The road to college has its share of obstacles, but what happens after you’ve been accepted to a college and made your final decision? If you’re not so sure, you’re not alone. Many families come out of the application process bewildered about what comes next. Here’s a peek at some of the most appropriate next steps.
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Pay Housing and Enrollment Deposits
Once you’ve chosen your school, the next step is to pay an enrollment deposit to “hold your place,” if you will. Many universities don’t require formal declarations of acceptance and consider your enrollment deposit to be the signal that you plan to attend.
If you plan to live on campus for your first year, you’ll also have to pay a housing deposit and possibly fill out a housing application, too. Both enrollment and housing are likely to have deadlines, so don’t assume you can wait to do either.
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Set Up Your Official School Email
Next, you’ll want to set up your new school email account as this is where the school is likely to begin communicating with you from here on out. Instructions on how to do this are usually found in your acceptance letter or email, but you can also ask a recruiter or call the admissions office.
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Request High School Transcripts
Every college or university requires a final transcript from your high school, and many have deadlines set for this, too. At some schools, you may not be cleared to register for freshman college classes without it.
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Download Any High School Materials You Want to Keep
Many high schools roll over to the new year right after July 1st, so it’s best to print or save any high school materials you need by the end of June.
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Get Immunizations in Order
Almost all colleges and universities require proof of immunization. Now is the time to request those forms from your doctor (the school may have its own form for him or her to fill out). Some colleges also require a meningitis vaccine and a tuberculosis test, which not all children receive, which means you’ll need to set up those appointments before the deadline.
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Make Summer Appointments for Physicals, Dental, and Vision as Needed
The summer months are perfect for getting one last round of checkups out of the way before college. It’s also a good time to take care of prescription refills, including setting up a monthly subscription so they’re automatically delivered to your school address. Consider any backups you may have to hand, such as an extra pair of glasses or retainers.
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Consider FERPA and HIPAA Authorizations, Plus a Power of Attorney Form
Securing this paperwork ensures parents will have access to information if and when they need it. Both FERPA and HIPAA refer to laws that regulate privacy and the exchange of information. FERPA stands for the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. It protects the privacy of student education records. If you want to be able to access your student’s grades, you’ll need a form signed and notarized. HIPAA refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Along with a Power of Attorney, this allows a hospital or clinic to speak with you in the event of a health crisis, especially if the student is hospitalized and incapacitated and/or unconscious. A Power of Attorney grants parents the ability to make medical decisions if necessary. Many schools have student legal services that will provide these forms for free.
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Register to Vote
Even if it’s not a federal election year, students should secure their right to vote once they reach 18. Now is also a good time to request vote-by-mail forms if your student will need them for any election taking place while they’re away at school.
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Show Gratitude
Write thank you notes to the teachers, coaches, mentors, etc that made an impact. Gratitude first. It will mean the world to them and is the right way to start a new stage of life.
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Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
👉 Looking for expert help on the road to college? See our Preferred Partner List!
Other Articles You Might Like:
Understanding the FERPA Waiver on the Common App
The Different Ways Families Pay for College
FERPA: Are Students Required to Share Their College Records with Parents?
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