disorders. However, most students just don’t give themselves the opportunity to rest.
The causes
Students can avoid sleep deprivation’s effects if they take appropriate steps to incorporate sleep into their busy lives. Camilo Ruiz, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, said the first step is for students to build their schedules around their sleep patterns. Students who go to bed early should take classes in the morning, while those who sleep late should consider afternoon classes. “Young people usually prefer to go to sleep late and wake up late. Problems can arise when they have early morning obligations,” he said. Schools also could take steps to accommodate their students’ need for sleep.
One article cited in Hershner’s article used a detailed online survey filled out by over a thousand college students between the ages of 17 and 24. The results found that 70 percent reported insufficient levels of sleep. College students naturally are inclined to go to bed late and wake up late, but academic demands can complicate sleep habits. “It is hard to develop sleep patterns when their schedules and workload are up and down,” Hershner said. And that lack of sleep contributes to a student’s inability to judge the impairment it causes. Hershner said she treats students who cannot sleep for many reasons. Some suffer from insomnia, anxi-
Some solutions
COLLEGE BOUND
THE OKLAHOMAN | NEWSOK.COM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
STARTING FRESH
MOVING INTO THE REAL WORLD OF FRESHMAN LIFE
OFF-TOCOLLEGE CHECKLIST (CONTINUED)
BY MANDY MORGAN
TOILETRIES
Deseret News
Fear. This is what Teryon Lowery, an incoming college freshman at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., believes every freshman faces as he or she steps into a new stage of life. Fear of making new friends, fear of figuring out where everything is on campus, fear of stepping out of a comfort zone, fear of fitting in, Lowery said. In every stage of life, people have a desire to fit in. And though the transition into college may be one of the most standard examples of wanting to fit in, it is only one of many challenges students face. Knowing how to maneuver the world of no curfew, time between classes, choosing a major, personal finances and grocery shopping are all part of the new lifestyle these students take on. Parents and college administrators all can play important roles in helping these students prepare emotionally, as well as physically, as they pack up their rooms to move from home and embrace adulthood. Here are some things for freshmen, parents and administrators to know in helping new students not just survive, but thrive in college:
Ask for help Many experts and administrators believe asking for help could be exactly what a new student needs for success in college. “That’s part of not being afraid of things — asking for help when you need it,” Lowery said. Learning how to navigate campus and classes and living places are essential for success in college, said Alan Paynter, assistant director of admissions at Dickinson University. He wishes that students wouldn’t wander around trying to figure things out for themselves. “It’s OK to ask for help. There is nothing wrong with saying ‘I don’t know how to do this,’ ‘I don’t know how to schedule my time,’ ‘I don’t know where the dining hall is,’” Paynter said. Know the resources campus has to offer — tutor and counseling centers, professors and their office hours — and don’t wait until the last minute to seek help, offers Erika Martinez, a licensed psychologist in Miami, Fla.
Time management Time management is key for success in college as students balance work, extracurricular activities and study time. Many administrators find students manage time better when they are involved in sports or campus organizations because it forces them to learn to manage the limited time they do have, said Jill Krebs, academic programs coordinator at McDaniel College. Using technology and phones often helps many students tackle remembering all of their assignments, readings and responsibilities, Krebs said. However, college is a time to dive into what a student is passionate about, and trying to do too much with limited time can result in nothing done very well, said Tara Fischer, associate dean of academic advising and college at Dickinson College. “Tetris is a game we’ve all played … you sometimes had to be creative in the way you fit things in,” Fischer said. “Think of it like college and how you fit things in … seeing chunks of time and fitting that together in a way that is efficient and to get things done.”
Majors and job prep Perhaps one of the most stressful aspects heading into college for new stu-
Fear of making new friends, living in a new environment and fitting in often makes the freshman transition more difficult.
dents is feeling obligated to know what to study and become when they grow up. According to UCLA’s Freshman Survey in 2014, 86 percent of incoming freshmen already had explored different topics in high school, but that doesn’t mean each student has to know what they will do on the first day of school. Coming into college with a sense of direction is essential for every student, but “college is more for handling the questions of life than getting a job,” said Carney Strange, a professor emeritus at Bowling Green University. “It’s becoming more difficult to convince people of that. … Exploring is very important.” It’s OK for new students to use the first year to explore, and to reach out to campus resources that can help them figure out interests and potentially good majors, said Martinez. Parents should encourage their students to take a college aptitude test to help see what majors may be the best fit for them, as well as classes they can take to help make that decision, Martinez said.
Let family still support A common misconception in families sending children off to college is that they are no longer a parent’s problem or responsibility, Paynter said. Students need family support, especially when they are trying to navigate the independent life of an adult. “I know we have a ton of resources as colleges, but getting student access to those resources is a little bit more difficult. Having a parent at home saying, ‘Go seek out your adviser or coach or RA (residential adviser) if you’re having trouble with a roommate. … I think it’s often a parent they need to hear that from,” Paynter said. At the same time, parents should foster an attitude of self-advocating as they encourage students to reach out to resident assistants, coaches and professors when in need of academic or social help, Krebs said. When parents make sure their children know they are “still thought about and missed and nothing’s changed,” it’s a support to help them keep going in their busy, jam-packed lives, said Kiara Smith, founder and independent consultant at Year O.N.E. College Consulting.
Talk and think finance Smith’s financial advice for those incoming freshmen and their parents is simple: start conversations about money before they head to school. “They really need to plan early … anything they are doing now will drastically change once in college and out of the house,” Smith said. “Once they get into the real world and make financial mistakes, it’s hard to correct it and it just snowballs. I would stress that parents really have those conversations before they go off to college.” Learning that there is always a tradeoff when money is spent can really help
college students in monitoring spending, Fischer said. When a student decides to splurge on a pizza night with friends, they need to understand that means they can’t spend that money on something else, if they want to stay in a budget. “There are a lot of workshops and sessions colleges run on budgeting, and taking advantage of those” can really help students, as well as websites and numerous smartphone apps, for managing money, Fischer said.
Be OK on imperfect days McKinley Estime, a junior and student leader at Dickinson College, said the best advice he could give new students is to be realistic about what they are doing in college and to remember why they are doing it. “It’s a great deal of fun and it’s easy to get caught up in that fun and let things go,” Estime said. “But it’s not too late to pull together grades and life.” Administrators also believe it is important for student to have realistic expectations for themselves. “For a lot of first-year students, it can be disappointing when it’s not a perfect day or perfect semester. Oftentimes, prospective students are looking for the perfect school and they get there and realize there is no perfect school,” said Fischer. It’s about not expecting perfection, but learning how to thrive even in a situation that may be less than ideal, Fischer said. These are opportunities for students to grow and improve.
__ Antacid __ Aspirin or other pain relievers __ Vitamins __ Antidiarrheal medicine __ Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment __ Cough drops __ Shower caddy __ Shower shoes (flip-flops) __ Shampoo and conditioner __ Hairstyling products __ Bath and face soap __ Travel soap container(s) __ Toothpaste and toothbrush __ Dental floss __ Comb/brush __ Nail clippers, clippers __ Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron __ Razor and shaving cream __ Lotion and/or facial moisturizer __ Cotton swabs
HOUSEHOLD AND KITCHEN ITEMS __ Paper towels __ Trash bags __ Light bulbs __ All-purpose cleaner __ Plastic storage bags __ Food-storage containers __ Dish soap __ Tissues, wet wipes __ Bowl, plate and cup __ Coffee mug __ Water bottle __ Silverware __ Can/bottle opener
MISCELLANEOUS __ Umbrella __ Backpack __ Sports equipment SOURCE: COLLEGE BOARD
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