College Connection - Fall 2022

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ACTIONS TO TAKE AFTER RECEIVING THE ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Once you have been accepted to the school you applied for, you have several responsibilities and proactive measures to take before starting.

Take advantage of the months lead ing up to your first day by tying up loose ends and ensuring your paperwork and finances are ready for the upcoming school year.

This checklist of ideas from The Col lege Board will prepare you for the next steps after being accepted by your dream school.

READ AND RESPOND

You will begin receiving multiple forms and documents from your future school that demand a response. Make sure to check your email often and open all incoming mail. Paperwork may include orientation information, finan cial-aid requirements and guidelines for

housing.

If these important documents are returned after their deadlines, you may find yourself rushing to request an ex tension or stressed to reschedule.

TUITION DEPOSIT

Does your college require a tuition deposit? Make sure you pay it before the deadline. If you are unsure about when it is due, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office. Being late to pay can cause serious delays and problems.

CHOOSE HOUSING

If you are leaving home for school, make sure your living arrangements are planned well in advance. Many univer sities offer dorms for their students to live on campus. However, if that isn’t an option, you may qualify for assistance for off-campus housing.

PACK

You likely already have a plan in mind regarding the items you will bring along on your new adventure. If you’re mov ing far from home, you should also have a strategy on how to get it to your new place. Will you hire a moving company or enlist the help of family and friends to execute the move?

You should also consider the type of climate you will be living in. For instance, if you’re moving to a region with tempera ture differences from your current resi dence, you should plan to purchase a new wardrobe to remain safe and comfortable.

CONTACT YOUR ROOMMATE

If your university assigns you a room mate, it’s a good idea to reach out before you initially meet. Become familiar with one another and learn their expectations and be clear on your own.

CONSIDERATIONS

WHEN CHOOSING A MAJOR

About a third of college students will change their major sometime during their college careers, the U.S. Department of Education says, and about one in 10 will change majors more than once.

Students who change majors frequently risk losing valu able class credits and time as they move from program to program, so it’s important to make as few changes as pos sible once you get started.

MORE THAN A CAREER

Your major determines much more than what career you may tackle after you graduate. Many stu dents join clubs related to their major and take the same classes with the same people through out their academic career, lead ing to lifelong friendships. Make sure that your major aligns with your passion and values, because it’s going to be a big part of your life for the next four or even more years.

CONSIDER THE COLLEGE

When you’re looking at colleges, also consider how the majors you’re think ing about are taught there. Some colleges have a better reputation than others in certain subject areas, and that can lead to more op portunities down the road. You should also know if your cho sen major will re quire more educa tion, such as a graduate or even postgraduate degree, for you to be successful. It may also help if you declare your major on college applications

so that recruiters get a full picture of what you bring to an incoming class.

THINK ABOUT A MINOR

In addition to choosing a major, you’ll need to pick a minor, too, and you should be careful to choose one that re inforces skills across disciplines and prepares you to work

SCHOLARSHIPS CAN HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE

Somewhere in the big pile of paperwork that you lled out when you started school was a FAFSA, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

It’s the piece of paper that quali es you for loans, grants and even a few scholarships. But there’s a lot more out there that the FAFSA might miss. And it’s important because scholarships are a gift that doesn’t need to be repaid later, unlike loans. Schools, employers, churches, companies, nonpro ts and more all offer different kinds of scholarships for all kinds of reasons.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Some scholarships are merit-based, meaning that you earn them by meeting or exceeding standards set by the group or person giving the scholarship. They can be based on academic or personal achievement, or a combination

thereof. You might get one for a talent, a sport or anything else you do well at.

Scholarships based on nancial need address the gap left between what you and your family can pay and what schools cost. No matter your grades, if you and your guardians’ income meets a certain threshold, you can qualify for these scholarships.

A third group of scholarships targets groups of people, such as military families, people from a certain religion, women, graduate students and more. If you can think of a way to group people, there’s probably a scholarship for it. No matter your income or grades, if you t into that group, you are eligible for the scholarship.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS MIGHT COVER

That depends on the award and the people giving it. Some scholarships

only cover room and board in certain dorms, for instance, or may only apply during one semester. Other gifts span the whole time you’re in school, but may only cover tuition, not fees or room and board. All of them are worth your time and energy, because that’s money you won’t have to pay back later.

FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS

Contact your school’s nancial aid of ce and ask about scholarships you can apply for. They probably have a comprehensive list. You can also check at the public library, your high school counselor, federal agencies, your parents’ employers, with your town’s government or online. Be careful; some scholarship sites look real but are just ways to get your information for nefarious purposes.

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OVERCOMING ADMISSION CHALLENGES TO GET INTO COLLEGE

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an enrollment decline at colleges, the Chronicle of Higher Education says, but it still can be tough to get into your school of choice.

Here are some tips for getting into the school of your choice.

GET THE BEST POSSIBLE GRADES

There’s an old axiom that no one hires you based on your high school algebra grade. And that may be true, but colleges do look at those things when they’re deciding to admit you. Get the best possible grades you can all four years of high school. Challenge yourself by taking tough courses, such as honors classes, Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate classes.

PRACTICE TAKING TESTS

You want the highest score you can

get on the ACT and SAT, so take the test as many times as you can. Take the PSAT during your sophomore year and take advantage of free SAT and ACT study materials, study guides, practice tests and prep courses before taking the tests your junior and senior year. Take both the SAT and the ACT, and leave yourself time to take them more than once. You should also take SAT Subject Tests and AP tests.

TAKE TIME WITH YOUR ESSAYS

Don’t leave your admissions essay until the last minute. Think carefully about the topic and reflect on it before you write. Edit, rewrite, edit again. Convey who you are in your writing and make yourself stand out from the crowd. Ask for feedback from your teachers, counselors and other trusted adults.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Colleges like to see active, engaged students. One way you can show that is through community involvement. Show that you were active in extracurricular and co-curricular activities during all four years of high school and during summer vacations. Volunteer, participate in sports, take on leadership roles. You should demonstrate growth in your journey and develop talent in more than one area.

START EARLY

You should start your college search early, no later than the start of your junior year. Research the schools you are interested in, complete applications, write essays and make sure you have time to take all the necessary exams.

Ask for help from your school counselor and teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem simple.

FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

Leaving home for the first time to go to college is a huge milestone that comes with new responsibili ties, such as managing your own money.

College is a good time to learn how to budget, especially if you’re living in the dorms and using the meal plan, which takes care of two of your biggest expenses.

START BUILDING CREDIT

Your credit score may be even more important than your GPA once you graduate. It’s a number that tells lenders how likely you are to pay back a loan. The higher the number, the better. Everyone from banks to landlords to potential employers will pull your credit, so it’s important you start building up a good credit score now. Get a card or have your par ents add you as an authorized user. Avoid carrying debt and pay the card off in full every month.

HAVE A BUDGET

Create a spending (and saving!) plan that meets your needs and track how you’re doing every month. There are tons of apps and websites out there that help you do this and, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a great habit that will serve you well in the real world. If you learn this while your life is still rela tively simple, it’s easier to manage when things get complicated by homes, investments, marriage and children.

SET ASIDE A RAINY DAY FUND

In that budget, make sure you plan for emergen cies. If you have a car, plan to set aside money for re pairs and maintenance. Have a pet? Plan for illness es, prescriptions and veterinary visits. There’s no set number you need to save, but you should have some set aside in case the worst happens. Just knowing it’s there will relieve some stress.

LEARN HOW TO INVEST

If you save up enough, you can learn how to invest it and let it earn money for you. Look at tax-free accounts, such as IRAs. Avoid using alter native investments and financial adviser apps and stick with the tried-and-true. You don’t have much of a nest egg and it’s important to keep it safe. Notice how the markets and fees affect your investments and remember that this is a good time to try new things, cautiously.

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS

YOU WILL NEED FOR THE DORM ROOM

Moving out for the first time can be both exciting and terrifying. Once you’re out on your own, you notice all sorts of the conveniences of home that you took for granted. The first thing to do is to make sure of the rules and regulations pertaining to what you can and cannot have in the dorms. Also make note of what the dorm may provide for you (a mattress) and may not (a fridge). Now let’s run down the list of things you probably need to shop for.

BEDDING AND BATH

• Bedsheets, blankets and comforters, probably in a twin XL.

• Mattress pads. Trust us on this one. Probably in a twin XL.

• Pillows and pillowcases.

• Ear plugs, if you’re a light sleeper.

• Paper towels and toilet paper.

• Towels, including hand and bath towels.

• Under-bed storage bins.

• Shower shoes for use in a communal shower.

• Basket or shower caddy.

LAUNDRY SUPPLIES

Next on the magically appearing list: laundry. Here’s what you need to start tending to your own laundry.

• Iron or steamer with an ironing board.

• Laundry baskets and bags.

• Laundry detergent.

• Stain remover.

• Dryer sheets.

• Bleach.

• Lint brush.

• A supply of quarters if your school uses a laundromat.

PERSONAL CARE

You may have been used to the floss and your deodorant magically reappear ing whenever you needed it. No more. Now it’s up to you. Here’s a list to get you started shopping for your own personal care needs.

• Bath soap or shower gel.

• Shampoo and conditioner.

• Deodorant.

• Brush, comb and other hair styling tools.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss.

• Shaving kit.

• Makeup box or kit, lotions and other cosmetics.

• Cotton swabs.

• First-aid kit.

• Nail clippers and a file.

• Handheld mirror.

• Scale.

• Shower mat.

• Medicines.

ROOM DECOR

This is probably the most fun. Put your own spin on your dorm or apart ment by buying these things.

• Posters or wall art.

• Sticky wall mounts and adhesive hooks (bear in mind that nails and tacks may not be allowed).

• Personal photos in frames.

• Area rugs or other temporary carpet.

• Seating for guests. Consider things that easily move like beanbags or folding chairs.

• Desk and floor lamps.

• Trash cans.

• Bedside table.

• Desk chair (even if your dorm comes with one, it may not be very comfortable).

• Fan.

• Curtains.

• Bulletin board or whiteboard with dry-erase markers and thumbtacks.

• Closet organizer.

• Step ladder

• Bed risers for creating more storage.

• Over-the-door hangers for coats or tow els in the bathroom.

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PREPARE FOR REMOTE CLASSES

As the fall semester closes in, the country may still be facing uncertainty regarding how to conduct classes. Pre pare yourself for starting your collegiate career without the benefits of in-person education.

Fortunately, with proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success by planning for the possibility of online learning.

Take advantage of these tips from Xceed Preparatory Academy to make the most of your fall semester.

FIND A DESIGNATED STUDY SPACE

While learning from home has its benefits, it also has distractions that can inhibit your growth. Set up a desk or table in a room that remains relatively quiet, away from the television or com mon areas. Look for a comfortable chair to avoid becoming uncomfortable during lengthy classes. You may also need to invest in quality lighting to ensure you can take notes during video lessons.

LIMIT DISTRACTIONS

Keep your phone out of arms reach while you are attending online courses. Take an extra step and leave it in silent mode or turn it off, so you are not tempt ed to check a notification. Since most of the schoolwork will be conducted on a computer, you must avoid browsing the web during the time dedicated to learning. It’s essential to remain diligent when setting boundaries for breaks dur ing lessons. Make sure to set and achieve worktime goals before using your time to check social media or respond to mes sages.

CREATE A ROUTINE

It is far too easy to brush aside online learning for other activities, then rush to complete assignments before their deadlines. Unfortunately, when hurrying through remote classes, students may find it challenging to retain and under stand the information.

Use discipline to set a schedule and stick to it to establish a routine.

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ORIENTATION QUESTIONS TO ASK

Colleges often hold an orientation session before the school year begins for incoming students to help ease their transition.

Some campuses may even welcome parents and guardians to the event or hold a separate meeting for moms and dads. It’s an opportunity that should be used to familiarize yourself with the upcoming experience.

When you’re attending the orienta tion, try to be immersed in the event. Participate in discussions like informa tional sessions, advisory meetings and getting to know the other students. It’s a beneficial way to become accustomed to the new college experience before the semester starts. Orientations may also offer tours and testing for place ment in your classes. While you’re attending orientation, make sure to ask these important questions.

IS CAMPUS SAFE?

College campuses will typically have security and be patrolled by police officers. You should ask if the school of fers a notification warning system that alerts a student’s phone when trouble is arising. If they do provide this ser vice, make sure to sign up and regularly update any phone number or email changes so you can remain connected.

CAN I CHANGE MAJORS?

While entering college, you may think that your chosen major is an ironclad venture. However, as you prog ress through your academic journey, it’s reasonable to have second guesses and switch majors. You should find out how easy it is to contact advisors, counsel ors and the school’s policy on changing classes.

CAN I WORK ON CAMPUS?

Real-life work experience is a quali fication that’s required for numerous industries. Even with a degree, finding a job after finishing college can be a struggle. Ask if there are opportunities on campus that offer skill-building oc cupations during the school year. Work ing on campus is also an effective way to save money and time by dismissing the need to travel off-site for employ ment.

DO I QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

Orientation is a great place to find out more regarding the school’s finan cial aid programs. Ask counselors about

things like loan repayment, interest rates and payoff deadlines. Make sure you understand the ins and outs of how you will be paying for college.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING TEXTBOOKS

College textbook prices have soared in the last 10 years, and every student knows about the steep cost of buying their books every semester.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that college textbooks increased in price by 88 percent from 2006 to 2016. On average, the College Board says, students spend around $1,230 on textbooks and supplies every year. But there are some ways to cut the costs.

GO ONLINE

With COVID-19 bringing many classes online, students were loathe to spend money on a huge textbook if most of the class was going to happen virtually.

“The fact that students are being pushed into digital learning has a knockon effect of pushing them into digital

textbooks,” said Daniel Levine of the Avant-Guide Institute. “And spending more time in front of screens gives them more opportunity to discover hidden digital resources.”

SYMPATHETIC PROFESSORS

On many campuses, students have an unexpected ally in the ght against high textbook prices — their professors. Brian Galvin, the chief academic of cer for Varsity Tutors, said that open educational resources were growing even before the pandemic.

“As classes move online and students attend far from the campus bookstore, progressive professors may well see this as a great opportunity to shift to OERs and away from the traditional textbooks,” he said.

While the pandemic may also bring more professors into the open resource fold, bear in mind that the stress of teaching and researching during a global catastrophe may also mean that your professor doesn’t have the time they need to properly evaluate new materials. Be prepared to nd a way to get the texts you need.

WAYS TO SAVE

Instead of forking out cash on textbooks you may or may not be able to sell back at the end of the semester, look into bookstores and services that will allow you to rent textbooks or access them online.

You could also look for used books in good condition, comparing prices at bookstores around campus. Your professors may be willing to help you nd older editions that will cost you less money and still give you the resources you need for academic success.

Last but certainly not least, you can band together with students in your cohort or class to pool your money and share textbooks. Make sure you’ve got students you can trust, however, and ask your professor what they think of the plan before proceeding.

FOR FRESHMEN TO GET INTO COLLEGE MINDSETTIPS

Welcome to the first year of your col legiate career. Whether you’re fresh from high school or decided to take a break before pursuing continued education, the sudden shift in your routine can be intimidating.

Fortunately, with efficient planning, you can walk onto campus with more confidence and a mindset for learning.

Prepare yourself by familiarizing yourself with the school’s layout and staff. Before you are set to attend, bring your schedule and practice walking to and from the different buildings or classrooms. Record the time it takes to reach each destination to get an idea of how much free time you have between periods. The extra time will come in handy for chores, studying or taking power naps.

You should also research the school’s leaders and contact information. You will likely need assistance from a coun selor, finan cial expert or professor during the school year. Make sure you under stand who to contact when you have ques tions.

WORK ON SOCIAL SKILLS

The people you meet in college may become lifelong friends and connections that will propel you during your career. If you sometimes suffer from social anxiety, practice meeting in groups to help make yourself more comfortable. You may find it beneficial to participate in pre-college workshops for public speaking cours es to strengthen commu nication skills. When on campus, pay attention to how upper-level students and college leaders connect with others. Witnessing and using regular interactions

by those you look up to can steer you toward social etiquette in the collegiate atmosphere.

REACH OUT TO PROFESSORS

Once your classes are chosen, con sider introducing yourself to your profes sors before school starts. This can be accomplished through a simple email or scheduling a meeting during orientation. You will need to rely on communication skills and act respectfully during these discussions. Use the conference as a chance to address any questions

or concerns you have before the school year begins.

BALANCING WORK LIFE

Many college students hold jobs while pursuing their education. While your finances are important, make sure that work life isn’t disturbing your school year’s progress. If possible, ask family and friends for financial assistance while you’re growing accustomed to the new experience. When this isn’t possible, talk to a campus expert about applying for financial assistance or parttime jobs available on-site.

TAKE CAMPUS TOURS TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND

Choosing where to go to college can be as significant of a decision as decid ing what to major in. If you’re weighing multiple options, taking a campus tour can help make up your mind.

Before visiting, make a checklist of the most important factors to your decision.

To discover when a university is scheduling visits, check with the col lege’s administration office through their website or by reaching out to an admin via phone or email. You can typically take these tours with a group and gauge how others react or take a more intimate tour on your own to absorb the campus on a personal level.

Since deciding on a school can be a decision that will impact your future, it’s crucial to take your time during a tour.

Clear your schedule so you aren’t in a rush to finish and make sure your guide is available to answer questions during and after the visit.

Take notes throughout your walk through, especially when deciding between a few options. You can compare advantages and disadvantages before you make a final decision.

WHAT TO EXPECT

While each college may have their own procedure for tours, you should know what you may expect before your visit. The College Board suggests prepar ing yourself for these common experi ences.

Information session: An admission representative will present you with a brief explanation of the campus.

Tour: Typically led by current stu

dents, they will show you the main parts of the campus and be available for ques tions.

Attend a class: Some colleges will invite you to sit in on a class, giving you a perspective on size, learning style and peers.

Meet a financial aid officer: These experts can explain the expectations for qualifying for financial assistance if required.

Before a tour, you should research the university to help you develop questions you may not think of on the spot. You should prepare with inquiries for both fellow students and staff members.

Check out a map of the campus too, so you’re familiar with its layout before your scheduled appointment.

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FOR FINDING THE RIGHT ROOMMATETIPS

One of the best experiences in col lege is living with a roommate or two or three or 10.

Some college roommates end up lifelong friends, some end up as stories we tell again and again. Here are some tips for finding the perfect college room mate.

MAKE A PLAN

Start out your roommate search by making a plan. Think about the people you hang out with and enjoy the most. Watch how those people live their lives and consider carefully what you like about them. Think about your priorities in a living environment and compare how those people tick those boxes. Do

you prefer cleanliness? Are you messy? What are your sleep habits? Look at ev ery facet of your life and write down the characteristics that are important to you.

GO ON A ROOMIE DATE

Don’t be afraid to talk to potential roommates. Ask tough questions and re member they are just as nervous as you are about the whole thing. Don’t rely on a parent, older sibling or your RA to help you with this, though, the final decisions are (as they should be) up to you. You can ask for advice, but remember this is your life and your roommate. You’re the one that will have to live with them.

POTENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR A ROOMMATE

Here are some questions you might ask someone you’re considering for a roommate, courtesy of Dickinson Col lege.

• Discuss your sleeping habits.

• Talk about what temperature you like in your room.

• Discuss your sense of humor.

• Discuss your schedules and what time you typically come home.

• Talk about how to handle late-night situations.

• Discuss noise level in your space.

Talk about preferences for TV, movies and music.

• Bring up any pet peeves you might have.

• Talk about whether you’re messy or clean.

• Work out where and how you’d like to study.

• Discuss what belongings you are will ing to share and under what circum stances.

• Do you smoke? What about alcohol and drugs?

• Talk about your religious and spiritual values and how they impact how you live.

• Discuss any habits you might have (3 a.m. yoga) that your roommate may need to know about.

• Set ground rules for visitors, especially overnight guests.

PHOTO BY ZEN CHUNG

STAYING SAFE ON CAMPUS

Depending on the size of your school, the campus can be a very busy place. The key to safety is being aware of your surroundings and looking out for your peers. Take the time to become aware of your surroundings, both inside and outside the classroom.

The United States Department of Education is committed to providing safeschool environments nationwide. Before heading off to college, obtain a copy of their Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting.

It can be easily downloaded from their website and offers a perspective of the steps they take to enhance security.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THE SAFETY OFFICE

In addition to the experts on campus who will guide you through your collegiate career, you should also familiarize

yourself with the safety of cials. Learn their procedures on addressing concerns and whom you should contact.

It’s also important to understand the services that a security team offers. Some universities include options like campus escorts, emergency-phone stations and safety maps to showcase exit strategies.

AVOID BEING ALONE AT NIGHT

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals there were 28,400 criminal incidents against persons and properties on campuses in 2016.

One way to protect yourself is to avoid traveling outdoors alone at night. If you nd yourself in a situation where you will be navigating outside in the dark, make sure to tell a loved one where you will be or ask friends to take

the trip with you.

BE DISCREET ABOUT YOUR LOCATION

It’s common for college students to use social media as an outlet for networking and to boast about accomplishments or to share memories.

While it can be a great way to make both friends and professional peers, it’s also a way for strangers to know your location.

If you’re attending a music festival or an event away from home, avoid posting pictures until you are back home.

If someone with bad intentions realizes your dorm or apartment is vacant, they may be enticed to commit a robbery while you’re away.

You also should check your location settings on each social media pro le to maintain privacy about where you are.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PIACQUADIO

SHOULD YOU HIRE A TUTOR?

You may be heading into college with extreme confidence after breezing through high school with outstanding grades.

Unfortunately, the difficulty of collegiate courses may catch you off guard. Avoid struggling during your higher education experience by under standing the importance of tutoring.

When hiring a tutor, you acquire more than academic assistance. The professional is also beneficial for keeping you on track with lessons while offering emotional support.

HOW TO FIND A TUTOR

If you’re ready to commit to further understanding of a topic by hiring a tutor, there are several ways to contact an expert. First, you should consider if you would rather work with an educator virtually or physically. Video calls

may offer more conveniences for those with a busy schedule, but in-person lessons may offer a better opportunity to absorb information.

One way to find a tutor in your local area is to ask for help on your college’s social media networks. Explain the topics that you could use a hand in and estimate how much you can afford for the assistance. It’s likely that a tutor will work with you financially and offer a great value for their knowledge. You can also find a professional by reaching out to your peers who have also hired a tutor. Ask for their recommendation for an expert and find out if they felt the experience was helpful.

BENEFITS OF TUTORING

The most positive benefit of working with a tutor is one-on-one atten-

tion. If you find it difficult to keep up with a professor’s pace and feel you can’t ask them questions, it’s easy to fall behind and struggle. An expert can address the difficulties you face at your own pace, providing you with a better understanding of the subject.

Here some other advantages of hiring a personal tutor from Oxford Learning.

• Individual and unique learning expe rience.

• Improves academic performance.

• Improves attitude while at school.

• Encourages self-paced and selfdirected learning.

Whether you’re already in the middle of your college career or will be attending in the fall, working with a tutor can help you succeed.

PLAN TO BE INVOLVED DURING YOUR COLLEGE CAREER

Your college career can be enhanced by being active and involved in the extracurricular community. While focusing on your academics should be a top priority, engaging with your peers invites whole memories and professional opportunities.

Before attending college, do your research for interesting clubs to join. You can usually nd valuable information on a social media forum with current students or search on a school’s website.

Try to nd groups where you can contribute toward its growth with your familiarity on the subject. If you are unable to nd a club that inspires you, try to start your own. You should meet with school of cials to discover their process of creating a new group.

Here are some other fun ways to become involved in the college community.

STUDENT WORKER

A great avenue to take when getting familiar with the student body and how a school operates is by taking a job with the college. Look online or on campus advertisements regarding positions that are available.

You may join a sports team as an assistant or maintenance worker or apply to be a teaching assistant. Try to guide your part-time job toward the eld in which you are planning to obtain a degree.

This real-life experience can be an incentive on your resume that hiring managers will appreciate.

VOLUNTEER

Get in touch with your local community and college campus by volunteering your time. Many universities offer positions for students to contribute to the curriculum. Some options to consider are tutoring young children, cleaning up neighborhoods or helping build homes for charity.

Touch base with school of cials to learn how you can help and the bene ts you receive from donating your services.

ATTEND EVENTS

A great way to meet new friends and become a part of the campus life is by attending events amongst your peers. Whether it be a local music festival, a sporting event or a charity drive, you can network with many peers and build lasting relationships.

College-sponsored events are also a much safer alternative than attending parties thrown by students. Remember to stay safe when you are visiting an event with large groups of attendants.

PARENTS PLAY VALUABLE ROLE

IN COLLEGE PLANNING

Parents play a significant role when assisting children with planning for continuing their education.

While one of the primary concerns is coming up with the money to attend, there are other factors to consider. Learn to show your child support while cheering them on throughout the new experience.

Open and honest communication is key when preparing for college. It is likely that your child will have questions regarding what to expect and they may be nervous. When you’re there for them emotionally, you can give them the confidence to pursue excellence during their collegiate career. Here are some other tips to make the transition easier for both you and the new college student.

PREPARE FOR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

If your child will be traveling away

from home for school, it’s crucial to instill financial responsibility. You can start by showing them how to balance a checkbook to avoid expensive over draft fees and teach the difference between wants and needs. Be firm about sending a specific amount of money during a period, so they understand the importance of saving and spending wisely.

Consider signing them up for their own banking account. It’s a good idea to open both a checking and savings account so they can responsibly save any surplus. Some colleges may also offer a debit account that coincides with a student ID. The card can be used around campus to pay for laundry services, campus stores and food.

KEEP TABS ON ORIENTATION

When an orientation date is approaching, make sure your child is signed up long before the deadline.

Understanding the times and location of the event is crucial to ensure they are punctual. You should also make certain that they have completed all necessary tests before advancing in the admission process. While you may not be asked to attend the orientation, it’s essential that your child is prepared.

COMMUNICATION

Before a student attends college, it’s imperative to have some serious heart-to-heart talks. They should be prepared to face situations involving drinking or drugs, and you must express your concerns and expectations for their behavior. Try to give your best advice rather than preaching during these conversations, children will appreciate a compassionate parent dur ing these difficult discussions.

HOW TO A MENTOR TO GUIDANCE

Balancing your work, education and social life can take a lot of dedication to perform successfully.

It’s easy to get distracted and find yourself rushing to complete assign ments or finding it difficult to concen trate on your lessons. To keep yourself motivated, find a mentor who can pro vide you with compassionate guidance to lessen your stress levels.

Finding someone you can trust to be a mentor doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, a potential mentor may already be a large part of your life. Try to network with upperclassmen or even professors for their advice.

Their friendship will not only boost your college experience, but it can have a beneficial impact when you begin apply

ing for jobs after graduation.

ASKING FOR HELP

The initial conversation with a po tential mentor may seem intimidating. It can be difficult to ask someone for friendship and guidance without becom ing comfortable with them first.

Instead of being blunt about your desire for their advice, you should be pro active in identifying a person who took a career path like yours and casually explain how you admire their achieve ments and ask if they would be willing to engage in a short meeting.

Ideally, they will accept, and you can propose more frequent get-togethers if the meeting is a success.

MAINTAINING A RELATIONSHIP

Once you have found a willing mentor, nurturing the relationship is important to maintain it. Be adamant about staying in touch where you share achievements and concerns. Over time, you will both become excited to express success stories and push each other to tackle more challenging tasks.

It’s important to reciprocate the friendship if your mentor reaches out to you for ideas or problem-solving. Together, you can share a wholesome relationship that lasts a lifetime.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

If finding a mentor proves to be diffi cult, your university may offer a program where current students are eager to provide their assistance. Check with your career counselors to find out if they have an alumni-mentoring program you can become a part of.

Working with these caring individuals may inspire you to take a similar ap proach to offer your friendship to incom ing students as you progress through college.

If there is no available program, your school’s website will likely offer a data base for alumni contact information. You can usually reach out to these graduates through email or a phone call to ask for a minute of their time for a casual conver sation.

HERE’S HOW TO LAND ON THE DEAN’S LIST

On campuses across the country, the Dean’s List highlights a select roster of students who did well in a semester. Finding your way into this elite group takes considerable discipline through out your academic career but provides unique benefits that last a lifetime.

Since the requirements for earning the prestigious award can vary between colleges, it’s essential to discover the details before you begin your educational journey. A few standard conditions include:

• Maintain a specific GPA.

• Accumulate a certain amount of credit hours.

• Avoiding any incompletions in the academic term.

Find out the specifics for your campus by checking their website or speaking with a school counselor. Then you can set goals to achieve as you progress through academics.

STAY ON COURSE

When making the Dean’s List is a primary goal, follow these tips.

Get organized: Create a master schedule based on your courses to avoid falling behind in lessons and assignments.

Find a quiet place to study: Set your studying routine up for success by committing to learn ing without distractions.

Attend and participate in classes.

Limit the social scene: While college is a time to meet new people and share experienc es, try to limit social activity while you have assignments due.

BENEFITS OF THE DEAN’S LIST

One of the most intimate reasons to land on the Dean’s List is for a sense of self-pride. The accomplishment also opens doors to a more fruitful future. You will also receive a level of recognition both by school leaders and your peers. This is an excellent achievement that can boost your confidence.

Your college may also hold special events only open to students to celebrate their presti gious award. After your academics, the success should also be highlighted on your resume and professional social media profiles. A Dean’s List admission can give you an edge during a job search if you’re being considered with someone else with similar qualifications.

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