Go To College
I’ve been accepted to school, but now what? How do I figure out how much college is actually going to cost? What do I need to do the summer before classes start?
The college process does not end once you’ve been accepted to school. In the coming months, you can expect to hear about financial aid awards, enrollment and registration. From breaking down your next steps to estimating your college costs, let’s tackle this phase and get you ready to go to college.
What happens after I'm accepted?
Once you’ve been accepted, there are a few different things you need to do before starting classes. Stay on track by checking your email and student portal for notifications about the steps below.
1. Review Your Financial Aid Award
You will typically receive a financial aid package shortly after being admitted. This information will break down the full cost of attendance and advise you on available scholarship, grant and loan options.2. Accepting Your Offer
After determining what school best fits you academically, socially and financially, it is time to accept your offer! You must accept by May 1. Many four-year institutions require a deposit called an enrollment deposit to secure your spot in the incoming class. Be sure to pay this fee or request a fee waiver well before classes start. The fee will typically go toward the full cost of attendance for the first year.3. Enroll in College
Now that you have accepted your offer, it’s time to enroll. The enrollment process can include sharing your immunization records, citizenship documentation and transcripts. You will need to make an online account through your school’s student portal. This is where you will receive school-specific messages and updates.4. Attend Orientation
After enrolling, your school will likely send information about orientation sessions for the incoming class. These sessions help familiarize students with the academic, social and financial aspects of life on campus. Many colleges allow students to apply for financial assistance in order to attend orientation.5. Register for Classes
Through your student portal, you can view the offered courses and register for your required and elective classes. Students can speak with their academic advisers to choose classes for their intended program. This could happen at any point between accepting your offer and starting school.How much will college cost?
Let’s break down the cost of attending college. This webinar will walk you through the types of fees you may encounter and financial aid options you might want to explore.
How do I choose my financial aid?
Now that your acceptances are rolling in, it’s time to decide which financial aid package best fits you. It’s important to respond quickly to requests for additional paperwork from the financial aid office so your aid processes in time for classes to start. Watch this webinar to help determine which awards will cover everything you’ll need.
Wondering what comes next after you receive your financial aid award? Check out this handy checklist for tips to maximize your aid, make sure your paperwork is in order, and pay necessary deposits before the start of college.
Download the Checklist
Ready, Set, GO
The time has come for you to start your next chapter: going to college! All your hard work has paid off, and now the real fun can begin. Still have questions about what to expect once you set foot on campus? Or wondering who you should turn to if you need assistance? Watch this video about college expectations, and then check out the list of resources that may be available to you.
Who do I go to with questions?
Before you start college, or in the first weeks after you start school, you may find that you need additional help or support. Most colleges offer a variety of services that can include counseling, financial aid and even IT help. Each school will offer different resources, so make sure to research what will be available at yours.