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Enrolling in College: Transitioning to College

In This Chapter: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the steps to complete with their college before attending in the fall.

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Over the past several years, a team of organizations worked together to create the College & Career Knowledge Project, consisting of digital handouts compiled into a workbook designed to support college and career education planning. Full workbooks can be ordered through the 12th Year Campaign, and digital copies are also available.

Access the most up-to-date College and Career Knowledge materials on this website.

To compliment the materials, we have created lessons for each section in the workbook. These lessons contain specific content, a short activity, and resources from the workbook. Educators are able to make their own copy of each lesson and edit it to include specific details about their school and community. Each lesson should take about 20-30 minutes to be delivered during core-content or advisory class.

Access the most up-to-date month-to-month College and Career Knowledge lessons by grade level on this document.

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Enrolling in College:

Transitioning to College

College and Career Knowledge Materials

APRIL | GRADE

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Warm Up: Worry List

You've been accepted to a college you'd like to attend - congratulations! There are still many steps to take before you start your classes. Transitioning to college is a big step. It’s normal to have questions or to feel uncertain about the changes ahead.

Take 3 min to make a list:

What are some specific things you are uncertain, worried, or confused about regarding the transition to college?

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Activity:

As warm-up to this lesson, have students imagine they are all accepted into a a college and they need to plan for transitioning from graduating high school to starting at college.
This activity works best when student responses are anonymous. Some ideas are:

Use a platform like padlet or jamboard (or something similar that your district may provide) for students to anonymously post responses
Give everyone a few sticky notes or pieces of paper (that are the same colors) and students can post them on a wall

Take 3 minutes for students to make a list of all the things that they are uncertain, worried, or confused about with the transition to college.
Read through them together and check for any similarities! Call those out and if you are able, send those questions to the College & Career team or Counseling team.

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Steps for 2-Year Colleges

Submit all requested additional financial aid forms by their respective deadlines. The earlier, the better!
Complete the Math and English placement steps for your college

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Steps for 4-Year Colleges/Universities

Pay new student/enrollment confirmation fee (or sometimes called a “deposit”)

Contact the financial aid office or admissions office BEFORE THE DEADLINE to see if this can be deferred (postponed) until you have access to financial aid.

Send in an official transcript from your high school and any colleges you earned credit from.

You can often get these from your school registrar or school counselor

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Housing

*For many 4-year colleges and universities, on campus housing may be required for first-year students! Check with your admissions counselor if you have questions.

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On campus housing	Off campus housing
Includes: College residence halls, apartments, houses Will need to apply by the deadline set by the college Must pay deposit by the deadline What should you bring? Refer to the College and Career Knowledge workbook for a detailed list!	Includes: Apartments near campus or living at home with family (you can seach for off-campus housing on places like Facebook groups, craigslist, and Zillow) Often cheaper than on-campus housing Application deadlines and payments will vary

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Necessary Steps:

Confirm your acceptance
Accept your Financial Aid Award
Schedule advising and orientation
Apply for housing

Transition checklists

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Necessary Steps:

Submit immunization records
Meet with an advisor and register for classes
Sign up for student support programs

Transition checklists

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What is Orientation?

Depending on your college or university - these can be in person or online! If you can attend in person, it is recommended. You will likely do the following at orientation:

Learn about campus resources
Register for classes
Meet your peers
If you are living on campus, it is a great way to connect with your roommate and/or browse your housing options in person

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Review your worry list from earlier:

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😊 ✅	What worries of yours have been answered?
😐 ❓	What do you feel a little more knowledgeable about (but still want more info or clarification)?
😱 ❗	What worries haven’t been answered or addressed yet?

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Need Additional Support?

For additional information and support on this topic, please reach out to:

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