Dear Graduates - Congratulations! You've weathered the college admissions process and learned a lot about yourself and the art of decision making.
Now, here's some tips to consider before you leave for college. . .
* Safety first . . . Make sure you understand what steps upper classman take to ensure their safety. Check out some of safety apps available for your phone such as Campus Sentinel, Blue Light, On Watch, bSafe and Watch Over Me available at itunes.
* Make sure you have your legal house in order . . . When you turn 18, you are considered by law an adult. For your parents to be able to continue to assist you in important matters, such as medical, financial and other legal issues, these four documents are essential:
- Advance Care Directives for Health Care and Mental Health – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regards to health issues; will include a HIPAA Waiver so that parents can access medical records and healthcare information in order to make informed decisions
- Durable Power of Attorney – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regard to financial or other legal issues
- HIPAA Authorization Form – gives parents permission to speak to doctors concerning their child’s health issues
- FERPA Release – gives parents permission to speak directly to school officials in regard to grades and other school related issues
* Because of Summer Melt (the phenomenon in which incoming college students who have committed to attend a college/university decide during the summer to change their minds and attend another institution. This sometimes happens when students are admitted over the summer to a school that places the student on a waitlist in the spring -Wordnik), some colleges may have additional funds. When students change their decisions to matriculate to a particular college, not only does space open up, but more money (from relinquished financial aid awards) may be available for need-based and merit aid. Remember, timing is everything (this is after May 1st decisions have been made, during the summer before August). Families should establish a relationship with their child’s Financial Aid Counselor at the particular college. Share, and be ready to document, extenuating circumstances.
*Understand the Greek scene and philosophy, before you decide to or not to rush. For most, Greek Life is a 4 year commitment of your time, resources and money. There are pros and there are cons. Rushing 1st semester can be a huge distraction, but does encourage academics with the membership requirement of a certain GPA. Life long friendships are formed and tremendous community service rendered; but with some, the party atmosphere and exclusivity can be detrimental.
* Repaying your student loads . . . is real, regardless of your situation. Be aware of what you are signing up for – understand what’s involved from the beginning – see https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans
* Familiarizing yourself with the academic landscape and expectations will make your life less stressful. Take time now, before you register for college classes, to read departmental homepages, course descriptions and the undergraduate catalog, including grading particulars and academic standing descriptions. Gather opinions about professors. Note important semester deadlines such as course withdrawal dates.
- Make sure you have completed all the necessary documents and secured housing. Remember, this is a yearly process (especially for maintaining and securing financial aid).
- Make sure you attend summer orientation and connect with other incoming freshman via Social Media postings (warning – Colleges routinely check such postings).
- During on-campus orientation, meet with an academic advisor to discuss 1st semester courses. Balance is essential for academic success. Consider course rigor, logistics and time commitments in pacing yourself from class to class and developing a reasonable schedule.
- Develop relationships with professors; reach out to them during their office hours. Join study groups and utilize teaching assistants, academic support centers and library resources. Asking for help is central to successful outcomes. Build a network of resources and KEY people around yourself.
- Socially, get connected, but again, pace yourself. Know your Housing personnel and Resident Assistant.
- Be well. Take care of yourself first. For more on emotional well-being and what to expect, see The Jed Foundation - http://transitionyear.org/.
by Patricia Nehme, CEP - MY EDU ADVISOR