It’s the last leg of your current school career. The application process is over, you’ve chosen where you are planning to go next year and now what happens next? There is still plenty to do before summer arrives and there is some planning needed.
First and foremost, finish the year strong. As previously mentioned your future school will be looking at your end of year results, whatever those may be. Don’t foolishly think they don’t care – They definitely do! Finish is a high and a flourish. You owe it to all the hard work you have been doing and what is one more month or two.
Once you have deposited at your new school you may need to wait a bit until the next torrent of information comes your way. So what are some of the things you will need to do?
- If you are currently attending an IB school, you must let IB know where to send your results. Your IB Coordinator should have already reached out regarding this. If you attend an AP school, you can send scores once they are released
- Pay the deposit – yes I know you already have, but that sets in motion a number of departments at your future school.
- First, the Admission Office or someone else will start the I-20 process (for F-1 Student Visas). Once they issue that to you go to the US Embassy website nearest your home (e.g. Beijing).
- Housing:
- You should receive a roommate survey asking all kinds of questions regarding your habits, likes and dislikes. Be honest, this is not the time for a makeover! For many of you, living with another human being will be new and challenging. I strongly recommend, again, reading The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen
- Check out the map of the school, look at where dorms are located, check out what the rooms look like and any other pertinent information to help you make a choice
- Consider Thematic Housing – these are dorms that have potentially like-minded folks who care about – vegan living, substance free (no drugs or alcohol), environmental issues, etc…
- Class registration:
- Go back and check any required courses you need to take as a freshman (i.e. Core, Distribution requirements, Freshman seminars etc…)
- You want to make sure that you are getting the most of the requirements out of the way but also do some exploration of new topics.
- While you may get excited about some courses, like Advanced Neuroscience, be aware that some, if not many, courses have prerequisites. This means you need to satisfy those academic courses before taking that specific course
- While you may be excited about getting focused and targeting your major, remember that college is the last time you can explore new topics or areas to which you have not been exposed. Once your undergraduate degree is over you’re on to your career. Ever wonder why students’ change majors 5 or 6 times before declaring?
- Orientation:
- Should you go? – ABSOLUTLEY! Schools typically offer two types of orientation – one for international students (you, even if you are American) and one for all students.
- Even as an American, you will want to meet other international students, they’re your peeps, even though you may not think so.
- Orientation is where you get a lay of the land and the school. They will introduce how things work at school from your finances and bank accounts to safety.
- While you may be going away from home for the first time or not, there are rules and regulations as well as laws you need to be aware of and heed. Most students are 18-years-old, which means you are now an adult, so being knowledgeable of rules and laws are important to a successful future.
- Orientation is also about having fun and meeting other students – new and returning. There are lots of ice-breaking events as well as introductions to clubs and organizations
- Should you go? – ABSOLUTLEY! Schools typically offer two types of orientation – one for international students (you, even if you are American) and one for all students.
- About Clubs and Organizations
- I recommend no more than three (3)
- One academic: a science or business club or something with one of your academic interests
- One social – a Sorority or Fraternity, sports (e.g. intramural or team)
- I recommend no more than three (3)
- One personal – something that is related to another hobby or interest
Finally, you’re leaving home. Get prepared for the emotional changes and challenges coming. Leaving parents and siblings while you may be entirely ready to move on, be aware that those around you – parents and siblings, may not. Be sensitive to their feelings but also be ready to stand on your own.
Photo: startribune.com
