Here you go!

1. Let the other colleges you were accepted to know that you will not be attending. 

If you were accepted to other colleges it is polite to let them know that you will not be attending. You can typically do this by sending them an email so they have documentation. This may allow a spot to open up on the waitlist for another deserving student.

2.Make sure to send your final high school transcript to your college. 

Colleges typically require a record on file of your final high school transcript and graduation date. Make sure that this gets sent and confirm with your high school counseling office that they have completed this process.

3. Send any AP test scores that you want your college to consider directly to the college. 

If you are looking to get credit for AP exams that you scored well on, you will need to have the scores sent directly to your college through the College Board.

4. Accept any offers of financial aid or scholarship.

Sometimes, accepting an offer of financial aid or scholarship is a separate process from confirming your intent to enroll. Make sure that you have submitted any necessary paperwork.

5. Register for housing. 

Every college has a different policy for registering for housing. Make sure to follow your college’s instructions. Often, you will need to submit a separate housing deposit. You may need fill out some surveys and in some cases you might actually get to choose your residence hall.

6. Sign up for orientation. 

Orientation is typically required for all incoming students. Some colleges offer one large orientation date just prior to the start of the fall semester, some colleges offer numerous sessions throughout the summer. Make sure to sign up for the date that works best for you.

7. Choose your college classes & take placement tests. 

Sometimes, a college may ask you to complete placement tests to determine a level of course you will enter. In some cases you will need to take these tests online prior to orientation and in some situations you will take them once you get to school. In addition, selecting college classes may happen at orientation with an advisor or you may be given access to the course catalog and asked to do this on your own.

8. Finish the last month strong. 

Make sure to finish out your final courses, grades and exams to the best of your ability. Don’t forget that colleges can reserve the right to rescind an admissions decision if there is a significant decline in your academic performance. Don’t let this happen to you!

9. Thank those who have helped you along the way. 

It is likely that a number of people helped you during your admissions process: parents, counselor, friends, teachers, etc. Think about all of the individuals who wrote your letters of recommendation and supported you in reaching your goals. Take the time to thank them and let them know they are appreciated.

10. Start making a packing list. 

Getting ready to head off to college is an exciting time and you don’t want to scramble at the end of the summer when it comes to packing. Start a running document and make notes of things you don’t want to forget to bring with you.
 
Congratulations seniors and best of luck to you!

Great College Advice

The post Ten Things To Do Now That You Have Chosen Your College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

However, colleges such as Colorado College and Cornell College can easily answer this question from prospective students. The answer? Their block plan.

For those of you unfamiliar with block plans, they are a unique academic approach that allow students to take one class at a time for three and a half weeks. This differs substantially from the traditional semester approach where students juggle four or five classes at one time. These block plan courses may allow for experiential learning and deep focus into subjects you are interested in.

For example, professors may be more willing (and able) to take you on a significant field trip since you don’t have to worry about missing another class. Their course is the only one you are taking at the time.  You will also be able to immerse yourself in the subject matter and explore it from every angle. Do you dislike feeling the need to switch subjects to prep for another test  in a different course before you feel you have completely learned and mastered the material for the one you are taking? Block plans might be for you. Most block plan classes are small and discussion based. With the extended learning time you may also have the chance to develop a strong connection with your professor.

As you are thinking about what college you want to attend, it is important to always consider the academic options offered and the type of curriculum that best suits your learning style. Read more on the subject of exploring colleges with unique curriculums as discussed in my previous blog post  When Looking At Colleges Don’t Forget To Look at the Curriculum .

Great College Advice

The post Block Plans at College – Are They a Good Fit For You? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

• Look at the curriculum.  When looking at schools, a lot of students automatically look at the male to female ratio, the size and location.  They don’t really take the time to dig into the academic side of things.  Look at what type of curriculum is offered.  Will you have the opportunity to do research?  Are the courses integrated across disciplines? Are there hands-on opportunities to learn outside of the classroom?
• Research academic departments.  In addition to the curriculum, it is important to really look into the academic department of your intended major (or several departments if you have no idea what you want to major it).  Read the faculty profiles.  Remember that what the faculty are researching and writing about will more than likely be the topics they are covering in their courses.  Look at the special events that are begin sponsored by the department.  Do they have any cool speakers coming to campus?
• Read the course catalog.  I don’t know of any colleges that are still publishing their course catalogs, but you can undoubtedly find it on-line.  Read through the course descriptions of the courses required for your intended major.  See if you can find sample course syllabi on-line.  How many pages of reading are assigned?  What are the grading procedures for the course? Will you mainly be graded on participation or exams? How many exams will you have?
• Don’t forget the library.  When visiting a school, don’t forget to stop by the library.  Research librarians are a great resource for questions regarding whether or not the students are academically engaged.
• Contact a professor.  Don’t forget to try to visit with a professor or sit in on a class while on campus.  Often times, the admissions office will help you set up these opportunities.

Katherine Price
Educational Consultant

The post Tips for Finding an Academically Challenging College first appeared on College Admission Counseling.

The post Unusual, Trendy or Practical College Courses? first appeared on College Admission Counseling.