What to Know about College Applications, Financial Aid & More
You found it! A brief but, we hope, comprehensive guide to the essential aspects of preparing to attend college or university for the first time. There's a lot to cover, from choosing the right school to gathering the necessary application materials to finding a nice place to live.
Use this article as a resource—whether you're a student leaping into your next, exciting chapter or a parent helping guide your child's move into higher education. Financial aid. Housing options. Let's get started.
The College Application Process
Choosing a college that aligns with your interests and goals is the first step. Research different institutions, consider factors like location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus culture. Look for colleges that have a strong reputation in your desired field of study.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's time to apply for admission. Start by creating a timeline that includes important dates such as application due dates, financial aid deadlines, and scholarship requirements. Each college you're considering may have different requirements, so always research what materials are needed for each application.
Speaking of application materials, be sure to commit sufficient time to this effort. Typically, you'll need to supply high school transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT in the United States), recommendation letters, and sometimes a personal statement or essay. Start gathering these items early; school administrators and teachers need sufficient lead time to prepare anything they're responsible for contributing.
Some schools may require personal interviews as part of the application process. Look at these as an opportunity to highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and enthusiasm for the institution. Prepare by practicing common interview questions and researching the college's mission, values, and programs.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Loans
Higher education can be a significant financial investment, but there are various avenues that can help make it more affordable. Financial aid, scholarships, and loans are important resources to consider.
Start by completing any standardized applications that might be available where you live, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that's used in the United States. The FAFSA determines eligibility for US government grants, work-study opportunities, and lower-interest loans. Collect pertinent financial documents (such as tax returns) before filling out the application. FAFSA opens for new applications in October each year and it's considered a good idea to submit your details as early as possible.
In addition to direct federal aid, many colleges and private organizations offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Research and apply for scholarships that are applicable to your background, achievements, and interests. Online platforms and scholarship search engines are available to help you find opportunities that match your needs.
Work-study programs are another way to help finance a higher education—while also offering practical work experience. Typically, these programs allow you to work part-time on campus or with affiliated organizations, earning money to help cover your educational expenses.
Loans can be an option, too. But loans should always be considered very carefully since they need to be repaid and can mount up over time. Government-sponsored student loans generally offer lower interest rates and have more favorable repayment terms compared to private loans. Always understand the terms and conditions of any loan you consider, including fees, interest rates, and repayment times and options. Most importantly, only borrow what you truly need.
Student Housing Options
Unless you can live at home, there are typically two options for where to live when at college: on-campus and off-campus. Each choice has its advantages—and requires some planning.
On-campus housing provides convenience and a built-in community. You'll be close to classes, libraries, and campus resources. Plus, you'll have lots of opportunities to connect with fellow students and engage in campus activities. To secure on-campus housing, be aware of the application deadlines and qualifications, which can vary depending on the college. Additionally, some colleges may require a housing deposit to reserve your spot, so make sure to budget accordingly.
When exploring off-campus housing options, start by researching the rental market near your school. Look for apartments or houses that fit your budget and preferences. Consider factors such as proximity to campus, safety of the neighborhood, access to public transportation, and the availability of amenities. It's also essential to read and understand the terms of the lease agreement before signing.
Living off-campus may offer greater independence—an important consideration for many students—and opportunities to build important life skills such as managing finances, cooking, and maintaining a household. However, it also requires careful budgeting to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and so on. If needed, look for ways to save money, such as sharing with roommates to split costs, purchasing used furniture, and being mindful of your energy and water consumption.
Finally, take advantage of any housing services provided by your college. It may maintain a list of local rental properties, for example. And if you're living on campus, housing services can be a useful source of guidance on roommate issues and other challenges.
Campus Visits and Student Orientation
Visiting college campuses, either in person or virtually, can be an informative part of your college prep. Campus visits give you a firsthand glimpse of the college's atmosphere, facilities, and student life. While in-person visits are ideal, virtual tours and online information sessions can be convenient ways to gain similar valuable perspective and info, too.
During your campus visit, make sure to explore academic buildings, libraries, residence halls, and recreational facilities. Take note of the general environment and whether it aligns with how you like to live, play, and study. If possible, attend a class or sit in on a lecture to get a sense of how things work.
If an in-person visit is not feasible, many colleges offer virtual campus tours and online information sessions. These methods can still expose you to campus life, academic programs, and extracurricular activities, but since they're remote, try to interact with other participants as much as possible. Ask questions of the admission staff, chat with other prospective students, and so on.
Student orientation can take the form of a stand-alone event over the summer or just some dedicated new-student programs that occur in the first days of the fall semester. Whatever the format, you'll learn about your new school's academic expectations, campus policies, and support services. Take advantage of this time to familiarize yourself with the campus layout, meet other incoming students, and gain a sense of the college's amenities—and sense of community—in a short amount of time.
Tips for Success: Adjusting to College Life
Transitioning to college life can be both exciting and challenging. It's a time of personal growth, exploration, and new experiences. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this transition successfully.
- Manage your time: Develop a schedule or use a planner to track your classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Prioritize important tasks, avoid procrastination, and be sure to leave time for fun activities, too.
- Build study skills: Experiment with different techniques and find what works for you, whether it's creating study guides, forming study groups, or utilizing online resources and educational apps. If available, sign up for campus resources such as tutoring centers and writing labs.
- Join the fun: Beyond academics, college is also a time for personal and social development. So join campus organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities that interest you. You'll have fun and likely meet other students with similar tastes and interests.
- Make an impression: Building meaningful relationships with professors is also important. Use their open office hours to get 1:1 time, ask questions in class, and actively engage in discussions to establish connections with your instructors. They can provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout your college journey.
- Use what's available: Most campuses often offer libraries, writing centers, career services, counseling centers, and health clinics. Familiarize yourself with these resources early on, as they can provide valuable support for academic, career, and personal matters.
- Get out: Maintaining a healthy social life is important for overall well-being. So, participate in campus events, join clubs and organizations, attend sporting events, and contribute to community service projects.
- Manage stress: College life can be demanding, so find healthy coping mechanisms to help reduce stress. Engage in regular physical exercise, practice mindfulness or meditation, maintain a balanced diet, and—despite the fact you're a student—try to get enough sleep. Prioritize self-care and remember to listen to your body and mind.
Finally, always prioritize safety. Familiarize yourself with campus safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the resources available to you. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and take advantage of any safety escorts or transportation services that may be provided by the college.
Conclusion
If you've read this far, you now have a better understanding of how complex the transition to college can be. But you also know there are lots of proven ways to make the move easier. It starts with learning and staying aware of the deadlines for college applications and financial aid forms. Then comes gathering all the material needed to prove yourself to your prospective new school, such as test scores, teachers' recommendations, and sometimes personal essays.
Beyond forms and deadlines, college prep also involves ensuring you're ready to stay focused, study effectively, and ask for help if you fall behind. Likewise, to be a well-rounded and successful student, you'll need to balance academics with social interaction, exercise, and fun.
