To help you navigate the last few months of senior year, the team of admissions consultants at Signet have pulled together a handy checklist of things students and families should do as they begin the college transition.
You can find a slightly more in-depth version of this checklist as a PDF here. And remember that this is an overview; specific dates and deadlines vary by school.
Before Graduation
Choosing Your College (April)
- Make a pro/con list for each school you are seriously considering. This should include comparing financial aid and cost; appeal financial aid, if necessary.
- Compare dates for admitted students weekends; confirm the one(s) you can attend and make travel arrangements. If you can’t visit, still try to get in touch with students at each school you are seriously considering.
- Have open and honest conversations with your family, mentors, and fellow students about your decision.
- Decide before April 30!
Securing Your Place (May 1)
- Formally accept enrollment by May 1; make enrollment and housing deposit.
- Decline offers from other universities through their websites or by contacting the admissions office.
- Join the online community (Facebook, etc.) of your new school!
Financial Aid (May/June)
- Accept/decline offers within your Financial Aid Package and contact the financial aid office to see what other services you may be eligible for.
- If necessary, report outside scholarships to your university and complete Loan Entrance Counseling; sign Master Promissory Note.
Finishing High School (May/June)
- Report your acceptances to your counselor and faculty mentors; send thank-you letters to everyone who wrote you letters of recommendation and/or strongly impacted your education.
- Clear all holds from high school: library books, dues, equipment, etc..
- Prepare to transition to a college email account,
- Order three official, sealed copies of your high school transcript.
After Graduation
Registration
- Create university login for student portal (keep access info secure!) and get your student ID number and/or card.
- Sign up for orientation and any placement tests you need to take.
- Make sure university received your transcript; send transcripts of dual enrollment credits to registrar; send AP/IB scores (in July).
- Obtain and read the student handbook/course catalog.
- Meet with an academic advisor and start looking at a four-year plan.
Health Services
- Enroll in Student Health Insurance OR waive it and provide proof of other insurance.
- Send vaccination records to university; transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy in the new location.
- Find new health specialists as necessary; contact student health to make sure any special services/accessibility needs are in place.
Housing
- Fill out housing paperwork.
- Register for meal plan; communicate any dietary needs to dining services.
- Contact your new roommates!
For International Students
- Communicate with university’s international office/coordinator.
- Submit all necessary visa paperwork ASAP to be sure you secure your visa in time.
Miscellaneous/Life Skills
- Make sure you have all your identification info in a secure place (insurance, passport, etc.).
- Open a bank account in your new location.
- Work on life skills like budgeting, laundry, and organization/time management.
- Plan and shop for the new climate, as well as making sure you have appropriate electronic equipment.
